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A2 noun #6,500 most common 8 min read

팩스

Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 팩스 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 팩스 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '팩스' (paek-seu) is introduced as a basic noun for office equipment. You don't need to know technical details, just that it is a machine used to send papers. In A1, you learn simple sentences like 'I send a fax' or 'Where is the fax?'. Because it sounds very similar to the English word, it is one of the easiest Korean nouns to memorize. You should focus on combining it with simple particles like '-를' (object marker) and verbs like '보내다' (to send). It's a great example of how English loanwords are adapted into the Korean phonetic system using 'ㅍ' instead of 'f'.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '팩스' in more practical, everyday situations. You might need to ask for a fax number at a bank or tell a doctor you will fax a document. You will learn the instrumental particle '-로' to say 'by fax' (팩스로). You also start using more polite sentence endings like '-요' or '-습니다'. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between the machine ('팩스기') and the act of faxing. You might also encounter the word in the context of '팩스 번호' (fax number) when filling out basic forms or providing contact information.

By B1, you are expected to handle common office or administrative tasks in Korean. You will use '팩스' in complex sentences that include reasons or conditions, such as 'The fax didn't go through, so I'll try again' (팩스가 안 보내져서 다시 보낼게요). You will become familiar with common office verbs like '확인하다' (to check) and '도착하다' (to arrive). You might also start hearing about '모바일 팩스' (mobile fax) and understand that it's a digital alternative. Your ability to describe problems with the machine, such as paper jams or connection issues, will also develop at this level.

At the B2 level, you can discuss the role of '팩스' in professional environments with more nuance. You'll understand why certain industries in Korea, like legal or medical fields, still rely on faxing for security and verification. You can use passive forms like '팩스가 전송되었습니다' (The fax has been transmitted). You'll also be able to navigate more formal business emails or phone calls where you might have to coordinate document exchanges using multiple methods (fax, email, and mail). You understand the social context of when a fax is more appropriate than a text message.

At the C1 level, you can engage in discussions about the digital transformation of Korean society and the persistence of 'analog' technologies like '팩스'. You can use advanced vocabulary like '효율성' (efficiency), '보안' (security), and '관습' (custom) to explain why faxes are still used. You will notice '팩스' appearing in legal texts, official government announcements, and technical manuals. You can also understand idiomatic or highly formal ways of referring to document transmission in a corporate hierarchy, and you can troubleshoot complex issues involving fax servers or integrated office networks.

At the C2 level, '팩스' is just one small part of your vast vocabulary, but you understand its historical significance in Korea's rapid economic development (the 'Miracle on the Han River'). You can analyze the linguistic transition of loanwords and how '팩스' has maintained its place despite the 'IT powerhouse' status of South Korea. You can write professional reports or legal arguments where the timing or receipt of a '팩스' is a critical piece of evidence. You have a near-native grasp of all registers, from technical IT jargon involving fax protocols to the casual office slang used around the 'OA' room.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

팩스 in 30 Seconds

팩스 (paek-seu) means 'fax' and is a loanword used for both the machine and the message.
It is commonly used in Korean offices, law firms, and government centers for official documents.
The most frequent verb pairing is 팩스를 보내다 (to send a fax) and the particle is 팩스로 (by fax).
While aging, it persists due to legal security needs and is now often used via mobile apps.

The Korean word 팩스 (paek-seu) is a loanword derived from the English term 'fax,' which is short for 'facsimile.' In the Korean language, this noun refers both to the physical device used to transmit documents over a telephone line and the document itself that is transmitted. While the world has moved largely toward digital communication like email and cloud sharing, the word 팩스 remains surprisingly relevant in the South Korean professional landscape. It is a staple in various sectors including government administration, legal services, medical institutions, and real estate agencies. Understanding this word involves recognizing its role as a bridge between traditional paper-based workflows and modern digital efficiency.

