Korean Dictionary
How to say "Swallow" in Korean
“Swallow” in Korean is 제비 (pronounced "jebi").
제비
jebi
Usage & Context
A graceful bird known for its swift flight and acrobatic movements. Swallows are migratory birds that return to Korea in spring. They symbolize renewal and hope in Korean culture.
Example Sentence
제비가 빠르게 날아요.
The swallow flies fast.
How to use 제비 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Swallow” is 제비, romanized as jebi.
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 제비.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, "je," sounds like "jeh" in "jet." The second syllable, "bi," sounds like "bee." Put it together as "jeh-bee," with the stress on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
Talking about seasonal changes and nature.
봄이 오면 제비가 다시 돌아와요.
When spring comes, swallows return again.
Discovering a new nest at home.
처마 밑에 제비집이 생겼어요.
A swallow's nest appeared under the eaves.
Referring to a famous Korean folk tale.
흥부와 놀부 이야기에서 제비가 박씨를 물어다 줬죠.
In the story of Heungbu and Nolbu, a swallow brought a gourd seed.
Cultural Context
제비 (jebi) holds a significant place in Korean culture, often symbolizing good fortune, spring, and new beginnings. They are migratory birds, and their return in spring is a welcome sign. The most famous cultural reference is the folk tale "Heungbu and Nolbu" (흥부와 놀부), where a swallow repays Heungbu's kindness by bringing him a magical gourd seed, leading to prosperity. Swallows nesting under the eaves of a house are traditionally considered a good omen.
Editorial note
We review entries like 제비 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
제비가 날아들다
A swallow flies in (often implying good luck).
제비집을 짓다
To build a swallow's nest.
제비처럼 빠르다
To be as fast as a swallow.
Related Expressions
박씨
bakssi
gourd seed (from Heungbu and Nolbu story)
흥부와 놀부
Heungbu-wa Nolbu
Heungbu and Nolbu (famous Korean folk tale)
철새
cheolsae
migratory bird
길조
giljo
auspicious bird, good omen
More Animals Words
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