너구리
neoguri[nʌ̹ɡuɾi]
The English phrase 'racoon' is translated into Korean as 너구리 (neoguri).
Which one should you use?
In casual settings, 너구리 is often treated as a translation for 'raccoon', but it is more accurately the term for the raccoon dog (tanuki).
How do you pronounce it?
neoguri
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistake 너구리 (neoguri) for the actual raccoon species. However, it specifically refers to the raccoon dog.
Did you know?
- In Korean folklore and modern idioms, 너구리 is often used to describe a person who is sly, cunning or a smooth operator.
- The word 너구리 is the name of one of South Korea's most popular instant noodle brands, featuring a cartoon raccoon dog as its mascot.
- The term 너구리 first appeared in written records in 1446 within the 'Hunminjeong'eum haerye', the document explaining the invention of the Korean alphabet.
Examples in context
- 오늘 공원에서 너구리를 봤어요.Today, I saw a raccoon at the park.
- 너구리가 나무 위에 있어요.neoguriga namu wie isseoyo.A raccoon is up in the tree.
- 너구리는 눈 주위가 검어요.neogurineun nun juwiga geomoyo.Raccoons have dark areas around their eyes.
- 숲에서 너구리를 봤어요.supeseo neogurireul bwasseoyo.I saw a raccoon in the forest.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Hyeon-u are walking through a park at night.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 저기 너구리가 있어요!Hyeon-u ssi, jeogi neoguriga isseoyo!Hyeon-u, there is a raccoon over there!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말이네요. 귀엽게 생겼어요.Jeongmal-ineyo. Gwiyeopge saenggyeosseoyo.You're right. It looks cute.
- 지은 Ji-eun조용히 지켜봐요.Joyonghi jikyeobwayo.Let's watch it quietly.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨, 저 너구리가 움직여요!Ji-eun ssi, jeo neoguriga umjigyeoyo!Ji-eun, that raccoon is moving!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 너구리, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 너구리, CC BY-SA 4.0.
