Korean Dictionary
How to say "Bankruptcy" in Korean
“Bankruptcy” in Korean is 파산 (pronounced "Pasan").
파산
Pasan
Usage & Context
Legal status when unable to pay debts. Bankruptcy is a serious financial situation in Korea.
Example Sentence
회사가 파산했어요.
The company went bankrupt.
How to use 파산 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Bankruptcy” is 파산, romanized as Pasan.
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 파산.
Pronunciation Guide
The word '파산' is pronounced 'Pa-san'. '파' sounds like 'pa' in 'papa'. '산' is like 'san' in 'sand' but without the 'd' sound at the end. The stress is typically on the first syllable, 'pa'.
More Example Sentences
Discussing a company's financial failure in the news or among colleagues.
그 회사는 결국 파산 신청을 했어요.
That company eventually filed for bankruptcy.
Talking about economic trends or personal finance issues.
개인 파산을 신청하는 사람들이 늘고 있어요.
The number of people filing for personal bankruptcy is increasing.
Discussing economic policy or business rescue efforts.
파산 위기에 처한 기업을 살려야 합니다.
We must save companies on the verge of bankruptcy.
Cultural Context
Bankruptcy (파산) carries a significant social stigma in South Korea, often associated with personal failure and shame. While legal procedures exist for both corporate and personal bankruptcy, individuals often try to avoid it at all costs due to the societal perception and potential long-term financial disadvantages. The term is frequently heard in economic news or K-dramas depicting characters struggling with severe financial hardship.
Editorial note
We review entries like 파산 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
파산 신청
Filing for bankruptcy
개인 파산
Personal bankruptcy
파산하다
To go bankrupt (verb form)
Related Expressions
도산
dosan
Insolvency, bankruptcy (often used for companies)
부도
budo
Dishonored check, bankruptcy (specifically for companies failing to pay debts)
회생
hoesaeng
Rehabilitation, recovery (often used in 'corporate rehabilitation' context)
빚
bit
Debt (general term)
More Finance & Banking Words
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