Korean Dictionary
How to say "Basketball" in Korean
“Basketball” in Korean is 농구 (pronounced "nonggu").
농구
nonggu
Usage & Context
Basketball has grown significantly in popularity in Korea over the past decades. The Korean Basketball League attracts many fans and the national team competes internationally.
Example Sentence
농구 선수가 되고 싶어요.
I want to become a basketball player.
How to use 농구 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Basketball” is 농구, romanized as nonggu.
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 농구.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'nong-gu' — 'nong' rhymes with 'young' with an 'n' start, 'gu' like 'goo'.
More Example Sentences
classmates making plans
방과 후에 농구 한 판 하자.
Let's play a game of basketball after school.
adult hobby introduction
농구 동호회에 가입했어요.
I joined a basketball club.
sports fan comment
KBL 시즌이 시작되면 농구 경기 봐요.
When the KBL season starts I watch basketball games.
Cultural Context
농구 had its golden era in the 1990s with the iconic drama '마지막 승부' and is now resurging with younger fans. Street basketball is popular at schoolyards and outdoor courts. The KBL (Korean Basketball League) allows foreign players who often become local legends. '농구장' courts at apartment complexes are common gathering spots for teens.
Editorial note
We review entries like 농구 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
농구 한 판 할래?
Wanna play some basketball?
농구 키가 중요해요.
Height is important in basketball.
농구 경기 재밌었어요.
The basketball game was fun.
Related Expressions
농구공
nonggugong
basketball (the ball)
농구장
nonggujang
basketball court
슛
syut
shot
덩크
deongkeu
dunk
More Sports Words
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