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This page lists 297 upper intermediate-level Korean basics & grammar vocabulary words (TOPIK 5), each with romanization and an English meaning — free, by a certified Korean teacher.

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Upper Intermediate Korean Basics & Grammar Vocabulary List (TOPIK 5)

A complete list of 297 upper intermediate-level Korean basics & grammar vocabulary words (TOPIK 5). Every word includes romanization and its English meaning, curated by a certified Korean language teacher. Filter to search, or switch levels below.

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Korean	Romanization	Part of speech	Meaning
기호^¹	giho	noun	symbol, sign, mark · 발음 기호 · 지도 기호 지도에서 이 기호가 뭘 뜻하는지 알아요 I know what this symbol means on the map.
문구^¹	mungu	noun	stationery · 문구를 사다 · 문구점 새 학기라서 문구를 많이 샀어요 It's a new semester, so I bought a lot of stationery.
문어^¹	muneo	noun	octopus · 문어를 삶다 문어를 끓는 물에 넣고 익혀요 Put the octopus in boiling water and cook it.
반쪽	banjjok	noun	half, one half 사과 반쪽을 친구에게 줬어요 I gave half an apple to my friend.
산더미	sandeomi	noun	huge pile, mountain of (figurative) 책상 위에 서류가 산더미처럼 쌓여 있어요 There's a mountain of paperwork piled up on the desk.
실^²	sil	noun	loss, disadvantage · 득보다 실이 많다 이번 결정은 득보다 실이 많아요 This decision does more harm than good.
-가^³	-ga	affix	(suffix) street, district · 주택가, 상가 우리 집은 조용한 주택가에 있어요 My house is in a quiet residential area.
-로^²	-ro	affix	(suffix) road, path, -way · 활주로, 등산로 비행기가 활주로를 천천히 달리기 시작했어요 The plane slowly began moving down the runway.
-지^³	-ji	affix	(suffix) magazine, periodical · 주간지, 월간지 저는 매주 패션 주간지를 사서 봐요 I buy and read a weekly fashion magazine every week.
-화^²	-hwa	affix	(suffix) shoes · 운동화, 등산화 등산할 때는 등산화를 꼭 신으세요 Be sure to wear hiking boots when you go hiking.
난^²	nan	noun	column, box, section (on a page or form) · 이 난에 적다 · 광고를 싣는 난 신청서의 이 난에는 연락처를 적어 주세요 Please write your contact number in this box on the application form.
본론 L5-13	bollon	noun	main point, main body of argument 이제 서론은 끝났으니 본론으로 들어갈게요 Now that the introduction is over, I'll move on to the main point.
서론 L5-13	seoron	noun	introduction, preface, opening remarks 논문의 서론에서 연구 목적을 설명했어요 I explained the purpose of the research in the paper's introduction.
설사 L5-16	seolsa	adverb	even if, even though (concessive adverb) 설사 비가 와도 행사는 그대로 진행할 거예요 Even if it rains, the event will go ahead as planned.
완곡하다 L5-21	wangokada	adjective	to be euphemistic, to be roundabout 거절할 때는 완곡하게 표현하는 게 좋아요 완곡하다 → 완곡하게 It is best to phrase things tactfully when turning someone down.
자네 L5-04	jane	pronoun	you (informal, to a younger/lower person) 할아버지는 오랜 친구를 "자네"라고 부르세요 My grandfather addresses his longtime friend as "you" in a familiar way.
작심삼일 L5-20	jaksimsamil	noun	three-day resolution (giving up too quickly) 매번 작심삼일로 끝나서 운동을 계속 못 해요 I give up after just a few days every time, so I cannot keep exercising.
존댓말 L5-10	jondaenmal	noun	honorific speech, formal polite language 처음 만나는 어른에게는 존댓말을 써야 해요 You should use polite speech with an older person you're meeting for the first time.
-가^¹	-ga	affix	-ist (person suffix) · 음악가 민수 씨는 음악가로서 유명해요 Minsu is famous as a musician.
-가^²	-ga	affix	-price, -value (suffix) · 판매가, 최고가 이 제품의 판매가를 확인했어요 I checked the selling price of this product.
가급적	gageupjeok	noun / adverb	as much as possible, if possible 가급적 빨리 연락해 주세요 Please contact me as soon as possible.
가지런히	gajireonhi	adverb	neatly, in order, evenly 책상 위에 책들을 가지런히 정리했어요 I arranged the books neatly on the desk.
간간이	gangani	adverb	occasionally, now and then 간간이 고향 친구에게 연락해요 I occasionally get in touch with a friend from my hometown.
간절히	ganjeolhi	adverb	earnestly, desperately, fervently 간절히 합격하기를 바랐어요 I really hoped I would pass.
강력히	gangnyeoki	adverb	strongly, forcefully 시민들이 정책 변경을 강력히 요구했어요 Residents strongly demanded a change in policy.
갖은	gajeun	determiner	all kinds of, every sort of 갖은 노력을 다 기울였어요 I made every possible effort.
개국	gaeguk	bound noun	(counter for) countries 이 프로그램은 오십 개국에 방영됐어요 This program aired in fifty countries.
건	geon	noun / bound noun	thing, matter, affair 처리해야 할 건이 아직 많이 남아 있어요 There are still many matters left to deal with.
겨를	gyeoreul	bound noun	time, leisure, spare moment 밥 먹을 겨를도 없이 바빴어요 I was so busy that I didn't even have time to eat.
격	gyeok	noun / bound noun	rank, status, grade 행사의 격에 맞는 옷을 골랐어요 I chose clothes appropriate for the occasion's level of formality.
겸	gyeom	bound noun	and, as well as, doing double duty as 그 카페는 식당 겸 서점이에요 That cafe doubles as a restaurant and a bookstore.
-경	-gyeong	affix	-kyung, around (time suffix) 오후 세 시경에 도착할 예정이에요 I plan to arrive around three in the afternoon.
-계^¹	-gye	affix	(suffix) world, community, field · 교육계 · 연예계 수진 씨는 연예계에서 오래 활동해 왔어요 Sujin has worked in the entertainment industry for a long time.
