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A2 noun 9 min read

소리

sori

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 소리 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 소리 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners encounter '소리' (sori) as a basic noun meaning 'sound.' At this stage, you focus on its most literal use: the sounds made by objects and nature. You learn to pair it with simple verbs like '나다' (to occur) and '듣다' (to hear). For example, '무슨 소리예요?' (What is that sound?) is a common question. You also learn '목소리' (voice) as a related word to describe people speaking. The focus is on physical perception—identifying that a sound exists in the environment. You might learn to use it with adjectives like '크다' (big/loud) and '작다' (small/quiet). The goal is to be able to describe the immediate auditory environment in a very simple way, such as '새 소리가 좋아요' (I like the bird sound) or '음악 소리가 커요' (The music sound is loud).

At the A2 level, you begin to use '소리' in more complex sentence structures and compound words. You learn that many sounds in Korean are formed by adding '소리' to another noun, such as '빗소리' (rain sound), '바람 소리' (wind sound), or '문 소리' (door sound). You also start to use the passive form '들리다' (to be heard) correctly, distinguishing it from '듣다' (to listen/hear). At this level, you can give commands related to sound, such as '소리를 줄여 주세요' (Please turn down the volume). You also start to see '소리' used in the context of human communication, particularly '소리 지르다' (to shout/yell). This level emphasizes the functional use of the word in daily life—controlling electronic devices, reacting to environmental noises, and describing basic human vocal actions.

By B1, you transition from purely physical sounds to more abstract and idiomatic uses of '소리.' You learn that '소리' can refer to rumors or things people say, as in '이상한 소리 하지 마세요' (Don't say strange things/Don't talk nonsense). You become familiar with common idioms like '소문난 잔치에 먹을 것 없다' (A famous feast has nothing to eat—high expectations, low reality). You also start to distinguish between '소리' (neutral sound) and '소음' (noise/pollution). At this stage, you can use '소리' to express opinions indirectly, such as '사람들의 소리를 들어야 해요' (We need to listen to what people are saying). Your vocabulary expands to include more specific sounds like '발소리' (footsteps) and '웃음소리' (laughter), allowing for more descriptive storytelling and conversation.

At the B2 level, you explore the nuances of '소리' in different registers and professional contexts. You understand the technical difference between '소리,' '음향' (acoustics), and '음성' (voice/speech recognition). You can participate in discussions about social issues like '층간 소음' (noise between apartment floors) and use sophisticated vocabulary to describe the quality of sound, such as '웅장한 소리' (grand/magnificent sound) or '날카로운 소리' (sharp/piercing sound). You also become adept at using '소리' in metaphorical ways, such as '마음의 소리' (the voice of one's heart/conscience). At this level, you can analyze how '소리' is used in Korean literature or media to create atmosphere or convey hidden meanings, and you are comfortable using the word in both formal presentations and informal social gatherings.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '소리' reaches a near-native level of depth. You are aware of the historical and cultural significance of the word, such as its role in 'Pansori' (traditional storytelling) and how the concept of 'sound' has evolved in Korean culture. You can use '소리' in highly literary or poetic ways, employing it as a motif in writing. You understand the subtle differences in meaning when '소리' is used as a suffix in various contexts. You can also engage in complex debates about '여론의 소리' (the voice of public opinion) and the ethics of '소음 공해' (noise pollution). Your use of onomatopoeia (의성어) becomes highly integrated with '소리,' allowing you to describe sounds with extreme precision (e.g., '졸졸 흐르는 물 소리' - the sound of trickling water).

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of '소리' and all its derivatives. You can discuss the phonetics and phonology of the Korean language using '소리' in a linguistic context (e.g., '소리의 높낮이' - pitch of sound). You are comfortable with archaic or highly specialized uses of the word found in classical literature or Buddhist philosophy (e.g., the 'sound of one hand clapping' style paradoxes). You can navigate the most subtle social nuances, knowing exactly when '소리' implies a rumor, a complaint, a beautiful melody, or a profound truth. You can translate complex English concepts involving 'sound,' 'voice,' 'noise,' and 'report' into the most appropriate Korean equivalent, often choosing '소리' when it captures the holistic essence of the situation better than more specific terms.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

소리 in 30 Seconds

A general term for any sound or noise perceived by the ear.
Used for natural sounds, technological noises, and the human voice.
Extends to abstract meanings like rumors, opinions, or nonsense.
Essential for compound words like 'rain sound' (빗소리) or 'voice' (목소리).

