Learning how to say “money” in Korean is a fundamental step towards building your language skills. Whether you plan to travel to South Korea, engage in business conversations, or simply communicate with Korean friends, understanding how to express this concept is crucial. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “money” in Korean, including formal and informal expressions. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When it comes to more formal situations, it’s important to choose the appropriate vocabulary to show respect. Here are some common formal expressions for “money” in Korean:
1. 돈 (don)
돈 (don) is the standard word for “money” in Korean. It can be used in formal and informal settings, making it versatile and widely understood. For example:
제가 돈을 빌려주고 싶습니다. (Je-ga don-eul billeo-ju-go sip-seum-ni-da.)
I would like to lend you some money.
2. 자금 (ja-geum)
자금 (ja-geum) is a more formal term for “money” and is often used in business or financial contexts. Let’s see it in action with an example sentence:
우리는 이 사업에 대한 자금을 모아야 합니다. (U-ri-neun i sa-eop-e dae-han ja-geum-eul mo-a-ya ham-ni-da.)
We need to gather funds for this project.
Informal Expressions
In casual conversations or with close friends, you can opt for more informal expressions. Here are a couple of ways to say “money” in a less formal manner:
1. 금전 (geum-jeon)
금전 (geum-jeon) means “money” and is often used in day-to-day conversations. It’s slightly more informal than 돈 (don), but still acceptable in most situations. Take a look at an example:
이 일은 너무 많은 금전을 요구합니다. (I il-eun neo-mu manh-eun geum-jeon-eul yo-gu-ham-ni-da.)
This job demands a lot of money.
2. 돈돌리다 (don-dol-li-da)
돈돌리다 (don-dol-li-da) is a colloquial expression that refers to “making money” or “rolling in money.” It adds a touch of informality to your speech. Here’s an example to illustrate its usage:
그는 정말 돈돌린다고 유명하다. (Geu-neun jeong-mal don-dol-lin-da-go yu-myung-ha-da.)
He is famous for making a lot of money.
Other Useful Phrases
Besides learning specific words for “money,” it’s also beneficial to understand related phrases and expressions. Here are a few additional terms that can come in handy when talking about finances:
The Verb “To Pay”
- 지불하다 (ji-bul-ha-da) – To pay
The Verb “To Earn”
- 벌다 (beol-da) – To earn
Financial Terms
- 예산 (ye-san) – Budget
- 은행 (eun-haeng) – Bank
- 신용카드 (sin-yong-ka-deu) – Credit card
- 인출하다 (in-chul-ha-da) – To withdraw (money)
- 투자 (tu-ja) – Investment
Regional Variations
As with any language, regional variations exist even within a country. In South Korea, however, there are no significant regional differences in terms of how to say “money.” The expressions mentioned above can be used nationwide and understood by Koreans from various regions.
In Conclusion
Congratulations! You have learned various ways to say “money” in Korean. Remember to consider the context and level of formality while choosing the appropriate expression. Additionally, familiarize yourself with related vocabulary to expand your financial language skills. Keep practicing and soon you’ll feel confident using these expressions naturally. Happy learning!
