구독
gudok[kudo̞k̚]
The English word "subscription" is 구독 (gudok) in Korean.
구독 is a noun used to describe having access to a resource for a period of time.
Meaning: access to a resource for a period of time (noun)
Which one should you use?
The formal term for a subscription to a regular service or publication is 정기 구독. The phrase 구독 제도 focuses on the concept of subscription as a system or policy and is used in professional or legal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
gudok
Did you know?
- In many digital contexts, instead of saying 'subscribe to this channel', Koreans use the phrase 구독과 좋아요, which translates to 'subscription and likes'.
- The word 구독 is composed of two Hanja characters: 구 (購) meaning 'to purchase' and 독 (讀) meaning 'to read'.
- The verb form 구독하다 is used not just for paying money, but also for the act of keeping up with a blog or a newsletter for free.
Examples in context
- 청구 주기가 끝날 때 구독이 취소됩니다.The subscription will be cancelled at the end of the billing cycle.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 구독 when discussing a billing cycle.
- 영화 구독 서비스에 정기 구독을 신청했어요.I subscribed to a movie streaming service.
- 그 회사는 새로운 구독 제도를 도입했습니다.The company has implemented a new subscription system.
- 지난 주에 새로운 유튜브 채널을 구독했어.I subscribed to a new YouTube channel last week.
- 내 친구한테 생일 선물로 음악 스트리밍 서비스 구독을 선물했어.I gifted my friend a music streaming service subscription for their birthday.
- 유튜브 구독을 하고 싶어요.yutyubeu gudubeul hago sipeoyo.I want to subscribe to YouTube.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a music streaming service.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 이 음악 앱 구독해요?dohyeon ssi, i eumak ep gudokhaeyo?Dohyun, do you have a subscription to this music app?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니요, 아직 구독 안 했어요.aniyo, ajik gudok an haesseoyo.No, I haven't subscribed yet.
- 민지 Min-ji구독하면 광고 없이 들을 수 있어요.gudokhamyeon gwanggo eopsi deureul su isseoyo.If you get a subscription, you can listen without ads.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그럼 오늘 바로 구독해야겠네요.geureom oneul baro gudokhaeyagetneyo.Then I should get a subscription right today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “subscription” translations and entries 구독, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 구독, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
