물
물을 마셔요.
I drink water.
a clear liquid that forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain and is essential for life
물이 필요해요.
I need water.
물을 끓여요.
I boil water.
In Korean, '물' is used for drinking water, tap water, or natural water bodies. For other liquids (e.g., juice, oil), use '주스', '기름', etc.
a river, lake, or sea considered as a physical feature
강과 바다와 호수 모두 물이에요.
Rivers, seas, and lakes are all water bodies.
Often used in compound nouns like '강물' (river water), '바다물' (sea water), '호수물' (lake water).
a liquid other than water, used in specific contexts (e.g., ink, tears)
잉크가 물이에요.
It's ink.
Common in compounds like '눈물' (tears, lit. 'eye water'), '먹물' (black ink, lit. 'ink water').
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Compound Nouns with 물
Many everyday Korean words include '물' as a component. Memorizing these compounds (e.g., '물고기' = fish, '물약' = liquid medicine) will significantly expand your vocabulary.
Gold Rule
When to Use '물' vs. '수'
'물' refers to physical water or liquids, while '수' (水) is used in formal/medical contexts (e.g., '수분' = moisture, '수질' = water quality).
Word Origin
From Middle Korean 물ᄆᆞᆯ (mul-mol), from Old Korean *mul, ultimately from Proto-Koreanic *mul.
Usage Notes
1. '물' is one of the most fundamental Korean words and is used in countless compound nouns (e.g., '물고기' = fish, lit. 'water animal'). 2. In informal speech, '물' can also mean 'tears' when combined with other words (e.g., '눈물' = tears). 3. Avoid using '물' to mean 'river' alone; use '강' or '내' instead.