Korean Dictionary
How to say "Caterpillar" in Korean
“Caterpillar” in Korean is 애벌레 (pronounced "Aebolre").
애벌레
Aebolre
Usage & Context
애벌레 (caterpillar) is a familiar sight in Korean gardens and parks especially in spring and early summer. Children often watch caterpillars transform into butterflies as a nature lesson. The lifecycle of the caterpillar is a popular topic in Korean elementary school science classes.
Example Sentence
애벌레가 나비로 변하는 과정이 신기해요.
The process of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly is amazing.
How to use 애벌레 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Caterpillar” is 애벌레, romanized as Aebolre.
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 애벌레.
Pronunciation Guide
'Ae' sounds like the 'a' in 'cat' or 'air' without the 'r'. 'Beol' is pronounced like 'bowl' but with an 'uh' sound instead of 'o', similar to 'bull' but with 'eo'. 'Re' is like 'ray' but with a softer 'r' sound.
More Example Sentences
Describing an educational activity for children.
어린이집에서 애벌레를 키우고 있어요.
We're raising caterpillars at the daycare.
Observing nature in a garden or park.
나뭇잎에 애벌레가 기어 다니는 것을 봤어요.
I saw a caterpillar crawling on a leaf.
Explaining the life cycle of a butterfly.
애벌레가 번데기가 되고 나비가 돼요.
A caterpillar becomes a pupa and then a butterfly.
Cultural Context
In Korea, '애벌레' are commonly associated with children's nature education and picture books. They symbolize transformation and growth, making them a popular subject in elementary school science classes. While generally seen as harmless, some people might find them a bit creepy, similar to how they're perceived in many cultures.
Editorial note
We review entries like 애벌레 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
애벌레가 꿈틀거리다
A caterpillar wiggles
애벌레 키우기
Raising caterpillars
애벌레의 변태
Metamorphosis of a caterpillar
Related Expressions
나비
nabi
Butterfly
번데기
beondegi
Pupa / Chrysalis
곤충
gonchung
Insect
벌레
beolle
Bug / Insect (general term)
More Animals Words
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