In this article, we will learn how to say “music” in Korean. After all, in every shop and restaurant that you go to, and in every show on TV or movie you watch, you hear some sort of music being played.
Many people love to listen to music on their phones or iPods while on their commute, on the radio when driving, or on the stereo at home. Not to mention how K-pop has become a worldwide sensation (thanks to bands like Blackpink, BTS, and many more). In other words, music is a big part of most people’s lives.
Thus, learning how to say “music” in Korean will likely be a good enhancement to your Korean vocabulary. Today you’ll learn just that!
Contents
“Music” in Korean
The first and most basic word for “music” to learn in Korean is 음악 (eumak). This word is the general word used when discussing music.
If your hobby happens to be “listening to music,” you can describe it with the word 음악듣기 (eumakdeutki). This word is shortened from the Korean verb “listening to music,” which is 음악을 듣다 (eumageul deutda).
The word 곡 (gok) also means “music,” but it is used more as a word that describes a specific song, or the instrumental music in a song, rather than just music generally.
Sample Sentences
악보를 읽을 줄 아세요? (akboreul ilkeul jul aseyo?)
Do you know how to read music?
대학교에서 음악을 공부해요. (daehakgyoeseo eumageul gongbuhaeyo.)
I study music at university.
요즘은 음악을 잘 안듣고 있네요. (yojeumeun eumageul jal andeutgo itneyo.)
These days I don’t really listen to music.
난 K팝 음악 좋아해. (nan keipab eumak johahae.)
I like K-pop music.
나는 대학교 음악 동아리 다녀. (naneun daehakgyo eumak dongari danyeo.)
I participate in the university’s music club.
어떤 음악을 좋아해? (eoddeon eumageul johahae?)
What kind of music do you like?
“Sheet music” in Korean
악보 (akbo) is another word that means “music.” However, in this word’s case, it is used specifically to refer to “sheet music.”
“Song” in Korean
Following that, another similar word for “song” in Korean is 노래 (norae) which is a general word used to refer to “song.”
If you’re familiar with karaoke, its Korean term is 노래방 (noraebang) which is a combination of 노래 (norae|song) and 방 (bang|room).
Speaking of song, if you want to learn Korean with easy songs, you can try learning some Korean alphabet songs!
A word of caution about Romanization
While you can study the words in this article simply by reading their romanized versions, it will come in handy for you to be able to read Hangeul if you ever wish to come to Korea. Hangeul is the Korean alphabet, and not difficult to learn. In fact, you can learn it in just 90 minutes.
After you’ve familiarized yourself with Hangeul, life in Korea will suddenly seem so much easier, and the country won’t appear so foreign to you. So, if you’re serious about learning Korean, why not learn Hangeul today?
Now that you know how to say “music” in Korean, go out and study all your favorite music in Korean! What word would you like to know how to say next? Let us know in the comments below!
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