The Korean word 소리 (sori) is a fundamental noun that primarily translates to "sound" or "noise" in English. At its most basic level, it refers to the physical vibrations that travel through the air and are perceived by the ear. However, in the Korean language, 소리 is a multifaceted term that extends far beyond simple acoustics. It encompasses everything from the natural sounds of the environment to the human voice, and even abstract concepts like rumors, opinions, or nonsense. Understanding 소리 is essential for any learner because it appears in countless compound words and idiomatic expressions that describe how we interact with the world through our sense of hearing.

Physical Sound: This refers to any noise produced by objects, nature, or technology. Examples include the sound of a bell, the sound of rain, or the sound of an engine.

밖에서 천둥 소리가 나요. (The sound of thunder is coming from outside.)

Human Voice: While '목소리' (mok-sori) specifically means 'throat-sound' or 'voice', the word 소리 is often used to describe the quality or volume of someone speaking or singing.

Beyond the physical, 소리 is used metaphorically. For instance, '헛소리' (heot-sori) means 'empty sound' or 'nonsense,' and '쓴소리' (sseun-sori) means 'bitter sound' or 'harsh but necessary criticism.' In traditional Korean music, such as Pansori (판소리), the word refers to the singing and storytelling itself. This cultural depth shows that for Koreans, 소리 is not just a passive auditory experience but a medium of expression and truth. Whether you are listening to the 'wind sound' (바람 소리) or the 'sound of a person' (사람 소리), you are engaging with the essence of Korean communication.

그는 정말 듣기 좋은 소리를 해요. (He says things that are pleasant to hear / He speaks kindly.)

Abstract Rumor: Sometimes 소리 refers to rumors or things being said by others, similar to the English phrase 'I heard talk of...'

무슨 소리인지 잘 모르겠어요. (I don't know what that sound is / I don't know what you are talking about.)

Using 소리 correctly involves understanding its relationship with specific verbs and particles. The most common structure is [Subject] + 소리 + [Particle] + [Verb]. Because 소리 is a noun, it can take the subject particle -가/이 or the object particle -를/을 depending on the action. For instance, if a sound is occurring naturally, you use '소리가 나다' (a sound occurs). If you are intentionally making a sound, you use '소리를 내다' (to make a sound). This distinction is crucial for sounding natural in Korean conversation.

Passive vs. Active: '소리가 들리다' means 'a sound is heard' (passive), whereas '소리를 듣다' means 'to hear/listen to a sound' (active).

라디오 소리를 좀 줄여 주세요. (Please turn down the sound of the radio.)

When combined with other nouns, 소리 creates specific auditory descriptions. You don't just say 'the rain,' you say '빗소리' (rain sound). You don't just say 'the birds,' you say '새소리' (bird sound). This compounding is a hallmark of the Korean language's descriptive power. Furthermore, the word is used in commands. If a teacher wants the class to be quiet, they might say '소리 내지 마세요' (Don't make a sound). If someone is talking nonsense, a friend might jokingly say '개소리 하지 마' (Don't talk like a dog/Don't talk nonsense), though this is very informal and should be used with caution.

발자국 소리가 가까워지고 있어요. (The sound of footsteps is getting closer.)

Volume Control: To increase volume, use '소리를 키우다'. To decrease it, use '소리를 줄이다'.

그의 목소리는 정말 부드러워요. (His voice is really soft.)

In grammatical terms, 소리 is a countable noun in English but functions as an abstract concept in Korean that doesn't usually require pluralization. You wouldn't say '소리들' unless you were specifically emphasizing multiple distinct types of sounds in a poetic or highly specific context. In daily life, 소리 covers both the singular and the collective auditory experience. When you are in a crowded market, the 'market sound' (시장 소리) represents the entire atmosphere of noise.