Etymology and Phonetics: The word is a direct phonetic transliteration. Since Korean lacks the 'f' sound, it is substituted with the aspirated 'p' (ㅍ), resulting in 'paek-seu'. This is a common pattern for English loanwords starting with 'f'.
Technical Scope: In modern usage, 팩스 doesn't just mean the bulky machine from the 90s. It also encompasses 'Mobile Fax' (모바일 팩스) apps and 'Internet Fax' services that allow users to send digital files as faxes without physical hardware.

서류를 팩스로 보내주세요. (Please send the documents by fax.)

In South Korea, the persistence of 팩스 is largely due to legal and security reasons. Many official documents require a physical signature or a seal (인감), and for many years, a faxed copy was considered more legally binding or 'official' than a scanned email attachment. Even today, if you visit a local community center (주민센터) or a bank, you will often find a public fax machine available for citizens to use. It is seen as a reliable way to ensure a document reaches a specific department's physical desk immediately.

사무실에 팩스기가 고장 났어요. (The fax machine in the office is broken.)

Cultural Nuance: There is a certain 'analog' reliability associated with the word. For older generations of business owners in Korea, the 'beep-grind' sound of a fax connecting is a signal of a successful transaction.

이메일 대신 팩스를 사용합시다. (Let's use fax instead of email.)

팩스가 들어왔는지 확인해 봐. (Check if a fax has come in.)

Using 팩스 in a sentence is relatively straightforward because it functions as a standard noun. However, the verbs you pair with it are crucial for sounding natural. The most common verb is 보내다 (to send). When you want to say 'to fax something,' you say 팩스를 보내다. Conversely, to receive a fax, you use 받다, as in 팩스를 받다. If you are referring to the machine itself, you often add the suffix '-기' (machine), making it 팩스기.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 보내다 (Send): The standard action.
2. 받다 (Receive): Getting a document.
3. 치다 (Hit/Send): An older, more colloquial way to say 'send a fax'.
4. 확인하다 (Check): Verifying if it arrived.

방금 고객님께 팩스를 보냈습니다. (I just sent a fax to the client.)

In a professional setting, you might need to ask for someone's fax number. The phrase is 팩스 번호가 어떻게 되세요? (What is your fax number?). This is more polite than simply asking 팩스 번호 뭐예요?. When a fax is successfully transmitted, Koreans might say 팩스가 잘 들어갔다 (The fax went in well), using the verb 'enter' to describe the successful transmission into the receiver's system.

이 문서를 팩스로 넣어주세요. (Please put this document through the fax.)

Interestingly, because 팩스 is a loanword, it doesn't have a complex Hanja (Chinese character) root, making it easier for English speakers to remember. However, you must be careful with the pronunciation. If you say 'paks' (like 'box'), Koreans might not understand. You must emphasize the two syllables: paek and seu.

죄송하지만 팩스가 잘 안 보여요. (I'm sorry, but the fax isn't very clear/visible.)

Sentence Patterns: [Noun] + 을/를 + 팩스로 + 보내다: To send [Noun] by fax.
팩스가 + 오다: A fax is coming/arriving.

거기 팩스기 있어요? (Do you have a fax machine there?)

You will most likely encounter the word 팩스 in professional, administrative, or bureaucratic environments. In a typical Korean office (사무실), despite the prevalence of KakaoTalk and email, the fax machine often sits in a central location, usually combined with a copier (복사기). You will hear co-workers asking each other, 팩스 보낼 줄 알아요? (Do you know how to send a fax?).

Common Locations: 1. Real Estate (부동산): Sending contracts.
2. Clinics (병원/약국): Sending prescriptions or insurance claims.
3. Government Offices (동사무소): Submitting applications.
4. Banks (은행): Sending proof of income.

부동산에서 팩스가 올 거예요. (A fax will come from the real estate office.)

