뿌리
ppuri[p͈uɾi]
The English word 'root' is translated into Korean as 뿌리 (ppuri).
뿌리 is the most common and standard term for 'root' in Korean. It can be used to refer to the part of a plant. The phrase 뿌리를 내리다 can be used literally for plants taking root or metaphorically to describe establishing a foundation or settling in a place.
Meaning: part of a plant (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 뿌리 is used for both the singular 'root' and the plural 'roots'.
How do you pronounce it?
ppuri
Did you know?
- The word 뿌리 shares a surprising historical connection with the Manchu language. It was borrowed by the Jurchen/Manchu people as the word fulehe, which also means 'root'.
Examples in context
- 나무가 뿌리를 내린다A tree puts down roots, A tree takes root [in the ground]This sentence is useful for showing how to use the form 뿌리 in the context of a tree taking root.
- 화분에 뿌리를 넣어 주세요.Please put the roots in the pot.
- 이 식물은 뿌리가 아주 깊어요.i sikmul-eun ppuri-ga aju gipeoyo.This plant has very deep roots.
- 뿌리가 썩으면 식물이 죽어요.ppuri-ga sseogeomyeon sikmul-i jugeoyo.If the roots rot, the plant dies.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are looking at a plant in a garden.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo식물의 뿌리가 보여요?sikmul-ui ppuri-ga boyeoyo?Can you see the plant's roots?
- 수빈 Su-bin아니요, 흙 속에 있어서 안 보여요.aniyo, heuk sog-e isseoseo an boyeoyo.No, they are under the soil so I can't see them.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo뿌리가 건강한지 확인해야 해요.ppuri-ga geongang-hanji hwagin-haeya haeyo.We need to check if the roots are healthy.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아요, 현우 씨 말이 맞아요.majayo, Hyunwoo ssi mari majayo.That's right, you are correct, Hyunwoo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “root” translations and entries 뿌리, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 뿌리, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
