Korean Dictionary
How to say "Study" in Korean
“Study” in Korean is 공부 (pronounced "Gongbu").
공부
Gongbu
Usage & Context
Academic study and learning. 공부하다 (to study). Korean students are among the most academically pressured in the world. 학원 (hakwon, private tutoring academies) are a multibillion-dollar industry. The university entrance exam (수능, suneung) is a defining national event each November.
Example Sentence
한국어 공부를 시작한 지 얼마나 됐어요?
How long have you been studying Korean?
How to use 공부 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Study” is 공부, romanized as Gongbu.
Usage tip
Practice this word inside a full daily-life sentence, because particles and sentence endings make the Korean sound natural.
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 공부.
Pronunciation Guide
공 (gong) sounds like 'gong' as in the instrument. 부 (bu) sounds like 'boo' as in 'boo!'. Together, 'Gong-boo'. The 'g' at the beginning of '공' is a soft, voiced sound.
More Example Sentences
A student complaining about their heavy study schedule.
주말에도 학원에서 공부해야 해요.
I have to study at the academy even on weekends.
A philosophical statement about lifelong learning.
공부는 평생 해야 하는 거예요.
Studying is something you have to do your whole life.
Asking a fellow learner about their experience with Korean studies.
한국어 공부가 재미있어요?
Is studying Korean fun?
Cultural Context
공부 (gongbu) is a central concept in Korean society, often associated with intense academic pressure and the pursuit of future success. The verb form, 공부하다 (gongbuhada), is used frequently. Korean students are known for their rigorous study habits, often attending private tutoring academies (학원, hakwon) well into the night. The university entrance exam (수능, suneung) is a monumental event, underscoring the national emphasis on education.
Editorial note
We review entries like 공부 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
열심히 공부하다
to study hard
공부 잘하다
to be good at studying
공부 못하다
to be bad at studying
Related Expressions
공부하다
gongbuhada
to study (verb form)
학습
hakseup
learning (more formal, academic term)
교육
gyoyuk
education
시험
siheom
exam, test
More Daily Life Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Study and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
