Korean Dictionary
How to say "Scientist" in Korean
“Scientist” in Korean is 과학자 (pronounced "Gwahakja").
과학자
Gwahakja
Usage & Context
A person who conducts scientific research. Korea has many talented scientists contributing to global research.
Example Sentence
그는 유명한 과학자이다.
He is a famous scientist.
How to use 과학자 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Scientist” is 과학자, romanized as Gwahakja.
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 과학자.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'gwa-hak-ja' — 과 sounds like 'gwah', 학 like 'hahk' with a sharp stop, and 자 like 'jah'. The -자 suffix here means 'person'.
More Example Sentences
A middle schooler writing a career essay.
제 꿈은 노벨상을 받는 과학자가 되는 거예요.
My dream is to become a scientist who wins the Nobel Prize.
A news headline about medical research.
과학자들이 새로운 백신을 개발했다.
Scientists developed a new vaccine.
Introducing a family member to friends.
우리 삼촌은 생명공학을 연구하는 과학자예요.
My uncle is a scientist who researches biotechnology.
Cultural Context
과학자 is a broad, respected term in Korea, but many specific fields get their own titles — 물리학자 (physicist), 화학자 (chemist), 생물학자 (biologist). Korea celebrates homegrown scientists like 이휘소 (Benjamin Whisoh Lee) and 우장춘, and the government runs an annual 과학의 날 (Science Day) on April 21st to honor them. The title carries prestige comparable to doctor or professor, though younger Koreans increasingly associate '과학자' with tech entrepreneurs too.
Editorial note
We review entries like 과학자 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
과학자가 되고 싶어요.
I want to become a scientist.
그분은 유명한 과학자예요.
That person is a famous scientist.
과학자들이 연구 중이에요.
Scientists are doing research.
Related Expressions
연구원
yeonguwon
Researcher
박사
baksa
Doctor/PhD (common address for scientists)
발명가
balmyeongga
Inventor
교수
gyosu
Professor
More Science & Research Words
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