How Do You Say “Moon” in Korean?

The word for “moon” in Korean is 달 (dal). Simple, elegant, and easy to remember, 달 is a core part of the Korean language and culture.

In this article, we’ll explore how to use 달 in various contexts, related expressions, cultural connections, and even practice exercises to help you master this beautiful word.

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1. What Does 달 Mean in Korean?

달 is the standard Korean word for “moon.” It’s commonly used in everyday speech, poetry, songs, and cultural references. The moon holds a special place in Korean traditions and is often associated with beauty, mystery, and cycles of time.

Examples of 달 in Sentences:

1. 밤하늘에 달이 너무 아름다워요.
   (Bam-haneure dali neomu areumdawoyo)
   The moon in the night sky is so beautiful.
2. 오늘 밤 달이 꽉 찼어요.
   (Oneul bam dari kkwak chass-eoyo)
   Tonight, the moon is full.
3. 달은 해와 다르게 차분한 빛을 가지고 있어요.
   (Dareun haewa dareuge chabunhan bicheul gajigo isseoyo)
   The moon has a calm light, unlike the sun.
4. 아이들은 달을 보고 소원을 빌어요.
   (Aideureun dareul bogo sowoneul bil-eoyo)
   Children make wishes when they see the moon.
5. 달빛이 방을 비추고 있어요.
   (Dalbichi bangeul bichugo isseoyo)
   The moonlight is shining into the room.
6. 내일 밤에는 초승달이 보일 거예요.
   (Naeil bameneun choseungdari boil geoyeyo)
   Tomorrow night, the crescent moon will appear.
7. 달이 산 뒤에서 떠오르고 있어요.
   (Dari san dwieseo tteooreugo isseoyo)
   The moon is rising behind the mountain.
8. 우리는 달 아래에서 이야기를 나눴어요.
   (Urineun dal araeseo iyagireul nanwosseoyo)
   We shared stories under the moon.

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2. Phases of the Moon in Korean

The moon goes through various phases, and each phase has a unique name in Korean. Understanding these terms will help you describe the moon in different contexts.

Common Phases:

1. 초승달 (choseungdal) – Crescent Moon
2. 반달 (bandal) – Half Moon
3. 보름달 (boreumdal) – Full Moon
4. 그믐달 (geumeumdal) – New Moon

Examples of Phases in Sentences:

1. 초승달은 하늘에 희미하게 떠 있어요.
   The crescent moon faintly hangs in the sky.
2. 반달이 산 위에 떠오르고 있어요.
   The half moon is rising above the mountain.
3. 보름달이 밤하늘을 환하게 밝히고 있어요.
   The full moon is brightly lighting up the night sky.
4. 그믐달은 보기가 어렵지만 아름다워요.
   The new moon is hard to see but beautiful.

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3. Cultural Significance of the Moon in Korea

The moon is deeply rooted in Korean culture and traditions. It appears in folklore, festivals, and even idiomatic expressions.

Key Points:

• Chuseok (추석): This harvest festival celebrates the full moon, where families gather to give thanks and enjoy moonlit nights.
• Moon-Related Proverbs:
• 달 보고 짖는 개 (Dal bogo jitneun gae): A dog barking at the moon (used to describe pointless actions).
• 달 떠오르듯 밝다 (Dal tteooreudeut balgda): As bright as the moon rising.

Examples:

1. 추석 때 보름달을 보며 소원을 빌어요.
   During Chuseok, we make wishes while looking at the full moon.
2. 달은 한국의 시와 노래에 자주 등장해요.
   The moon often appears in Korean poems and songs.

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4. Related Words and Phrases

달빛 (dalbit) – Moonlight

Used to describe the light coming from the moon.

• Examples:

1. 달빛이 강물을 반짝이게 해요.
   The moonlight makes the river sparkle.

달나라 (dallara) – Moon Country

Used in imagination or storytelling to refer to a place on the moon.

• Examples:

1. 아이들은 달나라에 가는 꿈을 꾸어요.
   Children dream of going to the moon country.

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5. Practice Section: Fill in the Blanks

Test your understanding with these sentences.

1. 오늘 밤 이 꽉 찼어요. (The is full tonight.)
2. 빛이 방 안을 비추고 있어요. (The is shining into the room.)
3. 추석 때 을 보며 소원을 빌어요. (During Chuseok, we make wishes while looking at the .)

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6. Fun Practice Sheet: Create Your Own Sentences

1. Write three sentences about the moon using 달.
   Example: 밤하늘에 _이 떠 있어요._
2. Write a short story about a night under the moonlight using 달빛 or 보름달.

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Let’s Share Our Thoughts!

Now that you know how to say “moon” in Korean and use it in various contexts, try incorporating 달 into your conversations.

What does the moon mean to you? Share your sentences and experiences in the comments. Let’s learn and practice together!