수박
subak[ˈsʰu(ː)ba̠k̚]
Watermelon in Korean is 수박 (subak). Wiktionary also lists 서과 (seogwa).
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 수박 | subak | [ˈsʰu(ː)ba̠k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 서과 | seogwa | [sʰʌ̹ɡwa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The word refers to the fruit known as watermelon.
Which one should you use?
While 수박 is the standard term, 서과 is an archaic or literary term that is not used in modern daily conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
subak
Did you know?
- The term 'subak' is also the name of a traditional Korean martial art, though it has no linguistic connection to the watermelon.
- In Korea, watermelons are often sold with a 'sugar degree' (Brix) level displayed to prove their sweetness.
- The archaic term 서과 uses a character meaning 'west', which implies the fruit was once perceived as a western or foreign arrival.
Examples in context
- 난 수박 좋아해.I like watermelon.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal preference for 수박.Tatoeba #8386258 by Eunhee, translation #1575786 by human600
- 너는 수박을 샀니?Have you bought a watermelon?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has purchased 수박.Tatoeba #11105136 by intertime, translation #52452 by CK
- 나는 수박맛이 좋다.I like the taste of watermelon.This sentence is useful for stating a preference for the taste of 수박.Tatoeba #11104911 by intertime, translation #712124 by Ronaldonl
- 수박을 사러 가요.Let's go buy watermelon.
- 이 수박 맛있어!This watermelon is delicious!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are at a fruit market.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 수박 정말 달아 보여요.i subak jeongmal dara boyeoyo.This watermelon looks really sweet.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아요. 우리 이거 하나 살까요?majayo. uri igeo hana salkkayo?You're right. Shall we buy one of these?
- 지훈 Ji-hun좋아요. 수박을 맛있게 먹고 싶어요.joayo. subageul masitge meokgo sipeoyo.Great. I want to enjoy some delicious watermelon.
- 수빈 Su-bin그럼 제가 계산할게요.geureom jega gyesanhalgeyo.Then I will pay for it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “watermelon” translations and entries 수박, 서과, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 서과, 수박, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
