기니피그
ginipigeu[kinipʰiɡɯ]
The English phrase "guinea pig" is translated into Korean as 기니피그 (ginipigeu).
In this context, the term refers to an experimental subject.
Meaning: experimental subject (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
ginipigeu
Did you know?
- While 기니피그 refers to the animal or a literal test subject, Koreans often use the term 마루타 to describe a human guinea pig in a darker, historical context.
- While 기니피그 is used for the animal, Koreans often use the word 실험용 쥐 (laboratory mouse/rat) to describe an experimental subject in a scientific context.
- If a Korean speaker wants to say they are a 'guinea pig' for a new product, they might use the word 테스터 instead of 기니피그.
Examples in context
- 그 실험의 기니피그가 된 것 같아.geu silheomui ginipigeuga doen geot gata.I feel like I became a guinea pig for that experiment.
- 그는 정치적 논쟁의 기니피그가 되었다.geuneun jeongchijeok nonjaengui ginipigeuga doeeotda.He became a guinea pig for the political debate.
- 우리는 새로운 정책의 기니피그가 아니다.urineun saeroun jeongchaekui ginipigeuga anida.We are not guinea pigs for the new policy.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new, unproven software update at work.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이번 업데이트는 너무 위험해 보여요.ibeon eopdeiteureun neomu wiheomhae boyeoyo.This update looks too risky.
- 민지 Min-ji우리가 기니피그가 될까 봐 걱정돼요.uriga ginipigeuga doelka bwa geokjeongdwaeyo.I'm worried we might become guinea pigs.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨 말이 맞아요. 정말 불안하네요.Minji ssi mari majayo. Jeongmal buranhane-yo.You are right, Minji. I am really anxious.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 일단 조금 더 지켜봐요.Dohyeon ssi, ildan jogeum deo jikyeobwayo.Dohyeon, let's just watch it a bit longer for now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 기니피그, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
