반려동물
ballyeodongmul[ˈpa̠(ː)ʎʎʌ̹do̞ŋmuɭ]
The English word pet translates to Korean as 반려동물 (ballyeodongmul). Wiktionary also lists 애완동물 (aewandongmul) and 펫 (pet).
Meaning: an animal kept as a companion (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 반려동물 | ballyeodongmul | [ˈpa̠(ː)ʎʎʌ̹do̞ŋmuɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 애완동물 | aewandongmul | [ˈɛ(ː)wa̠ndo̞ŋmuɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈe̞(ː)wa̠ndo̞ŋmuɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 펫 | pet |
These terms refer to an animal kept as a companion.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 반려동물 is a compound of 반려, meaning companion and 동물, meaning animal. The term 애완동물 is a compound of 애완, meaning play or amusement and 동물, meaning animal.
Which one should you use?
반려동물 is the preferred modern term because it emphasizes the animal as a life companion. In contrast, 애완동물 can imply that the animal is kept primarily for amusement or play.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
반려동물 is the more respectful, polite and socially acceptable term used in official contexts and by modern pet owners. 애완동물 is a slightly older term that is increasingly being replaced by 반려동물 in polite conversation. The loanword 펫 is commonly used in modern marketing and brand names.
How do you pronounce it?
ballyeodongmul
Did you know?
Examples in context
- 반려동물과 함께 살고 있어요.ban-ryeo-mul-gwa ham-kke sal-go iss-eo-yo.I am living with a pet.
- 반려동물을 키우는 것이 좋아요.ban-ryeo-mul-eul ki-u-neun geos-i jo-a-yo.I like raising pets.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨는 반려동물을 키워요?Min-jun ssi-neun ban-ryeo-mul-eul ki-wo-yo?Minjun, do you raise a pet?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 귀여운 강아지를 키워요.Ne, gwi-yeo-un gang-a-ji-reul ki-wo-yo.Yes, I raise a cute puppy.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 부러워요!Jeong-mal bu-reo-wo-yo!I'm so jealous!
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨도 나중에 키워보세요.Su-bin ssi-do na-jung-e ki-wo-bo-se-yo.Subin, you should try raising one later too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pet” translations and entries 반려동물, 애완동물, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
