Korean Dictionary
How to say "Pattern" in Korean
“Pattern” in Korean is 무늬 (pronounced "Munui").
무늬
Munui
Usage & Context
Munui is the Korean word for pattern. Patterns are important in Korean traditional art and design. They represent repetition and harmony.
Example Sentence
무늬가 아름다워요.
The pattern is beautiful.
How to use 무늬 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Pattern” is 무늬, romanized as Munui.
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 무늬.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '무' (mu), sounds like 'moo' as in a cow's sound. The second syllable, '늬' (neui), is often pronounced like 'nee' (as in 'knee') in modern Korean, especially when it's not the first syllable. So, pronounce it as 'Moo-nee'.
More Example Sentences
Describing the design of traditional Korean clothing.
이 한복은 아름다운 꽃무늬가 있어요.
This hanbok has a beautiful floral pattern.
Commenting on interior design.
벽지에 독특한 기하학적 무늬가 인상적이에요.
The unique geometric pattern on the wallpaper is impressive.
Appreciating the design of tableware or crafts.
그릇에 그려진 전통 무늬가 멋스러워요.
The traditional pattern drawn on the dish is stylish.
Cultural Context
Patterns are profoundly significant in Korean traditional art, architecture, and especially in clothing like hanbok. Common traditional patterns, such as floral (꽃무늬 kkonmunui), geometric (기하학적 무늬 gihahakjeok munui), or cloud motifs (구름무늬 gureummunui), often carry deep symbolic meanings related to longevity, prosperity, or good fortune. Modern Korean design frequently reinterprets these traditional patterns, blending heritage with contemporary aesthetics.
Editorial note
We review entries like 무늬 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
꽃무늬
floral pattern
체크무늬
checkered pattern
줄무늬
striped pattern
Related Expressions
패턴
paeteon
pattern (loanword, often used interchangeably)
디자인
dijain
design
문양
munyang
pattern/design (more formal/traditional term)
모양
moyang
shape/form/appearance (related concept)
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