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A1 noun 8 min read

식물

singmul
Examples Notes & Tips 식물 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 식물 in your Level:
At the A1 level, '식물' (sik-mul) is introduced as a basic noun meaning 'plant.' Learners at this stage should focus on identifying the word and using it in simple 'Subject + Verb' or 'Subject + Adjective' sentences. You might say '식물이 커요' (The plant is big) or '식물이 있어요' (There is a plant). It is important to learn '식물' alongside other basic nature words like '꽃' (flower), '나무' (tree), and '물' (water). At this level, you don't need to worry about complex biological terms; just recognize that '식물' is the umbrella term for green things that grow in the ground. You will mostly use it in the context of home decorations or seeing things in a park. Remember the pronunciation: it sounds like 'sing-mul,' not 'sik-mul.' Practice saying '식물을 좋아해요' (I like plants) to get used to the object marker. This is a foundation word that will help you build your vocabulary for describing your surroundings and hobbies.
At the A2 level, you begin to use '식물' in more descriptive contexts and with a wider range of verbs. You should be able to talk about taking care of plants using the verb '키우다' (to grow/raise). For example, '저는 집에서 식물을 세 개 키워요' (I grow three plants at home). You will also learn to use the particle '-에' to indicate the recipient of an action, such as '식물에 물을 줘요' (I give water to the plant). At this stage, you might start encountering compound words like '식물원' (botanical garden) or '공기 정화 식물' (air-purifying plant). You can describe the state of a plant using adjectives like '싱싱하다' (to be fresh/vibrant) or '초록색' (green). You should also be able to distinguish '식물' from '동물' (animal) in basic category discussions. A2 learners can use '식물' to talk about their daily routines or weekend plans, such as visiting a park or buying a new pot for their desk.
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At the B1 level, you move beyond simple descriptions and start discussing the role of plants in the environment and society. You can talk about the benefits of plants, such as how they help with '미세먼지' (fine dust) or provide '심리적 안정' (psychological stability). You will use '식물' in more complex sentence structures, including those with connectors like '-기 때문에' (because) or '-면서' (while). For example, '식물을 키우면서 마음이 편안해졌어요' (I became more relaxed while growing plants). You'll also encounter the term '반려식물' (companion plant) and be able to explain why this trend is popular in Korea. B1 learners should be comfortable using '식물' in a variety of registers, from chatting with friends about hobbies to reading simple news articles about nature. You might also start learning about the '식물성' (plant-based) lifestyle, including vegetarian diets.
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At the B2 level, '식물' is used in more technical and abstract ways. You will encounter this word in scientific contexts, discussing '광합성' (photosynthesis), '생태계' (ecosystem), and '식물학' (botany). You should be able to read and understand articles about environmental issues, such as '식물 다양성 보존' (preservation of plant diversity). At this level, you can use '식물' to make comparisons and use more sophisticated verbs like '재배하다' (to cultivate) or '서식하다' (to inhabit). You will also understand the metaphorical uses of the word, such as in medical or literary contexts. B2 learners can participate in discussions about the impact of climate change on local flora and explain the biological processes of different plant species. Your vocabulary will expand to include specific parts of the plant like '뿌리' (root), '줄기' (stem), and '잎' (leaf) in relation to the whole '식물'.
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At the C1 level, you possess a deep understanding of '식물' and its derivatives in academic and professional settings. You can analyze the nuance between '식물', '식생' (vegetation), and '초목' (greenery). You are capable of discussing complex topics like '식물 유전공학' (plant genetic engineering) or the socio-economic impact of '식물 자원' (plant resources). You can understand and use idiomatic expressions or high-level metaphors involving plants in literature and formal speeches. Your ability to use the word is fluid, allowing you to switch between a scientist's perspective and a poet's description of nature. You can read research papers or advanced essays that discuss the '식물적' (plant-like) characteristics of certain systems or philosophies. At this stage, '식물' is not just a noun but a concept you can manipulate to express complex thoughts about life, growth, and the environment.
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At the C2 level, you have native-like mastery of '식물' and can use it with absolute precision in any context. You understand the historical etymology of the Hanja characters '植物' and how the concept has evolved in Korean thought. You can engage in high-level debates about '식물권' (plant rights) or the ethics of botanical patents. You can appreciate and produce sophisticated literary works where '식물' serves as a central motif or symbol. You are aware of the most obscure synonyms and technical jargon used in specialized fields like ethnobotany or paleobotany. Whether you are delivering a keynote speech at an environmental summit or analyzing a classic Korean poem, you use '식물' and its related vocabulary with perfect tone, register, and cultural awareness. You understand the subtle emotional weight the word carries in various cultural narratives, from traditional herbal medicine to modern urban gardening movements.
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Examples Notes & Tips

