Korean Dictionary
How to say "Raccoon" in Korean
“Raccoon” in Korean is 너구리 (pronounced "neoguri").
너구리
neoguri
Usage & Context
A clever animal with a distinctive black mask on its face. Raccoons are found in Korean forests and sometimes in urban areas. They are known for their intelligence and mischievous behavior.
Example Sentence
너구리는 똑똑해요.
The raccoon is clever.
How to use 너구리 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Raccoon” is 너구리, romanized as neoguri.
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 너구리.
Pronunciation Guide
'Neo-gu-ri' is pronounced with 'Neo' like 'nuh' in 'nut'. 'Gu' sounds like 'goo' in 'goose'. 'Ri' is like 'ree' in 'reel'.
More Example Sentences
Asking a friend about a popular instant noodle brand.
너구리 라면 먹을래?
Want to eat Neoguri Ramyun?
Sharing an experience at the zoo.
동물원에서 너구리 봤는데 너무 귀여웠어요.
I saw a raccoon at the zoo and it was so cute.
Describing a mischievous raccoon in an urban setting.
너구리가 쓰레기통을 뒤지고 있었어요.
A raccoon was rummaging through the trash can.
Cultural Context
While '너구리' directly translates to 'raccoon', it's perhaps more famously known in Korea as the name of a popular instant noodle brand, 'Neoguri Ramyun'. This spicy seafood-flavored ramen is so iconic that many Koreans might think of the noodles before the animal. Raccoons themselves are seen as clever and sometimes mischievous animals.
Editorial note
We review entries like 너구리 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
너구리 한 마리 몰고 가세요.
Take a raccoon with you. (Famous Neoguri Ramyun slogan, meaning 'buy a pack of Neoguri')
너구리처럼 생겼다
looks like a raccoon (often referring to someone with dark circles under their eyes)
너구리 굴
raccoon den
Related Expressions
라면
ramyeon
instant noodles (general)
너구리 라면
neoguri ramyeon
Neoguri Ramyun (the specific brand)
동물
dongmul
animal
야생 동물
yasaeng dongmul
wild animal
More Animals Words
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