키보드
kibodeu[cçibo̞dɯ]
The English phrase 'keyboard' can be translated into Korean as 키보드 (kibodeu), 자판 or 글쇠판.
Meaning: set of keys used to operate a typewriter, computer etc. (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 키보드 | kibodeu | [cçibo̞dɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 자판 | japan | [t͡ɕa̠pʰa̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 글쇠판 | geulsoepan | [kɯɭsʰwe̞pʰa̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [kɯɭsʰø̞pʰa̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, there are several ways to refer to a keyboard depending on whether you are discussing the physical device, the layout of the keys or using a formal term.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 자판 is composed of 자, meaning key or character and 판, meaning board or plate.
Which one should you use?
키보드 is a loanword from English and is the most common way to refer to a computer keyboard in daily conversation. 자판 refers more specifically to the arrangement of keys or the key panel itself and is often used in technical contexts, such as when discussing a keyboard layout. 글쇠판 is a pure Korean term for keyboard.
How do you pronounce it?
kibodeu
Did you know?
- The Korean keyboard layout is designed so that consonants are on the left and vowels are on the right, allowing a user to type by alternating hands.
- Because Korean characters are blocks of sounds, a single key press on a 키보드 doesn't always produce one character, but rather a component that the software then assembles.
- The word 자판 is also used to describe the button panel on a vending machine, which in Korean is called a 자동자판기.
Examples in context
- 다음 회의에는 키보드를 가져와주세요.Please bring your keyboard to the next meeting.
- 키보드를 통해 더 효율적으로 작업할 수 있어요.You can work more efficiently using a keyboard.
- 새 키보드를 샀어요.sae kibodeureul sasseoyo.I bought a new keyboard.
- 키보드가 고장 났어요.kibodeuga gojang nasseoyo.The keyboard is broken.
- 무선 키보드를 사용해요.museon kibodeureul sayonghaeyo.I use a wireless keyboard.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Hyun-woo are in an office.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 제 키보드가 고장 났어요.hyeon-u ssi, je kibodeuga gojang nasseoyo.Hyun-woo, my keyboard is broken.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말요? 언제부터 그랬어요?jeongmalyo? eonjebuteo geuraesseoyo?Really? Since when has it been like that?
- 지은 Ji-eun아까부터 글자가 안 쳐져요.akkabuteo geuljaga an chyeojyeoyo.The letters haven't been typing since a while ago.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo제 여분 키보드를 빌려줄게요.je yeobun kibodeureul billyeojulgeyo.I will lend you my spare keyboard.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “keyboard” translations and entries 키보드, 자판, 글쇠판, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
