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A2 noun #7,000 most common 8 min read

배구

baegu Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 배구 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 배구 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word '배구' (volleyball) is introduced as a basic noun within the category of hobbies and sports. Learners at this stage should focus on recognizing the word and pairing it with the verb '하다' (to do/play). For example, '저는 배구를 해요' (I play volleyball). It is important to learn that '배구' ends in a vowel, so you use the object particle '를'. You might also see it in simple lists of sports alongside '축구' (soccer) and '수영' (swimming). The goal is simply to identify that '배구' means volleyball and to use it in very simple present tense sentences to describe what sports you like or do.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '배구' in more descriptive contexts. You can talk about your ability (배구를 잘해요 - I'm good at volleyball) or your frequency of play (일주일에 한 번 배구를 해요 - I play volleyball once a week). You will start to see compound words like '배구공' (volleyball ball) and '배구 경기' (volleyball match). Learners should be able to ask others if they want to play or watch a game using the '-ㄹ래요?' or '-고 싶다' structures. You might also encounter the word in the context of school life, such as '체육 시간에 배구를 배웠어요' (I learned volleyball in PE class).

By B1, you can discuss '배구' with more complexity, including expressing opinions and describing experiences. You might explain why you like the sport, perhaps mentioning the teamwork or the thrill of a spike. You can use more specific verbs like '관람하다' (to spectate) or '응원하다' (to cheer). At this level, you should be familiar with the professional aspect of the sport in Korea, such as the 'V-리그' (V-League). You can also use the passive form '배구 경기가 열리다' (a volleyball match is held). Your sentences will start to include connectors like '때문에' (because) or '기 위해서' (in order to), such as '배구 선수가 되기 위해서 열심히 연습해요' (I practice hard to become a volleyball player).

At the B2 level, you can engage in detailed discussions about '배구' strategy and current events. You should be able to understand sports news reports about volleyball, including technical terms like '서브 에이스' (serve ace), '리시브' (receive), and '블로킹' (blocking). You can discuss the impact of famous players like Kim Yeon-koung on the sport's popularity in Korea. You might also compare volleyball with other sports using complex structures like '...에 비해서' (compared to). For example, '배구는 다른 구기 종목에 비해서 팀워크가 특히 중요해요' (Volleyball requires teamwork more than other ball sports). You can also express hypothetical situations using '-었더라면'.

At the C1 level, '배구' is a topic you can handle with near-native fluency. You can analyze the socio-economic factors of the professional volleyball league, discuss the nuances of the Korean 'V-League' versus international leagues, and use idiomatic expressions related to sports. You might write an essay or give a presentation on the history of Korean volleyball or the physical requirements of the sport. You understand the subtle nuances between '배구' and '족구' in various social contexts (e.g., military culture vs. professional sports). You can also interpret complex commentary during a match, including fast-paced descriptions of plays and player psychology.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the word '배구' and its broader cultural implications. You can participate in high-level debates about the management of the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) or the physiological demands of different volleyball positions. You can appreciate and use metaphorical language involving volleyball concepts (e.g., 'tossing' a responsibility to someone else). You are comfortable with all registers, from the highly formal language of sports journalism to the slang used by die-hard fans in online forums. You can read academic papers or technical coaching manuals in Korean about volleyball theory and methodology without difficulty.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

배구 in 30 Seconds

배구 (Baegu) is the Korean word for volleyball, a popular team sport played with hands and a high net.
It is a compound Hanja word where 'Bae' (排) means to push/strike and 'Gu' (球) means ball.
In Korea, it is a major professional sport (V-League) and a common activity in schools and community centers.
Commonly paired with the verb '하다' (to play) and the object particle '를' (배구를 하다).

