Korean Dictionary
How to say "POW" in Korean
“POW” in Korean is 포로 (pronounced "Poro").
포로
Poro
Usage & Context
Military term related to pow. Important vocabulary for understanding Korean military culture and defense terminology.
Example Sentence
이것은 포로에 대한 예문입니다.
This is an example sentence about pow.
How to use 포로 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “POW” is 포로, romanized as Poro.
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 포로.
Pronunciation Guide
For '포로 (Poro)', 'Po' sounds like 'poh' in 'poker', and 'ro' sounds like 'roh' in 'robot'. The pronunciation is straightforward, with relatively even stress on both syllables.
More Example Sentences
Describing a historical event during wartime.
전쟁 중 많은 병사들이 포로로 잡혔습니다.
Many soldiers were captured as prisoners of war during the war.
Reporting on a diplomatic breakthrough.
포로 교환 협상이 극적으로 타결되었습니다.
The prisoner exchange negotiations were dramatically concluded.
Sharing a personal testimony of hardship.
그는 포로 생활의 고통스러운 경험을 회고했습니다.
He recounted the painful experiences of being a prisoner of war.
Cultural Context
The term '포로' carries significant historical weight in Korea, particularly in relation to the Korean War. The issue of POWs, especially those who were never repatriated or whose fates remain unknown, is a sensitive and often discussed topic in South Korea. It highlights the profound human cost of conflict and the ongoing division of the Korean peninsula, frequently appearing in historical documentaries and news related to inter-Korean relations.
Editorial note
We review entries like 포로 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
포로로 잡히다
To be captured as a POW
포로 교환
Prisoner exchange
포로 수용소
POW camp
Related Expressions
전쟁 포로
Jeonjaeng poro
Prisoner of war (more explicit)
억류자
Eongnyuja
Detainee
피랍자
Pirapja
Kidnapped person
탈북자
Talbukja
North Korean defector (sometimes related in discussions of those held in North Korea)
More Military Words
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