헤드폰
hedeupon[he̞dɯpʰo̞n]
The English phrase "headphones" is translated into Korean as 헤드폰 (hedeupon).
헤드폰 refers to a pair of speakers worn over or in the ears so only the wearer can hear the sound. For example, you can say 나의 헤드폰 to mean "my headphones".
Meaning: pair of speakers worn over or in the ears so only the wearer can hear the sound (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 헤드폰 refers to over-ear or on-ear headphones, 이어폰 is used specifically for earbuds or earphones that fit inside the ear. Additionally, the term 헤드셋 is often used instead of 헤드폰 when referring to a headset that includes a built-in microphone for gaming or communication.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 헤드폰 as the direct object of a verb, such as 'to wear' or 'to find', you must attach the object marker 을 to form 헤드폰을.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced [hedeupon].
Did you know?
- In Korean, the concept of 'wearing' your 헤드폰 is expressed with the verb 쓰다, which is also used for hats and glasses, rather than a verb specifically for ears.
- Korean culture has a strong 'noise etiquette' in public transport, where using 헤드폰 too loudly is often viewed as a significant social faux pas.
- Because 헤드폰 is a loanword, it follows the Korean phonetic rules for 'loanword orthography', which is why the 'f' sound in 'headphones' is replaced by the 'p' sound in 폰.
Examples in context
- 헤드폰을 아무리 봐도 못찾겠어요.I can't find my headphones anywhere.This sentence is useful for expressing that you cannot find your 헤드폰 anywhere.Tatoeba #14034720 by Ldyhippo, translation #12621014 by jacoblaguerre
- 어떤 종류의 헤드폰을 가지고 계세요?What type of headphones do you have?
- 새 헤드폰을 사고 싶어요.sae hedeupon-eul sago sipeoyo.I want to buy new headphones.
- 이 헤드폰은 음질이 정말 좋아요.i hedeupon-eun eumjiri jeongmal joayo.The sound quality of these headphones is really good.
Example conversation
Minjun is showing his new headphones to Minji at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨, 제 헤드폰 좀 보세요.Minji ssi, je hedeupon jom boseyo.Minji, please look at my headphones.
- 민지 Min-ji와, 민준 씨 헤드폰 정말 멋지네요!Wa, Minjun ssi hedeupon jeongmal meotjineyo!Wow, Minjun, your headphones are really cool!
- 민준 Min-jun선물로 받은 건데 마음에 들어요.Seonmul-lo badeun geonde maeume deureoyo.I received them as a gift and I like them.
- 민지 Min-ji소리가 아주 깨끗할 것 같아요.Soriga aju kkaekkeut-hal geot gatayo.I think the sound will be very clear.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 헤드폰, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
