램프
raempeu[ɾɛmpʰɯ]
The English word "lamp" can be translated into Korean in several ways depending on the context. The default form is 램프 (raempeu). Wiktionary also lists 전등 (jeondeung) and 등불 (deungbul).
Meaning: device producing light (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 램프 | raempeu | [ɾɛmpʰɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ɾe̞mpʰɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 전등 | jeondeung | [ˈt͡ɕɘ(ː)ndɯŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 등불 | deungbul | [tɯŋp͈uɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Korean uses different words for a lamp based on whether you are referring to a specific decorative object, a general electric fixture or a more traditional light source.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 등불 is a compound made of 등, meaning light or lamp and 불, meaning fire.
Which one should you use?
램프 is a loanword from English and is typically used for decorative or specific types of table lamps. 전등 is a more general term referring to electric lights or lighting fixtures. 등불 carries a poetic or traditional nuance, often used in literary contexts to refer to a light source like a lantern or a lamp.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the action of turning on an electric light, the standard phrase is 전등을 켜다.
How do you pronounce it?
raempeu
Did you know?
- In traditional Korean culture, the 청사초롱 is a specific type of colorful silk lantern used to guide guests during wedding processions.
- To 'turn off' a lamp, Koreans use the verb 끄다, which originally meant to extinguish a fire.
- The word 등불 is frequently used as a metaphor for hope or a guiding spirit in Korean poetry and music.
Examples in context
- 등불을 켜다To light a lampThis sentence is useful for learning how to use 등불 with the verb 'to light'.
- 아버지께서 문방구에서 램프를 샀어요.My father bought a lamp at a stationery store.
- 방에 이불이랑 무드등이 있어.There's a blanket and a mood lamp in the room.
- 책상 위에 램프가 있어요.chaeksang wie raempeuga isseoyo.There is a lamp on the desk.
- 새 램프를 하나 샀어요.sae raempeureul hana sasseoyo.I bought a new lamp.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are decorating a new room.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이 램프 정말 예뻐요.i raempeureu jeongmal yeppeoyo.This lamp is really pretty.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 마음에 들어요?Hyunwoo ssi, maeume deureoyo?Hyunwoo, do you like it?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 방에 잘 어울려요.ne, bang-e jal eoullyeoyo.Yes, it goes well in the room.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그럼 이걸로 결정해요.geureom igeollo gyeoljeonghaeyo.Then let's decide on this one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lamp” translations and entries 램프, 전등, 등불, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