식물 in 30 Seconds

  • 식물 (Sik-mul) is the general Korean word for any type of plant, from small grass to large trees, used in both daily and scientific contexts.
  • It is a Sino-Korean noun (植物) and cannot be used as a verb; use '심다' (to plant) for the action.
  • Pronunciation is key: it is pronounced as [싱물] (sing-mul) due to nasalization, not [식물].
  • Modern Korea uses the term '반려식물' (companion plant) to describe houseplants kept for emotional support and interior decoration.

The Korean word 식물 (Sik-mul) is the general term for 'plant.' It is a Sino-Korean word derived from the Hanja 植物, where 植 (sik) means 'to plant' or 'to grow' and 物 (mul) means 'thing' or 'object.' Together, they literally translate to a 'planted thing.' In everyday conversation, this word covers everything from the small succulent on your desk to the massive trees in a forest. Unlike the English word 'plant' which can sometimes be used as a verb (to plant a seed), the Korean word 식물 is strictly a noun. If you want to say 'to plant,' you would use the verb 심다 (sim-da).

Scientific Context
In biological terms, 식물 refers to any multicellular eukaryote of the kingdom Plantae. This includes mosses, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants. In a classroom or a documentary, you will hear this word used to describe the entire flora of a region.

지구상에는 수많은 종류의 식물이 살고 있습니다. (There are countless types of plants living on Earth.)

One of the most popular modern uses of this word is in the term 반려식물 (ban-ryeo-sik-mul), which translates to 'companion plant.' Similar to 'companion animals' (pets), many Koreans now view their houseplants as emotional companions that provide comfort and reduce stress in urban environments. This trend has led to a surge in 'plant-terior' (plant + interior) design, where 식물 are used as the primary decoration in homes and cafes. Whether you are visiting a botanical garden (식물원) or just buying a small pot at a flower shop, understanding this word is essential for discussing nature and home life.

Daily Life Usage
You will see this word on labels at grocery stores (식물성 유지 - vegetable oil), in science textbooks, and on signs at public parks. It is a neutral, formal-leaning word that is appropriate in all social settings.

이 식물은 물을 자주 주지 않아도 돼요. (This plant doesn't need to be watered often.)

In more advanced contexts, 식물 is used to describe the ecological state of an area. For example, '식물 생태계' (plant ecosystem) is a common phrase in environmental discussions. It is also used metaphorically in medical contexts, though this is sensitive; '식물인간' refers to a person in a persistent vegetative state. Understanding the breadth of this word allows you to navigate everything from basic gardening to complex biological discussions.

Using 식물 in a sentence requires an understanding of basic Korean particles and verbs related to care and growth. Because it is a noun, it often takes the subject markers -이/가 or the topic markers -은/는. When you are the one performing an action on the plant, such as watering it, you use the object marker -을/를.

Subject/Topic Usage
식물이 잘 자라요. (The plant is growing well.) / 식물은 햇빛이 필요해요. (Plants need sunlight.)

우리 집에는 공기 정화 식물이 많아요. (There are many air-purifying plants in my house.)

