영웅
yeong'ung[jʌ̹ŋuŋ]
The English word hero is expressed in Korean as 영웅 (yeong'ung). Wiktionary also lists 히어로 (hieoro).
Meaning: person of great bravery (verb)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 영웅 | yeong'ung | [jʌ̹ŋuŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 히어로 | hieoro | [çiʌ̹ɾo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
영웅 is the most common term for hero in Korean. It is a Sino-Korean term used for historical, literary or grander concepts of a hero.
Which one should you use?
The word 영웅 is a Sino-Korean term used for historical, literary or grander concepts of a hero. In contrast, 히어로 is a transliteration of the English word 'hero' and is commonly used in modern contexts like pop culture, movies or video games.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the noun 영웅 into the adjective 'heroic', you add the suffix –적 to get 영웅적.
How do you pronounce it?
yeong'ung
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'hero' can be used for a sandwich, the Korean words 영웅 and 히어로 are never used to describe food.
- The word 영웅 is composed of two different characters that traditionally described 'extraordinary talent' and 'grandeur'.
- The transliterated word 히어로 is almost exclusively reserved for 'superheroes' with powers, whereas 영웅 is used for real-life figures like independence activists.
Examples in context
- 그 싸움에서 그는 진정한 영웅으로 인정받았다.In that battle, he was recognized as a true hero.
- 이 나라의 용사들은 항상 국민들의 존경을 받고 있다.The heroes of this country always receive the respect of the people.
- 저 슈퍼 히어로는 도시를 구하러 나왔다.That superhero came to save the city.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are talking about a brave firefighter.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이 소방관은 정말 대단해요.i sobanggwaneun jeongmal daedanhaeyo.This firefighter is truly amazing.
- 민지 Min-ji맞아요, 완전 영웅이에요.majayo, wanjeon yeong-ung-ieyo.Right, he is a total hero.
- 도현 Do-hyeon사람들을 구한 용기가 멋져요.saramdeureul guhan yonggiga meotjyeoyo.The courage he showed in saving people is cool.
- 민지 Min-ji저도 그런 사람이 되고 싶어요.jeodo geureon sarami doego sipeoyo.I want to be a person like that too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hero” translations and entries 영웅, 히어로, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
