K

*kadeu 카드 [from English card] NOUN = card, credit card

카드 되나요? Kadeu doenayo? Do you take credit cards?

kaempein 캠페인 [from English campaign] NOUN = campaign

정부가 나무 심기 캠페인을 하고 있어요. Jeongbuga namu simkki kaempeineul hago isseoyo. The government is conducting a tree-planting campaign.

kaempeoseu 캠퍼스 [from English campus] NOUN = campus

남편과 저는 캠퍼스 커플이었어요. Nampyeongwa jeoneun kaempeoseu keopeurieosseoyo. My husband and I were college sweethearts.

*kaenada 캐나다 [from English Canada] NOUN = Canada

캐나다 인구의 25%가 프랑스어를 사용해요. Kaenada ingue isibo peosenteuga peurangseueoreul sayonghaeyo. 25% of Canada’s population speak French.

*kal 칼 NOUN = knife, sword

양파를 썰다가 칼에 손가락을 벴어요. Yangpareul sseoldaga kare sonkkarageul besseoyo. I cut my finger on a knife, slicing an onion.

kalgukssu 칼국수 /칼국쑤/ [칼 knife + 국수 noodle → noodles cut from the dough with a knife] NOUN = kalguksu (chopped noodles)

칼국수는 밀가루로 만든다. Kalgukssuneun milkkaruro mandeunda. Kalguksu is made from wheat.

NOTE: 칼국수 is a noodle dish. The noodles are made with a flour dough, rolled out and then cut into thin pieces. These thin slices of noodle are boiled in chicken stock.

*kamera 카메라 [from English camera] NOUN = camera (SYN. 사진기)

카메라 잠깐 빌릴 수 있을까요? Kamera jamkkan billil ssu isseulkkayo? Can I borrow your camera for a minute?

kamkamhada 캄캄하다 ADJECTIVE = very dark (ANT. 환하다)

밖이 아직 캄캄해. Bakki ajik kamkamhae. It’s still dark outside.

kan 칸 NOUN

1 = space, blank

빈 칸을 채우시오. Bin kaneul chaeusio. Fill in the blanks.

2 = car

기차의 몇몇 칸은 금연 구역입니다. Gichae myeonmyeot kaneun geumyeon guyeogimnida. Some cars on the train are non-smoking areas.

kape 카페 [from French café] NOUN = café

이 카페에는 영화배우들이 자주 온대. I kapeeneun yeonghwabaeudeuri jaju ondae. I heard this café was a favorite hang-out for movie stars.

kare 카레 [from English curry] NOUN = curry

저는 매운 카레가 좋아요. Jeoneun maeun karega joayo. I like spicy curry.

kaunteo 카운터 [from English counter] NOUN = counter, checkout (SYN. 계산대)

카운터는 한 층 아래에 있습니다. Kaunteoneun han cheung araee itsseumnida. Checkout is on the next floor down.

kecheop 케첩 [from English ketchup] NOUN = ketchup

케첩은 빼 주세요. Kecheobeun ppae juseyo. Hold the ketchup.

keikeu 케이크 [from English cake] NOUN = cake

이 케이크 좀 먹어 봐. I keikeu jom meogeo bwa. Try some of this cake.

NOTE: 케익 is also used although 케이크 is the correct form.

keodarata 커다랗다 /커다라타/ ADJECTIVE = big, large, huge (SYN. 크다; ANT. 조그맣다)

내 바지에 커다란 구멍이 났어! Nae bajie keodaran gumeongi nasseo! I have a big hole in my trousers!

keojida 커지다 [커 big (from 크다) + 지다 become] VERB = grow bigger (ANT. 작아지다)

너 때문에 문제가 더 커졌어. Neo ttaemune munjega deo keojeosseo. You made the problem even worse.

keolleo 컬러 [from English color] NOUN = color

제가 어렸을 때는 컬러 텔레비전이 있는 집이 별로 없었어요. Jega eoryeosseul ttaeneun keolleo tellebijeoni inneun jibi byeollo eopsseosseoyo. Not many houses had a color television when I was young.

keom 껌 [from English gum] NOUN = chewing gum

대체 누가 이런 데에 껌을 뱉어 놓은 거야? Daeche nuga ireon dee kkeomeul baeteo noeun geoya? Who spat out gum here?

*keompyuteo 컴퓨터 [from English computer] NOUN = computer

저는 일할 때 컴퓨터 앞에서 오랜 시간을 보냅니다. Jeoneun ilhal ttae keompyuteo apeseo oraen siganeul bonaemnida. I spend lots of time working on my computer.

keondisyeon 컨디션 [from English condition] NOUN = condition

오늘은 컨디션이 좋지 않아서 일찍 퇴근했어요. Oneureun keondisyeoni jochi anaseo iljjik toegeunhaesseoyo. I left the office early because I didn’t feel well.

keoning(hada) 커닝 (하다) [from English cunning] I NOUN = cheating II VERB = cheat

영어 시험 시간에 커닝하다가 걸렸어. Yeongeo siheom sigane keoninghadaga geollyeosseo. I got caught cheating during the English test.

