초록불
chorokbul[t͡ɕʰo̞ɾo̞k̚p͈uɭ]
The English phrase "green light" is 초록불 (chorokbul) in Korean.
초록불 literally refers to a green traffic light, but it is also used metaphorically to mean permission or a signal to proceed, much like in English. You can use the phrase 녹색 불을 켜 줬어요 metaphorically to express that someone gave a green light or approval.
Meaning: permission (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 초록불 is a compound of 초록, meaning green and 불, meaning light or fire.
How do you pronounce it?
chorokbul
Did you know?
- While 초록불 refers to the color green, in many contexts regarding traffic lights, Koreans use the word 파란불 (blue light) instead.
- In Korean dating culture, 초록불 can be used to describe a romantic 'green light' where someone signals they are interested in a partner.
- The word 초록 in 초록불 is a compound of two characters that literally translate to 'green grass'.
Examples in context
- 녹색 신호가 켜졌으니 지나갈 수 있어요.The green light is on, so I can go.
- 녹색 신호를 기다렸어요.I waited for the green light.
- 이제 프로젝트에 초록불이 켜졌어요.ije peurojekteue chorokburi kyeojyeosseoyo.Now, the green light has been given to the project.
- 정부의 초록불을 기다리고 있어요.jeongbubui chorokbureul gidarigo isseoyo.I am waiting for the government's green light.
- 그 계획은 아직 초록불이 아니에요.geu gyehoegeun ajik chorokburi anieyo.That plan does not have the green light yet.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Hyunwoo are discussing a new business idea.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 그 아이디어 어떻게 됐어요?Hyunwoo ssi, geu aideieo eotteoke dwaesseoyo?Hyunwoo, what happened with that idea?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo방금 팀장님께 초록불을 받았어요.banggeum timjangnimkke chorokbureul badasseoyo.I just got the green light from the team leader.
- 서연 Seo-yeon와, 정말 잘됐네요!wa, jeongmal jaldwenneyo!Wow, that's great!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이제 바로 시작할 수 있어요.ije baro sijakhal su isseoyo.Now I can start right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 초록불, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 초록불, CC BY-SA 4.0.
