섬 — meaning in English: island

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Guess the translation for isle

불확실성

bulhwagsilseong

측정

cheugjeong

관리자

gwanlija

배우

baeu

섬

seom

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word '섬' when discussing geographic locations, particularly during travel planning or storytelling about nature. For example, someone might say, '우리 섬에 가자' (Let's go to our island) when inviting friends to visit a nearby island for a weekend getaway.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for '섬' is '도서' (doseo), which specifically refers to an island in a literary or technical context. While '섬' is used in everyday conversation, '도서' may appear in more formal discussions, such as environmental reports or academic texts.

Culture

'섬' has deep cultural significance in Korea, as the nation is surrounded by water and is home to numerous beautiful islands, such as Jeju Island. These islands often hold historical myths and legends, adding a layer of intrigue; for instance, Jeju is known for its volcanic landscapes and unique folklore about creation and deities.

FAQ

Q.What does the word 섬 mean in English?

'섬' translates to 'island' in English, referring to a landmass surrounded by water. It can denote both large islands like Jeju and smaller ones like those found in lakes.

Q.How do you use 섬 in a sentence?

You can use '섬' in sentences like '그 섬은 아름다워요' (That island is beautiful) or when discussing travel plans, such as '우리는 섬에 갈 거예요' (We will go to the island).

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 섬?

A common mistake is to confuse '섬' with '반도' (bando), which means 'peninsula.' Remember that '섬' refers specifically to islands surrounded by water, while '반도' refers to land that is almost surrounded by water but still connected to a larger landmass.

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