스페인어
seupeineo[sʰɯpʰe̞inʌ̹]
스페인어 (seupeineo) is the Korean word for Spanish.
스페인어 is used to refer to the Spanish language, the Romance language of Spain and the Americas. An alternative way to describe the language is 스페인 말, which literally translates to "Spanish words".
Meaning: Romance language of Spain and the Americas (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 스페인어 is composed of 스페인, meaning Spain and the suffix -어, meaning language.
Which one should you use?
While 스페인어 refers to the Spanish language, 스페인 사람 is used to refer to a Spanish person.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer specifically to the Spanish language, you must use the suffix -어 attached to the name of the country.
How do you pronounce it?
seupeineo
Did you know?
- While 스페인어 is the standard term, you may see the word 서반어 in older Korean texts or formal academic contexts. This is a legacy term based on the old Chinese name for Spain.
- The suffix -어 in 스페인어 comes from the Hanja character 語, which is used across East Asia to denote a language. This makes the structure of the word identical to how 'Spanish' is formed in Japanese and Chinese.
- When talking about learning 스페인어, Koreans often use the phrase 공부하다, which means 'to study'. Unlike English speakers who say they are 'learning' a language, Koreans emphasize the academic effort of studying.
Examples in context
- 빨리 스페인어가 늘었으면 좋겠네.I hope my Spanish improves quickly.This sentence shows a wish for one's- 스페인어 to improve.Tatoeba #3718354 by rainbow4us, translation #3741650 by nwah
- 스페인어는 많은 국가에서 쓰인다.Spanish is spoken in many countries.This sentence states that 스페인어 is spoken in many countries.Tatoeba #11105395 by intertime, translation #3944981 by CK
- 스페인어를 어쩜 그렇게 잘하게 됐어?How come your Spanish is that good?This sentence asks how someone became so good at- 스페인어.Tatoeba #4748450 by kimhkng, translation #3138677 by AlanF_US
- 저는 스페인어를 배우고 있어요.I am learning Spanish.
- 그 분은 스페인 말을 잘 합니다.That person speaks Spanish well.
- 에스파냐어를 배우는 거 재미있어.It's fun learning Spanish.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are talking about their goals for the new year.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨는 올해 어떤 공부를 하고 싶어요?Minji ssineun olhae eotteon gongbureul hago sipeoyo?Minji, what do you want to study this year?
- 민지 Min-ji저는 이번에 스페인어 학원에 등록하려고 해요.Jeoneun ibeone seupeineo hagwone deungrog haryeogo haeyo.I'm planning to enroll in a Spanish academy this time.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 멋지네요! 스페인어는 정말 매력적인 언어예요.Jeongmal meotjineyo! Seupeineoneun jeongmal maeryeokjeogin eoneoyeyo.That's really cool! Spanish is such a charming language.
- 민지 Min-ji맞아요. 그래서 빨리 배우고 싶어요.Majayo. Geuraeseo ppalli baeugo sipeoyo.That's true. That's why I want to learn it quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spanish” translations and entries 스페인어, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