고^¹	go	determiner	the late (deceased) · 고 + 이름 · 고 김수환 전시회에서 고 이수진 작가의 작품을 봤어요 I saw works by the late artist Lee Sujin at an exhibition.
고-	go-	affix	(prefix) high- 고속도로에서 사고가 나서 길이 막혔어요 Traffic backed up because of an accident on the highway.
고작	gojak	noun / adverb	at most, only, merely 하루 종일 일했는데 고작 만 원밖에 못 벌었어요 I worked all day but only made 10,000 won.
과^²	gwa	noun	medical department, specialty · 내과, 외과, 어느 과 내과에서 진료를 받았어요 I saw a doctor in the internal medicine department.
-관^¹	-gwan	affix	(suffix) building, hall, institution · 체육관 학교 근처에 체육관이 생겼어요 A gym opened near the school.
-국^²	-guk	affix	(suffix) country, nation · 가입국 · 선진국 우리나라가 복지 선진국이 되면 좋겠어요 I hope our country becomes a leader in social welfare.
-국^¹	-guk	affix	(suffix) bureau, agency · 사무국 · 우체국 우체국에 가서 소포를 보냈어요 I went to the post office and sent a package.
군^³	gun	bound noun / pronoun	Mr. (after a name), you (to a junior male) · 김 군 입학식에서 김 군이 대표로 인사말을 했어요 Kim gave a greeting on behalf of the students at the entrance ceremony.
그때그때	geuttaegeuttae	noun / adverb	each time, depending on the moment 상황에 따라 그때그때 다르게 대응하는 게 좋아요 It is best to adjust your response to the situation each time.
그래야	geuraeya	줄어든말	(contraction) if that is so, only then 그래야 일이 잘 풀릴 거예요 Only then will things work out well.
그리^¹	geuri	adverb	(not) so, (not) that much; like that · 그리 재미있지 않다 그 영화는 그리 재미있지 않았어요 That movie was not very interesting.
그리하여	geurihayeo	adverb	therefore, and so, thus 열심히 공부했어요. 그리하여 시험에 합격했어요 I studied hard. As a result, I passed the exam.
극-	geuk-	affix	(prefix) extreme, ultra- 이 동아리에서는 극소수의 회원만 그 규칙을 알아요 Only a very small number of members of this club know that rule.
금세	geumse	adverb	right away, very soon, in no time 아이가 숙제를 금세 끝냈어요 The child finished the homework in no time.
-기^³	-gi	affix	(suffix) period, phase, stage · 성장기, 사춘기 아이들은 성장기에 충분히 자야 해요 Children need plenty of sleep during their growing years.
까딱	kkattak	adverb	slightly, by a hair (nearly, narrowly) 까딱 잘못하면 사고가 날 수 있어요 One small mistake could cause an accident.
깡충깡충	kkangchungkkangchung	adverb	hopping, bouncing (adverb) 토끼가 깡충깡충 뛰어다녔어요 The rabbit hopped around.
-께	-kke	affix	(suffix) around, about (time) 이달 말께 이사할 예정이에요 I am planning to move around the end of this month.
꼬박	kkobak	adverb	steadily, without fail, all of 꼬박 사흘 동안 잠을 못 잤어요 I couldn't sleep for three whole days.
꼬박꼬박	kkobakkkobak	adverb	steadily, consistently, without missing 민수 씨는 꼬박꼬박 저축을 하고 있어요 Minsu saves money regularly.
꼭꼭	kkokkkok	adverb	tightly, firmly pressed 뚜껑을 꼭꼭 눌러서 닫아 두세요 Press the lid down firmly and keep it closed.
-꼴	-kkol	affix	(suffix) per, each, at a rate of 교통비는 하루에 오천 원꼴로 들어요 Transportation costs about 5,000 won a day.
꼼짝없이	kkomjjageopsi	adverb	without any escape, helplessly 폭설에 갇혀서 꼼짝없이 집에 있었어요 I was snowed in and had no choice but to stay home.
꾸벅꾸벅	kkubeokkkubeok	adverb	nodding repeatedly (drowsily) 버스에서 꾸벅꾸벅 졸고 있었어요 I was nodding off on the bus.
-꾼	-kkun	affix	(suffix) one who does, -er, -ist 민수 씨는 노래를 정말 좋아하는 노래꾼이에요 Minsu is a singer who truly loves singing.
-끼리	-kkiri	affix	(suffix) among ourselves, between us 친구끼리 모여서 함께 밥을 먹었어요 We got together with friends and shared a meal.
나날이	nanari	adverb	day by day, daily 실력이 나날이 늘고 있어요 My skills are improving day by day.
나열	nayeol	noun	enumeration, listing 보고서에서 문제점을 나열해 주세요 Please list the problems in the report.
-난	-nan	affix	(suffix) shortage, difficulty 요즘 주택난이 심각한 사회 문제예요 The housing shortage is a serious social problem these days.
날로	nallo	adverb	increasingly, more and more, day by day 환경 문제가 날로 심각해지고 있어요 Environmental problems are becoming more serious by the day.
남몰래	nammollae	adverb	secretly, without others knowing 민수 씨는 남몰래 매일 봉사 활동을 해 왔어요 Minsu has been volunteering every day without anyone knowing.
남짓	namjit	bound noun	approximately, a little over 열 명 남짓 모였어요 A little over ten people gathered.
낱말	nanmal	noun	word, vocabulary item 모르는 낱말은 사전에서 찾아봐요 I look up unfamiliar words in a dictionary.
넉	neok	determiner	four (native Korean determiner) 시장에서 쌀을 넉 되 사 왔어요 I bought four measures of rice at the market.
-네^¹	-ne	affix	suffix indicating surprise or exclamation · 예쁘네요 꽃이 정말 예쁘네요 The flowers are really pretty!
-녀	-nyeo	affix	suffix meaning woman or female person 소설의 주인공은 혼자 사는 미혼녀예요 The main character of the novel is an unmarried woman who lives alone.
다-	da-	affix	prefix meaning many or multiple 이 방은 회의와 수업에 쓰는 다목적 공간이에요 This room is a multipurpose space used for meetings and classes.
