낙원
nagwon[na̠ɡwʌ̹n]
The English word "paradise" can be translated into Korean as 낙원 (nagwon). If unsure, use 낙원. Wiktionary also lists 파라다이스 (paradaiseu) and 락원 (ragwon).
Meaning: very pleasant place (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 낙원 | nagwon | [na̠ɡwʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 파라다이스 | paradaiseu | [pʰa̠ɾa̠da̠isʰɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 락원 | ragwon | North Korea |
The term refers to a very pleasant place. While 낙원 is used, you may also encounter 천국 as a common word for paradise in formal Korean.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
파라다이스 is a loanword frequently used in modern Korean, especially in commercial contexts such as hotel names, song titles or brand names. 천국 is a common choice for more formal contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The spelling 락원 is the North Korean variation of the word.
How do you pronounce it?
nagwon
Did you know?
- The Sino-Korean characters for 낙원 (樂園) use the character 樂, which means 'pleasure' or 'music'. This links the concept of paradise directly to the idea of auditory enjoyment and joy.
- Korean speakers often use the phrase 지상낙원 to describe a 'paradise on earth', specifically when referring to beautiful tropical islands.
- While 낙원 refers to a general pleasant place, the word 천국 is frequently used to mean 'heaven' in a religious sense. Using them interchangeably might change a poetic description into a theological statement.
Examples in context
- 낙원은 내 마음 속에 있었다.The paradise was in my heart.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 낙원 in a sentence.Tatoeba #9414944 by kerun, translation #3381392 by Scott
- 그 독서실은 독서 애호가들에게 찐 천국이다.That library is a true paradise for book lovers.
- 그 꽃 정원은 자그마한 낙원과 같다.The flower garden is like a small paradise.
- 이 여행은 정말로 천국 같아!This trip truly feels like paradise!
- 언제나 할 일 없이 여유롭게 있으면 어디든 낙원 같아.Anywhere feels like paradise when you have nothing to do and can relax.
- 이 섬은 정말 지상 낙원이네요.i seom-eun jeong-mal ji-sang na-gwon-i-ne-yo.This island is truly a paradise on earth.
- 그곳은 예술가들의 낙원이라고 불려요.geu-got-eun ye-sul-ga-deul-ui na-gwon-i-ra-go bul-ryeo-yo.That place is called a paradise for artists.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are relaxing on a beautiful beach.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨, 여기가 정말 낙원 같아요.Minjun ssi, yeogiga jeongmal nagwon gatayo.Minjun, this place feels like a paradise.
- 민준 Min-jun맞아요, 정말 아름다운 곳이에요.majayo, jeongmal areumdaun gosieyo.You're right, it's a truly beautiful place.
- 민지 Min-ji여기서 계속 살고 싶어요.yeogiseo gyesok salgo sipeoyo.I want to live here forever.
- 민준 Min-jun저도 같은 생각이에요.jeodo gateun saenggagieyo.I feel the same way.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paradise” translations and entries 낙원, 파라다이스, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 낙원, 파라다이스, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
