Korean Dictionary
How to say "Pillow" in Korean
“Pillow” in Korean is 베개 (pronounced "Begae").
베개
Begae
Usage & Context
Pillows are essential bedding items in Korean homes. Korean traditional pillows were often harder than Western pillows.
Example Sentence
푹신한 베개가 있어야 잠을 잘 자요.
You need a soft pillow to sleep well.
How to use 베개 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Pillow” is 베개, romanized as Begae.
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 베개.
Pronunciation Guide
"Be-gae." "Be" sounds like 'beh' in 'bell.' "Gae" sounds like 'gae' in 'gale' but shorter, almost like 'geh.' The stress is fairly even.
More Example Sentences
Someone complaining about an uncomfortable pillow.
이 베개는 너무 높아서 목이 아파요.
This pillow is too high, so my neck hurts.
Talking about changing bed linen.
새 베개 커버로 바꿨어요.
I changed to a new pillow cover.
Preparing for a trip.
여행 갈 때 목 베개 챙겨야지.
I should pack a neck pillow when I travel.
Cultural Context
Traditional Korean pillows, called '목침' (mokchim), were often made of wood, ceramic, or filled with buckwheat hulls, making them much harder than modern Western pillows. They were designed to support the neck rather than the head. While most Koreans now use softer, Western-style pillows, you might still find traditional ones in hanok stays or cultural centers. The firmness is often linked to promoting good posture and air circulation.
Editorial note
We review entries like 베개 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
베개 싸움
Pillow fight
베개를 베다
To rest one's head on a pillow
푹신한 베개
A soft pillow
Related Expressions
목 베개
Mok begae
Neck pillow
베개 커버
Begae keobeo
Pillow cover/case
이불
Ibul
Blanket/duvet (general bedding)
매트리스
Maeteuriseu
Mattress
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