해파리
haepari[ˈhɛ(ː)pʰa̠ɾi]
The Korean word for jellyfish is 해파리 (haepari).
해파리 is a noun used to refer to the aquatic animal known as a jellyfish.
Meaning: aquatic animal (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
haepari
Did you know?
- The name 해파리 (haepari) traces back to the Sino-Korean term 해팔어 (haepareo), which literally translates to 'eight sea fish'.
- While many English speakers associate jellyfish with stinging or dangerous creatures, in Korean culinary culture, 해파리 (haepari) is frequently enjoyed as a crunchy, pickled delicacy.
- The modern word 해파리 (haepari) sounds remarkably similar to the words for 'sea' and 'fly', which could lead a beginner to think the animal is a 'sea fly'.
Examples in context
- 해파리가 바다에 떠 있어요.haepari-ga bada-e tteo isseoyo.A jellyfish is floating in the sea.
- 그 해파리는 정말 커요.geu haepari-neun jeongmal keoyo.That jellyfish is really big.
- 해파리를 조심해야 해요.haepari-reul josimhaeya haeyo.You must be careful of jellyfish.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are walking along the beach.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 저기 해파리가 보여요!Jihun-ssi, jeogi haepari-ga boyeoyo!Jihun, I see a jellyfish over there!
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말이네요. 해파리가 아주 많아요.Jeongmari-neyo. Haepari-ga aju manh-ayo.You're right. There are many jellyfish.
- 수빈 Su-bin가까이 가면 위험할 것 같아요.Gakkai gamyeon wiheomhal geot gat-ayo.I think it might be dangerous to go close.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아요. 멀리서 구경만 해요.Maj-ayo. Meolliseo gugyeong-man haeyo.Correct. Let's just watch from afar.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jellyfish” translations and entries 해파리, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 해파리, CC BY-SA 4.0.
