버드나무
beodeunamu[pʌ̹dɯna̠mu]
The English word "willow" is translated into Korean as 버드나무 (beodeunamu). Wiktionary also lists 버들 (beodeul).
Meaning: tree (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 버드나무 | beodeunamu | [pʌ̹dɯna̠mu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 버들 | beodeul | [pʌ̹dɯɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term refers to the willow tree.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 버드나무 is a compound formed from 버들, meaning "willow" and 나무, meaning "tree".
Which one should you use?
버드나무 is the standard noun used for the tree. In contrast, 버들 is a shortened form that is more poetic or literary, frequently appearing in classical literature and names.
How do you pronounce it?
beodeunamu
Did you know?
- The word 버들 is frequently used in Korean poetry to symbolize a parting or a longing heart because the willow's drooping branches resemble a bowing person saying goodbye.
- In some Korean folk beliefs, planting a 버드나무 near a house was thought to protect the inhabitants from evil spirits due to the tree's flexibility and resilience.
- In Korean literature, the 버드나무 is frequently used as a metaphor for femininity and grace due to its slender and drooping shape.
Examples in context
- 버드나무는 아름다운 나무 중 하나입니다.The willow tree is one of the beautiful trees.
- 강가에 버드나무가 있어요.gang-ga-e beodeunamu-ga isseoyo.There is a willow tree by the river.
- 저 버드나무는 정말 커요.jeo beodeunamu-neun jeongmal keoyo.That willow tree is really big.
- 버드나무 아래에서 쉬어요.beodeunamu arae-eseo swieoyo.I am resting under the willow tree.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are walking in a park.
- 민지 Min-ji저기 버드나무가 보이네요.jeogi beodeunamu-ga boineyo.I see a willow tree over there.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 예쁜 버드나무예요.jeongmal yeppeun beodeunamu-yeyo.It is a very beautiful willow tree.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 저 나무 아래로 가요.Ji-hun ssi, jeo namu arae-ro gayo.Ji-hun, let's go under that tree.
- 지훈 Ji-hun좋아요, 민지 씨.joayo, Min-ji ssi.Sounds good, Min-ji.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “willow” translations and entries 버드나무, 버들, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
