Difference between revisions of "English-Korean loanwords"

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The term Konglish in linguistics refers to English words, or words derived from English, that are used in Korean. This includes macaronic or hybrid English-Korean words. The term Konglish can also refer more pejoratively to Korean-accented English or English marked by lexical, collocational, and grammatical L2 errors by Korean learners of English, which is not the focus of this article.  
+
Korean has borrowed a number of words and word elements from English, sometimes giving them different meanings. This includes direct loanwords, and macaronic or hybrid English-Korean words.  
 +
These words or word blends (portmanteaus) have entered Korean, often with different meanings than the original English. However, Koreans learners may often be unaware of the fact that the Konglish words have different meanings or usages than the original English words, or that the Konglish word is a purely Korean invention and does not exist in English. A famous example is the Korean word 화아팅 'hwaiting', from the English word ''fighting''; in Korean, it is used as a cheer, like "go team" or "be strong" or "good luck" - which are rather different from the original English meaning. An example of a pure lexical invention is the Korean 스킨십 'skinship,' which does not exist in English; this is a word blend of English elements, and refers to affectionate touching (between friends or romantic partners) or what a few psychology and health researchers in the 1970s called "skin hunger" - the need or desire to receive or give friendly physical contact, such as between friends, as well as between romantic partners. However, there is no good, common English term that can serve as a good translation of 스킨십.  
  
−
These words or word blends (portmanteaus) have entered Korean, often with different meanings than the original English. However, Koreans learners may often be unaware of the fact that the Konglish words have different meanings or usages than the original English words, or that the Konglish word is a purely Korean invention and does not exist in English. A famous example is the Korean word 화아팅 'hwaiting', from the English word ''fighting''; in Korean, it is used as a cheer, like "go team" or "be strong" or "good luck" - which are rather different from the original English meaning. An example of a pure lexical invention is the Korean 스킨십 'skinship,' which does not exist in English; this is a word blend of English elements, and refers to affectionate touching (between friends or romantic partners) or what some psychologists in the 1970s called "skin hunger" - the need or desire to receive or give friendly physical contact, such as between friends, as well as between romantic partners. Below is a list of the more common examples that could be problematic for learners.  
+
On the Internet, these are often referred to as [[Konglish]] words or vocabulary, which is not a very suitable term. The term [[Konglish]] is a pejorative term that refers to Korean-accented English or English marked by lexical, collocational, and grammatical L2 errors by Korean learners of English, which is not the focus of this article. Thus, the sometimes negative term [[Konglish]] for such Korean words is inappropriate; these borrowings show linguistic creativity and innovation, and follow similar patterns as in other languages, e.g., when English borrows words from other languages with altered meanings. For example, the German word ''Gesundheit'' for 'health' is used by English speakers, when we say "bless you" or "gesundheit" after someone sneezes.  
  
 +
However, if Koreans speaking English attempt to use these words with their Korean meanings, English speakers will have difficulty if they do not know Korean, leading to misunderstandings or
 +
failed communication. Thus, for Koreans learning English, knowing the differences between the original English and Korean meanings is necessary. Below is a list of the more common examples that could be problematic for learners.
  
−
=== Korean words with altered meanings ===
 
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable"
+
=== English words with altered meanings ===
−
|- 
+
 
−
! Konglish term !! Original English word !!  Original English meaning !! English meaning of Konglish term
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"  
 +
! Korean term !! Original English word !!  Original English meaning !! Korean meaning
 +
|-
 +
| 글래머 || glamour || an exciting, romanticized, or idealistic attractiveness (e.g., in entertainment)  || an attractive, full-figured woman; a voluptuous woman
 
|-   
 
|-   
 
| 다이어트  || diet || (1) eating habits, (2) weight loss program || go on a diet, to diet  
 
| 다이어트  || diet || (1) eating habits, (2) weight loss program || go on a diet, to diet  
−
 
 
|-   
 
|-   
 
| 매니큐어  || manicure || nail care  || nail polish  
 
| 매니큐어  || manicure || nail care  || nail polish  
−
 
 
|-   
 
|-   
 
| 미팅 || meeting || group assembled for some purpose || group blind date, blind / group dating  
 
| 미팅 || meeting || group assembled for some purpose || group blind date, blind / group dating  
−
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| 비닐 || vinyl || a particular type of plastic (chemical name) || plastic wrap / wrapping  
 
| 비닐 || vinyl || a particular type of plastic (chemical name) || plastic wrap / wrapping  
−
 