You will encounter 소리 in almost every corner of Korean life. In the bustling streets of Seoul, you'll hear the '차 소리' (car sounds) and '사람들의 소리' (people's sounds). In a more domestic setting, parents often tell their children '조용히 해, 소리 지르지 마' (Be quiet, don't scream/shout). The word '지르다' (to shout/yell) is almost exclusively paired with 소리 to describe the act of raising one's voice in anger, excitement, or fear. If you visit a Korean cinema, you might hear people complaining about the '음향 소리' (sound system/acoustics) being too loud or too quiet.

In Entertainment: K-Pop fans often talk about the '라이브 소리' (live sound) of their favorite idols, referring to their vocal performance during a concert.

가수의 목소리가 너무 아름다워요. (The singer's voice is so beautiful.)

In professional environments, 소리 takes on a more metaphorical meaning. During a business meeting, someone might say '직원들의 소리를 들어야 합니다,' which means 'We must listen to the voices (opinions) of the employees.' Here, 소리 represents feedback or perspective. Similarly, in the news, you might hear reporters talking about '여론의 소리' (the voice of public opinion). This shows that the word is used to bridge the gap between physical noise and the expression of human thought and will.

어디선가 물 소리가 들려요. (I can hear the sound of water from somewhere.)

In Technology: On smartphones, the volume buttons control the '벨소리' (ringtone sound) or '알림 소리' (notification sound).

Finally, you will hear 소리 in the context of rumors or social gossip. Phrases like '이상한 소리가 돌고 있어요' (Strange rumors are circulating) use 소리 to describe unverified information that is 'traveling' through the community like a sound wave. This usage highlights the ephemeral and sometimes unreliable nature of spoken words. Whether it's the 'beep' of a microwave or the complex nuances of political discourse, 소리 is the word that captures it all.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is failing to distinguish between 소리 (sori) and 목소리 (mok-sori). While both involve sound, 목소리 (literally 'throat sound') is used specifically for the human voice. If you say '당신의 소리가 좋아요' to mean 'I like your voice,' it might sound slightly unnatural or even objectifying, as if you are complimenting the physical sound waves rather than the person's unique vocal quality. Always use 목소리 when referring to someone's speaking or singing voice.

Mistake: 소리 vs. 말: Do not confuse '소리' with '말' (mal - word/speech). '소리' is the auditory event, while '말' is the linguistic content. You 'hear' a 소리, but you 'understand' or 'speak' 말.

Incorrect: 이 소리는 무슨 뜻이에요? (What does this sound mean?)
Correct: 이 말은 무슨 뜻이에요? (What does this word/sentence mean?)

Another common error is the misuse of the verbs '들리다' (to be heard) and '듣다' (to hear/listen). Beginners often say '소리를 들려요' when they mean 'I hear a sound.' However, '들리다' is an intransitive/passive verb and takes the particle -가/이. So, it must be '소리가 들려요.' If you use '듣다,' which is an active verb, you must use the object particle -를/을, as in '소리를 들어요.' Mixing these up is a tell-tale sign of a non-native speaker.

Furthermore, learners sometimes over-apply the word 소리 to things that should be described as '음악' (music) or '노래' (song). While music is made of sound, calling a beautiful symphony just a '소리' can diminish its artistic value. Use 소리 for individual noises or the general auditory environment, but stick to specific terms like '음악' when the sound has been intentionally organized into art. Finally, be careful with the slang term '개소리' (dog sound/nonsense). While common in dramas, using it in a formal or even semi-formal setting can be very offensive.

Particle Confusion: Often, students forget the 'ㅅ' in '빗소리' or '뭇소리'. This is called 'Saisiot' and occurs when combining certain nouns. While you'll be understood without it, using it correctly shows high proficiency.

While 소리 is the most general term for sound, Korean offers several more specific alternatives depending on the context and register. Understanding these synonyms will help you describe your environment more accurately and sound more sophisticated. For example, if a sound is particularly loud, unwanted, or annoying, you should use the word 소음 (soeum), which translates to "noise" or "din." This is commonly used in phrases like '층간 소음' (noise between floors in an apartment), a major social issue in Korea.

소리 vs. 소음: '소리' is neutral (any sound). '소음' is negative (unpleasant or distracting noise).

공사장 소음 때문에 잠을 못 잤어요. (I couldn't sleep because of the construction noise.)

