맞춤법
matchumbeop[ma̠t̚t͡ɕʰump͈ʌ̹p̚]
In Korean, spelling can be expressed as 맞춤법 (matchumbeop). Wiktionary also lists 철자법 (cheoljabeop) and 스펠 (seupel).
Meaning: the practice, ability, or subject of forming words with letters, or of reading the letters of words, orthography (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 맞춤법 | matchumbeop | [ma̠t̚t͡ɕʰump͈ʌ̹p̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 철자법 | cheoljabeop | [t͡ɕʰʌ̹ʎt͡ɕ͈a̠p͈ʌ̹p̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 스펠 | seupel | |
| 스펠링 | seupelling |
The term is used to describe the ability to form words with letters or the official rules of orthography. When you want to discuss whether a word is written correctly according to standard Korean rules, use 맞춤법.
What does it mean word for word?
맞춤법 is composed of 맞춤, meaning matching or fitting and 법, meaning rule or law. Literally, it refers to the rules for matching letters correctly.
Which one should you use?
맞춤법 is the standard term used when referring to the official rules of spelling and orthography in Korean. In contrast, 철자법 is a more technical or academic term for spelling, often used in the context of linguistics or the specific arrangement of characters.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
스펠링 is a loanword from English and is used informally in colloquial conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
matchumbeop
Did you know?
- In casual digital communication, Koreans often intentionally break 맞춤법 to sound cute or soft, a practice known as 애교.
- The word 철자법 uses the Sino-Korean character 綴, which literally means 'to sew' or 'to bind' letters together in a sequence.
- Korean speakers use 맞춤법 not just for spelling, but to describe the entire system of grammar and spacing, which is a distinct part of orthography in Korean.
Examples in context
- 저는 이름을 철자로 말씀드릴게요.I will spell out the name for you.
- 단어의 스펠링을 알고 있나요?Do you know the spelling of the word?
- 이름의 철자 알아?Do you know the spelling of the name?
- 스펠링 좀 알려줄래?Can you tell me the spelling?
- "사랑"의 철자는 무엇인가요?What is the spelling of the word "사랑"?
- 맞춤법이 너무 어려워요.matchumbeobi neomu eoryeowoyo.Spelling is too difficult.
- 맞춤법을 잘 지켜야 해요.matchumbeobeul jal jikyeoya haeyo.You must follow the spelling rules correctly.
- 그 문장은 맞춤법이 틀렸어요.geu munjangeun matchumbeobi teullyeosseoyo.The spelling in that sentence is wrong.
Example conversation
Minji is checking Dohyun's essay.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 여기 맞춤법이 틀렸어요.dohyeon ssi, yeogi matchumbeobi teullyeosseoyo.Dohyun, the spelling is wrong here.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말요? 어떻게 써야 하죠?jeongmallyo? eotteoke sseoya hajyo?Really? How should I write it?
- 민지 Min-ji이 글자가 맞춤법에 맞아요.i geuljaga matchumbeobe majayo.This letter is correct according to the spelling rules.
- 도현 Do-hyeon알려줘서 고마워요, 민지 씨.allyeojwoseo gomawoyo, minji ssi.Thank you for letting me know, Minji.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spelling” translations and entries 맞춤법, 철자법, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 맞춤법, 철자법, CC BY-SA 4.0.