 
|-   
 
|-   
 
| 사이다 || cider || lemon-lime or clear soda || hot, spiced apple drink  
 
| 사이다 || cider || lemon-lime or clear soda || hot, spiced apple drink  
−
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| 사인 || sign || (1) to sign or put one's signature on a document, (2) a written notice || a signature, to sign  
 
| 사인 || sign || (1) to sign or put one's signature on a document, (2) a written notice || a signature, to sign  
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 샤프 || sharp || a company name (Sharp, maker of pencils and other products) || mechanical pencil  
 
| 샤프 || sharp || a company name (Sharp, maker of pencils and other products) || mechanical pencil  
−
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| 커닝 || cunning || sly, sneaky; clever, but in an evil way (e.g., a cunning fox) || cheating  
 
| 커닝 || cunning || sly, sneaky; clever, but in an evil way (e.g., a cunning fox) || cheating  
−
 
+
|-
 +
| 코팅 || coating ||  covering (in general) ||  lamination
 +
|-
 +
| 타임 || time || time || wait a moment/second, wait, stop, hold on (colloquial)
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| 토스트 || toast || toasted bread || a toasted or grilled breakfast sandwich  
 
| 토스트 || toast || toasted bread || a toasted or grilled breakfast sandwich  
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| 팬티 || pantie || women's underwear || underwear (men's or women's), cf. boxers, briefs  
 
| 팬티 || pantie || women's underwear || underwear (men's or women's), cf. boxers, briefs  
−
 
 
|-   
 
|-   
 
| 핫도그 || hot dog || hot dog wiener (sausage) on white bread bun with mustard & ketchup || corndog  
 
| 핫도그 || hot dog || hot dog wiener (sausage) on white bread bun with mustard & ketchup || corndog  
−
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| 핸들 || handle || graspable part, e.g., door handle, bag handle || steering wheel  
 
| 핸들 || handle || graspable part, e.g., door handle, bag handle || steering wheel  
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| 헌팅 || hunting || hunting animals (with a weapon) || trying to pick up guys / women (e.g., at a bar / club)  
 
| 헌팅 || hunting || hunting animals (with a weapon) || trying to pick up guys / women (e.g., at a bar / club)  
−
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| 호치키스 || Hotchkiss || a company (now defunct) that made staplers in the early 20th century || stapler  
+
| 호치키스 || Hotchkiss || a company (now defunct) that made staplers in the early 20th century* || stapler  
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| 화이탕 || fighting || a physical or verbal conflict || Go, team! (sports games); Cheer up! Be strong! Good luck! (personal encouragement)   
+
| 화이팅 || fighting || a physical or verbal conflict || Go, team! (sports games); Cheer up! Be strong! Good luck! (personal encouragement)   
 
|-   
 
|-   
 
| 팬시 || fancy || nice-looking, elaborate || stationery, esp. nicer or fancy-looking stationery  
 
| 팬시 || fancy || nice-looking, elaborate || stationery, esp. nicer or fancy-looking stationery  
 
|-
 
|-
 +
 
|}
 
|}
 +
<nowiki>*</nowiki>The term 'Hotchkiss' for 'stapler' originated in Japan and then came into Korean.
  
  
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{|  class="wikitable sortable"
 
{|  class="wikitable sortable"
−
! Konglish term !! Original English word !!  English equivalent of Konglish term  
+
! Korean term !! Original English word !!  English equivalent of Konglish term  
 +
|-
 +
| 밴드 || band || bandage, band-aid
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| 리모컨 || remote control || remote, remote control  
 
| 리모컨 || remote control || remote, remote control  
−
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| 에어컨 || air conditioner || AC, air conditioning / conditioner  
 
| 에어컨 || air conditioner || AC, air conditioning / conditioner  
−
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| 콘센트 || concentric (circles sharing the same center) || electrical plug / plug-in, outlet, wall socket   
 
| 콘센트 || concentric (circles sharing the same center) || electrical plug / plug-in, outlet, wall socket   
−
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
|| FM|| “[army] field manual” protocol for loud, enthusiastic self-intro at parties or MT || Ø (FM refers to FM radio); no equivalent cultural practice or word exists in English for Korean “FM” introductions
+
|| FM|| “[army] field manual” protocol || Ø (FM refers to FM radio); In Korean, this refers to doing things by following strict rules (e.g., at a company), maybe "strictly by the book"*
−
 
