비 오는 날
bi oneun nal
The English phrase "rainy day" is translated into Korean as 비 오는 날 (bi oneun nal).
Meaning: literal usage (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 비 (rain), 오는 (coming/falling) and 날 (day).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 오는 is the present participle form of the verb 오다 (to come), which is used here to describe the noun 날 (day). You can also say 비가 오는 날, which is a more grammatically complete way to say "a day when rain is falling" by adding the subject marker 가.
How do you pronounce it?
bi oneun nal
Did you know?
- In Korea, it is a common cultural trope to eat 파전 (savory pancakes) and drink 막걸리 (rice wine) on a 비 오는 날. The sound of rain is said to mimic the sizzling sound of the pancakes frying in a pan.
- The word 비 (rain) may have been borrowed from Proto-Tungusic *pigi-, which meant 'to blow' or 'rain'.
- Korean has a specific term 장마 for the heavy rainy season, which is culturally distinct from a simple 비 오는 날.
Examples in context
- 오늘은 비가 심하게 옵니다.It's heavily raining today.
- 비 오는 날은 파전을 먹어요.bi oneun nareun pajeoneul meogeoyo.On a rainy day, I eat pajeon.
- 비 오는 날에는 기분이 우울해요.bi oneun nareneun gibuni uulhaeyo.I feel depressed on a rainy day.
- 비 오는 날을 좋아하세요?bi oneun nareul joahaseyo?Do you like rainy days?
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- 민준 Min-jun이번 주말에 뭐 할까요?ibeon jumare mwo halkkayo?What shall we do this weekend?
- 서연 Seo-yeon비 오는 날이니까 집에서 영화 봐요.bi oneun narinikka jibeseo yeonghwa bwayo.Since it's a rainy day, let's watch a movie at home.
- 민준 Min-jun좋아요. 어떤 영화를 볼까요?joayo. eotteon yeonghwareul bolkkayo?Sounds good. What movie shall we watch?
- 서연 Seo-yeon로맨틱한 영화가 좋을 것 같아요.romantikhan yeonggaga joeul geot gatayo.I think a romantic movie would be good.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 날, 비, CC BY-SA 4.0.
