Korean word

빚

Pronunciation

Romanizationpit

Meaning

  • noundebt

Example

나는 빚을 갚기 위해 밤에도 일한다.na neun pi jeul kap kki wi hae pa me do il han da

I work even at night to pay off my debt.

Illustration for 빚 (debt)

More examples

그의 도움은 평생 갚을 수 없는 빚이다.keu ui to u meun pyeong saeng ka peul ssu eom neun pi ji da

His help is a debt I can never repay in my lifetime.

Core concept

Something owed to another person or institution, seen as a burden that must eventually be cleared.

Common phrases

  • 빚을 갚다pi jeul kap tta

    pay off a debt

  • 빚을 갚아 나가다pi jeul ka pa na ga da

    gradually pay off a debt

  • 빚이 있다pi ji it tta

    be in debt

Similar words

부채puchae: A formal financial obligation recorded in personal or business accounts.
신세sinse: Gratitude and obligation felt toward someone who has given help.

Definition in Korean

다른 사람이나 기관에게서 돈을 빌려서 돌려주어야 하는 의무나 그 액수ta reun sa ra mi na ki gwa ne ge seo to neul pil lyeo seo tol lyeo ju eo ya ha neun ui mu na keu aek ssu

Word origin

The word is native Korean rather than a recent loanword, while its deeper origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • When help creates an obligation, Korean may describe it with the same word used for financial debt, making context especially important.

Other meanings

  • debt of gratitudenoun
  • sense of indebtednessnoun

Related words

  • 빚지다pitjjidaoweverb
  • 빚쟁이pitjjaengidebtornoun
  • 빚더미pittteomimountain of debtnoun

Word lists with this word