Korean word

불

Pronunciation

Romanizationpul

Meaning

  • nounfire

Example

부엌에서 불이 났어요.pu eo ke seo pu ri na sseo yo

A fire broke out in the kitchen.

Illustration for 불 (fire)

More examples

캠프장에서 불을 피웠어요.kaem peu jang e seo pu reul pi wo sseo yo

We lit a fire at the campsite.

Core concept

Burning that gives off warmth and light, including a flame and the light from a lamp.

Common phrases

  • 불이 나다pu ri na da

    a fire break out

  • 불을 피우다pu reul pi u da

    light a fire

Similar words

화재hwajae: A large fire that spreads through a building or open area and causes damage.
불꽃pulkkot: The bright, moving tongue of fire that flickers upward.
불길pulgil: Powerful flames that burn fiercely and spread outward.
불씨pulssi: A small glowing ember that can help start a fire.

Definition in Korean

물질이 타서 생기는 열과 빛 또는 그 불꽃을 뜻하며, 경우에 따라 조명(전기·가스)의 빛을 가리키는 말로도 쓰임mul jji ri ta seo saeng gi neun yeol gwa pit tto neun keu pul kko cheul tteu ta myeo kyeong u e tta ra cho myeong cheon gi ka seu ui pi cheul ka ri ki neun mal lo do sseu im

Word origin

It is an old native Korean word with an uncertain exact origin, and its meaning covers fire, flame, and light used for illumination.

Usage tips

  • English often uses separate words for fire and light, while one Korean noun can cover both, so context helps show the intended meaning.

Other meanings

  • lightnoun
  • flamenoun

Related words

Word lists with this word