Korean · Nature, Animals & Weather
"Dog" in Korean: 개
개gae
Dog in Korean is 개 (gae). 강아지 (gangaji) means puppy and is also a warm everyday term for a pet dog.
A simple sentence
개가 있어요.gaega isseoyo.
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How to pronounce 개
Say it
geh
/kɛ/
개 is one syllable. The ae vowel is often close to eh; do not pronounce the romanized gae as two syllables.
"Dog" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 개gae | dog General animal noun. | General animal noun. |
| 강아지gangaji | puppy / pet dog Often affectionate in everyday use. | Often affectionate in everyday use. |
How to use 개 in real life
- 1A simple sentence
개가 있어요.
gaega isseoyo.
I have a dog.
가 follows the vowel-ending noun.
- 2An everyday situation
개를 좋아해요.
gaereul joahaeyo.
I like dogs.
Korean can leave plural marking out.
- 3A useful question
이 개는 물어요?
i gaeneun mureoyo?
Does this dog bite?
은/는 introduces the dog as topic.
Mistakes English speakers make with 개
Incorrect: 개이 있어요.
Correct: 개가 있어요.
Use 가 after the vowel in 개.
Incorrect: 개을 좋아해요.
Correct: 개를 좋아해요.
Use object particle 를 after a vowel.
Good to know
개 is neutral as an animal noun but appears in coarse idiomatic expressions too. For friendly conversation about a pet, 강아지 is often a comfortable choice.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Talk about pets
Partner
개가 있어요?
gaega isseoyo?
Do you have a dog?
You
네, 개가 한 마리 있어요.
ne, gaega han mari isseoyo.
Yes, I have one dog.
Partner
이름이 뭐예요?
ireumi mwoyeyo?
What is its name?
You
이름은 두부예요.
ireumeun dubuyeyo.
Its name is Dubu.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"Dog" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Dog" in Korean
Does gae mean puppy?
개 means dog generally. 강아지 is the specific puppy word and also an affectionate pet term.
How do I count a dog?
Use 마리, as in 개 한 마리, one dog.
Is the plural required for dogs?
No. Context often supplies the number; explicit plural marking is not always needed.
How do I ask whether a dog bites?
이 개는 물어요? means does this dog bite?
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
