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횡단보도

A2 noun #7,000 most common 7 min read

횡단보도

Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 횡단보도 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 횡단보도 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 횡단보도 as a basic vocabulary word for moving around the city. Think of it as 'the place with white lines where you cross the street.' You will use it with simple verbs like 'go' (가다) or 'cross' (건너다). It is one of the first safety words taught to beginners because it is essential for following directions. You might see it in pictures in your textbook next to a traffic light. Focus on the pronunciation: hoeng-dan-bo-do. Don't worry about the Hanja yet; just remember the sound and the image of the white stripes.

At the A2 level, you can start using 횡단보도 in more complete sentences. You should be able to ask where the nearest crosswalk is: '횡단보도가 어디에 있어요?' You also learn the importance of the signal (신호등) and the colors: 초록불 (green light) and 빨간불 (red light). You can describe your daily commute, mentioning that you wait at the crosswalk. This level focuses on practical usage in everyday life, such as following GPS directions or meeting a friend near a crosswalk. You should also be aware of basic safety phrases associated with it.

At the B1 level, you can use 횡단보도 to give detailed directions to others. You might say, '횡단보도를 건너서 약국 옆으로 가세요' (Cross the crosswalk and go next to the pharmacy). You also begin to understand the nuances between 횡단보도 and other terms like 육교 (overpass) or 지하도 (underpass). You can talk about traffic rules in a general sense, such as why it's important to use the crosswalk instead of jaywalking (무단횡단). Your ability to use particles like -에서 and -를 correctly with this word should be consistent.

At the B2 level, you can discuss more complex topics involving 횡단보도, such as urban safety, traffic laws, and city planning. You might talk about the 'School Zone' (스쿨존) and the specific rules for crosswalks in those areas. You can understand news reports about traffic accidents or new infrastructure developments. You should also be familiar with related idiomatic expressions or more formal terminology like '보행자 안전' (pedestrian safety). Your vocabulary expands to include terms like '대각선 횡단보도' (diagonal crosswalk/scramble crossing), which are becoming common in Korea.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word 횡단보도, including its Hanja roots (橫斷步道) and how those roots appear in other words (e.g., 종단 - longitudinal, 보행 - walking). You can participate in sophisticated discussions about social issues related to traffic, such as the rights of the disabled at crosswalks or the impact of 'floor signals' (바닥 신호등) on 'smartphone zombies' (스몸비). You can read and write formal reports or essays that use the word in a technical or legal context, understanding the full weight of the term in Korean law.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 횡단보도 is native-like. You can use the word in any context, from poetic descriptions of city life to complex legal arguments regarding traffic liability. You understand all cultural connotations, including how the crosswalk is portrayed in Korean media, films, and literature as a place of meeting, parting, or tension. You can effortlessly switch between formal, informal, and technical registers when discussing anything related to pedestrian infrastructure. You are also aware of the historical evolution of road safety in Korea and how the concept of the 횡단보도 has changed over the decades.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

횡단보도 in 30 Seconds

A 횡단보도 is a crosswalk marked with white stripes on the road for pedestrian safety.
It is a compound word: 횡단 (crossing) + 보도 (sidewalk/walkway).
Pedestrians should only cross when the signal is green and always look both ways.
In Korea, it is legally required for drivers to stop for pedestrians on a crosswalk.

The Korean word 횡단보도 (Hoeng-dan-bo-do) is a compound noun that translates directly to 'pedestrian crossing' or 'crosswalk.' In the context of South Korean urban life, where traffic is dense and street safety is paramount, this word is ubiquitous. It is composed of three Hanja characters: 횡 (橫 - to cross), 단 (斷 - to cut/sever), and 보도 (步道 - walkway). Together, they define a specific zone on a road designed for pedestrians to safely traverse from one side to the other. In Korea, these are typically marked with thick white stripes, leading to the common nickname 'zebra crossing' in English-speaking countries, though in Korean, the formal term 횡단보도 is almost always used in official and daily speech. You will encounter this word daily whether you are walking to a subway station, driving a car, or listening to navigation prompts. It represents more than just paint on asphalt; it is a legal boundary where the rights of the pedestrian are prioritized over the movement of vehicles. Understanding this word is essential for navigating any Korean city, from the bustling streets of Gangnam to the quiet neighborhoods of Jeju. The cultural significance of the 횡단보도 is also tied to the 'Green Light' (초록불) culture, where Korean pedestrians generally wait strictly for the signal to change, reflecting a collective respect for traffic laws and public order.

