하마
hama[ha̠ma̠]
The Korean word for hippo is 하마 (hama).
하마 refers to the large, semiaquatic mammal from Africa known for its wide mouth and grey skin.
How do you pronounce it?
hama
Did you know?
- While 하마 is the standard word for the animal, the phrase 'river horse' describes the animal's nature in a way that mirrors the ancient Greek word 'hippopotamus'.
- Korean speakers use the word 하마 in various compound idioms to describe someone with a very wide mouth or a hearty appetite.
- The characters used for 하마 are shared with Chinese and Japanese, as both languages also describe the hippo as a 'river horse'.
Examples in context
- 하마는 입이 정말 커요.hama-neun ibi jeongmal keoyo.A hippo has a really big mouth.
- 동물원에 하마가 있어요.dongmulwone hama-ga isseoyo.There is a hippo at the zoo.
- 하마는 물속에서 살아요.hama-neun mul-sogeseo sarayo.Hippos live in the water.
Example conversation
Jieun and Hyeonwoo are looking at animals at the zoo.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 저기 하마 좀 보세요!Hyeonwoo ssi, jeogi hama jom boseyo!Hyeonwoo, look at that hippo over there!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo와, 하마 입이 정말 커요.wa, hama ibi jeongmal keoyo.Wow, the hippo's mouth is really huge.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요. 정말 신기하게 생겼어요.majayo. jeongmal singihage saenggyeosseoyo.Right. It looks really amazing.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo귀엽지만 조금 무서워 보여요.gwiyeopjiman jogeum museowo boyeoyo.It's cute, but it looks a bit scary.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 하마, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