The Korean word 배구 (Baegu) refers to the sport of volleyball. Etymologically, it is derived from the Hanja characters 排 (배 - to push/exclude/line up) and 球 (구 - ball). This literal translation suggests a game where the ball is pushed or struck away, perfectly capturing the essence of keeping the ball in the air and sending it over the net. In South Korea, volleyball is a major professional sport with a dedicated following, particularly the V-League. It is a staple of physical education in schools and a popular recreational activity in local community centers. People use this word whenever discussing team sports that involve a high net and hand-striking techniques.

Sporting Category: 배구 is classified as a 구기 종목 (gugi jongmok), which means a ball-based sport. Unlike soccer or basketball, it is characterized by the lack of physical contact between opposing teams, separated by a net.
Professional Context: When Koreans mention the 'V-League', they are specifically referring to the professional volleyball league. The term is often paired with gender markers: 남자 배구 (namja baegu - men's volleyball) and 여자 배구 (yeoja baegu - women's volleyball).
Recreational Context: In casual settings, friends might invite each other to play by saying "우리 배구 하러 갈래?" (Shall we go play volleyball?). It is often played on beaches (비치발리볼) or in gymnasiums.

"오늘 저녁에 배구 경기가 있는데 같이 볼래요?" (There is a volleyball match tonight, do you want to watch it together?)

"저는 학교에서 배구 동아리에 가입했어요." (I joined the volleyball club at school.)

The word is also versatile in its linguistic application. You can add prefixes or suffixes to specify the type of volleyball. For instance, 9인제 배구 refers to nine-man volleyball, which is still popular in some amateur circles in Korea, though the international standard is 6-man. The word is never used to describe foot-volleyball, which has its own unique name: 족구 (jokgu). Understanding the difference is crucial for social integration in Korea, as 족구 is a very common military and corporate bonding sport, whereas 배구 is the formal Olympic sport.

"배구공은 축구공보다 훨씬 가벼워요." (A volleyball is much lighter than a soccer ball.)

Verb Pairing: The most common verb used with 배구 is 하다 (to do/play). However, when describing the physical action of hitting the ball, 치다 (to hit) is also frequently used.

"그 선수는 배구를 정말 잘해요." (That player is really good at volleyball.)

"어제 배구 시합에서 우리 팀이 이겼어요." (Our team won the volleyball match yesterday.)

Using the word 배구 in a sentence requires an understanding of Korean particles and common verb collocations. Since it is a noun, it typically functions as the object of a sentence. For beginners, the most important pattern to master is [Noun] + 을/를 + 하다. Because 배구 ends in a vowel (구), you use the object particle 를.

Object Usage: 배구를 좋아해요 (I like volleyball). 배구를 배워요 (I am learning volleyball). 배구를 관람해요 (I am watching a volleyball match live).
Subject Usage: 배구가 재미있어요 (Volleyball is fun). 배구가 인기 있어요 (Volleyball is popular). Here, the particle 가 is used because the noun ends in a vowel.

"내일 친구들과 해변에서 배구를 하기로 했어요." (I decided to play volleyball with friends at the beach tomorrow.)

In more advanced contexts, 배구 is often modified by descriptors to indicate specific positions or skills. For example, 배구 블로킹 (volleyball blocking) or 배구 서브 (volleyball serve). When describing professional dynamics, you might hear 배구 연맹 (Volleyball Federation) or 배구단 (volleyball team/club). Notice how Korean often combines nouns directly without 'of' or 's' (e.g., 배구 + 선수 = volleyball player).

"한국 배구 국가대표팀의 경기는 항상 박진감이 넘쳐요." (The matches of the Korean national volleyball team are always full of excitement.)

"키가 크면 배구 선수로 성공할 확률이 높아요." (If you are tall, the probability of succeeding as a volleyball player is high.)

Descriptive Phrases: 박진감 넘치는 배구 경기 (A thrilling volleyball match). 힘찬 배구 스파이크 (A powerful volleyball spike). These adjectives help paint a vivid picture of the sport.

"초등학생 때부터 배구를 시작해서 지금은 실력이 아주 좋아요." (I started volleyball in elementary school, so I'm very skilled now.)