NOTE: 커닝 is from the English word cunning, but it refers to cheating. Most people say 컨닝 although 커닝 is the correct form.

*keop 컵 [from English cup] NOUN, DEPENDENT NOUN = cup, glass (SYN. 잔)

이 닦을 때 컵을 쓰는 게 어때? I dakkeul ttae keobeul sseuneun ge eottae? How about using a cup when you brush your teeth?

물 한 컵만 줄래? Mul han keomman jullae? A glass of water, please.

NOTE: To check out the difference between 컵 and 잔, see the note on 잔 jan.

*keopi 커피 [from English coffee] NOUN = coffee

졸리면 커피를 좀 마셔 봐. Jollimyeon keopireul jom masyeo bwa. Drink some coffee if you feel sleepy.

keopisyop 커피숍 [from English coffee shop] NOUN = coffee shop

커피숍에 가서 시원한 것 좀 마시자. Keopisyobe gaseo siwonhan geot jjom masija. Let’s go in the coffee shop to have a cold drink.

keoteun 커튼 [from English curtain] NOUN = curtain

환자 침대 옆의 커튼들은 다 치세요. Hwanja chimdae yeope keoteundeureun da chiseyo. Pull the curtains beside the patient’s bed.

*keuda 크다 I ADJECTIVE = big, large

이 이불은 너무 커서 세탁기 안에 안 들어가요. I ibureun neomu keoseo setakkki ane an deureogayo. This blanket is too large to fit in the washing machine.

II VERB = grow up (SYN. 자라다)

저는 커서 아빠 같은 사람이 되고 싶어요. Jeoneun keoseo appa gateun sarami doego sipeoyo. I want to be a man like Dad when I grow up.

keugi 크기 [크 big (from 크다) + 기 nominal suffix] NOUN = size, bulk

왜 글자 크기가 전부 다르죠? Wae geuljja keugiga jeonbu dareujyo? Why are letters all different in size?

keullaesik 클래식 [from English classic] NOUN = classical music

저는 클래식보다 가요가 좋아요. Jeoneun keullaesikppoda gayoga joayo. I like popular music more than classical music.

NOTE: Note that 클래식 does not mean classic, but classical music. The Korean word for classic is 고전. See 고전 gojeon.

keulleop 클럽 [from English club] NOUN = club, society

저는 테니스 클럽 회원이에요. Jeoneun teniseu keulleo poewonieyo. I’m a member of a tennis club.

keunadeul 큰아들 /크나들/ [큰 big (from 크다)+ 아들 son] NOUN = one’s eldest son (SYN. 장남)

큰아들이 이번에 고등학교에 들어갔어요. Keunadeuri ibeone godeunghakkkyoe deureogasseoyo. My eldest son entered high school this year.

keungil 큰길 [큰 big (from 크다) + 길 road] NOUN = main street

큰길에 가서 3번 버스를 타세요. Keungire gaseo sam beon beoseureul taseyo. Take the bus number 3 at the main street.

keun(n)il 큰일 /큰닐, 크닐/ [큰 big (from 크다) + 일 affair] NOUN

1 = important affair

우리 집은 가족 회의를 통해 큰일을 결정해요. Uri jibeun gajo koeireul tonghae keunnireul gyeoljjeonghaeyo. We make a big decision through a family meeting.

2 = serious trouble

이런, 큰일 났어! Ireon, keunil nasseo! Oh, I’m in a big trouble!

NOTE: With meaning 1, 큰일 is pronounced as / 큰닐 keunnil /, while with meaning 2, it is pronounced as / 크닐 keunil /.

keunjeol(hada) 큰절 (하다) [큰 big (from 크다) + 절 bow] I NOUN = deep bow II VERB = make a deep bow

삼촌한테 큰절해라. Samchonhante keunjeolhaera. Make a deep bow to your uncle.

keunsorichida 큰소리치다 [큰 big (from 크다) + 소리 sound + 치다 shout] VERB = talk big, brag

그 사람은 자기가 다 알아서 하겠다고 큰소리쳤어요. Geu sarameun jagiga da araseo hagetttago keunsoricheosseoyo. He bragged that he would take care of everything.

keunttal 큰딸 [큰 big (from 크다) + 딸 daughter] NOUN = one’s oldest daughter

큰딸은 벌써 시집가서 애가 있어요. Keunttareun beolsseo sijipkkaseo aega isseoyo. My first daughter is married and has a child already.

keurim 크림 [from English cream] NOUN

1 = cream

커피에 크림 넣을까? Keopie keurim neoeulkka? Do you want me to put cream in your coffee?

2 = face cream

겨울에는 건조해지기 쉬우니까 손에 크림을 꼭 발라. Gyeoureneun geonjohaejigi swiunikka sone keurimeul kkok ppalla. Don’t forget to put cream on your hands because they tend to get dry in winter.

