Korean Dictionary
How to say "Wide" in Korean
“Wide” in Korean is 넓은 (pronounced "Neolbeun").
넓은
Neolbeun
Usage & Context
Neolbeun is the Korean word for wide. Wide shapes are used in Korean design to create openness and spaciousness. They represent freedom and expansiveness.
Example Sentence
넓은 공간이 편해요.
The wide space is comfortable.
How to use 넓은 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Wide” is 넓은, romanized as Neolbeun.
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 넓은.
Pronunciation Guide
'Neol' sounds like 'null' but with an 'eo' vowel sound, similar to 'nuh-l'. The 'b' in 'beun' is soft, almost like a 'p' at the end of a syllable, and 'eun' sounds like 'uhn' in 'button'. The 'l' and 'b' sounds blend smoothly.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
넓다
neolda
This is the base dictionary form of the adjective, from which all conjugations are derived. It can be used formally with endings like -습니다/-ㅂ니다 or -어요/-아요.
Casual (반말)
넓다
neolda
This is the plain form of the adjective, often used in casual speech or writing when stating a fact, or in informal settings.
More Example Sentences
Talking about the spaciousness of a room.
이 방은 넓어서 가구를 많이 놓을 수 있어요.
This room is wide, so you can put a lot of furniture in it.
Asking someone to be understanding or forgiving.
넓은 마음으로 이해해 주세요.
Please understand with a wide heart (generously).
Giving directions or advice about traffic.
넓은 길로 가야 차가 안 막혀요.
You should take the wide road so traffic won't be jammed.
Cultural Context
'넓은' is a very common descriptive adjective used for physical width, but it's also frequently used metaphorically. Phrases like '넓은 마음' (neolbeun maeum, wide heart/generous spirit) or '넓은 시야' (neolbeun siya, wide perspective) are common. Koreans often value spaciousness in living environments, so describing a house or room as '넓은' is usually a compliment, implying comfort and freedom.
Editorial note
We review entries like 넓은 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
넓은 세상
wide world
넓은 들판
wide field
넓은 어깨
wide shoulders (often seen as attractive)
Related Expressions
광활한
gwanghwalhan
vast, expansive
넉넉한
neongneokhan
spacious, ample
좁은
jobeun
narrow (antonym)
크다
keuda
big (often implies width)
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