Etymology: Derived from Sino-Korean roots meaning 'crosswise-cut-walking-path'.
Visual Identification: Marked by white parallel stripes on the road surface, often accompanied by traffic lights.
Legal Context: Pedestrians have the right of way on a 횡단보도, and drivers must stop when the light is green for walkers.

저기 횡단보도에서 같이 건너요. (Let's cross together at that crosswalk over there.)

횡단보도를 건널 때는 좌우를 살피세요. (Look left and right when crossing the crosswalk.)

학교 앞 횡단보도는 특히 조심해야 합니다. (You must be especially careful at the crosswalk in front of the school.)

신호등이 없는 횡단보도에서는 차가 멈출 때까지 기다리세요. (At crosswalks without traffic lights, wait until the car stops.)

비 오는 날에는 횡단보도가 미끄러울 수 있습니다. (The crosswalk can be slippery on rainy days.)

Using 횡단보도 in a sentence typically involves verbs related to movement and safety. The most common verb paired with it is 건너다 (to cross). For example, '횡단보도를 건너다' (to cross the crosswalk). When you are waiting for the light to change, you use 기다리다 (to wait), as in '횡단보도 앞에서 기다려요' (Wait in front of the crosswalk). Grammatically, it functions as a standard noun and takes particles like -를/을 (object), -에서 (location of action), and -가/이 (subject). In more complex sentences, you might describe the state of the crosswalk or actions occurring near it. For instance, '횡단보도에 사람이 많아요' (There are many people at the crosswalk). In professional or safety-oriented contexts, you might hear '횡단보도 준수' (observing crosswalk rules). It is also frequently used with directional markers. '횡단보도를 지나서 오른쪽으로 가세요' (Go past the crosswalk and turn right). This is a vital phrase for anyone navigating Korean cities using maps or asking for help. Furthermore, the word appears in public service announcements, such as '횡단보도에서는 자전거에서 내려서 걸으세요' (Please get off your bicycle and walk at the crosswalk). This highlights the specific legal requirement in Korea to walk bikes across these zones. By mastering these patterns, learners can communicate effectively about their movements and ensure their safety while exploring Korea.

Common Verb Pairings: 건너다 (to cross), 멈추다 (to stop), 기다리다 (to wait), 발견하다 (to discover/spot).
Particle Usage: Use '를' when crossing it, '에서' when standing on it or waiting at it, and '앞에' when referring to the space before it.

아이들이 횡단보도를 안전하게 건너고 있습니다. (The children are safely crossing the crosswalk.)

운전자는 횡단보도 앞에서 반드시 일시 정지해야 합니다. (Drivers must come to a temporary stop in front of the crosswalk.)

The word 횡단보도 is a staple of daily auditory life in South Korea. You will hear it most frequently in three main environments: public transport, navigation systems, and social interactions. In buses, the automated voice might announce, '이번 정류장은 OO횡단보도 앞입니다' (The next stop is in front of OO Crosswalk). Navigation apps like Naver Maps or KakaoMap will constantly use it as a landmark: '30미터 앞 횡단보도에서 오른쪽 방향입니다' (In 30 meters, at the crosswalk, turn right). Additionally, in any social setting involving meeting up, it serves as a precise meeting point. Friends often say, '우리 역 앞 횡단보도에서 만나자' (Let's meet at the crosswalk in front of the station). You will also hear it in news reports concerning urban planning or traffic safety, where '횡단보도 설치' (installation of crosswalks) or '횡단보도 사고' (crosswalk accidents) are common topics. In schools, teachers frequently use the word when instructing students on safety during field trips. The word is so fundamental that even young children are taught it as one of their first 'safety words.' It is not a slang term or a word reserved for formal documents; it is the universal standard for describing this specific piece of road infrastructure. Whether you are listening to a podcast about city living or just walking through a busy intersection, 횡단보도 is a term that links the physical environment to the Korean language in a very practical way.

네비게이션: '잠시 후 횡단보도에서 좌회전입니다.' (Navigation: 'In a moment, turn left at the crosswalk.')

Learners of Korean often make a few specific mistakes when using the word 횡단보도. The most common is confusing it with other related infrastructure terms like 인도 (sidewalk) or 보도 (walkway/sidewalk). While 횡단보도 is specifically for *crossing* the road, 인도 refers to the path *alongside* the road where people walk. Another frequent error is using the wrong verb. Some learners might say '횡단보도를 가다' (go the crosswalk), but the correct and more natural expression is '건너다' (to cross). Additionally, learners sometimes forget that in Korea, bicycles and scooters should technically be pushed, not ridden, across a 횡단보도. Using the word in a sentence like '횡단보도에서 자전거를 타요' (I ride my bike on the crosswalk) might be grammatically correct but describes an action that is often legally discouraged. Finally, there is the confusion between 횡단보도 and 육교 (pedestrian overpass) or 지하도 (underpass). If you are looking for a way to cross the street but don't see stripes on the ground, you might actually be looking for a 육교 or 지하도. Misidentifying these can lead to confusion when asking for or giving directions. To avoid these mistakes, remember that 횡단보도 always implies the white stripes on the road level.

