Korean Dictionary
How to say "Bird" in Korean
“Bird” in Korean is 새 (pronounced "Sae").
새
Sae
Usage & Context
Feathered animals. Korea is an important stopover on migratory bird routes between Siberia and Southeast Asia. Famous bird watching spots include the Seosan waterbird sanctuary (서산 가창오리 군무) and Suncheon Bay (순천만). The magpie (까치) is Korea's national bird, considered a symbol of good luck.
Example Sentence
까치는 한국의 국조로 행운을 상징해요.
The magpie is Korea's national bird symbolizing good luck.
How to use 새 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Bird” is 새, romanized as Sae.
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 새.
Pronunciation Guide
"Sae" sounds like "say" in "say hello," but with a slightly shorter, crisper 'ae' vowel sound. It's a single syllable.
More Example Sentences
Describing a peaceful morning.
아침에 창밖에서 새소리가 들렸어요.
In the morning, I heard bird sounds outside the window.
Talking about a park visit.
공원에 가면 비둘기 같은 새들을 많이 볼 수 있어요.
If you go to the park, you can see many birds like pigeons.
Discussing seasonal changes in nature.
철새들이 따뜻한 곳으로 이동하는 계절이에요.
It's the season when migratory birds move to warmer places.
Cultural Context
Birds hold various symbolic meanings in Korean culture. The magpie (kkachi) is considered a national bird and a symbol of good luck, often seen in traditional art and believed to bring good news. Korea's geographical location also makes it a crucial stopover for migratory birds, leading to significant birdwatching interest, especially in areas like Suncheon Bay.
Editorial note
We review entries like 새 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
새소리
Bird song/sound
새가 날다
A bird flies
새 모이
Bird feed
Related Expressions
까치
kkachi
Magpie (Korea's national bird)
참새
chamsae
Sparrow
철새
cheolsae
Migratory bird
새장
saejang
Birdcage
More Nature Words
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