Korean Dictionary
How to say "Diagonal" in Korean
“Diagonal” in Korean is 대각선 (pronounced "Daegakseon").
대각선
Daegakseon
Usage & Context
Daegakseon is the Korean word for diagonal. Diagonal lines are used in Korean design to create dynamic movement. They represent energy and action.
Example Sentence
대각선이 역동적이에요.
The diagonal line is dynamic.
How to use 대각선 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Diagonal” is 대각선, romanized as Daegakseon.
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 대각선.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 'Dae' (대), sounds like 'day'. The second syllable, 'gak' (각), sounds like 'gack' in 'back' but with a 'g'. The final syllable, 'seon' (선), is pronounced like 'saw-n'. The word flows well with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
Giving directions for a shortcut.
대각선으로 가로지르면 더 빨리 갈 수 있어요.
If you cut across diagonally, you can get there faster.
Discussing art composition.
이 그림은 대각선 구도를 사용해서 역동적이에요.
This painting uses a diagonal composition, making it dynamic.
Explaining chess rules.
체스판에서 비숍은 대각선으로만 움직일 수 있어요.
On a chessboard, the bishop can only move diagonally.
Cultural Context
'대각선' might not have as deep a traditional cultural resonance as '곡선' or '직선,' but it's a common term in everyday life, from navigating city streets (taking a diagonal shortcut) to sports (a diagonal pass in soccer). In modern design, diagonal lines are often used to create a sense of movement, energy, or tension, which can be seen in contemporary Korean graphic design or architecture, adding a dynamic flair.
Editorial note
We review entries like 대각선 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
대각선으로 걷다
to walk diagonally
대각선으로 자르다
to cut diagonally
대각선 무늬
diagonal pattern
Related Expressions
직선
jikseon
straight line (related concept)
곡선
gokseon
curved line (related concept)
사선
saseon
diagonal line, slanted line (synonym)
대각선 방향
daegakseon banghyang
diagonal direction
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