In technical or academic contexts, such as when discussing physics or audio engineering, the word 음향 (umhyang) is preferred. This term refers to 'acoustics' or 'audio.' You'll see this on electronic equipment or in movie credits. Another related term is 음성 (umseong), which means 'human voice' in a more formal or biological sense, often used in '음성 인식' (voice recognition) technology.

Specific Sounds: For specific types of sounds, Korean uses specialized nouns: '발소리' (footsteps), '숨소리' (breathing sound), '웃음소리' (sound of laughter).

그녀의 웃음소리는 정말 밝아요. (Her laughter sound is really bright.)

When discussing rumors or news that hasn't been confirmed, the word 소문 (somun) is a direct alternative to the abstract use of 소리. While you might say '그런 소리가 있어요' (There is such talk), saying '그런 소문이 있어요' (There is such a rumor) is more precise. Lastly, in literature, you might encounter 음 (eum), which refers to a single musical note or tone. By choosing the right word among these options, you can convey whether a sound is a beautiful melody, a nagging noise, or a whispered secret.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Korean, '소리' was sometimes used to refer to the 'essence' of a person, as the voice was thought to reflect the soul.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sʰo̞.ɾi/

US /sʰo̞.ɾi/

In Korean, stress is generally equal across syllables, but '소' may have a slightly higher pitch.

Rhymes With

꼬리 (kko-ri) - tail 머리 (meo-ri) - head 오리 (o-ri) - duck 고리 (go-ri) - ring/link 요리 (yo-ri) - cooking 다리 (da-ri) - leg/bridge 허리 (heo-ri) - waist 소리 (so-ri) - sound

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'r' as a hard English 'r' (as in 'red').
Making the 'o' sound like 'ow' (as in 'low').
Stressing the second syllable too much.
Pronouncing the 's' as 'sh'.
Not flapping the 'r' correctly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read; simple two-syllable word.

Writing 1/5

Simple strokes, no complex batchim.

Speaking 2/5

The 'r' sound requires practice to avoid an English 'r'.

Listening 1/5

Distinct and common; easy to recognize.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

귀 (ear) 크다 (big/loud) 작다 (small/quiet) 듣다 (to hear) 말 (word/speech)

Learn Next

목소리 (voice) 소음 (noise) 음악 (music) 들리다 (to be heard) 의성어 (onomatopoeia)

Advanced

음향학 (acoustics) 불협화음 (dissonance) 공명 (resonance) 청각 (sense of hearing)

Grammar to Know

Saisiot (ㅅ) in Compound Nouns

비 (rain) + 소리 = 빗소리

Passive Verb '들리다'

소리가 들려요 (The sound is heard)

Causative Verb '내다'

소리를 내다 (To make/emit a sound)

Adjective Modification

시끄러운 소리 (A noisy sound)

Nominalization with ~기

듣기 좋은 소리 (Sound that is good to hear)

Examples by Level

이게 무슨 소리예요?

What is this sound?

무슨 (what kind of) + 소리 (sound) + 예요 (is).

음악 소리가 너무 커요.

The music sound is too loud.

소리가 (sound + subject particle) + 크다 (to be big/loud).

텔레비전 소리를 줄여요.

Turn down the TV sound.

소리를 (sound + object particle) + 줄이다 (to reduce).

밖에서 새 소리가 나요.

The sound of birds is coming from outside.

나다 (to emerge/occur) is used for sounds being produced.

전화 소리가 들려요.

I hear the phone ringing.

들리다 (to be heard) is the passive form of 듣다.

아기 소리가 들려요.

I hear a baby's sound (crying/babbling).

소리 can refer to any sound made by a person.

좋은 소리가 나요.

It makes a good sound.

좋은 (good) modifies 소리.

소리 내지 마세요.

Don't make a sound.

내다 (to make/emit) + -지 마세요 (don't).

빗소리를 들으면서 자요.

I sleep while listening to the sound of rain.

빗소리 (비 + 소리) uses the 'saisiot' (ㅅ) for compound nouns.

갑자기 큰 소리가 났어요.

Suddenly, a loud noise occurred.

났다 is the past tense of 나다.

소리를 지르지 말고 말하세요.

Don't shout; just speak.

소리(를) 지르다 is the standard phrase for 'to shout'.

바람 소리가 정말 세요.

The sound of the wind is really strong.

세다 (to be strong) describes the intensity of the sound.

