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A1 noun #2,500 le plus courant 5 min de lecture

전화기

jeonhwagi
At the A1 level, you should recognize '전화기' as a basic noun meaning 'telephone.' You will mostly use it to identify the object in a room or to say you have one. Phrases like '전화기가 있어요' (There is a phone) or '이것은 전화기입니다' (This is a phone) are essential. Focus on the physical presence of the device. You might learn it alongside other household items like '책상' (desk) or '의자' (chair). At this stage, don't worry about the complex Sino-Korean roots; just remember it as the word for the machine used to talk to people far away.
At the A2 level, you begin to use '전화기' with basic action verbs. You can describe simple problems like '전화기가 고장 났어요' (The phone is broken) or '전화기를 잃어버렸어요' (I lost my phone). You also start to distinguish between '전화' (the call) and '전화기' (the device). You might use it in the context of shopping, asking for the price: '이 전화기 얼마예요?' (How much is this phone?). You should also be able to use basic adjectives to describe it, such as '새 전화기' (new phone) or '작은 전화기' (small phone).
At the B1 level, you can use '전화기' in more complex sentences involving reasons and results. For example, '전화기가 너무 무거워서 바꾸고 싶어요' (The phone is too heavy, so I want to change it). You start to understand the use of '전화기' in public or semi-formal contexts, such as hearing announcements in a library or cinema. You can also discuss the features of the device using words like '버튼' (button), '화면' (screen), or '소리' (sound). You are expected to use appropriate particles (-이/가, -을/를, -도) correctly with this noun.
At the B2 level, you understand the nuance of using '전화기' in formal vs. informal settings. You can discuss the evolution of '전화기' technology and its impact on society. You might use the word in a workplace context, such as '사무실 전화기 시스템을 업그레이드해야 합니다' (We need to upgrade the office telephone system). You can handle more specific vocabulary related to the device, like '충전기' (charger), '배터리 수명' (battery life), and '무선 전화기' (cordless phone). You can also compare different types of devices using comparative structures.
At the C1 level, you use '전화기' in technical, historical, or literary contexts. You might analyze how the '전화기' serves as a motif in a story or discuss the technical specifications of '정보통신기기' (information and communication devices) where '전화기' is a sub-category. You understand idiomatic expressions or metaphors involving phones. Your usage is precise, distinguishing between '수화기' (receiver), '본체' (main body), and '단말기' (terminal/handset). You can speak fluently about the history of telecommunications in Korea, from the first '덕률풍' (early phonetic transcription of telephone) to modern 5G devices.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '전화기' and its socio-linguistic implications. You can engage in high-level debates about the ethics of '전화기' addiction or the digital divide. You understand the etymological roots (Sino-Korean) deeply and can explain the word's evolution. You can read and write academic papers or technical reports where '전화기' is discussed as a component of '유비쿼터스 컴퓨팅' (ubiquitous computing). You are comfortable with archaic or highly specialized terms related to telephony and can switch between formal '전화기' and colloquial '폰' or '핸드폰' with perfect pragmatic awareness.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

전화기 en 30 secondes

  • 전화기 refers to the physical telephone device or apparatus.
  • It is a Sino-Korean word: 電 (electricity) + 話 (speech) + 器 (machine).
  • Commonly used in formal or technical contexts to distinguish the object from the act of calling.
  • While '핸드폰' is more common for mobile phones, '전화기' remains the standard general term.

The term 전화기 (Jeonhwagi) is a compound noun derived from Sino-Korean characters: 電 (전 - electricity), 話 (화 - speech/talk), and 器 (기 - machine/device). Literally translated, it means an 'electric speech machine.' While in modern daily conversation, Koreans often use shorter terms like 전화 (call/phone) or 핸드폰 (mobile phone), 전화기 specifically refers to the physical hardware or the apparatus itself, rather than the service or the act of calling.

Technical Distinction
Unlike '전화' which can mean the abstract concept of a telephone call, '전화기' is the tangible object you hold or see on a desk.
Morphological Breakdown
The suffix '-기' (器) is common in Korean for mechanical tools, such as 세탁기 (washing machine) or 청소기 (vacuum cleaner).
Historical Context
In the early 20th century, this word was the primary way to describe the revolutionary technology bringing voices across distances.

"책상 위에 오래된 전화기가 놓여 있습니다." (An old telephone is lying on the desk.)

— Example of physical object emphasis

In contemporary Korea, the word evokes a sense of the physical device, often used in formal contexts, technical manuals, or when referring to landlines (유선 전화기). As technology evolved into smartphones, the term expanded but still retains its core meaning of the 'instrument' of communication. Understanding this word helps learners distinguish between the action of calling and the tool used to perform it.

