도깨비
dokkaebi[to̞k͈ɛbi]
The English word goblin can be translated into Korean as 도깨비 (dokkaebi) or 고블린.
The term 도깨비 typically refers to the traditional Korean goblin found in folklore. In contrast, 고블린 is a term derived from the English word 'goblin'.
Meaning: hostile diminutive humanoid in fantasy literature (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 도깨비 refers to traditional Korean folklore spirits, the transliterated word 고블린 is used specifically to refer to the Western-style fantasy creature found in video games and RPGs.
How do you pronounce it?
dokkaebi
When do people say it?
Unlike the hostile, malicious goblins in Western fantasy, the Korean 도깨비 is traditionally a mischievous, supernatural being that can be both helpful and tricky, often appearing in folklore as a spirit with magical powers.
Did you know?
- Contrary to Western goblins that live in caves, 도깨비 are said to be formed from ordinary household objects that have been stained with human blood, such as an old broom or a poker.
- During the Japanese colonial period, the visual image of the 도깨비 was heavily influenced by the Japanese 'oni', which is why many modern drawings include horns and loincloths.
- The modern global popularity of the word 도깨비 surged due to the hit drama 'Guardian: The Lonely and Great God', where the creature is reimagined as a romantic and tragic immortal figure.
Examples in context
- 도깨비는 한국 전통 문화에 자주 등장합니다.Goblins frequently appear in traditional Korean culture.
- 저 영화에는 고블린이 나와요!There's a goblin in that movie!
- 동화 속에 도깨비가 나와요.donghwasoge dokkaebiga nawayo.A goblin appears in the fairy tale.
- 도깨비가 나타나면 정말 무서울 것 같아요.dokkaebiga natanamyeon jeongmal museoul geot gatayo.I think it would be really scary if a goblin appeared.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are talking about a fantasy movie.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저 영화에 나오는 도깨비 봤어?jeo yeonghwa-e naoneun dokkaebi bwasseo?Did you see the goblin in that movie?
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 정말 신기하게 생겼더라.eung, jeongmal singihage saenggyeotdeora.Yes, it looked really interesting.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo도깨비가 힘이 아주 세 보여.dokkaebiga himi aju se boyeo.The goblin looks very strong.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아, 정말 강력해 보였어.maja, jeongmal gangnyeokhae boyeosseo.Right, it looked really powerful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 도깨비, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
