금속
geumsok[kɯmsʰo̞k̚]
The Korean word for metal is 금속 (geumsok).
금속 is the general term used to refer to an atomic element or a material made of such atoms.
Meaning: atomic element or material made of such atoms (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 금속 is the general term for metal as a material, 철 is used specifically when referring to iron.
How do you pronounce it?
geumsok
Did you know?
- In traditional Korean fortune-telling and astrology, 금 represents the 'Metal' element, which is associated with the west, the color white and the season of autumn.
- While 금속 is the scientific term, in everyday Korean, people often use the word 쇠 to refer to metal or iron in a more visceral, colloquial way.
- The word 금속 is composed of two Hanja characters: 금 meaning 'gold' and 속 meaning 'attribute' or 'nature'.
Examples in context
- 마호가니 책상 위에 금속 컵과 파란색 코스터가 있습니다.On the mahogany desk, there is a metal cup and a blue coaster.This example shows how to use 금속 in the context of a cup.Tatoeba #13557565 by LeviHighway, translation #13547981 by LeviHighway
- 게임 팩을 게임기에 꽂았을 때 게임 팩의 금속 단자가 더러우면 게임이 잘 시작되지 않을수도 있다.If the metal plate terminal of the game cassette is dirty it may be difficult for the game to start when the cassette is inserted into the game console.This example describes how a dirty 금속 terminal can affect a game console.Tatoeba #1533259 by mysonhs, translation #509214 by blay_paul
- 이 제품은 어떤 금속으로 만들어졌나요?What metal is this product made of?
- 이 조각상은 순수한 금속으로 만들어졌습니다.i jogasangseun sunsuhan geumsogeuro mandeureojyeotseumnida.This statue is made of pure metal.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are looking at a piece of jewelry.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이 반지는 어떤 금속으로 만들었어?i banjineun eotteon geumsogeuro mandeureosseo?What metal is this ring made of?
- 서연 Seo-yeon은과 백금으로 만들었다고 하더라고.eungeuwa baekgeumeuro mandeureotdago hadeorago.I heard it's made of silver and platinum.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 고급스러운 느낌이 나네.jeongmal gogeupsureoun neukkim-i nane.It really feels luxurious.
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아, 금속 광택이 아주 예뻐.maja, geumsok gwangtaeg-i aju yeppeo.Right, the metal luster is very beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “metal” translations and entries 금속, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 금속, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
