Korean Dictionary

How to say "Combat" in Korean

Combat” in Korean is 전투 (pronounced "Jeontu").

전투

Jeontu

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IntermediateMilitary

Usage & Context

Military term related to combat. Important vocabulary for understanding Korean military culture and defense terminology.

Example Sentence

이것은 전투에 대한 예문입니다.

This is an example sentence about combat.

How to use 전투 naturally

Quick answer

The Korean word for “Combat” is 전투, romanized as Jeontu.

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 전투.

Pronunciation Guide

전 (jeon) sounds like 'jun' in 'jungle,' but with a slightly softer 'j' and a short 'eo' vowel like in 'fun.' 투 (tu) sounds like 'too' in 'too much.' The syllables are pronounced distinctly, with a slight emphasis on 'jeon'.

More Example Sentences

Describing a heroic act in a military context.

그 병사는 전투에서 큰 용기를 보여주었습니다.

That soldier showed great courage in combat.

Describing a tense situation in a story or historical account.

전투가 시작되자 모두 긴장했습니다.

Everyone became tense when the combat began.

Discussing the mechanics of a video game.

이 게임은 전투 시스템이 정말 잘 되어 있어요.

This game's combat system is really well-made.

Cultural Context

'전투' is a straightforward term for combat or battle, primarily used in military contexts. However, it can also be used metaphorically in daily life to describe intense competition or struggle. For example, '삶의 전투' (sam-ui jeontu - the battle of life) or '치열한 전투' (chiyeolhan jeontu - fierce battle) might be used to describe challenging situations in sports, business, or even academic settings, highlighting the intensity of the struggle.

Editorial note

We review entries like 전투 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

전투 태세

Combat readiness

전투 지역

Combat zone

전투를 벌이다

To engage in combat / To fight a battle

Related Expressions

싸움

Ssaum

Fight / Brawl (more general, often less formal)

전쟁

Jeonjaeng

War (larger scale)

교전

Gyojeon

Engagement / Skirmish (often refers to an exchange of fire)

전투력

Jeonturyeok

Combat power / Combat capability

More Military Words

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