복수
boksu[po̞ks͈u]
The English phrase 'plural' is translated into Korean as 복수 (boksu).
복수 can be used as an adjective meaning 'more than one' or as a noun meaning 'the plural number'.
Meaning: more than one (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 복수 is used for the concept of plural, you can use the specific term 복수형 to refer to the 'plural form' of a word by adding the suffix –형, which means 'form' or 'type'. 복수 is the direct antonym of the term for 'singular', which is 단수.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
boksu
Did you know?
- The word 복수 is a homonym that can also mean 'revenge' or 'vengeance' depending on the Hanja used. In a thriller film, a character talking about 복수 might be planning a vendetta rather than discussing grammar.
- In Korean, you do not actually need to use a 복수형 or plural form to indicate that there are multiple objects. Context and counters usually signal plurality, making the concept of 'plurality' much less grammatically rigid than in English.
- While English speakers use 'plural' to describe nouns, in Korean, the concept of 'many' is often expressed by adding the word 들 to the end of a noun. This acts as a plural marker, though it is frequently omitted if the number is already clear.
Examples in context
- "말들"은 "말"의 복수형이야."Horses" is the plural of "horse."Tatoeba #8365122 by Eunhee, translation #7794599 by CK
- 두 명two people
- 세 명three people
- 사람들people
- 책들books
- 학생들students
- 저는 책 두 권을 샀어요.I bought two books.
- 제 친구들 네 명이 올 거예요.Four of my friends will come.
- 이 책들을 다 읽었어요.I read all these books.
- 이 단어는 복수 형태예요.i daneoreun boksu hyeongtae-yeyo.This word is a plural form.
Example conversation
Subin is helping Jihun with his English homework.
- 수빈 Su-bin이 문장은 복수형을 써야 해.i munjangeun boksuhyeong-eul sseoya hae.You need to use the plural form in this sentence.
- 지훈 Ji-hun복수형이 어디에 들어가?boksuhyeongi eodie deureoga?Where does the plural form go?
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈아, 여기 명사를 바꿔봐.jihun-a, yeogi myeongsang-eul bakkwo-bwa.Jihun, try changing the noun here.
- 지훈 Ji-hun아, 이제 이해했어!a, ije iha-haesseo!Ah, now I understand!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plural” translations and entries 복수, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
