Korean Dictionary
How to say "Wooden Beam" in Korean
“Wooden Beam” in Korean is 대들보 (pronounced "daedolbo").
대들보
daedolbo
Usage & Context
Wooden beams are structural elements in traditional Korean architecture. The main central beam of a hanok called 대들보 is symbolically important. Restoring original wooden beams in historic buildings is a key part of heritage preservation.
Example Sentence
한옥 대들보가 수백 년이 지나도 튼튼해요.
Hanok wooden beams remain strong even after hundreds of years.
How to use 대들보 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Wooden Beam” is 대들보, romanized as daedolbo.
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 대들보.
Pronunciation Guide
대들보 (daedolbo) sounds like 'day-dohl-boh'. 'Dae' is like 'day' in 'daylight', 'dol' is like 'dohl' in 'doll', and 'bo' is like 'boh' in 'boat'.
More Example Sentences
A carpenter inspecting an old house.
이 집은 대들보가 휘어져서 보수가 필요해요.
This house needs repair because its main beam is bent.
A cultural explanation.
전통 한옥의 대들보는 그 집안의 기둥과 같아요.
The main beam of a traditional hanok is like the pillar of the family.
Describing modern hanok construction.
새로 지은 한옥은 대들보도 현대적인 기술로 만들었어요.
The newly built hanok also has its main beam made with modern technology.
Cultural Context
The '대들보' is not just a structural element in traditional Korean architecture (한옥, hanok); it carries significant symbolic meaning. It represents the strength, stability, and longevity of a house and, by extension, the family living within it. In historical contexts, a strong '대들보' was seen as a blessing. The phrase '집안의 대들보' (the main beam of the family) is still used metaphorically to refer to a person who is the main support or backbone of a family or organization.
Editorial note
We review entries like 대들보 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
집안의 대들보
The backbone/pillar of the family
대들보를 올리다
To raise the main beam (a traditional ceremony)
대들보가 튼튼하다
The main beam is strong
Related Expressions
기둥
gidung
pillar, column
서까래
seokkarae
rafter
한옥
hanok
traditional Korean house
목재
mokjae
timber, wood
More Architecture Words
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