You will encounter the word 배구 in various spheres of Korean life. The most prominent is the sports media. During the winter season, sports channels like KBS N Sports or SBS Sports broadcast V-League matches daily. Commentators will constantly use terms like 배구의 묘미 (the beauty of volleyball) or 배구 명가 (a prestigious volleyball family/team).

Television & News: News headlines often feature the word: "여자 배구, 도쿄 올림픽 4강 신화" (Women's volleyball, the myth of the Tokyo Olympics semi-finals). Variety shows also feature volleyball stars like Kim Yeon-koung in 'I Live Alone'.
Educational Settings: In PE class (체육 시간), teachers will announce: "오늘은 배구 수업을 하겠습니다" (Today, we will have a volleyball class). Students learn the basics of underhand and overhand passes.

"이번 주말에 장충체육관으로 배구 직관 가요!" (I'm going to watch a volleyball match live at Jangchung Gymnasium this weekend!)

Another interesting place you'll hear this word is in the context of Japanese animation fans in Korea. The anime 'Haikyuu!!' (하이큐!!) is immensely popular in Korea, leading to a surge in interest among younger generations. Fans often discuss 배구 애니 (volleyball anime) and even start local clubs inspired by the show. Furthermore, in the military, although foot-volleyball (족구) is king, formal 배구 matches are often held during 'Sport Days' (체육대회).

"텔레비전에서 배구 하이라이트 영상을 봤는데 정말 멋있더라고요." (I saw a volleyball highlight video on TV, and it was really cool.)

"동네 주민센터에서 성인 배구 교실을 운영하고 있어요." (The local community center is running a volleyball class for adults.)

Online Communities: On platforms like DC Inside or Nate Pann, the '배구 갤러리' (Volleyball Gallery) is a place where fans analyze player stats, trade rumors, and match results intensely.

"어제 배구 경기 시청률이 정말 높게 나왔대요." (I heard the viewership ratings for yesterday's volleyball match were very high.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 배구 (baegu) with other sports that sound similar or share the same suffix -구 (ball). Specifically, 농구 (nonggu - basketball) and 야구 (yagu - baseball) are often mixed up by beginners because they all end in 'gu'.

Confusion with Jokgu: As mentioned before, 족구 (jokgu) is foot-volleyball. While it shares the 'volleyball' concept, calling it '배구' is a mistake. 배구 is strictly hands-only (mostly), while 족구 is feet and head only. If you ask to play 배구 but start kicking the ball, Koreans will be very confused!
Particle Errors: Using '배구을' instead of 배구를. Remember that '구' ends in a vowel, so '를' is the correct object particle. Similarly, '배구이' is incorrect; it should be 배구가.

"배구을 하고 싶어요" (Incorrect) → "배구를 하고 싶어요" (Correct)

Another common error is using the wrong verb. While English says 'play' for almost every sport, Korean is more specific. You do (하다) volleyball, but you hit (치다) tennis or badminton. While '배구를 치다' is acceptable and common (meaning to hit the ball in volleyball), '배구를 놀다' (to play/hang out with volleyball) is completely wrong. '놀다' is for playing with toys or hanging out with friends, never for competitive sports.

"배구를 놀아요" (Incorrect) → "배구를 해요" (Correct)

"배구와 농구는 둘 다 실내 스포츠지만 규칙은 아주 달라요." (Volleyball and basketball are both indoor sports, but the rules are very different.)

Loanword vs. Korean Word: Sometimes learners try to use '발리볼' (ball-li-bol). While understood, it sounds like you're reading from a technical manual. 배구 is the natural, everyday word used by 99% of Koreans.

"배구 경기장에 갈 때는 응원 도구를 챙겨가세요." (When you go to the volleyball stadium, remember to bring cheering tools.)

To truly master the vocabulary around 배구, it is helpful to compare it with related terms. Korean has several words for ball games, and distinguishing them will make your Korean sound more natural and precise.

