Table of contents
1. Korean Names
2. How to Translate Foreign Names into
Korean
3. Examples of Name Transcriptions by
Language
4. Examples of Korean Names for Foreign
Celebrities
5. Points to Consider When Translating
Names
6. Creating Your Unique Korean Name
1. Korean Names
Translating foreign names into Korean serves
as a cultural bridge between Korea and other countries and offers a meaningful
way to connect with Korean culture. Whether for foreign characters in dramas,
K-POP fandom activities aimed at international fans, or the Korean appearances
of global celebrities, the phonetic and semantic adaptation of names into
Korean is a common practice. Moreover, for foreigners learning Korean, adopting
a personal Korean name adds a sense of uniqueness and can motivate their
language-learning journey.
2. How to Translate Foreign Names into Korean
1) Phonetic Transcription
The most common method of adapting foreign
names into Korean is to write the original name's pronunciation in Hangul (the
Korean alphabet).
Example:
l Michael → 마이클 (Ma-i-keul)
l Sophia → 소피아 (So-pi-a)
l John → 존 (John)
Hangul's phonetic system makes it easy to
represent sounds as they are pronounced, enabling accurate transcription of
foreign names. However, due to differences between the phonetic systems of
Korean and other languages, some transcriptions may sound awkward to native
Korean speakers.
Example:
l Claire → 클레어 (Keul-re-eo)
l Alexander → 알렉산더
(Al-lek-san-deo)
“Claire” can be transcribed as “클레어,” and “Alexander” can be written as “알렉산더.”
Names can also be transcribed into Korean
by considering cultural backgrounds. For example, Chinese names can be written
based on Chinese characters, while Japanese names can be transcribed into
Korean using Hiragana or Katakana pronunciations.
2) Meaning-Based Translation
Names can also be translated into Korean by
interpreting their meaning or replacing them with a Korean name of similar
significance.
Example:
l Grace (meaning "elegance"
or "gracefulness") → 은혜 (Eun-hye), which carries a similar meaning in Korean.
l Victor (meaning "winner"
or "conqueror") → 승리 (Seung-ri), which translates to "victory" in Korean.
“은혜” and “승리” are commonly used as Korean names.
3) Hybrid Method
This method combines pronunciation and
meaning to create a Korean name.
l Sophia → 소피아 → 소영 (昭映)
Sophia is adapted phonetically as "소피아" and
then refined into "소영 (昭映),"
which naturally reflects the essence of the name.
l Grace → 그레이스 → 기은 (基恩)
Grace is phonetically transcribed as "그레이스"
and transformed into "기은 (基恩)" to emphasize elegance.
Ø 기 (基):
Foundation, strength.
Ø 은 (恩): Grace,
blessing.
Check if you have a preferred Korean
transcription of your name and, if possible, choose one that matches your
preference. However, since you may use your Korean name for a long time, it is
recommended that you ensure the chosen name does not sound awkward or carry an
unintended meaning in Korean. Consulting a Korean friend before finalizing your
choice is a good idea.
3. Examples of Name Transcriptions by Language
English Names
l Emily → 에밀리 (E-mi-li)
l James → 제임스 (Je-im-seu)
l Elizabeth → 엘리자베스 (El-li-ja-be-seu)
Japanese Names
Japanese names are often transcribed into
Korean by interpreting the meaning of the kanji before converting it into
Hangul.
l 咲良 → さくら (Sakura) → 사쿠라 (Sa-ku-ra)
l 太郎 → たろう (Tarou) → 타로 (Ta-ro)
French Names
When transcribing French names into Korean,
extra care is needed to capture the nuances of French pronunciation.
l Marie → 마리 (Ma-ri)
l Jean → 장 (Jang)
4. Examples of Korean Names for Foreign Celebrities
Korean names and nicknames are popularized
through their activities in Korea.
l Tom Cruise → 톰 크루즈: Tom Cruise, a popular
Hollywood actor, is often affectionately called “톰 아저씨” (Uncle Tom) in Korea.
