창문
changmun[t͡ɕʰa̠ŋmun]
The English word window is 창문 (changmun) in Korean. Wiktionary also lists 창 (chang) and 창구 (changgu).
Meaning: opening for light and air (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 창문 | changmun | [t͡ɕʰa̠ŋmun] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 창 | chang | [t͡ɕʰa̠ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 창구 | changgu | [t͡ɕʰa̠ŋɡu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The general term for an opening in a building used for light and air is 창문. While 창문 is the standard noun, 창 is a shorter form often used in casual speech or within compound words. If you are referring specifically to a window made of glass, use 유리창. The term 창구 does not refer to a window in a wall, but is used to mean a service window or counter, such as those at a bank, post office or ticket booth.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 창문 is a compound of 창 (window) and 문 (door).
Which one should you use?
창문 is the standard noun for a window. The shortened form 창 is frequently used in more casual speech or in compound words, such as in the phrase 창밖 (outside the window).
How do you pronounce it?
changmun
Did you know?
- In traditional Korean architecture, windows often featured 창호지, a specialized handmade paper that diffused light and allowed air to pass through while blocking wind.
- The single syllable 창 can mean several completely different things depending on the Hanja used, including 'window', 'spear', 'to chant', or even 'intestine'.
- In some traditional Korean homes, windows were designed to be shifted or removed entirely during the summer to merge the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Examples in context
- 나는 창문 밖을 내다보았다.I looked out the window.This sentence shows how to use 창문 to mean looking out a window.Tatoeba #11105844 by intertime, translation #259183 by CK
- 창밖으로 손을 내밀지 마세요.Don't put your hands out the window.This sentence demonstrates the use of 창 in the context of hands outside a window.Tatoeba #3675028 by ssuss32, translation #274171 by CK
- 밥은 창문으로 집에 들어갔다.Bob entered the house through a window.This sentence uses 창문 to describe entering a house through a window.Tatoeba #13167625 by SN_H, translation #33172 by CN
- 그 창문은 아름다운 풍경을 비추고 있다.That window reflects a beautiful landscape.
- 유리창을 깨뜨리지 않도록 주의하세요.Please be careful not to break the glass window.
- 창 밖은 비가 오고 있다.It's raining outside the window.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun and Subin are in a room that feels stuffy.
- 도현 Do-hyeon수빈 씨, 창문 좀 열어줄래요?Subin ssi, changmun jom yeoreojuraeyo?Subin, could you open the window please?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 지금 바로 열게요.Ne, jigeum baro yeolgeyo.Yes, I will open it right now.
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워요. 공기가 너무 답답했어요.Gomawoyo. Gonggiga neomu daptaphaesseoyo.Thank you. The air was too stuffy.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아요. 창문을 여니까 시원하네요.Majayo. changmuneul yeonikka siwonhaneyo.You're right. It's refreshing now that the window is open.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “window” translations and entries 창문, 창, 창구, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
