베개
begae[pe̞ɡɛ]
The Korean word for "pillow" is 베개 (begae).
베개 is a noun referring to a soft cushion used to support the head in bed.
Meaning: soft cushion used to support the head in bed (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
In Korean, the noun 베개 does not change its form whether you are referring to one pillow or many. When describing the action of resting one's head on a pillow, the specific verb 베다 is used, forming the phrase 베개를 베다.
How do you pronounce it?
begae
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use the general verb 사용하다 (to use) with 베개, but in natural Korean, the specific verb 베다 is preferred.
Did you know?
- In Korean, the word 베다 can mean both 'to pillow' and 'to cut', though the meanings are entirely unrelated.
- Historically, specialized wooden pillows called 베개 were used to keep the head cool and maintain a specific posture.
- Because of the suffix -개, the word 베개 is conceptually a 'pillower', emphasizing its function as a tool for the head.
Examples in context
- 톰은 메리에게 베개를 던져서 정확히 얼굴을 맞췄다.Tom threw a pillow at Mary and the pillow hit her squarely in the face.This sentence shows 베개 being thrown at someone.Tatoeba #3680994 by JangSungHyuk, translation #3370321 by Hybrid
- 만족스러운 삶의 영위는 간단한 질문에서부터 시작돼. 밤에 불을 끄고 베개에 머리를 베면, 무엇이 들리니? 네 영혼이 노래하는 소리, 아니면 악령이 웃는 소리?Leading a fulfilling life really comes down to a simple question: When you turn off the lights at night and your head is on the pillow, what do you hear? Your soul singing or Satan laughing?This sentence uses 베개 in a poetic context regarding resting one's head at night.Tatoeba #8376451 by Eunhee, translation #504793 by saeb
- 베개를 베다To use a pillowThis phrase demonstrates the natural way to say one is using a pillow.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are preparing the guest room.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨, 깨끗한 베개 어디에 있어요?Seoyeon ssi, kkaekkeuthan begae eodie isseoyo?Seoyeon, where are the clean pillows?
- 서연 Seo-yeon장롱 안에 베개 두 개 있어요.jangrong ane begae du gae isseoyo.There are two pillows in the wardrobe.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이 베개는 너무 높아서 불편해요.i begaeneun neomu nopaseo bulpyeonhaeyo.This pillow is too high, so it's uncomfortable.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그럼 다른 베개로 바꿔 드릴게요.geureom dareun begaero bakkwo deurilgeyo.Then I will change it for a different pillow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pillow” translations and entries 베개, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
