Korean Dictionary
How to say "Call" in Korean
“Call” in Korean is 전화하다 (pronounced "jeonhwahada").
전화하다
jeonhwahada
Usage & Context
Making a phone call to someone. Calling is a common way to maintain connection in Korean relationships, especially in long-distance situations.
Example Sentence
나는 너에게 전화할 거야.
I will call you.
How to use 전화하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Call” is 전화하다, romanized as jeonhwahada.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
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 전화하다.
Pronunciation Guide
'jeon' sounds like 'jun' (as in 'junior'). 'hwa' sounds like 'hwah' (like 'wah' but with a soft 'h' at the beginning). 'ha' sounds like 'hah', and 'da' sounds like 'dah'. The 'h' in 'hwa' is subtle.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
전화합니다
jeonhwahamnida
Deferential formal form of '전화하다'.
Casual (반말)
전화해
jeonhwahae
Casual form of '전화하다'.
More Example Sentences
Calling family for a routine check-in.
엄마한테 전화해서 저녁 뭐 먹을지 물어봐야겠다.
I should call Mom and ask what we're having for dinner.
Setting boundaries or expressing a preference.
급한 일 아니면 지금 전화하지 마.
Don't call now unless it's urgent.
Describing a romantic relationship habit.
남자친구랑 매일 밤 전화 통화하는 게 일상이야.
Talking on the phone with my boyfriend every night is routine.
Cultural Context
While texting is prevalent, '전화하다' (to call) remains important for urgent matters, significant conversations, or when a more personal connection is desired. In romantic relationships, frequent phone calls can symbolize closeness, especially for couples who cannot meet often. It's also common for Korean parents to call their children regularly to check in, reflecting strong family ties.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 전화하다 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
전화 걸다
to make a phone call
전화 끊다
to hang up the phone
전화 주세요
Please call me (polite)
Related Expressions
전화
jeonhwa
phone call (noun)
통화하다
tonghwahada
to talk on the phone
문자하다
munjaahada
to text (related communication method)
전화 받다
jeonhwa batda
to answer the phone
More Relationships Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Call and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