배구 (Baegu) vs. 족구 (Jokgu): 배구: Professional, Olympic sport, hands/arms only. 족구: Korean traditional-style sport, played on a lower net, feet only. 족구 is extremely common among men in the military and at corporate outings.
배구 (Baegu) vs. 피구 (Pigu): 피구: Dodgeball. Both are common in school PE, but 피구 involves hitting people with the ball, while 배구 involves hitting the ball over a net.
배구 (Baegu) vs. 비치발리볼 (Beach Volleyball): While '배구' is the general term, '비치발리볼' is the specific loanword used for the sand-based version. Koreans rarely say '해변 배구'.

"우리 회사는 야유회 때 배구 대신 족구를 주로 해요." (Our company usually plays jokgu instead of volleyball during company picnics.)

In terms of level of play, you might hear 생활 체육 배구 (community sports volleyball) which refers to amateur/hobbyist play, versus 프로 배구 (pro volleyball). If you want to sound more technical, you can use 구기 경기 (ball game) as a category name. However, for 90% of situations, '배구' is the only word you need.

"배구와 테니스는 모두 네트를 사이에 두고 하는 경기입니다." (Volleyball and tennis are both games played with a net in between.)

"여름에는 시원한 실내 체육관에서 배구를 하는 것이 최고예요." (In summer, playing volleyball in a cool indoor gym is the best.)

Compound Words: 배구화 (volleyball shoes), 배구복 (volleyball uniform), 배구망 (volleyball net). Learning these will expand your sports-related vocabulary quickly.

"새로 산 배구화가 발에 아주 잘 맞아요." (The new volleyball shoes I bought fit my feet very well.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'Bae' (排) in 'Baegu' is the same character used in '배타적' (exclusive) and '배열' (arrangement).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈvɒlibɔːl/

US /ˈvɑːlibɔːl/

In Korean, syllables generally have equal weight, but '배' (bae) is naturally slightly more prominent as the initial syllable.

Rhymes With

야구 (yagu - baseball) 농구 (nonggu - basketball) 축구 (chukgu - soccer) 당구 (danggu - billiards) 탁구 (takgu - table tennis) 지구 (jigu - earth) 도구 (dogu - tool) 입구 (ipgu - entrance)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '배' as 'bay' (it should be more like 'beh').
Adding a puff of air to '구' making it sound like 'khu'.
Over-stressing the second syllable.
Making the 'u' in 'gu' too short.
Confusing the 'b' sound with 'p'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read; two simple blocks of Hangul.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but don't confuse '배' with '베'.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, but requires correct vowel sounds.

Listening 2/5

Easy to recognize, but can be confused with '야구' or '농구' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

축구 (soccer) 야구 (baseball) 농구 (basketball) 공 (ball) 하다 (to do)

Learn Next

서브 (serve) 스파이크 (spike) 네트 (net) 점수 (score) 심판 (referee)

Advanced

포지션 (position) 리베로 (libero) 세터 (setter) 공격수 (attacker) 수비수 (defender)

Grammar to Know

Object Particle 을/를

배구를 해요.

Subject Particle 이/가

배구가 재미있어요.

Desire -고 싶다

배구를 하고 싶어요.

Ability -ㄹ 줄 알다

배구를 할 줄 알아요.

Purpose -러 가다

배구 하러 가요.

Examples by Level

저는 배구를 좋아해요.

I like volleyball.

Uses the object particle '를' after '배구'.

이것은 배구공입니다.

This is a volleyball.

Formal '입니다' ending.

오늘 배구 해요?

Are you playing volleyball today?

Simple present tense used as a question.

배구는 재미있어요.

Volleyball is fun.

Topic particle '는' emphasizes volleyball.

친구하고 배구 해요.

I play volleyball with a friend.

'하고' means 'with'.

배구가 아니에요.

It is not volleyball.

Negative '아니에요' with subject particle '가'.

