수탉
sutak[sʰutʰa̠k̚]
The Korean word for rooster is 수탉 (sutak).
수탉 is a noun used to refer specifically to a male chicken.
Meaning: male chicken, male gallinaceous bird (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix 수 is used to denote the male of various animal species.
How do you pronounce it?
sutak
Did you know?
- In Korean folklore, the crowing of a 수탉 is believed to drive away ghosts and evil spirits by announcing the arrival of the sun.
- Unlike English, where 'cock' can be a vulgar slang term, 수탉 carries no such double meaning and is used safely in all contexts.
- The word 수탉 can be used metaphorically to describe a person who is overly boastful or prone to 'crowing' about their achievements.
Examples in context
- 수탉이 아침에 울어요.sutagi achime ureoyo.The rooster crows in the morning.
- 마당에 수탉 한 마리가 있어요.madange sutak han mariga isseoyo.There is a rooster in the yard.
- 이 수탉은 깃털이 아주 화려해요.i sutageun gitteori aju hwaryeohaeyo.This rooster has very colorful feathers.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Jieun are visiting a farm.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨, 저기 수탉이 보여요?Jieun ssi, jeogi sutalk-i boyeoyo?Jieun, do you see that rooster over there?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 아주 당당하게 걷고 있네요.Ne, aju dangdang-hage geotgo itneyo.Yes, it is walking very confidently.
- 도현 Do-hyeon수탉 소리가 정말 우렁차요.Sutalk sori-ga jeongmal ureongchayo.The rooster's voice is really powerful.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 활기찬 아침이에요.Jeongmal hwalgichan achim-ieyo.It is a very energetic morning.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rooster” translations and entries 수탉, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
