고질라
Gojilla[ko̞d͡ʑiɭɭa̠]
The English phrase "godzilla" can be translated into Korean as 고질라 (Gojilla). Wiktionary also lists 고지라 (Gojira).
Meaning: Japanese science-fiction monster (name)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 고질라 | Gojilla | [ko̞d͡ʑiɭɭa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 고지라 | Gojira | [ko̞d͡ʑiɾa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korea, the name is used to refer to the Japanese science-fiction monster. While there are two ways to transliterate the name, 고질라 is the more common way to refer to the character, as it follows the English pronunciation.
Which one should you use?
There are two distinct transliterations available. 고질라 is an English-style transliteration of the name "Godzilla". In contrast, 고지라 is the transliteration of the original Japanese name "Gojira".
How do you pronounce it?
Gojilla
Did you know?
- While 고질라 refers to the character, the word 고질 in Korean means a 'chronic illness' or a deep-rooted habit, leading to occasional puns about the monster being a 'chronic problem'.
- In Korean pop culture, the term 고질라 is sometimes used as a metaphor for an overwhelming force or a 'monster' of a problem that seems impossible to defeat.
- The Korean spelling 고질라 follows the 'Loanword Orthography' rules, which dictate how foreign sounds are standardized in the Korean writing system.
Examples in context
- 고질라는 정말 무서워요.gojillaneun jeongmal museowoyo.Godzilla is really scary.
- 어제 고질라 영화를 봤어요.eoje gojilla yeonghwareul bwasseoyo.I watched a Godzilla movie yesterday.
- 고질라 인형을 사고 싶어요.gojilla inhyeongeul sago sipeoyo.I want to buy a Godzilla doll.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about movies at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨, 고질라 좋아해요?jieun ssi, gojilla joahaeyo?Jieun, do you like Godzilla?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 고질라 영화는 다 재미있어요.ne, gojilla yeonghwaneun da jaemiisseoyo.Yes, all Godzilla movies are fun.
- 민준 Min-jun저도 고질라를 정말 좋아해요.jeodo gojillareul jeongmal joahaeyo.I also really like Godzilla.
- 지은 Ji-eun다음에 같이 영화 봐요!daeume gachi yeonghwa bwayo!Let's watch a movie together next time!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “godzilla” translations and entries 고질라, 고지라, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
