Korean Dictionary
How to say "Tide" in Korean
“Tide” in Korean is 조수 (pronounced "Josu").
조수
Josu
Usage & Context
The rise and fall of sea levels. Korea's west coast (황해) has some of the world's largest tidal ranges. 밀물 (high tide) and 썰물 (low tide) create spectacular tidal flat (갯벌) ecosystems. The Sihwa Lake tidal power plant (시화호 조력발전소) is one of the world's largest tidal power stations.
Example Sentence
서해는 조수 간만의 차이가 매우 커요.
The Yellow Sea has a very large tidal range.
How to use 조수 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Tide” is 조수, romanized as Josu.
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 조수.
Pronunciation Guide
To pronounce "조수" (Josu), say "Joh-soo." "Joh" sounds like 'jaw,' and "soo" is like 'soon.' The 's' in 'soo' is a regular 's' sound.
More Example Sentences
Planning an outdoor activity by the sea.
조수 예보를 확인하고 갯벌 체험을 계획했어요.
We checked the tide forecast and planned our tidal flat experience.
Describing a boat's movement in the water.
조수의 흐름에 따라 배가 움직였다.
The boat moved with the flow of the tide.
Explaining how a tidal power plant works.
조력발전소는 조수의 힘을 이용해 전기를 생산해요.
Tidal power plants generate electricity using the power of the tides.
Cultural Context
While "조수" (tide) is a scientific term, its impact is deeply felt in coastal regions of Korea, especially on the west coast. The dramatic tidal range in the Yellow Sea (서해) has shaped the lifestyle of coastal communities for centuries, influencing fishing, aquaculture, and the unique tidal flat (갯벌) ecosystem. This phenomenon is a source of both livelihood and tourism, with many Koreans visiting tidal flats for "갯벌 체험" (tidal flat experience) to dig for clams and crabs. The Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Plant is a testament to Korea's innovative use of this natural force.
Editorial note
We review entries like 조수 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
조수 간만의 차이.
Tidal range (difference between high and low tide).
조수 예보.
Tide forecast.
조수의 흐름.
Tidal current / Flow of the tide.
Related Expressions
밀물
Milmul
High tide / Flood tide.
썰물
Sseolmul
Low tide / Ebb tide.
갯벌
Gaetbeol
Tidal flat / Mudflat.
조력발전
Joryeokbaljeon
Tidal power generation.
More Nature Words
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