Korean · People & Family
"First name" in Korean: 이름
이름ireum
First name in Korean is 이름 (ireum). 이름 can mean a given name or someone’s full name; 성 distinguishes the family name.
An everyday statement
이름이 뭐예요?ireumi mwoyeyo?
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How to pronounce 이름
Say it
ireum
/iɾɯm/
이름 (ireum) has 2 Hangul syllables. 이름 ends with a nasal m sound. Keep that ending when reading the noun alone.
"First name" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 이름ireum | First name Basic dictionary noun. | Basic dictionary noun. |
| 이름을 쓰다ireumeul sseuda | write a name A useful combination with 이름. | A useful combination with 이름. |
| 이름을ireumeul | First name (as an object) Use 을 when 이름 is the object of an action. | Use 을 when 이름 is the object of an action. |
How to use 이름 in real life
- 1An everyday statement
이름이 뭐예요?
ireumi mwoyeyo?
What is your name?
This sentence uses 이름 in the first name sense.
- 2A different situation
여기에 이름을 써 주세요.
yeogie ireumeul sseo juseyo.
Please write your name here.
This sentence uses 이름 in the first name sense.
- 3A useful question or update
제 이름은 지수예요.
je ireumeun jisuyeyo.
My name is Jisu.
This sentence uses 이름 in the first name sense.
Mistakes English speakers make with 이름
Incorrect: 이름가 뭐예요?
Correct: 이름이 뭐예요?
When practicing first name, use the correct particle or copula after 이름; the final sound determines whether a linking consonant is needed.
Incorrect: 이름예요.
Correct: 이름이에요.
When practicing first name, when identifying something as 이름, use 이름이에요. The linking 이 follows a consonant-final noun.
Good to know
이름 can mean a given name or someone’s full name; 성 distinguishes the family name. The combination 이름을 쓰다 (ireumeul sseuda) means write a name.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led people and family study exercise: two sentences with 이름
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
이름이 뭐예요?
ireumi mwoyeyo?
What is your name?
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
여기에 이름을 써 주세요.
yeogie ireumeul sseo juseyo.
Please write your name here.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"First name" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "First name" in Korean
What does 이름 mean in Korean?
First name in Korean is 이름 (ireum). 이름 can mean a given name or someone’s full name; 성 distinguishes the family name.
How do I use 이름을 쓰다?
이름을 쓰다 (ireumeul sseuda) means write a name. 이름 can mean a given name or someone’s full name; 성 distinguishes the family name.
Which object particle goes after 이름?
The object form is 이름을 because 이름 ends in a consonant.
How is 이름 pronounced?
이름 (ireum) has 2 Hangul syllables. 이름 ends with a nasal m sound. Keep that ending when reading the noun alone.
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