김
gim[ki(ː)m]
The English phrase "kim" refers to the common Korean family name 김 (gim).
김 is used as a surname in Korea. It is also a homonym for the word meaning dried edible seaweed, which is a staple food in Korean cuisine.
How do you pronounce it?
gim
Did you know?
- In Korean media, some speculate that the word for seaweed 김 actually comes from the name of a person, Kim Yeo-ik 김여익, who cultivated lavers during the Joseon dynasty.
Examples in context
- 김씨는 그 사람보다 두살 더 나이가 많습니다.Kim is two years older than him.This sentence shows how to use 김 when comparing ages.Tatoeba #1587074 by JanAson, translation #1586522 by Gulliver
- 김연아 (金姸兒)Yuna KimThis example shows the name 김 used in a person's full name.
- 김정은 (金正恩)Kim Jong Un
- 김, 어디 있어?Kim, where are you?
Example conversation
Seoyeon is introducing her new colleague to Dohyun.
- 서연 Seo-yeon이분은 김 선생님이에요.Ibun-eun Kim seonsaengnim-ieyo.This person is Mr. Kim.
- 도현 Do-hyeon안녕하세요, 김 선생님.Annyeonghaseyo, Kim seonsaengnim.Hello, Mr. Kim.
- 서연 Seo-yeon두 분 다 김 씨네요.Du bun da Kim ssineyo.You both have the surname Kim.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 그렇네요!Jeongmal geureonneyo!That is true!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 김, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 김, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