When talking about the act of taking care of a plant, the most common verb is 키우다 (ki-u-da), which means 'to raise' or 'to grow.' This is the same verb used for raising children or pets, highlighting the 'companion' aspect of modern plant ownership in Korea. Another vital phrase is 물을 주다 (mul-eul ju-da), meaning 'to give water.'

Object Usage
매일 식물을 관찰해요. (I observe the plants every day.) / 저는 식물을 키우는 것을 좋아해요. (I like growing plants.)

Adjectives often used with 식물 include 초록색 (green), 싱싱한 (fresh/vibrant), and 희귀한 (rare). If you are describing a plant that has withered, you would use the verb 시들다 (si-deul-da). For example, '식물이 시들었어요' (The plant has withered). These combinations allow you to describe the state and your interaction with flora effectively.

베란다에서 다양한 식물을 가꾸고 있습니다. (I am cultivating various plants on the veranda.)

In academic or formal writing, 식물 is often paired with ~성 (nature/property) to form '식물성' (vegetable-based/plant-based). This is crucial for discussing diets (식물성 식단) or ingredients. By mastering these patterns, you can transition from simple identification to discussing complex hobbies and lifestyle choices.

In Korea, you will encounter the word 식물 in several distinct environments. One of the most common places is at a 식물원 (Sik-mul-won) or Botanical Garden. Major cities like Seoul and Sejong have massive, modern glass-domed botanical gardens that are popular weekend destinations for families and couples. Signs throughout these facilities will use '식물' to categorize different species by climate or type.

In the Media
Documentaries about the environment, news reports on climate change, and educational programs for children frequently use this term. You might hear a narrator say, '식물의 광합성' (plant photosynthesis) or '식물 다양성' (plant diversity).

오늘 식물원에 가서 신기한 꽃들을 많이 봤어요. (I went to the botanical garden today and saw many amazing flowers.)

Another major context is the 'Home Gardening' boom. On YouTube or Instagram, Korean influencers often use the term 식집사 (Sik-jip-sa). This is a portmanteau of '식물' (plant) and '집사' (butler). It implies that the person is a 'butler' serving their plants, much like how cat owners call themselves 'cat butlers.' In these social media spaces, you will hear people discussing '희귀 식물' (rare plants) and sharing tips on how to keep them alive.

At the Market
When shopping for food, look for '식물성' (plant-based). With the rise of veganism in Korea, '식물성 고기' (plant-based meat) and '식물성 우유' (plant-based milk) are becoming common terms on menus and packaging.

이 우유는 100% 식물성 재료로 만들어졌습니다. (This milk is made of 100% plant-based ingredients.)

Finally, in academic settings, '식물학' (Botany) is the study of plants. Students from elementary school through university will use this word when discussing biology. Whether you are in a lab, a forest, or a trendy cafe, '식물' is the bridge between science and lifestyle.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using 식물 when they actually mean a specific type of plant. In English, we might say 'I bought some plants' when we specifically mean flowers. In Korean, if you bought flowers, it is much more natural to say 꽃 (kkot). If you bought a small tree, you might say 나무 (na-mu). Using '식물' in these cases sounds overly clinical or scientific, like saying 'I purchased several biological organisms' instead of 'I bought flowers.'

Pronunciation Pitfall
The pronunciation of 식물 is not 'sik-mul.' Due to Korean phonological rules (nasalization), the 'ㄱ' (k) sound at the end of the first syllable changes to a 'ㅇ' (ng) sound when it meets the 'ㅁ' (m) in the next syllable. Therefore, it is pronounced as [싱물 - sing-mul]. Pronouncing it as 'sik-mul' makes it hard for natives to understand you.

틀린 발음: [식물]
옳은 발음: [싱물]

Another confusion arises between 식물 and 채소/야채 (vegetable). While all vegetables are plants, you cannot use '식물' to describe the ingredients in your salad in a culinary context. If you are at a restaurant and want to ask for more greens, asking for '식물' will result in confused looks. Use '채소' or '야채' for food.

Confusing with 'Animal'
Be careful not to mix up '식물' (plant) and '동물' (animal). They sound somewhat similar because they both end in '물' (thing). Remember: 동 (moving) vs 식 (planted).