다름없이	dareumeopsi	adverb	just the same as, no different from 지민 씨는 평소와 다름없이 아침 일찍 출근해요 Jimin goes to work early in the morning, just as usual.
-단	-dan	affix	suffix forming a group or team noun 그 행사에는 봉사단이 함께 참여했어요 A volunteer group also took part in that event.
단	dan	adverb	only, just, but 참가는 자유이지만 단 한 가지 규칙이 있어요 Anyone is free to participate, but there is just one rule.
단락	dallak	noun	paragraph, section 글을 쓸 때 단락을 잘 나눠야 해요 When writing, you need to divide the text into paragraphs appropriately.
대략적	daeryakjeok	determiner / noun	approximate, rough 대략적인 계획을 세웠어요 I made a rough plan.
대명사	daemyeongsa	noun	pronoun 한국어에서 대명사는 자주 생략돼요 Pronouns are often omitted in Korean.
대체^¹	daeche	noun	substitution, replacement · 대체 소재, 대체하다 이 성분을 다른 것으로 대체할 수 있어요 You can replace this ingredient with something else.
더없이	deoeopsi	adverb	extremely, incomparably 오늘은 더없이 행복한 날이에요 Today is an incredibly happy day.
덜하다	deolhada	adjective	to be less, to be lesser 약을 먹었더니 통증이 좀 덜해요 덜하다 → 덜해요 The pain has eased a little since I took the medicine.
동동	dongdong	adverb	stamping one's feet anxiously 버스를 기다리며 발을 동동 굴렀어요 I stamped my feet impatiently while waiting for the bus.
동사	dongsa	noun	verb 동사는 동작을 나타내는 품사예요 A verb is a part of speech that expresses an action.
듬뿍	deumppuk	adverb	plentifully, heapingly 비빔밥에 참기름을 듬뿍 넣어서 비볐어요 I added plenty of sesame oil to the mixed rice and stirred it all together.
따위	ttawi	bound noun	et cetera, and such, the like 커피, 케이크 따위를 카페에서 즐겼어요 I enjoyed coffee, cake, and the like at a cafe.
딱^¹	ttak	adverb	exactly, precisely, just right · 딱 맞다 · 딱 알맞다 이 옷이 딱 맞아요 These clothes fit perfectly.
똑	ttok	adverb	exactly, precisely, identically 두 사람은 얼굴이 똑 닮았어요 The two look exactly alike.
똑똑	ttokttok	adverb	knock-knock (sound of tapping) 문을 똑똑 두드리고 들어왔어요 I knocked on the door before coming in.
뚜렷이	tturyeosi	adverb	clearly, distinctly 새로운 정책의 효과가 뚜렷이 나타나고 있어요 The effects of the new policy are becoming clear.
뚝	ttuk	adverb	abruptly, suddenly stopping 음악 소리가 뚝 멈췄어요 The music stopped abruptly.
뚝뚝	ttukttuk	adverb	drip drip, drop by drop 빗방울이 창문에 뚝뚝 떨어졌어요 Raindrops fell onto the window, drop by drop.
뜸하다	tteumhada	adjective	to be infrequent, to be sparse 요즘 연락이 뜸해서 걱정됐어요 뜸하다 → 뜸해서 I was worried because I hadn't heard from you much lately.
-로^¹	-ro	particle	particle indicating direction or means · 서울로 가다 서울로 가는 버스를 탔어요 I took a bus bound for Seoul.
-론	-ron	affix	suffix meaning theory or doctrine 그 책은 진화론을 쉽게 설명해 줘요 That book explains the theory of evolution in simple terms.
-류	-ryu	affix	suffix meaning type or category 어패류는 신선할 때 바로 요리하는 게 좋아요 It's best to cook fish and shellfish right away while they're fresh.
마저	majeo	adverb	the rest, to completion (adverb); even, also (particle) 남은 일을 마저 끝내고 집에 갈 거예요 I'll finish the rest of my work and then go home.
말끝	malkkeut	noun	end of a sentence, word ending 말끝을 흐리면 의미가 불분명해요 If you trail off at the end of a sentence, your meaning becomes unclear.
매^¹	mae	determiner	every, each · 매 학기 매 학기 시험이 두 번 있어요 There are two exams each semester.
매사	maesa	noun / adverb	every matter, all things 지민 씨는 매사에 최선을 다하는 사람이에요 Jimin does their best in everything.
머지않다	meojianta	adjective	to be not far off, to be imminent 졸업식 날이 머지않았어요 머지않다 → 머지않았어요 Graduation day is not far off.
멍하니	meonghani	adverb	blankly, vacantly, in a daze 충격을 받아서 멍하니 창밖을 바라봤어요 I was so shocked that I stared blankly out the window.
명백히	myeongbaeki	adverb	obviously, clearly 그것은 명백히 잘못된 정보예요 That is clearly incorrect information.
명사^¹	myeongsa	noun	noun · 명사와 동사, 명사에 조사를 붙이다 한국어에서 명사는 격변화를 하지 않아요 Korean nouns do not change form for grammatical case.
명확히	myeonghwaki	adverb	clearly, precisely 의사가 병명을 명확히 설명해 줬어요 The doctor clearly explained the diagnosis.
모국어	mogugeo	noun	mother tongue, native language 모국어가 한국어인 사람은 발음이 달라요 People whose native language is Korean pronounce things differently.
모음^¹	moeum	noun	vowel · 모음과 자음 오늘 수업에서는 한국어 모음을 연습했어요 We practiced Korean vowels in class today.
모조리	mojori	adverb	all, entirely, without exception 냉장고 안에 있던 음식을 모조리 먹어 버렸어요 I ate all the food that was in the refrigerator.
목적어	mokjeogeo	noun	object (grammar), direct object 이 문장에서 목적어가 무엇인지 찾아보세요 Find the object in this sentence.
무	mu	noun / bound noun	nothingness, absence; draw, tie (in sports) 우리 팀은 이번 대회에서 2승 1무를 기록했어요 Our team recorded two wins and one tie in this tournament.
무심코	musimko	adverb	unconsciously, inadvertently 무심코 한 말이 친구에게 상처를 입혔어요 Something I said without thinking hurt my friend's feelings.
