기린
girin[kiɾin]
The English word giraffe is translated into Korean as 기린 (girin).
The term 기린 is used to refer to the long-necked mammal known as a giraffe. Interestingly, in Korean folklore, 기린 can also refer to a mythical creature that is similar to a unicorn.
Meaning: mammal (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
girin
Did you know?
- The Korean 기린 and the English 'giraffe' likely share a common ancestor in the Somali word 'geri'.
- In ancient East Asian traditions the 기린 was seen as a symbol of prosperity and a sign that a great ruler was on the throne.
Examples in context
- 난 실제로 기린을 본 적이 없어.I've never actually seen a giraffe.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have never seen a 기린 in person.Tatoeba #8366713 by Eunhee, translation #6812225 by CK
- 기린은 목이 아주 길어요.girineun mogi aju girayo.A giraffe has a very long neck.
- 그 기린은 정말 귀여워요.geu girineun jeongmal gwiyewoyo.That giraffe is really cute.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are looking at animals in a zoo.
- 지훈 Ji-hun저 기린 좀 봐, 정말 크다!jeo girin jom bwa, jeongmal keuda!Look at that giraffe, it is so big!
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아, 기린은 정말 멋져 보여.maja, girineun jeongmal meotjyeo boyeo.Right, the giraffe looks really cool.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈아, 기린 목이 정말 길지?Subin-a, girin moki jeongmal gilji?Subin, the giraffe's neck is really long, isn't it?
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 정말 신기해.eung, jeongmal singihae.Yes, it's really amazing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “giraffe” translations and entries 기린, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 기린, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
