어휘
eohwi[ˈɘ(ː)ɦɥi]
The English phrase "vocabulary" is translated into Korean as 어휘 (eohwi). If unsure, use 어휘. Wiktionary also lists 어휘력 (eohwiryeok).
Meaning: set of words a person knows (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 어휘 | eohwi | [ˈɘ(ː)ɦɥi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈɘ(ː)ɦy] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 어휘력 | eohwiryeok | [ˈɘ(ː)ɦɥiɾjʌ̹k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈɘ(ː)ɦyɾjʌ̹k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
어휘 is used to describe a collection of words, typically in academic, linguistic or formal contexts.
Which one should you use?
While 어휘 refers to the set of words itself, 어휘력 refers to a person's ability or power to use vocabulary (often translated as 'vocabulary ability' or 'lexical capacity').
How do you pronounce it?
eohwi
Did you know?
- In Korean, if you want to say someone has a 'large vocabulary', you often describe their 어휘력 as being 'deep' rather than 'wide'.
- When you add the character 력 to 어휘, you are literally adding the word for 'physical strength' or 'power' to the phrase.
- Korean has a concept called 말재주, which refers to a 'knack for words'. Unlike 어휘력, which is about the size of a vocabulary, 말재주 is about the social agility of using those words to persuade others.
Examples in context
- 이 사전은 어휘가 풍부해요.This dictionary is rich in vocabulary.This sentence is useful for describing a dictionary that is rich in 어휘.
- 어휘를 많이 암기해야 합니다.You need to memorize a lot of vocabulary.
- 어휘력을 향상시키려면 꾸준한 노력이 필요합니다.Improving your vocabulary requires consistent effort.
- 새로운 단어를 배웠어.I learned new vocabulary.
- IT 분야에서는 특정 용어를 자주 사용합니다.In the IT field, specific terminology is frequently used.
- 어휘 공부를 더 해야 해요.eohwi gongbureul deo haeya haeyo.I need to study more vocabulary.
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are talking about studying English.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨, 요즘 영어 공부 어떻게 해요?Jieun ssi, yojeum yeongo gongbu eotteoke haeyo?Jieun, how are you studying English these days?
- 지은 Ji-eun저는 매일 새로운 어휘를 외우고 있어요.jeoneun maeil saeroun eohwireul oe-ugo isseoyo.I am memorizing new vocabulary every day.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 대단하네요. 많이 어려워요?jeongmal daedanhaneyo. mani eoryeowoyo?That's impressive. Is it very difficult?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 하지만 어휘가 늘면 재미있어요.ne, hajiman eohwiga neulmyeon jaemi-isseoyo.Yes, but it's fun when my vocabulary increases.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vocabulary” translations and entries 어휘, 어휘력, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
