티비
tibi[tʰibi]
In Korean, the English phrase "tv" is expressed as 티비 (tibi). Wiktionary also lists 티뷔 (tibwi) and 티브이 (tibeu'i).
Meaning: abbreviation for television (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 티비 | tibi | [tʰibi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 티뷔 | tibwi | [tʰibɥi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [tʰiby] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 티브이 | tibeu'i | [tʰibɯi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 텔레비 | tellebi | [tʰe̞ɭɭe̞bi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 텔레비전 | tellebijeon | [tʰe̞ɭɭe̞bid͡ʑʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term is an abbreviation for television.
Which one should you use?
티비 is a shortened, colloquial version of the word, similar to how English speakers use 'TV' instead of 'television'. In contrast, the full word 텔레비전 is used in formal contexts like news reports or technical manuals, whereas 티비 is the common way to say it in daily conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
티비 and 티뷔 are colloquial forms. 티브이 is the standard form. For formal contexts, such as news reports or technical manuals, you should use the full word 텔레비전.
How do you pronounce it?
tibi
Did you know?
- The pronunciation of the clipping 텔레비 is heavily influenced by the Japanese word for television, terebi, which is a shortened version of the same loanword.
- Korean has an entire category of words called 'Konglish' where English words like 티비 are adopted but sometimes used with different grammatical rules or social nuances.
- When referring to a TV show, Koreans often use the term 티비 프로그램 instead of just 티비, as the latter refers primarily to the hardware.
Examples in context
- 설거지 끝내고 티비 봤어.I watched TV after I washed the dishes.This sentence is useful for describing an activity completed after doing dishes using 티비.Tatoeba #4751794 by kimhkng, translation #253283 by CK
- 나는 티브이 보느라 지쳤다.I'm tired of watching TV.This sentence is useful for expressing fatigue related to watching something using 티브이.Tatoeba #10607074 by ssuss32, translation #255131 by CK
- 이 티비는 한국에서 만들어졌습니다.This TV is made in Korea.This sentence is useful for stating the origin of a device using 티비.Tatoeba #6305081 by Queserasera, translation #3669236 by Hybrid
- 나는 텔레비전을 보려고 합니다.I want to watch TV.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyun are deciding what to do in the living room.
- 민지 Min-ji우리 티비 볼까?uri tibi bolkka?Shall we watch TV?
- 도현 Do-hyeon좋아, 뭐 재미있는 거 해?joha, mwo jaemiinneun geo hae?Sure, is there anything interesting on?
- 민지 Min-ji지금 예능 프로그램 하고 있어.jigeum yeneung peurogeuraem hago isseo.A variety show is on right now.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그럼 빨리 티비 켜 줘.geureom ppalli tibi kyeo jwo.Then turn on the TV quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tv” translations and entries 티비, 티뷔, 티브이, 텔레비, 텔레비전, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 텔레비, 티뷔, 티비, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