In Korean dramas, specifically office-themed ones like 'Misaeng', the 팩스 machine often serves as a plot device. A character might be waiting anxiously for a confirmation fax, or a misplaced fax might cause a misunderstanding. The sound of the fax machine—the rhythmic 'click-clack' and the high-pitched digital handshake—is a soundscape familiar to anyone who has worked in a Korean 'SME' (Small to Medium Enterprise).

약국에 팩스로 처방전을 보냈어요. (I sent the prescription to the pharmacy by fax.)

Another modern context is the 'Mobile Fax' (모바일 팩스). Since many Koreans do not have landlines or physical machines at home, apps that convert photos of documents into fax signals are huge. You might hear a younger person say, 모바일 팩스로 보낼게요 (I'll send it via mobile fax). This shows how the word has adapted to the smartphone era.

Customer Service Dialogues: Agent: '증빙 서류를 팩스로 보내주셔야 합니다.' (You must send the supporting documents by fax.)
Customer: '지금 바로 팩스 넣었습니다.' (I just sent the fax now.)

어제 보낸 팩스 확인해 보셨나요? (Did you check the fax I sent yesterday?)

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 팩스 relates to pronunciation. English speakers often try to pronounce it with a soft 'f' sound or a short 'a'. In Korean, the 'p' sound (ㅍ) must be crisp and aspirated. Saying it too softly might make it sound like '백스' (baek-seu), which isn't a common word but could be confusing. Remember: Paek-seu.

Grammatical Errors: Using the wrong particle is a frequent slip-up. Learners sometimes say '팩스에 보내다' (send to the fax), but the correct form is '팩스로 보내다' (send BY fax) or '팩스 번호로 보내다' (send TO the fax number).

Mistake: 팩스에 서류를 보내요.
Correct: 팩스로 서류를 보내요.

Another mistake is confusing 팩스 with 복사 (copy). While many machines do both, they are distinct actions. If you ask someone to 'fax' a document when you actually want a 'copy' to keep, you'll end up sending your document to a random phone number! Also, avoid using '팩스하다' as a verb. While understandable, it is much more natural to say '팩스를 보내다'.

Mistake: 팩스 번호 무엇입니까?
Better: 팩스 번호가 어떻게 되나요?

Finally, learners often assume that because the technology is old, the word is obsolete. This is a cultural mistake. In the US or UK, asking for a fax number might be seen as a joke, but in Korea, it is a completely standard professional request. Never hesitate to use the word in an office or government context; it won't make you sound 'old-fashioned', it will make you sound like you understand Korean business culture.

Register Confusion: Using '팩스 줘' (Give me a fax) with a superior is too blunt. Use '팩스로 보내주시겠어요?' (Could you please send it by fax?).

모르는 사람에게 팩스를 함부로 보내지 마세요. (Do not send faxes to strangers recklessly.)

While 팩스 is the specific term for facsimile transmission, there are several related words you should know to navigate a modern office. The most obvious alternative today is 이메일 (email). In many cases, you might ask, 팩스 대신 이메일로 보내도 될까요? (Can I send it via email instead of fax?).

Comparison: Fax vs. Scan: 팩스 (Fax): Real-time transmission to a specific machine/number. Often preferred for 'official' paper trails.
스캔 (Scan): Converting a physical paper into a digital file (PDF/JPG) to be stored or emailed.
Comparison: Fax vs. Copy: 팩스 (Fax): Sends the image elsewhere.
복사 (Copy): Makes a physical duplicate on the spot.

팩스가 없으면 스캔해서 이메일로 보내주세요. (If you don't have a fax, please scan it and send it by email.)

Another term is 텔렉스 (Telex), though this is truly obsolete and you will likely never hear it. More relevant is 모바일 팩스 (Mobile Fax). This is not just a descriptive term but the actual name of several popular apps in Korea. If someone says, 모바일 팩스 번호 알려줄게요, they are giving you a virtual fax number that goes directly to their smartphone.

이 서류는 팩스로만 받습니다. (We only receive this document by fax.)

