의미
uimi[ˈɰi(ː)mi]
In Korean, the phrase "meaning" can be translated as 뜻 or 의미 (uimi).
Meaning: definition or connotation of a word (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 의미 | uimi | [ˈɰi(ː)mi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 뜻 | tteut | [t͈ɯt̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Both words refer to the definition or connotation of a word.
Which one should you use?
의미 is more abstract and formal, often used in academic, philosophical or literary contexts to discuss the significance or connotation of something.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something "has meaning" or "is meaningful", the pattern 의미가 있다 is used.
How do you pronounce it?
uimi
Did you know?
- The word 의미 is a Sino-Korean word, meaning its Hanja characters 意 (intention/thought) and 味 (taste) literally combine to suggest the 'taste' or 'flavor' of a thought.
- The word 뜻 is a pure Korean word, whereas 의미 is a Sino-Korean word derived from Chinese characters. In Korean, these two categories of vocabulary often create a stylistic contrast between native emotion and formal intellect.
- While 뜻 means 'meaning', it is also the standard word for 'intention' or 'will'. If someone says they are acting according to their 뜻, they are following their own personal resolve rather than a dictionary definition.
Examples in context
- 그녀의 말에는 깊은 의미가 담겨있다.Her words have a deeper meaning.The sentence is useful for showing how to say her words have a deep 의미.Tatoeba #14020513 by Ldyhippo, translation #1226768 by al_ex_an_der
- 의미를 정확하게 전달하는 것은 어렵다.It is difficult to convey the meaning exactly.The sentence is useful for describing the difficulty of conveying the 의미 exactly.Tatoeba #7793013 by HappyMidnight, translation #28194 by CK
- 이 단어의 의미는 무엇인가요?What is the meaning of this word?
- 그 작품의 의도를 이해할 수 있나요?Can you understand the intended meaning of that work?
- 이 문장의 뜻을 알고 있어?Do you know the meaning of this sentence?
- 이 단어의 의미를 알려주세요.i daneoui uimireul allyeojuseyo.Please tell me the meaning of this word.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are studying together in a library.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 이 문장의 의미가 잘 안 와닿아요.Subin ssi, i munjangui uimiga jal an wadayo.Subin, the meaning of this sentence doesn't really click for me.
- 수빈 Su-bin제가 다시 한번 설명해 줄게요.jega dasi hanbeon seolmyeonghae julgeyo.I will explain it to you one more time.
- 민준 Min-jun고마워요. 이제 의미가 명확해졌어요.gomawoyo. ije uimiga myeonghakhayeosseoyo.Thank you. Now the meaning is clear.
- 수빈 Su-bin다행이네요. 계속 같이 공부해봐요.dahaengineyo. gyesok gati gongbuhaebwayo.That's a relief. Let's keep studying together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “meaning” translations and entries 의미, 뜻, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 뜻, 의미, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
