Korean Dictionary
How to say "Recycling" in Korean
“Recycling” in Korean is 재활용 (pronounced "Jaehwaryong").
재활용
Jaehwaryong
Usage & Context
Korea has one of the world's most comprehensive recycling systems. Garbage must be sorted into regular trash (종량제 봉투, pay-per-bag system), recyclables, and food waste. Improper disposal can result in fines. The system has led to a high recycling rate and reduced landfill use.
Example Sentence
한국은 재활용 분리배출을 엄격히 지켜야 해요.
In Korea, you must strictly follow recycling separation rules.
How to use 재활용 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Recycling” is 재활용, romanized as Jaehwaryong.
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 재활용.
Pronunciation Guide
재 (jae) sounds like 'jay'. 활 (hwal) is like 'hwal' in 'whale' but with a clear 'h'. 용 (yong) sounds like 'yong' in 'song' but with a 'y' sound. Say it as 'JAY-hwal-YONG', with a slight emphasis on 'JAY'.
More Example Sentences
Explaining Korean waste disposal rules to a foreigner.
한국에서는 재활용 분리수거가 정말 철저해요.
In Korea, recycling separation is very strict.
Instructing someone on proper waste disposal.
재활용 쓰레기는 따로 모아서 버려야 해요.
Recyclable trash must be collected separately and thrown away.
Advocating for environmental protection.
환경을 위해 재활용을 생활화해야 합니다.
For the environment, we must make recycling a part of our daily lives.
Cultural Context
Korea boasts one of the world's most advanced recycling systems. Residents are required to meticulously sort waste into categories like paper, plastic, glass, metal, and food waste. Regular trash is disposed of in specific, paid 종량제 봉투 (jongnyangje bongtu) bags. This strict system, while sometimes challenging for newcomers, has significantly boosted recycling rates and is a point of national pride regarding environmental efforts.
Editorial note
We review entries like 재활용 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
재활용하다
To recycle (verb)
재활용품
Recyclables
재활용 분리배출
Recycling separation and disposal
Related Expressions
분리수거
bunrisugeo
Waste separation/sorting
쓰레기
sseuregi
Trash/garbage
음식물 쓰레기
eumsingmul sseuregi
Food waste
환경 보호
hwangyeong boho
Environmental protection
More Daily Life Words
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