거위
geowi[kʌ̹ɥi]
The English word goose is translated into Korean as 거위 (geowi). Wiktionary also lists 기러기 (gireogi) and 케사니 (kesani).
Meaning: a grazing waterfowl of the family Anatidae (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 거위 | geowi | [kʌ̹ɥi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [kʌ̹y] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
|
| 기러기 | gireogi | [kiɾʌ̹ɡi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 케사니 | kesani | North |
The term refers to a grazing waterfowl of the family Anatidae.
Which one should you use?
기러기 refers to wild geese, often associated with migratory patterns.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North Korean dialect, the word 케사니 is used to mean goose.
How do you pronounce it?
geowi
Did you know?
- In modern Korea, the term 기러기 아빠 (wild goose father) describes a father who works in Korea while his wife and children live abroad for education.
- During traditional Korean wedding ceremonies, a groom might present a wild goose 기러기 to the bride's parents to symbolize his commitment to be a faithful husband.
- The word 기러기 may share a linguistic root with the Japanese word for goose kari and the Mongolian word galuu.
Examples in context
- 그 동물원에는 아름다운 거위가 많이 있습니다.There are many beautiful geese in that zoo.
- 거위가 연못에 있어요.geowiga yeonmote isseoyo.A goose is in the pond.
- 하얀 거위가 정말 귀여워요.hayan geowiga jeongmal gwiyeowoyo.The white goose is really cute.
- 농장에 거위가 몇 마리 있어요.nongjange geowiga myeot mari isseoyo.There are a few geese on the farm.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are walking through a park.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 저기 거위 좀 보세요.Subin ssi, jeogi geowi jom boseyo.Subin, look at that goose over there.
- 수빈 Su-bin와, 정말 귀여운 거위네요!wa, jeongmal gwiyeoun geowineyo!Wow, it's such a cute goose!
- 민준 Min-jun거위가 우리 쪽으로 오고 있어요.geowiga uri jjogeuro ogo isseoyo.The goose is coming toward us.
- 수빈 Su-bin조금 무서워요. 빨리 가요.jogeum museowoyo. ppalli gayo.I'm a little scared. Let's go quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goose” translations and entries 거위, 기러기, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 거위, 기러기, CC BY-SA 4.0.
