수평의
supyeong'ui
The English phrase "horizontal" is translated into Korean using several forms, with 수평의 (supyeong'ui) being the default. Wiktionary also lists 가로의 (garoui) and 지평의 (jipyeong'ui).
Meaning: parallel to the plane of the horizon (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 수평의 | supyeong'ui |
| 가로의 | garoui |
| 지평의 | jipyeong'ui |
What does it mean word for word?
The syllable 평 means "flatness" or "level", and the term 가로 literally translates to "across" or "sideways".
Which one should you use?
가로의 is the opposite of 세로의 (vertical). While 수평 refers to the state of being horizontal, 지평의 specifically refers to the horizon line where the earth meets the sky.
How does it change in a sentence?
A common way to express keeping something level or maintaining horizontal balance is using the phrase 수평을 유지하다.
Did you know?
- The character 평 in 수평 can also be found in the word for 'peace' or 'tranquility', 평화, implying a sense of stillness or lack of waves.
- When talking about the horizon, Koreans use 지평선 (horizon line) for the earth and 수평선 (water line) for the sea, even though both contain the character for 'horizontal'.
- The concept of 'horizontal' is used in the phrase 수평을 맞추다 not just for physical objects, but to describe balancing a relationship or power dynamic.
Examples in context
- 가로 비율 을 유지해야 합니다.You should maintain the horizontal ratio.
- 수평의 상태를 유지해 주세요.supyeongui sangtaereul yujihae juseyo.Please maintain a horizontal state.
- 수평의 선을 하나 그으세요.supyeongui seoneul hana geureuseyo.Draw a horizontal line.
- 그 선은 수평의 느낌을 줍니다.geu seoneun supyeongui neukkimul jumnida.That line gives a horizontal feeling.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are hanging a picture frame on the wall.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨, 액자가 수평의 상태인가요?Minji ssi, aekjaga supyeong-ui sangtaingayo?Minji, is the frame horizontal?
- 민지 Min-ji아니요, 약간 기울어진 것 같아요.aniyo, yakgan giureojin geot gatayo.No, I think it's tilted a bit.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럼 제가 다시 맞춰 볼게요.geureom jega dasi matchwo bolgeyo.Then I will try to adjust it again.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 이제 수평이 맞네요.ne, ije supyeongi manneyo.Yes, it is horizontal now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “horizontal” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