횡단보도 vs. 인도: 횡단보도 is for crossing; 인도 is the sidewalk where you walk parallel to traffic.
횡단보도 vs. 육교: 횡단보도 is on the ground; 육교 is a bridge over the road.

While 횡단보도 is the most precise and common term, there are several related words you should know to broaden your vocabulary. 건널목 is a common alternative, often used for railway crossings (철길 건널목) but sometimes used interchangeably with 횡단보도 in casual speech, although 횡단보도 remains more formal for roads. Another related term is 보행자 도로, which is a broader term for any pedestrian path. If you are in a large city like Seoul, you might also use 지하도 (underground passage) or 육교 (overpass) when a ground-level crossing isn't available. Understanding the difference between these is crucial for effective navigation. For example, if someone tells you to use the '육교', and you are looking for a '횡단보도', you will be looking at the ground instead of up at the bridge. In very informal settings, people might just say '길 건너는 곳' (the place to cross the street), but this is less common than simply using the correct noun. In technical or architectural contexts, you might see 횡단로, which is a more generic term for a crossing path. By learning these synonyms and related terms, you can better understand the nuances of Korean urban infrastructure and communicate more clearly in various situations.

건널목 (Geon-neol-mok): Often used for railroad crossings; more traditional feel than 횡단보도.
육교 (Yuk-gyo): A pedestrian bridge; used when you cross above the cars.
지하도 (Ji-ha-do): An underground walkway; common in busy intersections or near subway stations.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The term 'zebra crossing' was coined in the UK in 1947, but the Korean term 횡단보도 is a more literal, technical description of its function that has been used since the early days of modern road planning in Korea.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /hwʌŋ.dan.bo.do/

US /hwʌŋ.dan.bo.do/

Stress is relatively even across all syllables, typical of Korean, but a slight emphasis may fall on the first syllable '횡'.

Rhymes With

포도 (grape) 지도 (map) 수도 (capital city) 강도 (robber) 온도 (temperature) 속도 (speed) 용도 (usage) 제도 (system)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '횡' as '홍' (Hong) - forgeting the 'w' glide.
Pronouncing '단' as '댄' (Dan like the English name).
Over-stressing the last syllable '도'.
Mixing up '보도' with '포도' (grape).
Mumbling the 'ng' sound at the end of '횡'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is long but consists of common syllables.

Writing 3/5

Spelling '횡' can be tricky for beginners due to the double vowel.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once you master 'hw'.

Listening 2/5

Clear and distinct sounds make it easy to recognize.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

길 (road) 사람 (person) 가다 (to go) 보다 (to see) 서다 (to stand)

Learn Next

신호등 (traffic light) 운전하다 (to drive) 안전 (safety) 조심하다 (to be careful) 건너다 (to cross)

Advanced

교통법규 (traffic laws) 보행권 (pedestrian rights) 무단횡단 (jaywalking) 일시정지 (temporary stop) 과속방지턱 (speed bump)

Grammar to Know

-를/을 건너다 (Crossing [Object])

횡단보도를 건너요.

-에서 기다리다 (Waiting at [Location])

횡단보도에서 기다려요.

-기 전에 (Before doing something)

횡단보도를 건너기 전에 멈추세요.

-면 안 되다 (Must not do something)

빨간불에 횡단보도를 건너면 안 돼요.

-아야/어야 하다 (Must do something)

횡단보도에서는 조심해야 해요.

Examples by Level

횡단보도가 있어요.

There is a crosswalk.

횡단보도 (noun) + 가 (subject particle) + 있어요 (exists/there is).

횡단보도를 건너요.

I cross the crosswalk.

횡단보도 (noun) + 를 (object particle) + 건너요 (cross).

횡단보도에서 기다려요.

I wait at the crosswalk.

횡단보도 (noun) + 에서 (location particle) + 기다려요 (wait).

저기 횡단보도가 있어요.

There is a crosswalk over there.

저기 (over there) + 횡단보도 + 가 + 있어요.

횡단보도는 하얀색이에요.

The crosswalk is white.

횡단보도 + 는 (topic particle) + 하얀색 (white) + 이에요 (is).

횡단보도 앞에 서요.

Stand in front of the crosswalk.

횡단보도 + 앞 (front) + 에 (location) + 서요 (stand).