"새 전화기를 사러 전자상가에 갔어요." (I went to the electronics market to buy a new phone device.)

Usage in Literature
Often used to describe the silence or the ringing of a physical object to build suspense.

Using 전화기 correctly involves understanding its role as a concrete noun. It typically functions as the subject or object of sentences involving physical interaction—buying, fixing, holding, or placing. While '전화' is used with '하다' (to do/call), '전화기' is used with verbs like '들다' (to pick up), '놓다' (to put down), or '고치다' (to repair).

"전화기를 떨어뜨려서 화면이 깨졌어요." (I dropped the phone and the screen broke.)

When you want to emphasize the device's quality or state, 전화기 is the preferred term. For instance, '전화기가 비싸다' (The phone device is expensive) focuses on the hardware's price. In contrast, '전화가 비싸다' might imply that the call charges or the service is expensive.

Common Verb Pairings
1. 전화기를 끄다: To turn off the device.
2. 전화기를 켜다: To turn on the device.
3. 전화기를 충전하다: To charge the phone.

In a professional setting, such as an office, you might hear '전화기 수거' (collection of phone devices) or '전화기 교체' (replacement of phone units). These terms highlight the administrative and physical management of the hardware.

"회의 중에는 전화기를 진동으로 바꿔 주세요." (Please switch your phone to vibrate during the meeting.)

You will encounter the word 전화기 in various environments, ranging from retail spaces to technical support centers. In an electronics store like Samsung Digital Plaza or LG Best Shop, staff will use this term to refer to the models on display. It is also the standard term used in legal documents, insurance policies, and user manuals.

"이 전화기는 최신 모델입니다." (This phone device is the latest model.)

In schools or workplaces with strict policies, announcements might include the word: '시험 중에는 전화기를 가방에 넣으세요' (Put your phone devices in your bags during the exam). This formal usage ensures there is no ambiguity about what physical items are being discussed.

Customer Service
When calling a repair center: '전화기 액정이 나갔어요' (The phone screen is broken/dead).

Furthermore, in the context of public safety, signs might point to an '긴급 전화기' (emergency telephone) in tunnels or on highways. Here, the word emphasizes the physical station provided for help.

The most frequent error for learners is using 전화기 when they actually mean the act of calling. Because English often uses 'phone' for both the object and the action (e.g., 'I'm on the phone'), learners tend to over-apply '전화기'.

Incorrect: "전화기를 하고 있어요."

Correct: "전화를 하고 있어요."

Another mistake is using '전화기' when '핸드폰' (handphone/mobile) or '스마트폰' is more natural in casual conversation. While '전화기' is grammatically correct, it can sound slightly stiff or overly formal if you are just talking about your personal mobile device with friends.

Particle Usage
Learners often forget that '전화기' is a noun that requires object markers like '-를' when you are acting upon it (e.g., 전화기를 사다).

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 전화기 helps in choosing the right word for the right context. The Korean language has several specific terms for different types of telecommunication devices.

핸드폰 (Handphone)
The most common term for a mobile phone in Korea. It is a Konglish (Korean-English) term widely accepted.
스마트폰 (Smartphone)
Specifically refers to modern touch-screen devices with internet capabilities.
수화기 (Handset/Receiver)
Refers specifically to the part of the phone you hold to your ear and mouth.
공중전화 (Public Phone)
Refers to payphones found in public booths.

"요즘은 공중전화기를 찾기가 힘들어요." (These days, it is hard to find a public telephone device.)

While 전화기 is the umbrella term for all these devices, selecting a more specific word like '핸드폰' makes your Korean sound more native and contemporary.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

""

Informel

""

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

전화기가 방에 있어요.

The phone is in the room.

-이/가 있어요 (There is/exists)

2

이것은 제 전화기입니다.

This is my phone.

-입니다 (Formal polite 'to be')

3

전화기가 예뻐요.

The phone is pretty.

Adjective conjugation

4

전화기 어디에 있어요?

Where is the phone?

Question word '어디' (where)

5

전화기가 두 개 있어요.

There are two phones.

Counter '개' for objects

6

제 전화기예요.

It is my phone.

-예요 (Informal polite 'to be')

7

전화기가 커요.

The phone is big.

Basic adjective

8

전화기 주세요.

Please give me the phone.

-주세요 (Please give)

1

새 전화기를 샀어요.

I bought a new phone.

Past tense -았/었어요

2

전화기가 고장 났어요.