그녀의 목소리는 참 예뻐요.

Her voice is very pretty.

목소리 is the specific word for human voice.

문 열리는 소리가 났어요.

There was the sound of a door opening.

열리는 (opening) is a present participle modifying 소리.

라디오 소리를 키워 주세요.

Please turn up the radio sound.

키우다 (to grow/increase) is used for volume.

어디서 나는 소리일까요?

I wonder where that sound is coming from?

-ㄹ까요 expresses wonder or a question to oneself.

이상한 소문이나 소리를 믿지 마세요.

Don't believe strange rumors or talk.

소리 here refers to unverified talk or rumors.

층간 소음 때문에 이사하고 싶어요.

I want to move because of the noise between floors.

소음 is used for annoying or unwanted noise.

그는 가끔 헛소리를 해요.

He sometimes talks nonsense.

헛소리 (empty sound) means nonsense or gibberish.

발소리를 죽이고 조용히 걸었어요.

I walked quietly, deadening the sound of my footsteps.

소리를 죽이다 (to kill the sound) means to make it very quiet.

국민들의 소리에 귀를 기울여야 합니다.

We must listen carefully to the voices of the people.

귀를 기울이다 (to lean one's ear) means to listen attentively.

시끄러운 소리 때문에 집중이 안 돼요.

I can't concentrate because of the loud noise.

시끄러운 (noisy) modifies 소리.

파도 소리가 마음을 편하게 해요.

The sound of the waves makes my mind feel at ease.

파도 소리 (wave sound) is a common healing sound.

무슨 소린지 하나도 모르겠어요.

I don't have a clue what you're talking about.

소린지 is a contraction of 소리인지.

그 영화는 음향 소리가 정말 압도적이었어요.

The sound effects in that movie were truly overwhelming.

음향 refers to professional or cinematic sound.

그는 상사에게 쓴소리를 들었습니다.

He heard bitter words (criticism) from his boss.

쓴소리 (bitter sound) is a metaphor for harsh criticism.

기계에서 이상한 소리가 나면 바로 끄세요.

If the machine makes a strange sound, turn it off immediately.

-면 (if) creates a conditional sentence.

아이들의 웃음소리가 끊이지 않는 집이에요.

It's a house where the sound of children's laughter never ends.

끊이지 않다 (to not be cut off/cease).

그의 목소리에는 진심이 담겨 있어요.

His voice is filled with sincerity.

담겨 있다 (to be contained/filled).

세상에는 듣기 싫은 소리도 많아요.

There are many sounds in the world that one doesn't want to hear.

듣기 싫은 (unpleasant to hear) modifies 소리.

심장 소리가 들릴 정도로 긴장했어요.

I was so nervous I could hear my heartbeat.

-ㄹ 정도로 (to the extent that).

그는 남의 소리에 흔들리지 않아요.

He is not shaken by what others say (rumors/opinions).

흔들리지 않다 (to not be shaken).

판소리는 한국의 전통적인 소리 예술입니다.

Pansori is Korea's traditional vocal art.

소리 here refers to the specific art of singing/storytelling.

자연의 소리를 담은 명상 음악을 들어요.

I listen to meditation music that contains the sounds of nature.

담은 (containing) is a past participle modifying 음악.

그의 비판은 정당한 소리라고 생각합니다.

I think his criticism is a justified voice/opinion.

정당한 (justified/fair) modifies 소리.

침묵 속에서도 많은 소리가 들리는 법이죠.

In silence, many sounds are meant to be heard.

-는 법이다 expresses a natural law or inevitability.

작가는 작품을 통해 시대의 소리를 대변합니다.

The author represents the voice of the times through their work.

대변하다 (to represent/speak for).

그 말은 근거 없는 헛소리에 불과해요.

That statement is nothing more than groundless nonsense.

-에 불과하다 (to be nothing more than).

고향의 소리를 들으니 눈물이 났어요.

Hearing the sounds of my hometown brought tears to my eyes.

-니 (because/when) connects the reason to the result.

악기마다 고유의 소리가 있습니다.

Every instrument has its own unique sound.

고유의 (inherent/unique).

언어는 의미를 담는 소리의 그릇입니다.

Language is a vessel of sound that contains meaning.

