물개
mulgae[muɭk͈ɛ]
The English word "seal" (the animal) can be translated into Korean as 물개 (mulgae) or 물범.
Meaning: pinniped (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 물개 | mulgae | [muɭk͈ɛ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [muɭk͈e̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 물범 | mulbeom | [muɭbʌ̹m] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Both terms refer to pinnipeds, but they are used to distinguish between different types of the animal based on their physical characteristics.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 물개 is a compound of 물, meaning "water" and 개, meaning "dog".
Which one should you use?
물개 is typically used for sea lions or fur seals that have visible external ear flaps.
How do you pronounce it?
mulgae
Did you know?
- The word 물범 literally translates to 'water tiger', combining 물 (water) and 범 (tiger).
- In modern Korean pop culture and emojis, the 물범 is often used to represent 'laziness' or 'cuteness' because of its round, plump shape when resting on land.
- In Korean folklore and children's stories, 물개 are often depicted as playful and intelligent, mirroring the 'dog' part of their name.
Examples in context
- 그 문서에는 회사 도장이 필요합니다.That document requires a company seal.
- 도장을 찍으면 안전합니다.It is safe once the seal is stamped.
- 인장을 잊어버렸어요.I forgot the seal.
- 물개가 수영을 하고 있어요.mulgaega suyeong-eul hago isseoyo.A seal is swimming.
- 저 물개는 정말 귀여워요.jeo mulgaeneun jeongmal gwiyeowoyo.That seal is really cute.
- 수족관에 물개가 있어요.sujokgwane mulgaega isseoyo.There is a seal in the aquarium.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are watching a nature documentary at home.
- 지훈 Ji-hun저 물개 좀 봐.jeo mulgae jom bwa.Look at that seal.
- 서연 Seo-yeon와, 정말 귀엽다!wa, jeongmal gwiyeopda!Wow, it's so cute!
- 지훈 Ji-hun물개가 헤엄치는 모습이 멋져.mulgaega heeomchineun moseubi meotjyeo.The way the seal swims is cool.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈아, 정말 신기해.ji-hun-a, jeongmal singihae.Jihoon, it's truly amazing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “seal” translations and entries 물개, 물범, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 물개, 물범, CC BY-SA 4.0.
