Korean Dictionary
How to say "Car" in Korean
“Car” in Korean is 자동차 (pronounced "jadongcha").
자동차
jadongcha
Usage & Context
자동차 ownership is high in Korea especially in suburban and rural areas where public transit coverage is limited. Korean automotive brands Hyundai and Kia are major global manufacturers with their headquarters in Korea. Rush hour 자동차 traffic in Seoul is notoriously heavy especially on the Gangnam corridor.
Example Sentence
새 자동차를 구입해서 주말마다 드라이브해요.
I bought a new car and go for drives on weekends.
How to use 자동차 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Car” is 자동차, romanized as jadongcha.
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 자동차.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'ja-dong-cha' — 'ja' like 'jah', 'dong' rhymes with 'dong' (musical), 'cha' like 'chah' with aspirated ch.
Formal & Casual Forms
Casual (반말)
차
cha
much more common in daily speech — 자동차 sounds formal/technical
More Example Sentences
date plan
주말에 차 끌고 드라이브 가요.
Let's go for a drive on the weekend.
eco-conscious purchase
전기차로 바꿀까 고민 중이에요.
I'm thinking about switching to an electric car.
apology for being late
차가 막혀서 늦었어요.
I'm late because of traffic.
Cultural Context
In daily conversation Koreans almost always say '차' (cha), not the full 자동차 — '차 있어요?' (do you have a car?). 자동차 is used in formal or technical contexts like car manufacturing. Hyundai (현대) and Kia (기아) dominate the domestic market. Seoul traffic during rush hour is called '러시아워' and is legendary. Electric cars (전기차) are growing rapidly.
Editorial note
We review entries like 자동차 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
차가 있어요?
Do you have a car?
차 한 대 샀어요.
I bought a car.
차 안에서 기다려요.
I'm waiting in the car.
Related Expressions
차
cha
car (casual)
전기차
jeongicha
electric car
운전
unjeon
driving
차 막히다
cha makhida
traffic is jammed
Frequently asked questions
How do I correctly pronounce the Korean word "자동차" (jadongcha) for "car" as a beginner?+
The pronunciation of "자동차" (jadongcha) is straightforward. "자" (ja) sounds like 'ja' in 'jar'. "동" (dong) sounds like 'dong' in 'dongle'. "차" (cha) sounds like 'cha' in 'chat'. The emphasis is fairly even across syllables. Practicing each syllable individually then combining them will help achieve a natural flow. Listen to native speakers for accurate intonation.
Is "자동차" the most common and appropriate term for "car" in all Korean contexts?+
Yes, "자동차" (jadongcha) is the standard and most commonly used term for "car" in general Korean contexts, suitable for both formal and informal situations. While you might occasionally hear "차" (cha) as a shorter, more casual form, especially in conversation or when the meaning is clear from context, "자동차" is always safe and precise.
What are some related Korean words for different types of vehicles or car-related terms?+
Beyond "자동차" (jadongcha), you'll find several related terms. For specific types, "버스" (beoseu) is 'bus', "택시" (taeksi) is 'taxi', and "트럭" (teureok) is 'truck'. Car parts include "타이어" (taieo) for 'tire' and "엔진" (enjin) for 'engine'. "운전" (unjeon) means 'driving', and "주차" (jucha) means 'parking'.
Are there common mistakes or cultural nuances beginners should know when using "자동차"?+
A common mistake for beginners is confusing "자동차" (jadongcha) with "차" (cha), which can also mean 'tea'. Context usually clarifies, but specifying "자동차" avoids ambiguity. Culturally, car ownership is a significant status symbol, and discussing vehicle models is a common topic, especially among men. Be aware of the high density of cars in urban areas like Seoul, leading to heavy traffic.
Can you provide examples of how "자동차" is used in common Korean phrases or sentences?+
Certainly. "저는 자동차를 운전해요" (Jeoneun jadongchareul unjeonhaeyo) means "I drive a car." "이 자동차는 제 거예요" (I jadongchaneun je geoyeyo) means "This car is mine." For a common situation, "자동차로 회사에 가요" (Jadongcharo hoesa-e gayo) translates to "I go to work by car." These phrases demonstrate its direct use in everyday conversation.
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