그릇 (vessel/bowl) is a metaphor for language.

그의 철학은 시대의 불협화음 속에서 진실의 소리를 찾으려 합니다.

His philosophy seeks the voice of truth amidst the dissonance of the times.

불협화음 (dissonance/discord).

인간의 내면에는 가청 주파수를 넘어서는 소리가 존재합니다.

Within humans, there exist sounds that exceed audible frequencies.

가청 주파수 (audible frequency).

그 연주자는 소리의 여백을 활용할 줄 압니다.

That performer knows how to utilize the empty spaces (silence) in sound.

여백 (blank space/margin).

역사의 소리는 때로는 침묵으로 기록됩니다.

The voice of history is sometimes recorded in silence.

기록되다 (to be recorded).

그의 문장은 소리 내어 읽을 때 그 진가가 드러납니다.

The true value of his sentences is revealed when read aloud.

진가 (true value).

우주는 거대한 소리의 울림으로 가득 차 있습니다.

The universe is full of the resonance of a massive sound.

울림 (resonance/echo).

그 소리는 영혼의 깊은 곳을 울리는 힘이 있어요.

That sound has the power to resonate in the depths of the soul.

울리다 (to ring/resonate).

Common Collocations

소리가 나다

소리를 듣다

소리가 들리다

소리를 내다

소리를 지르다

소리를 줄이다

소리를 키우다

소리를 죽이다

소문난 소리

작은 소리

Common Phrases

무슨 소리예요?

— What is that sound? OR What are you talking about?

무슨 소리예요? 다시 설명해 주세요.

소리 소문 없이

— Quietly; without anyone knowing (literally: without sound or rumor).

그는 소리 소문 없이 회사를 그만뒀다.

듣기 좋은 소리

— Something pleasant to hear; sweet talk.

그는 항상 남이 듣기 좋은 소리만 한다.

쓴소리

— Bitter talk; harsh but helpful criticism.

선생님은 제게 쓴소리를 아끼지 않으셨어요.

헛소리

— Nonsense; empty talk.

술 마시고 헛소리 좀 하지 마.

개소리

— Bullshit; nonsense (very informal/slang).

말도 안 되는 개소리 그만해.

숨소리

— The sound of breathing.

가까이서 그의 숨소리가 들렸다.

발소리

— The sound of footsteps.

누군가 오는 발소리가 들려요.

빗소리

— The sound of rain falling.

창밖의 빗소리가 참 좋네요.

목소리가 크다

— To have a loud voice; to be influential.

그는 목소리가 커서 어디서든 눈에 띈다.

Often Confused With

소리 vs 말

'말' is the content of speech; '소리' is the auditory sound.

소리 vs 목소리

'목소리' is specifically the human voice; '소리' is any sound.

소리 vs 소음

'소음' is always negative (noise); '소리' is neutral.

Idioms & Expressions

"소리 없는 아우성"

— A silent scream; a powerful but unspoken emotion.

그녀의 눈빛은 소리 없는 아우성이었다.

Literary

"빈 수레가 더 요란하다"

— Empty vessels make the most noise; people with little knowledge talk the most.

실력 없는 사람이 소리만 크니, 빈 수레가 더 요란하다더니.

Proverb

"소리 소문도 없이"

— Without a trace; completely secretly.

범인은 소리 소문도 없이 사라졌다.

Neutral

"가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다"

— Nice words lead to nice words; what goes around comes around (often involves '말' but relates to the 'sound' of interaction).

네가 먼저 좋은 소리를 해야 상대방도 좋게 말하지.

Proverb

"말 한마디에 천 냥 빚도 갚는다"

— A good word can settle a huge debt; the power of speaking well.

좋은 소리로 사과하면 용서받을 수 있을 거야.

Proverb

"귀에 못이 박히도록 듣다"

— To hear something so much that it feels like a nail is stuck in your ear.

공부하라는 소리를 귀에 못이 박히도록 들었어요.

Colloquial

"입에 발린 소리"

— Lip service; saying something you don't mean just to please someone.

그건 그냥 입에 발린 소리일 뿐이야.

Neutral

"목소리를 높이다"

— To raise one's voice; to strongly advocate for something.

시민들은 환경 보호를 위해 목소리를 높였다.

