노래
norae[no̞ɾɛ]
The Korean word for "song" is 노래 (norae). Wiktionary also lists 가곡 (gagok) and 가요 (gayo).
Meaning: music with words (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 노래 | norae | [no̞ɾɛ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [no̞ɾe̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
|
| 가곡 | gagok | [ka̠ɡo̞k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 가요 | gayo | [ka̠jo] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | Sino Korean |
A song is defined as music with words.
Which one should you use?
노래 is the most common, general term for any song and is used in everyday conversation. 가요 refers specifically to popular music or commercial songs, often used in the context of the music industry (e.g., K-pop/K-gayo). 가곡 refers to more formal, classical or art-style songs, often with a more serious or traditional tone than pop music.
How do you pronounce it?
norae
Did you know?
- The word 노래 originally comes from the verb meaning 'to play' or 'to frolic'. It was historically understood as 'that which one plays with' for enjoyment.
- In Korea, the culture of 노래방 (singing rooms) means that 노래 is often associated with social bonding and stress relief rather than just artistic performance.
- The word 가곡 specifically refers to a genre of art songs that were historically recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Korea.
Examples in context
- 그 노래를 영어로 불러 봅시다.Let's sing the song in English.This sentence shows how to use the form 노래 when suggesting singing in English.Tatoeba #11106516 by intertime, translation #49273 by CK
- 이게 바로 내가 가장 좋아하는 노래야.That's my favorite song.This sentence demonstrates expressing a preference for a specific 노래.Tatoeba #8363229 by Eunhee, translation #6820553 by CK
- 우리는 네가 그 노래를 불렀으면 좋겠다.We want you to sing the song.This sentence illustrates expressing a desire for someone to sing a 노래.Tatoeba #3684959 by rainbow4us, translation #17553 by CK
- 오늘 새로운 노래가 나왔어. 들어볼래?A new song was released today. Do you want to listen to it?
- 오늘 나온 노래 가사가 정말 아름답다.The lyrics of the song released today are truly beautiful.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are talking about a new hit song.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 이 노래 들어봤어요?Minji ssi, i norae deureobwasseoyo?Minji, have you heard this song?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 정말 좋은 노래예요.Ne, jeongmal joeun noraeyeyo.Yes, it is a really great song.
- 지훈 Ji-hun가사가 아주 아름다워요.Gasaga aju areumdawoyo.The lyrics are very beautiful.
- 민지 Min-ji맞아요. 저도 계속 듣고 있어요.Majayo. Jeodo gyesok deutgo isseoyo.Right. I keep listening to it too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “song” translations and entries 노래, 가곡, 가요, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 가곡, 가요, 노래, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