문단^¹	mundan	noun	paragraph · 문단을 나누다 각 문단은 하나의 주제를 다뤄야 해요 Each paragraph should address one topic.
문항	munhang	noun	question, test item 시험에서 틀린 문항을 다시 풀어봤어요 I tried solving the questions I got wrong on the test again.
문형	munhyeong	noun	sentence pattern 이 문형은 자주 시험에 나와요 This sentence pattern often appears on tests.
반반	banban	noun	fifty-fifty, half and half 비용은 반반씩 나눠서 내기로 했어요 We agreed to split the cost equally.
밤낮없이	bamnadeopsi	adverb	day and night, without rest 지민 씨는 밤낮없이 연구에 매달렸어요 Jimin devoted himself to research day and night.
번번이	beonbeoni	adverb	every time, repeatedly, time after time 번번이 같은 실수를 반복하면 안 돼요 You shouldn't keep making the same mistake every time.
-법	-beop	affix	suffix meaning method or way 요리법을 인터넷에서 찾아봤어요 I looked up a recipe online.
변함없다	byeonhameopda	adjective	to be unchanged, to be consistent 민수 씨의 우정은 십 년이 지나도 변함없어요 변함없다 → 변함없어요 Minsu's friendship remains unchanged even after ten years.
변함없이	byeonhameopsi	adverb	unchangingly, consistently 그 친구는 변함없이 친절해요 That friend is as kind as ever.
별것	byeolgeot	noun	something special, notable thing 이 식당은 별것 없지만 맛은 좋아요 There's nothing fancy about this restaurant, but the food is good.
본	bon	determiner	this, the said (determiner) 본 계약서에 서명하기 전에 꼼꼼히 읽어 보세요 Read this contract carefully before signing it.
본문	bonmun	noun	main text, body text 본문을 읽기 전에 제목을 먼저 확인하세요 Check the title before reading the main text.
부-^¹	bu-	affix	prefix meaning deputy or vice · 부사장 그분은 부사장으로 승진해서 회사를 이끌고 있어요 That person was promoted to vice president and is leading the company.
-부	-bu	affix	suffix meaning department or section 그 회사는 영업부와 기획부로 나뉘어요 That company is divided into a sales department and a planning department.
부사^¹	busa	noun	adverb · 부사와 동사, 부사가 꾸미다 그 문장에서 부사는 어떤 역할을 해요? What role does the adverb play in that sentence?
부쩍	bujjeok	adverb	noticeably, markedly, rapidly 날씨가 부쩍 추워져서 두꺼운 옷을 꺼냈어요 It's gotten much colder, so I took out my warm clothes.
-분	-bun	affix	suffix meaning portion, amount, or component 추가분은 내일 배송할 예정이에요 We plan to ship the additional quantity tomorrow.
불과하다	bulgwahada	adjective	to be nothing but, to be merely 이건 소문에 불과해요 불과하다 → 불과해요 This is nothing more than a rumor.
불행히	bulhaenghi	adverb	unfortunately, unhappily 불행히도 경기에서 졌어요 Unfortunately, we lost the game.
비뚤어지다	bittureojida	verb	to become warped, to become crooked, to go wrong 오래 두면 나무가 비뚤어져요 비뚤어지다 → 비뚤어져요 Wood warps if you leave it for a long time.
비유적	biyujeok	determiner / noun	figurative, metaphorical 그 표현은 비유적으로 사용된 것이에요 That expression is used figuratively.
빈칸	binkan	noun	blank, empty space 시험지의 빈칸을 모두 채워야 해요 You need to fill in all the blanks on the test paper.
뻔하다	ppeonhada	adjective	to be obvious, to be predictable 그 사람이 거짓말한 건 뻔해요 뻔하다 → 뻔해요 It's obvious that person lied.
사실상	sasilsang	noun / adverb	in effect, practically, de facto 사실상 그 계획은 실패한 거예요 That plan was, in effect, a failure.
사자성어	sajaseongeo	noun	four-character Korean idiom 사자성어는 한자 네 글자로 이루어진 표현이에요 A four-character idiom is an expression made up of four Chinese characters.
-산	-san	affix	suffix meaning produced in or made in 이 사과는 국내산이라 신선하고 맛있어요 These apples are grown in this country, so they're fresh and delicious.
살금살금	salgeumsalgeum	adverb	stealthily, tiptoeing 고양이가 살금살금 다가왔어요 The cat crept up quietly.
살며시	salmyeosi	adverb	softly, gently, quietly 살며시 문을 열었어요 I opened the door quietly.
삼삼오오	samsamoo	noun	in small groups, here and there 학생들이 삼삼오오 모여서 이야기를 나눴어요 The students gathered in small groups and chatted.
-상	-sang	affix	suffix meaning in terms of, regarding 안전상의 이유로 이 구역에는 출입이 금지되어 있어요 This area is off-limits for safety reasons.
생-	saeng-	affix	raw, uncooked (prefix) · 생고기, 생채소 이 채소는 익히지 않고 생으로 먹어도 되지만, 생고기는 꼭 익혀 먹어요 You can eat these vegetables raw, but make sure to cook the raw meat before eating it.
서술	seosul	noun	narration, description, statement 사건을 자세히 서술해 주세요 Please describe what happened in detail.
서술어	seosureo	noun	predicate (grammar) 한국어 문장에서 서술어의 역할이 매우 중요해요 The predicate plays a very important role in Korean sentences.
-석	-seok	affix	-seat, -seater (suffix) 공연이 시작되기 전에 관람석에 앉았어요 I sat down in the audience seating before the performance began.
석	seok	determiner	three (native Korean numeral modifier) 석 달 동안 매일 공부했더니 실력이 늘었어요 My skills improved after I studied every day for three months.
선하다^¹	seonhada	adjective	to be good-natured, to look kind · 선한 사람 · 눈빛이 선하다 그분은 눈빛이 선해요 선하다 → 선해요 That person has a kind look in their eyes.
설득력	seoldeungnyeok	noun	persuasiveness, power of persuasion 지민 씨의 주장은 설득력이 있어요 Jimin's argument is convincing.
