Korean Dictionary
How to say "Battle" in Korean
“Battle” in Korean is 전투 (pronounced "Jeontu").
전투
Jeontu
Usage & Context
Military term related to battle. Important vocabulary for understanding Korean military culture and defense terminology.
Example Sentence
이것은 전투에 대한 예문입니다.
This is an example sentence about battle.
How to use 전투 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Battle” is 전투, romanized as Jeontu.
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 전투.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 전 (jeon), sounds like 'jeon' in 'jeopardy' or 'john' with a 'j' sound. The second syllable, 투 (tu), sounds like 'too' in 'moon' or 'two.' The stress is fairly even.
More Example Sentences
Describing the casualties of a specific historical engagement.
그 전투에서 많은 병사들이 희생되었습니다.
Many soldiers were sacrificed in that battle.
Announcing the successful outcome of a military engagement.
이번 전투는 승리로 끝났습니다.
This battle ended in victory.
Using the term metaphorically to describe life's challenges.
삶은 끊임없는 전투의 연속이다.
Life is a continuous series of battles.
Cultural Context
전투 (jeontu) refers to a specific engagement or fight within a larger war, distinguishing it from the broader concept of '전쟁' (jeonjaeng). In Korean history, many famous battles, such as the Battle of Myeongnyang (명량 해전) led by Admiral Yi Sun-sin, are studied and remembered. The term can also be used metaphorically in daily life to describe a difficult struggle or challenge, like '삶의 전투' (samui jeontu - battle of life) or '취업 전투' (chwieop jeontu - battle for employment), highlighting the intensity of these struggles.
Editorial note
We review entries like 전투 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
전투를 벌이다
To wage a battle
전투에 임하다
To engage in battle
전투 준비
Battle preparation
Related Expressions
싸움
ssaum
fight, quarrel (general term, can be non-military)
교전
gyojeon
engagement, skirmish
전쟁
jeonjaeng
war (broader term)
전투력
jeonturyeok
combat power, fighting strength
More Military Words
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