레벨
rebel[ɾe̞be̞ɭ]
The English phrase level can be translated into Korean using several terms depending on the context. If unsure, use 레벨 (rebel). Wiktionary also lists 수평 (supyeong) and 수준 (sujun).
Meaning: degree or amount (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 레벨 | rebel | [ɾe̞be̞ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 수평 | supyeong | [sʰupʰjʌ̹ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 수준 | sujun | [sʰud͡ʑun] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 급 | geup | [kɯp̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Korean uses different words for level depending on whether you are discussing a physical plane, an abstract standard or a specific rank within a system.
Which one should you use?
수평 refers specifically to a physical level or a horizontal plane, such as a surface being level or flat. 수준 is used for abstract levels of ability, quality or standard, such as a language level or a standard of living. 레벨 is a loanword from English and is most commonly used in the context of video game character levels or specific tiered rankings in casual settings. 급 is used when referring to a specific grade, rank or class within a structured system, such as a proficiency level in a certification.
How do you pronounce it?
rebel
Did you know?
- In Korean certification systems, 급 is often counted in reverse, meaning 1급 is the highest level and 6급 is the lowest.
- The word 수준 literally translates to 'water standard', tracing back to the way ancient engineers measured the level of water to ensure a flat surface.
- The word 수평 is used not just for physical levels but also to describe a 'horizontal' or balanced relationship between people where no one is superior.
Examples in context
- 어려운 단계Difficult level
- 학력 수준Educational levels
- 언어 실력 수준Language proficiency levels
- 당신의 수준은 어떻습니까?What is your level?
- 이 게임은 레벨이 너무 높아요.i ge-im-eun re-bel-i neo-mu nop-a-yo.This game's level is too high.
- 레벨을 높이고 싶어요.re-bel-eul nop-i-go sip-eo-yo.I want to raise my level.
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are discussing a language course.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨는 한국어 레벨이 어떻게 돼요?Hyeon-u ssineun hangugeo rebebri eotteoke dwaeyo?Hyunwoo, what is your Korean level?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저는 아직 초급 레벨이에요.jeoneun ajik chogeup rebelieyo.I am still at the beginner level.
- 수빈 Su-bin그럼 저랑 같이 공부해요.geureom jeorang gachi gongbuhaeyo.Then let's study together with me.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아요, 같이 열심히 해요!joayo, gachi yeolsimhi haeyo!Sounds good, let's work hard together!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “level” translations and entries 레벨, 수평, 수준, 급, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 급, 레벨, 수준, 수평, CC BY-SA 4.0.