엄마와 횡단보도를 건너요.

I cross the crosswalk with my mom.

엄마 (mom) + 와 (with) + 횡단보도 + 를 + 건너요.

횡단보도에서 뛰지 마세요.

Don't run at the crosswalk.

횡단보도 + 에서 + 뛰지 마세요 (don't run).

초록불에 횡단보도를 건너세요.

Cross the crosswalk at the green light.

초록불 (green light) + 에 (at/time) + 횡단보도 + 를 + 건너세요 (please cross).

횡단보도 근처에 편의점이 있어요.

There is a convenience store near the crosswalk.

횡단보도 + 근처 (near) + 에 + 편의점 (convenience store) + 이 + 있어요.

학교 앞 횡단보도는 안전해요.

The crosswalk in front of the school is safe.

학교 (school) + 앞 + 횡단보도 + 는 + 안전해요 (is safe).

횡단보도에서 자전거를 타지 마세요.

Do not ride a bicycle on the crosswalk.

횡단보도 + 에서 + 자전거 (bicycle) + 를 + 타지 마세요 (don't ride).

다음 횡단보도에서 오른쪽으로 가세요.

Go right at the next crosswalk.

다음 (next) + 횡단보도 + 에서 + 오른쪽 (right) + 으로 (direction) + 가세요.

사람들이 횡단보도에서 신호를 기다려요.

People are waiting for the signal at the crosswalk.

사람들 (people) + 이 + 횡단보도 + 에서 + 신호 (signal) + 를 + 기다려요.

횡단보도가 너무 길어요.

The crosswalk is too long.

횡단보도 + 가 + 너무 (too) + 길어요 (is long).

여기 횡단보도를 이용하세요.

Please use the crosswalk here.

여기 (here) + 횡단보도 + 를 + 이용하세요 (please use).

횡단보도를 건널 때는 항상 스마트폰을 보지 마세요.

Always avoid looking at your smartphone when crossing the crosswalk.

건널 때 (when crossing) + 항상 (always) + 스마트폰 + 을 + 보지 마세요.

비가 오면 횡단보도가 미끄러우니 조심해야 합니다.

You must be careful because the crosswalk is slippery when it rains.

비가 오면 (if it rains) + 미끄러우니 (because it is slippery) + 조심해야 합니다 (must be careful).

횡단보도 신호가 짧아서 빨리 건너야 했어요.

I had to cross quickly because the crosswalk signal was short.

신호 + 가 + 짧아서 (because it was short) + 빨리 (quickly) + 건너야 했어요 (had to cross).

이 근처에는 횡단보도가 없어서 육교를 이용해야 해요.

There is no crosswalk nearby, so you have to use the overpass.

없어서 (because there isn't) + 육교 (overpass) + 를 + 이용해야 해요 (have to use).

횡단보도 앞에 있는 노란색 선 뒤에서 기다리세요.

Wait behind the yellow line in front of the crosswalk.

노란색 선 (yellow line) + 뒤 (behind) + 에서 + 기다리세요.

운전자는 횡단보도에 보행자가 있으면 멈춰야 합니다.

Drivers must stop if there is a pedestrian on the crosswalk.

보행자 (pedestrian) + 가 + 있으면 (if there is) + 멈춰야 합니다 (must stop).

횡단보도를 찾느라 한참을 걸었어요.

I walked for a while trying to find a crosswalk.

찾느라 (due to trying to find) + 한참 (a long time) + 을 + 걸었어요 (walked).

밤에는 횡단보도에서 더 주의를 기울여야 합니다.

At night, you must pay more attention at the crosswalk.

밤 (night) + 에는 + 더 (more) + 주의를 기울여야 합니다 (must pay attention).

최근 서울 시내에 대각선 횡단보도가 늘어나고 있습니다.

Recently, diagonal crosswalks are increasing in downtown Seoul.

대각선 (diagonal) + 늘어나고 있습니다 (is increasing).

횡단보도 바닥 신호등 덕분에 밤길이 더 안전해졌어요.

The road at night has become safer thanks to the crosswalk floor signals.

바닥 신호등 (floor signal) + 덕분에 (thanks to) + 안전해졌어요 (became safe).

무단횡단을 하지 말고 반드시 횡단보도를 이용합시다.

Let's not jaywalk and definitely use the crosswalk.

무단횡단 (jaywalking) + 하지 말고 (don't do and) + 반드시 (definitely) + 이용합시다 (let's use).

횡단보도 사고를 예방하기 위해 과속 방지턱이 설치되었습니다.

Speed bumps were installed to prevent crosswalk accidents.