잘못된 표현: 고기는 식물이에요. (Meat is a plant. - Incorrect)
올바른 표현: 고기는 동물에서 와요. (Meat comes from animals.)

Lastly, beginners often forget the particle ~에 when saying 'water the plant.' It should be '식물에 물을 주다' (literally: give water TO the plant), not '식물을 물주다.' Following these nuances will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

While 식물 is the most comprehensive term, there are several other words you should know depending on the context. If you are talking about decorative plants specifically, the word 화초 (hwa-cho) is very common. This word combines 'flower' (화) and 'grass' (초) and is used for the types of plants you would keep in a pot on your balcony or windowsill.

식물 vs. 화초
식물 is biological and broad. 화초 is specifically for ornamental plants and flowers kept for beauty. You wouldn't call a wild weed a '화초', but it is a '식물'.

어머니는 베란다에서 화초를 가꾸는 것을 좋아하세요. (My mother likes cultivating ornamental plants on the balcony.)

Another related term is 초목 (cho-mok), which literally means 'grass and trees.' This is a more poetic or literary way to say 'vegetation' or 'greenery.' You might see this in traditional literature or songs describing a lush landscape. For wild plants or weeds, the word is 잡초 (jap-cho). '잡' means miscellaneous or messy, and '초' means grass.

식물 vs. 채소
Use '식물' for biology and nature. Use '채소' (chae-so) or '야채' (ya-chae) for the plants you eat, like lettuce, carrots, or spinach.

If you are discussing the entire plant life of a specific region, you might use the term 식생 (sik-saeng), which translates to 'vegetation' or 'flora.' This is a technical term used in geography and ecology. Finally, 수풀 (su-pul) refers to a thicket or a bushy area, focusing on the density of the plants rather than the individual organisms.

이 지역의 식생은 매우 다양합니다. (The flora of this region is very diverse.)

By choosing between 식물, 화초, 초목, and 식생, you can tailor your language to be scientific, artistic, literary, or technical, depending on your audience.

Fun Fact

The character 植 (sik) also appears in '식목일' (Sik-mog-il), which is Arbor Day in Korea, celebrated on April 5th.

Pronunciation Guide

UK [ɕʰiŋmul]
US [ɕʰiŋmul]
Stress is generally even across syllables in Korean, but the first syllable might feel slightly more emphasized.
Rhymes With
곡물 (gok-mul - grain) 동물 (dong-mul - animal) 건물 (geon-mul - building) 선물 (seon-mul - gift) 물물 (mul-mul - thing by thing) 박물 (bak-mul - museum/curios) 생물 (saeng-mul - living thing) 작물 (jak-mul - crops)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it as 'sik-mul' with a hard 'k' stop. This breaks the flow and sounds unnatural.
  • Confusing the 'u' (ㅜ) sound with 'eo' (ㅓ).
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Examples by Level

1

이 식물은 초록색이에요.

This plant is green.

'이' (this) + '식물' (plant) + '은' (topic marker).

2

식물이 예뻐요.

The plant is pretty.

'식물' (plant) + '이' (subject marker) + '예뻐요' (is pretty).

3

집에 식물이 있어요.

There is a plant in the house.

'집' (home) + '에' (at) + '식물' (plant) + '이' (subject marker) + '있어요' (exists).

4

식물을 좋아해요?

Do you like plants?

'식물' (plant) + '을' (object marker) + '좋아해요' (like).

5

이것은 식물이에요.

This is a plant.

'이것' (this thing) + '은' (topic marker) + '식물' (plant) + '이에요' (is).

6

식물에 물을 줘요.

I water the plant.

'식물' (plant) + '에' (to) + '물' (water) + '을' (object marker) + '줘요' (give).

7

식물이 작아요.

The plant is small.

'식물' (plant) + '이' (subject marker) + '작아요' (is small).

8

식물이 자라요.

The plant grows.

