일기
ilgi[iɭɡi]
The Korean word for "journal" is 일기 (ilgi).
일기 is used to refer to a diary or a daily record.
Meaning: diary or daily record (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 일기 refers to a personal diary or daily record, 일지 is a more formal translation for "journal".
How do you pronounce it?
ilgi
Did you know?
- If you use the same sounds to write 일기 but change the Hanja to 日氣, the meaning shifts from 'diary' to 'daily weather' or 'daily energy'.
- In Korea, there is a specific tradition called 일기 쓰기 that is often encouraged in primary schools to build character and reflection habits. This differs from the Western view of a 'diary' as a secret or private space.
- In historical Korean contexts, the 승정원일기 is the 'Diaries of the Royal Secretariat', which is one of the most detailed daily records of any monarchy in world history. It documents the minute-by-minute activities of Joseon kings.
Examples in context
- 나는 매일 학교에서 공부한 내용을 일지에 기록한다.I keep a journal of what I study at school every day.
- 우리 여행 일기를 같이 쓸래?Do you want to write a travel journal with me?
- 내 생일을 기념해서 일기를 쓰려고 해.I want to write a diary to commemorate my birthday.
- 매일 일기를 써요.maeil ilgi-reul sseoyo.I write in a diary every day.
- 이 일기는 제 비밀이에요.i ilgi-neun je bimil-ieyo.This diary is my secret.
- 어렸을 때 일기를 썼어요.eoryeosseul ttae ilgi-reul sseosseoyo.I wrote in a diary when I was young.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨는 취미가 뭐예요?Subin-ssineun chwimi-ga mwo-ye-yo?Subin, what is your hobby?
- 수빈 Su-bin저는 일기를 쓰는 것을 좋아해요.jeoneun ilgi-reul sseuneun geoseul joahae-yo.I like writing in a diary.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 멋진 취미네요.jeongmal meotjin chwimi-neyo.That is a really wonderful hobby.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨도 한번 써 보세요.Minjun-ssido hanbeon sseo boseyo.Minjun, you should try writing one too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 일기, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 일기, CC BY-SA 4.0.
