북쪽
bukjjok[puk̚t͡ɕ͈o̞k̚]
In Korean, the phrase for the compass point north is 북쪽 (bukjjok). If unsure, use 북쪽. Wiktionary also lists 북 (buk) and 북방 (bukbang).
Meaning: compass point (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 북쪽 | bukjjok | [puk̚t͡ɕ͈o̞k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 북 | buk | [puk̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 북방 | bukbang | [puk̚p͈a̠ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The word refers to the direction north. It can appear as a standalone noun or as a component in larger terms, such as 북한 (North Korea) or the phrase 북쪽으로 가다 (to go north).
What does it mean word for word?
The word 북쪽 is composed of 북, meaning north and 쪽, meaning direction or side.
Which one should you use?
북쪽 is the standard noun used to denote the direction north. In contrast, the single syllable 북 is frequently used as a prefix or a component within compound words. 북방 is a more formal or literary way to refer specifically to northern regions or territories.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express movement towards the north, you can use the form 북쪽으로, which adds the particle 으로 to the noun 북쪽.
How do you pronounce it?
bukjjok
Did you know?
- The word 북 is a homonym in Korean, as it also means 'drum'. Depending on the context, a sentence containing 북 could be discussing the compass direction or a traditional percussion instrument.
- In traditional Korean cosmology and the Five Elements theory, the direction 북 is associated with the color black and the element of water.
- The word 북 is a Sino-Korean word derived from the Chinese character 北, which originally depicted two people standing back-to-back.
Examples in context
- 나는 북한에 가고 싶다.I want to go to North Korea.This sentence uses 북 to refer to North Korea.Tatoeba #6305091 by Queserasera, translation #6058765 by RobinvanderVliet
- 그 소년들은 북쪽으로 갔다.The boys have gone north.This sentence uses 북 to indicate direction.Tatoeba #6305131 by Queserasera, translation #1174862 by CK
- 남한은 북한보다 훨씬 더 아름답다.South Korea is much more beautiful than North Korea.Tatoeba #6305109 by Queserasera, translation #3707688 by ddnktr
- 저는 북쪽으로 가야 합니다.I need to go north.
- 서울은 북쪽에 위치해 있습니다.Seoul is located in the north.
- 북쪽 해변은 아름답습니다.The northern beach is beautiful.
- 북한은 대한민국과 북쪽으로 맞닿아 있습니다.North Korea borders South Korea to the north.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are looking at a map in a park.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨, 지도의 북쪽이 어디예요?Minjun ssi, jido-ui bukjjog-i eodi-yeyo?Minjun, which way is north on the map?
- 민준 Min-jun이쪽이 북쪽이에요.Ijjog-i bukjjog-ieyo.This way is north.
- 민지 Min-ji그럼 우리는 북쪽으로 가야 하네요.Geureom urineun bukjjog-euro gaya hane-yo.Then we have to go north.
- 민준 Min-jun맞아요, 북쪽 길을 따라가요.Majayo, bukjjog gil-eul ttaragayo.That's right, let's follow the northern path.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “north” translations and entries 북쪽, 북, 북방, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 북, 북방, 북쪽, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