설명문	seolmyeongmun	noun	expository text, explanatory writing 설명문은 사실을 객관적으로 전달해요 Expository writing presents facts objectively.
소개서	sogaeseo	noun	letter of introduction, introductory document 취업할 때 소개서가 필요해요 You need a letter of introduction when applying for a job.
소홀히	soholhi	adverb	neglectfully, carelessly 건강을 소홀히 하다가 병이 났어요 I got sick after neglecting my health.
속속	soksok	adverb	one after another, in succession 신청자들이 속속 줄을 서기 시작했어요 The applicants began lining up one after another.
속어	sogeo	noun	slang, colloquial expression 젊은 사람들이 쓰는 속어를 모르겠어요 I don't understand the slang young people use.
수-^¹	su-	affix	male (prefix for animals) · 수탉 · 수컷 수탉이 아침마다 울어요 The rooster crows every morning.
수사^¹	susa	noun	(criminal) investigation · 사건 수사 경찰이 사건 수사를 시작했어요 The police began investigating the case.
슬슬	seulseul	adverb	gradually, slowly, gently 슬슬 출발할 준비를 해야 해요 It's about time to start getting ready to leave.
-식	-sik	affix	-style, -method (suffix) 한국식 요리를 직접 만들어 봤어요 I tried making Korean-style food myself.
신속히	sinsoki	adverb	swiftly, rapidly, promptly 사고가 났을 때 신속히 대응해야 해요 You need to respond quickly when an accident occurs.
신중히	sinjunghi	adverb	carefully, prudently, with deliberation 중요한 결정이니까 신중히 생각해야 해요 It's an important decision, so you need to think carefully.
-실	-sil	affix	-room, -office (suffix) 회의실 예약은 하루 전에 해야 해요 Meeting rooms must be reserved a day in advance.
십중팔구	sipjungpalgu	noun	eight or nine times out of ten, most likely 십중팔구 그 사람이 맞을 거예요 It is most likely that person.
쏙	ssok	adverb	exactly, snugly, fitting perfectly 열쇠가 자물쇠에 쏙 들어갔어요 The key slid right into the lock.
쏜살같이	ssonsalgachi	adverb	like an arrow, very fast 학교 종이 울리자 아이들이 쏜살같이 뛰어나왔어요 As soon as the school bell rang, the children dashed out.
아장아장	ajangajang	adverb	toddling, waddling (of a young child walking) 아기가 아장아장 걷기 시작했어요 The baby has started toddling.
안성맞춤	anseongmatchum	noun	perfect fit, tailor-made match 이 드레스가 파티 분위기에 안성맞춤이에요 This dress is perfect for the atmosphere of the party.
-액	-aek	affix	-amount, -fund (suffix for monetary value) 이번 달 사용 금액을 청구서에서 확인해요 I check this month's spending amount on the bill.
어간	eogan	noun	verb stem, word stem 한국어 어간에 어미를 붙여요 In Korean, you attach endings to word stems.
어미^²	eomi	noun	verb ending, grammatical ending · 어미 변화 · 어미가 붙다 이 어미가 붙으면 과거 시제가 돼요 Adding this ending makes it past tense.
어순	eosun	noun	word order, sentence order 한국어는 영어와 어순이 달라요 Korean has a different word order from English.
어원	eowon	noun	etymology, word origin 이 단어의 어원은 한자예요 This word has its origins in Chinese characters.
어찌	eojji	adverb	how, why, in what way 어찌 그런 일이 생겼어요 How did something like that happen?
-어치	-eochi	affix	worth of (suffix indicating value/quantity) 만 원어치 과자를 샀어요 I bought 10,000 won worth of snacks.
어학	eohak	noun	linguistics, language study 어학을 공부하면 다른 문화를 이해할 수 있어요 Studying languages helps you understand other cultures.
엄격히	eomgyeoki	adverb	strictly, sternly 학교에서는 규칙을 엄격히 지켜야 해요 At school, you must strictly follow the rules.
엄청	eomcheong	adverb	enormously, tremendously, awfully 오늘 숙제가 엄청 많아요 I have a ton of homework today.
-업	-eop	affix	industry, business (suffix) 관광업이 이 지역 경제의 중심이에요 Tourism is the backbone of this region's economy.
여러모로	yeoreomoro	adverb	in many ways, in various respects 그분은 여러모로 저를 많이 도와주셨어요 That person helped me a great deal in many ways.
여전하다	yeojeonhada	adjective	to be unchanged, to remain the same 오랜만에 만났는데도 여전해요 여전하다 → 여전해요 We had not seen each other in a long time, but you have not changed.
여태	yeotae	adverb	until now, up to this point, still 여태 한 번도 지각한 적이 없어요 I have never been late, not even once.
연일	yeonil	noun / adverb	every day, day after day 연일 비가 내리고 있어요 It has been raining day after day.
예문	yemun	noun	example sentence 교과서에 좋은 예문이 많아요 There are many good example sentences in the textbook.
예시	yesi	noun	example, illustration 선생님이 예시를 들어 설명해 주셨어요 The teacher explained it with an example.
옛말	yenmal	noun	old saying, archaic word 옛말에 참는 자가 이긴다고 해요 As the old saying goes, patience wins in the end.
온전히	onjeonhi	adverb	fully, completely, intact 민수 씨는 자신의 실수를 온전히 인정했어요 Minsu fully acknowledged his mistake.
외래어	oeraeeo	noun	loanword, foreign word 한국어에는 영어에서 온 외래어가 많아요 Korean has many loanwords from English.
우두커니	udukeoni	adverb	blankly, vacantly, absentmindedly 친구가 떠난 후 우두커니 서 있었어요 After my friend left, I stood there in a daze.
우르르	ureureu	adverb	all at once, in a rush, rumbling 문이 열리자 학생들이 우르르 들어왔어요 As soon as the door opened, the students rushed in.
유심히	yusimhi	adverb	attentively, carefully, closely 선생님이 칠판을 유심히 바라봤어요 The teacher looked closely at the board.
으레	eure	adverb	as a matter of course, usually 민수 씨는 으레 아침에 커피를 마셔요 Minsu usually has coffee in the morning.