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| MT || membership training || Ø (no exact equivalent; maybe company/class retreat or outing)   
 
| MT || membership training || Ø (no exact equivalent; maybe company/class retreat or outing)   
−
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| AS, 에프터 서비스 || after service || Ø (closest term is customer service, which works differently than AS)
 
| AS, 에프터 서비스 || after service || Ø (closest term is customer service, which works differently than AS)
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
* In some Korean colleges and companies (maybe more so in Seoul), FM has another meaning. At an MT or company meal, people around the table take turns to introduce themselves and to give loud, enthusiastic cheer for the company or school. No equivalent cultural practice or word exists in English for Korean “FM” introductions
 +
  
  
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{|  class="wikitable sortable"
 
{|  class="wikitable sortable"
−
! Konglish term !! Original English elements !! English equivalent of Konglish term  
+
! Korean term !! Original English elements !! English equivalent of Konglish term  
 +
|-
 +
| 더치 페이 || Dutch pay || go Dutch, split the bill
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| 더츠 페이 || Dutch pay || go Dutch, split the bill
+
| 매스컴 || mass + communication || mass media, mass communication (especially as an area of study)
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| 멀티탭  || multi + tab  || power strip  
 
| 멀티탭  || multi + tab  || power strip  
−
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| 스킨십  || skin + ship  || Ø (no English equivalent; maybe "affection touch / touching")
+
| 백미러 || back + mirror || (car) rearview mirror
 +
|-
 +
| 비닐하우스 || vinyl + house || vinyl greenhouse (greenhouse made of thick vinyl for agriculture)
 +
|-
 +
| 러닝머신 || running + machine || treadmill
 +
|-
 +
| 레포츠 || leisure + sports || leisure sports
 +
|-
 +
| 사인펜 || sign + pen || marker, felt marker
 +
|-
 +
| 선팅 || sun + tint (?) || car window tint or tinting, tinted windows 
 +
|-
 +
| 스킨십  || skin + ship  || Ø (No English equivalent exists in everyday English; maybe ''affection touch / touching, physical intimacy, friendly touching'', or more technically, ''haptic communication''.)
 +
|-
 +
| 리조텔 || resort + hotel || resort & hotel facility
 +
|-
 +
| 아이쇼핑 || eye + shopping || window shopping
 +
|-
 +
| 오바이트 || over + bite || overeat, puke, barf 
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| 오토바이 || auto + bike || motorcycle  
 
| 오토바이 || auto + bike || motorcycle  
−
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| 와이셔츠  || Y-shirt  || dress shirt, collared / button-up shirt  
 
| 와이셔츠  || Y-shirt  || dress shirt, collared / button-up shirt  
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| 원피스 || one-piece || dress (In English, ‘one-piece’ can be any kind of garment, e.g., a swimsuit, or a type of baby clothing)
 
| 원피스 || one-piece || dress (In English, ‘one-piece’ can be any kind of garment, e.g., a swimsuit, or a type of baby clothing)
−
|-
 
−
| 핸드 폰  || hand + phone  || cell phone (US), mobile phone (UK); smart phone (universal)
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| 오므라이스 || omelet + rice || Ø (no equivalent, since this is a purely Korean food item)  
 
| 오므라이스 || omelet + rice || Ø (no equivalent, since this is a purely Korean food item)  
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| 원샷 || one shot || Bottoms up!  
 
| 원샷 || one shot || Bottoms up!  
 
|-
 
|-
 +
| 카라티 || collar + t-shirt || polo shirt
 +
|-
 +
| 크레파스 || crayon + pastel (oil)? || crayon*
 +
|-
 +
| 킥보드 || kick + board || scooter
 +
|-
 +
| 포클레인 || forklift + crane || digger, excavator, backhoe, hydraulic shovel
 +
|-
 +
| 셀카 || self + camera || selfie
 +
|-
 +
| 하이틴 || high + teen || late teens
 +
|-
 +
| 핸드 폰  || hand + phone  || cell phone (US), mobile phone (UK); smart phone (universal)
 +
|-
 +
| 휘퍼 || whip + -er || whisk
 +
|-
 +
| 하우스코어, 카포어 || house poor, car poor || Being "poor" after spending too much money on a nice house or car
 +
|}
 +
<nowiki>*</nowiki> The term 크레파스 may have been coined in Japanese and then introduced to Korea.
 +
 +
 +
===Blends of Korean and English elements===
 +
 +
 +
{|  class="wikitable sortable"
 +
! Korean term !! Origin !!  English equivalent
 +
|-
 +
| 몰카 || 몰래 'hidden' + 카 'camera' || hidden camera
 +
|-
 +
| 커터칼 || 'cutter' + 칼 'knife' || box cutter
 
|}
 
|}
 +
  
  
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{|  class="wikitable sortable"
 