In summary, while the technology feels old, the vocabulary is essential. You'll find 팩스 alongside 복사기 (copier), 프린터 (printer), and 스캐너 (scanner). Together, these form the 'OA' (Office Automation) equipment category that every Korean office worker knows how to operate.

Related Office Equipment: 1. 복합기 (Multifunction Printer): A machine that does fax, scan, and copy.
2. 문서 (Document): What you are faxing.
3. 신호음 (Dial tone/Signal): The sound the fax makes.

복합기에서 팩스 기능을 선택하세요. (Select the fax function on the multifunction printer.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Despite being an 'IT Powerhouse', Korea's rigid administrative laws kept the fax relevant much longer than in other developed nations. It is still the 'gold standard' for sending documents to the National Tax Service.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /fæks/

US /fæks/

The stress is equal on both syllables: PAEK-SEU.

Rhymes With

박스 (bak-seu - box) 맥스 (maek-seu - max) 택스 (taek-seu - tax) 왁스 (wak-seu - wax) 릴랙스 (ril-laek-seu - relax) 인덱스 (in-dek-seu - index) 코텍스 (ko-tek-seu - cortex) 콤플렉스 (kom-peul-laek-seu - complex)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as a single syllable like 'faks'.
Using a soft 'b' (백스) instead of an aspirated 'p' (팩스).
Omitting the final 'seu' (스) sound.
Using an English 'f' sound which doesn't exist in standard Korean phonology.
Pronouncing the 'ae' (ㅐ) sound like 'ee' (ㅣ).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy as it is a loanword.

Writing 2/5

Simple spelling but requires knowing the 'ㅍ' and 'ㅐ' combination.

Speaking 2/5

Must remember the two-syllable 'paek-seu' rhythm.

Listening 1/5

Distinctive sound that is easy to catch in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

전화 번호 보내다 받다 서류

Learn Next

복사기 이메일 전송 첨부파일 확인

Advanced

공인인증서 인감증명서 행정 보안 디지털화

Grammar to Know

Instrumental Particle -로/으로

팩스로 (By fax)

Object Marker -를/을

팩스를 (The fax [as object])

Polite Request -아/어 주세요

팩스 보내주세요 (Please send the fax)

Honorific -시-

보내주셨습니다 (You sent it [honorific])

Past Tense -았/었-

보냈어요 (Sent)

Examples by Level

팩스를 보내요.

I send a fax.

Basic object + verb structure.

팩스가 있어요?

Is there a fax?

Subject + existence verb.

이것은 팩스입니다.

This is a fax.

Formal identification.

팩스 번호예요.

It's a fax number.

Noun + copula.

팩스를 받아요.

I receive a fax.

Object + receive verb.

팩스가 어디에 있어요?

Where is the fax?

Location question.

팩스 1번.

Fax number 1.

Numbering nouns.

팩스를 주세요.

Give me the fax.

Requesting an object.

팩스로 보내주세요.

Please send it by fax.

Instrumental particle -로.

팩스 번호가 뭐예요?

What is the fax number?

Polite inquiry.

어제 팩스를 보냈어요.

I sent a fax yesterday.

Past tense.

팩스가 고장 났어요.

The fax is broken.

State change verb.

팩스기를 사러 가요.

I'm going to buy a fax machine.

Purpose of movement.

팩스를 확인해 보세요.

Please check the fax.

Imperative with 'try'.

팩스 종이가 없어요.

There is no fax paper.

Describing lack of items.

팩스가 안 와요.

The fax isn't coming.

Negative present tense.

팩스를 보낸 후에 전화해 주세요.

Please call me after sending the fax.

Time sequence connective -ㄴ 후에.

팩스가 도착했는지 확인해 줄래?

Can you check if the fax arrived?

Indirect question -는지.

팩스로 서류를 보내면 됩니다.

It's fine if you send the documents by fax.

Conditional -면 되다.

팩스 번호를 잘못 눌렀어요.

I pressed the wrong fax number.

