American Journal Of Philological Sciences
96
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue04 2025
PAGE NO.
96-98
10.37547/ajps/Volume05Issue04-24
The Most Common Loanwords in The Lexicon of The
Korean Language
Raxmonova. M. T
Lecturer of the Department of Korean Philology, Faculty of Oriental Languages, SamSIFL, Uzbekistan
Received:
16 February 2025;
Accepted:
17 March 2025;
Published:
16 April 2025
Abstract:
This article analyzes the formation, origin, and usage of neologisms and loanwords in the Korean
language. Neologisms, especially words borrowed from English and other foreign languages, are linked to the
social, economic, and cultural development of Korean society. The article discusses the various sources of
loanwords in the Korean language, their usage, adaptation, and cultural adjustment. An analysis of the most
frequently used loanwords in contemporary society is also included.
Keywords:
Neologism, loanwords, English language, Korean language, globalization, foreign languages, phonetic
adaptation, technology, economy, culture, youth.
Introduction:
"It is time to establish a new system that
will lay a solid foundation for teaching foreign
languages in our country for the future. As we aim to
build a competitive state, our graduates from schools,
lyceums, colleges, and higher educational institutions
must be proficient in at least two foreign languages,"
states our esteemed president Shavkat Mirziyoyev in
his speeches.
In our country, within the framework of implementing
the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on "Education"
and the National Program for Personnel Training, a
comprehensive system for teaching foreign languages
has been created. This system aims to form a
harmonious and well-rounded generation of modern
thinkers who are directed towards the global
community. Our esteemed president Shavkat
Mirziyoyev has adopted several decisions and decrees
regarding the education of well-educated and highly
qualified young people. Notably, the presidential
decree PQ-5117 on May 19, 2021, on the measures to
improve the activities of popularizing foreign language
learning, and the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of
the Republic of Uzbekistan dated August 11, 2017, on
improving the quality of teaching foreign languages in
educational institutions, are part of this initiative.
METHOD
Language reflects all the changes occurring in society
and shapes the thinking of an entire nation, not just an
individual. The changes in the current globalization
process lead to the adoption of new words or the
creation of their equivalents. Neologisms are entirely
new words or existing words that are assigned new
meanings to represent objects or concepts. Most
neologisms in dictionaries are primarily related to
leisure, economics, and internet terminology.[9]
Today, we can find them in the vocabulary of all
languages. The term "neologism" comes from Greek
(neos logos), meaning a new word. O. Akhmanova
defines this term as "a word or phrase created
(emerged) to designate a new (previously unknown)
object or to express a new concept" [1]. New words and
phrases that are widely used in speech but not included
in dictionaries are also considered neologisms. The
neologisms in the Korean language include words
formed by adding syllables from Korean, English, and
Chinese linguistic layers, as well as acronyms created by
shortening sentences. "Slangs," i.e., certain shortened
jargon words, are also considered neologisms in Korean
and are rapidly developing among youth as "trendy"
words.
DISCUSSION AND RESULTS
The origin of modern Korean loanwords is primarily
related to the English, Chinese, Japanese, and other
foreign languages, and their formation and usage are
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American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2273)
closely linked to the social, economic, and cultural
development of Korea. The main sources and their
influence are discussed below:
English language
: English is the primary source of
loanwords in modern Korean. The influx of English
words has increased as a result of Korea’s inte
gration
into the global economy and culture, especially after
World War II.
Technology and Science
:
컴퓨터
(keompyuteo
–
"computer"),
인터넷
(inteonet
–
"internet").
Business and Economy
:
미팅
(miting
–
"meeting"),
스타트업
(seutateueop
–
"startup").
Pop Culture:
팬
(paen
–
"fan"),
아이돌
(aidol
–
"idol").
Characteristics
: Adaptation: English words are adjusted
to the Korean phonetic system. "Konglish" words:
English expressions used only in Korean. For example,
핸드폰
(haendeupon
–
"mobile phone").[3]
Chinese language:
The Chinese language has influenced Korean for over a
thousand years, particularly in terms of economy,
religion, and traditional terminology. Sino-Korean
words:
경제
(gyeongje
–
"economy"),
투자
(tuja
–
"investment"). Many Chinese loanwords are based on
Hanja (Chinese characters) and are often used in formal
speech.
