Korean Dictionary
How to say "Owl" in Korean
“Owl” in Korean is 올빼미 (pronounced "olppemi").
올빼미
olppemi
Usage & Context
A nocturnal bird of prey known for its large eyes and wisdom. Owls are featured in Korean folklore and symbolize intelligence. They are protected wildlife in Korea.
Example Sentence
올빼미는 밤에 활동해요.
The owl is active at night.
How to use 올빼미 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Owl” is 올빼미, romanized as olppemi.
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 올빼미.
Pronunciation Guide
To pronounce "올빼미" (olppemi), say 'Ol-ppae-mi'. 'Ol' sounds like 'all' in English. 'Ppae' is a tense 'p' sound followed by 'eh' like in 'bed'. 'Mi' is like 'mee' in 'meet'. The stress is on the first syllable, 'Ol'.
More Example Sentences
Someone recounting a nature experience.
밤에 숲에서 올빼미 소리가 들렸어요.
I heard an owl's hoot in the forest at night.
A student sharing a fact they learned.
올빼미는 지혜의 상징이라고 해요.
They say owls are a symbol of wisdom.
Someone describing their nocturnal habits.
저는 밤늦게까지 깨어있는 올빼미족이에요.
I'm a night owl who stays up late.
Cultural Context
In Korea, '올빼미' (owl) is widely recognized as a symbol of wisdom and intelligence, similar to Western cultures, largely due to its large, observant eyes and nocturnal habits. It often appears in children's stories and educational materials. The term '올빼미족' (olppaemi-jok, literally 'owl tribe') is a common and popular phrase used to describe people who prefer to stay up late and are active at night, much like the English 'night owl.' This term is frequently heard in daily conversations and media.
Editorial note
We review entries like 올빼미 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
올빼미족
Night owl (person)
올빼미처럼 밤에 활동하다
To be active at night like an owl
올빼미 눈
Owl eyes (meaning large, round eyes, or sharp night vision)
Related Expressions
부엉이
bueongi
Horned owl (often used interchangeably with 올빼미)
야행성 동물
yahaengseong dongmul
Nocturnal animal
지혜
jihye
Wisdom
밤샘
bamsaem
Staying up all night
More Animals Words
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