Korean Dictionary
How to say "Pebble" in Korean
“Pebble” in Korean is 자갈 (pronounced "Jagal").
자갈
Jagal
Usage & Context
자갈 (pebble/gravel) are commonly found on Korea's beaches and riverbeds. Some Korean beaches, like parts of Jeju, are famous for their distinctive black volcanic pebble shores. Stone-skipping on rivers and lakes is a beloved childhood activity.
Example Sentence
강가에서 자갈을 주워 물수제비를 떴어요.
I picked up pebbles by the river and skipped stones.
How to use 자갈 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Pebble” is 자갈, romanized as Jagal.
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 자갈.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, "Ja," sounds like "jah" in "jar." The second syllable, "gal," sounds like "gahl" in "galleon," with a soft 'g' sound. The stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
Describing a specific type of beach.
해변에는 고운 모래 대신 자갈이 많아요.
There are many pebbles instead of fine sand on the beach.
Observing children playing outdoors.
아이들이 강가에서 자갈을 던지며 놀고 있어요.
The children are playing, throwing pebbles by the river.
Describing garden landscaping.
정원에 예쁜 자갈들을 깔아서 길을 만들었어요.
I laid out pretty pebbles in the garden to make a path.
Cultural Context
Korea has diverse coastlines, and while sandy beaches are popular, many areas, especially on Jeju Island or along certain riverbanks, are known for their beautiful pebble shores. Collecting unique pebbles or skipping stones (물수제비 뜨기) are common leisurely activities, often evoking nostalgic childhood memories for Koreans. These pebble beaches are often featured in travel vlogs or dramas showcasing natural beauty.
Editorial note
We review entries like 자갈 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
자갈밭
Pebble field/patch
자갈길
Pebble path/road
자갈 해변
Pebble beach
Related Expressions
돌
Dol
Stone (general term)
모래
Morae
Sand
바위
Bawi
Rock, boulder
몽돌
Mongdol
Smooth, round pebble (often used for specific pebble beaches)
More Nature Words
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