Korean word

생활비

Pronunciation

Romanizationsaenghwalbi

Meaning

  • nounliving expenses

Example

이번 달 생활비가 부족해요.i beon tal saeng hwal bi ga pu jo kae yo

I don't have enough for this month's living expenses.

Illustration for 생활비 (living expenses)

More examples

알바를 해서 생활비를 보태고 있어요.al ba reul hae seo saeng hwal bi reul po tae go i sseo yo

I am working part-time to help cover my living expenses.

Core concept

The money that regularly goes toward keeping everyday life running.

Common phrases

  • 생활비가 부족하다saeng hwal bi ga pu jo ka da

    be short of living expenses

  • 생활비 부담saeng hwal bi pu dam

    living expense burden

  • 생활비를 줄이다saeng hwal bi reul chu ri da

    reduce living expenses

Similar words

생계비saenggyebi: Essential expenses needed to maintain a basic standard of living.
용돈yongdon: A small sum given regularly or occasionally for personal spending.
관리비kwallibi: A monthly charge for upkeep and operation of shared areas in a residential building.

Definition in Korean

일상생활을 유지하는 데 필요한 지출을 가리키는 말.il sang saeng hwa reul yu ji ha neun te pi ryo han chi chu reul ka ri ki neun mal

Word origin

This Sino-Korean compound joins the ideas of living and expense to name the money needed for daily life.

Usage tips

  • It refers to money going out, not money coming in, so rent, food, and utilities can all be part of it.

Other meanings

  • household expensesnoun
  • cost of livingnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 생활경제saenghwalgyeongjehousehold economynoun
  • 생활습관saenghwalseupkkwandaily habitsnoun

Word lists with this word