도마뱀
domabaem[to̞ma̠bɛm]
The Korean word for lizard is 도마뱀 (domabaem).
도마뱀 is a noun used to refer to the reptile known as a lizard.
Meaning: reptile (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is domabaem.
Did you know?
- In Korean folklore, the lizard is sometimes associated with the 'spirit of the house' and killing one is occasionally seen as bringing bad luck to the household.
- Some linguists suggest the first part of the word, 'doma', may be related to the Korean word 'domak', which describes something being cut into pieces or segments.
- The word 뱀 for 'snake' is a root used in many other animal names in Korean, reflecting how snakes were once a primary category for legless or scaly creatures.
Examples in context
- 벽에 도마뱀이 있어요.byeoge domabaemi isseoyo.There is a lizard on the wall.
- 도마뱀은 파충류예요.domabaem-eun pachungryuye-yo.A lizard is a reptile.
- 작은 도마뱀을 봤어요.jageun domabaem-eul bwasseoyo.I saw a small lizard.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are looking at a pet shop window.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연 씨, 저 도마뱀 좀 보세요.Seoyeon ssi, jeo domabaem jom boseyo.Seoyeon, look at that lizard.
- 서연 Seo-yeon와, 정말 작고 귀여워요!wa, jeongmal jakgo gwiyeowoyo!Wow, it is really small and cute!
- 도현 Do-hyeon도마뱀은 어떻게 키울까요?domabameun eotteoke kiulkkayo?I wonder how to raise a lizard.
- 서연 Seo-yeon가게 직원분께 물어봐요.gage jigwonbunke mureobwayo.Let's ask the shop employee.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lizard” translations and entries 도마뱀, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 도마뱀, CC BY-SA 4.0.
