한자어 (han-ja-eo, hanjaeo) · 고유어 (go-yu-eo, goyueo) · 외래어 (oe-rae-eo, oeraeeo)
Hanja words, native Korean words, and loanwords are three main categories of Korean word origins, each with distinct usage and nuances.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Korean words derived from Chinese characters (Hanja)
When to use
official documents, academic terms, technical fields
The nuance
Hanja words are mainly used in formal, academic, or technical contexts and often form compound words.
Native Korean words used for everyday life, nature, and emotions
When to use
daily conversation, nature description, emotion expression
The nuance
Native Korean words fit casual conversation and expressions of nature or emotions, giving a friendly, natural feel.
Loanwords from foreign languages, mainly used for modern culture, technology, and food-related new terms
When to use
modern technology, foreign food, cultural terms
The nuance
Loanwords are mainly used to express modern concepts like new technology, foreign food, and culture.
이 보고서는 한자어가 많이 포함되어 있어 전문적이다.
i bo-go-seo-neun han-ja-eo-ga man-i po-ham-doe-eo iss-eo jeon-mun-jeok-i-da., i bo go seo neun han ja eo ga man i po ham doe eo iss eo jeon mun jeok i da.
Using Hanja words in official documents is natural and appropriate.
나는 오늘 밥을 먹었다.
na-neun o-neul bap-eul meok-eoss-da., na neun o neul bap eul meok eoss da.
Using the native Korean word '밥' in daily conversation is perfect.
컴퓨터는 한자어이다.
keom-pyu-teo-neun han-ja-eo-i-da., keom pyu teo neun han ja eo i da.
'컴퓨터' is a loanword, not a Hanja word; must use loanword category.
바나나는 고유어이다.
ba-na-na-neun go-yu-eo-i-da., ba na na neun go yu eo i da.
'바나나' is a loanword, not native Korean.
경제학은 한자어로 만들어진 학문 용어이다.
gyeong-je-hak-eun han-ja-eo-ro man-deul-eo-jin hak-mun yong-eo-i-da., gyeong je hak eun han ja eo ro man deul eo jin hak mun yong eo i da.
'경제학' is a Hanja word suitable for academic terminology.
친구와 산책하며 꽃을 봤다.
chin-gu-wa san-chaek-ha-myeo kkoch-eul bwass-da., chin gu wa san chaek ha myeo kkoch eul bwass da.
Native words like '산책' and '꽃' fit nature descriptions well.
햄버거는 고유어이다.
haem-beo-geo-neun go-yu-eo-i-da., haem beo geo neun go yu eo i da.
'햄버거' is a loanword, not a native Korean word.
스마트폰은 외래어이다.
seu-ma-teu-pon-eun oe-rae-eo-i-da., seu ma teu pon eun oe rae eo i da.
'스마트폰' is a loanword from a foreign language.
Which of the following is NOT a native Korean word?
What type of word is '경제학'?
What is the origin of '햄버거'?
Which type of word is most suitable for daily conversation?