사고 (accident) + 예방하기 위해 (to prevent) + 과속 방지턱 (speed bump).

보행자가 횡단보도를 건너고 있을 때 우회전하는 차는 조심해야 해요.

Cars turning right must be careful when a pedestrian is crossing the crosswalk.

우회전하는 (turning right) + 차 (car) + 는 + 조심해야 해요.

횡단보도의 위치가 시민들의 편의를 위해 조정되었습니다.

The location of the crosswalk was adjusted for the convenience of citizens.

위치 (location) + 시민 (citizen) + 편의 (convenience) + 조정되었습니다 (was adjusted).

스쿨존 내 횡단보도에서는 시속 30km 이하로 서행하세요.

Drive slowly under 30km/h at crosswalks within school zones.

스쿨존 (school zone) + 내 (within) + 시속 (speed per hour) + 이하 (below) + 서행하세요 (drive slowly).

횡단보도를 건너기 전에는 좌우를 살피는 습관을 들여야 합니다.

You should develop the habit of looking left and right before crossing the crosswalk.

건너기 전 (before crossing) + 습관 (habit) + 들여야 합니다 (must develop).

고령 보행자의 안전을 위해 횡단보도의 보행 신호 시간을 연장했습니다.

The pedestrian signal time at crosswalks has been extended for the safety of elderly pedestrians.

고령 보행자 (elderly pedestrian) + 신호 시간 (signal time) + 연장했습니다 (extended).

도시 설계 단계에서 횡단보도의 배치는 보행권 확보의 핵심 요소입니다.

In the urban design stage, the placement of crosswalks is a key element in securing pedestrian rights.

도시 설계 (urban design) + 배치 (placement) + 보행권 (pedestrian rights) + 핵심 요소 (key element).

횡단보도 예고 표시를 통해 운전자가 미리 속도를 줄이도록 유도합니다.

Drivers are encouraged to reduce their speed in advance through crosswalk advance warning signs.

예고 표시 (advance notice marking) + 유도합니다 (induce/guide).

스마트 횡단보도는 센서를 통해 보행자의 유무를 감지하고 조명을 조절합니다.

Smart crosswalks detect the presence of pedestrians through sensors and adjust the lighting.

스마트 횡단보도 + 센서 + 유무 (presence or absence) + 감지하고 (detecting and).

횡단보도에서의 우회전 일시 정지 의무화가 시행된 이후 사고율이 감소했습니다.

Since the mandatory temporary stop for right turns at crosswalks was implemented, the accident rate has decreased.

우회전 일시 정지 (right turn temporary stop) + 의무화 (mandating) + 시행 (implementation).

보행자 중심의 도로 환경을 조성하기 위해 횡단보도의 턱을 낮추는 공사가 진행 중입니다.

Construction is underway to lower the curbs of crosswalks to create a pedestrian-centered road environment.

보행자 중심 (pedestrian-centered) + 턱을 낮추는 (lowering the curb).

횡단보도는 단순한 교통 시설을 넘어 도시의 연결성을 상징하는 공간입니다.

Beyond simple traffic facilities, crosswalks are spaces that symbolize the connectivity of a city.

단순한 (simple) + 시설 (facility) + 넘어 (beyond) + 상징하는 (symbolizing).

교차로의 횡단보도 배치는 교통 흐름과 보행 안전 사이의 정교한 균형이 필요합니다.

The placement of crosswalks at intersections requires a sophisticated balance between traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

교차로 (intersection) + 교통 흐름 (traffic flow) + 정교한 균형 (sophisticated balance).

횡단보도는 법적으로 보행자의 절대적인 보호가 보장되어야 하는 성역과도 같습니다.

Legally, a crosswalk is like a sanctuary where the absolute protection of pedestrians must be guaranteed.

절대적인 보호 (absolute protection) + 성역 (sanctuary) + 과도 같습니다 (is like).

현대 도시에서 횡단보도는 인간과 기계가 조우하고 질서를 타협하는 접점입니다.

In modern cities, the crosswalk is the point of contact where humans and machines encounter each other and negotiate order.

조우하고 (encountering and) + 타협하는 (negotiating/compromising) + 접점 (contact point).

횡단보도의 도색 방식과 재질은 기상 조건에 따른 가시성을 극대화하도록 설계되어야 합니다.

The painting method and materials of crosswalks should be designed to maximize visibility according to weather conditions.

도색 방식 (painting method) + 가시성 (visibility) + 극대화하도록 (to maximize).

기존의 횡단보도 개념을 탈피한 입체적 보행 공간에 대한 논의가 활발히 이루어지고 있습니다.

