Learning how to say “won” in Korean is essential for anyone visiting or living in South Korea. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to express “won” in both formal and informal contexts. It’s worth noting that the Korean currency is also called “won,” so understanding how to say it correctly is crucial for everyday conversations and transactions.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Won” in Korean
When speaking formally or in official settings, Koreans often use the word “won” in its original form, pronounced as “won”.
Examples:
- Price: 이 제품은 20,000원입니다. (I jepum-eun 20,000 won-imnida.)
- Exchange rate: 달러 환율은 1,100원입니다. (Dalluhwanyureun 1,100 won-imnida.)
- Bank transfer: 계좌로 50,000원을 이체하겠습니다. (Gyejwahro 50,000 won-eul ichehagesseumnida.)
2. Informal Ways to Say “Won” in Korean
When speaking informally with friends, family, or in casual situations, Koreans often use alternative slang terms to refer to “won”.
Examples:
- Bucks: 이거 20,000원이에요. (Igeo 20,000 won-iyaeyo.)
- Wonga: 술값이 얼마야? – 50,000원이야. (Sulgap-i eolmaya? – 50,000 won-iya.)
- Monies: 이 티켓 한 장 얼마야? – 10,000원이야. (I tiket han jang eolmaya? – 10,000 won-iya.)
3. Tips and Cultural Considerations
Here are some helpful tips and cultural considerations to keep in mind while talking about “won” in Korean:
3.1 Korean Currency Symbol
The official symbol for the Korean won is ₩, similar to the dollar sign ($). However, it is generally not used in everyday conversation. Instead, Koreans usually write “won” in plain text.
3.2 Counting Units
Koreans have counting units for large numbers. For instance, 10,000 won is often referred to as “만원” (manwon). Similarly, 1,000,000 won is “백만원” (baekmanwon). Learning these counting units can be helpful when discussing higher amounts of money.
3.3 Politeness Matters
In Korean culture, showing respect is important. When discussing prices or money matters with strangers or people older than you, it’s best to use formal expressions. This showcases polite behavior and is highly appreciated.
3.4 Regional Variations
Generally, the way to say “won” in Korean is consistent across the country. However, minor regional variations may exist due to accents and dialects. For example, in some southern regions, a slightly different pronunciation like “wan” instead of “won” can be observed. Nevertheless, these variations are minimal and rarely hinder communication.
Note: It’s always good to familiarize yourself with local pronunciation by listening to native Korean speakers from the specific region you are visiting or residing in. This can help you adapt to subtle differences and improve your overall communication skills.
Conclusion
Mastering how to say “won” in Korean is vital for effective communication while discussing prices, money, or any other financial matter in South Korea. Understanding the formal and informal ways to express “won,” as well as considering the cultural nuances, will ensure you can navigate conversations comfortably. Whether you use the formal “won” or the more informal slang alternatives, your efforts to communicate in Korean will be appreciated by locals and make your experience even more enjoyable.
