정부
jeongbu[t͡ɕʌ̹ŋbu]
The English word 'government' is translated into Korean as 정부 (jeongbu).
정부 is used to refer to a body with the power to make and/or enforce laws.
Meaning: body with the power to make and/or enforce laws (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express possession by the government, add the particle 의 to the noun to form 정부의.
How do you pronounce it?
jeongbu
Did you know?
- The 부 in 정부 originally referred to a 'warehouse' or 'repository' for official documents. This reflects an ancient view of government as a place where records and laws were physically stored.
- The character 정 in 정부 comes from a word meaning 'to govern' or 'to rectify', implying that a government's job is to set things right.
- While 정부 refers to the central administration, a local government is often called a 지방자치단체, which literally translates to 'local autonomous entity'.
Examples in context
- 정부는 매체를 조종하는 경향이 있다.The government tends to control the media.This sentence shows how to use 정부 when discussing the media.Tatoeba #8368435 by Eunhee, translation #271446 by CM
- 그는 정부를 싫어한다.He hates the government.This sentence demonstrates the use of 정부 in a personal sentiment.Tatoeba #11106646 by intertime, translation #6627017 by Eccles17
- 시 정부는 특별한 자전거 도로를 설치하려고 하나, 많은 운전자들은 그 구상에 반대한다.The city government wants to set up special cycle lanes. However, a lot of drivers oppose the idea.This sentence shows how 정부 can be used in the context of a city government.Tatoeba #7794477 by HappyMidnight, translation #1477326 by eastasiastudent
- 정부는 국가의 안전을 유지하는 역할을 가지고 있습니다.The government has a role in maintaining national security.
- 이 정부의 정책은 정말 이상하다고 생각해.I think the government's policy is really strange.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are discussing a news report about a new policy.
- 수빈 Su-bin이번 정책은 정부에서 발표했어?ibeon jeongchaeg-eun jeongbu-eseo balpyohaesseo?Was this policy announced by the government?
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 정부가 어제 공식적으로 발표했어.eung, jeongbu-ga eoje gongsigjeog-euro balpyohaesseo.Yes, the government announced it officially yesterday.
- 수빈 Su-bin정부가 국민의 의견을 잘 들어주면 좋겠다.jeongbu-ga gukmin-ui uigyeon-eul jal deureojumyeon jokketda.I hope the government listens well to the people's opinions.
- 도현 Do-hyeon나도 그렇게 생각해, 수빈아.nado geureoke saenggak-hae, Subin-ah.I think so too, Subin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “government” translations and entries 정부, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 정부, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