The phone is broken.

고장 나다 (to break down)

3

전화기를 책상 위에 놓으세요.

Please put the phone on the desk.

-으세요 (Imperative)

4

전화기가 벨이 울려요.

The phone is ringing.

Subject-predicate structure

5

전화기를 찾고 있어요.

I am looking for the phone.

-고 있다 (Progressive)

6

이 전화기는 너무 비싸요.

This phone is too expensive.

Adverb '너무' (too/very)

7

전화기를 떨어뜨렸어요.

I dropped the phone.

Transitive verb '떨어뜨리다'

8

전화기 번호를 몰라요.

I don't know the phone number.

Noun + Noun compound

1

전화기가 없어서 연락을 못 했어요.

I couldn't contact you because I didn't have a phone.

-아/어서 (Reason/Cause)

2

전화기를 충전해야 해요.

I have to charge the phone.

-아야/어야 하다 (Must/Have to)

3

어떤 전화기가 가장 좋아요?

Which phone is the best?

Superlative '가장'

4

전화기를 빌려줄 수 있어요?

Can you lend me your phone?

-을 수 있다 (Ability/Possibility)

5

전화기가 갑자기 꺼졌어요.

The phone suddenly turned off.

Adverb '갑자기' (suddenly)

6

전화기를 바꾸고 싶은데 추천해 주세요.

I want to change my phone, so please recommend one.

-고 싶다 + -ㄴ/은데

7

회의 중에는 전화기를 꺼 두세요.

Please keep your phone turned off during the meeting.

-아/어 두다 (State of completion)

8

전화기 소리를 좀 줄여 주세요.

Please turn down the phone volume a bit.

Verb '줄이다' (to reduce)

1

전화기 성능이 예전보다 훨씬 좋아졌어요.

The phone performance has become much better than before.

-아/어지다 (Change of state)

2

전화기를 분실했을 때는 즉시 신고해야 합니다.

When you lose your phone, you must report it immediately.

Formal '-해야 합니다'

3

이 전화기는 방수 기능이 있어서 안전해요.

This phone is safe because it has a waterproof function.

Noun '기능' (function)

4

전화기 화면을 닦을 때는 부드러운 천을 사용하세요.

Use a soft cloth when wiping the phone screen.

-을 때 (When/During)

5

전화기 사용 시간이 늘어나면서 눈이 피로해졌어요.

As phone usage time increased, my eyes became tired.

-면서 (While/As)

6

전화기 케이스를 씌우면 파손을 방지할 수 있습니다.

Putting on a phone case can prevent damage.

Noun '방지' (prevention)

7

중고 전화기를 사고파는 시장이 커지고 있습니다.

The market for buying and selling used phones is growing.

Compound verb '사고팔다'

8

전화기 배터리가 금방 소모되어서 불편해요.

It's inconvenient because the phone battery drains quickly.

Adverb '금방' (quickly/soon)

1

전화기는 현대인의 필수품이 되었습니다.

The telephone has become a necessity for modern people.

Noun '필수품' (necessity)

2

전화기 너머로 들려오는 목소리가 떨리고 있었다.

The voice coming through the phone was trembling.

Literary description

3

그는 전화기를 붙잡고 한참 동안 울먹였다.

He held onto the phone and sobbed for a long time.

Verb '울먹이다' (to be on the verge of crying)

4

전화기 기술의 발달은 시공간의 제약을 허물었다.

The development of telephone technology broke down the constraints of time and space.

Abstract noun usage

5

공중전화기는 이제 도시의 유물처럼 남아 있다.

Public telephones now remain like relics of the city.

Simile '처럼'

6

전화기 수신 상태가 불량하여 대화가 끊겼다.

The conversation was cut off due to poor phone reception.

Formal noun '수신 상태'

7

스마트폰은 단순한 전화기를 넘어선 지능형 기기이다.

Smartphones are intelligent devices that go beyond simple telephones.

-을 넘어서다 (To go beyond)

8

전화기 보급률이 높아지면서 공중전화가 사라졌다.

As the telephone penetration rate rose, public phones disappeared.

Noun '보급률' (penetration/distribution rate)

1

전화기라는 매체는 인간 소통의 본질을 변화시켰다.

The medium called the telephone has changed the essence of human communication.

-라는 (Called/Named)

2

초기 전화기는 음성 전달의 충실도 면에서 한계가 있었다.

Early telephones had limitations in terms of voice transmission fidelity.

Technical term '충실도' (fidelity)

3

전화기 내부의 복잡한 회로가 정밀하게 설계되었다.

