Korean Dictionary
How to say "Ant" in Korean
“Ant” in Korean is 개미 (pronounced "gaemi").
개미
gaemi
Korean usage reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026.
This page checks meaning, pronunciation, politeness level, and common learner mistakes.
Usage & Context
A small insect known for its strength and teamwork. Ants are found throughout Korea and are symbols of hard work. They appear in Korean children's stories and educational materials.
Example Sentence
개미가 음식을 나르고 있어요.
The ant is carrying food.
How to use 개미 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Ant” is 개미, romanized as gaemi.
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 개미.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '개' (gae), sounds like the 'gae' in 'gaze' but with a softer 'g' and the 'ae' vowel sound similar to 'cat'. The second syllable, '미' (mi), is pronounced like 'me'.
More Example Sentences
Observing ants working together.
개미들이 줄지어 먹이를 나르고 있어요.
Ants are carrying food in a line.
Discussing the characteristics of ants.
개미는 작지만 힘이 아주 세요.
Ants are small but very strong.
Warning a child while playing outdoors.
개미집을 발로 밟지 마세요.
Don't step on the anthill.
Cultural Context
Ants, or 개미 (gaemi), are widely recognized in Korea as symbols of diligence, strength, and teamwork. They frequently appear in children's stories and educational materials to teach the value of hard work and cooperation. The phrase '개미처럼 일하다' (gaemicheoreom ilhada), meaning 'to work like an ant,' is a common expression used to describe someone who is very hardworking and industrious.
Editorial note
We review entries like 개미 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. Last reviewed June 4, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
개미처럼 일하다
to work like an ant (to be very diligent)
개미떼
a swarm/colony of ants
개미굴
ant tunnel/nest
Related Expressions
곤충
gonchung
insect
개미집
gaemijip
anthill
부지런하다
bujireonhada
diligent
작다
jakda
small
More Animals Words
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