Korean Dictionary
How to say "Rank" in Korean
“Rank” in Korean is 등수 (pronounced "deungsu").
등수
deungsu
Usage & Context
A student's position in the class based on grades. Class rankings are important in Korean schools. Students are very aware of their rank.
Example Sentence
등수가 올랐다.
My rank improved.
How to use 등수 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Rank” is 등수, romanized as deungsu.
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 등수.
Pronunciation Guide
For '등' (deung), it sounds like 'dung' (as in animal waste, but without the negative connotation, just the sound). The 'eu' is a short, neutral vowel. For '수' (su), it sounds like 'soo' (rhymes with 'too'). Put it together: 'Dung-soo'.
More Example Sentences
A student expressing disappointment about their academic performance.
이번 시험에서 등수가 많이 떨어졌어요.
My rank dropped a lot in this exam.
A student observing the study habits of their high-ranking peers.
우리 반에서 등수가 높은 친구들은 다 열심히 공부해요.
Friends with high ranks in our class all study hard.
A parent advising their child to focus on effort rather than just rank.
등수에 너무 연연하지 말고, 꾸준히 노력하는 게 중요해.
Don't be too fixated on your rank; it's important to keep trying steadily.
Cultural Context
'등수' is a highly sensitive and impactful concept in Korean schools. Students are often acutely aware of their own and their peers' rankings, which fuels intense competition and stress. While schools may attempt to downplay its importance, the ranking system is deeply embedded in the educational culture, influencing everything from class placement to university admissions. It's a common source of both pride and anxiety.
Editorial note
We review entries like 등수 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
등수가 오르다
for one's rank to go up/improve
등수가 떨어지다
for one's rank to go down/drop
등수를 매기다
to rank/assign ranks
Related Expressions
순위
sunwi
ranking, order (more general, can be for sports, popularity, etc.)
등급
deunggeup
grade, level (often used for Suneung scores or product quality)
석차
seokcha
class rank (more formal, often used in official documents)
성적
seongjeok
academic performance, grades
More School Life Words
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