지중해
Jijunghae[t͡ɕid͡ʑuŋɦɛ]
The Korean word for Mediterranean is 지중해 (Jijunghae).
This term refers to the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding region.
Meaning: of or pertaining to the Mediterranean Sea and its surrounding region (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 지중, meaning 'middle' or 'center' and 해, meaning 'sea', literally translating to 'middle sea'.
Which one should you use?
While 지중해 is the name of the sea, you can use different forms to function as an adjective. Use 지중해의 to say 'Mediterranean' as a formal possessive adjective. However, when referring specifically to a style, such as a 'Mediterranean diet', it is common to use 지중해식.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the word as an adjective (for example, to say 'Mediterranean climate'), add the possessive particle 의 to the noun to form 지중해의. When referring to a specific style of food or culture, the suffix 식 (style) is often used instead, creating the form 지중해식.
How do you pronounce it?
Jijunghae
Did you know?
- The term 지중 can also mean 'inside the earth' or 'underground' in other contexts. This mirrors the Latin root 'mediterraneus', which also means 'in the middle of the land'.
- The word 지중해 is composed entirely of Hanja, or Chinese characters, which is common for official geographical names in Korean. This gives the term a formal and scholarly tone compared to native Korean words.
- The suffix 식 in 지중해식 is used for any style or method. You can attach it to almost any country name to describe that nation's specific way of doing things, such as 'Korean-style' or 'American-style'.
Examples in context
- 저는 지중해의 음식을 좋아해요.I like Mediterranean food.
- 지중해의 풍경은 아름답습니다.The Mediterranean scenery is beautiful.
- 지중해에서 멋진 휴가를 보냈어.I had an amazing vacation in the Mediterranean.
- 저녁에 지중해 음식 먹을래?Do you want to have Mediterranean food for dinner?
- 지중해 근처에 여행을 가고 싶어요.jijunghae geuncheoe yeohaengeul gago sipeoyo.I want to travel near the Mediterranean.
- 지중해의 날씨는 정말 따뜻해요.jijunghaeui nalssineun jeongmal ttatteuthaeyo.The Mediterranean weather is really warm.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their travel plans at a cafe.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이번 휴가에 지중해로 떠날까요?ibeon hyugae jijunghae-ro tteonalkkayo?Shall we leave for the Mediterranean this vacation?
- 서연 Seo-yeon좋아요, 현우 씨. 정말 설레요!joayo, hyeon-u ssi. jeongmal seolleyo!That sounds good, Hyunwoo. I'm so excited!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨가 좋아할 만한 곳을 찾을게요.seoyeon ssiga joahal manhan goseul chajeulgeyo.I will find a place that you will like, Seoyeon.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워요. 맛있는 음식도 많았으면 좋겠어요.gomawoyo. masinneun eumsikdo manasseumyeon jokesseoyo.Thank you. I hope there is also lots of delicious food.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 지중해, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