*keuriseumaseu 크리스마스 [from English Christmas] NOUN = Christmas

한국에서는 크리스마스를 어떻게 보내요? Hangugeseoneun keuriseumaseureul eotteoke bonaeyo? How do you celebrate Christmas in Korea?

*ki 키 NOUN = height

키가 얼마예요? Kiga eolmayeyo? How tall are you?

kibodeu 키보드 [from English keyboard] NOUN = keyboard (SYN. 자판)

키보드에 물이 들어가서 고장 났어요. Kibodeue muri deureogaseo gojang nasseoyo. I got water in my keyboard and it doesn’t work.

killo 킬로 [from English kilo] DEPENDENT NOUN

1 = kilo, kilogram (SYN. 킬로그램)

일주일 사이에 몸무게가 3킬로나 늘었어요. Iljjuil saie mommugega sam killona neureosseoyo. I have gained three kilos in a week.

2 = kilometer (SYN. 킬로미터)

여기서 제일 가까운 주유소도 5킬로가 넘어요. Yeogiseo jeil gakkaun juyusodo o killoga neomeoyo. The nearest gas station is more than five kilometers’ distance from here.

NOTE: 킬로 is the shortened form of 킬로그램 or 킬로미터. People often say 키로 instead of 킬로.

killogeuraem 킬로그램 [from English kilogram] DEPENDENT NOUN = kilogram

돼지고기 1킬로그램에 얼마예요? Dwaejigogi il killogeuraeme eolmayeyo? How much is the pork per kilogram?

killomiteo 킬로미터 [from English kilometer] DEPENDENT NOUN = kilometer

딱 1킬로미터만 뛰자. Ttak il killomiteoman ttwija. Let’s run just one kilometer.

kiseu(hada) 키스 (하다) [from English kiss] I NOUN = kiss (SYN. 뽀뽀) II VERB = kiss (SYN. 뽀뽀하다)

키스해 본 적 있어? Kiseuhae bon jeok isseo? Have you ever kissed anyone?

NOTE: To check out the difference between 키스 and 뽀뽀, see the note on 뽀뽀 ppoppo.

kiuda 키우다 VERB

1 = raise, rear, cultivate (SYN. 기르다)

이곳은 아이들을 키우기에 좋은 환경이 아니에요. Igoseun aideureul kiugie joeun hwangyeongi anieyo. This is not a good environment in which to raise children.

2 = turn up

잘 안 들려. 소리 좀 키워 봐. Ja ran deullyeo. Sori jom kiwo bwa. I can’t hear. Turn up the volume.

NOTE: To check out the difference between 키우 다 1 and 기르다, see the note on 기르다 gireuda.

kkachi 까치 NOUN = magpie

한국 사람들은 까치가 울면 반가운 손님이 온다고 생각한다. Hanguk ssaramdeureun kkachiga ulmyeon bangaun sonnimi ondago saenggakanda. Korean people think a welcome guest may be visiting them when they hear a magpie cry.

kkada 까다 VERB = peel, hull, shell

할 일 없으면 마늘 좀 까라. Hal il eopsseumyeon maneul jom kkara. Peel garlic if you have nothing to do.

kkadak 까닭 /까닥/ NOUN = [written] reason (SYN. 이유)

그렇게 생각하는 까닭이 뭔가요? Geureoke saenggakaneun kkadalgi mwongayo? Why do you think that?

kkaeda 깨다¹ VERB

1 = wake (up) (SYN. 깨어나다)

아기는 밤 사이에 여러 번 깼어요. Agineun bam saie yeoreo beon kkaesseoyo. The baby woke up several times during the night.

2 = sober up

방금 잠은 깼는데 술이 아직 안 깨요. Bang-geum jameun kkaenneunde suri ajik an kkaeyo. I just woke up but I still haven’t sobered up.

kkaeda 깨다² VERB = break, smash

유리창 깬 사람이 누구야? Yurichang kkaen sarami nuguya? Who broke the window?

약속을 깨다 yakssogeul kkaeda break one’s appointment

kkaedattta 깨닫다 /깨닫따/ VERB = realize, become aware

네 말이 맞았다는 걸 깨달았어. Ne mari majatttaneun geol kkaedarasseo. I just came to realize you were right.

kkaeeonada 깨어나다 VERB = wake up, come around (SYN. 깨다¹ 1)

깨어나 보니 병원이었어요. Kkaeeona boni byeongwonieosseoyo. When I woke up, I was in the hospital.

kkaejida 깨지다 [깨 break (from 깨다) + 지다 become] VERB = break, be broken

뭔가 깨지는 소리가 들렸어. Mwonga kkae jineun soriga deullyeosseo. I heard something break.

kkaekkeusi 깨끗이 /깨끄시/ [깨끗 clean (from 깨끗하다) + 이 adverbial suffix] ADVERB = clean, neatly

밥 먹기 전에 먼저 손 깨끗이 씻어라. Bap meokkki jeone meonjeo son kkaekkeusi ssiseora. Wash your hands clean first before eating.

