Korean Dictionary
How to say "Weasel" in Korean
“Weasel” in Korean is 족제비 (pronounced "Jokjebi").
족제비
Jokjebi
Usage & Context
족제비 is a small carnivorous mammal found across Korea in rural and forested areas. In Korean folklore the weasel is associated with stealth and is believed to bring bad luck if it crosses your path. They are known for their quick and agile movements.
Example Sentence
밤에 족제비가 닭장에 들어와서 소란이 났어요.
A weasel entered the chicken coop at night causing a commotion.
How to use 족제비 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Weasel” is 족제비, romanized as Jokjebi.
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 족제비.
Pronunciation Guide
The word "족제비" is pronounced "Jok-je-bi." "Jok" sounds like "jock" in "jockey." "Je" is like "jeh" in "jet." "Bi" is like "bee" in "bee."
More Example Sentences
Describing an animal's physical traits.
족제비는 몸이 길고 날렵해서 좁은 틈새도 잘 지나가요.
Weasels have long, slender bodies, so they can easily pass through narrow gaps.
Referring to traditional folklore.
옛날 이야기에는 족제비가 닭을 훔쳐 가는 장면이 자주 나와요.
In old stories, scenes of weasels stealing chickens often appear.
Sharing a biological fact.
족제비는 밤에 주로 활동하는 야행성 동물이에요.
Weasels are nocturnal animals that are mainly active at night.
Cultural Context
족제비 (jokjebi) is often associated with stealth and quickness in Korean culture. While not as prominent as the fox, it sometimes appears in folk tales, usually as a mischievous creature that might raid chicken coops. There's a superstition that a weasel crossing your path can bring bad luck, reflecting its somewhat elusive and unpredictable nature. Its image is less romanticized than the deer or fox, often seen as a pest in agricultural settings.
Editorial note
We review entries like 족제비 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
족제비처럼 빠르다
To be as fast as a weasel
족제비 같은 놈
A weasel-like fellow (implying slyness, trickery)
족제비 똥
Weasel droppings (often used in a rural context)
Related Expressions
담비
dambi
Marten (similar mustelid)
수달
sudal
Otter (larger mustelid)
날렵하다
nallyeophada
To be agile, nimble
교활하다
gyohwalhada
To be cunning, sly
More Animals Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Weasel and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
