Super Easy Korean Loanwords

We’re going to explore how English speakers can easily read and understand some Korean words that are borrowed from English. These words, known as “loanwords,” often sound similar to their English counterparts, making them easier for English speakers to recognize. Let’s go through some examples together!

Common Korean Loanwords

핸드폰 (haen-deu-pon) – Cellphone

First up, we have the word 핸드폰 (haen-deu-pon), which means “cellphone.” If you say it slowly, you can hear the similarity to “hand phone.” This makes it pretty straightforward for English speakers to remember. Interestingly, while ‘cellphone’ is widely used in English, Koreans prefer the term ‘handphone.’

컴퓨터 (keom-pyu-teo) – Computer

Next, we have 컴퓨터 (keom-pyu-teo), which translates to “computer.” Again, if you break it down, it sounds quite similar to the English word, so it’s easy to read and understand.

아이스크림 (ai-seu-keu-rim) – Ice Cream

Moving on, we have 아이스크림 (ai-seu-keu-rim), which means “ice cream.” The pronunciation is quite close to English, so anyone familiar with the dessert will have no trouble recognizing it.

카페 (ka-pe) – Café

Then there’s 카페 (ka-pe), which means “café.” This one is almost identical to the English word, making it super easy for English speakers to say and understand. Cafés are popular hangout spots in Korea, and the word is borrowed directly from French, pronounced as ‘ka-pe.’ You might say, ‘카페에서 친구를 만났어요,’ meaning ‘I met my friend at the café.’

택시 (taek-si) – Taxi

Next is 택시 (taek-si), which means “taxi.” The pronunciation is very similar, so it’s another word that English speakers can easily pick up.

버스 (beo-seu) – Bus

We also have 버스 (beo-seu), which means “bus.” This word is quite simple and recognizable, as it sounds very much like the English version.

쇼핑 (syo-ping) – Shopping

Now let’s talk about 쇼핑 (syo-ping), which means “shopping.” The sound is quite similar, so English speakers will find it easy to remember.

인터넷 (in-teo-net) – Internet

Another important word is 인터넷 (in-teo-net), which means “internet.” This one is almost a direct match, making it easy for anyone familiar with the internet to read.

마이크 (ma-i-keu) – Microphone

Next, we have 마이크 (ma-i-keu), which means “microphone.” The pronunciation is close enough to the English word that it should be easy for English speakers to say.

쿠폰 (ku-pon) – Coupon

Then there’s 쿠폰 (ku-pon), which means “coupon.” This word is also quite similar, so it should be easy to recognize.

스카프 (seu-ka-peu) – Scarf

We also have 스카프 (seu-ka-peu), which means “scarf.” The sound is similar, making it easy for English speakers to remember.

블루투스 (beul-lu-tu-seu) – Bluetooth

Next is 블루투스 (beul-lu-tu-seu), which means “Bluetooth.” This word is very recognizable, as it sounds almost the same in both languages.

피자 (pi-ja) – Pizza

Now let’s look at 피자 (pi-ja), which means “pizza.” This one is a favorite for many, and the pronunciation is very close to the English word.

샌드위치 (saen-deu-wi-chi) – Sandwich

We also have 샌드위치 (saen-deu-wi-chi), which means “sandwich.” The sound is similar enough that English speakers can easily read it.

리모컨 (ri-mo-keon) – Remote Control

Next is 리모컨 (ri-mo-keon), which means “remote control.” The pronunciation is quite similar, making it easy to understand.

드라마 (deu-ra-ma) – Drama

Then we have 드라마 (deu-ra-ma), which means “drama.” This word is also quite recognizable for English speakers.

헬스 (hel-seu) – Health/Fitness

We also have 헬스 (hel-seu), which means “health” or “fitness.” The sound is similar, so it should be easy to remember. In Korea, ‘hel-seu’ refers to health or fitness. You might hear, ‘헬스장에 가요,’ meaning ‘I’m going to the gym.’ Fitness culture is booming in Korea, with many people prioritizing their health.

게임 (ge-im) – Game

Next is 게임 (ge-im), which means “game.” This one is straightforward and easy for English speakers to say. The word ‘ge-im’ refers to games, especially video games. You might hear, ‘게임을 하고 있어요,’ meaning ‘I’m playing a game.’ Gaming is a huge part of youth culture in Korea.

카톡 (ka-tok) – KakaoTalk

We also have 카톡 (ka-tok), which refers to “KakaoTalk,” a popular messaging app. The pronunciation is simple and recognizable. “KakaoTalk, often shortened to ‘ka-tok,’ is a popular messaging app in Korea. You might say, ‘카톡으로 연락해요,’ meaning ‘Let’s contact each other on KakaoTalk.'”

셀카 (sel-ka) – Selfie

Finally, we have 셀카 (sel-ka), which means “selfie.” This word is very familiar to many English speakers, making it easy to read and understand. You might hear, ‘셀카 찍자,’ meaning ‘Let’s take a selfie.’

Conclusion

As you can see, many Korean words borrowed from English sound quite similar to their original counterparts. This makes it easier for English speakers to read and pronounce them. By recognizing these similarities, anyone can start to feel more comfortable with the Korean language! Happy learning!