우리 배구 해요.

Let's play volleyball.

'우리' (we/us) used in a suggestive way.

배구 봐요.

I watch volleyball.

Present tense of '보다' (to watch).

내일 배구 경기가 있어요.

There is a volleyball match tomorrow.

'경기가 있다' means 'there is a match'.

배구를 잘하고 싶어요.

I want to be good at volleyball.

'-고 싶다' expresses desire.

어제 배구를 했어요.

I played volleyball yesterday.

Past tense '했어요'.

배구 선수는 키가 커요.

Volleyball players are tall.

Compound noun '배구 선수'.

배구를 배운 적이 있어요?

Have you ever learned volleyball?

'-ㄴ 적이 있다' for past experience.

배구는 실내에서 해요.

Volleyball is played indoors.

'실내에서' means 'indoors'.

배구공을 사러 가요.

I'm going to buy a volleyball.

'-러 가다' for purpose of movement.

배구가 축구보다 더 재미있어요.

Volleyball is more fun than soccer.

'-보다' used for comparison.

배구 경기를 보러 체육관에 갔어요.

I went to the gymnasium to watch a volleyball match.

Combines purpose and destination.

배구는 팀워크가 아주 중요한 운동이에요.

Volleyball is a sport where teamwork is very important.

Descriptive clause ending in '운동이에요'.

무릎이 아파서 배구를 못 해요.

I can't play volleyball because my knee hurts.

'-아서' for reason, '못' for inability.

배구 규칙을 잘 몰라서 물어봤어요.

I didn't know the volleyball rules well, so I asked.

'규칙' means 'rules'.

한국에서 여자 배구의 인기가 대단해요.

The popularity of women's volleyball in Korea is amazing.

'인기가 대단하다' means 'popularity is great'.

배구를 하다가 손가락을 다쳤어요.

I hurt my finger while playing volleyball.

'-다가' indicates an action interrupted by another.

주말마다 배구 동호회에 나가요.

I go to a volleyball club every weekend.

'-마다' means 'every'.

배구 경기 티켓을 예매하기가 힘들어요.

It's hard to reserve volleyball match tickets.

'-기(가) 힘들다' means 'it's hard to do'.

배구 경기에서 서브 에이스가 나오면 정말 짜릿해요.

It's really thrilling when a serve ace happens in a volleyball match.

'짜릿하다' means 'thrilling/electrifying'.

그 선수는 배구 지능이 매우 뛰어난 것으로 평가받아요.

That player is evaluated as having very high volleyball intelligence.

'-ㄴ 것으로 평가받다' is a formal evaluative structure.

배구는 네트를 사이에 두고 치열한 심리전을 벌이는 스포츠입니다.

Volleyball is a sport that involves a fierce psychological war across the net.

'심리전을 벌이다' means 'to engage in psychological warfare'.

최근 배구계에서는 선수들의 부상 방지가 큰 화두입니다.

Recently, preventing player injuries has been a major topic in the volleyball world.

'화두' means 'topic' or 'hot issue'.

배구 경기 도중 심판의 판정에 항의하는 장면이 포착되었습니다.

A scene of protesting the referee's decision during the volleyball match was captured.

'포착되다' means 'to be captured/spotted'.

배구는 공격만큼이나 리시브와 같은 수비가 중요합니다.

In volleyball, defense like receiving is just as important as attacking.

'...만큼이나' means 'as much as'.

은퇴한 배구 선수가 해설가로 변신해 화제를 모으고 있습니다.

A retired volleyball player is attracting attention by transforming into a commentator.

'화제를 모으다' means 'to gather attention/become a hot topic'.

배구 팬들은 자신이 응원하는 팀의 승리를 간절히 바라고 있습니다.

Volleyball fans are earnestly wishing for the victory of the team they cheer for.

'간절히 바라다' means 'to earnestly wish'.

