괴물
goemul[ˈkwe̞(ː)muɭ]
The English word monster is translated into Korean as 괴물 (goemul). Wiktionary also lists 몬스터 (monseuteo).
Meaning: terrifying dangerous creature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 괴물 | goemul | [ˈkwe̞(ː)muɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈkø̞(ː)muɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 몬스터 | monseuteo | [mo̞nsʰɯtʰʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term refers to a terrifying or dangerous creature.
Which one should you use?
몬스터 is a transliterated loanword from English. The loanword 몬스터 is commonly used in modern contexts such as video games, movies or pop culture.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The loanword 몬스터 is frequently used among younger generations.
How do you pronounce it?
goemul
Did you know?
- While 괴물 refers to a biological or mythical creature, the word 괴물 can also be used metaphorically to describe a person with an inhumanly high level of skill or talent.
- In Korean folklore, a creature resembling a 'monster' might be described as a 도깨비, which is often more of a mischievous, supernatural goblin than a purely malevolent beast.
- The Sino-Korean word 괴물 is composed of the characters for 'strange' and 'thing', suggesting a creature that is fundamentally out of place or uncanny rather than just scary.
Examples in context
- 바다에는 거대한 괴물이 살고 있어요.bada-eneun geodaehan goemuri salgo isseoyo.A giant monster lives in the sea.
- 영화 속에 무서운 괴물이 나타났어요.yeonghwa sog-e museoun goemuri natanasseoyo.A scary monster appeared in the movie.
- 그 괴물은 정말 힘이 세요.geu goemureun jeongmal himi seyo.That monster is really strong.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Subin are watching a fantasy movie together.
- 도현 Do-hyeon와, 저 괴물 진짜 징그럽다!wa, jeo goemul jinjja jinggeureopda!Wow, that monster is really gross!
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아요, 너무 무서워요.majayo, neomu museowoyo.You're right, it's so scary.
- 도현 Do-hyeon주인공이 괴물을 이길 수 있을까요?juingongi goemureul igil su isseulkkayo?Do you think the protagonist can beat the monster?
- 수빈 Su-bin제 생각에는 이길 것 같아요.je saenggageneun igil geot gatayo.I think he will win.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monster” translations and entries 괴물, 몬스터, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 괴물, 몬스터, CC BY-SA 4.0.
