꿀
kkul[k͈uɭ]
The English word honey is translated into Korean as 꿀 (kkul). Wiktionary also lists 봉밀 (bongmil) and 밀 (mil).
Meaning: sweet substance produced by bees (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 꿀 | kkul | [k͈uɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 봉밀 | bongmil | [po̞ŋmiɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 밀 | mil | [miɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [mi(ː)ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
in compounds |
The primary meaning of these terms refers to the sweet substance produced by bees.
Which one should you use?
꿀 is the standard, everyday term used in most contexts. 봉밀 is a more formal or technical term for honey, often found in specialized or literary settings. 밀 is a component used specifically within compound words.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
꿀 is the common form used in daily life. 봉밀 is used in formal or technical contexts. Note that in an entirely different context, the term 자기 can be used as an informal and affectionate way of saying honey among couples or close friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
The syllable 밀 is used as a component in compound words related to honey, such as 밀랍 (beeswax).
How do you pronounce it?
kkul
Did you know?
- In modern Korean, 꿀 is often used as a slang prefix to describe something that is easy or a great deal, such as 꿀팁 for a 'honey tip' or a very useful piece of advice.
- While English speakers use 'honey' as a romantic pet name, the Korean equivalent 자기 (jagi) is actually a word that can also mean 'oneself' or 'ego' in other contexts.
- Korean has a homonym for 밀 that refers to wheat, which may have been an ancient borrowing from Old Chinese since wheat is not native to the region.
Examples in context
- 꿀은 벌의 타액과 꽃가루가 섞인 것이다.Honey is a mixture of bee saliva and pollen.This sentence explains the composition of 꿀.
- 꿀을 따다To collect honeyThis sentence shows the verb phrase for collecting 꿀.
- 꿀처럼 달콤한 사랑Honey-sweet loveThis sentence uses 꿀 to describe sweetness in a metaphorical sense.
- 자기, 같이 커피 마시러 갈까?Honey, shall we go for coffee together?
- 여보, 오늘 저녁은 네가 원하는 걸로 해줄게.Honey, tonight we'll have whatever you want for dinner.
- 애기, 어제 너무 보고 싶었어.Honey, I missed you so much yesterday.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are having tea at a cafe.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이 차에 꿀을 넣어 드릴까요?i cha-e kkul-eul neo-eo deu-ril-kka-yo?Shall I add honey to this tea?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 꿀을 조금만 넣어 주세요.ne, kkul-eul jo-geum-man neo-eo ju-se-yo.Yes, please add just a little bit of honey.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨는 꿀을 좋아하시나 봐요.Minji ssi-neun kkul-eul jo-a-ha-si-na bwa-yo.Minji, it seems you like honey.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 달콤한 꿀을 정말 좋아해요.ne, dal-kom-han kkul-eul jeong-mal jo-a-hae-yo.Yes, I really love sweet honey.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “honey” translations and entries 꿀, 봉밀, 밀, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 꿀, 밀, 봉밀, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
