호랑이
horang'i[ˈɸʷo̞(ː)ɾa̠ŋi]
The English word tiger is translated into Korean as 호랑이 (horang'i). Wiktionary also lists 범 (beom).
Meaning: The mammal Panthera tigris (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 호랑이 | horang'i | [ˈɸʷo̞(ː)ɾa̠ŋi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 범 | beom | [pɘ(ː)m] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Both 호랑이 and 범 refer to the mammal Panthera tigris.
Which one should you use?
호랑이 is the standard, most common word for tiger used in everyday conversation and textbooks. In contrast, 범 is a more traditional or literary term for tiger, often found in older texts, poetry or specific idioms.
How do you pronounce it?
horang'i
When do people say it?
The tiger is a significant cultural symbol in Korea, often depicted as a protective or even humorous figure in folk art.
Did you know?
- The common word 호랑이 actually contains a hidden reference to wolves. It is derived from the Sino-Korean word for 'tigers and wolves', though today it refers only to the tiger.
- Traditional Korean paintings often depict a tiger and a magpie together, symbolizing a wish for good news and protection.
- In traditional Korean shamanism, the tiger is viewed as a divine messenger or a protective deity rather than just a wild animal.
Examples in context
- 고슴도치에 놀란 호랑이 밤송이 보고 절한다.A tiger surprised by a hedgehog will bow before the chestnut burrs.Tatoeba #2655665 by KoreanBeaver, translation #2834010 by 0ni
- 범을 동물원에서 봤어.I saw a tiger at the zoo.
- 호랑이가 정말 용맹해요.horangiga jeongmal yongmaenghaeyo.The tiger is really brave.
- 동물원에 호랑이가 있어요.dongmulwone horangiga isseoyo.There is a tiger at the zoo.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Do-hyeon are looking at a picture book together.
- 지은 Ji-eun이 그림 속에 호랑이가 있어요.i geurim soke horang-iga isseoyo.There is a tiger in this picture.
- 도현 Do-hyeon우와, 정말 멋지게 생겼네요!uwa, jeongmal meotjige saenggyeotneyo!Wow, it looks really cool!
- 지은 Ji-eun호랑이는 줄무늬가 특징이에요.horang-ineun julmunuiga teukjing-ieyo.Tigers are characterized by their stripes.
- 도현 Do-hyeon맞아요, 정말 강해 보여요.majayo, jeongmal ganghae boyeoyo.That's true, it looks very strong.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tiger” translations and entries 호랑이, 범, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 범, 호랑이, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
