회색
hoesaek[ɸwe̞sʰɛk̚]
The English phrase "grey" is translated to Korean as 회색 (hoesaek).
회색 is the standard way to refer to the color that is a mix of black and white.
Which one should you use?
While 회색 is the standard term for the color grey, 잿빛 is a more descriptive and poetic way to express an 'ash-colored' or 'greyish' hue.
How do you pronounce it?
hoesaek
Did you know?
- When describing hair that has turned grey due to age, Koreans often use the term 흰머리 (white hair) rather than 'grey hair'.
- In traditional Korean five-color theory, which focuses on blue, white, red, black and yellow, grey is seen as a mixture rather than a primary elemental color.
- The word 회 can also refer to 'raw fish' in a different context, though it is written with a different Hanja character.
Examples in context
- 이 책의 표지는 회색으로 되어 있습니다.The cover of this book is in grey color.
- 그림의 배경에 회색을 사용했습니다.Grey was used as the background color in the painting.
- 나는 회색 좋아해.I like the color grey.
- 이 옷을 그레이로 사야겠다.I need to buy this clothing in grey.
- 하늘이 회색이에요.haneuri hoesaegieyo.The sky is grey.
- 이 회색 코트 정말 예뻐요.i hoesaek koteu jeongmal yeppeoyo.This grey coat is really pretty.
- 회색 연필을 빌려줄 수 있어요?hoesaek yeonpireul billyeojul su isseoyo?Can you lend me a grey pencil?
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are shopping for a sweater.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연 씨, 이 회색 스웨터 어때요?Seoyeon ssi, i hoesaek seuweteo eottaeyo?Seoyeon, how is this grey sweater?
- 서연 Seo-yeon색깔이 정말 예뻐요.saekkkari jeongmal yeppeoyo.The color is really pretty.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그럼 이걸로 살게요.geureom igeollo salgeyo.Then I will buy this one.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨에게 잘 어울릴 거예요.Dohyun ssi-ege jal eoulil geoyeyo.It will look good on you, Dohyun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 회색, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
