백합
baekhap[pɛkʰa̠p̚]
The English word lily is translated into Korean as 백합 (baekhap) or 나리.
Meaning: flower in the genus Lilium (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 백합 | baekhap | [pɛkʰa̠p̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [pe̞kʰa̠p̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 나리 | nari | [ˈna̠(ː)ɾi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [na̠ɾi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Both terms refer to flowers in the genus Lilium, but they are used in different contexts. 백합 is the general term for lilies, particularly in botanical or commercial settings, while 나리 is used when discussing the native lilies found in Korea.
Which one should you use?
백합 is the term used for lilies in formal, botanical or commercial contexts, such as when shopping at a flower shop. In contrast, 나리 is the native Korean word and is typically used to refer to the wild lilies found in the Korean countryside.
How do you pronounce it?
baekhap
Did you know?
- The word 나리 was once used as a title for government officials during the Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon dynasties.
- The word 개나리 refers to Forsythia, a common shrub, but it contains the word 나리 within it.
Examples in context
- 백합은 향기가 아주 좋아요.baek-hap-eun hyang-gi-ga a-ju jo-a-yo.Lilies have a very nice scent.
- 화분에 백합을 심었어요.hwa-bun-e baek-hap-eul sim-eoss-eo-yo.I planted a lily in a pot.
- 하얀 백합이 정말 예쁘네요.ha-yan baek-hap-i jeong-mal ye-ppeu-ne-yo.The white lily is truly beautiful.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyeon are looking at flowers in a garden.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 저 백합 좀 보세요.Do-hyeon ssi, jeo baek-hap jom bo-se-yo.Dohyeon, look at that lily.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 아름다운 백합이네요.jeong-mal a-reum-da-un baek-hap-i-ne-yo.It is a truly beautiful lily.
- 민지 Min-ji향기도 아주 진해요.hyang-gi-do a-ju jin-hae-yo.The scent is also very strong.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨가 좋아할 것 같아요.Min-ji ssi-ga jo-a-hal geot gat-a-yo.I think you would like it, Minji.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lily” translations and entries 백합, 나리, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 나리, 백합, CC BY-SA 4.0.
