Korean Dictionary
How to say "Calculator" in Korean
“Calculator” in Korean is 계산기 (pronounced "Gyesangi").
계산기
Gyesangi
Usage & Context
Calculators (계산기) are permitted in some Korean university exams but generally prohibited in the major standardized tests like the 수능. This means Korean students must practice mental arithmetic and manual calculations thoroughly. Scientific calculators become essential tools in college-level math, physics, and engineering courses.
Example Sentence
시험에서 계산기를 사용할 수 있어요.
You can use a calculator on the exam.
How to use 계산기 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Calculator” is 계산기, romanized as Gyesangi.
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 계산기.
Pronunciation Guide
계산기 (Gyesangi) is pronounced like "gye-sahn-gee." The '계' (gye) sounds like 'g' + 'yeah'. The '산' (san) is like 'sahn' in "sandy." The '기' (gi) is like 'gee' in "geese."
More Example Sentences
Discussing efficiency in math problems.
복잡한 계산은 계산기로 하는 게 편해요.
It's convenient to do complex calculations with a calculator.
Explaining rules for a major national exam.
수능 시험에는 계산기를 사용할 수 없어요.
You cannot use a calculator for the Suneung exam.
Referring to modern daily usage of calculators.
스마트폰에 계산기 앱이 있어요.
There's a calculator app on my smartphone.
Cultural Context
Calculators are strictly prohibited in the Suneung (수능), Korea's national college entrance exam, emphasizing strong mental arithmetic skills. However, scientific calculators become indispensable tools for university students in STEM fields. For everyday calculations, most Koreans rely on the calculator apps on their smartphones. The root word '계산' (gyesan) also means 'bill' or 'check' in a restaurant context.
Editorial note
We review entries like 계산기 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
계산기 좀 빌려줄래?
Can you lend me a calculator?
계산기 써도 돼요?
Can I use a calculator?
계산이 틀렸어요.
The calculation is wrong.
Related Expressions
계산하다
gyesan-hada
to calculate
암산
amsan
mental arithmetic
공학용 계산기
gonghak-yong gyesangi
scientific calculator
계산대
gyesandae
cashier, checkout counter
More Education Words
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