불사조
bulsajo[puɭs͈a̠d͡ʑo̞]
The English phrase phoenix can be translated into Korean as 불사조 (bulsajo).
Meaning: capital city of Arizona, United States (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 불사조 is composed of the elements 불 (not), 사 (death) and 조 (bird), literally meaning 'the bird that does not die'.
Which one should you use?
Use 불사조 to refer to the mythological creature. If you are referring specifically to the city of Phoenix, Arizona or a specific brand name, the transliterated version 피닉스 is often used instead.
How do you pronounce it?
bulsajo
Did you know?
- The word 불사조 is frequently used in Korean media to describe athletes or celebrities who make miraculous comebacks after a long period of failure.
- While 불사조 refers to the mythical creature, Koreans often use the word 봉황 to describe a much more majestic, East Asian version of a legendary bird.
- The term 불사조 is often used in Korean gaming culture to describe a character or boss that regenerates health automatically.
Examples in context
- 충실한 친구는 불사조와 같다.Faithful friend is like a phoenix.This sentence illustrates how to use 불사조 in a simile to describe a faithful friend.
- 그 작품에 늘 봉황의 상징이 사용되어요.The phoenix symbol is always used in that artwork.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are discussing travel plans.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 미국 여행 어디로 가요?Minjun ssi, miguk yeohaeng eodiro gayo?Minjun, where are you going for your trip to the US?
- 민준 Min-jun저는 불사조에 가려고 해요.jeoneun bulsajoe garyeogo haeyo.I am planning to go to Phoenix.
- 수빈 Su-bin거기는 날씨가 아주 덥다고 들었어요.geogineun nalssiga aju deopdago deureosseoyo.I heard the weather there is very hot.
- 민준 Min-jun네, 그래서 여름 옷을 많이 챙겼어요.ne, geuraeseo yeoreum oseul mani chaenggyeosseoyo.Yes, so I packed a lot of summer clothes.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 불사조, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
