백분율
baekbunyul[pɛk̚p͈uɲuɭ]
The English word 'percentage' is translated into Korean as 백분율 (baekbunyul). Wiktionary also lists 백분비 (baekbunbi) and 퍼센티지 (peosentiji).
Meaning: part of a whole (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 백분율 | baekbunyul | [pɛk̚p͈uɲuɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [pe̞k̚p͈uɲuɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 백분비 | baekbunbi | [pɛk̚p͈unbi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [pe̞k̚p͈unbi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 퍼센티지 | peosentiji | [pʰʌ̹sʰe̞ntʰid͡ʑi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term refers to a part of a whole. While 백분율 is the formal mathematical term, in practice, when expressing a specific numerical percentage such as '15%', speakers almost always say 퍼센트 (percent) instead of using the formal term.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 백분율 is composed of the elements 백 (hundred), 분 (part/division) and 율 (rate/ratio).
Which one should you use?
백분율 is the formal mathematical term used in academic or technical contexts. In contrast, 퍼센티지 is a transliteration of the English word 'percentage' and is commonly used in casual or business settings. Additionally, 비율 can be used to convey the concept of a percentage in formal language and 퍼센트 is used in formal contexts or formal writing.
How do you pronounce it?
baekbunyul
Did you know?
- The character 백 in 백분율 is a Sino-Korean word for 'hundred', which is the same root used in 백화점 (department store), literally meaning 'hundred goods store'.
- The character 율 in 백분율 is a phonetic variation of 률. In Korean, the spelling of this specific character changes depending on the sound of the preceding syllable, a common orthographic rule.
- The English word 'percentage' and the Korean loanword 퍼센티지 are used almost identically in professional Korean, but 퍼센티지 is often treated as a more 'sophisticated' or 'trendy' way to speak in certain industries.
Examples in context
- 사과 주스의 설탕 함유량은 20%입니다.The sugar content in apple juice is 20%.
- 오늘 할인 상품은 30% 세일 중이에요.Today's discount item is 30% off.
- 나는 이 시험에서 90%를 받았어.I got 90% on this test.
- 백분율로 계산하는 것이 더 정확해요.baek-bun-yul-lo gye-san-ha-neun geo-si deo jeong-hwak-hae-yo.It is more accurate to calculate using a percentage.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Hyun-woo are looking at a report together.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 이 백분율이 맞나요?Hyeon-u ssi, i baekbunyuri mannayo?Hyun-woo, is this percentage correct?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 계산 결과가 정확합니다.ne, gyesan gyeolgwaga jeonghwakhamnida.Yes, the calculation result is accurate.
- 지은 Ji-eun생각보다 수치가 높네요.saenggakboda suchiga nopneyo.The figure is higher than I thought.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo맞아요. 정말 놀라운 결과예요.majayo. jeongmal noraun gyeolgwajeyo.You're right. It is a surprising result.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “percentage” translations and entries 백분율, 백분비, 퍼센티지, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
