햇빛
haetbit[hɛt̚p͈it̚]
The English phrase "sunlight" is translated into Korean as 햇빛 (haetbit). Wiktionary also lists 일광 (ilgwang).
Meaning: electromagnetic radiation given off by the sun (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 햇빛 | haetbit | [hɛt̚p͈it̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [hɛp͈it̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 일광 | ilgwang | [iɭɡwa̠ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term refers to the electromagnetic radiation given off by the sun.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 햇빛 is a compound of 햇 (sun) and 빛 (light).
Which one should you use?
햇빛 is the common, everyday word for sunlight used in conversation and literature. In contrast, 일광 refers to sunlight or solar radiation in a more technical sense, often appearing in scientific, medical or official contexts, such as when discussing ultraviolet rays or sunlight exposure.
How do you pronounce it?
haetbit
Did you know?
- The native Korean word for sun, 해, is also used as a counter for years. This creates a linguistic link between the sun and the passage of time.
- While 햇빛 is the light itself, Koreans use the word 햇살 to describe the individual rays or the feeling of sunlight warming the skin.
- The -ㅅ- in 햇빛 is called a 'sai-siot'. It is a special consonant added to compound words to signal a change in pronunciation or to indicate a possessive relationship.
Examples in context
- 오늘은 햇빛이 따뜻하게 내리쬐고 있어요.The sunlight is shining warmly today.
- 햇빛이 아주 강해요.haetbichi aju ganghaeyo.The sunlight is very strong.
- 창문으로 햇빛이 들어와요.changmun-euro haetbichi deureowayo.Sunlight is coming through the window.
- 햇빛을 받으면 기분이 좋아요.haetbicheul badeumyeon gibuni joayo.I feel good when I receive some sunlight.
Example conversation
Two friends are sitting in a park on a sunny day.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨, 햇빛이 정말 따뜻하네요.Dohyeon ssi, haetbichi jeongmal ttatteuthaneyo.Dohyeon, the sunlight is really warm.
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 서연 씨. 날씨가 정말 좋아요.Ne, Seoyeon ssi. nalssiga jeongmal joayo.Yes, Seoyeon. The weather is really nice.
- 서연 Seo-yeon햇빛 때문에 눈이 부셔요.haetbit ttaemune nun-i buchyeoyo.The sunlight is making me squint.
- 도현 Do-hyeon선글라스를 써 보세요.seonggeullaseureul sseo boseyo.Try wearing sunglasses.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sunlight” translations and entries 햇빛, 일광, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