음^²	eum	noun	sound, tone, syllable · 음이 높다 · 한 음 한 음 한 음 한 음 정확하게 발음해야 해요 You need to pronounce each sound accurately.
의성어	uiseongeo	noun	onomatopoeia 멍멍이나 야옹은 의성어예요 "Woof" and "meow" are examples of onomatopoeia.
의외로	uioero	adverb	unexpectedly, surprisingly 그 시험이 의외로 쉬워서 금방 끝났어요 The test was surprisingly easy, so I finished it quickly.
의태어	uitaeeo	noun	mimetic word, ideophone 의태어는 모양이나 상태를 흉내 낸 말이에요 A mimetic word is a word that imitates an appearance or a state.
의하다	uihada	verb	to be due to, to be based on 이 결과는 여러 요인에 의한 것이에요 의하다 → 의한 This outcome is due to several factors.
이것저것	igeotjeogeot	noun	this and that, various things 마트에서 이것저것 사다 보니 돈을 많이 썼어요 I ended up spending a lot of money buying this and that at the supermarket.
이루	iru	adverb	cannot possibly, not at all (used in negation) 그 충격은 이루 말할 수 없을 정도였어요 The shock was beyond words.
이어서	ieoseo	adverb	then, after that, subsequently 발표가 끝나고 이어서 질의응답 시간이 있었어요 After the presentation, there was a question-and-answer session.
이열치열	iyeolchiyeol	noun	fight fire with fire (idiom) 이열치열이라고 여름에 삼계탕을 먹어요 I eat hot ginseng chicken soup in summer to fight heat with heat.
이중	ijung	noun	double, dual, twofold 이중 국적을 가진 사람도 있어요 Some people have dual citizenship.
인^¹	in	bound noun	person (counter, as in 4인) · 4인 가족, 2인분 이 식탁은 4인 가족이 쓰기에 알맞아요 This dining table is suitable for a family of four.
일거양득	ilgeoyangdeuk	noun	killing two birds with one stone 운동도 하고 친구도 만나니 일거양득이에요 I get to exercise and see my friends, so it is a win-win.
자모	jamo	noun	consonants and vowels, alphabet letters 한국어의 자모를 먼저 배워야 해요 You need to learn the Korean consonants and vowels first.
자음	jaeum	noun	consonant 한국어에는 기본 자음이 열네 개 있어요 Korean has fourteen basic consonants.
자자손손	jajasonson	noun	generation after generation, descendants 이 아름다운 전통이 자자손손 이어지기를 바라요 I hope this beautiful tradition is passed down for generations.
-작	-jak	affix	(suffix indicating a work or creation) 그 작가의 데뷔작이 많은 관심을 받았어요 That writer's debut work attracted a lot of attention.
잠자코	jamjako	adverb	silently, quietly, without a word 민수 씨는 잠자코 내 말을 들었어요 Minsu listened to me without saying a word.
-장^²	-jang	affix	(suffix: notebook, ledger) · 단어장 새 단어를 단어장에 적었어요 I wrote the new words in my vocabulary notebook.
-장^³	-jang	affix	(suffix: market, field, place) · 운동장, 주차장 근처에 넓은 주차장이 생겨서 편리해졌어요 A large parking lot opened nearby, making things more convenient.
-장^¹	-jang	affix	(suffix: general, director, chief) · 부장, 사장 민수 씨는 올해 영업부장으로 승진했어요 Minsu was promoted to head of sales this year.
잦다	jatda	adjective	to be frequent, repeated 요즘은 비가 잦아서 외출하기 불편해요 잦다 → 잦아서 It rains so often these days that going out is inconvenient.
적절히	jeokjeolhi	adverb	appropriately, suitably 상황에 맞게 적절히 행동하는 것이 중요해요 It's important to act appropriately for the situation.
-전	-jeon	affix	(suffix: exhibition, show) 미술관에서 열린 사진전을 보러 갔어요 I went to see a photography exhibition at the art museum.
전자^¹	jeonja	noun	the former (of two) · 전자와 후자 전자와 후자 중에서 전자를 선택했어요 Of the two options, I chose the former.
정성껏	jeongseongkkeot	adverb	wholeheartedly, with all one's heart 정성껏 만든 음식을 대접했어요 I served food I had prepared with care.
-제^⁴	-je	affix	system, order (suffix) · 예약제, 관료제 이 식당은 예약제로 운영해서 미리 연락해야 해요 This restaurant requires reservations, so you need to contact them in advance.
-제^¹	-je	affix	made of, -made (suffix) · 목제, 한국제 이 목제 의자는 가벼워서 옮기기 쉬워요 This wooden chair is light and easy to move.
조^²	jo	bound noun	group of (counter for groups/sets) · 조를 짜다 · 네 조로 나누다 학생들을 네 조로 나눠서 발표를 준비했어요 We divided the students into four groups to prepare presentations.
조^¹	jo	noun / bound noun	trillion · (한자어 수) 조 · 수십조 원 정부 예산이 조 단위에 이른다고 해요 They say the government budget runs into the trillions.
조사^¹	josa	noun	survey, investigation · 조사 결과 설문 조사 결과가 발표됐어요 The survey results were announced.
주^²	ju	noun / determiner	main, primary, chief · 주를 이루다 · 주 독자 이 책의 주 독자는 청소년이에요 This book's main audience is teenagers.
주되다	judoeda	verb	to be main, to be primary 소득이 주된 문제가 되고 있어요 주되다 → 주된 Income is becoming the main issue.
주어	jueo	noun	subject (grammar) 이 문장에는 주어가 없어요 There is no subject in this sentence.
줄줄이	juljuri	adverb	in a row, one after another 새 가게 앞에 사람들이 줄줄이 서 있어요 People are lined up in front of the new store.
중략	jungnyak	noun	omission (in text), ellipsis 긴 내용은 중략하고 핵심만 전달했어요 I left out the middle of the long passage and conveyed only the main points.
-증	-jeung	affix	symptom, disease (suffix) 민수 씨는 불면증으로 오래 고생했어요 Minsu suffered from insomnia for a long time.
-지^²	-ji	affix	place where (suffix) · 여행지, 관광지 여행지에서 찍은 사진이 아름다워요 The photos I took on my trip are beautiful.