Discussions about three-dimensional pedestrian spaces that break away from existing crosswalk concepts are actively taking place.

개념을 탈피한 (breaking away from the concept) + 입체적 (three-dimensional).

횡단보도 내에서의 사고는 운전자의 중과실로 간주되어 엄중한 법적 책임을 묻게 됩니다.

Accidents within a crosswalk are considered gross negligence on the part of the driver and entail heavy legal responsibility.

중과실 (gross negligence) + 간주되어 (being considered) + 법적 책임 (legal responsibility).

횡단보도의 소리 신호기는 시각장애인의 이동권 보장을 위한 필수적인 보조 장치입니다.

The acoustic signal at a crosswalk is an essential auxiliary device for guaranteeing the right of movement for the visually impaired.

소리 신호기 (acoustic signal) + 이동권 (right of movement) + 필수적인 (essential).

도시 미관과 보행 안전을 동시에 충족시키는 창의적인 횡단보도 디자인이 세계적으로 주목받고 있습니다.

Creative crosswalk designs that satisfy both urban aesthetics and pedestrian safety are gaining worldwide attention.

도시 미관 (urban aesthetics) + 충족시키는 (satisfying) + 주목받고 있습니다 (is receiving attention).

횡단보도의 유기적인 배치는 대중교통 이용 효율을 높이는 도시 공학의 정수입니다.

The organic placement of crosswalks is the essence of urban engineering that enhances the efficiency of public transportation use.

유기적인 (organic) + 이용 효율 (usage efficiency) + 정수 (essence).

Common Collocations

횡단보도를 건너다

횡단보도 신호등

횡단보도 앞

횡단보도 설치

횡단보도 사고

대각선 횡단보도

횡단보도 정지선

횡단보도 도색

스마트 횡단보도

횡단보도 예고

Common Phrases

횡단보도를 이용하다

— To use the crosswalk. This is a common safety instruction.

길을 건널 때는 반드시 횡단보도를 이용하세요.

횡단보도에서 멈추다

— To stop at the crosswalk. Used for both cars and pedestrians.

빨간불이면 횡단보도에서 멈추세요.

횡단보도를 지나다

— To pass by or go through a crosswalk.

횡단보도를 지나면 바로 건물이 보여요.

횡단보도 신호를 기다리다

— To wait for the crosswalk signal.

아이들이 횡단보도 신호를 기다리고 있습니다.

횡단보도가 보이다

— To see a crosswalk.

저 멀리 횡단보도가 보여요.

횡단보도에 서 있다

— To be standing at the crosswalk.

그는 횡단보도에 서서 전화를 하고 있어요.

횡단보도를 그리다

— To paint/draw a crosswalk.

도로 위에 횡단보도를 새로 그렸어요.

횡단보도가 없다

— There is no crosswalk.

이 길에는 횡단보도가 없어서 불편해요.

횡단보도를 확인하다

— To check for a crosswalk.

먼저 횡단보도를 확인하고 건너세요.

횡단보도 근처

— Near the crosswalk.

횡단보도 근처에서 사고가 났어요.

Often Confused With

횡단보도 vs 인도

Indo is the sidewalk; Hoengdanbodo is the crossing.

횡단보도 vs 육교

Yukgyo is a bridge over the road; Hoengdanbodo is on the ground.

횡단보도 vs 지하도

Jihado is an underground tunnel; Hoengdanbodo is on the surface.

Idioms & Expressions

"인생의 횡단보도"

— Metaphorically, a turning point or a place where one must wait for a signal in life.

우리는 지금 인생의 횡단보도 앞에 서 있습니다.

Literary

"횡단보도 인생"

— Refers to a life of following rules strictly or a repetitive daily routine.

그는 매일 같은 길을 걷는 횡단보도 인생을 살고 있다.

Metaphorical

"초록불이 켜지다"

— While not using the word 'crosswalk', this idiom (the green light is on) means getting the go-ahead to start something.

드디어 우리 프로젝트에 초록불이 켜졌어요.

Common

"빨간불이 들어오다"

— A warning that something is going wrong (the red light came on).

경제 지표에 빨간불이 들어왔습니다.

Common

"길을 닦다"

— To pave the way (often used in the context of infrastructure).

선배들이 닦아놓은 길을 우리가 걷고 있다.

Common

"손을 들고 건너다"

— Specifically refers to children's safety; to be very cautious and visible.

아이처럼 손을 들고 건너야 할 만큼 조심스러운 상황이다.

Metaphorical

"멈춤의 미학"

— The beauty of stopping; often used when discussing traffic safety at crosswalks.

횡단보도 앞에서의 멈춤의 미학이 필요합니다.

