Korean Dictionary
How to say "Tempo" in Korean
“Tempo” in Korean is 템포 (pronounced "Tempo").
템포
Tempo
Usage & Context
The speed at which music is played. Used in music production and performance to describe how fast or slow a song should be.
Example Sentence
템포를 높여야 해요.
We need to increase the tempo.
How to use 템포 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Tempo” is 템포, romanized as Tempo.
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 템포.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'tem-po' — English loanword. 'tem' like 'tem', 'po' like 'poh'. Two clean syllables.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
빠르기
ppareugi
native Korean word for tempo/speed used in music education
More Example Sentences
dance class struggle
템포가 너무 빨라서 따라하기 힘들어요.
The tempo is too fast so it's hard to follow.
making an acoustic cover
원곡보다 템포를 늦췄어요.
I slowed down the tempo compared to the original.
music practice feedback
템포가 일정해야 해요.
The tempo has to be consistent.
Cultural Context
템포 is a direct loanword used almost exclusively in music contexts, while the native '빠르기' appears in elementary school music textbooks. DJs and producers often adjust '템포' when mixing tracks, so it appears in '템포 업' (tempo up) and '템포 다운' compound phrases. Outside music, Koreans sometimes use 템포 metaphorically to mean pace of life.
Editorial note
We review entries like 템포 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
템포를 올려요.
Increase the tempo.
템포가 느려요.
The tempo is slow.
템포에 맞춰요.
Match the tempo.
Related Expressions
빠르기
ppareugi
tempo/speed (native)
속도
sokdo
speed
BPM
bipi-em
beats per minute
리듬
rideum
rhythm
More Music Words
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