펜
pen[pʰe̞n]
The English phrase "pen" is written as 펜 in Korean. Wiktionary also lists 볼펜 (bolpen) and 만년필 (mannyeonpil).
Meaning: writing tool (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 펜 | pen | [pʰe̞n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 볼펜 | bolpen | [po̞ɭpʰe̞n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 만년필 | mannyeonpil | [ˈma̠(ː)nɲʌ̹npʰiɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 원주필 | wonjupil | [wʌ̹ɲd͡ʑupʰiɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | North Korea |
펜 is a general term for any writing tool that functions as a pen. While it is a correct term, people in everyday Korean conversation are much more likely to use the specific term 볼펜 when referring to a standard ballpoint pen.
Which one should you use?
펜 is a generic term for any pen, whereas 볼펜 specifically refers to a ballpoint pen and is the most common way to refer to one in daily life. If you are specifically talking about a fountain pen, use 만년필.
Is it said differently in some regions?
원주필 is a term used in North Korea.
How do you pronounce it?
pen
Did you know?
- The word 만년필 literally translates to 'ten thousand year brush'. This reflects a traditional belief in the permanence and longevity of fountain pens compared to other writing tools.
- Because of its association with longevity and prestige, a 만년필 is a culturally significant high-end gift for life milestones like graduations.
- The character 筆 in 만년필 and 원주필 is the same root used for a 'brush', reflecting the transition from ink brushes to pens.
Examples in context
- 네 펜 좀 빌려 줄래?Can I borrow your pen?This sentence is useful for asking to borrow a 펜.Tatoeba #8988950 by Eunhee, translation #33772 by CK
- 예를 들면, 이것은 펜이다.For example, this is a pen.This sentence is useful for identifying an object as a 펜.Tatoeba #3684965 by intertime, translation #326004 by Zifre
- 네 생일 선물로 펜 하나를 샀어.I bought a pen for your birthday present.This sentence is useful for describing a gift involving a 펜.Tatoeba #7801884 by HappyMidnight, translation #70475 by CK
- 저는 펜을 사야 합니다.I need to buy a pen.
- 이 펜은 얼마예요?How much is this pen?
- 나 볼펜 하나 있어.I have a ballpoint pen.
- 요즘에는 대부분 컴퓨터를 사용해서 펜을 안 쓰는 사람들이 많아졌어.These days, many people don't use pens because they mostly use computers.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are in a classroom.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연아, 혹시 펜 있어?Seoyeon-a, hoksi pen isseo?Seoyeon, do you happen to have a pen?
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 여기 있어. 가져가.eung, yeogi isseo. gajyeoga.Yes, here it is. Take it.
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워. 이 펜 정말 좋다.gomawo. i pen jeongmal jota.Thanks. This pen is really nice.
- 서연 Seo-yeon다 쓰고 돌려줘.da sseugo dollyeojwo.Give it back when you're done.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pen” translations and entries 펜, 볼펜, 만년필, 원주필, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 만년필, 볼펜, 원주필, 펜, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
