Korean word

벌레

Pronunciation

Romanizationpeolle

Meaning

  • nounbug

Example

침대에서 벌레를 봤어요.chim dae e seo peol le reul pwa sseo yo

I saw a bug on the bed.

Illustration for 벌레 (bug)

More examples

부엌에서 벌레가 나왔어요.pu eo ke seo peol le ga na wa sseo yo

A bug appeared in the kitchen.

Core concept

A tiny creature noticed in daily life, especially one found in a house and viewed with discomfort.

Common phrases

  • 벌레를 잡다peol le reul chap tta

    catch a bug

  • 벌레가 나오다peol le ga na o da

    a bug show up

  • 벌레가 기어가다peol le ga ki eo ga da

    a bug crawl

Similar words

곤충konchung: A general, neutral term for a six-legged animal such as a butterfly or bee.
모기mogi: A flying insect that feeds on blood and can leave a person with an itchy bite.
파리pari: A winged insect commonly found flying around food, waste, or spoiled things.
바퀴벌레pakwibeolle: A fast-moving, flat-bodied insect that may appear in dark indoor areas.

Definition in Korean

작고 주로 사람에게 불쾌감을 주거나 집 안에 나타나는 작은 동물을 이르는 말.chak kko chu ro sa ra me ge pul kwae ga meul chu geo na chip a ne na ta na neun cha geun tong mu reul i reu neun mal

Word origin

The older origin of the native Korean word 벌레 (beolre, "small creature") is uncertain, but the word has long served as a broad everyday label for small creatures.

Usage tips

  • The word is common in household talk and often carries an unpleasant tone, which makes it useful in complaints about a small creature found indoors.

Other meanings

  • wormnoun

Related words

  • 벌레약peolleyakinsect repellentnoun
  • 벌레퇴치기peolletoechigiinsect repellernoun

Word lists with this word