Adverbial use of 'wrongly'.

팩스가 너무 흐리게 나왔어요.

The fax came out too blurry.

Adverbial 'blurry'.

모바일 팩스 앱을 사용해 보세요.

Try using a mobile fax app.

Suggesting a method.

팩스를 보내려고 하는데 종이가 걸렸어요.

I'm trying to send a fax, but the paper is jammed.

Intention + contrastive connective.

팩스 소리가 너무 시끄러워요.

The fax sound is too noisy.

Describing sensory experience.

보안을 위해 팩스를 이용해 주시기 바랍니다.

Please use fax for security purposes.

Formal request -기 바랍니다.

팩스 전송이 완료될 때까지 기다려 주세요.

Please wait until the fax transmission is complete.

Time limit -ㄹ 때까지.

팩스 번호가 바뀌었으니 확인 부탁드립니다.

The fax number has changed, so please check it.

Causality -으니.

중요한 서류는 팩스보다 등기 우편이 낫습니다.

For important documents, registered mail is better than fax.

Comparison -보다.

팩스가 안 들어왔다고 하는데 다시 보내주시겠어요?

They say the fax didn't come in; could you send it again?

Quoted speech -다고 하다.

팩스기가 오래되어서 자주 고장이 납니다.

The fax machine is old, so it breaks down often.

Reasoning -어서.

팩스 수신 여부를 지금 바로 확인하겠습니다.

I will check the fax receipt status right now.

Formal future intention -겠습니다.

인터넷 팩스 서비스를 신청하려고 합니다.

I intend to apply for an internet fax service.

Intention -려고 하다.

디지털 시대에도 팩스가 여전히 쓰이는 이유가 뭘까요?

What is the reason faxes are still used even in the digital age?

Complex question structure.

팩스로 전송된 문서는 법적 효력을 갖는 경우가 많습니다.

Documents transmitted by fax often have legal effect.

Nouns with legal terminology.

팩스 보급이 줄어들면서 팩스기 찾기가 어려워졌어요.

As fax distribution decreases, it has become harder to find fax machines.

Simultaneous change -면서.

팩스 신호음이 들리지 않는 걸 보니 연결에 문제가 있나 봐요.

Seeing as I can't hear the fax tone, there must be a connection problem.

Conjecture -나 보다.

업무의 효율성을 높이기 위해 팩스 서버를 도입했습니다.

We introduced a fax server to increase work efficiency.

Purpose -기 위해.

팩스 수신함에 스팸 광고가 너무 많이 쌓여 있습니다.

Too many spam advertisements have accumulated in the fax inbox.

Passive state -어 있다.

개인정보 보호법 때문에 팩스 전송 시 주의가 필요합니다.

Caution is required when sending faxes due to the Personal Information Protection Act.

Noun-heavy formal sentence.

팩스 전송 오류 보고서를 출력해서 원인을 분석해 보세요.

Print the fax transmission error report and analyze the cause.

Sequential commands.

팩스라는 매체는 한국 관공서 문화에서 독특한 위치를 점하고 있습니다.

The medium of fax occupies a unique position in Korean government office culture.

Highly formal academic tone.

아날로그 팩스망의 보안성은 역설적으로 디지털 해킹으로부터 안전할 수 있습니다.

The security of analog fax networks can, paradoxically, be safe from digital hacking.

Abstract concepts and paradox.

기술적 진보에도 불구하고 팩스가 도태되지 않은 것은 경로 의존성의 결과입니다.

That faxes have not become obsolete despite technological progress is a result of path dependency.

Sophisticated sociological terms.

팩스로 수발신되는 방대한 양의 서류를 디지털 자산으로 전환하는 작업이 시급합니다.

The task of converting the vast amount of documents sent and received by fax into digital assets is urgent.

Complex noun modification.

팩스 모뎀의 통신 규약은 초창기 데이터 전송 기술의 근간을 이룹니다.