*kkaekkeutada 깨끗하다 /깨끄타다/ ADJECTIVE = clean (ANT. 더럽다)

이 물은 깨끗한 물입니다. I mureun kkaekkeutan murimnida. This is clean water.

kkaesogeum 깨소금 [깨 sesame + 소금 salt] NOUN = powdered sesame mixed with salt

깨소금을 뿌리다 kkaesogeumeul ppurida sprinkle powdered sesame mixed with salt

kkaetteurida 깨뜨리다 VERB = break, smash (SYN. 깨다²)

죄송해요, 엄마. 제가 화분을 깨뜨렸어요. Joesonghaeyo, eomma. Jega hwabuneul kkaetteu ryeosseoyo. I’m sorry, Mom. I broke the flowerpot.

kkaeuda 깨우다 [깨다 wake up + 우 causative suffix] VERB = wake (sb) up

6시에 저 좀 깨워 주세요. Yeoseot ssie jeo jom kkaewo juseyo. Could you wake me up at six o’clock?

*kkaji 까지 PARTICLE = to, until, by

어젯밤 1시까지 깨어 있었어요. Eojeppam han sikkaji kkaeeo isseosseoyo. I stayed up until 1 a.m. last night.

*kkaktta 깎다 /깍따/ VERB

1 = peel, cut

머리 깎았니? Meori kkakkanni? Did you get your hair cut?

2 = discount

너무 비싸요. 조금만 깎아 주세요. Neomu bissayo. Jogeumman kkakka juseyo. It’s too expensive. Could you give a little discount?

NOTE: 머리를 깎다/자르다 can mean both to cut someone else’s hair and to get one’s hair cut.

kkakttugi 깍두기 /깍뚜기/ NOUN = kkakdugi (sliced radish kimchi)

당근을 깍두기 모양으로 썰어라. Danggeuneul kkakttugi moyangeuro sseoreora. Cut the carrot into cubes.

NOTE: 깍두기 is a kind of kimchi in which radish is diced into cubes and fermented with salt.

kkalda 깔다 VERB

1 = spread, lay

이불 좀 깔아 줘. Ibul jom kkara jwo. Spread the quilt please.

2 = install

새 프로그램 깔기 전에 바이러스 검사하는 거 잊지 마. Sae peurogeuraem kkalgi jeone baireoseu geomsahaneun geo itjji ma. Don’t forget to check for a virus before you install a new program.

kkalkkeumhada 깔끔하다 ADJECTIVE = neat, tidy

글씨를 좀 더 깔끔하게 쓰세요. Geulssireul jom deo kkalkkeumhage sseuseyo. You have to write more neatly.

kkallida 깔리다 [깔다 spread + 리 passive suffix] VERB

1 = be buried, be pinned, be spread

바닥에 담요가 깔려 있어요. Badage damnyoga kkallyeo isseoyo. There’s a blanket spread out on the floor.

2 = be installed, be set up

여기에 인터넷이 깔려 있나요? Yeogie inteonesi kkallyeo innayo? Is there an Internet connection here?

kkamansaek 까만색 [까만 black (from 까맣다) + 色 color] NOUN = black (SYN. 검은색)

까만색 양복 kkamansaek yangbok a black suit

kkamata 까맣다 /까마타/ ADJECTIVE = black (SYN. 검다)

우리 가족은 피부가 까만 편이에요. Uri gajogeun pibuga kkaman pyeonieyo. My family members have rather dark skin.

kkameoktta 까먹다 /까먹따/ VERB = [informal] forget (SYN. 깜빡하다, 잊다)

토마토 사는 걸 까먹었어. Tomato saneun geol kkameogeosseo. I forgot to buy tomatoes.

kkamjjak 깜짝 ADVERB = with surprise

벨 소리에 깜짝 놀랐어요. Bel ssorie kkamjjak nollasseoyo. The sound of the bell startled me.

kkamppak 깜빡 ADVERB = with a flash

약속을 깜빡 잊어버렸어요. Yakssogeul kkamppak ijeobeoryeosseoyo. The appointment slipped my mind.

kkamppakada 깜빡하다 /깜빠카다/ [깜빡 with a flash + 하다 verbal suffix] VERB = forget (SYN. 잊다, 까먹다)

쓰레기 내놓는 걸 깜빡했어요. Sseuregi naenonneun geol kkamppakaesseoyo. I forgot to take the garbage out.

kkangpae 깡패 [깡 + 牌 party] NOUN = bully, mugger, gangster

어젯밤에 골목길에서 깡패한테 돈을 빼앗겼어요. Eojeppame golmokkkireseo kkangpaehante doneul ppaeatkkyeosseoyo. Last night, I was mugged in an alley.

kke 께 PARTICLE = to (honorific of 에게, 한테)

아버님께 안부 전해 주세요. Abeonimkke anbu jeonhae juseyo. Please say hello to your father for me.

kkeojida 꺼지다 [꺼 put out (from 끄다) + 지다 become] VERB

1 = go out, be extinguished

불이 꺼지지 않게 해라. Buri kkeojiji anke haera. Don’t let the fire go out.

