연설
yeonseol[ˈjɘ(ː)nsʰʌ̹ɭ]
The English word speech can be translated into Korean as 연설 (yeonseol).
연설 is used for formal, prepared orations or public addresses, such as a political speech or a keynote address.
Meaning: an oration, session of speaking (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 연설 refers to a formal oration, the more general word for speech or spoken words is 말. Additionally, 강연 is a formal way to say speech often used in academic or professional settings to refer to a lecture or speech by an expert.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the noun 연설 into the verb 'to give a speech', you add the verb 하다 (to do).
How do you pronounce it?
yeonseol
Did you know?
- The word 말 (speech/words) is a homonym for the Korean word for 'horse', making the context of 'speech' versus 'animal' vital in written sentences without markers.
- The characters in the Hanja for 연설 include 演 (to spread or unfold) and 說 (to speak or explain), literally suggesting a process of 'unfolding one's words' to an audience.
- Korean has a specific term 말주변 to describe a person's 'knack' or 'talent' for speech, which cannot be translated with a single word in English.
Examples in context
- 톰이 한 연설은 좋았다.Tom's speech was good.This sentence is useful for describing the quality of the speech 연설.Tatoeba #11469886 by milimos, translation #3428643 by CK
- 그의 연설은 너무 짧았다.His speech was too short.This sentence is useful for describing the length of the speech 연설.Tatoeba #11106399 by intertime, translation #285598 by CK
- 그의 연설은 우리를 움직였다.His speech moved us.This sentence is useful for describing the emotional impact of the speech 연설.Tatoeba #11105567 by intertime, translation #1075492 by CK
- 제가 오늘 연설을 할 예정입니다.I am scheduled to give a speech today.
- 국제적인 이슈에 관한 연설을 준비하고 있어요.I am preparing a speech about international issues.
- 교수님이 강연을 하실 예정입니다.The professor is scheduled to give a speech.
- 오늘 회의에서 중요한 말씀을 해야 해.I need to make an important speech at the meeting today.
- 그는 항상 재치 있는 말씀을 해.He always makes witty remarks.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyun-woo and Seo-yeon are talking about a graduation ceremony.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨, 졸업식 연설 준비됐어요?Seoyeon ssi, joreopsik yeonseol junbidwaesseoyo?Seo-yeon, are you ready for the graduation speech?
- 서연 Seo-yeon아직 다 못 썼어요. 너무 어려워요.Ajik da mot sseosseoyo. Neomu eoryeowoyo.I haven't finished writing it yet. It's too difficult.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo도움이 필요하면 저한테 말하세요.Doumi piryohamyon jeohante malhaseyo.Tell me if you need any help.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 고마워요, 현우 씨.Jeongmal gomawoyo, Hyun-woo ssi.Thank you so much, Hyun-woo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “speech” translations and entries 연설, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 연설, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
