돼지
dwaeji[ˈtwɛ(ː)d͡ʑi]
The English phrase "piggy" is translated into Korean as 돼지 (dwaeji).
The word refers to a piggy.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is [dwaeji].
Did you know?
- If you dream of a 돼지, it is traditionally considered a very lucky omen. Many Koreans believe such a dream predicts a future financial windfall or a lottery win.
- In Korean culture, the 돼지 is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. This is why you will often see pig-themed decorations or gifts during the Lunar New Year.
- Some linguists believe 돼지 is a 'wanderwort', a word that traveled across different languages. It may be related to the Middle Chinese word for pig 豚 and Proto-Common Turkic *toŋuz.
Examples in context
- 저는 돼지를 좋아합니다.I like pigs.
- 꿀꿀이는 귀엽다!Piggies are cute!
- 돼지 인형이 정말 귀여워요.doeji inhyeong-i jeongmal gwiyeowoyo.The piggy doll is really cute.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are looking at a toy store window.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은아, 저 돼지 좀 봐!Ji-eun-a, jeo dwae-ji jom bwa!Jieun, look at that piggy!
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 귀엽고 핑크색이네요.jeong-mal gwi-yeop-go ping-keu-saek-i-ne-yo.It's really cute and pink.
- 지훈 Ji-hun내가 선물로 사줄게요.nae-ga seon-mul-lo sa-jul-ge-yo.I will buy it for you as a gift.
- 지은 Ji-eun고마워요, 지훈 씨!go-ma-wo-yo, Ji-hun ssi!Thank you, Jihoon!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 돼지, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 돼지, CC BY-SA 4.0.
