마천루
macheollu[ma̠t͡ɕʰʌ̹ɭɭu]
The English word skyscraper can be translated into Korean as 마천루 (macheollu). If unsure, use 마천루. Wiktionary also lists 초고층 건물 (chogocheung geonmul).
Meaning: tall building (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 마천루 | macheollu | [ma̠t͡ɕʰʌ̹ɭɭu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 초고층 건물 | chogocheung geonmul |
There are different ways to refer to a skyscraper depending on the context. Furthermore, 고층 빌딩 specifically means "high-rise building" and is used in professional or business-related conversations.
Which one should you use?
While 마천루 is a more literary or poetic term for a skyscraper, 초고층 건물 is the more common, descriptive term used in everyday news and technical contexts. Additionally, 초고층 건물 can be translated as "super high-rise building."
How do you pronounce it?
macheollu
Did you know?
- The term 마천루 literally translates to a 'building that rubs against the sky'.
- While 마천루 is a recognized word, Koreans often simply use the English word 'building' transliterated as 빌딩 in daily speech.
- The term 초고층 uses the character 超, which is the same character used in the word 'superhuman'.
Examples in context
- 요즘에 수원에서 높은 건물이 많이 지어지고 있어.These days, there are many tall buildings being constructed in Suwon.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are looking at the city skyline.
- 지훈 Ji-hun저기 보이는 마천루 정말 높네요.jeogi boineun macheonru jeongmal nopneyo.That skyscraper over there is really tall.
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아요, 정말 웅장해 보여요.majayo, jeongmal ungjanghae boyeoyo.You're right, it looks truly magnificent.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨는 저런 건물 좋아하세요?seoyeon ssineun jeoreon geonmul joahaseyo?Do you like buildings like that, Seoyeon?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 저는 현대적인 건축물이 좋아요.ne, jeoneun hyeondaejeogin geonchummuri joayo.Yes, I like modern architecture.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skyscraper” translations and entries 마천루, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
