쓰기
sseugi
The English word writing can be translated into Korean as 쓰기 (sseugi). Wiktionary also lists 집필 (jip'pil).
Meaning: process of representing a language (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 쓰기 | sseugi | |
| 집필 | jip'pil | [t͡ɕip̚pʰiɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The most general and versatile term for writing in Korean is 글. When you want to refer to writing specifically as an activity, use 글쓰기. For the art of calligraphy or beautiful writing, the term is 서예.
What does it mean word for word?
쓰기 is the nominalized form of the verb 쓰다 (to write), created by adding the suffix –기 to the verb stem.
Which one should you use?
쓰기 is a general term for the act of writing, whereas 집필 is used specifically for the professional act of writing books, articles or academic works.
How does it change in a sentence?
In natural Korean sentences, instead of using the noun 쓰기, speakers often use the verb phrase 글을 쓰다 (to write text) to express the action of writing.
How do you pronounce it?
sseugi
Did you know?
- The shapes of the consonants in the Korean writing system are designed to mimic the actual shape of the speaker's mouth and tongue when making the sound.
- Korean has a distinct concept called 한글날 (Hangeul Day), a national holiday dedicated specifically to the invention of the Korean writing system.
- The writing system used for 쓰기 was intentionally designed by King Sejong the Great to be so simple that a wise man could learn it in a morning and a fool in ten days.
Examples in context
- 공원은 글을 쓰기 딱 좋은 곳이야.Parks are ideal for writing.Tatoeba #4739067 by kumdonghee, translation #545575 by FeuDRenais
- 이야기 쓰고 있어요?Are you writing a story?
- 그는 쓰기 연습을 매일 해요.geuneun sseugi yeonseubeul maeil haeyo.He practices writing every day.
- 어린이에게는 쓰기 교육이 중요해요.eorini-ege-neun sseugi gyoyugi jung-yohaeyo.Writing education is important for children.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are talking about their language class.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨, 쓰기 숙제 다 했어요?Seoyeon ssi, sseugi sukje da haesseoyo?Seoyeon, did you finish the writing homework?
- 서연 Seo-yeon아니요, 쓰기가 생각보다 오래 걸리네요.aniyo, sseugiga saenggakboda orae geollineyo.No, the writing is taking longer than I thought.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo맞아요. 저도 쓰기가 제일 힘들어요.majayo. jeodo sseugiga jeil himdeureoyo.True. Writing is the hardest part for me too.
- 서연 Seo-yeon우리 같이 연습해 볼까요?uri gat-i yeonseuphae bolkayo?Shall we practice together?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “writing” translations and entries 집필, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
