Korean Dictionary
How to say "Moon" in Korean
“Moon” in Korean is 달 (pronounced "Dal").
달
Dal
Korean usage reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026.
This page checks meaning, pronunciation, politeness level, and common learner mistakes.
Usage & Context
The moon has deep cultural significance in Korea. 보름달 (full moon) is central to Chuseok celebrations. 달빛 (moonlight) and 달맞이 (moon-greeting ceremony on the 15th of January) are important cultural traditions. The first full moon of the year (정월대보름, Jeongwol Daeboreum) involves special rituals and foods.
Example Sentence
추석에는 온 가족이 보름달을 바라봐요.
During Chuseok, the whole family gazes at the full moon.
How to use 달 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Moon” is 달, romanized as Dal.
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 달.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'dahl' — one short syllable that rhymes with 'doll.' End lightly on the 'l,' don't stretch it out.
More Example Sentences
noticing the sky on an evening walk
오늘 밤 달이 정말 예뻐요.
The moon is really beautiful tonight.
looking up during a stroll outdoors
달이 구름에 가려졌어요.
The moon is hidden behind a cloud.
explaining a Chuseok tradition to a friend
보름달 뜨면 소원 빌어 봐요.
When the full moon rises, try making a wish.
Cultural Context
달 occupies a far more sentimental space in Korean culture than 'moon' does in English — it's tied to one of the country's biggest holidays, 추석 (Chuseok), when families gather under the 보름달 (full moon), make 송편 rice cakes, and quietly wish on the light. 정월대보름 (the first full moon of the lunar year) is another classic 달 holiday, with traditions like 달집태우기 (burning a wooden pyre to welcome the year) and 부럼깨기 (cracking nuts for good health). In modern romance, Koreans often confess feelings by saying '달이 참 예쁘네요' ('the moon is really pretty'), a soft literary phrase borrowed from a famous translation attributed to novelist 나쓰메 소세키 that means 'I love you.'
Editorial note
We review entries like 달 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. Last reviewed June 4, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
달이 예뻐요.
The moon is beautiful.
보름달이 떴어요.
The full moon has risen.
달빛이 밝아요.
The moonlight is bright.
Related Expressions
보름달
bo-reum-dal
full moon
초승달
cho-seung-dal
crescent moon
달빛
dal-bit
moonlight
해
hae
sun (antonym)
More Nature Words
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