'식물' (plant) + '이' (subject marker) + '자라요' (grows).

1

저는 식물을 세 개 키워요.

I grow three plants.

'세 개' (three things) is the counter for general items/pots.

2

식물이 햇빛을 받아요.

The plant receives sunlight.

'햇빛' (sunlight) + '을' (object marker) + '받아요' (receives).

3

식물원에 가고 싶어요.

I want to go to the botanical garden.

'식물원' (botanical garden) + '에' (to) + '가고 싶어요' (want to go).

4

이 식물은 이름이 뭐예요?

What is the name of this plant?

'이름' (name) + '이' (subject marker) + '뭐예요' (is what).

5

식물이 시들어서 슬퍼요.

I am sad because the plant withered.

'시들어서' (wither + because/so) + '슬퍼요' (is sad).

6

식물에 영양제를 주었어요.

I gave fertilizer to the plant.

'영양제' (nutrient/fertilizer) + '를' (object marker).

7

공기 정화 식물을 샀어요.

I bought an air-purifying plant.

'공기 정화' (air purification) + '식물' (plant).

8

베란다에 식물이 많아요.

There are many plants on the balcony.

'베란다' (balcony) + '에' (on/at) + '많아요' (are many).

1

식물을 키우는 것은 재미있어요.

Growing plants is fun.

'키우는 것' (the act of growing) + '은' (topic marker).

2

식물은 이산화탄소를 흡수해요.

Plants absorb carbon dioxide.

'이산화탄소' (carbon dioxide) + '를' (object marker).

3

요즘 반려식물을 키우는 사람이 늘고 있어요.

These days, the number of people raising companion plants is increasing.

'반려식물' (companion plant) + '늘고 있어요' (is increasing).

4

식물이 잘 자라도록 물을 자주 주세요.

Please water it often so that the plant grows well.

'자라도록' (so that it grows) expresses purpose.

5

식물성 식단은 건강에 좋습니다.

A plant-based diet is good for health.

'식물성' (plant-based) + '식단' (diet).

6

어떤 식물이 키우기 쉬워요?

Which plant is easy to grow?

'키우기' (growing) + '쉬워요' (is easy).

7

식물 덕분에 방 분위기가 밝아졌어요.

Thanks to the plants, the room's atmosphere became brighter.

'덕분에' (thanks to) + '밝아졌어요' (became bright).

8

이 식물은 추위에 강해요.

This plant is resistant to the cold.

'추위' (the cold) + '에' (to) + '강해요' (is strong).

1

식물은 광합성을 통해 에너지를 얻습니다.

Plants obtain energy through photosynthesis.

'통해' (through) + '얻습니다' (obtain - formal).

2

희귀 식물을 수집하는 취미가 있어요.

I have a hobby of collecting rare plants.

'수집하는' (collecting) + '취미' (hobby).

3

식물의 생장 속도는 환경에 따라 다릅니다.

The growth rate of plants varies depending on the environment.

'환경에 따라' (depending on the environment).

4

이 책은 식물의 구조를 자세히 설명해요.

This book explains the structure of plants in detail.

'구조' (structure) + '를' (object marker).

5

식물성 원료를 사용한 화장품이 인기예요.

Cosmetics using plant-based raw materials are popular.

'원료' (raw materials) + '사용한' (used).

6

숲은 다양한 식물의 서식지입니다.

The forest is a habitat for various plants.

'서식지' (habitat) + '입니다' (is - formal).

7

식물이 스트레스를 줄여준다는 연구 결과가 있어요.

There are research results saying that plants reduce stress.

'줄여준다는' (that [they] reduce) - indirect quotation.

8

식물을 분갈이할 때 뿌리가 다치지 않게 조심하세요.

When repotting a plant, be careful not to damage the roots.

'분갈이할 때' (when repotting) + '다치지 않게' (so they don't get hurt).

1

식물은 인류 생존에 필수적인 산소를 공급합니다.

Plants supply oxygen essential for human survival.

'필수적인' (essential) + '공급합니다' (supply).

