길
gil[kiɭ]
In Korean, the word for road can be expressed as 길 (gil) or 도로.
Meaning: a way for travel (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 길 | gil | [kiɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 도로 | doro | [ˈto̞(ː)ɾo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term 길 is a versatile word that can refer to a physical road, a walking path or even a metaphorical way or method, such as a person's way of life. In contrast, 도로 is used strictly for physical infrastructure, specifically paved roads or thoroughfares designed for vehicles.
Which one should you use?
길 is the general term used for a road, path or way. 도로 is a more specific, technical term used to describe a thoroughfare or a road built for vehicular traffic.
How do you pronounce it?
gil
Did you know?
- The more technical term 도로 is actually a combination of two different Chinese characters, both of which individually mean 'road'.
Examples in context
- 그 길은 그곳에서 좌회전한다.The road turns left there.This sentence shows how to describe a road turning left using 길.Tatoeba #11106121 by intertime, translation #44684 by CK
- 이 길이 어디로 가는지 알려 줄래?Can you tell where this road goes?This sentence is useful for asking about the direction of a 길.Tatoeba #3675011 by Eunhee, translation #3201912 by CK
- 아이들이 도로에서 놀게 두지 마세요.Don't let children play in the road.This sentence illustrates the use of 도로 when referring to a road for vehicles.Tatoeba #11106291 by intertime, translation #966053 by LittleBoy
- 서울에는 도로가 혼잡해요.The roads in Seoul are crowded.
- 저 도로는 운전하기 편해.That road is convenient for driving.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are walking in a park.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨, 이 길은 처음 와 봐요?Jieun ssi, i gil-eun cheoeum wa bwayo?Jieun, is this the first time you have been on this road?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 길 옆에 나무가 정말 많네요.Ne, gil yeop-e namu-ga jeongmal manneyo.Yes, there are so many trees beside the road.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo맞아요, 산책하기 정말 좋은 길이에요.Majayo, sanchaek-hagi jeongmal joeun gil-ieyo.True, it is a really good road for walking.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨 덕분에 기분이 좋아졌어요.Hyunwoo ssi deokbun-e gibun-i joajyeosseoyo.I feel much better thanks to you, Hyunwoo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “road” translations and entries 길, 도로, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 길, 도로, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
