Korean · Difficult words
How to pronounce 행복 in Korean
행복
Romanization: haengbok
Happiness
Standard South Korean; reference: SK-Standard, Seoul · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
행복 is pronounced [ˈhɛ(ː)ŋbo̞k̚] in Korean. In 행복: Move into the final consonant position, then stop without a strong release. The corner mark /̚/ indicates no audible release. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
Explore the app’s available speaking languages
Find the sounds in 행복
The reference transcription for 행복 is [ˈhɛ(ː)ŋbo̞k̚]. Read adjacent consonants together without inserting extra vowels. Korean pronunciation changes when sounds meet. Follow the spoken transcription and connected example rather than reading each Hangul letter in isolation.
1.Unreleased final consonants
In 행복: Move into the final consonant position, then stop without a strong release. The corner mark /̚/ indicates no audible release.
Watch out: Do not add a vowel or a final English-style puff after the consonant.
2.A steady /o/ vowel
In 행복: Round the lips and keep the tongue toward the back for a steady /o/. Follow the length indicated in the transcription.
Watch out: Avoid automatically turning a single /o/ into the moving vowel of English “go”.
3.The open /ɛ/ vowel
In 행복: Keep the vowel open, like the vowel in many pronunciations of English “bed”, without a final glide.
Watch out: Avoid turning this vowel into English “ay”.
Hear it in context
행복이 중요해요.
haengbogi jungyohaeyo.
Happiness is important.
Listen once, say it aloud, then replay at 1.00×. Keep the word connected to the surrounding sentence rather than giving every syllable equal weight.
Pronunciation and variety
행복 is presented in standard South Korean pronunciation. Everyday speech can vary in vowel quality and consonant realization. Treat the romanization as a reading aid and follow the Hangul, IPA, and recording together.
The English-style respelling is approximate. Use the IPA and recording together for vowel quality and consonants that do not have an exact English equivalent.
Meaning and everyday use
Questions about 행복
How do you pronounce 행복?
행복 is pronounced [ˈhɛ(ː)ŋbo̞k̚] in Korean. In 행복: Move into the final consonant position, then stop without a strong release. The corner mark /̚/ indicates no audible release. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In 행복: Move into the final consonant position, then stop without a strong release. The corner mark /̚/ indicates no audible release. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