2

기후 변화로 인해 자생 식물들이 멸종 위기에 처해 있습니다.

Due to climate change, native plants are in danger of extinction.

'위기에 처해 있다' (to be in a crisis/danger).

3

식물학자들은 신종 식물을 발견하기 위해 정글을 탐험합니다.

Botanists explore the jungle to discover new plant species.

'식물학자' (botanist) + '탐험합니다' (explore).

4

식물의 정적인 아름다움은 예술가들에게 영감을 줍니다.

The static beauty of plants gives inspiration to artists.

'정적인' (static/calm) + '영감' (inspiration).

5

이 지역의 식생 지도를 작성하는 프로젝트가 진행 중입니다.

A project to create a vegetation map of this region is underway.

'식생 지도' (vegetation map) + '진행 중' (underway).

6

식물성 단백질 시장이 전 세계적으로 급성장하고 있습니다.

The plant-based protein market is growing rapidly worldwide.

'급성장하고 있다' (is growing rapidly).

7

식물은 소리 없이도 주변 환경과 끊임없이 소통합니다.

Plants constantly communicate with their surroundings even without sound.

'끊임없이' (constantly) + '소통합니다' (communicate).

8

식물의 치유 능력을 활용한 원예 치료가 주목받고 있습니다.

Horticultural therapy using the healing power of plants is gaining attention.

'치유 능력' (healing ability) + '주목받고 있다' (is receiving attention).

1

식물의 생명력은 척박한 환경에서도 경이로움을 자아냅니다.

The vitality of plants evokes wonder even in barren environments.

'자아내다' (to evoke/bring out).

2

식물 분류학의 발전은 생물 다양성 이해에 지대한 공헌을 했습니다.

The development of plant taxonomy has made a significant contribution to the understanding of biodiversity.

'지대한' (immense/huge) + '공헌' (contribution).

3

식물은 태양 에너지를 유기물로 전환하는 유일한 생명체군입니다.

Plants are the only group of living organisms that convert solar energy into organic matter.

'전환하는' (converting) + '생명체군' (group of living organisms).

4

인간의 무분별한 개발은 식물 생태계의 균형을 파괴하고 있습니다.

Indiscriminate human development is destroying the balance of the plant ecosystem.

'무분별한' (indiscriminate) + '파괴하고 있다' (is destroying).

5

식물의 형이상학적 의미를 탐구하는 철학적 담론이 활발합니다.

Philosophical discourses exploring the metaphysical meaning of plants are active.

'형이상학적' (metaphysical) + '담론' (discourse).

6

희귀 식물 자원의 무단 반출은 법적으로 엄격히 금지되어 있습니다.

The unauthorized removal of rare plant resources is strictly prohibited by law.

'무단 반출' (unauthorized removal) + '금지되어 있다' (is prohibited).

7

식물의 진화 과정은 지구의 역사와 궤를 같이합니다.

The evolutionary process of plants is in line with the history of the Earth.

'궤를 같이하다' (to be in line with/share the same path).

8

식물성 대체재의 개발은 지속 가능한 미래를 위한 핵심 과제입니다.

The development of plant-based substitutes is a key task for a sustainable future.

'대체재' (substitute) + '핵심 과제' (key task).

Common Collocations

식물을 키우다
식물에 물을 주다
공기 정화 식물
식물성 유지
식물원 관람
희귀 식물
식물 생태계
식물학자
식물 표본
식물성 단백질

Common Phrases

반려식물

— A 'companion plant' kept like a pet for emotional support.

제 반려식물 이름은 '초록이'예요.

식물인간

— A person in a persistent vegetative state (medical/sensitive).

그는 사고 후 식물인간 상태가 되었습니다.

식물성

— Relating to or derived from plants (often for food or materials).

식물성 오일은 피부에 좋습니다.

식물원

— A botanical garden where plants are displayed and studied.

서울 식물원은 정말 넓어요.

식물학

— The scientific study of plants; botany.

