옥
ok[o̞k̚]
The English phrase jade is translated into Korean as 옥 (ok). Wiktionary also lists 비취 (bichwi) and 경옥 (gyeong'ok).
Meaning: gem (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 옥 | ok | [o̞k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 비취 | bichwi | [ˈpi(ː)t͡ɕʰɥi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈpi(ː)t͡ɕʰy] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 경옥 | gyeong'ok | [kjʌ̹ŋo̞k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The word 옥 refers to jade as a gem, but it can also be used more broadly to represent objects that are beautiful, precious or of high quality.
Which one should you use?
옥 is the general term used for jade, while 비취 specifically refers to jadeite or green jade.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe the color of jade, you can add the suffix –색 (meaning color) to 옥 to form 옥색, which means jade color.
How do you pronounce it?
ok
Did you know?
- While 옥 usually refers to the precious gem, it is also the exact same word used for 'prison' in Korean. You must rely entirely on the context of the sentence to know if someone is talking about jewelry or a jail cell.
- In traditional Korean culture, 옥 was believed to possess protective powers and was often carved into amulets to ward off evil spirits.
- The word 옥 shares a linguistic ancestor with the Korean word 옻, which refers to lacquer. This connection links the concept of precious stone to the tradition of lacquerware.
Examples in context
- 옥은 아름다운 보석입니다.Jade is a beautiful gemstone.
- 초록색 옥Green jade
- 이 옥은 색이 아주 곱다.i ok-eun saek-i a-ju gob-da.The color of this jade is very beautiful.
- 할머니는 옥 반지를 아끼신다.hal-meo-ni-neun ok ban-ji-reul a-kki-sin-da.My grandmother cherishes her jade ring.
- 그는 귀한 옥을 선물 받았다.geu-neun gwi-han ok-eul seon-mul bat-at-da.He received a precious jade as a gift.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are looking at an antique display in a museum.
- 도현 Do-hyeon저기에 있는 옥이 정말 예쁘네요.jeo-gi-e it-neun ok-i jeong-mal ye-ppeu-ne-yo.The jade over there is truly beautiful.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨, 빛깔이 정말 영롱해요.Do-hyeon ssi, bit-kkal-i jeong-mal yeong-rong-hae-yo.Do-hyeon, the color is truly brilliant.
- 도현 Do-hyeon진짜 귀한 옥인 것 같아요.jin-jja gwi-han ok-in geot gat-a-yo.I think it is a very precious jade.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요, 아주 고풍스러운 느낌이에요.ma-ja-yo, a-ju go-pung-seu-reo-un neu-kkim-i-e-yo.You're right, it has a very classic feel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jade” translations and entries 옥, 비취, 경옥, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 경옥, 비취, 옥, CC BY-SA 4.0.
