빛
bit[pit̚]
The English word "light" is translated into Korean as 빛 (bit). Wiktionary also lists 광 (gwang).
Meaning: visible light, brightness (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 빛 | bit | [pit̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 광 | gwang | [kwa̠(ː)ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [kwa̠ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
빛 is used to refer to the physical phenomenon of light. Related verbs for actions involving light include 밝히다 and 비추다 for illuminating, and 불켜다 for turning on a light.
Which one should you use?
빛 is the common, general word for light. Additionally, in everyday conversation, when referring to a specific light source like a lamp or a candle, speakers often use 불 (fire/flame) instead of the abstract noun 빛.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the genitive case "of light", add the particle 의 to the noun to form 빛의.
How do you pronounce it?
bit
Did you know?
- In Korean, the word 빛 is used not only for light but also to describe the 'color' or 'luster' of a fabric or a person's complexion.
- Depending on the context, the sound 광 can refer to 'light' or a 'storeroom' (고방), leading to different meanings based on the Chinese characters used.
- The Sino-Korean word 광 is often used in technical or academic contexts, such as in '광선' (light ray), whereas 빛 remains the more natural, pure Korean term for everyday light.
Examples in context
- 그 빛을 볼 수 있다.I can see the light.This sentence is useful for practicing the noun 빛.Tatoeba #11106254 by intertime, translation #323700 by CK
- 다미아노는 빛의 본질에 관한 글을 썼어.Damiano wrote an article on the nature of light.Tatoeba #13756429 by qlTmalffk, translation #11690219 by Amastan
- 물은 빛을 반사한다.Water reflects light.Tatoeba #6305442 by Queserasera, translation #270802 by CK
- 햇빛이 너무 밝아요.The sunlight is too bright.
- 저녁에는 가로등의 빛이 안좋아요.The streetlight's light is not good in the evening.
- 방의 조명이 너무 어둡다.The lighting in the room is too dark.
- 무대 위의 조명은 참 예쁘다.The lighting on the stage is really beautiful.
- 테이블 위에 작은 촛불의 빛이 편안해요.The light of the small candle on the table is comforting.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Hyeon-u are looking at the night sky through a telescope.
- 지은 Ji-eun저 별에서 빛이 보여.jeo byeol-eseo bich-i boyeo.I see light from that star.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 아름다운 빛이야.jeongmal areumdaun bich-iya.It is a truly beautiful light.
- 지은 Ji-eun우주에는 다양한 빛이 있어.uju-eneun dayanghan bich-i isseo.There are various types of light in space.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그 빛이 여기까지 오는구나.geu bich-i yeogigaji oneun-guna.That light travels all the way here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “light” translations and entries 빛, 광, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 광, 빛, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