Fax modem communication protocols form the basis of early data transmission technology.

Technical/Historical jargon.

행정 절차의 간소화가 진행됨에 따라 팩스의 입지는 점차 좁아질 전망입니다.

As the simplification of administrative procedures progresses, the position of faxes is expected to gradually narrow.

Forecasting -ㄹ 전망이다.

팩스 송신 시 발생하는 노이즈는 때때로 문서의 가독성을 현저히 떨어뜨립니다.

Noise occurring during fax transmission sometimes significantly reduces the readability of the document.

Scientific/descriptive precision.

팩스 사기의 수법이 교묘해지고 있으니 기업들의 각별한 주의가 요구됩니다.

As fax fraud methods are becoming more sophisticated, special attention from companies is required.

Societal warning register.

Common Collocations

팩스를 보내다

팩스를 받다

팩스 번호

팩스로 전송하다

팩스기

팩스 용지

팩스 신호

팩스 확인

팩스 토너

팩스 서비스

Common Phrases

팩스 넣어주세요

— A common office way to say 'Please send/put through a fax'.

이거 팩스 좀 넣어줄래?

팩스 왔어요

— Used to announce that a fax has arrived.

사장님, 팩스 왔습니다.

팩스 번호가 어떻게 되세요?

— The standard polite way to ask for a fax number.

실례지만 팩스 번호가 어떻게 되세요?

팩스가 안 가요

— Used when a fax fails to send.

연결이 안 돼서 팩스가 안 가요.

팩스 끊겼어요

— Used when the fax connection is interrupted.

보내는 중에 팩스가 끊겼어요.

팩스로 쏴주세요

— Very casual/slangy way to say 'Shoot me a fax'.

그거 이따가 팩스로 쏴줘.

팩스 잘 들어갔나요?

— Asking if the fax was successfully received on the other end.

제가 보낸 팩스 잘 들어갔나요?

팩스 확인했어요

— Confirming that you have seen the incoming fax.

네, 보내신 팩스 확인했습니다.

팩스 좀 빌릴 수 있을까요?

— Asking to use someone else's fax machine.

급해서 그런데 팩스 좀 빌릴 수 있을까요?

팩스 보낼 게 있어요

— Stating that you have something to fax.

저 팩스 보낼 게 좀 있는데요.

Often Confused With

팩스 vs 박스 (Box)

Phonetically similar but meanings are completely different. Watch the 'P' vs 'B'.

팩스 vs 백스 (Backs/Back)

Rarely used, but can be confused if the 'P' is not aspirated.

팩스 vs 택스 (Tax)

Similar ending; common in business settings, so context is key.

Idioms & Expressions

"팩스 치다"

— Literally 'to hit a fax'. It means to send a fax, originating from the days of typewriters.

빨리 가서 팩스 한 장 쳐라.

Older/Colloquial

"팩스로 날리다"

— Literally 'to fly it by fax'. Means to send a fax quickly.

그 서류 팩스로 날렸어.

Casual

"팩스 불나다"

— Literally 'fax is on fire'. Used when a fax machine is receiving an overwhelming number of documents.

오늘 주문 때문에 팩스에 불이 났어요.

Slang/Metaphor

"팩스 밥"

— Literally 'fax food'. Slang for fax paper.

팩스 밥 좀 줘라 (Put some paper in the fax).

Office Slang

"팩스 귀신"

— A person who is always by the fax machine or sends too many.

김 대리는 팩스 귀신이야.

Humorous

"팩스 지옥"

— A situation where one has to deal with an endless pile of faxes.

월요일 아침은 팩스 지옥이에요.

Casual

"팩스 한 통"

— One 'unit' of fax (like one letter).

팩스 한 통만 보내면 돼.

Neutral

"팩스 도장"

— Referring to the official look of a faxed stamp.

팩스 도장이라도 찍어서 보내.

Neutral

"팩스 소리"

— Can refer to the 'vibe' of an office being busy.

