Korean word

돈

Pronunciation

Romanizationton

Meaning

  • nounmoney

Example

저는 돈이 필요해요.cheo neun to ni pi ryo hae yo

I need money.

Illustration for 돈 (money)

More examples

여행 가고 싶은데 돈이 없어요.yeo haeng ka go si peun de to ni eop sseo yo

I want to go on a trip, but I do not have any money.

Core concept

The general pool of financial value available for spending or saving.

Common phrases

  • 돈이 있다to ni it tta

    have money

  • 돈이 없다to ni eop tta

    have no money

  • 돈이 부족하다to ni pu jo ka da

    be short of money

Similar words

현금hyeongeum: Notes and coins ready to hand over when paying.
카드kadeu: A thin plastic or paper rectangle used to pay at a store.
월급wolgeup: Regular pay received from an employer for one month of work.
저축cheochuk: Money set aside little by little for a later need.

Definition in Korean

지불 수단으로 쓰이는 현금이나 예금 등 금전 전반을 가리키는 말.chi bul su da neu ro sseu i neun hyeon geu mi na ye geum teung keum jeon cheon ba neul ka ri ki neun mal

Word origin

The formation of 돈 (don, "money") is uncertain, but its broad everyday meaning makes it best learned as a basic Korean word for money.

Usage tips

  • English learners may expect a word for physical notes and coins, but this term also covers value held in a bank account.

Other meanings

  • cashnoun
  • fundsnoun

Related words

  • 돈독tondokgreed for moneynoun
  • 돈세탁tonsetakmoney launderingnoun

Word lists with this word