남아메리카
Namamerika[na̠ma̠me̞ɾikʰa̠]
South America in Korean is 남아메리카 (Namamerika). Wiktionary also lists 남미 (Nammi).
Meaning: continent that is the southern part of the Americas (name)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 남아메리카 | Namamerika | [na̠ma̠me̞ɾikʰa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 남미 | Nammi | [na̠mmi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Both terms are used to refer to the continent that is the southern part of the Americas.
How do you pronounce it?
Namamerika
Did you know?
- While English speakers say 'South America', Korean speakers may use 중남미 to refer to 'Middle and South America'. This single term combines 'central' 중, 'south' 남, and 'America' 미.
- The word 남미 is a Sino-Korean construction where 'nam' (南) means 'south' and 'mi' (美) is the first syllable of 'America'. This makes the name a hybrid of traditional Chinese-based characters and a transliterated foreign name.
- The word 남 in 남미 is a Sino-Korean character meaning 'south'. This same character is used to form the word for 'South Korea' 남한, which literally means 'Southern Han'.
Examples in context
- 남아메리카 대륙에서는 다양한 문화와 자연 경치를 경험할 수 있습니다.You can experience diverse cultures and natural landscapes in South America.
- 남미 여행을 간 친구가 아름다운 사진을 보여줬어요.My friend, who went on a trip to South America, showed me beautiful pictures.
- 남미에 가면 신나는 축제를 즐길 수 있을 거야.If you go to South America, you'll be able to enjoy exciting festivals.
- 남미대륙에서 태어난 사람이라면 축구에 관심이 있을 것입니다.If you are born in South America, you are likely to be interested in soccer.
- 나는 남미 여행에 꿈을 품고 있어.I have a dream to travel to South America.
- 남아메리카 국가 중에서 브라질이 가장 큰 면적을 차지하고 있습니다.Brazil is the largest country by area among South American nations.
- 남아메리카는 정말 넓어요.Namaerika-neun jeongmal neolbeoyo.South America is really vast.
- 남아메리카에는 다양한 생물이 살아요.Namaerika-eneun dayanghan saengmuri sarayo.Many different creatures live in South America.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are talking about travel plans at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨는 어디로 여행 가고 싶어요?Minji ssi-neun eodiro yeohaeng gago sipeoyo?Minji, where do you want to travel to?
- 민지 Min-ji저는 남아메리카에 가보고 싶어요.Jeoneun Namaerika-e gabogo sipeoyo.I want to try going to South America.
- 민준 Min-jun와, 정말 멋진 계획이네요!Wa, jeongmal meotjin gyehoeg-ineyo!Wow, that is a wonderful plan!
- 민지 Min-ji네, 꼭 갈 수 있으면 좋겠어요.Ne, kkok gal su isseumyeon jokesseoyo.Yes, I hope I can definitely go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “south america” translations and entries 남아메리카, 남미, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 남미, 남아메리카, CC BY-SA 4.0.