{|  class="wikitable sortable"
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
! Konglish term !! Origin !!  English equivalent  
+
! Korean term !! Origin !!  English equivalent  
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| 아르바이트 || German ‘Arbeit’ || part-time work, temporary work  
+
| 아르바이트, 알바 || German ''Arbeit, arbeiten'' || part-time work, temporary work  
 +
|-
 +
| 호프 || German ''Hof'' || pub, bar (an older or more formal word; less common now)
 
|}
 
|}
  
  
−
Note: The Korean term 아르바이트 'arubait' is from the German ''Arbeit'', not from English. This is the normal German word for work (as in full-time or permanent work), but in Korean it refers to temporary or part-time work. In modern colloquial German, part-time or temporary work is called ''ein Job'' (noun) or ''jobben'' (verb).  
+
Note: The Korean term 아르바이트 'arubait' is from the German ''Arbeit'' (a noun meaning 'work') or ''arbeiten'' (a verb meaning 'to work'), not from English. This is the normal German word for work (as in full-time or permanent work), but in Korean it refers to temporary or part-time work. In modern colloquial German, part-time or temporary work is called ''ein Job'' (noun) or ''jobben'' (verb) -- an example of where German has borrowed English words with altered meanings.
  
  
  
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[[Category:Vocabulary]]
+
[[Category:Vocabulary]] [[Category:Korean]]

Latest revision as of 05:30, 27 October 2023

Korean has borrowed a number of words and word elements from English, sometimes giving them different meanings. This includes direct loanwords, and macaronic or hybrid English-Korean words. These words or word blends (portmanteaus) have entered Korean, often with different meanings than the original English. However, Koreans learners may often be unaware of the fact that the Konglish words have different meanings or usages than the original English words, or that the Konglish word is a purely Korean invention and does not exist in English. A famous example is the Korean word 화아팅 'hwaiting', from the English word fighting; in Korean, it is used as a cheer, like "go team" or "be strong" or "good luck" - which are rather different from the original English meaning. An example of a pure lexical invention is the Korean 스킨십 'skinship,' which does not exist in English; this is a word blend of English elements, and refers to affectionate touching (between friends or romantic partners) or what a few psychology and health researchers in the 1970s called "skin hunger" - the need or desire to receive or give friendly physical contact, such as between friends, as well as between romantic partners. However, there is no good, common English term that can serve as a good translation of 스킨십.

On the Internet, these are often referred to as Konglish words or vocabulary, which is not a very suitable term. The term Konglish is a pejorative term that refers to Korean-accented English or English marked by lexical, collocational, and grammatical L2 errors by Korean learners of English, which is not the focus of this article. Thus, the sometimes negative term Konglish for such Korean words is inappropriate; these borrowings show linguistic creativity and innovation, and follow similar patterns as in other languages, e.g., when English borrows words from other languages with altered meanings. For example, the German word Gesundheit for 'health' is used by English speakers, when we say "bless you" or "gesundheit" after someone sneezes.

However, if Koreans speaking English attempt to use these words with their Korean meanings, English speakers will have difficulty if they do not know Korean, leading to misunderstandings or failed communication. Thus, for Koreans learning English, knowing the differences between the original English and Korean meanings is necessary. Below is a list of the more common examples that could be problematic for learners.


1 English words with altered meanings

Korean term Original English word Original English meaning Korean meaning
글래머 glamour an exciting, romanticized, or idealistic attractiveness (e.g., in entertainment) an attractive, full-figured woman; a voluptuous woman
다이어트 diet (1) eating habits, (2) weight loss program go on a diet, to diet
매니큐어 manicure nail care nail polish
미팅 meeting group assembled for some purpose group blind date, blind / group dating
비닐 vinyl a particular type of plastic (chemical name) plastic wrap / wrapping
사이다 cider lemon-lime or clear soda hot, spiced apple drink
사인 sign (1) to sign or put one's signature on a document, (2) a written notice a signature, to sign
샤프 sharp a company name (Sharp, maker of pencils and other products) mechanical pencil
커닝 cunning sly, sneaky; clever, but in an evil way (e.g., a cunning fox) cheating
코팅 coating covering (in general) lamination
타임 time time wait a moment/second, wait, stop, hold on (colloquial)
토스트 toast toasted bread a toasted or grilled breakfast sandwich
팬티 pantie women's underwear underwear (men's or women's), cf. boxers, briefs
핫도그 hot dog hot dog wiener (sausage) on white bread bun with mustard & ketchup corndog
핸들 handle graspable part, e.g., door handle, bag handle steering wheel
헌팅 hunting hunting animals (with a weapon) trying to pick up guys / women (e.g., at a bar / club)
호치키스 Hotchkiss a company (now defunct) that made staplers in the early 20th century* stapler
화이팅 fighting a physical or verbal conflict Go, team! (sports games); Cheer up! Be strong! Good luck! (personal encouragement)
팬시 fancy nice-looking, elaborate stationery, esp. nicer or fancy-looking stationery

