Korean Dictionary
How to say "Sword" in Korean
“Sword” in Korean is 칼 (pronounced "Kal").
칼
Kal
Usage & Context
Military term related to sword. Important vocabulary for understanding Korean military culture and defense terminology.
Example Sentence
이것은 칼에 대한 예문입니다.
This is an example sentence about sword.
How to use 칼 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Sword” is 칼, romanized as Kal.
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 칼.
Pronunciation Guide
'Kal' is a single syllable. It sounds like 'cal' in 'calorie' or 'California', with a clear 'l' sound at the end. Pronounce it quickly and sharply.
More Example Sentences
Describing historical practices.
옛날 무사들은 허리에 칼을 차고 다녔어요.
Ancient warriors carried swords at their waists.
Explaining the nature of a decorative item.
이 칼은 장식용이라 날카롭지 않아요.
This sword is for decoration, so it's not sharp.
Discussing a movie scene.
영화에서 주인공이 멋진 칼싸움을 벌였어요.
The protagonist had an amazing sword fight in the movie.
Cultural Context
While '칼' generally means 'knife' or 'sword,' in historical or martial arts contexts, it specifically refers to a sword. Traditional Korean swords, like the 환도 (Hwando), are often seen in historical dramas (사극, sageuk) and are symbols of martial prowess and honor. The concept of a 'sword dance' (칼춤, kalchum) is also a traditional performance art, showcasing the elegance and skill involved.
Editorial note
We review entries like 칼 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
칼을 뽑다
to draw a sword
칼을 휘두르다
to swing a sword
칼싸움
sword fight
Related Expressions
검
geom
sword (more formal/classical)
단검
dangeom
dagger
도검
dogeom
bladed weapon (general term)
칼날
kallal
blade (of a knife or sword)
More Military Words
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