늑대
neukdae[nɯk̚t͈ɛ]
The English word "wolf" is translated into Korean as 늑대 (neukdae) or 이리 (iri).
Meaning: animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 늑대 | neukdae | [nɯk̚t͈ɛ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [nɯk̚t͈e̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 이리 | iri | [iɾi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Both terms refer to the animal, and both can be used metaphorically to describe a predatory or cunning person, similar to how the word is used in English.
Which one should you use?
늑대 is the most common and standard term for "wolf" used in modern Korean. In contrast, 이리 is a more literary or archaic term that is often found in folklore or traditional stories.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
neukdae
Did you know?
- The word 늑대 might be an ancient loanword from Nivkh, a language spoken by indigenous people in the Amur region and Sakhalin Island.
- In Korean pop culture, a 'wolf' is often used to describe a man who is an aggressive or seductive romantic pursuer.
- In some Korean idioms, the 'wolf' is viewed as a symbol of greed and insatiable appetite, rather than just cunning.
Examples in context
- 늑대는 매우 적응력이 뛰어난 동물이라는 거 알고 계셨나요?Did you know that wolves are highly adaptable creatures?
- 나 옷에 늑대 그림이 새겨져 있어!There's a picture of a wolf printed on my shirt!
- 늑대가 울고 있어요.neukdaega ulgo isseoyo.A wolf is howling.
- 그 늑대는 매우 용맹해요.geu neukdaeneun maeu yongmaenghaeyo.That wolf is very brave.
- 숲속에 늑대가 살아요.sup soke neukdaega sarayo.A wolf lives in the forest.
Example conversation
Ji-hun and Min-ji are looking at a picture book about animals.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 동물은 늑대예요.i dongmureun neukdaeyeyo.This animal is a wolf.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 멋있게 생겼어요.jeongmal meoshige saenggyeosseoyo.It looks really cool.
- 지훈 Ji-hun늑대는 아주 똑똑해요.neukdaeneun aju ttokttokhaeyo.Wolves are very smart.
- 민지 Min-ji그렇군요, 신기해요.geureokunyo, singihaeyo.I see, that's fascinating.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wolf” translations and entries 늑대, 이리, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 늑대, 이리, CC BY-SA 4.0.
