번개
beon'gae[pʌ̹nɡɛ]
The English word "lightning" is translated into Korean as 번개 (beon'gae). Wiktionary also lists 벼락 (byeorak).
Meaning: discharge (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 번개 | beon'gae | [pʌ̹nɡɛ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [pʌ̹nɡe̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 벼락 | byeorak | [pjʌ̹ɾa̠k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, the term for lightning depends on whether you are focusing on the visual light or the physical impact. You can describe the action of lightning flashing or striking by using the verb phrase 번개가 치다.
Which one should you use?
Use 번개 to refer specifically to the visual flash of lightning. In contrast, use 벼락 to refer to the lightning strike itself or the phenomenon of lightning hitting something.
How do you pronounce it?
beon'gae
Did you know?
- In modern slang, 번개 is used to describe a 'lightning meeting', which is a spontaneous social gathering arranged online via chat or social media to happen immediately.
- The word 벼락 appears in the term 벼락부자, which literally means 'lightning rich' and describes someone who becomes wealthy overnight.
- The word 번개 is built from the root 번 meaning 'bright', which is the same root found in the onomatopoeic word 번쩍, describing a sudden flash.
Examples in context
- 번개가 쳤을 때 사슴은 마당에 서 있었어요.The deer was standing in the yard when lightning struck.This sentence uses 번개 to describe the moment lightning struck.Tatoeba #12579831 by LeeSooHa, translation #12579833 by LeeSooHa
- 번개가 번쩍였다.There was a flash of lightning.This sentence uses 번개 to describe a flash of lightning.
- 네, 번개가 정말 대단했어요!Yes, the lightning was truly amazing!
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a storm through a window.
- 수빈 Su-bin저기 하늘에서 번개가 쳐요!jeogi haneueseo beongae ga chyeoyo!Look, there is lightning in the sky!
- 도현 Do-hyeon와, 정말 밝네요.wa, jeongmal balgneyo.Wow, it is really bright.
- 수빈 Su-bin번개가 계속 치고 있어요.beongae ga gyesok chigo isseoyo.The lightning keeps flashing.
- 도현 Do-hyeon곧 천둥도 치겠어요.got cheondungdo chigesseoyo.Thunder will probably strike soon too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lightning” translations and entries 번개, 벼락, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 번개, 벼락, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