대학에서 식물학을 전공했어요.

식물계

— The plant kingdom in biological classification.

식물계에는 다양한 종이 포함됩니다.

식물성 기름

— Vegetable oil used for cooking.

요리할 때 식물성 기름을 사용하세요.

식물 분포

— The geographic distribution of plants.

기후에 따라 식물 분포가 달라집니다.

식물 채집

— The act of collecting plant specimens.

어릴 때 식물 채집 숙제를 했어요.

식물 도감

— An illustrated book or encyclopedia of plants.

식물 도감에서 이 꽃의 이름을 찾았어요.

Idioms & Expressions

"식물인간"

— Used medically for a patient who is alive but has no brain activity.

그는 5년째 식물인간으로 누워 있습니다.

Medical/Formal
"식물 국회"

— A 'vegetative' or 'paralyzed' parliament that isn't passing laws.

아무 일도 못 하는 식물 국회를 비판했습니다.

Political/Journalistic
"식물성 인간"

— Sometimes used for a person with a very calm, passive, or 'green' personality.

그는 식물성 인간처럼 조용하고 온화해요.

Literary/Metaphorical
"뿌리 깊은 나무"

— Though using '나무,' it's a related idiom for a person or organization with deep, unshakeable foundations.

우리 회사는 뿌리 깊은 나무처럼 튼튼합니다.

Common/Proverbial
"잎만 무성하다"

— All leaves and no fruit; something that looks grand but lacks substance.

그 소문은 잎만 무성하고 실속이 없어요.

Common/Metaphorical
"초목이 떨다"

— Even the grass and trees tremble (out of fear or awe).

그의 위엄에 초목이 떨 정도였습니다.

Literary/Archaic
"금지옥엽"

— A precious child (literally: golden branch and jade leaf).

그는 딸을 금지옥엽으로 키웠습니다.

Formal/Idiomatic
"화무십일홍"

— No flower stays red for ten days (beauty is fleeting).

권력은 화무십일홍이라더니 정말이네요.

Literary/Proverbial
"독초"

— A poisonous plant; often used for a person who spreads malice.

그는 조직 내의 독초 같은 존재예요.

Metaphorical
"잡초 같은 인생"

— A life like a weed (someone who survives through great hardship).

그는 잡초 같은 인생을 살아왔습니다.

Common/Metaphorical

Word Family

Nouns

식물학 (Botany)
식물원 (Botanical Garden)
식물성 (Vegetability/Plant-based nature)
반려식물 (Companion plant)
식물계 (Plant kingdom)

Verbs

식재하다 (To plant/reforest)
이식하다 (To transplant)
자생하다 (To grow wild)

Adjectives

식물성인 (Plant-based)
식물학적인 (Botanical)

Related

나무 (Tree)
꽃 (Flower)
풀 (Grass)
숲 (Forest)
씨앗 (Seed)
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SIK' as 'SEEK' and 'MUL' as 'MOOL' (water). Plants 'seek water' to grow. [Sing-mul].

Visual Association

Imagine a green sprout growing out of a '물' (water) drop. The word '식' looks like a person planting a stick.

Word Web

동물 (Animal) 생물 (Living things) 자연 (Nature) 초록색 (Green) 산소 (Oxygen) 흙 (Soil) 햇빛 (Sunlight) 물 (Water)

Challenge

Try to name five '식물' you can see in your room or outside right now in Korean.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean Hanja: 植 (식) meaning 'to plant' and 物 (물) meaning 'thing'.

Original meaning: A 'planted thing' or an organism that is rooted in the ground.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be careful with the term '식물인간' (vegetative state). It is a medical term but can be insensitive if used lightly in social conversation.

English speakers often use 'plant' as a verb, but Koreans use '심다'. Don't say 'I plant a plant' using only '식물'.

The Seoul Botanic Park (서울식물원) is a landmark in Gangseo-gu. '식물본색' (The Nature of Plants) is a popular science book in Korea. Many K-pop idols share their 'companion plants' on social media.
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