2 = be turned off, go off

엄마 핸드폰이 꺼져 있어요. Eomma haendeuponi kkeojeo isseoyo. Mom’s cell phone is turned off.

kkeoktta 꺾다 /꺽따/ VERB

1 = break, snap

나뭇가지를 꺾으면 안 돼. Namukkajireul kkeokkeumyeon an dwae. You should not break branches.

2 = turn (SYN. 틀다 1)

다음 코너에서 왼쪽으로 꺾으세요. Daeum koneoeseo oenjjogeuro kkeokkeuseyo. Turn left at the next corner.

kkeonaeda 꺼내다 VERB = pull, take out

가방에서 책을 꺼내세요. Gabangeseo chaegeul kkeonaeseyo. Take your book out of the bag.

kkeopjjil 껍질 /껍찔/ NOUN = skin, peel

당근 자르기 전에 껍질부터 벗겨라. Danggeun jareugi jeone kkeopjjilbuteo beotkkyeora. Peel carrots first before cutting them.

kkeseo 께서 PARTICLE = subject particle (honorific)

이건 아버지께서 주신 거야. Igeon abeojikkeseo jusin geoya. This is what my father gave me.

*kkeuda 끄다 VERB

1 = switch off, turn off (ANT. 켜다)

야! 텔레비전 좀 꺼! Ya! Tellebijeon jom kkeo! Hey! Turn off the TV!

2 = put out

우리는 담요를 덮어 간신히 불을 껐다. Urineun damnyoreul deopeo gansinhi bureul kkeottta. We narrowly put out the fire by covering it with a blanket.

kkeudeogida 끄덕이다 /끄더기다/ VERB = nod

아시겠으면 고개를 끄덕여 주세요. Asigesseumyeon gogaereul kkeudeogyeo juseyo. Please give a nod if you understand.

kkeudeopssi 끝없이 /끄덥씨/ [끝 end + 없이 without] ADVERB = without end

그녀는 끝없이 떠들어 댔다. Geunyeoneun kkeudeopssi tteodeureo daettta. She chattered on endlessly.

kkeudeoptta 끝없다 /끄덥따/ [끝 end + 없다 no] ADJECTIVE = endless

나는 너의 끝없는 거짓말에 지쳤어. Naneun neoe kkeudeomneun geojinmare jicheosseo. I’m fed up with your constant lies.

kkeulda 끌다 VERB

1 = drag

신발 끌지 마. Sinbal kkeulji ma. Stop dragging your heels.

2 = draw, attract

어떻게 하면 손님을 끌 수 있을까? Eotteoke hamyeon sonnimeul kkeul ssu isseulkka? How can we attract customers?

kkeullida 끌리다 [끌다 draw + 리 passive suffix] VERB = be drawn

나 왠지 그 여자한테 마음이 끌려. Na waenji geu yeojahante maeumi kkeullyeo. I feel somehow drawn to her.

kkeulta 끓다 /끌타/ VERB = boil

물이 끓기 시작해요. Muri kkeulki sijakaeyo. The water is beginning to boil.

kkeumjjikada 끔찍하다 /끔찌카다/ ADJECTIVE= terrible, awful

그 사람하고 같이 출장을 갈 생각을 하니 끔찍해. Geu saramhago gachi chuljjangeul gal ssaenggageul hani kkeumjjikae. I dread the thought of going on a business trip with him.

kkeun 끈 NOUN = string, cord

끈으로 꽉 묶어라. Kkeuneuro kkwang mukkeora. Tie it tight with a string.

kkeuneojida 끊어지다 /끄너지다/ [끊어 cut (from 끊다) + 지다 become] VERB = cut, snap, be disconnected (SYN. 끊기다)

왜 이러지? 전화가 그냥 끊어졌어. Wae ireoji? Jeonhwaga geunyang kkeuneojeosseo. What’s going on? My call just got cut off.

kkeunimeopssi 끊임없이 /끄니멉씨/ [끊임 stop + 없이 without] ADVERB = constantly, without stop

비가 끊임없이 내리네. Biga kkeunimeopssi naerine. It’s raining endlessly.

kkeunimeoptta 끊임없다 /끄니멉따/ [끊임 stop + 없다 no] ADJECTIVE = constant

그 사람의 성공은 끊임없는 노력의 결과다. Geu sarame seonggongeun kkeunimeomneun noryeoge gyeolgwada. His success is the result of his persistent striving.

kkeunkida 끊기다 /끈키다/ [끊다 cut + 기 passive suffix] VERB = be cut off (SYN. 끊어지다)

태풍으로 우리 동네 전기가 끊겼어요. Taepungeuro uri dongne jeongiga kkeunkyeosseoyo. Because of the typhoon, there is a power outage in my neighborhood.

