마침표
machimpyo[ma̠t͡ɕʰimpʰjo]
In Korean, the word for the punctuation mark 'period' is 마침표 (machimpyo).
마침표 refers specifically to the full stop or dot used at the end of a sentence. It is not used to describe an interval of time or a menstrual period.
Meaning: interval of time (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
마침표 is a compound word consisting of 마침, meaning finishing or ending and 표, meaning mark or sign.
Which one should you use?
While 마침표 refers to the punctuation mark, other words are used for different meanings of 'period'. For example, use 기간 for a specific duration or term and 시기 for a particular era or season.
How does it change in a sentence?
When talking about placing or adding a period in a sentence, use the verb 찍다 (to stamp/press) instead of 'to put' or 'to add'. The phrase 마침표를 찍다 means 'to put a period'.
How do you pronounce it?
machimpyo
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 마침표 to mean a 'period of time' or a 'menstrual period'. Use context-appropriate terms like 기간 or 시기 for time-related intervals instead.
Did you know?
- Because Korean grammar often allows the omission of the final punctuation mark in informal texting, the act of adding a 마침표 can sometimes be perceived as sounding cold or overly formal.
- The verb 찍다 used with 마침표 also means 'to take a photo' or 'to dip a sauce', reflecting the action of pressing something onto a surface.
- While 마침표 means 'period', the word 표 comes from the Hanja character 標, which originally referred to a boundary marker or a signpost.
Examples in context
- 문장 끝에 마침표를 찍어주세요.Please add a period at the end of your sentence.This sentence is useful for learning how to use the verb with 마침표.Tatoeba #13043375 by Uwe, translation #4028117 by Amastan
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are talking about ending a long project.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo드디어 프로젝트에 마침표를 찍었네요.deudieo peurojekteue machimpyoreul jjigyeonneyo.We finally put a period on the project.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 고생 많았어요, 현우 씨.jeongmal gosaeng manasseoyo, hyeonu ssi.You worked really hard, Hyunwoo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨도 정말 수고하셨습니다.subin ssido jeongmal sugohasyeotseumnida.You did a great job too, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin이제 푹 쉴 수 있겠어요.ije puk swil su itgesseoyo.Now we can finally get some deep rest.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 마침표, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 마침표, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
