가사
gasa[ka̠sʰa̠]
The English phrase "lyrics" is translated into Korean as 가사 (gasa).
가사 is a noun used to refer to the words that make up a song.
Meaning: the words to a song (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
gasa
Did you know?
- Depending on the Hanja used, the sound 가사 can even refer to the 'kasaya', which is a specific type of Buddhist monk's robe.
- Be careful with pronunciation and context, as the exact same sound 가사 can also mean 'housework' in Korean. While 'lyrics' refers to music, the other meaning refers to household chores.
- Beyond music, 가사 refers to a specific traditional poetic form of the Joseon dynasty. These were long, narrative poems that bridged the gap between formal poetry and prose.
Examples in context
- 톰은 가사를 써.Tom writes lyrics.This sentence shows how to use 가사 in the context of writing.Tatoeba #13756337 by qlTmalffk, translation #8910889 by CK
- 가사 좋은 노래가 좋은 것 같아. 멜로디는 한순간인데 가사는 오래 남아.I really do think songs with good lyrics are the best. The melody is fleeting, but the lyrics stay with you for a long time.This sentence compares the lasting nature of 가사 to the fleeting nature of a melody.Tatoeba #13905815 by Lumi, translation #13905814 by Lumi
- 이 노래 가사가 너무 슬퍼요.i norae gasaga neomu seulpeoyo.The lyrics of this song are so sad.
Example conversation
Two friends are listening to music in a cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈아, 이 노래 가사 알아?ji-hun-a, i norae gasa ara?Jihoon, do you know the lyrics to this song?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아니, 가사를 잘 몰라.ani, gasareul jal molla.No, I don't know the lyrics very well.
- 민지 Min-ji가사가 정말 아름다워.gasaga jeongmal areumdawo.The lyrics are truly beautiful.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그렇구나, 나도 한번 찾아볼게.geureokuna, nado hanbeon chajabolge.I see, I'll look them up too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lyrics” translations and entries 가사, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 가사, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
