만화
manhwa[ˈma̠(ː)nβwa̠]
The English word manga is expressed in Korean as 만화 (manhwa).
만화 is the general term used for comics or cartoons. To specify that you are referring to Japanese manga, you can use the phrase 일본 만화 or use 일본 만화책 to refer specifically to Japanese manga books.
Meaning: comic originating in Japan (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'manga' refers specifically to comics from Japan, the Korean word 만화 is a general term that covers all comics and cartoons, including those from Korea and Japan. Additionally, in modern Korean usage, digital comics published online are often specifically called 웹툰 (webtoon) instead of just 만화.
How do you pronounce it?
manhwa
Did you know?
- The word 만화 is built from Chinese characters meaning 'unrestrained' and 'drawing', implying that a comic is a 'free-spirited drawing'.
- Because 만화 is a Sino-Korean word, it shares the same linguistic DNA as the Japanese 'manga', even though they are used to describe different cultural products in their respective countries.
- While 만화 covers all comics, Korea pioneered the term 웹툰 (webtoon) to distinguish vertical-scrolling digital comics from traditional printed pages.
Examples in context
- 일본의 만화나 애니메이션은 전 세계적으로 인기가 있다.Japanese manga and anime are popular around the world.Tatoeba #13164807 by atitarev, translation #5687207 by Hybrid
- 일본의 만화Japanese manga
- 일본 만화는 일본 사람들 사이에서 인기가 많아요Japanese manga is very popular among Japanese people.
- 그 만화는 정말 재미있어요.geu manhwaneun jeongmal jaemiisseoyo.That manga is really fun.
Example conversation
Hyun-woo and Su-bin are talking about their hobbies.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨는 평소에 만화 좋아해요?subin ssi-neun pyeong-so-e manhwa jo-a-hae-yo?Su-bin, do you usually like manga?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 특히 일본 만화를 정말 좋아해요.ne, teuk-hi ilbon manhwa-reul jeong-mal jo-a-hae-yo.Yes, I especially love Japanese manga.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo최근에 읽은 재미있는 만화 있어요?choe-geun-e ilg-eun jaemi-inneun manhwa is-seo-yo?Is there any interesting manga you read recently?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 현우 씨에게 추천해 주고 싶어요.ne, hyun-woo ssi-e-ge chu-cheon-hae ju-go sip-eo-yo.Yes, I want to recommend one to you, Hyun-woo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “manga” translations and entries 만화, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 만화, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
