편지
pyeonji[ˈpʰjɘ(ː)ɲd͡ʑi]
The English phrase 'letters' is translated into Korean as 편지 (pyeonji).
편지 refers to written messages sent to a person through the mail.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Jeolla and Gyeongsang regions, some speakers pronounce the vowel 'ㅓ' as 'ㅗ'.
How do you pronounce it?
pyeonji
Did you know?
- The first recorded use of 편지 in the Korean alphabet, hangul, was found in letters excavated from the grave of Lady Suncheon Kim around 1585.
- Some Korean speakers use the term 간찰 to refer to letters, specifically those written in a more traditional or classical style.
- Historically, writing a 편지 in Korea involved using a brush and ink, which required a different physical posture and rhythm than modern pens.
Examples in context
- 난 이제 편지 안 써.I don't write letters anymore.This sentence shows the negative use of the verb with 편지.Tatoeba #8396648 by Eunhee, translation #6351643 by CK
- 편지는 메리가 아니라 톰에게서 왔다.The letters were from Tom, not from Mary.This sentence is useful for identifying the sender of the 편지.Tatoeba #8550677 by okja, translation #7541796 by CK
- 부모님께 편지를 얼마나 자주 씁니까?How often do you write letters to your parents?This sentence is used to ask about the frequency of writing 편지 to parents.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are talking about mail at home.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 혹시 제 편지 봤어요?Subin ssi, hoksi je pyeonji bwasseoyo?Subin, did you see my letter by any chance?
- 수빈 Su-bin아니요, 못 봤어요.aniyo, mot bwasseoyo.No, I didn't see it.
- 민준 Min-jun아, 편지가 아직 안 왔나 봐요.a, pyeonjiga ajik an wanna bwayo.Ah, it looks like the letter hasn't arrived yet.
- 수빈 Su-bin내일은 꼭 올 거예요.naeil-eun kkok ol geoyeyo.It will definitely come tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 편지, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 편지, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
