양귀비
yanggwibi[ja̠ŋɡɥibi]
The English word poppy is 양귀비 (yanggwibi) in Korean.
양귀비 refers to a plant of the genus Papaver.
Meaning: plant of the genus Papaver (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is yanggwibi.
Did you know?
- The name 양귀비 is not a description of the plant itself, but is named after the famous 8th-century Chinese imperial concubine Yang Guifei.
- In Korea, growing the opium poppy is strictly illegal under the Narcotics Control Act, and even accidental growth in a garden can lead to police investigation.
- Because of the strict laws regarding poppies, many Koreans confuse 양귀비 with the similar-looking 개양귀비 (corn poppy), which is legal and common in parks.
Examples in context
- 양귀비가 정말 예뻐서 사진을 찍어봤어요.The poppies were so beautiful that I took a picture.
- 오늘 양귀비가 제일 많이 핀 것 같아.It seems like there were a lot of poppies blooming today.
- 양귀비 꽃이 빨갛게 피었습니다.yanggwibi kkochi ppalgake pieossseumnida.The poppy flowers have bloomed red.
- 양귀비 씨앗을 심었어요.yanggwibi ssiajeul simeosseoyo.I planted poppy seeds.
- 정원에 양귀비가 가득해요.jeongwone yanggwibiga gadeukhaeyo.The garden is full of poppies.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are walking through a botanical garden.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 저기 양귀비가 보여요?Minji ssi, jeogi yanggwibiga boyeoyo?Minji, do you see the poppies over there?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 도현 씨. 정말 예쁘네요.Ne, Dohyun ssi. Jeongmal yeppeuneyo.Yes, Dohyun. They are truly beautiful.
- 도현 Do-hyeon양귀비 꽃 색깔이 아주 선명해요.Yanggwibi kkot saekkkari aju seonmyeonghaeyo.The color of the poppy flowers is very vivid.
- 민지 Min-ji풍경이 정말 멋져요.Punggyeongi jeongmal meotjyeoyo.The scenery is wonderful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “poppy” translations and entries 양귀비, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 양귀비, CC BY-SA 4.0.
