Translation guide
This guide covers how to refer to the Korean language, Korean people, Korean things, and Korea itself in Japanese. It focuses on natural expressions for an English-speaking learner.
Referring to the Korean language in general, or saying something is in Korean.
The most common and neutral word for the Korean language, especially South Korean.
韓国語を勉強しています。
I'm studying Korean.
これは韓国語で何と言いますか。
How do you say this in Korean?
Refers to the Korean language, but often associated with North Korea or historical contexts. Can be sensitive; use with caution.
In South Korea and among many Korean speakers, this term may be considered politically charged or even offensive. 韓国語 is safer for general use.
朝鮮語の方言について研究しています。
I'm researching dialects of the Korean language.
Technically refers to the Korean writing system, but sometimes used informally to mean the Korean language. Not recommended for formal use.
Using ハングル to mean the language can be imprecise; it's better to use 韓国語.
ハングルが読めるようになりたい。
I want to be able to read Korean (script).
Referring to a person or people from Korea.
Standard term for a South Korean person. Plural can be formed by adding たち or using context.
彼は韓国人です。
He is Korean.
韓国人の友達がいます。
I have a Korean friend.
Refers to Korean people, but often used in historical or North Korean contexts. Can be sensitive.
Describing something as Korean, such as food, culture, or products.
The most common way to say 'Korean [something]'. 韓国 means Korea (South Korea), and の makes it an adjective.
韓国の料理が好きです。
I like Korean food.
韓国のドラマを見ます。
I watch Korean dramas.
Means 'Korean-style'. Used for things that are inspired by or reminiscent of Korea.
韓国風のファッションが流行っている。
Korean-style fashion is popular.
Used in historical or specific compound words, like 朝鮮半島 (Korean Peninsula). Not used as a general adjective for South Korean things.
Avoid using 朝鮮 to describe modern South Korean culture or products; it can be seen as outdated or politically charged.
Referring to the nation of Korea, usually South Korea.
The standard name for South Korea. Use this unless you specifically mean North Korea or the whole peninsula.
来年韓国に行きます。
I'm going to Korea next year.
Historically refers to Korea as a whole, but now mainly used in compound words or to refer to North Korea in some contexts. Not used for South Korea.
Using 朝鮮 alone to refer to Korea today can be ambiguous or politically sensitive.
韓国 (かんこく) refers to South Korea, while 朝鮮 (ちょうせん) historically refers to all of Korea but now often implies North Korea or the Korean Peninsula. For most modern contexts involving South Korea, use 韓国. 朝鮮 is used in terms like 北朝鮮 (North Korea) and 朝鮮半島 (Korean Peninsula). Be aware that 朝鮮 can be a sensitive term due to historical and political reasons.
In English, 'Korean' can be an adjective directly modifying a noun. In Japanese, you usually need to say 韓国の (Kankoku no) to mean 'Korean (something)'. For example, 'Korean food' is 韓国の料理, not just 韓国料理 (though that compound exists, it's less common in casual speech).
This term can carry political or ethnic connotations; 韓国人 is preferred for South Koreans.
在日朝鮮人の歴史を学ぶ。
Learn about the history of Koreans in Japan.
朝鮮半島の情勢は複雑だ。
The situation on the Korean Peninsula is complex.
North Korea. Note that it uses 朝鮮, not 韓国.
北朝鮮のニュースはあまり入ってこない。
News from North Korea doesn't come in much.
朝鮮戦争は1950年に始まった。
The Korean War started in 1950.