바위
bawi[pa̠ɥi]
The English word rock is translated into Korean as 바위 (bawi).
The term 바위 refers to a large, solid piece of rock or stone.
Meaning: large stone or boulder (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 바위 refers to a large rock or boulder, 돌 is the more general term for a stone or pebble.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is [bawi].
Did you know?
- In some traditional Korean folk beliefs, certain strangely shaped 바위 are thought to be spiritual gateways or dwellings for mountain spirits.
- In Korean culture, the 'rock' is often associated with the concept of 'eternal love' or 'unchanging loyalty' because a 바위 does not move or erode quickly.
- The word 바위 has a linguistic ancestor in the eighth-century Old Korean word *PAKwo, which suggests the term has been part of the language for over a millennium.
Examples in context
- 그는 큰 바위 뒤에 숨었다.He hid himself behind a large rock.This sentence shows how to use 바위 when describing someone hiding behind a large rock.Tatoeba #5383613 by rainbow4us, translation #288235 by CK
- 지질학에서는 바위와 암석은 따로 분류된다.In geology, boulder and rock are classified differently.This sentence illustrates the use of 바위 in a geological context regarding the classification of rocks.
- 이 바위는 아주 커요.This rock is very big.
- 강가에 큰 바위가 있어요.gangga-e keun bawi-ga isseoyo.There is a large rock by the river.
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are hiking in a mountain park.
- 민준 Min-jun저기 큰 바위가 보여요?jeogi keun bawi-ga boyeoyo?Do you see that large rock over there?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 정말 커요!ne, jeongmal keoyo!Yes, it is really big!
- 민준 Min-jun저 바위 위에 올라가 볼까요?jeo bawi wie ollaga bolkayo?Shall we try climbing on top of that rock?
- 서연 Seo-yeon조금 위험할 것 같아요.jogeum wiheomhal geot gat-ayo.I think it might be a little dangerous.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 바위, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 바위, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
