Korean Dictionary
How to say "Red" in Korean
“Red” in Korean is 빨강 (pronounced "Bbalggang").
빨강
Bbalggang
Usage & Context
Bbalggang is the basic Korean word for the color red. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and is one of the primary colors taught to children. Red holds cultural significance in Korea, often associated with luck and celebration.
Example Sentence
이 사과는 빨강이에요.
This apple is red.
How to use 빨강 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Red” is 빨강, romanized as Bbalggang.
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 빨강.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'ppal-gang' with a tense double 'pp' (like spitting out the 'p'), a clear 'ah' vowel, and a final 'ng' as in 'sing'. The stress is light and even across both syllables.
More Example Sentences
Crossing the street with a friend
신호등이 빨간불이에요.
The traffic light is red.
Complimenting someone's makeup
빨간색 립스틱이 잘 어울려요.
Red lipstick suits you well.
Noticing a friend blushing or feverish
얼굴이 왜 이렇게 빨개요?
Why is your face so red?
Cultural Context
Traditionally, writing a Korean person's name in red ink is taboo because it's historically associated with death (names of the deceased were written in red in family registers). At the same time, red is the color of vitality and was embraced nationally during the 2002 World Cup, when the '붉은 악마' (Red Devils) supporters made red T-shirts iconic. In everyday speech, Koreans more often say 빨간색 (the red color) as the adjective form than the standalone noun 빨강.
Editorial note
We review entries like 빨강 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
빨간색 좋아해요.
I like the color red.
얼굴이 빨개졌어요.
My face turned red.
빨간불이에요, 기다리세요.
It's a red light, please wait.
Related Expressions
빨간색
ppalgansaek
the color red (most common form)
붉다
bukda
to be red / reddish (literary)
새빨갛다
saeppalgata
bright/vivid red
빨개지다
ppalgaejida
to turn red / blush
Frequently asked questions
How do I correctly pronounce the Korean word 빨강 (Bbalggang) for 'red'?+
To pronounce 빨강 (Bbalggang) correctly, focus on the initial 'ㅃ' sound, which is a tense, unaspirated 'bb' similar to the 'p' in 'spin'. The 'ㅏ' is like 'ah' in 'father'. The 'ㄹㄱ' combination is pronounced as a 'l' then a soft 'g' sound, and '앙' is like 'ahng' in 'song'. Practice saying 'Bbal-gang' with a slight emphasis on the initial tense consonant.
What is the difference between 빨강 and other Korean terms for red?+
빨강 (Bbalggang) is the noun form, meaning 'the color red' itself. For example, '내가 좋아하는 색은 빨강이야' (Naega johahaneun saek-eun bbalggang-iya) means 'My favorite color is red'. When describing a red object, you'd use the adjective form 빨간 (bbalgan), as in '빨간 사과' (bbalgan sagwa) for 'red apple'. 빨간색 (bbalgan-saek) specifically means 'red color', often interchangeable with 빨강 but emphasizing the 'color' aspect.
Is 빨강 considered a formal or informal way to refer to red?+
빨강 (Bbalggang) is a neutral and universally understood term for the color red in Korean. It is neither formal nor informal, making it appropriate for almost any situation, from casual conversations among friends to more formal discussions. As a basic color word, it's suitable for all ages and contexts, just like 'red' in English. You can use it confidently without worrying about formality levels.
Are there any common cultural phrases or expressions using 빨강?+
Yes, 빨강 (Bbalggang) is culturally significant. A common phrase is '빨간 날' (bbalgan nal), literally 'red day', which refers to public holidays, as these dates are typically marked in red on calendars. Another example is '빨간불' (bbalganbul), meaning 'red light', often used for traffic signals. Due to its association with luck and celebration in Korea, 빨강 frequently appears in festive contexts and traditional designs.
What are common mistakes learners make when using 빨강 in Korean?+
A common mistake is using 빨강 (Bbalggang) as an adjective directly before a noun, like saying '빨강 차' (bbalggang cha) for 'red car'. Instead, you should use the adjectival form 빨간 (bbalgan), so the correct phrase is '빨간 차' (bbalgan cha). Another mistake can be mispronouncing the initial 'ㅃ' sound, making it too soft or aspirated. Remember, 빨강 is a noun, while 빨간 acts as the modifier for nouns.
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