룸메이트
rummeiteu[ɾumme̞itʰɯ]
The English word "roommate" is 룸메이트 (rummeiteu) in Korean.
The term 룸메이트 is a loanword used to refer to a roommate. It is common among younger generations, especially in university settings or when discussing modern living arrangements.
Meaning: US: with whom one shares an apartment or house (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 룸메이트 is a common loanword, the term 동거인 is used to denote a person with whom one is cohabiting.
How do you pronounce it?
rummeiteu
Did you know?
- Young Koreans often shorten 룸메이트 to just 룸메 in casual texting and conversation.
- While 룸메이트 describes sharing a home, the word 동기 is often used if the roommate is also a classmate from the same entering year of university.
- In some social contexts, if you say you have a 룸메이트, people may assume you are living in a student dormitory rather than a private apartment.
Examples in context
- 나는 네 룸메이트 폴이야.I'm Paul, your roommate.This sentence is useful for introducing yourself as someone's roommate using 룸메이트.Tatoeba #13761858 by qlTmalffk, translation #472773 by blay_paul
- 내 룸메이트는 중국어를 공부하고 있어요.My roommate is learning Chinese.This sentence is useful for describing an activity your roommate is performing using 룸메이트.Tatoeba #4967804 by rainbow4us, translation #792531 by ryanthewired
- 내 룸메이트는 너무 재미있어.My roommate is so fun.
- 동거인과 생활 패턴을 조율하는 것은 중요합니다.It is important to coordinate living patterns with your roommate.
- 새로운 룸메이트를 구하고 있어요.saeroun rummeiteureul guhago isseoyo.I am looking for a new roommate.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Do-hyeon are talking about living arrangements at a cafe.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨는 룸메이트가 있어요?Do-hyeon ssineun rummeiteuga isseoyo?Do-hyeon, do you have a roommate?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니요, 혼자 살고 있어요.Aniyo, honja salgo isseoyo.No, I am living alone.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 저랑 룸메이트 할래요?Geureom jeorang rummeiteu hallaeyo?Then do you want to be my roommate?
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말요? 좋아요!Jeongmallyo? Joayo!Really? That sounds good!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 룸메이트, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
