전설
jeonseol[ˈt͡ɕɘ(ː)nsʰʌ̹ɭ]
The English word 'legend' can be translated into Korean as 전설 (jeonseol).
Meaning: key to the symbols and color codes on a map (noun)
Which one should you use?
The loanword 레전드 is an informal way to say legend and is commonly used among Korean millennials and younger generations.
How do you pronounce it?
jeonseol
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use 전설 for a map legend, but 범례 is the more precise technical term for a key of symbols on a map.
Did you know?
- The use of 레전드 is so pervasive among youth that it is frequently used in 'meme' culture to describe an absurdly funny or shocking situation.
- In Korean folklore, a 전설 is traditionally distinguished from a 신화 (myth) because a legend is usually tied to a specific local place or person.
- The word 전설 consists of two characters meaning 'transmit' and 'say', reflecting how legends were historically passed down orally.
Examples in context
- 이야기 속에 나오는 전설적인 인물에 대해 알고 계십니까?Do you know about the legendary characters in the story?
- 고전적인 전설을 알려주세요.Please tell me about a classical legend.
- 그 사람은 정말 전설적인 사람이야!That person is really a legend!
- 오늘 경기에서 그는 정말 레전드였어!He was a real legend in today's game!
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are looking at a hiking map together.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 이 기호가 무슨 뜻이에요?Minjun ssi, i giho-ga museun tteusieyo?Minjun, what does this symbol mean?
- 민준 Min-jun지도의 전설을 보면 알 수 있어요.jido-ui jeonseol-eul bomyeon al su isseoyo.You can tell by looking at the map's legend.
- 수빈 Su-bin아, 여기 전설에 나와 있네요.a, yeogi jeonseol-e nawa inneyo.Oh, it is listed here in the legend.
- 민준 Min-jun네, 이제 길이 보이죠?ne, ije gil-i boijyo?Yes, can you see the path now?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 전설, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 전설, CC BY-SA 4.0.
