강아지
gang'aji[ka̠ŋa̠d͡ʑi]
The Korean word for "puppy" is 강아지 (gang'aji).
강아지 is the most common translation used to refer to a puppy.
Meaning: young dog (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a diminutive form of 개 (dog), created by adding the suffix -아지 to indicate a small or young version of the noun.
Which one should you use?
While 개 is the general term for the species or for adult dogs, 강아지 is specifically used for young dogs.
How do you pronounce it?
gang'aji
When do people say it?
The phrase 하룻강아지 범 무서운 줄 모른다 (A one-day-old puppy does not know the fear of a tiger) is a proverb used to describe someone who is inexperienced or ignorant of the dangers they face.
Did you know?
- The word 강아지 can be used as a cute nickname for children or romantic partners to express affection and a desire to protect them.
- While 강아지 means puppy, the root word 개 is also used in many Korean swear words to insult someone's character.
- The word 강아지 appears in written records as early as 1489 in the 구급간이방언해, a manual for emergency medicine.
Examples in context
- 하룻강아지 범 무서운 줄 모른다.One year old puppy does not know fear of the tiger.This sentence illustrates the use of 강아지 within a common proverb.
- 어제 친구 집에 갔어. 그 곳에는 너무 귀여운 강아지들이 있었어.Yesterday, I went to my friend's house. There were incredibly cute puppies there.
- 귀여운 강아지가 마당에 있어요.gwiyeoun gang-ajiga madang-e isseoyo.A cute puppy is in the yard.
- 이 강아지는 정말 작아요.i gang-ajineun jeongmal jag-ayo.This puppy is really small.
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are looking at a photo on a phone.
- 민준 Min-jun이 강아지 좀 봐, 너무 귀엽지?i gang-aji jom bwa, neomu gwiyeopji?Look at this puppy, isn't it so cute?
- 지은 Ji-eun정말요! 민준 씨, 이름이 뭐예요?jeongmal-yo! Minjun ssi, ireumi mwo-yeyo?Really! Minjun, what is its name?
- 민준 Min-jun이름은 초코예요.ireumeun Choko-yeyo.Its name is Choco.
- 지은 Ji-eun초코라는 이름도 아주 잘 어울려요.Chokara-neun ireumdo aju jal eoullyeoyo.The name Choco suits it very well too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “puppy” translations and entries 강아지, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 강아지, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