Japanese language:
Loanwords from Japanese appeared during the
Japanese occupation of Korea (1910
–
1945). Today,
some Japanese words are still in use, such as
기업
(gieop
–
"corporation") and
회장
(hoejang
–
"chairperson").
Other sources:
Words from French, German, and Italian have also
entered Korean, but their impact is more limited
compared to English.
French
:
카페
(kape
–
"café").
Italian
:
피자
(pija
–
"pizza").
1.
Modern Processes and Neologisms:
In recent years, the influx of foreign words has
accelerated due to globalization and technological
advancements. For example:
Hybrid Neologisms
:
라떼
아빠
(latte appa
–
"latte
dad").
Cryptocurrency and IT
:
블록체인
(beullokchein
–
"blockchain"), NFT.
Most of the modern loanwords in Korean are derived
from English, but they are adapted to the Korean
cultural and phonetic system. These words not only add
linguistic richness but also reflect Korea's global
influence.
The Formation and Usage of Loanwords in Korean:
Loanwords in Korean language have specific patterns in
their formation and usage. They are mainly borrowed
from foreign languages, especially English, and adapted
to the Korean culture and context. Below is a detailed
overview of their formation and usage:[6]
Formation: a) Direct Transliteration
: Words are
adapted to the Korean writing system (
한글
) as closely
as possible to the original pronunciation. This method
is often used for brand names, technologies, and
international terms. Examples:
컴퓨터
(keompyuteo
–
"computer"),
인터넷
(inteonet
–
"internet"),
카페
(kape
–
"café").
b) Word Shortening
: Shortening is widely used in the
Korean language. This method applies not only to
foreign words but also to their combinations.
Examples:
버스
(beoseu)
–
"bus" (derived from
"omnibus"),
샘플
(saempeul)
–
"sample",
아파트
(apateu)
–
"apartment".
c) Combination or Compounding
: Foreign words are
combined in Korean to form new words. Examples:
월드컵
(weoldeukeop)
–
"World Cup".
핫도그
(hatdogeu)
–
"hot dog".
d) Adjustment to Spelling and Pronunciation
: Foreign
words are modified according to Korean phonetic and
grammatical rules:
브랜드
(beuraendeu)
–
"brand",
시스템
(siseutem)
–
"system",
프로젝트
(peurojekteu)
–
"project".
Usage: a) In Daily Life
: Many foreign words are actively
used in modern technologies, food, fashion, and
everyday life:
티셔츠
(tisyeocheu)
–
"T-shirt",
콜라
(kolla)
–
"cola",
핸드폰
(haendeupon)
–
"handphone" (mobile phone).
b) In Business and Technology
: Loanwords are an
integral part of professional conversations in the
business and technology sectors:
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American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2273)
미팅
(miting)
–
"meeting",
프레젠테이션
(peurejenteisyeon)
–
"presentation",
스타트업
(seutateueop)
–
"startup".
c) In Youth and Pop Culture
: Foreign words are
considered fashionable among young people and are
widely used in musical and entertainment contexts:
팬
(paen)
–
"fan" (enthusiast),
아이돌
(aidol)
–
"idol" (famous singer or actor),
쇼핑
(shyoping)
–
"shopping". [9]
d) In Official and Scientific Discourse
: In scientific,
medical, and technological fields, foreign terms,
especially those derived from Latin or English, are
commonly used:
바이러스
(baireoseu)
–
"virus",
에너지
(eneoji)
–
"energy",
글로벌
(geullobeol)
–
"global".
1.
Challenges and Specifics:
Change in Meaning
: Some words change their meaning
when used in Korea, either differing or expanding their
original meaning. For example:
서비스
(seobiseu)
–
"service" (in Korea, it refers to
additional services or gifts).
Cultural Adjustment
: Foreign words in Korean are
adjusted to the local pronunciation and style, making
them distinctive.[7]
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, neologisms emerge in response to
societal needs and become permanent in usage. Like in
many other countries, neologisms in Korea are actively
used in various fields, especially in technology and by
the younger generation in daily speech. It is assumed
that loanwords entering the language are initially
borrowed from another language, and upon deeper
examination, we may find that their origin belongs to
another nation entirely. The increasing number of
English neologisms in the Korean lexicon and the issues
with spelling errors in neologisms is an important issue.
Therefore, it is essential to avoid fragmented views
when perceiving the influence of foreign language
cultures, as it can weaken the national culture. Like
everything else, moderation must be maintained when
borrowing words, and they should undergo a 'filter'
before being accepted.
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