How Do You Say Snow in Korean?
The word for snow in Korean is 눈 (nun). This simple yet powerful word encompasses various meanings and connotations depending on context.
Let’s break down the different ways you can use it and its variations.
Breakdown of “Snow” in Korean
- 눈 (nun) – Snow
- 눈송이 (nunsongi) – Snowflake
- 눈 내리다 (nun naerida) – To snow
- 눈길 (nungil) – Snowy path or road
These terms help us understand snow in various forms and its usage in everyday language. Let’s dive deeper into each expression and how they can be applied.
Expressing Snow in Different Contexts
1. Simple Word for Snow – 눈 (nun)
The simplest and most common way to say snow in Korean is 눈 (nun). It refers to snow in a general sense and is used in everyday conversations, poetry, and descriptive language.
Examples:
- 오늘은 눈이 왔다 (oneureun nun-i wattda) – It snowed today.
- 눈이 너무 예쁘다 (nuni neomu yeppeuda) – The snow is so beautiful.
- 눈이 너무 많다 (nuni neomu mantda) – There’s a lot of snow.
2. Snowflake – 눈송이 (nunsongi)
The word 눈송이 (nunsongi) specifically refers to a snowflake. It captures the delicate beauty of individual snowflakes that fall from the sky.
Examples:
- 하늘에서 눈송이가 떨어졌다 (haneuleseo nunsongi-ga tteoreojyeo) – A snowflake fell from the sky.
- 눈송이가 너무 작다 (nunsongi-ga neomu jakhda) – The snowflake is very small.
- 눈송이가 쌓이다 (nunsongi-ga ssai-ida) – Snowflakes accumulate.
3. Talking About Snowfall – 눈 내리다 (nun naerida)
When discussing snowfall or the act of snowing, Koreans use 눈 내리다 (nun naerida), which means “to snow.”
Examples:
- 오늘은 눈이 많이 내렸다 (oneureun nun-i mani naeryeotta) – It snowed a lot today.
- 눈이 계속 내리고 있다 (nuni gyeseok naerigo itda) – It’s still snowing.
- 눈이 그쳤다 (nuni geucheossda) – The snow stopped.
4. Describing Snowy Paths – 눈길 (nungil)
눈길 (nungil) is used when referring to paths, roads, or streets covered with snow.
Examples:
- 눈길이 미끄럽다 (nungil-i miggeureopda) – The snowy path is slippery.
- 눈길을 조심해야 한다 (nungireul joseumhaeya handa) – You need to be careful on the snowy road.
- 눈길을 따라 걷다 (nungil-eul ttara geodda) – Walking along the snowy path.
5. Seasonal References – Snow in Winter
Korean culture deeply connects snow with the winter season. Many winter-related phrases include 눈 (nun) to express the cold and beauty of snow-covered landscapes.
Examples:
- 겨울에 눈이 많이 내린다 (gyeoul-e nun-i mani naerinda) – It snows a lot in winter.
- 눈과 얼음 (nun-gwa eureum) – Snow and ice
- 눈 덮인 산 (nun deop-in san) – Snow-covered mountain
Practice Section: Fill in the Blanks
Let’s practice using these terms! Fill in the blank with the appropriate Korean word for snow-related phrases.
- 오늘은 __이 너무 아름답다.
- 길이 __에 미끄럽다.
- __송이가 떨어졌다.
- 겨울에는 __이 자주 내린다.
Lets Practice!
Snow, or 눈 (nun), holds deep significance in Korean culture, literature, and daily life.
Let’s practice using these expressions in conversations or share your experiences in the comments if you encounter any challenges!
Let’s practice!