Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 한국어 | han'gugeo | [ˈha̠(ː)nɡuɡʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 한국말 | han'gungmal | [ˈha̠(ː)nɡuŋma̠ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 국어 | gugeo | [kuɡʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 우리말 | urimal | [uɾima̠ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 조선어 | joseoneo | [t͡ɕo̞sʰʌ̹nʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | North Korea |
| 한글 | han'geul | [ˈha̠(ː)nɡɯɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | South Korea, colloquial, proscribed |
Depending on the context, there are several ways to refer to the language. You can use the standard term 한국어, the colloquial term 한국말 or the emotive term 우리말 which translates to "our language". In educational settings, the term 국어 is used to signify the "national language" in contrast to foreign languages.
What does it mean word for word?
한국어 is composed of 한국 (Korea) and 어 (language). The colloquial form 한국말 is composed of 한국 (Korea) and 말 (speech/words).
Which one should you use?
한국어 is the standard, formal term for the language. In contrast, 한국말 is a more colloquial way to refer specifically to the spoken language. While some may use 한글 to mean the Korean language, this term specifically refers to the Korean writing system or alphabet. 국어 is used specifically to mean the "national language" in a school or official context. 우리말 literally means "our language".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
한국어 is the standard and formal way to name the language. 한국말 is more colloquial. In informal settings, you can also use 한국사람 to refer to a Korean person.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North Korea, the term 조선어 is used to refer to the Korean language.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
han'gugeo
Did you know?
- The suffix -어 in 한국어 is a Sino-Korean element derived from the Chinese character for 'language'.
- The term 우리말, meaning 'our language', reflects a deep cultural emphasis on collectivism and shared identity over individualism.
- While South Koreans use 한국어, North Koreans refer to the same language as 조선어.
Examples in context
- 북한은 한국어로 "조선"이라고 불린다.North Korea is called "Chosŏn" in Korean.This sentence shows how to use 한국어.Tatoeba #6305085 by Queserasera, translation #1815425 by Amastan
- 남한은 한국어로 "한국"이라고 불린다.South Korea is called "Hanguk" in Korean.Tatoeba #6305088 by Queserasera, translation #1815507 by Amastan
- 저 스페인 사람은 한국말을 유창하게 한다.That Spanish man speaks Korean fluently.This sentence shows how to use 한국말.Tatoeba #11104762 by intertime, translation #11104797 by intertime
- 저는 한국인이에요.I am Korean.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are talking about their language studies.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨는 한국어 공부해요?Hyeon-u ssineun hangugeo gongbuhaeyo?Hyunwoo, are you studying Korean?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 요즘 한국어 배워요.Ne, yojeum hangugeo baewoyo.Yes, I am learning Korean these days.
- 민지 Min-ji정말요? 공부하기 어려워요?Jeongmallyo? Gongbuhagi eoryeowoyo?Really? Is it difficult to study?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 하지만 한국어 재미있어요.Ne, hajiman hangugeo jaemiisseoyo.Yes, but Korean is interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “korean” translations and entries 한국어, 한국말, 국어, 우리말, 조선어, 한글, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 국어, 조선어, 한국말, 한국어, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