국내 배구 리그의 저변 확대를 위해 다양한 마케팅 전략이 시도되고 있습니다.

Various marketing strategies are being attempted to expand the base of the domestic volleyball league.

'저변 확대' means 'expansion of the base/foundation'.

배구의 전술적 변화는 국제 배구 연맹의 규칙 개정과 밀접한 관련이 있습니다.

Tactical changes in volleyball are closely related to the revision of rules by the International Volleyball Federation.

'밀접한 관련이 있다' means 'to be closely related'.

그 선수의 스파이크는 상대 팀의 블로킹 벽을 무력화시킬 정도로 강력했습니다.

That player's spike was powerful enough to neutralize the opposing team's blocking wall.

'무력화시키다' means 'to neutralize/render powerless'.

배구 경기에서 세터의 역할은 오케스트라의 지휘자에 비견될 만큼 중요합니다.

The role of the setter in a volleyball match is important enough to be compared to an orchestra conductor.

'...에 비견되다' means 'to be comparable to'.

프로 배구 선수들의 연봉 협상 과정이 언론을 통해 상세히 보도되었습니다.

The salary negotiation process of professional volleyball players was reported in detail through the media.

'연봉 협상' means 'salary negotiation'.

배구는 찰나의 순간에 승부가 결정되는 역동적인 스포츠입니다.

Volleyball is a dynamic sport where victory or defeat is decided in a split second.

'찰나의 순간' means 'a split second/instant'.

배구 경기장의 열기는 관중들의 함성 소리로 가득 찼습니다.

The heat of the volleyball stadium was filled with the shouts of the spectators.

'열기' here means 'excitement/heat/fervor'.

배구 발전을 위해서는 유소년 선수 육성 시스템의 체계화가 시급합니다.

For the development of volleyball, systematizing the youth player nurturing system is urgent.

'시급하다' means 'to be urgent'.

배구라는 종목이 지닌 구조적 특성이 팀 내 커뮤니케이션에 미치는 영향을 고찰해 보아야 합니다.

We must consider the impact that the structural characteristics of the sport of volleyball have on intra-team communication.

'고찰하다' is a highly academic term for 'to consider/examine'.

현대 배구는 데이터 분석을 기반으로 한 정밀한 전술 수립이 승패의 관건이 되었습니다.

In modern volleyball, establishing precise tactics based on data analysis has become the key to victory or defeat.

'승패의 관건' means 'the key to victory or defeat'.

배구 연맹의 행정적 미숙함이 선수들의 권익 보호에 걸림돌이 되어서는 안 됩니다.

The administrative immaturity of the Volleyball Federation must not become an obstacle to protecting the rights and interests of players.

'걸림돌' means 'stumbling block/obstacle'.

배구 경기의 흐름을 읽는 통찰력은 수많은 실전 경험을 통해서만 얻어질 수 있는 자산입니다.

The insight to read the flow of a volleyball match is an asset that can only be obtained through numerous real-world experiences.

'통찰력' means 'insight'.

특정 포지션에 편중된 선수 선발 방식은 배구의 균형 있는 발전을 저해할 우려가 있습니다.

A player selection method biased toward specific positions carries the risk of hindering the balanced development of volleyball.

'저해하다' means 'to hinder/impede'.

배구는 단순한 스포츠를 넘어 지역 사회의 결속을 다지는 문화적 매개체 역할을 수행합니다.

Volleyball goes beyond being a simple sport and performs the role of a cultural medium that strengthens the solidarity of the local community.

'매개체' means 'medium/vehicle'.

배구 선수들의 투혼은 한계를 극복하려는 인간 정신의 숭고함을 여실히 보여줍니다.

The fighting spirit of volleyball players clearly demonstrates the nobility of the human spirit trying to overcome limits.

'여실히' means 'clearly/vividly'.

배구 중계 기술의 비약적인 발전으로 시청자들은 더욱 생생한 현장감을 만끽할 수 있게 되었습니다.

