how to say dog in korean| a free complete guide

If you’re a dog lover or simply looking to learn more about the Korean language, knowing how to say dog in Korean is a great place to start. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will teach you how to say “dog” in Korean, along with related expressions, slang words, and even how to train your dog using Korean commands.

 Get ready to impress your friends and deepen your connection with Korean culture.

 Let’s dive in!

How to say dog in Korean

The Korean word for “dog” is 개 (gae). In Korean, ‘dog’ is also translated as ‘강아지’ (gangaji) for the puppy or a pet dog, and ‘개’ (gae) for the dog in general. It’s a simple, one-syllable word that is easy to remember. 

However, it’s important to note that 개 (gae) can also be used to count units and pieces, so don’t get confused if you see this word being used in a context as units, not animals

Here are 10 sentences using ‘강아지’ (gangaji) and ‘개’ (gae):

강아지를 좋아해요? (Gangajileul joahae-yo?)

Do you like puppies?

저희 강아지가 매우 귀여워요. (Jeohui gangajiga maeu gwiyeowo-yo.)

Our puppy is very cute.

그 강아지는 어떤 종류에요? (Geu gangajineun eoddeon jonglyueyo?)

What breed is that puppy?

내 강아지는 집에서 가장 재미있는 일이에요. (Nae gangajineun jibeseo gajang jaemiissneun ilieyo.)

My puppy is the most fun thing at home.

강아지가 산책을 좋아해. (Gangajiga sanchaeg-eul joahae.)

The puppy likes to walk.

개가 짖고 있어. (Gae-ga jjitgo iss-eo.)

The dog is barking.

그 개는 매우 크다. (Geu gae-neun maeu keuda.)

That dog is very big.

개를 어디서 구입할 수 있나요? (Gaeleul eodiseo guibhal su issnayo?)

Where can I buy a dog?

개에게 먹이를 주세요. (Gae-ege meogileul juseyo.)

Please feed the dog.

개가 공원에서 놀고 있어. (Gae-ga gongwon-eseo nolgo iss-eo.)

The dog is playing in the park.

Remember, when using ‘개’ (gae), the term can be less affectionate or respectful compared to ‘강아지’ (gangaji). 

Depending on the context and the level of politeness required, you might prefer to use ‘강아지’.

강아지 in Korean | How do you say puppy in Korean?

In Korean, the word for “puppy” is 강아지 (gangaji). This word is often used interchangeably with 개 (gae) to mean “dog.” 강아지 (gangaji) is more casual and often preferred when talking about dogs in everyday conversation.

Here are 10 sentences using ‘강아지’ (gangaji):

강아지는 정말 귀여워요. (Gangajineun jeongmal gwiyeowo-yo.)

Puppies are really cute.

내 강아지의 이름은 루루예요. (Nae gangajiui ileum-eun Lulu-yeyo.)

My puppy’s name is Lulu.

강아지를 어떻게 훈련시켜야 하나요? (Gangajireul eotteohge hunlyeonsikyeoya hanayo?)

How do I train a puppy?

강아지가 집안을 더 즐겁게 만들어. (Gangajiga jiban-eul deo jeulgeobge mandeuleo.)

Puppies make the home more enjoyable.

우리는 강아지를 입양하려고 합니다. (Ulineun gangajireul ibyangharyeogo habnida.)

We are planning to adopt a puppy.

그 강아지는 어떤 종류인가요? (Geu gangajineun eoddeon jonglyuingayo?)

What breed is that puppy?

강아지를 좋아해요? (Gangajileul joahae-yo?)

Do you like puppies?

강아지가 밖에 나가고 싶어 보여. (Gangajiga bagge nagago sip-eo boyeo.)

The puppy looks like it wants to go outside.

강아지는 많은 관심을 필요로 합니다. (Gangajineun manheun gwansimeul pil-yoro habnida.)

Puppies require a lot of attention.

강아지는 아직 매우 작아요. (Gangajineun ajik maeu jag-a-yo.)

The puppy is still very small.

Remember, it’s important to use respectful language when speaking about pets, as they are often considered part of the family in Korean culture.

Korean slang words related to the word dog

Here are five Korean slang words/phrases related to the word ‘dog’ (강아지 or 개 in Korean) along with their translations and examples:

멍멍이 (Mongmongi): 

This is a cute way of saying ‘dog’, similar to ‘doggie’ in English. This slang term is an adorable way to refer to a dog or puppy, especially when talking to children. 

It is derived from the Korean onomatopoeia for a dog’s bark, 멍멍 (meongmeong).

Example:

네 멍멍이는 어디 있어요? (Ne mongmongineun eodi iss-eoyo?)

Where is your doggie?

멍멍이가 외로워 보여요. (Mongmongi-ga oelouwo boyeoyo.)

The doggie looks lonely.

개굿 (Gae gut): 

It is slang used to express something that is really good, it literally means “dog good”.