The complex circuits inside the phone were precisely designed.

Adverb '정밀하게' (precisely)

4

그는 전화기를 내려놓으며 깊은 한숨을 내쉬었다.

He let out a deep sigh as he put down the phone.

Sequential action -으며

5

전화기 너머의 침묵은 때로 백 마디 말보다 무겁다.

The silence over the phone is sometimes heavier than a hundred words.

Metaphorical usage

6

정보통신 혁명은 전화기라는 단말기의 진화에서 비롯되었다.

The information and communication revolution originated from the evolution of the terminal called the telephone.

-에서 비롯되다 (To originate from)

7

전화기 사용의 익명성은 사회적 상호작용의 양상을 뒤바꿨다.

The anonymity of phone use has overturned the patterns of social interaction.

Noun '익명성' (anonymity)

8

전화기 부품의 소형화는 모빌리티 시대의 서막을 알렸다.

The miniaturization of phone components heralded the beginning of the mobility era.

Noun '서막' (prologue/beginning)

Collocations courantes

전화기를 들다
전화기를 놓다
전화기를 고치다
전화기를 사다
전화기를 끄다
전화기를 켜다
전화기를 충전하다
전화기를 떨어뜨리다
전화기를 분실하다
전화기를 교체하다

Phrases Courantes

전화기가 울리다

전화기 너머로

전화기 소리

새 전화기

오래된 전화기

공중전화기

집 전화기

사무실 전화기

전화기 화면

전화기 버튼

Souvent confondu avec

전화기 vs 전화 (The act of calling)

전화기 vs 전기 (Electricity)

전화기 vs 전화기 (Sometimes confused with '세탁기' by beginners due to the '-기' suffix)

Expressions idiomatiques

""

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Facile à confondre

전화기 vs

전화기 vs

전화기 vs

전화기 vs

전화기 vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

counter

Always use '대' (e.g., 전화기 세 대).

distinction

전화 (Call/Service) vs 전화기 (Physical Device)

Erreurs courantes
  • Using '전화기' with '하다' (to do).
  • Using '개' instead of '대' as a counter.
  • Confusing '전화기' (device) with '전화' (call).
  • Misspelling it as '전하기'.
  • Using it for 'electricity' (전기) by mistake.

Astuces

Root Learning

Learn the Hanja '기' (machine). It will help you understand words like 세탁기, 선풍기, and 계산기.

Counter Usage

Always use '대' for counting. '전화기 한 개' is understood but '전화기 한 대' is correct.

Natural Flow

In casual settings, use '핸드폰' or just '폰' to sound more like a native speaker.

Context Clues

If you hear '전화기' in a store, they are talking about the product models.

Formal Writing

In essays or formal emails, use '전화기' to refer to the device.

Phone Etiquette

Koreans often answer the phone with '여보세요' (Yeoboseyo).

Visual Association

Picture a '전화기' on a desk every time you see the word.

Action vs Object

Remember: You use the '전화기' to make a '전화'.

Soft 'H'

The 'h' in 'hwa' is light. Don't over-emphasize it.

Technical Terms

Learn '단말기' (terminal) for more professional telecommunications contexts.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Sino-Korean

Contexte culturel

The first telephone was introduced to the Korean royal court in the late 19th century.

In Korea, it is polite to turn off your phone or put it on silent in public transport and cinemas.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"전화기 새로 샀어요?"

"전화기 어디서 샀어요?"

"제 전화기 못 보셨어요?"

"이 전화기 사용법 좀 알려주세요."

"전화기 충전기 있어요?"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 하루 동안 전화기를 얼마나 사용했나요?

처음 가졌던 전화기에 대해 써 보세요.

전화기가 없다면 우리 삶은 어떻게 변할까요?

가장 좋아하는 전화기 브랜드는 무엇인가요?

전화기를 잃어버렸던 경험이 있나요?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Not exactly. '전화기' is a general term for any telephone device, including landlines. '핸드폰' specifically refers to mobile phones.

No, that is incorrect. You should say '전화를 해요' to mean 'I am making a call.'

The counter is '대' (dae), which is used for machines and vehicles.

It is more formal than '폰' or '핸드폰', but it is a standard word used in everyday life.

You can say '고장 난 전화기'.

Yes, a smartphone is a type of '전화기'.

It means 'machine' or 'tool' (器/機).

You say '전화기를 잃어버렸어요'.

Yes, '공중전화기' is the full term for a public telephone device.

It is '전화기'. '전하기' (without the 'hwa') is the noun form of '전하다' (to deliver/convey).

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