호박
hobak[ˈɸʷo̞(ː)ba̠k̚]
The Korean word for "pumpkin" is 호박 (hobak).
호박 is the noun used to refer to the fruit of this plant.
Meaning: fruit of this plant (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is hobak.
Did you know?
- The prefix 호 in 호박 historically meant 'barbarian'. This is because the plant was believed to have been introduced from China via northern groups.
- The word 호박 can also mean 'amber' in Korean. While they are spelled the same in Hangul, they stem from different linguistic roots.
- While 호박 translates to 'pumpkin', the second syllable 박 is the specific name for the traditional bottle gourd. In Korean folklore, the 박 is a magical plant that can bring sudden wealth or good fortune to those who find it.
Examples in context
- 저는 호박을 좋아해요.I like pumpkins.
- 저녁 식사 후에는 단호박을 디저트로 먹어요.After dinner, I have sweet pumpkin for dessert.
- 호박이 정말 커요.hobagi jeongmal keoyo.The pumpkin is really big.
- 시장에서 호박을 샀어요.sijangeseo hobageul sasseoyo.I bought a pumpkin at the market.
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are discussing dinner at home.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨, 오늘 저녁은 호박 요리 어때요?Hyunwoo-ssi, oneul jeonyeog-eun hobak yori eottaeyo?Hyunwoo, how about a pumpkin dish for dinner tonight?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아요. 호박이 아주 맛있을 것 같아요.Joayo. hobagi aju masisseul geot gatayo.Sounds good. I think the pumpkin will be very delicious.
- 수빈 Su-bin그럼 제가 호박을 손질할게요.Geureom jega hobageul sonjilhalgeyo.Then I will prepare the pumpkin.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo제가 도와줄게요.Jega dowajulgeyo.I will help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pumpkin” translations and entries 호박, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 호박, CC BY-SA 4.0.