Neutral/Formal

"한 소리 듣다"

— To get scolded; to hear a lecture.

지각해서 선생님께 한 소리 들었어요.

Informal

"단 소리"

— Sweet talk; words that are pleasant but perhaps deceptive.

사탕발림 같은 단 소리에 속지 마세요.

Neutral

Easily Confused

소리 vs 듣다

Both relate to sound.

'듣다' is the verb (to hear/listen), while '소리' is the noun (sound).

소리를 들어요.

소리 vs 말소리

Similar to 목소리.

'말소리' is the sound of people talking (often from a distance), while '목소리' is an individual's voice.

밖에서 말소리가 들려요.

소리 vs 음성

Both mean voice/sound.

'음성' is formal/technical; '소리' is general.

음성 변조 (Voice modulation).

소리 vs 소문

Both can mean rumor.

'소문' is the specific noun for rumor; '소리' is used idiomatically for rumors.

이상한 소문이 났어요.

소리 vs 노래

Both relate to audio.

'노래' is a song; '소리' is just the sound.

이 노래 소리가 좋아요.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] 소리예요.

개 소리예요.

소리가 [Adjective]~

소리가 커요.

[Noun] 소리가 나요.

바람 소리가 나요.

소리를 [Verb]~

소리를 줄여요.

소리가 들리다

빗소리가 들려요.

[Adjective] 소리 하지 마세요.

이상한 소리 하지 마세요.

[Noun] 소리에 [Verb]~

천둥 소리에 놀랐어요.

소리를 통해 [Verb]~

소리를 통해 마음을 전해요.

Word Family

Nouns

목소리 (voice)

빗소리 (rain sound)

발소리 (footstep sound)

웃음소리 (laughter)

새소리 (birdsong)

소음 (noise)

음향 (acoustics)

음성 (voice/audio)

Verbs

소리나다 (to make a sound)

소리치다 (to shout)

소리지르다 (to yell)

소리내다 (to emit sound)

Adjectives

조용한 (quiet)

시끄러운 (noisy)

우렁찬 (sonorous/thunderous)

귀 (ear)

듣다 (to listen)

들리다 (to be heard)

음악 (music)

노래 (song)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high; among the top 500 most used nouns in Korean.

Common Mistakes

Using '소리' instead of '목소리' for a person's voice. → 당신의 목소리가 좋아요.
'소리' is too general and can sound like you are talking about an object. '목소리' is personal and correct for humans.
Using '소리를 들려요' to mean 'I hear a sound'. → 소리가 들려요.
'들리다' is passive and takes the subject particle -가/이. '듣다' is active and takes -를/을.
Confusing '소리' with '말' when asking for meaning. → 그 말은 무슨 뜻이에요?
'소리' is the physical sound; '말' is the linguistic unit with meaning.
Forgetting the 'ㅅ' in compound words like '빗소리'. → 빗소리가 듣기 좋아요.
Native Korean compounds often require the 'saisiot' (ㅅ) for correct spelling and pronunciation.
Using '개소리' with an elder or boss. → 그건 사실이 아니에요. (That's not true.)
'개소리' is vulgar slang and highly inappropriate for formal or respectful contexts.

Tips

Volume Control

To turn the volume up, use '키우다' or '높이다'. To turn it down, use '줄이다' or '낮추다'.

The Saisiot Rule

When combining a noun with '소리', check if a 'ㅅ' is needed (e.g., 빗소리, 발소리, 뭇소리).

Being Quiet

If you want someone to be quiet, '조용히 하세요' is standard. '소리 내지 마세요' is more like 'don't make any noise'.

Sound vs. Noise

Use '소음' for unwanted noise like traffic or construction, and '소리' for neutral or pleasant sounds.

Slang Warning

Be careful with '개소리' and '헛소리'. They are common in media but can be very insulting in real life.

Pansori

If you see '소리' in a traditional context, it likely refers to the art of singing and storytelling.

Empty Carts

Remember '빈 수레가 더 요란하다' to describe someone who talks a lot but knows very little.

Voice Quality

To compliment someone's voice, always use '목소리가 좋네요' rather than '소리가 좋네요'.

Passive vs Active

Focus on whether the speaker uses '들려요' (it's heard) or '들어요' (I'm listening).

