단풍나무
danpungnamu[ta̠npʰuŋna̠mu]
The English word 'maple' is translated into Korean as 단풍나무 (danpungnamu).
단풍나무 is used to refer to a maple tree, specifically those belonging to the genus Acer. You may also encounter the related term 단풍, which refers to autumn leaves or fall foliage.
Meaning: tree of the genus Acer genus (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 단풍나무 specifically refers to the maple tree itself, the shortened form 단풍 can be used alone to refer to autumn colors or the foliage in certain contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
danpungnamu
Did you know?
- There is a specific cultural activity called 단풍구경, which translates to 'maple viewing' and refers to the national pastime of traveling to the mountains to see the autumn colors.
- Koreans use the verb 단풍이 들다 to describe the process of leaves changing color, which literally translates to 'autumn colors entering'.
- The name of the tree, 단풍나무, contains the Hanja characters 丹 (dan), meaning 'red', and 楓 (pung), meaning 'maple'.
Examples in context
- 가을에는 단풍나무 아래에서 햇볕을 즐기는 것이 좋아요.It's great to enjoy the sunshine beneath the maple tree during autumn.
- 단풍나무가 아주 빨개요.danpungnamuga aju ppalgaeyo.The maple tree is very red.
- 공원에 단풍나무가 많아요.gongwone danpungnamuga manhayo.There are many maple trees in the park.
- 단풍나무 잎이 떨어지고 있어요.danpungnamu ipi tteoreojigo isseoyo.The maple tree leaves are falling.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are walking in a park during autumn.
- 도현 Do-hyeon저기 있는 단풍나무 좀 봐요.jeogi inneun danpungnamu jom bwayo.Look at that maple tree over there.
- 서연 Seo-yeon색깔이 정말 아름다워요, 도현 씨.saekkkari jeongmal areumdawoyo, Dohyun ssi.The colors are truly beautiful, Dohyun.
- 도현 Do-hyeon가까이 가서 사진 찍을까요?gakkai gaseo sajin jjigeulkkayo?Shall we go closer and take a photo?
- 서연 Seo-yeon좋아요, 같이 가요.joayo, gati gayo.Sounds good, let's go together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maple” translations and entries 단풍나무, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 단풍나무, CC BY-SA 4.0.
