분위기
bunwigi[punɥiɡi]
The English phrase 'vibes' can be translated into Korean as 분위기 (bunwigi).
분위기 translates to 'atmosphere' and is used to describe the 'vibes' of a place or situation, such as 카페 분위기 (cafe vibes), 음악 느낌 (music vibes) or 여행 분위기 (travel vibes). While 분위기 focuses on the atmosphere, the related word 느낌 is used to mean 'feeling'. You can combine 분위기 with adjectives to describe the mood, such as 나쁜 (bad), 달콤한 (sweet), 신나는 (exciting) or 어두운 (dark).
How do you pronounce it?
bunwigi
Did you know?
- In high-pressure social situations, Koreans might talk about the 'vibe' of the room using the term 눈치 (nunchi), which involves reading the unspoken atmosphere to behave correctly.
- Koreans often use the expression 분위기를 타다 (bunwigireul tada), which literally means 'to ride the atmosphere'. It describes the act of getting caught up in the mood of a moment.
- When describing a person who has a certain 'vibe' or 'aura' that makes them attractive, Koreans use the term 분위기 미남 or 분위기 미녀.
Examples in context
- 이 카페는 분위기가 좋습니다.This cafe has good vibes.
- 이 곳은 좀 다른 느낌이 있어.This place has a different vibe.
- 오늘 파티 분위기 어때?How's the party vibe today?
- 이 카페 분위기 정말 좋다.i ka-pe bun-wi-gi jeong-mal jot-da.This cafe has a really good vibe.
- 오늘 분위기 되게 힙한데?o-neul bun-wi-gi doe-ge hip-han-de?The vibe is really hip today, isn't it?
- 그 식당은 분위기가 좀 어두워요.geu sik-dang-eun bun-wi-gi-ga jom eo-du-wo-yo.The vibe of that restaurant is a bit dark.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are visiting a new restaurant.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 여기 분위기 어때요?Seo-yeon ssi, yeo-gi bun-wi-gi eo-ttae-yo?Seoyeon, how do you like the vibe here?
- 서연 Seo-yeon분위기가 너무 아늑하고 좋아요.bun-wi-gi-ga neo-mu a-neuk-ha-go jo-a-yo.The vibe is so cozy and nice.
- 지훈 Ji-hun저도 그렇게 생각해요.jeo-do geu-reot-ke saeng-gak-hae-yo.I think so too.
- 서연 Seo-yeon음식도 기대돼요!eum-sik-do gi-dae-dwae-yo!I'm looking forward to the food too!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 분위기, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
