Korean Dictionary
How to say "Sparrow" in Korean
“Sparrow” in Korean is 참새 (pronounced "chamsae").
참새
chamsae
Usage & Context
A small common bird found throughout Korea. Sparrows are familiar birds in Korean cities and countryside. They are featured in Korean children's stories and traditional art.
Example Sentence
참새가 곡식을 먹어요.
The sparrow eats grain.
How to use 참새 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Sparrow” is 참새, romanized as chamsae.
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 참새.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, "cham," sounds like "chum" in "chummy." The second syllable, "sae," rhymes with "say." Put it together as "chum-say," with fairly even stress.
More Example Sentences
Waking up to nature's sounds.
아침에 창밖에서 참새 소리가 들려요.
I hear sparrows chirping outside my window in the morning.
Nostalgic memory of a grandparent.
우리 할머니는 마당에 참새 모이를 주셨어요.
My grandmother used to feed sparrows in the yard.
Explaining a Korean proverb.
참새가 방앗간을 그냥 지나치랴.
A sparrow won't just pass by a mill. (Meaning: One won't miss an opportunity right in front of them.)
Cultural Context
참새 (chamsae) is one of the most common birds in Korea, often seen in both urban and rural areas. They are a familiar sight, especially around traditional markets or rice fields. In Korean folklore and children's stories, sparrows often appear as clever or mischievous characters, sometimes associated with farmers' daily lives. They are not typically kept as pets but are a beloved part of the natural landscape.
Editorial note
We review entries like 참새 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
참새처럼 짹짹거리다
To chirp like a sparrow (to chatter incessantly)
참새가 떼로 날아다녀요.
Sparrows are flying around in a flock.
참새가 곡식을 쪼아 먹어요.
Sparrows peck at and eat grain.
Related Expressions
새
sae
bird (general term)
짹짹거리다
jjaekjjaekgeorida
to chirp (like a sparrow)
참새 방앗간
chamsae bangatgan
sparrow's mill (a place of temptation, from the proverb)
참새 눈물
chamsae nunmul
sparrow's tears (meaning a very small amount, insignificant)
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