과학
gwahak[kwa̠ɦa̠k̚]
The English word "science" is 과학 (gwahak) in Korean.
과학 refers to the collective discipline of learning acquired through the scientific method.
Meaning: collective discipline of learning acquired through the scientific method (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The second syllable 학 (hak) means study, learning or a discipline.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can create the word for "scientist" by adding the suffix -자 (ja), meaning person, to 과학, resulting in 과학자.
How do you pronounce it?
gwahak
Did you know?
- In modern Korean slang, the term 과학 is sometimes used to describe a 'universal truth' or an inevitable outcome, similar to saying 'it is a law of nature'.
- In Korean, the word 과학 can be used as a metaphor for 'precision' or 'logic' in daily life. For example, someone might describe a very efficient method of organizing a closet as 과학적 ('scientific').
- While 과학 is the standard term for science, Koreans often use the phonetic loanword '사이언스' (sai-eon-seu) in marketing, pop culture, or when discussing Western-style scientific concepts to sound more modern.
Examples in context
- 난 과학에 관심 있어.I'm interested in science.This sentence is useful for expressing interest in the subject using 과학.Tatoeba #8363695 by Eunhee, translation #7740246 by CK
- 난 과학에 대해 잘 몰라.I don't know much about science.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of knowledge regarding 과학.Tatoeba #8363686 by Eunhee, translation #6130474 by mailohilohi
- 물리는 과학의 한 갈래에 속해.Physics is a branch of science.This sentence is useful for describing a specific field as a branch of 과학.Tatoeba #8363683 by Eunhee, translation #681987 by Source_VOA
- 과학은 많은 발견을 가능하게 합니다.Science enables many discoveries.
- 저는 과학 연구에 관심이 많습니다.I am very interested in scientific research.
- 과학 수업은 재미있어요!Science class is fun!
- 과학 지식을 얼마나 알아?How much do you know about science?
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are discussing their university majors at a cafe.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨는 전공이 뭐예요?Jieun ssineun jeongongi mwoyeyo?Jieun, what is your major?
- 지은 Ji-eun저는 과학을 전공하고 있어요.jeoneun gwahageul jeongonghago isseoyo.I am majoring in science.
- 지훈 Ji-hun와, 정말 멋진 전공이네요!wa, jeongmal meotjin jeongongineyo!Wow, that is a really cool major!
- 지은 Ji-eun감사해요, 지훈 씨는요?gamsahaeyo, Jihoon ssineunyo?Thank you, how about you, Jihoon?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “science” translations and entries 과학, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
