뱀파이어
baempaieo[pɛmpʰa̠iʌ̹]
The English word 'vampire' can be translated into Korean as 뱀파이어 (baempaieo) or 흡혈귀. If unsure, use 뱀파이어.
Meaning: mythological creature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 뱀파이어 | baempaieo | [pɛmpʰa̠iʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [pe̞mpʰa̠iʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 흡혈귀 | heuphyeolgwi | [xɯpʰjʌ̹ɭɡɥi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [xɯpʰjʌ̹ɭɡy] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Both terms refer to the mythological creature. 뱀파이어 is a transliteration of the English word, making it the standard term in modern contexts like pop culture. 흡혈귀 is a more traditional term often found in literature.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 흡혈귀 is a compound of 흡혈, which means sucking blood and 귀, meaning ghost or spirit.
Which one should you use?
뱀파이어 is a loanword used frequently in modern media such as movies, anime or video games.
How do you pronounce it?
baempaieo
Did you know?
- In Korean pop culture, the term 뱀파이어 is frequently used in K-pop song titles and lyrics to symbolize eternal love or a 'fatal attraction'.
- The word 흡혈귀 is an orthographic borrowing from the Japanese word kyūketsuki.
- While 뱀파이어 is a loanword, Korean has its own native folklore monsters, but the concept of a blood-sucking corpse was not indigenous to ancient Korea.
Examples in context
- 뱀파이어는 말했다. "괜찮아. 안 물게.""It's okay. I won't bite", said the vampire.This sentence shows an example of the word 뱀파이어 being used in a spoken context.Tatoeba #8533640 by Eunhee, translation #2650132 by Hybrid
- 뱀파이어는 밤에만 활동하는 존재예요.baempai-eoneun bam-eman hwal-dong-haneun jonjae-yeyo.A vampire is a creature that only acts at night.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are discussing a horror movie at a cafe.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨, 뱀파이어 영화 좋아해요?Jieun ssi, baempai-eo yeonghwa joahae-yo?Jieun, do you like vampire movies?
- 지은 Ji-eun아니요, 뱀파이어는 너무 무서워요.Aniyo, baempai-eoneun neomu museowo-yo.No, vampires are too scary.
- 지훈 Ji-hun저는 뱀파이어 캐릭터가 매력적이라고 생각해요.Jeoneun baempai-eo kaerikteuga maeryeok-jeog-irago saeng-gak-hae-yo.I think vampire characters are attractive.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨는 정말 용감하네요.Jihoon ssi-neun jeongmal yonggam-hane-yo.Jihoon, you are truly brave.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vampire” translations and entries 뱀파이어, 흡혈귀, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 뱀파이어, 흡혈귀, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