팩스 소리가 들려야 사무실 같지.

Metaphorical

"팩스 대기"

— Waiting specifically for a fax.

지금 팩스 대기 중입니다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

팩스 vs 복사

Both involve paper and office machines.

복사 is making a copy on-site; 팩스 is sending it to a remote location.

이거 복사해 주세요 (Copy this). vs 이거 팩스 보내주세요 (Fax this).

팩스 vs 스캔

Both digitize paper.

스캔 creates a file (PDF/JPG); 팩스 transmits it via phone lines to a printer.

파일로 스캔해 줘. vs 팩스로 보내 줘.

팩스 vs 이메일

Both are communication methods.

이메일 is internet-based and digital; 팩스 is phone-based and traditionally paper-to-paper.

이메일로 보낼까요, 팩스로 보낼까요?

팩스 vs 인쇄

Both involve printing.

인쇄 is general printing from a computer; 팩스 includes the transmission part.

팩스가 인쇄되고 있어요.

팩스 vs 전송

General word for sending.

전송 is the action; 팩스 is the medium.

팩스 전송 중.

Sentence Patterns

팩스 + 있어요?

팩스 있어요?

팩스 + 로 + 보내주세요

팩스로 보내주세요.

팩스 + 번호 + 알려주세요

팩스 번호 좀 알려주세요.

팩스 + 확인 + 했어요?

팩스 확인 했어요?

팩스 + 가 + 안 가요

팩스가 안 가요.

팩스 + 기 + 고장나다

팩스기가 고장났어요.

팩스 + 전송 + 완료

팩스 전송이 완료되었습니다.

팩스 + 수신 + 여부

팩스 수신 여부를 확인 바랍니다.

Word Family

Nouns

팩스기 (fax machine)

팩스밀리 (facsimile)

모바일팩스 (mobile fax)

팩스번호 (fax number)

Verbs

팩스하다 (to fax - less common)

팩스보내다 (to send a fax)

복사기

프린터

스캐너

전화기

이메일

How to Use It

frequency

High in professional/administrative contexts; Low in casual social life.

Common Mistakes

Using '팩스하다' as the primary verb. → 팩스를 보내다.
While '팩스하다' is grammatically possible, '팩스를 보내다' is 10x more common in real life.
Pronouncing it as 'Paks'. → Paek-seu.
Korean is a syllable-timed language. You must pronounce both syllables clearly.
Saying '팩스에 보내다'. → 팩스로 보내다 or 팩스 번호로 보내다.
'-에' implies a destination like a building; '-로' implies the method or the specific number used as a channel.
Confusing '팩스' with '박스'. → 팩스 (Fax) vs 박스 (Box).
This is a common phonetic error for beginners. Practice the aspirated 'P' sound.
Assuming '팩스' is only for old people. → Using it in professional settings.
Even young professionals in Korea must use faxes for legal/government interactions.

Tips

Aspirate the P

Make sure you blow a little puff of air when you say the 'ㅍ' in 팩스. If it's too soft, it sounds like 'B'.

Official Documents

In Korea, a faxed document is often treated with more 'official' weight than a simple photo sent via KakaoTalk.

Use -로

Always remember the particle -로 (by means of) when saying 'send by fax'.

Learn the machine suffix

Adding -기 to office equipment is a common pattern: 팩스기, 복사기, 세탁기.

Confirming Receipt

It is polite in Korea to call or message after sending a fax to ask '팩스 잘 들어갔나요?'

Mobile Apps

If you live in Korea, download a '모바일 팩스' app. It will save you many trips to the print shop.

Real Estate

If you are renting an apartment, the '부동산' will almost certainly use a fax to send you the contract.

The Beep

If you hear a high-pitched beep when calling a number, you have accidentally called a fax line.

Check the Vowel

It's 팩 (ㅐ), not 펙 (ㅔ). The mouth is slightly wider for ㅐ.

