Korean Dictionary
How to say "Shark" in Korean
“Shark” in Korean is 상어 (pronounced "sang-eo").
상어
sang-eo
Usage & Context
A powerful predatory fish found in Korean coastal waters. Sharks are both feared and respected in Korean culture. They are featured in aquariums and marine education programs.
Example Sentence
상어는 빠르게 헤엄쳐요.
The shark swims fast.
How to use 상어 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Shark” is 상어, romanized as sang-eo.
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 상어.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '상' (sang), sounds like 'sang' as in 'sang a song'. The second syllable, '어' (eo), is pronounced like the 'uh' in 'butter'. Put it together: 'sang-uh'.
More Example Sentences
Describing a characteristic of sharks.
상어는 날카로운 이빨을 가지고 있어요.
Sharks have sharp teeth.
Talking about a movie experience, like 'Jaws'.
상어 영화를 보고 무서웠어요.
I was scared after watching a shark movie.
Describing a visit to an aquarium.
아쿠아리움에서 상어를 봤어요.
I saw a shark at the aquarium.
Cultural Context
Sharks are generally depicted as fearsome predators in Korean media, much like in Western cultures, often appearing in documentaries or thrillers. They are popular attractions in aquariums across Korea. While there isn't a deep traditional cultural lore specifically about sharks, they are recognized as powerful marine creatures.
Editorial note
We review entries like 상어 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
상어 이빨
shark teeth
상어 지느러미
shark fin
아기 상어
Baby Shark (popular children's song)
Related Expressions
백상아리
baeksang-ari
great white shark
죠스
jyoseu
Jaws (the movie, often used to refer to sharks)
무서운
museoun
scary
포식자
posikja
predator
More Animals Words
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