Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 별명 | byeolmyeong | [pjʌ̹ɭmjʌ̹ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 닉네임 | ningneim | [niŋne̞im] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 애칭 | aeching | [ˈɛ(ː)t͡ɕʰiŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈe̞(ː)t͡ɕʰiŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term refers to a familiar, invented given name (noun).
Which one should you use?
별명 is the most common word for a nickname and can be used for both friendly nicknames and derogatory labels. In contrast, 애칭 is used specifically for affectionate nicknames or terms of endearment. While 별명 can be neutral or even mocking, 애칭 is used specifically for affectionate nicknames or terms of endearment.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The loanword 닉네임 is most commonly used in the context of online identities, such as usernames on social media or gaming platforms.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say you are giving someone a nickname, you can use the phrases 닉네임을 짓다, 닉네임을 붙이다 or 애칭을 짓다. However, if you want to say you are 'calling' someone by a nickname, use the verb 부르다 instead of 짓다.
How do you pronounce it?
byeolmyeong
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, giving a 별명 based on a physical characteristic is very common and often seen as a sign of closeness rather than an insult.
- The verb 짓다 used with 별명 is the same verb used for 'building' a house or 'composing' a poem.
- In traditional Korean society, people often had different names for different stages of life, making the concept of a 'separate name' 별명 culturally intuitive.
Examples in context
- 별명 있어요?Do you have a nickname?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a 별명.Tatoeba #4965450 by rainbow4us, translation #3788775 by CK
- 2019년, 스가 총리는 일본의 새 연호를 공개하면서 "레이와 아저씨"라는 별명과 함께 악명을 얻었다.In 2019, Suga gained notoriety as well as the nickname “Uncle Reiwa,” after unveiling the name of Japan’s new imperial era.This sentence uses 별명 to describe a nickname that became a label for notoriety.Tatoeba #11106906 by intertime, translation #9038195 by Hybrid
- 아, 그건 별명이에요. 이런 식으로 사람들이 더 편하게 부르려고 쓰는 말이죠.Ah, that's a nickname. It's a word people use to make calling others more comfortable.
- 그 친구는 별명이 정말 웃겨요.geu chin-gu-neun byeol-myeong-i jeong-mal ut-gyeo-yo.That friend's nickname is really funny.
Example conversation
Ji-hun and Ji-eun are talking about their friends.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨, 민수 씨 별명이 뭐예요?Ji-eun ssi, Min-su ssi byeol-myeong-i mwo-ye-yo?Ji-eun, what is Min-su's nickname?
- 지은 Ji-eun별명이 '웃음보'예요.byeol-myeong-i 'u-seum-bo'-ye-yo.His nickname is 'Giggle-box'.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 잘 어울리는 별명이네요!jeong-mal jal eo-ul-li-neun byeol-myeong-i-ne-yo!That's a really fitting nickname!
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요, 지훈 씨도 그렇게 생각하죠?ma-ja-yo, Ji-hun ssi-do geu-reoh-ge saeng-gak-ha-jyo?Right, you think so too, Ji-hun?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nickname” translations and entries 별명, 닉네임, 애칭, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
