Korean Dictionary
How to say "Magpie" in Korean
“Magpie” in Korean is 까치 (pronounced "Kkachi").
까치
Kkachi
Usage & Context
Korea's national bird — a black and white corvid considered a symbol of good luck and glad tidings. 까치가 울면 반가운 손님이 온다 (when a magpie calls, a welcome guest comes) is a common Korean saying. Featured prominently in Korean folk art (민화). The New Year's Day holiday (설날) is also called 까치설날.
Example Sentence
까치 소리를 들으면 좋은 소식이 있을 거라고 해요.
They say if you hear a magpie call, there will be good news.
How to use 까치 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Magpie” is 까치, romanized as Kkachi.
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 까치.
Pronunciation Guide
Say 까치 as 'Kka-chi'. The 'Kka' sound is a strong, aspirated 'k' followed by 'ah', similar to the 'ca' in 'car' but sharper. 'Chi' sounds like 'chee' in 'cheese'.
More Example Sentences
Expressing optimism after hearing a magpie.
아침에 까치 소리를 들으니 왠지 좋은 일이 생길 것 같아요.
Hearing a magpie's call this morning, I feel like something good will happen.
Explaining the cultural belief about magpies.
까치는 한국에서 반가운 손님을 알리는 길조로 여겨져요.
Magpies are considered auspicious birds in Korea, announcing welcome guests.
Observing a magpie's nest in nature.
저 나무 위에 까치집이 크게 지어져 있네요.
There's a large magpie's nest built on that tree.
Cultural Context
The 까치 (magpie) is Korea's national bird and a beloved symbol of good luck and glad tidings. It's common to hear the saying, '까치가 울면 반가운 손님이 온다' (When a magpie calls, a welcome guest comes). The day before Seollal (Lunar New Year) is even affectionately called '까치설날' (Magpie's New Year), highlighting its deep cultural significance in Korean traditions and folk art.
Editorial note
We review entries like 까치 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
까치 소리
Magpie's call
까치설날
Magpie's New Year (day before Lunar New Year)
까치집
Magpie's nest
Related Expressions
길조
Giljo
Auspicious bird
흉조
Hyungjo
Ominous bird
새
Sae
Bird
까치밥
Kkachibap
Magpie's share (fruit left on trees for birds)
More Nature Words
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