Example:

이 식당은 개굿이다. (I sikdang-eun gaegut-ida.)

This restaurant is really good.

네 옷 스타일 개굿이야. (Ne ot seutail gaegut-iya.)

Your style of clothes is really good.

개판 (Gaepan): 

Literally means ‘dog mess’, used to describe a messy or chaotic situation.

Example:

내 방이 완전 개판이야. (Nae bang-i wanjeon gaepan-iya.)

My room is a total mess.

이 프로젝트는 개판이 됐어. (I peulojegteuneun gaepan-i dwaess-eo.)

This project has become a mess.

개인적으로 (Gaeinjeogeuro): 

Although not directly related to ‘dog’, ‘개인적으로’ contains the word ‘개’ and means ‘personally’.

Example:

개인적으로 그 영화를 좋아해. (Gaeinjeogeulo geu yeonghwaleul joh-ahae.)

Personally, I like that movie.

개인적으로 너를 도와주고 싶어. (Gaeinjeogeulo neoleul dowajugo sip-eo.)

Personally, I want to help you.

개념없어 (Gaenyeom eobs-eo): 

It literally means ‘no concept’, similar to saying someone has ‘no manners’ or ‘no common sense’.

Example:

그는 정말로 개념없어. (Geuneun jeongmallo gaenyeom eobs-eo.)

He really has no manners.

너 왜 그렇게 개념없어? (Neo wae geuleohge gaenyeom eobs-eo?)

Why are you so lacking in common sense?

Remember, slang can often be informal or even rude in certain contexts, so it’s important to use these words appropriately so that you won’t be sorry to others.

Use the Korean word for the dog as a modified verb

The Korean language often uses the word 개 (gae) as a modifier to emphasize the intensity of a verb. 

For example, 개빠르다 (gaepalli) means “extremely fast,” while 개많다 (gaemanta) means “a lot” or “very many.” 

Note that this usage is informal and should be reserved for casual conversations.

In Korean, the word for dog is “gae” (개). To use it as a modified verb, we can attach the verb-ending form “-하다” (“-hada”) to “gae” to create a verb phrase. 

Here’s the formula and some short example sentences:

Formula: Dog + -하다 (verb ending)

개하다 (gaehada) – to dog (verb), to behave like a dog

Example sentence: 그 애는 항상 사람들을 쫓아다니면서 개해 (gaehae) 다녀요.

Translation: That kid always runs around chasing people and acting like a dog.

개웃기다 (gaewoonggida) – to be dog-funny, to be funny like a dog

Example sentence: 그 코미디 배우는 정말로 개웃기게 (gaewoonggige) 연기를 해요.

Translation: That comedy actor performs in a way that is really funny like a dog.

개멋지다 (gaemeosjida) – to be dog-cool, to be cool like a dog

Example sentence: 그 청년은 스타일이 정말로 개멋져 (gaemeosjyeo) 보여요.

Translation: That young man has a style that looks really cool like a dog.

개귀엽다 (gaegwiyeopda) – to be dog-cute, to be cute like a dog

Example sentence: 그 아기는 입을 크게 벌리고 개귀엽게 (gaegwiyeopge) 웃어요.

Translation: That baby opens their mouth wide and laughs in a cute way like a dog.

Note: These modified verb forms using “gae” are not commonly used in everyday Korean. They are created here for illustrative purposes.

How to say my dog in Korean

To say “my dog” in Korean, you simply add the possessive marker 의 (ui) to the word 개 (gae): 내 개 (nae gae).”나의” (naui) means “my” and “개” (gae) means “dog.” Simply combine them to say “my dog” in Korean.

Here are three short and simple example sentences using “my dog”:

나의 개는 사랑스러워요. (Naui gae-neun sarangseurowoyo.)

My dog is adorable.

나의 개는 충실하고 친절해요. (Naui gae-neun chungsilhago chinjeolhaeyo.)

My dog is loyal and friendly.

나의 개는 매일 나를 기다리고 있어요. (Naui gae-neun maeil nareul gidarigo isseoyo.)

My dog waits for me every day.

How to say female dog in Korean

The Korean word for a female dog is 암컷 (amkeot). This term is used to specifically refer to the gender of the dog, just like “bitch” in English.

How to say I have a dog in Korean

To say “I have a dog” in Korean, you can use the phrase 개를 키우고 있어요 (gaereul giugo isseoyo), which literally means “I am raising a dog.”

How to train your dog in Korean

Training your dog using Korean commands can be a fun way to practice your language skills and bond with your furry friend.

Here are some common commands in Korean to train your dog :

• Sit: 앉아 (anja)
• Stay: 기다려 (gidaryeo)
• Come: 여기 (yeogi)
• Lie down: 누워 (nuwo)
• Shake: 손 (son)
• Fetch: 가지고 와 (gajigo wa)
• Heel: 따라와 (ttarawa)

How to say cute dog in Korean

To say “cute dog” in Korean, you can use the phrase 귀여운 개 (gwiyeoun gae), where 귀여운 (gwiyeoun) means “cute.”

