영화
yeonghwa[jʌ̹ŋβwa̠]
The Korean word for movie is 영화 (yeonghwa).
영화 is a noun used to refer to a motion picture.
Meaning: motion picture (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The second syllable 화 (hwa) means picture or painting.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Korean, the word changes depending on its role in a sentence. If the movie is the subject, use 영화가 by attaching the particle 가. If the movie is the object of a verb, such as 'to watch', use 영화를 by attaching the particle 를.
How do you pronounce it?
yeonghwa
When do people say it?
To refer to a movie theater, Koreans use the word 영화관, which literally translates to 'movie hall'.
Did you know?
- The word 영화 can also mean 'glory' or 'splendour' depending on the Chinese characters used. While the movie term uses the character for 'reflection', a completely different set of characters with the same pronunciation refers to a person's prosperity or glory.
- Even though 영화 is the standard word, in some contexts, people might use the term 작품 (jakpum), which means 'work of art', to show higher respect for a particularly great film.
- The word 영화 is a Sino-Korean word, meaning its roots are based on Chinese characters rather than native Korean sounds.
Examples in context
- 톰은 영화를 만들고 있어.Tom is making a movie.This sentence shows how to use 영화 as an object.Tatoeba #8362137 by Eunhee, translation #6532140 by CK
- 이 영화는 아이들에게 알맞다.This movie is suitable for children.This sentence shows how to use 영화 to describe a quality.Tatoeba #11106389 by intertime, translation #49537 by CK
- 특별히 좋아하는 영화같은 건 딱히 없어.I don't really have a favorite movie.This sentence shows how to use 영화 when talking about preferences.Tatoeba #8363218 by Eunhee, translation #8340602 by CK
- 영화를 보는 것이 좋아요.I enjoy watching movies.
- 이 영화작품은 감동적인 이야기를 담고 있어요.This movie is filled with an impressive story.
- 요즘 인터넷에서 다양한 영상물을 시청하고 있어요.These days, I'm watching various videos on the internet.
- 오늘 영화 볼래?Do you want to watch a movie today?
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are deciding what to do on a weekend.
- 민준 Min-jun우리 같이 영화 볼까요?uri gat-i yeong-hwa bol-kka-yo?Shall we watch a movie together?
- 지은 Ji-eun좋아요. 어떤 영화가 재미있을까요?jo-a-yo. eo-tteon yeong-hwa-ga jae-mi-it-eul-kka-yo?Sounds good. I wonder which movie would be fun?
- 민준 Min-jun요즘 공포 영화가 아주 인기 많대요.yo-jeum gong-po yeong-hwa-ga a-ju in-gi man-dae-yo.I heard horror movies are very popular these days.
- 지은 Ji-eun저는 무서운 영화는 못 봐요.jeo-neun mu-seo-un yeong-hwa-neun mot bwa-yo.I can't watch scary movies.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “movie” translations and entries 영화, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 영화, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