전화가 끊기면 제가 다시 걸죠. Jeonhwaga kkeunkimyeon jega dasi geoljyo. I will call you back if the connection goes dead.

*kkeunnada 끝나다 /끈나다/ [끝 end + 나다 occur] VERB = end, come to an end (ANT. 시작되다)

내일이면 방학이 끝나. Naeirimyeon bang-hagi kkeunna. School vacation ends tomorrow.

kkeunnae 끝내 /끈내/ [끝 end + 내] ADVERB = to the end, in the end

그는 끝내 나타나지 않았다. Geuneun kkeunnae natanaji anattta. In the end, he didn’t show up.

*kkeunnaeda 끝내다 /끈내다/ [끝 end + 내다 put] VERB = finish, put an end to (SYN. 마치다)

아직 일을 반도 못 끝냈어. Ajing nireul bando mot kkeunnaesseo. I haven’t finished even half of my work.

kkeunta 끊다 /끈타/ VERB

1 = hang up

끊었다가 다시 걸게. Kkeuneotttaga dasi geolkke. I’ll hang up and call you back.

2 = cut (ANT. 잇다)

가위로 실 좀 끊어 줘. Gawiro sil jom kkeuneo jwo. Cut off the thread with the scissors.

3 = stop, quit

담배 끊는 게 이렇게 어려울 줄 몰랐어요. Dambae kkeunneun ge ireoke eoryeoul jul mollasseoyo. I didn’t know how hard it would really be to quit smoking.

kkeureodanggida 끌어당기다 /끄러당기다/ [끌어 drag (from 끌다) + 당기다 pull] VERB = pull, draw (SYN. 잡아당기다)

의자를 가까이 끌어당기다 uijareul gakkai kkeureodanggida pull up a chair

kkeurida 끓이다 /끄리다/ [끓다 boil + 이 causative suffix] VERB = boil (sth)

주전자에 물을 끓이고 있어요. Jujeonjae mureul kkeurigo isseoyo. I’m boiling water in a kettle.

*kkeut 끝 /끋/ NOUN = end, finish, close

그 책들은 복도 끝에 있습니다. Geu chaektteureun boktto kkeute itsseumnida. The books are at the end of the aisle.

kki 끼 DEPENDENT NOUN = meal

오늘 한 끼도 안 먹었어요. Oneul han kkido an meogeosseoyo. I didn’t eat a single meal today.

NOTE: Put pure Korean numerals (한, 두, 세, 네, 다섯, …) before 끼.

kkida 끼다¹ VERB = be tight

구두가 너무 꽉 껴요. Guduga neomu kkwak kkyeoyo. These shoes are too tight for me.

kkida 끼다² VERB = wear, put on

안경 대신 렌즈를 끼시는 게 어때요? Angyeong daesin renjeureul kkisineun ge eottaeyo? Why don’t you wear contact lenses instead of glasses?

NOTE: See the note on 입다 iptta.

kkida 끼다³ VERB = hang, cloud

산에 구름이 끼기 시작했다. Sane gureumi kkigi sijakaettta. Clouds gathered over the mountain.

kkida 끼다⁴ VERB = join

저녁 식사에 내가 껴도 돼? Jeonyeok ssikssae naega kkyeodo dwae? Do you mind if I join you for dinner?

kkieodeulda 끼어들다 VERB

1 = cut in

끼어들지 말아요! Kkieodeulji marayo! Don’t cut in!

2 = interfere, interrupt (SYN. 간섭하다)

끼어들어서 죄송합니다. Kkieodeureoseo joesonghamnida. I’m sorry to interrupt you.

kkiuda 끼우다 VERB = put, insert

새 걸 끼워 봐. Sae geol kkiwo bwa. Put in a new one.

kkok 꼭 ADVERB

1 = tightly, fast (SYN. 꽉 1)

뚜껑을 꼭 닫아라. Ttukkeongeul kkok ttadara. Put the lid on tight.

2 = surely, certainly

서울에 도착하면 꼭 메일 보내 줘. Seoure dochakamyeon kkong meil bonae jwo. Be sure to send me an e-mail when you get to Seoul.

kkokttaegi 꼭대기 /꼭때기/ NOUN = top, apex

꼭대기까지 가는 데 얼마나 걸려요? KKokttaegikkaji ganeun de eolmana geollyeoyo? How long does it take to get to the top?

kkol 꼴 NOUN = [offensive] look, state

걔 꼴도 보기 싫어! Gyae kkoldo bogi sireo! I don’t even want to see him!

kkoma 꼬마 NOUN = kid

꼬마야, 뭘 도와 줄까? Kkomaya, mwol dowa julkka? How can I help you, little boy?