-지^¹	-ji	affix	(suffix) paper · 포장지, 복사지 프린터에 복사지를 넣었어요 I put copy paper in the printer.
진정^¹	jinjeong	noun	sincerity, true heart · 진정으로 사랑하다 그 사람은 진정으로 미안해하는 것 같았어요 He seemed truly sorry.
차근차근	chageunchageun	adverb	step by step, carefully and methodically 모르는 문제는 차근차근 풀어나가요 I work through unfamiliar problems step by step.
차분히	chabunhi	adverb	calmly, composedly 화가 나도 차분히 말하는 것이 좋아요 It's best to speak calmly even when you're angry.
찰칵	chalkak	adverb	click (camera shutter sound) 사진을 찍을 때 찰칵 소리가 났어요 There was a click when I took the photo.
참-	cham-	affix	true, genuine, real (prefix) 서로를 배려하는 모습에서 참사랑을 느껴요 I sense true love in the way they care for each other.
-책	-chaek	affix	policy, measure (suffix) 정부가 새로운 환경 대책을 발표했어요 The government announced new environmental measures.
척척	cheokcheok	adverb	skillfully, smoothly, efficiently 민수 씨는 어떤 일이든 척척 해내요 Minsu handles any task with ease.
천차만별	cheonchamanbyeol	noun	vast differences, great variety 사람마다 성격이 천차만별이에요 People's personalities vary greatly.
-체	-che	affix	style, form, script type (suffix) 이 글은 보고서체로 작성됐어요 This piece was written in the style of a report.
총-	chong-	affix	total-, overall- (prefix) 총인원이 몇 명인지 확인해 주세요 Please check the total number of people.
최-	choe-	affix	most-, super- (prefix) 이 브랜드는 최신 기술을 사용해요 This brand uses the latest technology.
-층	-cheung	affix	(suffix: social group, class; layer, stratum) 이 잡지는 청년층에게 인기가 많아요 This magazine is popular with young adults.
톤	ton	bound noun	ton (unit of weight) 이 배는 십 톤의 짐을 실을 수 있어요 This boat can carry ten metric tons of cargo.
통^³	tong	bound noun	(counter for letters/calls) · 전화 한 통 · 편지 한 통 친구에게 문자 한 통을 보냈어요 I sent a text message to a friend.
툭	tuk	adverb	with a thud, abruptly 민수 씨가 툭 던진 말에 상처를 받았어요 I was hurt by Minsu's offhand remark.
툭툭	tuktuk	adverb	repeatedly tapping, in short bursts 어깨를 툭툭 두드려 줬어요 I gave them a few gentle pats on the shoulder.
툭하면	tukamyeon	adverb	at the slightest thing, on any pretext 그 사람은 툭하면 화를 내요 That person gets angry at the slightest thing.
특유	teugyu	noun	unique quality, peculiarity 이 지역 특유의 문화가 있어요 This region has a culture all its own.
티^¹	ti	noun	sign, hint (that shows) · 티가 나다, 티를 내다 거짓말을 해도 금방 티가 나요 People can tell right away when I lie.
펑	peong	adverb	bang (sound of explosion) 풍선이 펑 하고 터졌어요 The balloon burst with a pop.
편안히	pyeonanhi	adverb	comfortably, at ease 소파에 편안히 앉아서 쉬어요 I sit comfortably on the couch and relax.
평	pyeong	bound noun	pyeong (Korean area unit, ~3.3m²) 이 아파트는 서른 평이에요 This apartment is about 99 square meters.
폭	pok	noun	width, breadth 이 천의 폭이 너무 좁아요 This fabric is too narrow.
표기	pyogi	noun	notation, writing system 한글의 표기 방법을 배웠어요 I learned how to write in the Korean alphabet.
표기법	pyogibeop	noun	notation method, orthography 한국어 로마자 표기법을 공부하고 있어요 I'm studying the rules for writing Korean in the Roman alphabet.
푹푹	pukpuk	adverb	(sinking) deeply, heavily (sweat pouring) 눈길을 걸을 때마다 발이 푹푹 빠져요 My feet sink deep into the snow with every step.
핑	ping	adverb	spinning, with a spin (dizziness) 갑자기 일어났더니 머리가 핑 돌았어요 I felt dizzy when I stood up suddenly.
-하	-ha	affix	-under, under (the condition of) (suffix) 선생님의 지도하에 실험을 진행했어요 We conducted the experiment under the teacher's guidance.
하마터면	hamateomyeon	adverb	almost, nearly (negative outcome) 하마터면 버스를 놓칠 뻔했어요 I almost missed the bus.
하여간	hayeogan	adverb	anyway, at any rate 하여간 지금 당장 출발해야 해요 Anyway, we have to leave right now.
하필	hapil	adverb	of all things, why on earth 하필 우산을 두고 나온 날 비가 왔어요 Of all days, it rained on the day I left my umbrella behind.
한데^¹	hande	noun	outdoors, the open air · 한데서 자다 날씨가 좋아서 한데서 밥을 먹었어요 The weather was nice, so we ate outdoors.
한자어	hanjaeo	noun	Sino-Korean word 한국어에는 한자어가 많아요 Korean has many words of Chinese origin.
한차례	hancharye	noun	once, one time 기회가 한차례 더 있으니 잘 준비하세요 You'll have one more chance, so prepare well.
행	haeng	noun	row, line (of text) 글을 읽다가 중요한 행에 줄을 그었어요 While reading, I underlined an important line.
-형	-hyeong	affix	-type, -style (suffix) 좁은 방에는 소형 냉장고가 잘 맞아요 A compact refrigerator is a good fit for a small room.
형용사	hyeongyongsa	noun	adjective 형용사는 상태나 성질을 나타내는 단어예요 An adjective is a word that describes a state or quality.
-호	-ho	affix	-number (suffix for issue/room/bus) 예약한 회의실은 삼 층 삼백이 호예요 The conference room we reserved is Room 302 on the third floor.
호	ho	noun / bound noun	number, issue (counter) 이 잡지는 이번 달에 십이 호가 나왔어요 The twelfth issue of this magazine came out this month.