Literary

"선을 넘다"

— To cross the line (figuratively); can relate to the stop line at a crosswalk.

그의 농담은 선을 넘었어요.

Common Slang

"눈치 게임"

— A game of wits/looking at others; often used for when pedestrians and drivers try to guess who will go first at a crosswalk without signals.

횡단보도에서 운전자와 눈치 게임을 했어요.

Slang

"안전 제일"

— Safety first; the most common slogan seen near crosswalks.

횡단보도에서는 항상 안전 제일입니다.

Common

Easily Confused

횡단보도 vs 인도 (Sidewalk)

Both are for pedestrians.

인도 is the path parallel to the road. 횡단보도 is the path perpendicular to the road to cross it.

인도를 걷다가 횡단보도에서 멈췄어요.

횡단보도 vs 보도 (Walkway/Sidewalk)

Similar sounding and both relate to walking.

보도 is a general term for any walking path. 횡단보도 is specifically for crossing.

보도 블록을 새로 깔고 횡단보도를 그렸어요.

횡단보도 vs 건널목 (Crossing)

Often translated the same way.

건널목 is primarily used for railroad crossings. 횡단보도 is for road crossings.

철길 건널목과 도로 횡단보도는 다릅니다.

횡단보도 vs 차도 (Car Road)

Opposite concept but found in the same place.

차도 is for vehicles only. 횡단보도 is the only part of the 차도 where pedestrians are allowed.

차도에 들어가지 말고 횡단보도로 다니세요.

횡단보도 vs 정지선 (Stop Line)

Found at the edge of the crosswalk.

정지선 is the solid line cars must stop behind. 횡단보도 is the striped area for walking.

차가 횡단보도 정지선을 지켰어요.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]이/가 있어요

횡단보도가 있어요.

[Noun]을/를 건너요

횡단보도를 건너요.

[Noun]에서 기다리세요

횡단보도에서 기다리세요.

[Noun] 근처에 [Noun]이/가 있어요

횡단보도 근처에 학교가 있어요.

[Verb]기 전에 [Verb]세요

횡단보도를 건너기 전에 살피세요.

[Noun] 때문에 [Adjective]

횡단보도 때문에 길이 막혀요.

[Noun]을/를 위해 [Noun]이/가 설치되다

안전을 위해 횡단보도가 설치되었어요.

[Noun]에 의한 [Noun] 사고

횡단보도에 의한 보행자 사고.

Word Family

Nouns

횡단 (crossing)

보도 (sidewalk)

보행자 (pedestrian)

보행 (walking)

도로 (road)

Verbs

횡단하다 (to cross)

보행하다 (to walk)

건너다 (to cross - native Korean word)

신호등 (traffic light)

육교 (overpass)

지하도 (underpass)

정지선 (stop line)

차도 (car road)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in urban environments and navigation.

Common Mistakes

횡단보도를 가다 → 횡단보도를 건너다
You don't 'go' a crosswalk, you 'cross' it. '건너다' is the natural verb.
횡단보도 위에 자전거를 타다 → 횡단보도에서 자전거를 끌고 가다
Legally and naturally, you should 'pull/walk' your bike across, not 'ride' it.
인도에서 길을 건너요 → 횡단보도에서 길을 건너요
Confusing 'sidewalk' (인도) with 'crosswalk' (횡단보도).
신호등을 건너다 → 횡단보도를 건너다
You cross the 'crosswalk', not the 'traffic light'.
횡단보도에 멈추다 (as a pedestrian waiting) → 횡단보도 앞에서 기다리다
While '멈추다' is okay, '앞에서 기다리다' is more common for pedestrians.

Tips

Look Both Ways

Even at a 횡단보도 with a green light, always look left and right for turning cars.

Use the Right Particle

Remember: 횡단보도'를' 건너다 (cross the...) but 횡단보도'에서' 기다리다 (wait at the...).

Meeting Spot

횡단보도 are great meeting spots because they are easy to find on any map.

Related Words

Learn '신호등' (traffic light) along with '횡단보도' as they are almost always used together.

The 'H' Sound

Don't drop the 'H' in 'Hoeng'. It should be a clear, breathy start.

Map Apps

When using Naver Maps, look for the '횡' icon to find the nearest crossing.

Right Turn Rules

In Korea, cars can often turn right on red, but they must stop if a pedestrian is on the 횡단보도.

Hanja Roots

Knowing that '횡' means 'across' helps you learn other words like '횡단열차' (trans-continental train).

Rainy Days

The white paint on a 횡단보도 can be very slippery when wet. Walk carefully!

