Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 친구 | chin'gu | [t͡ɕʰinɡu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | South Korea |
| 동무 | dongmu | [to̞ŋmu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 벗 | beot | [pɘ(ː)t̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | literary |
친구 is the most common and versatile term for friend in everyday Korean. It is often used specifically to refer to people of the same age, rather than just any person one enjoys the company of.
Which one should you use?
친구 is the standard term for a friend, while 벗 is a more poetic or literary way to say friend, frequently appearing in poetry or songs. Although 동무 can mean friend, it is primarily used as the term for comrade in North Korean political contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
친구 is used in informal contexts or for people of equal status or slightly older status. 벗 is a literary form.
Is it said differently in some regions?
친구 is the standard term used in South Korea.
How do you pronounce it?
chin'gu
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use 친구 to refer to any friend, but in Korean, you typically use different terms if the person is older or in a higher social position.
Did you know?
- Because 친구 is strictly tied to age, Koreans often ask for a person's birth year before deciding if they can call them a 친구.
- The word 동무 may have originated from a term meaning 'plotting' or 'collusion' together.
- In Korea, you might call someone your 친구 even if you have never met, simply because you are the exact same age.
Examples in context
- 톰은 내 좋은 친구야.Tom is my good friend.This sentence is useful for identifying a person as a good friend using 친구.Tatoeba #8395792 by Eunhee, translation #5466962 by CK
- 나의 오랜 친구가 아프다.My old friend is sick.This sentence is useful for describing an old friend who is unwell using 친구.Tatoeba #9803450 by ST_Young, translation #8870937 by carlosalberto
- 우연히 옛날 친구를 만났어.I met an old friend by chance.This sentence is useful for describing a chance encounter with an old friend using 친구.Tatoeba #4748076 by kimhkng, translation #252236 by CK
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ji-eun introduces her friend to Do-hyun.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨, 이쪽은 제 친구예요.Dohyeon ssi, ijjogeun je chinguye-yo.Do-hyun, this is my friend.
- 도현 Do-hyeon안녕하세요, 만나서 반가워요.Annyeonghaseyo, mannaseo bangawoyo.Hello, it's nice to meet you.
- 지은 Ji-eun우리 둘은 학교 친구예요.Uri dureun hakgyo chinguye-yo.The two of us are school friends.
- 도현 Do-hyeon아, 그렇군요. 반갑습니다.A, geureokunyo. bangapsimnida.Ah, I see. Nice to meet you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “friend” translations and entries 친구, 동무, 벗, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 동무, 벗, 친구, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
