노래
norae[no̞ɾɛ]
In Korean, singing is 노래 (norae).
The word 노래 refers to both a song and the act of singing. To describe the action of singing, you will often see it used in two ways: paired with the verb 부르다 (to sing/call) to form the phrase 노래를 부르다 (to sing a song) or combined with the suffix -하다 to create the single-word verb 노래하다 (to sing).
Meaning: the act of using the voice to produce musical sounds, vocalizing (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word 노래 functions as both a noun for a specific song and a noun for the general concept of singing. To express the verb 'to sing', you can use the verb phrase 노래를 부르다 or the single verb 노래하다.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that you are currently in the process of singing, you can use the expression 노래하는 중, which translates to 'in the middle of singing'.
How do you pronounce it?
norae
Did you know?
- The word 노래 is historically linked to the concept of playing or frolics. It stems from the Middle Korean root meaning 'to play', suggesting that singing was once viewed as a form of joyful play.
- In many Korean contexts, the word 노래 is central to 'Noraebang' culture, which literally translates to 'song room'. These are the famous Korean singing rooms where people go to socialize.
- In modern Korean, the verb phrase used for singing, 노래를 부르다, uses the verb 부르다 which also means 'to call' or 'to summon'. This creates a linguistic connection between singing a song and calling out a name.
Examples in context
- 너 노래 그만 불러야할 것 같아.You should stop singing.This sentence uses 노래 to suggest stopping the act of singing.Tatoeba #8361495 by Eunhee, translation #5851909 by CK
- 톰이 무슨 노래를 부르고 있나요?What's Tom singing?This sentence uses 노래 to ask what song is being sung.Tatoeba #12401404 by gratified3539, translation #9161648 by CK
- 난 노래 부르고 있을 때가 가장 행복해.I'm happiest when I'm singing.This sentence uses 노래 to describe the feeling of being happy while singing.Tatoeba #8813331 by Eunhee, translation #8812228 by CK
- 노래하는 중이야I am in the middle of singing
- 노래를 좋아해요I like singing
- 노래하고 싶어요I want to sing
- 함께 노래합시다Let's sing together
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are talking about their hobbies.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨는 취미가 뭐예요?Seoyeon ssineun chwimiga mwoyeyo?Seoyeon, what is your hobby?
- 서연 Seo-yeon저는 노래 좋아해요.Jeoneun norae joahae-yo.I like singing.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말요? 저도 노래 정말 좋아해요.Jeongmallyo? Jeodo norae jeongmal joahae-yo.Really? I love singing too.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그럼 나중에 같이 불러요.Geureom najunge gachi bulleoyo.Then let's sing together later.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 노래, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 노래, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
