Korean word

놀이

Pronunciation

Romanizationnori

Meaning

  • nounplay

Example

같이 놀이를 하면 더 즐거워요.ka chi no ri reul ha myeon teo cheul geo wo yo

We have more fun when we play together.

Illustration for 놀이 (play)

More examples

아이들이 공원에서 야외놀이를 했어요.a i deu ri kong wo ne seo ya oe no ri reul hae sseo yo

The children played outdoors in the park.

Core concept

An enjoyable activity, with or without rules, that sparks fun or interest.

Common phrases

  • 놀이를 하다no ri reul ha da

    play

  • 어린이놀이eo ri ni no ri

    children's play

  • 야외놀이ya oe no ri

    outdoor play

Similar words

게임keim: An activity with agreed rules, often involving challenge or a winner.
장난changnan: A light prank or teasing act meant to get a playful reaction.
오락orak: Pleasurable entertainment used to relax or pass the time.
여가yeoga: Time available for rest and personal interests outside required duties.

Definition in Korean

규칙이 있든 없든 형태가 다양하며 주로 즐거움이나 흥미를 얻기 위해 하는 여러 활동을 뜻하는 명사.kyu chi gi it tteun eop tteun hyeong tae ga ta yang ha myeo chu ro cheul geo u mi na heung mi reul eot kki wi hae ha neun yeo reo hwal dong eul tteu ta neun myeong sa

Word origin

놀이 (nori, "play") is formed from a Korean verb meaning to play plus a noun-forming element, turning the action into a name for an activity.

Usage tips

  • Unlike the English word game, 놀이 (nori, "play") also covers relaxed activities with no set rules, making it useful for children's everyday fun.

Other meanings

  • gamenoun
  • recreationnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 놀이공원norigongwonamusement parknoun
  • 놀이기구norigiguplay equipmentnoun
  • 놀이공간norigongganplay spacenoun

Word lists with this word