보석
boseok[ˈpo̞(ː)sʰʌ̹k̚]
The Korean word for "jewel" is 보석 (boseok).
보석 is a noun used to refer to a gemstone.
Meaning: gemstone (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
boseok
Did you know?
- The word 보석 is a homonym that can mean two completely different things depending on the Hanja used. While one version means 'gemstone', another version refers to the legal act of 'bail' or 'releasing a prisoner on bail'.
- In Korean, if you want to describe a person as a 'gem' or a 'jewel' of a person, you would not typically use 보석. Instead, you might use the word 보배, which implies something or someone that is a precious treasure.
- While 보석 refers to the gemstone itself, the word for the finished piece of jewelry, like a ring or necklace, is often 장신구, which refers to 'ornaments' or 'accessories' in general.
Examples in context
- 나는 예쁜 보석을 좋아해요.I like beautiful jewels.
- 그녀는 보석으로 가득한 방을 가지고 있어요.She has a room filled with jewels.
- 보석이 반짝거리는 곳에 가보고 싶어요.I want to go to a place where jewels sparkle.
- 너는 보석을 좋아하니까 선물해 줄게.Since you like jewelry, I'll give you a present.
- 이 상자는 보석으로 가득해요.i sangjaneun boseogeuro gadeukhaeyo.This box is full of jewels.
- 그녀는 반짝이는 보석을 좋아해요.geunyeoneun banjjagineun boseogeul joahaeyo.She likes sparkling gemstones.
- 보석을 잃어버려서 정말 슬퍼요.boseogeul ireobeoryeoseo jeongmal seulpeoyo.I am so sad because I lost a gemstone.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are looking at an antique jewelry box.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 보석 정말 아름답지 않아?i boseok jeongmal areumdapji ana?Isn't this gemstone truly beautiful?
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 지훈아. 정말 귀한 보석 같아.eung, jihoon-a. jeongmal gwihan boseok gata.Yes, Jihoon. It looks like a very precious jewel.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈이 네가 정말 좋아할 것 같았어.subin-i nega jeongmal joahal geot gatasseo.I thought you would really like it, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워, 정말 마음에 들어!gomawo, jeongmal maeume deureo!Thank you, I really love it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jewel” translations and entries 보석, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 보석, CC BY-SA 4.0.
