언어
eoneo[ʌ̹nʌ̹]
The English phrase 'language' can be translated into Korean as 언어 (eoneo) or 말.
Meaning: body of words used as a form of communication (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 언어 | eoneo | [ʌ̹nʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 말 | mal | [ma̠(ː)ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ma̠ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Both terms refer to a body of words used for communication, but they are used in different contexts. 언어 refers to language as a formal system, a specific linguistic entity or a field of study. 말 refers more broadly to speech, spoken words or the act of speaking.
Which one should you use?
언어 is used when you are discussing language as a linguistic system or an academic subject. In contrast, 말 is used when referring to the actual spoken words or more colloquially to a specific language.
How do you pronounce it?
eoneo
Did you know?
Examples in context
- 집에서 무슨 언어로 말해?What language do you speak at home?This sentence is useful for asking about the language spoken in a specific setting with the form 언어.Tatoeba #8365132 by Eunhee, translation #4806945 by CK
- 인간이 바뀌듯 언어도 변화해.Language changes as human beings do.This sentence shows the use of 언어 when discussing how language changes over time.Tatoeba #8365138 by Eunhee, translation #239735 by CM
- 한국에서는 무슨 언어로 말합니까?What language do they speak in Korea?This sentence is useful for asking what language is spoken in a specific country using the form 언어.Tatoeba #6305082 by Queserasera, translation #1196994 by CN
- 저는 한국어를 배우고 있어요.I am learning the Korean language.
- 영어는 외국어예요.English is a foreign language.
- 한국말로 얘기해도 돼?Can we speak in Korean?
- 반갑습니다.Nice to meet you.
- 잘 지내셨어요?How have you been?
- 감사합니다.Thank you.
- 실례지만 도와주세요.Excuse me, could you help me?
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are talking about learning new skills.
- 수빈 Su-bin새로운 언어를 배우고 싶어.saeroun eoneoreul baeugo sipeo.I want to learn a new language.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo어떤 언어를 배우고 싶은데?eotteon eoneoreul baeugo sipeunde?Which language do you want to learn?
- 수빈 Su-bin나는 스페인어에 관심이 있어.naneun seupeineoe gwansemi isseo.I'm interested in Spanish.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo와, 정말 멋지다!wa, jeongmal meotjida!Wow, that's really cool!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “language” translations and entries 언어, 말, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 말, 언어, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
