Korean Dictionary
How to say "Classical" in Korean
“Classical” in Korean is 클래식 (pronounced "Keullaesik").
클래식
Keullaesik
Usage & Context
Traditional Western art music with complex compositions. Respected genre with dedicated performers in Korea.
Example Sentence
클래식을 좋아해요.
I like classical music.
How to use 클래식 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Classical” is 클래식, romanized as Keullaesik.
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 클래식.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 클 (Keul), sounds like 'kuhl' as in 'culprit' but with a lighter 'l' sound. The second syllable, 래 (lae), sounds like 'lae' as in 'lad' or 'lap'. The final syllable, 식 (sik), sounds like 'sick' as in 'ill'. Put it together as KUHL-lae-SICK.
More Example Sentences
Making weekend plans with a friend
주말에 클래식 콘서트 보러 갈 거예요.
I'm going to see a classical concert this weekend.
Talking about a child's upbringing
우리 아이는 어릴 때부터 클래식 음악을 들으며 자랐어요.
My child grew up listening to classical music from a young age.
Discussing a movie's soundtrack
이 영화는 배경 음악으로 클래식을 많이 사용했어요.
This movie used a lot of classical music for its background score.
Cultural Context
Classical music holds a prestigious place in South Korea, often associated with education and refinement. Many Korean parents encourage their children to learn classical instruments like piano or violin, viewing it as a path to discipline and cultural enrichment. Renowned Korean classical musicians, such as pianist 조성진 (Cho Seong-jin) and violinist 정경화 (Chung Kyung-wha), are national treasures and have achieved global recognition.
Editorial note
We review entries like 클래식 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
클래식 공연
Classical performance
클래식 듣기
Listening to classical music
클래식 악기
Classical instrument
Related Expressions
클래식 음악
keullaesik eumak
Classical music
오케스트라
okeseteura
Orchestra
피아노
piano
Piano
바이올린
baiollin
Violin
More Music Words
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