멜로디
mellodi[me̞ɭɭo̞di]
The English word melody is expressed in Korean as 멜로디 (mellodi). If unsure, use 멜로디. Wiktionary also lists 선율 (seonyul) and 곡조 (gokjo).
Meaning: sequence of notes that makes up a musical phrase (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 멜로디 | mellodi | [me̞ɭɭo̞di] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 선율 | seonyul | [sʰʌ̹ɲuɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 곡조 | gokjo | [ko̞k̚t͡ɕ͈o̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 악곡 | akgok | [a̠k̚k͈o̞k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Korean has several ways to refer to a sequence of notes. The loanword 멜로디 is commonly used to describe a melody in general contexts.
Which one should you use?
While 멜로디 is a common way to say melody, other terms have specific nuances. 선율 refers specifically to a melody or tune and is used in more technical or poetic contexts. 곡조 refers to the melody or 'tune' of a song and is often used when describing the mood or character of a piece of music. In contrast, 악곡 refers to a musical piece or composition as a whole rather than just the melodic sequence.
How do you pronounce it?
mellodi
Did you know?
- The word 선율 comes from Chinese characters where the first character 선 means 'to rotate' or 'to spin'. This reflects an ancient view of melody as a winding or curving line of sound.
- In traditional Korean music, the concept of melody is often tied to 시김새, which refers to the ornamental 'breaking' or 'bending' of a note that gives a melody its emotional character.
- The word 선율 contains the character 律, which is the same character used in the word for 'law' or 'rule' in Korean.
Examples in context
- 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 is useful for contrasting the fleeting nature of a 멜로디 with the lasting impact of lyrics.Tatoeba #13905815 by Lumi, translation #13905814 by Lumi
- 레게 뮤직의 핵심은 멜로디이다.The core of reggae music is the melody.
- 이 노래의 멜로디가 기억에 남아요.The melody of this song is memorable.
- 이 노래는 멜로디가 정말 밝아요.i noraeneun mellodiga jeongmal balkayo.The melody of this song is really bright.
- 그 멜로디를 기억할 수 있어요.geu mellodireul gieokhal su isseoyo.I can remember that melody.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are listening to a new song together.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 이 노래 멜로디 어때요?Subin ssi, i norae mellodi eottaeyo?Subin, what do you think of the melody of this song?
- 수빈 Su-bin멜로디가 아주 중독성 있네요.mellodiga 아주 jungdokseong inneyo.The melody is very catchy.
- 민준 Min-jun맞아요. 계속 생각나요.majayo. gyesok saenggangnayo.Right. I keep thinking about it.
- 수빈 Su-bin저도요. 정말 좋은 곡이에요.jeodoyo. jeongmal joeun gogieyo.Me too. It is a really great piece.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “melody” translations and entries 멜로디, 선율, 곡조, 악곡, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 곡조, 멜로디, 선율, 악곡, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
