교통기관
gyotonggigwan[kjotʰo̞ŋɡiɡwa̠n]
In Korean, transportation can be expressed as 교통기관 (gyotonggigwan) or 탈것.
Meaning: means of conveyance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 교통기관 | gyotonggigwan | [kjotʰo̞ŋɡiɡwa̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 탈것 | talgeot | [tʰa̠ɭk͈ʌ̹t̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term for transportation is 교통. Note that when you specifically want to discuss the 'means of transportation' used to move from one place to another, the most common expression is 교통수단.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 탈것 is a compound made from the verb 탈 (to ride) and the noun 것 (thing), literally meaning 'thing to ride'.
Which one should you use?
교통기관 is a formal, technical or academic term for means of conveyance, frequently found in textbooks or official contexts. In contrast, 탈것 is a common, everyday way to refer to vehicles or things one can ride in, such as cars, bikes or buses.
How do you pronounce it?
gyotonggigwan
Did you know?
- In Korean, the verb 'to ride' used in 탈것 is 타다 (tada), which is also the word used for 'eating' or 'drinking' certain types of food or medicine to mean 'to take' or 'to consume'.
- In South Korea, the phrase 교통카드 refers to a transit card. These cards are so universal that they are often used as a primary method of payment for small purchases in convenience stores.
- The word 기관 (gigwan) in 교통기관 translates to 'organ' or 'institution', making the term feel like 'transportation organ' to a literal translator.
Examples in context
- 교통이 혼잡합니다.The transportation is congested.
- 이동수단을 어떻게 이용하시나요?How do you use transportation?
- 우리는 이동할 때 항상 대중교통을 이용합니다.We always use public transportation when we travel.
- 새로운 교통기관을 연구하고 있어요.saeroun gyotong-gigwan-eul yeongu-hago isseoyo.I am researching a new means of conveyance.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hoon are discussing how to get to the city center.
- 지은 Ji-eun시내까지 어떤 교통기관을 이용할까요?sinaekkaji eotteon gyotonggiganeul iyonghalkkayo?Which means of transportation should we use to get downtown?
- 지훈 Ji-hun지하철을 타는 것이 가장 빨라요.jihacheoreul taneun geosi gajang ppallayo.Taking the subway is the fastest.
- 지은 Ji-eun그렇군요. 그럼 역으로 가요.geureokunyo. geureom yeogeuro gayo.I see. Then let's go to the station.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 같이 갑시다.ne, gachi gapsida.Yes, let's go together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “transportation” translations and entries 교통기관, 탈것, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
