농담
nongdam[ˈno̞(ː)ŋda̠m]
The English phrase 'joke' translates to Korean as 농담 (nongdam).
농담 is a noun meaning an amusing story. You can also use the related verb forms 농담하다 or 롱담하다 to mean doing something for amusement.
Meaning: amusing story (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To tell someone 'Don't joke' in a polite way, use the form 농담하지 마세요. In an informal setting, the past tense of the verb 'to joke' is 농담했어. Additionally, the informal phrase 농담이야 is commonly used to clarify that a previous statement was not meant seriously.
How do you pronounce it?
nongdam
Did you know?
- The word 농담 has two completely different meanings depending on the Hanja used. It can mean a 'joke' from 弄談, or it can mean 'gradation' or 'shading' in art from 濃淡.
- In formal Korean settings, joking with a superior is often avoided entirely to maintain '체면' or 'face', making 농담하지 마세요 rare in high-hierarchy contexts.
- In Korean culture, using the phrase 농담이야 to clarify a joke can sometimes be seen as a way to avoid responsibility for a social gaffe.
Examples in context
- 이 농담은 이미 들어봤어.I've heard this joke already.This sentence is useful for saying you have already heard the 농담.Tatoeba #6820068 by yesjustryan, translation #6033233 by CK
- 농담하지 마세요.Don't joke about that.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to joke using 농담.Tatoeba #11115064 by intertime, translation #1324399 by Scott
- 이건 농담이 아니라니까.I assure you this isn't a joke.This sentence is useful for assuring someone that a situation is not a 농담.Tatoeba #8361901 by Eunhee, translation #2293457 by CK
- 선생님, 저 이야기 농담으로 들려 드렸어요.Teacher, I told that story as a joke.
- 친구가 웃긴 이야기를 하려고 했는데 아무도 웃지 않았어.My friend tried to tell a funny story, but no one laughed.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Hyunwoo are chatting during a break.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 재미있는 농담 하나 해 주세요.Hyeon-u ssi, jaemi-inneun nongdam hana hae juseyo.Hyunwoo, please tell me a funny joke.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo음, 어떤 농담을 좋아하세요?Eum, eotteon nongdam-eul joahaseyo?Hmm, what kind of jokes do you like?
- 서연 Seo-yeon그냥 짧고 웃긴 농담이면 다 좋아요.Geunyang jjalpgo utgin nongdam-imyeon da joayo.Any short and funny joke is fine.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo알겠어요. 지금 하나 해 드릴게요.Algesseoyo. Jigeum hana hae deurilgeyo.Got it. I'll tell you one right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “joke” translations and entries 농담, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 농담, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
