큰까마귀
keunkkamagwi
The Korean word for raven is 큰까마귀 (keunkkamagwi).
큰까마귀 refers to any of several large species of birds in the genus Corvus characterized by lustrous black plumage.
Meaning: any of several, generally large, species of birds in the genus Corvus with lustrous black plumage (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 큰, which means large and 까마귀, which means crow.
Which one should you use?
While 까마귀 is the general term used for a crow, 큰까마귀 is specifically used to denote the larger raven species.
How do you pronounce it?
keunkkamagwi
Did you know?
- In Korean folklore, the '까마귀' (crow) is often viewed as a messenger of the gods, particularly in ancient times when it was a symbol of the sun.
- The word 까마귀 is an example of an onomatopoeic root, mimicking the harsh 'caw' sound the bird makes.
- The word '큰' (large) in '큰까마귀' is the same word used to describe '큰형' (older brother), showing how basic adjectives scale up both physical size and social hierarchy.
Examples in context
- 까마귀는 지능적인 새 중 하나입니다.Ravens are one of the intelligent birds.
- 까마귀는 특별한 의미를 지니고 있습니다.Ravens carry special meanings.
- 큰까마귀가 숲에 살고 있어요.keunkkamagwiga supe salgo isseoyo.A raven lives in the forest.
- 저기 큰까마귀 한 마리가 보여요.jeogi keunkkamagwi han magari boyeoyo.I see a raven over there.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are looking at a nature book in a cafe.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이 사진 속 새는 큰까마귀인가요?i sajin sok saeneun keunkkamagwingayo?Is the bird in this photo a raven?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 아주 멋진 큰까마귀예요.ne, aju meotjin keunkkamagwiyeoyo.Yes, it is a very wonderful raven.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨는 큰까마귀를 좋아해요?Jieun ssineun keunkkamagwireul joahaeyo?Jieun, do you like ravens?
- 지은 Ji-eun조금 무섭지만 정말 신기해요.jogeum museopjiman jeongmal singihaeyo.They are a bit scary, but really amazing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “raven” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
