공작
gongjak[ˈko̞(ː)ŋd͡ʑa̠k̚]
The English word 'peacock' is translated into Korean as 공작 (gongjak).
공작 refers to a peacock, which is a pheasant of one of the genera Pavo or Afropavo.
Meaning: pheasant of one of the genera Pavo and Afropavo (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
gongjak
Did you know?
- Because the word 공작 is also the word for 'duke', a title of nobility, the two words are homonyms in Korean despite having different origins.
- In Korean art and Buddhist symbolism, the 공작 is often depicted as a symbol of wisdom and the ability to transform poison into medicine.
- When used to mean 'manipulation' or 'secret plotting', 공작 often appears in Korean political news to describe behind-the-scenes schemes.
Examples in context
- 공작이 정말 아름다워요.gongjag-i jeongmal areumdawoyo.The peacock is really beautiful.
- 공작 깃털을 보고 싶어요.gongjak gitteoreul bogo sipeoyo.I want to see peacock feathers.
- 그 공작은 꼬리가 화려해요.geu gongjag-eun kkoriga hwaryeohaeyo.That peacock has a colorful tail.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are visiting a zoo.
- 민준 Min-jun저기 공작이 있어요!jeogi gongjag-i isseoyo!There is a peacock over there!
- 수빈 Su-bin와, 공작이 정말 크네요.wa, gongjag-i jeongmal keuneyo.Wow, the peacock is really big.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 꼬리가 멋지지 않아요?Subin ssi, kkoriga meotjiji anayo?Subin, isn't its tail wonderful?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 정말 화려하고 예뻐요.ne, jeongmal hwaryeohago yeppeoyo.Yes, it is very colorful and pretty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “peacock” translations and entries 공작, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 공작, CC BY-SA 4.0.
