Korean Dictionary
How to say "Chalk" in Korean
“Chalk” in Korean is 분필 (pronounced "Bunpil").
분필
Bunpil
Usage & Context
Chalk (분필) has been a fixture of Korean classrooms for generations, used on traditional blackboards to teach every subject. While digital and whiteboard technology is replacing chalk in newer schools, older Korean schools still use 분필 daily. The distinctive sound and smell of chalk on a blackboard is nostalgic for many Korean adults.
Example Sentence
분필로 칠판에 글씨를 썼어요.
I wrote on the blackboard with chalk.
How to use 분필 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Chalk” is 분필, romanized as Bunpil.
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 분필.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce 'Bun' like 'boon' in 'moon'. 'Pil' is pronounced like 'peel'. The 'n' and 'p' sounds blend smoothly.
More Example Sentences
Someone complaining about a dusty classroom.
분필 가루 때문에 기침이 나요.
I'm coughing because of the chalk dust.
A student admiring their teacher's artistic skill.
선생님은 분필로 멋진 그림을 그리셨어요.
The teacher drew a wonderful picture with chalk.
An adult reminiscing about their school days.
옛날 학교에서는 분필을 많이 썼죠.
In old schools, they used a lot of chalk, didn't they?
Cultural Context
분필 (Bunpil) evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for many Koreans, especially adults who grew up with traditional blackboards in classrooms. While modern schools increasingly use whiteboards, the distinctive sound of chalk on a blackboard and its unique smell are iconic memories. The phrase '분필 가루' (chalk dust) is also commonly associated with the classroom environment.
Editorial note
We review entries like 분필 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
분필 가루
Chalk dust
분필로 쓰다
To write with chalk
색깔 분필
Colored chalk
Related Expressions
백묵
Baengmuk
White chalk (more specific)
칠판
Chilpan
Blackboard
칠판 지우개
Chilpan jiugae
Blackboard eraser
마커
Makeo
Marker (antonym in usage)
More Education Words
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