Korean Dictionary
How to say "Apartment" in Korean
“Apartment” in Korean is 아파트 (pronounced "Apateu").
아파트
Apateu
Usage & Context
Apartments dominate Korean housing, especially in cities. Unlike in the West, large tower-block apartments are aspirational homes in Korea, often in prestigious complexes. Real estate is a major topic of conversation and concern in Korean society, particularly around affordability in Seoul.
Example Sentence
서울에서 아파트 값이 너무 비싸요.
Apartment prices in Seoul are too expensive.
How to use 아파트 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Apartment” is 아파트, romanized as Apateu.
Usage tip
Practice this word inside a full daily-life sentence, because particles and sentence endings make the Korean sound natural.
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 아파트.
Pronunciation Guide
This is a loanword. 아 (a) sounds like 'ah'. 파 (pa) sounds like 'pah'. 트 (teu) sounds like 'tuh' with a very subtle 'oo' sound at the end, almost like the 't' in 'cat' but with a slight release. The stress is fairly even.
More Example Sentences
Someone expressing their desire for a new living space.
새 아파트로 이사 가고 싶어요.
I want to move into a new apartment.
Describing the convenience of one's apartment location.
우리 아파트는 지하철역이랑 가까워요.
Our apartment is close to the subway station.
Complaining about the cost of living in an apartment complex.
아파트 관리비가 너무 많이 나와요.
The apartment maintenance fees are too high.
Cultural Context
In Korea, 아파트 (apartments) are the most common form of housing, especially in urban areas. Unlike some Western perceptions, living in a large apartment complex is often a sign of status and a desirable living situation, particularly in prestigious '아파트 단지' (apartment complexes). Real estate, especially apartment prices in Seoul, is a constant topic of national conversation and a significant financial concern for many Koreans.
Editorial note
We review entries like 아파트 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
아파트 값
apartment price
새 아파트
new apartment
아파트 단지
apartment complex
Related Expressions
빌라
billa
villa (smaller multi-family dwelling, often 4-5 stories)
주택
jutaek
house (single-family home)
전세
jeonse
lump-sum deposit housing system
월세
wolse
monthly rent
More Daily Life Words
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