l Scarlett Johansson → 스칼렛 요한슨: Another Hollywood
actor, Scarlett Johansson, has her last name, "Johansson," adapted
into Korean as “요한슨.” Additionally, she is nicknamed “한순이” (Han-soon-i) in Korea, giving her a friendly and down-to-earth vibe
like a next-door sibling.
l Brad Pitt → 브래드 피트: A Hollywood actor, Brad Pitt is affectionately called "빵형" (Bread Hyung) by Korean fans, a nickname derived from “Brad.”
l Michael Scofield → 마이클 스코필드 → 석호필: Known as the protagonist
of the drama Prison Break, Michael Scofield became famous in Korea and earned
the Korean nickname “석호필” (Seok Ho-pil) from fans.
l Guus Hiddink → 거스 히딩크: The coach who led Korea’s national soccer team to the semifinals
during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup is fondly called “희동구” (Hee-dong-gu) by the public.
l Benedict Cumberbatch → 베네딕트 컴버배치: To simplify his long name, fans created nicknames such as “배댓컴” (Bae-daet-com) and “베니” (Benny).
l Tim Cook → 팀 쿡: The CEO of Apple is often referred to as “팀 쿡 삼촌” (Uncle Tim Cook) in Korea to express familiarity and affection.
l Chris Martin → 크리스 마틴: The leader of the band Coldplay is commonly nicknamed “크마” (Keu-ma) among fans, a shortened form of his name.
l Cristiano Ronaldo → 호날두: Ronaldo is called “날두” (Nal-du), a simplified version
of his original Korean name. However, after a no-show at a friendly match in
Seoul, he earned the nickname “날강두” (Nal-gang-du), implying “thief”
in Korean. He is often paired with Messi as “메날두” (Me-nal-du) in fan discussions.
l Robert Downey Jr. → 로버트 다우니 주니어: Beloved for his role as Iron Man in Korea, he is nicknamed “로다주” (Ro-da-ju), a shortened form of his full name.
l Charlize Theron → 샤를리즈 테론: Her nickname “샤테” (Sha-te), a shorter and more
casual form of her name, is widely used to highlight her charm.
l Taylor Swift → 테일러 스위프트: She is known as “스윗” (Sweet), a nickname derived from
her last name. It is both simple and endearing, and it has naturally gained
popularity among fans.
🗣️ Below is the audio file of the example sentences above.
5. Points to Consider When Translating Names
l Accurate Pronunciation: Ensure the
pronunciation of the foreign name is understood and transcribed as closely as
possible. Incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings or confusion.
l Natural Fit in Korean Phonetics: Adapt
the name to fit naturally within the Korean phonetic system. Even if the
original pronunciation is retained, it may sound awkward or be misinterpreted
if it doesn't align well with Korean phonology.
l Preserving Meaning: When translating the
meaning of a name, care should be taken not to lose the original intent. Avoid
names that could evoke negative connotations or unpleasant associations.
l Cultural Sensitivity: Fully understand
the cultural background of the name and respect its identity. Be particularly
mindful to avoid any elements that could be perceived as discriminatory.
l Legal Considerations: In Korea, there
may be legal restrictions on how foreign names are transcribed into Korean.
Names used in official documents like passports or visas must comply with
Korean regulations.
l Reference Materials: Use Korean name
dictionaries to explore a variety of options for Korean names.
l Professional Help: Consider consulting a
naming expert in Korea for assistance.
l Personal Preference: If the individual has a preferred transcription, it is crucial to respect their choice as much as possible.
6. Creating Your Unique Korean Name
Transforming a foreign name into a Korean
name is not merely a translation process; it is an act of honoring the
individual’s identity and offering them a meaningful Korean name. It requires
thoughtful consideration and care.
Create your Korean name and experience the beauty of the Korean language. A name, no matter how small, carries a story, and that story can become a new beginning for communication that transcends language.
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