Korean Dictionary
How to say "Brake" in Korean
“Brake” in Korean is 브레이크 (pronounced "beureikeu").
브레이크
beureikeu
Usage & Context
브레이크 is the stopping mechanism of a vehicle and is one of the most critical safety components. Korean vehicles are required to pass regular brake inspection as part of mandatory vehicle safety checks. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control are standard on most new Korean cars.
Example Sentence
빗길에서는 브레이크를 천천히 밟아야 해요.
On a wet road you need to press the brake slowly.
How to use 브레이크 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Brake” is 브레이크, romanized as beureikeu.
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 브레이크.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 브 (beu), sounds like 'boo' in 'book' but with a 'b' sound. The second syllable, 레 (re), sounds like 'reh' in 'red'. The last two, 이 (i) and 크 (keu), blend together like 'ee-kuh', similar to 'eek' followed by 'uh'. Put it together: 'beu-reh-ee-kuh'.
More Example Sentences
Recounting a driving incident.
갑자기 브레이크를 밟아서 뒤차가 놀랐어요.
The car behind me was startled because I suddenly hit the brakes.
Discussing car maintenance with a mechanic.
브레이크 패드를 교체할 시기가 된 것 같아요.
I think it's time to replace the brake pads.
Giving a driving tip for safety.
내리막길에서는 엔진 브레이크를 사용하는 게 좋아요.
It's good to use engine braking on a downhill road.
Cultural Context
브레이크 is a direct loanword from English 'brake'. As a critical safety component, regular brake inspections are mandatory for vehicles in Korea. The phrase '브레이크 밟다' (to step on the brake) is commonly used. Beyond its literal meaning, '브레이크가 걸리다' can be used metaphorically to describe something being halted or stopped, like a plan or progress. Advanced braking systems like ABS are standard in most new Korean cars, reflecting a strong emphasis on road safety.
Editorial note
We review entries like 브레이크 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
브레이크 밟다
to press the brake
브레이크 고장
brake malfunction
브레이크 잡다
to apply the brake (often for bikes/motorcycles, but also cars)
Related Expressions
브레이크 페달
beureikeu pedal
brake pedal
제동
jedong
braking (more technical/formal term)
브레이크등
beureikeudeung
brake light
급브레이크
geupbeureikeu
sudden/emergency brake
More Transportation Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Brake and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
