배관공
baegwan'gong[pɛɡwa̠nɡo̞ŋ]
The English word 'plumber' is translated into Korean as 배관공 (baegwan'gong). Wiktionary also lists 연관공 (yeon'gwan'gong).
Meaning: one who fits, etc, pipes for water, gas or drainage (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 배관공 | baegwan'gong | [pɛɡwa̠nɡo̞ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [pe̞ɡwa̠nɡo̞ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 연관공 | yeon'gwan'gong | [jʌ̹nɡwa̠nɡo̞ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
A plumber is a person who fits, etc, pipes for water, gas or drainage.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 배관공 is composed of 배관, meaning piping or conduit and 공, meaning worker or artisan.
How do you pronounce it?
baegwan'gong
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, specialized trade workers like 배관공 are often addressed by the title 사장님 ('president' or 'boss') as a sign of respect for their independent business status.
- Because 배관공 is a Sino-Korean word, it shares its roots with Japanese, where 'plumber' is also written with the characters 配管工.
- The alternative term 연관공 specifically refers to lead piping, as the character 연 means 'lead'. While 'plumber' is a general term in English, this Korean variant highlights the historical use of lead pipes.
Examples in context
- 배관공이 필요해요.baegwanggong-i piryohaeyo.I need a plumber.
- 배관공이 집에 왔어요.baegwanggong-i jibe wasseoyo.The plumber came to the house.
- 그 배관공은 아주 친절해요.geu baegwanggong-eun aju chinjeolhaeyo.That plumber is very kind.
Example conversation
Minjun is talking to Minji about a leak in the kitchen.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨, 싱크대가 고장 났어요.Minji ssi, singkeudega gojang nasseoyo.Minji, the sink is broken.
- 민지 Min-ji배관공을 불러야겠네요.baegwanggong-eul bulleoyagetneyo.We should call a plumber.
- 민준 Min-jun지금 바로 배관공을 부를게요.jigeum baro baegwanggong-eul bulleulgeyo.I will call a plumber right now.
- 민지 Min-ji고마워요, 민준 씨.gomawoyo, Minjun ssi.Thank you, Minjun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plumber” translations and entries 배관공, 연관공, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 배관공, 연관공, CC BY-SA 4.0.
