비명
bimyeong[ˈpi(ː)mjʌ̹ŋ]
The Korean word for "scream" is 비명 (bimyeong).
비명 refers to the sound of a scream.
Meaning: to make the sound of a scream (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 비명 is a general term for a scream, it is more specific than 소리, which is a generic word for "sound" and is less specific than 비명, which specifically implies a scream of fear or pain. Additionally, 절규 refers to a more intense, desperate or soulful cry of anguish.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 비명 (scream) is almost always used with the verb 지르다 (to let out/to shout) to form the verb phrase 'to scream'.
How do you pronounce it?
bimyeong
Did you know?
- The term 비명 is a homonym for another word meaning 'dying a lonely or violent death'. Depending on the context, the same sound can refer to a scream or a tragic passing.
- The term 비명 can also be used metaphorically in Korean to describe a 'scream' of prices or numbers rising sharply in the stock market.
- If a scream is described as 'blood-curdling', a Korean speaker might use the word 소름 끼치는, which literally refers to 'goosebumps' rising on the skin.
Examples in context
- 난 비명을 지르지 않았어.I didn't scream.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use 비명 in a negative statement.Tatoeba #8363527 by Eunhee, translation #2245701 by CK
- 지난 주말에 놀라서 소리지른 거 알아?Did you know I screamed out of surprise last weekend?
- 그녀는 비명을 질렀어요.geunyeoneun bimyeong-eul jilleosseoyo.She screamed.
- 공포 영화를 보고 비명을 질렀어.gongpo yeonghwa-reul bogo bimyeong-eul jilleosseo.I screamed while watching a horror movie.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyeon are talking about a movie they watched.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 영화가 너무 무서웠어요.Dohyeon ssi, yeonghwa-ga neomu museowosseoyo.Dohyeon, the movie was so scary.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨가 비명을 지르는 걸 들었어요.Minji ssi-ga bimyeong-eul jireuneun geol deureosseoyo.I heard you screaming, Minji.
- 민지 Min-ji너무 놀라서 비명이 절로 나왔어요.Neomu nollaseo bimyeong-i jeollo nawa-sseoyo.I was so startled that the scream just came out.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 무서운 장면이 있었나 봐요.Jeongmal museoun jangmyeon-i isseotna bwayo.There must have been a really scary scene.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 비명, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
