Korean Dictionary
How to say "Photosynthesis" in Korean
“Photosynthesis” in Korean is 광합성 (pronounced "gwanghapseong").
광합성
gwanghapseong
Usage & Context
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into food. It produces oxygen essential for life on Earth. Understanding photosynthesis underpins much of environmental science education in Korea.
Example Sentence
식물은 광합성을 통해 산소를 만들어요.
Plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
How to use 광합성 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Photosynthesis” is 광합성, romanized as gwanghapseong.
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 광합성.
Pronunciation Guide
광 (gwang) sounds like 'gwahng' (rhymes with 'song' but with a 'gw' at the start). 합 (hap) sounds like 'hahp' (like 'hop' or 'hap-py'). 성 (seong) sounds like 'sung' (as in 'sung a song'). The 'h' in 'hap' is a light breath sound.
More Example Sentences
Explaining a basic biological process.
식물은 햇빛을 이용해 광합성을 합니다.
Plants perform photosynthesis using sunlight.
Emphasizing the critical importance of photosynthesis.
광합성은 지구 생명 유지에 필수적인 과정이에요.
Photosynthesis is an essential process for sustaining life on Earth.
Referring to a common topic in elementary education.
어린이들은 과학 시간에 광합성에 대해 배웁니다.
Children learn about photosynthesis in science class.
Cultural Context
'광합성' is a fundamental scientific term taught in elementary and middle school science classes across Korea. It's a common word in educational contexts and scientific discussions, but not typically used in daily casual conversation unless specifically discussing plants, biology, or environmental science. Most Koreans are familiar with the concept from their schooling.
Editorial note
We review entries like 광합성 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
광합성을 하다
to perform photosynthesis
광합성 작용
photosynthetic action/process
광합성 효율
photosynthetic efficiency
Related Expressions
산소
sanso
Oxygen
이산화탄소
isan화tanso
Carbon Dioxide
엽록소
yeomnokso
Chlorophyll
햇빛
haetbit
Sunlight
More Environment Words
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