Korean-English Dictionary

Search in Korean or English within the dictionary of the National Institute of Korean Language. The version on this page allows you to search more efficiently. Search in hangeul, English, or by Sino-Korean characters.

About This Korean-English Dictionary

This enhanced version of the National Institute of Korean Language dictionary provides lightning-fast searches directly in your browser. Unlike traditional online dictionaries that require server requests for each search, our tool loads the complete dictionary into memory, delivering instant results as you type.

Key Features for Korean Language Learners

Whether you're studying Korean for business, preparing for TOPIK, or exploring K-pop lyrics, this dictionary offers multiple search methods to match your learning style:

Hangeul Search (한글 검색): Type Korean characters directly to find word definitions and usage examples
English-Korean Translation: Search English terms to discover their Korean equivalents with proper context
Hanja Search (한자 검색): Look up Sino-Korean characters to understand the deeper meaning behind Korean vocabulary
Example Sentences: Find real-world usage patterns to understand how words function in natural Korean speech
Instant Highlighting: Search results are automatically highlighted for easy scanning and reference

Why Use an Enhanced Dictionary Interface?

Traditional Korean dictionaries often require multiple page loads and server queries, slowing down your study flow. This optimized interface eliminates waiting time, making it ideal for:

Intensive Reading Sessions: Quickly look up unfamiliar words without losing your place in Korean texts
Translation Work: Rapidly verify multiple terms and their nuances when translating between Korean and English
Vocabulary Building: Explore related words and compounds efficiently through instant search results
Mobile Learning: The lightweight interface works smoothly on smartphones and tablets, perfect for studying on the go

Understanding Korean Dictionary Entries

Korean dictionary entries typically include several components that help learners grasp both meaning and usage:

The headword (표제어) appears first, usually in hangeul, followed by any relevant hanja in parentheses. This helps you understand whether a word has Chinese origins—crucial for expanding your vocabulary through pattern recognition. Native Korean words (순우리말) won't have hanja, while Sino-Korean words (한자어) comprise roughly 60% of Korean vocabulary.

Part of speech (품사) indicators show whether you're looking at a noun (명사), verb (동사), adjective (형용사), or other word type. Korean verbs and adjectives share similar conjugation patterns, making this distinction particularly important for proper sentence construction.

Usage examples (용례) demonstrate how words function in context. Pay attention to particle usage, honorific levels, and common collocations. These examples often reveal nuances that simple translations miss, such as when to use 먹다 versus 드시다 for "to eat" depending on formality levels.

Tips for Effective Dictionary Use

Start with Root Forms: Korean verbs and adjectives appear in dictionary form ending in -다. When you encounter conjugated forms like 먹어요 or 예뻤어, mentally convert them back to their dictionary forms (먹다, 예쁘다) before searching.

Explore Word Families: Once you find a word, search for related compounds. For example, after looking up 학 (學, learning), explore combinations like 학생 (student), 학교 (school), and 대학 (university) to build connected vocabulary networks.

Note Formality Levels: Korean has complex honorific systems. When the dictionary provides multiple translations, pay attention to usage notes indicating formal (높임말), informal (반말), or neutral speech levels. This prevents awkward or inappropriate language use in real conversations.

Use Multiple Search Strategies: If you can't find a word through hangeul search, try searching for its English meaning or potential hanja. Sometimes Korean adopts loanwords (외래어) that might be listed under their English origins, like 컴퓨터 (computer) or 커피 (coffee).

Beyond Basic Translation

A dictionary is more than a translation tool—it's a window into Korean language patterns and cultural concepts. Some Korean words have no direct English equivalent, like 정 (deep emotional connection), 한 (deep sorrow), or 눈치 (social awareness). These entries require careful reading of explanations and examples to truly understand their cultural significance.

Similarly, understanding the difference between pure Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋) and Sino-Korean numbers (일, 이, 삼) requires more than simple translation. The dictionary's example sentences show when to use each system—pure Korean for counting objects and age, Sino-Korean for dates, money, and phone numbers.

Maximizing Your Korean Learning Journey

Regular dictionary use accelerates language acquisition when combined with active learning strategies. Create personal vocabulary lists from your searches, focusing on high-frequency words first. The TOPIK vocabulary lists provide structured learning goals for different proficiency levels.

Consider supplementing dictionary searches with grammar references to understand how words change in different contexts. Korean particles, verb endings, and honorific markers all affect meaning in ways that simple word-to-word translation cannot capture.

For pronunciation practice, combine dictionary lookups with audio resources. While this dictionary provides comprehensive written information, hearing words spoken naturally helps develop authentic Korean pronunciation and intonation patterns.

Remember that language learning is a gradual process. This enhanced dictionary tool removes technical barriers, letting you focus on what matters most: understanding and using Korean effectively in real communication.