쥐
jwi[t͡ɕɥi]
The Korean word for 'rat' is 쥐 (jwi).
쥐 is the most commonly used term for a rat in Korean.
Meaning: rodent (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
jwi
Did you know?
- In Korean, the word 쥐 is also used to describe a muscle cramp, such as when a calf muscle tightens painfully. This comes from the idea of the muscle bunching up like a small animal under the skin.
- In traditional folklore, the 쥐 is not seen as a pest but is often depicted as a clever and resourceful creature.
- In the Korean zodiac, 쥐 is the first animal in the twelve year cycle.
Examples in context
- 쥐가 정말 빨라요.jwiga jeongmal ppallayo.The rat is really fast.
- 저기 쥐가 한 마리 있어요.jeogi jwiga han mari isseoyo.There is a rat over there.
- 쥐가 나타나서 깜짝 놀랐어요.jwiga natanaseo kkamjjak nollasseoyo.I was startled because a rat appeared.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are walking through a dark alleyway.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨, 저기 쥐가 있어요!Jieun ssi, jeogi jwiga isseoyo!Jieun, there is a rat over there!
- 지은 Ji-eun어머, 정말 쥐가 있네요.Eomeo, jeongmal jwiga inneyo.Oh my, there really is a rat.
- 지훈 Ji-hun쥐가 너무 빨라서 무서워요.Jwiga neomu ppallaseo museowoyo.The rat is so fast that it's scary.
- 지은 Ji-eun빨리 여기서 나가요.Ppalli yeogiseo nagayo.Let's get out of here quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rat” translations and entries 쥐, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
