Korean Dictionary
How to say "Crane" in Korean
“Crane” in Korean is 학 (pronounced "Hak").
학
Hak
Usage & Context
An elegant long-legged bird deeply embedded in Korean symbolism. The red-crowned crane (두루미) symbolizes longevity, wisdom, and good fortune. 학을 타고 仙人 (riding a crane to enlightenment) appears in Korean Buddhist and shamanistic art. The crane appears on Korean currency and in traditional 민화 (folk paintings).
Example Sentence
학은 장수와 지혜를 상징하는 새예요.
The crane is a bird symbolizing longevity and wisdom.
How to use 학 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Crane” is 학, romanized as Hak.
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 학.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce 학 as 'Hak'. It sounds like 'hock' in 'hockey', but with a shorter 'a' sound and the 'k' at the end is unreleased, almost swallowed.
More Example Sentences
Discussing the symbolic meaning of cranes.
학은 한국에서 장수와 고고함을 상징하는 동물이에요.
The crane is an animal symbolizing longevity and nobility in Korea.
Referring to cranes in Korean art.
전통 그림에는 학이 구름 위를 나는 모습이 자주 그려져 있어요.
Traditional paintings often depict cranes flying above the clouds.
Explaining a specific type of crane and its migration.
두루미는 학의 한 종류로, 겨울철에 한국을 찾아오는 철새입니다.
The red-crowned crane (durumi) is a type of crane, a migratory bird that visits Korea in winter.
Cultural Context
The 학 (crane), particularly the red-crowned crane (두루미), holds profound symbolic meaning in Korea, representing longevity, wisdom, purity, and nobility. It's a common motif in traditional art, literature, and even appears on currency. The image of a '선인 (immortal) riding a 학' is a classic depiction of enlightenment and transcendence in Korean Buddhist and shamanistic traditions, reflecting its revered status.
Editorial note
We review entries like 학 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
학을 접다
To fold paper cranes
학춤
Crane dance (traditional Korean dance)
학처럼 우아하다
Elegant like a crane
Related Expressions
두루미
Durumi
Red-crowned crane
장수
Jangsu
Longevity
지혜
Jihye
Wisdom
새
Sae
Bird
More Nature Words
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