Korean word

번개

Pronunciation

Romanizationpeongae

Meaning

  • nounlightning

Example

어젯밤에 번개가 쳤어.eo jet ppa me peon gae ga cheo sseo

Lightning flashed last night.

Illustration for 번개 (lightning)

More examples

친구가 갑자기 번개 연락을 해서 저녁을 같이 먹었어.chin gu ga kap jja gi peon gae yeol la geul hae seo cheo nyeo geul ka chi meo geo sseo

My friend suddenly got in touch, so we had dinner together.

Core concept

A brief burst of light that appears without warning, also suggesting something arranged at very short notice.

Common phrases

  • 번개 연락peon gae yeol lak

    sudden contact

Similar words

천둥cheondung: A low rumble heard during a storm after a flash in the sky.
섬광seomgwang: A brilliant burst of light that disappears almost immediately.

Definition in Korean

구름 사이에서 순간적으로 번쩍이는 자연현상인 ‘번개’와, 빨리 정해져 급히 모이는 모임을 줄여 이르는 말의 두 가지 뜻을 가진 명사.ku reum sa i e seo sun gan jeo geu ro peon jjeo gi neun cha yeon hyeon sang in peon gae wa ppal li cheong hae jeo keu pi mo i neun mo i meul chu ryeo i reu neun ma rui tu ka ji tteu seul ka jin myeong sa

Word origin

번개 (beongae, "lightning") is a native Korean word whose precise historical formation is uncertain, although its sudden image helps explain its extended use.

Usage tips

  • Unlike the usual English meaning of lightning, this word can also appear in casual plans for a gathering made suddenly, so the surrounding conversation is important.

Other meanings

  • impromptu gatheringnoun

Opposites

  • 사전약속sajeonyakssokprior appointmentnoun

Word lists with this word