Korean Dictionary
How to say "English" in Korean
“English” in Korean is 영어 (pronounced "Yeongeo").
영어
Yeongeo
Usage & Context
English (영어) is a mandatory subject in Korean schools from elementary through high school. Korean parents invest heavily in English education, sending children to English hagwons, hiring English tutors, and even relocating abroad for English immersion. Proficiency in English is considered essential for success in higher education and global careers.
Example Sentence
영어를 잘하고 싶어요.
I want to be good at English.
How to use 영어 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “English” is 영어, romanized as Yeongeo.
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 영어.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '영' (yeong), sounds like the English word 'young.' The second syllable, '어' (eo), is pronounced like the 'uh' in 'duh.' The 'ng' sound from the first syllable smoothly transitions into the second.
More Example Sentences
An adult telling a friend about their efforts to improve their English speaking skills.
요즘 영어 회화 학원에 다니고 있어요.
I'm attending an English conversation academy these days.
A parent talking about their child's early education choices.
우리 아들은 영어 유치원에 다녀요.
My son goes to an English kindergarten.
A fan explaining their motivation for learning English to understand lyrics or interviews.
K-POP 덕분에 영어를 더 열심히 공부하게 됐어요.
Thanks to K-POP, I started studying English more diligently.
Cultural Context
'영어' (English) is arguably the most emphasized foreign language in Korea, seen as crucial for global competitiveness and career advancement. The '영어 조기 교육' (early English education) trend is strong, with many children attending English kindergartens or private academies from a very young age. K-pop idols often speak English in interviews or songs, further motivating fans to learn the language.
Editorial note
We review entries like 영어 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
영어 공부
studying English
영어 잘하다
to be good at English
영어 학원
English cram school
Related Expressions
외국어
Oegugeo
foreign language
영어 회화
Yeongeo hoehwa
English conversation
영어 시험
Yeongeo siheom
English exam
영어권
Yeongeogwon
English-speaking world/countries
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