비밀번호
bimilbeonho[ˈpi(ː)miɭbʌ̹nβo̞]
The Korean word for password is 비밀번호 (bimilbeonho). Wiktionary also lists 암호 (amho) and 패스워드 (paeseuwodeu).
Meaning: computing: string of characters known only to a user (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 비밀번호 | bimilbeonho | [ˈpi(ː)miɭbʌ̹nβo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 암호 | amho | [ˈa̠(ː)mβo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 패스워드 | paeseuwodeu | [pʰɛsʰɯwʌ̹dɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [pʰe̞sʰɯwʌ̹dɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
|
| 통과암호 | tonggwaamho | [tʰo̞ŋɡwa̠a̠mβo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | North Korea |
In a computing context, a password is a string of characters known only to a user. 비밀번호 is the most common term used to refer to a digital password or a PIN.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 비밀번호 is a compound of 비밀, meaning 'secret' and 번호, meaning 'number', literally translating to 'secret number'.
Which one should you use?
While 비밀번호 is the standard for digital passwords, 암호 refers more broadly to a code, cipher or a secret sign or signal. The English loanword 패스워드 is also used, particularly in technical or user interface contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
비밀번호 is considered the formal term. For a popular informal way to say password, you can use the shortened form 비번.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North Korea, the term 통과암호 is used for a password or passcode.
How do you pronounce it?
bimilbeonho
Did you know?
- The word 암호 uses the character 暗, which carries a connotation of being 'dark' or 'hidden in shadows', adding a slightly more mysterious tone than the standard 'secret'.
- The term 통과암호 used in North Korea literally contains the word for 'pass' or 'through' (통과), making it sound more like a 'passcode' for a gate.
- The Sino-Korean characters for 'number' in 번호 (番號) are the same characters used in words like 'phone number' (전화번호), showing that a digital password is linguistically treated as just another type of 'number'.
Examples in context
- 비밀번호와 날짜도 적으셔야 해요.You should also write (your) password and the date.This sentence shows how to use 비밀번호 when listing items to write down.
- 닉네임과 패스워드를 입력해 주세요Please enter your nickname and password.This sentence demonstrates the use of the loanword 패스워드 in a request to enter information.
- 비밀번호는 "Muiriel" 입니다.The password is "Muiriel".This sentence provides an example of a sentence using 비밀번호 to state a specific password.Tatoeba #5357 by cueyayotl, translation #1283 by wuiwie
- 비밀번호를 입력해 주세요.Please enter the password.
Example conversation
Ji-eun is helping Hyeon-u log in to his account.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 비밀번호가 뭐예요?Hyeon-u ssi, bimilbeonhoga mwoyeyo?Hyeon-u, what is the password?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo잠시만요, 기억이 안 나요.Jamsimanyo, gieogi an nayo.Hold on, I can't remember.
- 지은 Ji-eun비밀번호를 잊어버린 건가요?Bimilbeonhoreul ijeobeorin geongayo?Did you forget the password?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 다시 설정해야 할 것 같아요.Ne, dasi seoljeonghaeya hal geot gatayo.Yes, I think I need to reset it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “password” translations and entries 비밀번호, 암호, 패스워드, 통과암호, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 비밀번호, 암호, 통과암호, 패스워드, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
