문
mun[mun]
The English phrase 'gate' can be translated into Korean as 문 (mun) or 대문.
Meaning: door-like structure outside (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 문 | mun | [mun] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 대문 | daemun | [ˈtɛ(ː)mun] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈte̞(ː)mun] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The word 문 is a general term used for any kind of door, including interior doors, gates or even metaphorical doors.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 대문 is composed of the syllable 대, meaning 'big' and 문, meaning 'door/gate'.
Which one should you use?
While 문 is a general word for any door or gate, 대문 specifically refers to the main gate of a house or building.
How do you pronounce it?
mun
Did you know?
- In traditional Korean architecture, the 대문 was often designed with a small side door called a 쪽문 for servants or women to use.
- The word 문 is a homonym with three distinct meanings depending on the Hanja used, referring to a 'door', 'literature' or a 'question'.
- Traditional Korean gates were often built without nails, using complex interlocking wooden joints to keep the structure stable.
Examples in context
- 문을 통해 들어가 주세요.Please enter through the gate.
- 궁전의 문은 아름답게 장식되어 있습니다.The entrance gate to the palace is beautifully decorated.
- 그는 큰 문을 열었다.geuneun keun muneul yeoreotda.He opened the large gate.
- 마당에 문이 하나 있어요.madange muni hana isseoyo.There is one gate in the yard.
- 문을 닫아 주세요.muneul dada juseyo.Please close the gate.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are standing in front of a house.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨, 저 문이 보여요?Minji ssi, jeo muri boyeoyo?Minji, do you see that gate?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 현우 씨. 아주 커요.Ne, Hyunwoo ssi. Aju keoyo.Yes, Hyunwoo. It is very large.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그 문을 통해 들어가요.Geu muneul tonghae deureogayo.Let's go through that gate.
- 민지 Min-ji좋아요, 같이 가요.Joayo, gachi gayo.Okay, let's go together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gate” translations and entries 문, 대문, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 대문, 문, CC BY-SA 4.0.