NOTE: 꼬마 can sound offensive.

kkomjjak 꼼짝 NOUN = budging

허리가 아파서 꼼짝도 못 하겠어. Heoriga apaseo kkomjjaktto mo tagesseo. Because of back pain, I can’t budge an inch.

kkomkkomhada 꼼꼼하다 ADJECTIVE = meticulous, precise

방 안을 꼼꼼하게 살펴봤지만 그 책을 찾지 못했어요. Bang aneul kkomkkomhage salpyeobwatjjiman geu chaegeul chatjji motaesseoyo. I searched all over the room carefully, but I couldn’t find the book.

kkonnip 꽃잎 /꼰닙/ [꽃 flower + 잎 leaf → flower leaves] NOUN = petal

그 꽃은 꽃잎이 일곱 개야. Geu kkocheun kkonnipi ilgop kkaeya. The flower has seven petals.

kkori 꼬리 NOUN= tail

그 개는 주인이 나타나면 꼬리를 흔든다. Geu gaeneun juini natanamyeon kkorireul heundeunda. The dog wags its tail when its owner appears.

IDIOMS

kkorireul gamchuda 꼬리를 감추다 = disappear without a trace

범인들은 꼬리를 감췄다. Beomindeureun kkorireul gamchwottta. The criminals have all vanished into thin air.

kkorireul ppaeda 꼬리(를) 빼다 = 꼬리를 감추다

kkorireul chida 꼬리(를) 치다 = flirt with a man

저 남자한테 꼬리 칠 생각은 하지 마. Jeo namjahante kkori chil saenggageun haji ma. Don’t even think about flirting with that man.

kkorireul heundeulda 꼬리를 흔들다 = 꼬리 (를) 치다

*kkot 꽃 /꼳/ NOUN = flower

이 꽃은 가을에 핀다. I kkocheun gaeure pinda. This flower blooms in fall.

kkottta 꽂다 /꼳따/ VERB = put, stick

책을 다시 꽂아 놓을게요. Chaegeul dasi kkoja noeulkkeyo. I’ll put the book back on the shelf.

kkuda 꾸다¹ VERB = dream (a dream)

기분 나쁜 꿈을 꾸었어요. Gibun nappeun kkumeul kkueosseoyo. I had a bad dream.

kkuda 꾸다² VERB = borrow (money) (SYN. 빌리다)

돈 좀 꿔 줘. Don jom kkwo jwo. Lend me some money.

kkujung(hada) 꾸중 (하다) I NOUN = scolding

II VERB = scold

오늘 엄마한테 꾸중을 들어서 기분이 별로예요. Oneul eommahante kkujungeul deureoseo gibuni byeolloyeyo. I’m in a bad mood today because I got told off by my mother.

kkujunhada 꾸준하다 ADJECTIVE = steady, constant

어떤 악기도 꾸준한 연습이 필요하다. Eotteo nakkkido kkujunhan nyeonseubi piryohada. Every musical instrument requires constant practice.

kkujunhi 꾸준히 [꾸준 steady (from 꾸준하다) + 히 adverbial suffix] ADVERB = steadily

꾸준히 노력하면 합격할 수 있을 거야. Kkujunhi noryeokamyeon hapkkyeokal ssu isseul kkeoya. You’ll pass the exam if you keep on doing your best.

kkul 꿀 NOUN= honey

술을 많이 마신 후에는 꿀을 물에 타서 마셔 봐. Sureul mani masin hueneun kkureul mure taseo masyeo bwa. Have some water with honey after heavy drinking.

IDIOM

kkul meogeun beongeori 꿀 먹은 벙어리 = cat got sb’s tongue

왜 갑자기 꿀 먹은 벙어리가 됐어? Wae gapjjagi kkul meogeun beongeoriga dwaesseo? Cat suddenly got your tongue?

*kkum 꿈 NOUN = dream

좋은 꿈 꿔! Joeun kkum kkwo! Sweet dreams!

kkumida 꾸미다 VERB

1 = decorate (SYN. 장식하다)

거실이 정말 예쁘네요. 직접 꾸미셨어요? Geosiri jeongmal ryeppeuneyo. Jikjjeop kkumisyeosseoyo? You have a really lovely living room. Did you decorate it yourself?

2 = invent, fabricate

잘도 말을 꾸며 대는군. Jaldo mareul kkumyeo daeneungun. You’re really good at concocting stories.

kkumkkuda 꿈꾸다 [꿈 dream + 꾸다 dream] VERB = dream of

많은 사람들이 부자가 되기를 꿈꾼다. Maneun saramdeuri bujaga doegireul kkumkkunda. Many people dream of becoming rich.

kkumssok 꿈속 /꿈쏙/ [꿈 dream + 속 inside] NOUN = (in) one’s dream

아직도 꿈속에서 살고 있니? Ajiktto kkumssogeseo salgo inni? Are you still living in a dream world?

kkurida 꾸리다 VERB = pack

짐 꾸리는 거 좀 도와줄래? Jim kkurineun geo jom dowajullae? Can you help me pack, please?

kkwae 꽤 ADVERB = quite, fairly (SYN. 상당히)

오늘 아침은 꽤 시원하네요. Oneul achimeun kkwae siwonhaneyo. It’s quite cool this morning.

kkwak 꽉 ADVERB

1 = tightly (SYN. 꼭 1)

꽉 잡아! Kkwak jjaba! Hold on tight!

