Korean Dictionary
How to say "Annexation" in Korean
“Annexation” in Korean is 합병 (pronounced "hapbyeong").
합병
hapbyeong
Usage & Context
The annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910 marked the beginning of Japanese colonial rule. The Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty of 1910 was signed under duress. This annexation ended Korean sovereignty for 35 years until 1945.
Example Sentence
1910년 한일 합병으로 한국이 일본의 식민지가 됐어요.
Korea became a colony of Japan through the 1910 Japan-Korea annexation.
How to use 합병 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Annexation” is 합병, romanized as hapbyeong.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 합병.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, "hap," sounds like 'hop' in English, but with a slightly tighter 'a' sound. The second syllable, "byeong," is pronounced like 'byung' in 'bungalow', with the 'eo' sound similar to 'uh' in 'butter', and a soft 'ng' at the end. The 'p' and 'b' sounds are distinct.
More Example Sentences
Discussing historical events in a formal setting.
한국과 일본의 합병은 아픈 역사입니다.
The annexation of Korea and Japan is a painful history.
Reporting on business news or corporate decisions.
두 회사가 합병을 결정했어요.
The two companies decided on a merger/annexation.
Discussing geopolitical actions or historical conflicts.
그 나라는 주변 영토를 합병하려 했습니다.
That country tried to annex surrounding territories.
Cultural Context
While "합병" can mean 'merger' in a general business context, its historical usage in Korea almost exclusively refers to the "한일 합병" (Japan-Korea Annexation) of 1910. This event is a deeply sensitive and painful part of Korean history, marking the beginning of 35 years of colonial rule. When Koreans hear "합병" without further context, this historical event often comes to mind first, evoking strong emotions and historical awareness.
Editorial note
We review entries like 합병 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
한일 합병
Japan-Korea Annexation
회사 합병
company merger
강제 합병
forced annexation
Related Expressions
합병 조약
hapbyeong joyak
annexation treaty
식민지
singminji
colony
독립
dongnip
independence (antonym)
통합
tonghap
integration, unification (similar, but less forceful)
More Korean History Words
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