탑
tap[tʰa̠p̚]
The English word "pagoda" is translated into Korean as 탑 (tap). Wiktionary also lists 탑파 (tap'pa).
Meaning: a tiered tower with multiple eaves (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 탑 | tap | [tʰa̠p̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 탑파 | tap'pa | [tʰa̠p̚pʰa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
A pagoda refers to a tiered tower with multiple eaves. In a Buddhist context, 탑 is the most common way to refer to a pagoda or a stupa.
Which one should you use?
탑 is the standard word for a pagoda, while 탑파 is another form of the word.
How do you pronounce it?
tap
Did you know?
- In Korean, the word 탑 can also be a borrowed word from English 'top', meaning the highest point or summit of something.
- Many traditional Korean 탑 were originally built to house the remains or relics of Buddhist monks.
- In Korea, 탑 can be used to describe any tall tower, not just religious pagodas.
Examples in context
- 산 위에 작은 탑이 있어요.san wie jageun tapi isseoyo.There is a small pagoda on the mountain.
- 옛날에 지은 탑을 구경했어요.yennare jieun tappeul gugyeonghaesseoyo.I looked at a pagoda built a long time ago.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Hyeon-u are visiting a historical temple site.
- 지은 Ji-eun저기 저 탑 좀 보세요.jeogi jeo tap jom boseyo.Look at that pagoda over there.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 아름다운 탑이네요.jeongmal areumdaun tapineyo.It is a truly beautiful pagoda.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨는 탑을 좋아해요?Hyeon-u ssineun tapeul joahaeyo?Hyeon-u, do you like pagodas?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 아주 좋아해요.ne, aju joahaeyo.Yes, I like them very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pagoda” translations and entries 탑, 탑파, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 탑, 탑파, CC BY-SA 4.0.
