Korean word

나침반

Pronunciation

Romanizationnachimban

Meaning

nouncompass

Example

캠핑 중에 나침반으로 방향을 확인했어.kaem ping chung e na chim ba neu ro pang hyang eul hwa gin hae sseo

I checked the direction with a compass while camping.

More examples

비상 키트에 나침반을 넣어 두었어.pi sang ki teu e na chim ba neul neo eo tu eo sseo

I put a compass in the emergency kit.

Core concept

A small device whose magnetic needle points north and helps identify directions.

Common phrases

나침반을 잃어버리다na chim ba neul i reo beo ri da
lose a compass
나침반을 들다na chim ba neul teul da
pick up a compass
나침반을 놓고 가다na chim ba neul no ko ka da
leave a compass behind

Similar words

방향panghyang: The side or course toward which someone or something is facing or moving.
지도chido: A picture showing the locations of places, roads, and natural features.
길kil: A path or road that leads people or vehicles from one place to another.
컴퍼스keompeoseu: A tool for drawing circles with one pointed arm and one pencil-holding arm.

Definition in Korean

지구의 자기장을 따라 바늘이 북쪽을 가리켜 방향을 알려 주는 휴대용 기구chi gu ui cha gi jang eul tta ra pa neu ri puk jjo geul ka ri kyeo pang hyang eul al lyeo chu neun hyu dae yong ki gu

Word origin

The name comes from an old Sino-Korean term for a needle set on a circular plate, matching the device's traditional form.

Usage tips

English compass can also mean a drawing tool, but this Korean word specifically points learners toward navigation and outdoor travel.

Related words

나침반앱nachimbanaepcompass appnoun
자기나침반chaginachimbanmagnetic compassnoun