폭포
pokpo[pʰo̞k̚pʰo̞]
The Korean word for "waterfall" is 폭포 (pokpo).
The term 폭포 is a noun used to describe a flow of water over the edge of a cliff.
Meaning: flow of water over the edge of a cliff (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is pokpo.
Did you know?
- The word 폭포 is a Sino-Korean term composed of two Chinese characters, where 폭 represents 'falling' and 포 represents 'cloth'.
- There is a distinction in Korean between a generic 폭포 and a 소, which refers to the deep plunge pool found at the bottom of a waterfall.
- Many famous Korean waterfalls, like the ones on Jeju Island, are integrated into 'healing' tourism, where the sound of the 폭포 is treated as a natural therapy.
Examples in context
- 경치가 아름다운 폭포를 보러 가고 싶어요.I want to go see a beautiful waterfall.
- 이 근처에는 유명한 폭포가 있어요.There is a famous waterfall nearby.
- 폭포가 정말 웅장해요.pokpoga jeongmal ungjanghaeyo.The waterfall is truly magnificent.
- 저 멀리 폭포가 보여요.jeo meolli pokpoga boyeoyo.I can see a waterfall far away.
- 폭포 근처는 매우 시원해요.pokpo geuncheoneun maeu siwonhaeyo.It is very cool near the waterfall.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are hiking in the mountains.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨, 저기 폭포가 보여요.Jieun ssi, jeogi pokpoga boyeoyo.Jieun, I see a waterfall over there.
- 지은 Ji-eun와, 정말 시원해 보여요!wa, jeongmal siwonhae boyeoyo!Wow, it looks really refreshing!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo가까이 가서 사진을 찍을까요?gakkai gaseo sajineul jjigeulkkayo?Shall we go closer and take a photo?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 빨리 가요!ne, ppalli gayo!Yes, let's go quickly!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “waterfall” translations and entries 폭포, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 폭포, CC BY-SA 4.0.