호칭	hoching	noun	form of address, title 한국어에서 호칭을 잘 쓰는 게 중요해요 It's important to use the right forms of address in Korean.
호칭어	hochingeo	noun	address term, form of address 한국어에서 호칭어를 잘 써야 해요 You need to use terms of address appropriately in Korean.
홀로	hollo	adverb	alone, by oneself 홀로 여행을 떠났어요 I set off on a trip alone.
-화^¹	-hwa	affix	-ization, -fication (suffix) · 디지털화 디지털화로 인해 종이 사용이 줄었어요 Digitization has reduced paper use.
화법	hwabeop	noun	speech method, manner of speaking 상대방을 배려하는 화법을 연습하고 있어요 I'm practicing a way of speaking that shows consideration for others.
환히	hwanhi	adverb	brightly, clearly 방 안이 환히 밝아졌어요 The room became brightly lit.
-회	-hoe	affix	-meeting, -session (suffix) 다음 주에 피아노 발표회가 있어요 There's a piano recital next week.
후자	huja	noun	the latter 전자와 후자 중에서 후자를 선택했어요 I chose the latter of the two options.
훌쩍	huljjeok	adverb	suddenly shooting up, in one leap 아이가 훌쩍 커서 이제 어른처럼 보여요 The child has grown so much and looks like an adult now.
훤히	hwonhi	adverb	clearly, brightly, in plain sight 아침에 일어나니 밖이 훤히 밝았어요 When I got up in the morning, it was already bright outside.
훨훨	hwolhwol	adverb	fluttering freely, flying freely 나비가 훨훨 날아다녀요 A butterfly is fluttering around.
휙	hwik	adverb	swiftly, with a whoosh 차가 갑자기 휙 지나갔어요 A car suddenly whizzed past.
흠뻑	heumppeok	adverb	thoroughly soaked, drenched 비를 맞아서 옷이 흠뻑 젖었어요 I got caught in the rain, and my clothes were soaked.
조사^²	josa	noun	particle (grammar) · 조사와 어미 한국어는 조사를 잘 써야 뜻이 정확해져요 In Korean, you have to use particles correctly for the meaning to be clear.
수사^²	susa	noun	numeral (part of speech) · 명사와 수사 숫자를 나타내는 품사를 수사라고 해요 The part of speech that expresses numbers is called a numeral.
-관^³	-gwan	affix	(suffix) officer, official · 경찰관, 외교관 길을 잃어서 경찰관에게 도움을 요청했어요 I got lost, so I asked a police officer for help.
-네^²	-ne	affix	(suffix) folks, group (of people) · 여인네, 우리네 옛날 우리네 어머니들은 아침 일찍 일어나셨어요 In the old days, our mothers used to get up early in the morning.
거리^³	geori	bound noun	material, stuff (for something), as in topics to talk about · 이야깃거리, 먹을거리 친구들과 만나면 이야깃거리가 끊이지 않아요 When I meet my friends, we never run out of things to talk about.
딱^²	ttak	adverb	abruptly, completely (of stopping or quitting) · 딱 그치다 · 딱 끊다 아버지는 작년에 담배를 딱 끊으셨어요 My father quit smoking cold turkey last year.
문구^²	mungu	noun	phrase, wording · 광고 문구 이 광고 문구는 짧지만 기억에 오래 남아요 This ad copy is short, but it sticks in your memory.
문어^²	muneo	noun	written language, literary style · 문어와 구어 이 표현은 구어보다 문어에서 더 자주 써요 This expression is used more often in writing than in speech.
수-^²	su-	affix	several, a number of (prefix) · 수백만 · 수십 년 그 영화는 수백만 명이 봤어요 Millions of people saw that movie.
장^²	jang	noun	chapter (of a book) · 제1장 · 이 장 오늘은 교과서 제3장까지 공부했어요 Today we studied up to Chapter 3 of the textbook.
저런^²	jeoreon	interjection	oh dear, oh no (expressing pity or surprise) · 저런, 어떡해요 저런, 많이 다쳤어요? Oh no, are you badly hurt?
조^³	jo	bound noun	article (of a law) · 헌법 제1조 이 내용은 근로기준법 제50조에 나와 있어요 This is stated in Article 50 of the Labor Standards Act.
지면^²	jimyeon	noun	space on a page (of a newspaper or magazine) · 신문의 지면 그 사건은 신문 지면의 절반을 차지했어요 That incident took up half of the newspaper's page space.
표^³	pyo	noun	mark, sign, indication · 표를 남기다 · 표가 나다 중요한 부분에 연필로 표를 해 두었어요 I marked the important parts with a pencil.
대체^²	daeche	adverb	(what, why) on earth, in the world · 대체 왜, 도대체 대체 왜 그렇게 화가 났어요? Why on earth were you so angry?
-과	-gwa	affix	(suffix) section, division (of an office) · 인사과, 총무과 서류는 인사과에 내면 돼요 You can submit the documents to the personnel section.
관용^²	gwanyong	noun	common usage, idiomatic use · 관용 표현, 관용구 관용 표현을 많이 알면 한국어가 더 자연스러워져요 If you know many idiomatic expressions, your Korean will sound more natural.
소수^²	sosu	noun	decimal (number) · 소수점, 소수 첫째 자리 답은 소수 첫째 자리까지 쓰세요 Write the answer to one decimal place.
원서^²	wonseo	noun	book in the original language · 원서로 읽다 영어 소설을 원서로 읽고 있어요 I'm reading an English novel in the original.
한데^²	hande	noun	one place, together (in one spot) · 한데 모으다, 한데 섞다 흩어진 장난감을 한데 모았어요 I gathered the scattered toys in one place.
-처	-cheo	affix	place, location (suffix) · 구매처, 판매처, 대피처 제품에 문제가 있으면 구매처에 먼저 문의해 보세요 If there is a problem with the product, contact the place where you bought it first.

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FAQ

How many TOPIK 5 Korean basics & grammar words are on this list?: This page lists 297 upper intermediate-level Korean basics & grammar vocabulary words (TOPIK 5), each with romanization and an English meaning — free, by a certified Korean teacher.
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Written by Alvin Lim Certified Korean Language Teacher (Level 2)