관용구
gwanyonggu[kwa̠ɲoŋk͈u]
The English word idiom is translated into Korean as 관용구 (gwanyonggu). Wiktionary also lists 숙어 (sugeo) and 관용어 (gwanyong'eo).
Meaning: idiomatic expression (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 관용구 | gwanyonggu | [kwa̠ɲoŋk͈u] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 숙어 | sugeo | [sʰuɡʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 관용어 | gwanyong'eo | [kwa̠ɲoŋʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
This noun refers to an idiomatic expression. For example, the idiom 개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못한다. implies that someone has a short memory or forgets their roots, while 남의 떡이 더 커 보인다. describes the tendency to see others' possessions as more valuable or desirable.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 관용구 is composed of 관용 (custom/convention) and 구 (phrase), literally meaning a phrase used by convention. The term 관용어 is composed of 관용 (custom/convention) and 어 (word/language), literally meaning an idiomatic word or expression.
Which one should you use?
While 관용구 and 관용어 are more formal or academic terms for an idiom, 숙어 is the most common term used in educational contexts, such as when studying English vocabulary or grammar in school.
How do you pronounce it?
gwanyonggu
Did you know?
- Many Korean idioms use 'body part' metaphors to describe emotions, such as using the 'liver' 간 to describe courage or shock, whereas English typically uses the 'heart'.
- Korean has a distinct category of four-character idioms called 사자성어, which are derived from classical Chinese and carry deep philosophical meanings.
- The word 숙어 shares the same Hanja root as '熟食', meaning 'cooked food', which highlights the idea that an idiom is a phrase that has been 'cooked' or well-matured through long-term use.
Examples in context
- 개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못한다.A frog doesn't remember days as a tadpole.
- 남의 떡이 더 커 보인다.Other people's rice cakes always look bigger.
- 이 관용구는 뜻이 어려워요.i gwan-yong-gu-neun tteusi eoryeowoyo.This idiomatic expression is difficult to understand.
- 교과서에 새로운 관용구가 나와요.gyogwa-seoe saeroun gwan-yong-gu-ga nawayo.A new idiomatic expression appears in the textbook.
- 그 관용구의 의미를 설명해 주세요.geu gwan-yong-gu-ui uimireul seol-myeong-hae juseyo.Please explain the meaning of that idiomatic expression.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are studying English together at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun이 관용구는 어떻게 써요?i gwan-yong-gu-neun eotteoke sseoyo?How do you use this idiomatic expression?
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 문장 안에서 자연스럽게 쓰면 돼요.Minjun-ssi, munjang an-eseo jayeon-seureopge sseumyeon dwaeyo.Minjun, you can just use it naturally within a sentence.
- 민준 Min-jun설명이 정말 친절하시네요.seol-myeong-i jeongmal chinjeol-hasineyo.Your explanation is very kind.
- 수빈 Su-bin아니에요, 같이 열심히 공부해요.anieyo, gachi yeolsimhi gongbu-haeyo.Not at all, let's study hard together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiom” translations and entries 관용구, 숙어, 관용어, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 관용구, 관용어, 숙어, CC BY-SA 4.0.
