Korean Dictionary
How to say "Cow" in Korean
“Cow” in Korean is 소 (pronounced "so").
소
so
Korean usage reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026.
This page checks meaning, pronunciation, politeness level, and common learner mistakes.
Usage & Context
A large farm animal important to Korean agriculture and food production. Cows are valued for their milk and meat in Korean cuisine. The term so is used in both rural and urban contexts.
Example Sentence
소가 풀을 먹고 있어요.
The cow is eating grass.
How to use 소 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Cow” is 소, romanized as so.
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 소.
Pronunciation Guide
The word '소' (so) is very simple, pronounced exactly like the English word 'so'.
More Example Sentences
Describing rural life and agriculture.
시골에서는 소를 키우는 농가가 많아요.
In the countryside, there are many farms that raise cows.
Discussing Korean cuisine and local products.
한우는 한국의 대표적인 소고기 품종이에요.
Hanwoo is Korea's representative beef cattle breed.
Observing farm animals in their natural setting.
소가 밭에서 풀을 뜯고 있어요.
A cow is grazing in the field.
Cultural Context
Cows, or '소', hold significant cultural importance in Korea. They were historically crucial for farming and continue to be a symbol of diligence and wealth. '한우' (Hanwoo), or Korean native beef, is a highly prized and expensive delicacy, often gifted on special occasions. '소' is also one of the twelve zodiac animals, and people born in the Year of the Ox are often considered hardworking, reliable, and patient.
Editorial note
We review entries like 소 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. Last reviewed June 4, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
소가 풀을 먹다.
A cow eats grass.
소를 키우다.
To raise cows.
소띠
Year of the Ox (zodiac sign)
Related Expressions
소고기
sogogi
beef
젖소
jeotso
dairy cow
농장
nongjang
farm
황소
hwangso
ox, bull
More Animals Words
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