With the rapid development of volleyball broadcasting technology, viewers can now enjoy a more vivid sense of presence.

'비약적인' means 'leaping/rapid'.

Common Collocations

배구를 하다

배구 경기

배구 선수

배구공을 치다

배구 팀

배구 시합

배구 관람

배구 동호회

배구 코트

배구 서브

Common Phrases

배구 한 판 할래?

— Do you want to play a round of volleyball?

심심한데 배구 한 판 할래?

배구 직관 가다

— To go watch a volleyball match in person.

이번 주말에 배구 직관 가기로 했어.

배구 중계

— Volleyball broadcast.

지금 배구 중계 중이야.

배구 유니폼

— Volleyball uniform.

배구 유니폼이 잘 어울리네요.

배구 전용 체육관

— A gym dedicated to volleyball.

여기는 배구 전용 체육관입니다.

배구 국가대표

— National volleyball player.

그녀는 배구 국가대표예요.

배구 리그

— Volleyball league.

한국 배구 리그는 겨울에 시작해요.

배구 연습

— Volleyball practice.

매일 배구 연습을 해요.

배구 규칙

— Volleyball rules.

배구 규칙은 배우기 쉬워요.

배구 스파이크

— Volleyball spike.

스파이크가 정말 멋졌어요.

Often Confused With

배구 vs 농구

Basketball. Both end in 'gu' and are played in a gym, but basketball uses a hoop.

배구 vs 야구

Baseball. Both end in 'gu', but baseball is played with a bat and on a field.

배구 vs 족구

Foot-volleyball. Similar concept but played with feet and a lower net.

Idioms & Expressions

"배구공처럼 왔다 갔다 하다"

— To go back and forth like a volleyball (referring to a situation or decision).

결정이 배구공처럼 왔다 갔다 해서 답답해요.

Informal

"네트를 넘기다"

— To pass the net (metaphorically overcoming a hurdle).

드디어 어려운 고비를 배구 네트 넘기듯 넘겼어요.

Literary

"토스를 올리다"

— To 'toss' an opportunity to someone else.

제가 기회를 만들어서 김 대리님께 토스를 올렸어요.

Professional

"스파이크를 때리다"

— To strike a spike (often used to describe giving a sharp, decisive answer).

그녀는 질문에 대해 명쾌하게 스파이크를 때리듯 대답했다.

Informal

"리시브가 안 되다"

— To not be able to 'receive' (not understanding what someone is saying).

그 사람 말은 도저히 리시브가 안 돼요.

Slang

"서브 에이스를 날리다"

— To score a serve ace (to make a great first impression or start).

오늘 면접에서 서브 에이스를 날린 기분이에요.

Informal

"블로킹에 막히다"

— To be blocked (to face an obstacle that stops progress).

제 계획이 부모님의 블로킹에 막혔어요.

Informal

"코트의 지휘자"

— Conductor of the court (referring to a setter).

그는 우리 팀의 코트의 지휘자예요.

Formal

"디그를 성공하다"

— To succeed in a dig (to save a difficult situation).

위기의 순간에 디그를 성공해서 회사를 살렸어요.

Metaphorical

"세트 포인트"

— Set point (the critical moment of a deal or project).

이제 세트 포인트예요. 조금만 더 힘내세요.

Professional

Easily Confused

배구 vs 피구

Both are gym sports ending in 'gu'.

Pigu is dodgeball (hitting people), Baegu is volleyball (hitting over a net).

피구는 공을 피해야 하지만 배구는 공을 쳐야 해요.

배구 vs 탁구

Both end in 'gu'.

Takgu is table tennis (ping pong).

탁구는 작은 탁자 위에서 해요.

배구 vs 당구

Both end in 'gu'.

Danggu is billiards/pool.

당구는 큐대를 사용해요.

배구 vs 축구

Both end in 'gu'.

Chukgu is soccer (played with feet).

축구는 발로 공을 차요.

