Korean word

바퀴벌레

Pronunciation

Romanizationpakwibeolle

Meaning

  • nouncockroach

Example

방에 바퀴벌레가 있어요.pang e pa kwi beol le ga i sseo yo

There is a cockroach in the room.

Illustration for 바퀴벌레 (cockroach)

More examples

밤에 바퀴벌레가 기어가는 소리를 들었어요.pa me pa kwi beol le ga ki eo ga neun so ri reul teu reo sseo yo

I heard the sound of a cockroach crawling at night.

Core concept

A flat, fast-moving insect that hides in dark indoor places.

Common phrases

  • 바퀴벌레가 나오다pa kwi beol le ga na o da

    a cockroach comes out

  • 바퀴벌레를 잡다pa kwi beol le reul chap tta

    catch a cockroach

  • 바퀴벌레를 퇴치하다pa kwi beol le reul toe chi ha da

    get rid of cockroaches

Similar words

벌레peolle: A tiny creature found in everyday surroundings, especially when its presence feels unwelcome.
개미kaemi: An insect often seen in a line as its colony searches for food.
모기mogi: A biting insect that can leave itchy bumps after feeding.
쥐chwi: A small gnawing animal that may raid food stores in human dwellings.

Definition in Korean

집 안이나 어두운 곳에서 살며 납작한 몸으로 빠르게 기어 다니는 곤충의 이름.chip a ni na eo du un ko se seo sal myeo nap jja kan mo meu ro ppa reu ge ki eo ta ni neun kon chung ui i reum

Word origin

The word combines 바퀴 (bakwi, "wheel") and 벌레 (beolre, "insect"), but the historical reason for the first part is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • Learners can use the full word in ordinary conversation, even though English speakers may expect the shorter word roach.

Related words

  • 바퀴벌레 퇴치제pakwibeolle toechijecockroach repellentnoun
  • 바퀴벌레약pakwibeolleyakcockroach pesticidenoun

Word lists with this word