2 = fully

죄송합니다, 손님. 그때는 예약이 꽉 차 있습니다. Joesonghamnida, sonnim. Geuttaeneun yeyagi kkwak cha itsseumnida. I’m sorry, sir. We’re fully booked for that time.

*ko 코 NOUN = nose

코가 막혀서 코로 숨을 쉴 수가 없어요. Koga makyeoseo koro sumeul swil ssuga eopsseoyo. My nose is stuffed and I can’t breathe through it.

IDIOMS

nae koga seok jja 내 코가 석 자 = have one’s own problems

나도 다른 사람을 돕고 싶지만 지금은 내 코가 석 자야. Nado dareun sarameul dopkko sipjjiman jigeumeun nae koga seok jjaya. I wish I could help others, but I have to take care of my own problems now.

koga ppittureojida 코가 삐뚤어지다 = drink like a fish

오늘 밤은 코가 삐뚤어지게 마셔 보자. Oneul ppameun koga ppittureojige masyeo boja. Let’s drink like a fish tonight.

eopeojimyeon ko daeul kkot 엎어지면 코 닿을 곳 = within a stone’s throw

저는 학교에서 엎어지면 코 닿을 곳에 살아요. Jeoneun hakkkyoeseo eopeojimyeon ko daeul kkose sarayo. I live within a stone’s throw of school.

kochi 코치 [from English coach] NOUN = coach

코치님, 저 잠시 쉬어야 할 것 같아요. Kochinim, jeo jamsi swieoya hal kkeot gatayo. Coach, I need to take a break.

kokkiri 코끼리 NOUN = elephant

사실 코끼리는 순한 동물이 아닙니다. Sasil kokkirineun sunhan dongmuri animnida. An elephant is actually not a docile animal.

*kolla 콜라 [from English cola] NOUN = cola, Coke

사람들은 보통 피자를 콜라와 함께 먹는다. Saramdeureun botong pijareul kollawa hamkke meongneunda. People usually eat pizza with Coke.

komidi 코미디 [from English comedy] NOUN = comedy

저는 코미디 프로를 좋아해요. Jeoneun komidi peuroreul joahaeyo. I like comedy programs.

komidieon 코미디언 [from English comedian] NOUN = comedian (SYN. 개그맨)

코미디언은 슬플 때도 남을 웃겨야 한다. Komidieoneun seulpeul ttaedo nameul utkkyeoya handa. Comedians have to make others laugh even when they are sad.

kompeullekseu 콤플렉스 [from English complex] NOUN = complex

저는 키가 작은 게 콤플렉스예요. Jeoneun kiga jageun ge kompeullekseuyeyo. I have a complex about being short.

koneo 코너 [from English corner] NOUN

1 = corner (SYN. 모퉁이)

저기 코너에서 세워 주세요. Jeogi koneoeseo sewo juseyo. Just pull up over there by the corner.

2 = department (SYN. 매장)

화장품 코너는 어디에 있어요? Hwajangpum koneoneun eodie isseoyo? Where’s the cosmetic department?

3 = feature, segment

저희 프로그램에는 다양한 코너가 있습니다. Jeohi peurogeuraemeneun dayanghan koneoga itsseumnida. We have various features in our program.

kong 콩 NOUN = bean

콩을 두 시간 정도 삶아라. Kongeul du sigan jeongdo salmara. Simmer the beans for about two hours.

kongnamul 콩나물 NOUN = bean sprouts

콩나물 끝은 따야 해. Kongnamul kkeuteun ttaya hae. Trim off the tips of bean sprouts.

konseoteu 콘서트 [from English concert] NOUN = concert

콘서트 가 본 지도 오래 됐어. Konseoteu ga bon jido orae dwaesseo. I haven’t been to a concert in a long time.

kopi 코피 [코 nose + 피 blood] NOUN = nosebleed

코피가 계속 나서 멎질 않아요. Kopiga gyesong naseo meotjjil anayo. My nose won’t stop bleeding.

koseu 코스 [from English course] NOUN = course, route

명동은 일본인들의 서울 관광에서 필수 코스예요. Myeongdongeun ilbonindeure seoul gwangwangeseo pilssu koseuyeyo. Myeongdong is a must-see in Seoul for Japanese tourists.

koteu 코트¹ [from English coat] NOUN = coat

코트 주세요. 걸어 드릴게요. Koteu juseyo. Georeo deurilkkeyo. Give me your coat. I’ll hang it up for you.

koteu 코트² [from English court] NOUN = court

테니스 코트 예약을 좀 하고 싶은데요. Teniseu koteu yeyageul jom hago sipeundeyo. I’d like to reserve the tennis court.

*kyeoda 켜다 VERB = turn on, light up (ANT. 끄다 1)

에어컨 좀 켜도 될까요? Eeokeon jom kyeodo doelkkayo? Do you mind if I turn on the air conditioner?