Floor Signals

Look for the LED strips on the ground in big cities; they are a unique feature of Korean crosswalks.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Hoeng' as the sound a car makes when it 'hangs' a left across a 'Dan' (dawn) 'Bo-do' (boat-dock).

Visual Association

Visualize the white stripes on the road as a ladder laying flat that you use to climb across the river of cars.

Word Web

Road Safety White Stripes Green Light Pedestrian Wait Cross Stop

Challenge

Try to spot 10 횡단보도 today and say the word out loud each time you see one. If you cross one, say '횡단보도를 건너요'.

Word Origin

Sino-Korean word composed of three parts: 횡 (橫), 단 (斷), and 보도 (步道).

Original meaning: 橫 (crosswise) + 斷 (to cut) + 步道 (walking path). Literally, 'a walking path that cuts across (the road)'.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Always mention that for the visually impaired, 횡단보도 are equipped with tactile paving (yellow bumpy tiles) and acoustic signals.

In English-speaking countries, terms vary: 'Crosswalk' (US/Canada), 'Zebra Crossing' or 'Pedestrian Crossing' (UK/Australia/NZ).

The Beatles' Abbey Road album cover is the most famous 횡단보도 in the world. The 'scramble crossing' in Shibuya, Tokyo, is a famous type of diagonal 횡단보도. The K-drama 'Goblin' features several iconic scenes at a 횡단보도.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Asking for directions

가장 가까운 횡단보도가 어디예요?
횡단보도를 건너야 하나요?
횡단보도에서 얼마나 더 가야 해요?
저 횡단보도를 건너면 보일 거예요.

Driving a car

횡단보도 앞에서 멈추세요.
횡단보도에 사람이 있어요.
횡단보도 신호가 바뀌었어요.
횡단보도를 조심해서 지나가세요.

Teaching safety

횡단보도에서는 뛰지 마세요.
손을 들고 횡단보도를 건너요.
횡단보도 신호가 깜빡거려요.
횡단보도를 건너기 전에 멈춰요.

Meeting someone

횡단보도 앞에서 기다릴게.
횡단보도 건너편에서 만나자.
횡단보도 바로 옆에 있어.
횡단보도 쪽으로 와.

Using public transport

횡단보도 정류장에서 내려주세요.
횡단보도를 지나서 세워주세요.
횡단보도 앞에 버스가 서요.
횡단보도를 건너면 지하철역이에요.

Conversation Starters

"근처에 횡단보도가 어디 있는지 아세요? (Do you know where a crosswalk is nearby?)"

"이 횡단보도는 신호가 정말 길네요, 그쵸? (This crosswalk signal is really long, isn't it?)"

"한국은 횡단보도에 그늘막이 있어서 참 좋아요. (It's really nice that Korea has shade umbrellas at crosswalks.)"

"아이들에게 횡단보도 교육을 어떻게 시키나요? (How do you teach children about crosswalk safety?)"

"여기 횡단보도는 대각선으로 건널 수 있네요! (You can cross diagonally at this crosswalk!)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 횡단보도를 몇 번 건넜나요? 어디를 가고 있었나요? (How many times did you cross a crosswalk today? Where were you going?)

우리 동네 횡단보도의 특징을 설명해 보세요. (Describe the characteristics of the crosswalks in your neighborhood.)

횡단보도에서 신호를 기다리며 어떤 생각을 하나요? (What do you think about while waiting for the signal at a crosswalk?)

교통 안전을 위해 횡단보도에 어떤 기능이 더 필요할까요? (What functions are needed at crosswalks for traffic safety?)

횡단보도와 관련된 기억에 남는 경험이 있나요? (Do you have a memorable experience related to a crosswalk?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically, in Korea, you should get off and walk your bike. If you ride it and an accident occurs, you might be held more liable.

It is for visually impaired people to know they are approaching the edge of the road and the start of the crosswalk.

Yes, in smaller streets or residential areas, there are crosswalks without lights. In these cases, cars are supposed to yield to pedestrians.

It's a crossing where all car traffic stops, and pedestrians can cross in any direction, including diagonally, across the intersection.

Yellow crosswalks are typically located in 'School Zones' to alert drivers to be extra cautious of children.

It varies by road width, but it's usually calculated at a walking speed of about 1 meter per second, plus a few extra seconds.

If you are already crossing, continue quickly to the other side. If you haven't started, wait for the next green light.

Yes, it is illegal and can result in a fine, especially if there is a crosswalk within a certain distance.

They are LED strips on the ground that mirror the traffic signal, designed to help 'smartphone zombies' see the signal without looking up.

Koreans generally wait until the light turns green, even if no cars are coming, showing a high level of civic order.