Analog Trust

Understand that the persistence of fax is about 'trust' and 'security' in the Korean legal system.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'PACK' of papers being sent through a 'SEU' (super) fast line. PACK-SEU.

Visual Association

Imagine a physical paper turning into digital 'P'ixels and then reappearing as a 'S'heet on the other side.

Word Web

Office Paper Number Telephone Scan Copy Send Receive

Challenge

Try to find a 팩스 machine in your local neighborhood or look up '모바일 팩스' on the App Store to see how it's marketed.

Word Origin

Direct loanword from the English 'fax', which is a shortened form of 'facsimile'. The technology was introduced to Korea in the late 20th century.

Original meaning: Facsimile comes from Latin 'fac simile', meaning 'make similar'.

Indo-European (English) -> Korean (Phonetic Transliteration).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that some younger Koreans might find the technology confusing if they've never seen a physical machine.

In the US or UK, the fax is often seen as a relic of the past, used only in very specific fields like law or medicine. In Korea, its use is much more widespread across all administrative levels.

Office-themed K-dramas like 'Misaeng' News reports about government document leaks Commercials for 'Mobile Fax' apps

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Real Estate Office

계약서를 팩스로 보내주세요.
팩스 번호 여기 있습니다.
팩스 잘 들어갔나요?
팩스 확인 후 연락 드릴게요.

Hospital/Clinic

처방전을 약국에 팩스로 보낼게요.
보험사에 팩스 보냈나요?
팩스 수신 확인 부탁드립니다.
이쪽으로 팩스 넣어주세요.

General Office

팩스 종이가 다 떨어졌어요.
팩스기가 어디에 있죠?
팩스 전송 오류가 나요.
이거 팩스로 좀 쳐줄래?

Government Center

신분증 사본을 팩스로 제출하세요.
여기 팩스 쓸 수 있나요?
팩스 전송료는 얼마인가요?
팩스기가 고장인 것 같아요.

Bank

재직증명서를 팩스로 보내주세요.
은행 팩스 번호가 필요해요.
팩스로 서류 받았습니다.
팩스 전송이 지연되고 있어요.

Conversation Starters

"실례지만, 여기서 팩스를 보낼 수 있을까요?"

"팩스 번호를 알려주시면 바로 서류를 보내드릴게요."

"혹시 팩스 말고 이메일로 보내도 괜찮을까요?"

"방금 팩스를 보냈는데, 확인 한 번 부탁드려도 될까요?"

"요즘도 팩스를 자주 사용하시나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 팩스를 사용해 본 적이 있나요? 어떤 서류를 보냈는지 써 보세요.

한국에서 왜 아직도 팩스를 사용하는지 자신의 생각을 적어 보세요.

팩스와 이메일의 장단점을 비교해서 한국어로 써 보세요.

팩스기가 갑자기 고장 났을 때 어떻게 대처할 것인지 설명해 보세요.

미래에는 팩스가 완전히 사라질까요? 여러분의 의견을 적어 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, absolutely. If you deal with any official Korean institution (banks, immigration, insurance), they will frequently ask you to send documents by 팩스.

팩스 is the general concept or document, while 팩스기 specifically refers to the physical machine (기 means machine).

The most natural way is '팩스로 보낼게요' (paek-seu-ro bo-nael-ge-yo).

There is '팩스하다', but it's much more common to use the noun '팩스' with the verb '보내다'.

Use '팩스 번호가 어떻게 되세요?' which is the standard polite business inquiry.

No, '팩스' specifically refers to the facsimile system. Use '첨부파일' for email attachments.

You can say '팩스기가 없어요' and ask '이메일로 보내도 될까요?' (Can I send it by email?).

It's an app that lets you send and receive faxes using your phone's camera and data plan, very popular in Korea.

It's often described as '삐-' (bbi-) for the high-pitched tone.

Yes, but they may use more localized terms like '모사전송' (mosa-jeonsong), though '팩스' is widely understood.