Korean Dictionary
How to say "Forsythia" in Korean
“Forsythia” in Korean is 개나리 (pronounced "Gaenari").
개나리
Gaenari
Usage & Context
Bright yellow flowering shrubs that bloom in early spring before leaves appear, often before cherry blossoms. 개나리 is one of the first spring flowers and a beloved symbol of the season. Roadside 개나리 hedges turn Seoul's streets golden in March-April. Often appears in graduation bouquets alongside tulips.
Example Sentence
개나리가 피면 봄이 왔다는 신호예요.
When forsythia blooms, it's a signal that spring has come.
How to use 개나리 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Forsythia” is 개나리, romanized as Gaenari.
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 개나리.
Pronunciation Guide
The pronunciation for "개나리" is "Gae-na-ri." It sounds like "gae" (rhymes with "guy" but with a shorter 'a' sound, or "geh" as in "get"), "nah" (as in "nap"), and "ree" (as in "reel"). The stress is on the first syllable, "Gae."
More Example Sentences
Expressing a feeling about the arrival of spring.
개나리가 피기 시작하면 진짜 봄이 온 것 같아요.
When forsythia starts to bloom, it really feels like spring has arrived.
Describing spring scenery.
길가에 노란 개나리 꽃이 활짝 피었어요.
Bright yellow forsythia flowers are in full bloom along the roadside.
Talking about receiving flowers.
개나리 꽃다발을 선물로 받았어요.
I received a bouquet of forsythia flowers as a gift.
Cultural Context
개나리 (gaenari, forsythia) is one of the most cherished signs of spring in Korea, often blooming even before cherry blossoms. Its vibrant yellow flowers burst forth on bare branches, transforming hillsides and city streets into golden landscapes, especially in March and April. It symbolizes the arrival of warmth and new beginnings after the long winter. You'll often see 개나리 hedges lining roads and parks, making it a ubiquitous and beloved sight across the country.
Editorial note
We review entries like 개나리 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
개나리 꽃이 만발하다.
Forsythia flowers are in full bloom.
개나리 노란색.
Forsythia yellow color.
개나리 가지.
Forsythia branch.
Related Expressions
진달래
Jindallae
Azalea
벚꽃
Beotkkot
Cherry blossom
봄꽃
Bomkkot
Spring flower
꽃이 피다
Kkochi pida
Flowers bloom
More Nature Words
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