Korean Dictionary
How to say "Dolphin" in Korean
“Dolphin” in Korean is 돌고래 (pronounced "dolgolae").
돌고래
dolgolae
Usage & Context
An intelligent marine mammal known for its playfulness and social behavior. Dolphins are featured in Korean marine parks and aquariums. They are beloved symbols of intelligence and friendliness.
Example Sentence
돌고래가 물 위로 뛰어올라요.
The dolphin jumps out of the water.
How to use 돌고래 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Dolphin” is 돌고래, romanized as dolgolae.
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 돌고래.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '돌' (dol), sounds like 'doll' but with a slightly softer 'l' sound at the end. '고' (go) is pronounced like the English word 'go'. '래' (rae) rhymes with 'ray'. Put it together: 'doll-go-ray'.
More Example Sentences
Describing a visit to an aquarium or marine park.
돌고래 쇼를 보러 갔어요.
I went to see a dolphin show.
Talking about wildlife viewing opportunities in Korea.
제주도에서 돌고래를 볼 수 있어요.
You can see dolphins in Jeju Island.
Stating a general characteristic of dolphins.
돌고래는 사람과 친해요.
Dolphins are friendly with people.
Cultural Context
Dolphins are popular attractions in Korean aquariums like Lotte World Aquarium or COEX Aquarium. They are often seen as symbols of intelligence, friendliness, and good luck. While not deeply embedded in traditional folklore, they frequently appear in children's media and educational programs, fostering a positive image.
Editorial note
We review entries like 돌고래 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
돌고래처럼 헤엄치다
to swim like a dolphin
돌고래 소리
dolphin sound/squeal
돌고래 조련사
dolphin trainer
Related Expressions
고래
gorae
whale
물고기
mulgogi
fish
바다 동물
bada dongmul
marine animal
상어
sang-eo
shark
More Animals Words
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