*The term 'Hotchkiss' for 'stapler' originated in Japan and then came into Korean.


2 Korean words shorted from English words

Korean term Original English word English equivalent of Konglish term
밴드 band bandage, band-aid
리모컨 remote control remote, remote control
에어컨 air conditioner AC, air conditioning / conditioner
콘센트 concentric (circles sharing the same center) electrical plug / plug-in, outlet, wall socket
FM “[army] field manual” protocol Ø (FM refers to FM radio); In Korean, this refers to doing things by following strict rules (e.g., at a company), maybe "strictly by the book"*
MT membership training Ø (no exact equivalent; maybe company/class retreat or outing)
AS, 에프터 서비스 after service Ø (closest term is customer service, which works differently than AS)
  • In some Korean colleges and companies (maybe more so in Seoul), FM has another meaning. At an MT or company meal, people around the table take turns to introduce themselves and to give loud, enthusiastic cheer for the company or school. No equivalent cultural practice or word exists in English for Korean “FM” introductions


3 Korean word blends from English elements

Korean term Original English elements English equivalent of Konglish term
더치 페이 Dutch pay go Dutch, split the bill
매스컴 mass + communication mass media, mass communication (especially as an area of study)
멀티탭 multi + tab power strip
백미러 back + mirror (car) rearview mirror
비닐하우스 vinyl + house vinyl greenhouse (greenhouse made of thick vinyl for agriculture)
러닝머신 running + machine treadmill
레포츠 leisure + sports leisure sports
사인펜 sign + pen marker, felt marker
선팅 sun + tint (?) car window tint or tinting, tinted windows
스킨십 skin + ship Ø (No English equivalent exists in everyday English; maybe affection touch / touching, physical intimacy, friendly touching, or more technically, haptic communication.)
리조텔 resort + hotel resort & hotel facility
아이쇼핑 eye + shopping window shopping
오바이트 over + bite overeat, puke, barf
오토바이 auto + bike motorcycle
와이셔츠 Y-shirt dress shirt, collared / button-up shirt
원피스 one-piece dress (In English, ‘one-piece’ can be any kind of garment, e.g., a swimsuit, or a type of baby clothing)
오므라이스 omelet + rice Ø (no equivalent, since this is a purely Korean food item)
원룸 one room efficiency apartment (for an older, smaller, or cheaper apartment), studio apartment (for a nicer, larger, or more expensive apartment)
원샷 one shot Bottoms up!
카라티 collar + t-shirt polo shirt
크레파스 crayon + pastel (oil)? crayon*
킥보드 kick + board scooter
포클레인 forklift + crane digger, excavator, backhoe, hydraulic shovel
셀카 self + camera selfie
하이틴 high + teen late teens
핸드 폰 hand + phone cell phone (US), mobile phone (UK); smart phone (universal)
휘퍼 whip + -er whisk
하우스코어, 카포어 house poor, car poor Being "poor" after spending too much money on a nice house or car

* The term 크레파스 may have been coined in Japanese and then introduced to Korea.


4 Blends of Korean and English elements

Korean term Origin English equivalent
몰카 몰래 'hidden' + 카 'camera' hidden camera
커터칼 'cutter' + 칼 'knife' box cutter


5 Korean words from non-English sources

Korean term Origin English equivalent
아르바이트, 알바 German Arbeit, arbeiten part-time work, temporary work
호프 German Hof pub, bar (an older or more formal word; less common now)


Note: The Korean term 아르바이트 'arubait' is from the German Arbeit (a noun meaning 'work') or arbeiten (a verb meaning 'to work'), not from English. This is the normal German word for work (as in full-time or permanent work), but in Korean it refers to temporary or part-time work. In modern colloquial German, part-time or temporary work is called ein Job (noun) or jobben (verb) -- an example of where German has borrowed English words with altered meanings.

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