Korean Dictionary
How to say "Lizard" in Korean
“Lizard” in Korean is 도마뱀 (pronounced "domabem").
도마뱀
domabem
Usage & Context
A small reptile found in various regions of Korea. Lizards are sometimes kept as exotic pets. They are known for their ability to shed their tails when threatened.
Example Sentence
도마뱀이 바위 위에 앉아있어요.
The lizard is sitting on a rock.
How to use 도마뱀 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Lizard” is 도마뱀, romanized as domabem.
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 도마뱀.
Pronunciation Guide
Three syllables: 'do-ma-baem.' 'Do' like 'doh,' 'ma' like 'mah,' and 'baem' (see 'snake') is a single quick 'bem.' Together: 'doh-mah-BEM.'
More Example Sentences
Narrating a backyard moment
정원에서 작은 도마뱀을 발견했어요.
I found a small lizard in the garden.
Sharing a fun science fact with a kid
도마뱀은 꼬리가 잘려도 다시 자라요.
Lizards can regrow their tails even if they're cut off.
Explaining something at a reptile exhibit
이 도마뱀은 열대 지방에 살아요.
This lizard lives in tropical regions.
Cultural Context
도마뱀 literally breaks down as 도마 (cutting board) + 뱀 (snake) — a Korean folk etymology referring to the classic lizard behavior of dropping its tail, called 꼬리 자르기, as a defense. Most Korean lizards are small native species seen in the countryside, while exotic pet varieties like 레오파드 게코 (leopard gecko) and 비어디드 드래곤 (bearded dragon) are sold at specialty reptile shops called 파충류샵. Unlike 뱀, lizards have no major role in traditional folklore.
Editorial note
We review entries like 도마뱀 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
도마뱀 봤어요?
Did you see the lizard?
도마뱀이 빠르네요.
The lizard is fast.
저는 도마뱀을 키워요.
I keep lizards as pets.
Related Expressions
꼬리
kkori
Tail
파충류
pachungnyu
Reptile
카멜레온
kamelleon
Chameleon
도마뱀붙이
domabaembuchi
Gecko
More Animals Words
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