Descriptive Writing

Use onomatopoeia before '소리' to make your writing more vivid (e.g., '졸졸 물 소리').

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Sori' as 'Story'. Every sound tells a 'Story'. The 'Sori' of the rain tells the 'Story' of the weather.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of ears (the 'ㅇ' in '소' and '리') catching waves of sound.

Word Web

Sound Voice Noise Rumor Singing Acoustics Vibration Hearing

Challenge

Try to identify five different '소리' in your room right now and name them in Korean (e.g., 시계 소리, 차 소리).

Word Origin

Native Korean word (Pure Korean). It does not have a Hanja (Chinese character) origin, unlike many other Korean nouns.

Original meaning: Throughout history, '소리' has consistently meant sound, voice, or the act of singing.

Koreanic.

Cultural Context

Avoid using '개소리' (gaesori) in formal settings as it is vulgar.

In English, we distinguish 'sound' and 'voice' strictly. In Korean, '소리' can cover both, though '목소리' is preferred for people.

Pansori (Traditional Opera) The movie 'Sopyonje' (서편제) about traditional singers The 'Voice' (보이스) K-Drama series about emergency call centers

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Technology/Gadgets

소리가 안 나와요 (No sound is coming out)
소리를 꺼 주세요 (Please mute the sound)
벨소리를 바꿔요 (Change the ringtone)
이어폰 소리 (Earphone sound)

Nature

파도 소리 (Sound of waves)
바람 소리 (Sound of wind)
천둥 소리 (Sound of thunder)
숲의 소리 (Sounds of the forest)

Social Situations

큰 소리로 말해요 (Speak loudly)
소리 지르지 마 (Don't yell)
남의 소리 (What others say)
좋은 소리 (Kind words)

Home/Apartment

층간 소음 (Inter-floor noise)
문 소리 (Door sound)
청소기 소리 (Vacuum cleaner noise)
시끄러운 소리 (Noisy sound)

Health/Body

심장 소리 (Heartbeat)
숨 소리 (Breathing sound)
기침 소리 (Coughing sound)
배에서 나는 소리 (Stomach growling)

Conversation Starters

"어디선가 이상한 소리 못 들었어요?"

"어떤 자연의 소리를 가장 좋아하세요?"

"빗소리를 들으면 어떤 기분이 드나요?"

"요즘 층간 소음 때문에 스트레스 받으시나요?"

"가장 듣기 좋은 목소리를 가진 가수는 누구인가요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루 동안 들은 가장 기억에 남는 소리는 무엇인가요?

소음이 전혀 없는 세상에서 산다면 어떨지 써 보세요.

나에게 가장 위로가 되는 소리에 대해 설명해 보세요.

누군가에게 '쓴소리'를 들었을 때 어떻게 대처하나요?

어린 시절 가장 좋아했던 소리는 무엇이었나요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not directly. However, in the phrase '무슨 소리인지 알겠어요,' it means 'I understand what you are saying/the point you are making.' Using it alone like '소리!' to mean 'I get it' is incorrect.

Yes, it is equivalent to 'bullshit' in English. It is very rude and should never be used with superiors, elders, or people you are not extremely close with.

'소리가 나다' is for sounds that happen (e.g., rain falling), while '소리를 내다' is for sounds made intentionally (e.g., a person humming).

This is due to a grammar rule called 'Saisiot.' When two native Korean nouns combine, a 'ㅅ' is added to the first noun to indicate a compound, often affecting pronunciation.

It can refer to the sound of music (음악 소리), but '소리' by itself usually implies a more raw or general sound unless you are talking about traditional 'Pansori'.

You can say '침묵' (formal silence) or '고요' (tranquility). To say 'no sound,' you use '무음' or simply say '소리가 없어요'.

Yes, '목' means neck/throat, so it specifically refers to the sound coming from a living being's vocal cords.

Yes! '개 소리' (sound of a dog), '고양이 소리' (sound of a cat). Note that '개소리' (one word) is slang for nonsense, but '개 소리' (with a space) is just a dog barking.

Literally 'to kill the sound,' it means to make a sound extremely quiet or to hold one's breath to stay silent.

You can say '아름다운 소리' (beautiful sound) or '듣기 좋은 소리' (pleasant sound).