Here’s the breakdown:

• Gwiyeoun: This means “cute” in Korean.
• Gae: This is the word for “dog” in Korean.

So, when combined, “gwiyeoun gae” translates to “cute dog” in English.

7 Native Korean Dog Breeds: Jindo, Jeju Dog & More

Korea is home to several native dog breeds, each with unique characteristics and history. Here are seven popular Korean dog breeds:

• Jindo (진도개): Korean jindo is Known for their loyalty and intelligence, Jindos are a medium-sized breed from Jindo Island.
• Jeju Dog (제주개): This rare breed from Jeju Island is known for its strong hunting instincts and friendly nature.
• Sapsali (삽살이): With a shaggy coat and gentle temperament, Sapsalis make great family pets.
• Donggyeongi (동경이): This ancient breed from the Gyeongju region is known for its unique, curled tail.
• Poongsan (풍산개): Bred for hunting and guarding, Poongsans are large, agile, and powerful.
• Nureongi (누렁이): Often referred to as “yellow dogs,” Nureongis have a distinctive golden coat.
• Korean Mastiff (한국마스티프): A large and powerful breed, Korean Mastiffs are known for their loyalty and protective instincts.

50 beautiful Korean names for Dogs and puppies

Choosing a Korean name for your dog can be a unique and meaningful way to honor Korean culture. Here are 50 beautiful Korean names for dogs and puppies:

Certainly! Here are 50 beautiful Korean names for dogs and puppies:

1. Bomi (Beautiful)
2. Duri (Two)
3. Gyeong (Respected)
4. Haneul (Heaven)
5. Jangmi (Rose)
6. Yeonwoo (Graceful)
7. Bae (Inspiration)
8. Dalkom (Sweet)
9. Gureum (Cloud)
10. Hee (Grace)
11. Jisoo (Loving)
12. Yeji (Blessing)
13. Miso (Smile)
14. Seonmi (Kindhearted)
15. Ara (Beautiful)
16. Nari (Lily)
17. Haeun (Clear sky)
18. Minji (Bright and beautiful)
19. Sarang (Love)
20. Yuna (Graceful)
21. Choco (Chocolate)
22. Jiyu (Freedom)
23. Yuri (Lily)
24. Bomi (Spring)
25. Dalgi (Strawberry)
26. Nuri (World)
27. Haru (Day)
28. Mia (Beautiful child)
29. Sora (Sky)
30. Chingu (Friend)
31. Gwangjang (Resplendent)
32. Jisun (Wisdom)
33. Yeon (Lotus)
34. Heulim (Graceful forest)
35. Nabi (Butterfly)
36. Duri (Two)
37. Haeri (Sunshine)
38. Mina (Purity)
39. Seulgi (Wisdom and beauty)
40. Yujin (Precious pearl)
41. Iseul (Morning dew)
42. Jiwon (Intellect and talent)
43. Yeong (Brave)
44. Byul (Star)
45. Naeri (Flower)
46. Sunmi (Goodness)
47. Duri (Gift)
48. Aram (Beautiful)
49. Joohee (Gentle and shining)
50. Yeonhwa (Lotus flower)

These names not only sound beautiful but also have meaningful translations. 

Choose the one that resonates with your dog’s personality or appearance and enjoy calling them by their lovely Korean name!

How to learn the word for dog in Korean easily?

Learning the word “dog” in Korean is relatively easy. The word for dog in Korean is “gae” (개). 

To easily memorize the word “dog” in Korean, try using it in real sentences and practicing with native speakers or language learning apps. Associating the word with images of dogs or using mnemonic techniques can also help with memorization.

Here are a few tips to help you remember it:

Pronunciation: 

“Gae” is pronounced as “gae” with a soft “g” sound, similar to the “g” in “game.”

Visual Association: 

Try creating a visual association to help you remember the word. You can picture a cute dog while saying the word “gae” in your mind.

Practice: 

Repeat the word “gae” several times to familiarize yourself with its pronunciation. You can practice saying it out loud or write it down to reinforce your memory.

Vocabulary Building:

 As you learn more Korean words, try to incorporate “gae” into simple sentences. For example, you can say, “I like dogs” by using the phrase “gae-reul joahae-yo” (개를 좋아해요).

Flashcards or Language Apps:

 Utilize flashcards or language learning apps that offer vocabulary exercises. They often have audio recordings that can help you practice the correct pronunciation.

Remember, practice and consistency are key to learning any language. With time and repetition, you will become more comfortable with Korean vocabulary, including the word “dog”.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned how to say dog in Korean and various related expressions, you’re well on your way to expanding your Korean vocabulary and impressing native speakers. 

Whether you’re a dog owner, dog lover, or language learner, knowing these words and phrases will enrich your understanding of Korean culture and help you communicate more effectively. 

Keep practicing, and have fun with your newfound knowledge!