Korean Dictionary
How to say "Chess" in Korean
“Chess” in Korean is 체스 (pronounced "Cheseu").
체스
Cheseu
Usage & Context
Chess is a strategy board game played in Korea as a leisure activity. Online chess platforms have made chess more accessible to Korean players.
Example Sentence
체스는 전략적 사고를 키우는 좋은 게임이에요.
Chess is a great game for developing strategic thinking.
How to use 체스 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Chess” is 체스, romanized as Cheseu.
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 체스.
Pronunciation Guide
체 (Che) sounds like 'che' in 'check'. 스 (seu) is like 'soo' but with a very light 's' sound. The overall pronunciation is 'Che-soo', with the stress on 'Che'.
More Example Sentences
Talking about a long-standing hobby.
어릴 때부터 체스를 배웠어요.
I've been learning chess since I was little.
Discussing online gaming preferences.
온라인으로 체스 두는 걸 좋아해요.
I like playing chess online.
Inviting someone to play.
체스 한 판 할래?
Want to play a game of chess?
Cultural Context
While not as traditionally rooted as Baduk (Go), chess has a growing following in Korea, particularly among younger generations and those interested in strategic thinking. Online chess platforms like Chess.com or Lichess are very popular, enabling Koreans to play against opponents worldwide. Chess clubs exist in schools and universities, fostering a small but dedicated community of players and enthusiasts. It's often viewed as a game that sharpens the mind.
Editorial note
We review entries like 체스 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
체스 두다
to play chess
체스 말
chess piece
체스판
chessboard
Related Expressions
장기
janggi
Korean chess
바둑
baduk
Go (game)
보드게임
bodeugeim
board game
전략 게임
jeollyak geim
strategy game
More Hobbies & Leisure Words
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