배구 vs 정구

Both end in 'gu'.

Jeonggu is soft tennis.

정구는 테니스와 비슷해요.

Sentence Patterns

저는 [Sport]를 좋아해요.

저는 배구를 좋아해요.

우리 [Sport] 해요.

우리 배구 해요.

[Sport]를 할 줄 알아요.

배구를 할 줄 알아요.

[Sport] 경기가 있어요.

배구 경기가 있어요.

[Sport]를 하러 [Place]에 가요.

배구를 하러 체육관에 가요.

[Sport]는 [Adjective] 운동이에요.

배구는 재미있는 운동이에요.

[Sport] 선수 중에서 [Name]을 좋아해요.

배구 선수 중에서 김연경을 좋아해요.

[Sport]는 [Noun]가 중요한 스포츠예요.

배구는 팀워크가 중요한 스포츠예요.

Word Family

Nouns

배구공 (volleyball)

배구 선수 (volleyball player)

배구 경기 (volleyball match)

배구화 (volleyball shoes)

배구단 (volleyball team)

Verbs

배구하다 (to play volleyball)

네트 (net)

서브 (serve)

스파이크 (spike)

리시브 (receive)

세터 (setter)

How to Use It

frequency

Commonly used in daily life, especially during sports seasons.

Common Mistakes

배구을 하다 → 배구를 하다
배구 ends in a vowel, so the object particle must be '를', not '을'.
배구를 놀다 → 배구를 하다
'놀다' means to hang out or play with toys. For sports, use '하다'.
야구와 배구를 혼동하다 → 배구 (Volleyball) vs 야구 (Baseball)
Don't confuse 'Bae' with 'Ya'. 'Ya' is baseball.
배구이 재미있어요 → 배구가 재미있어요
Since '구' ends in a vowel, use the subject particle '가', not '이'.
족구를 배구라고 부르다 → 족구는 족구, 배구는 배구
Don't call foot-volleyball '배구'. It's a different sport.

Tips

Particle Match

Always check the last vowel. Since '구' has no batchim, use '가' for subjects and '를' for objects.

Natural Flow

When saying '배구 선수', don't pause between the two words. Say it as one phrase.

Watch the V-League

Watching Korean volleyball broadcasts is a great way to hear the word and related sports terms in context.

The -Gu Suffix

Remember that '-구' means ball. This will help you identify many other sports words like soccer, baseball, and basketball.

Bae-Gu Story

Think of 'Bae' (Before Anyone Else) playing with a 'Gu' (Gooey ball). It's a silly but effective way to remember!

Social Media

Search for #배구 on Instagram or Twitter to see how fans use the word in real-time.

Spelling Check

Make sure you write '배' (ㅐ) and not '베' (ㅔ). The mouth is wider for 'ㅐ'.

Context Clues

If you hear '세트' (set) or '점수' (score) along with '배구', you know it's about a match.

Kim Yeon-koung

Mentioning Kim Yeon-koung when talking about volleyball will immediately make you sound more culturally aware.

Compound Words

Learn '배구공' and '배구화' together. It's easier to remember related nouns in a group.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **BAE** (your sweetie) holding a **GU** (gooey ball) and hitting it over a net. BAE-GU!

Visual Association

Visualize a giant 'B' shaped net with a ball (Gu) flying over it.

Word Web

Sports Ball Team Net Hands Spike Serve Court

Challenge

Try to say '배구' three times fast while mimicking a volleyball spike motion.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean Hanja characters: 排 (배 - push/exclude) and 球 (구 - ball).

Original meaning: A ball game where you push or strike the ball away.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

None. Volleyball is a universally positive and safe topic in Korea.

In the US/UK, volleyball is often seen as a beach hobby or a women-dominated collegiate sport. In Korea, the professional men's league is equally prominent and highly commercialized.

Kim Yeon-koung (World-class Korean volleyball player) Haikyuu!! (Popular Japanese anime about volleyball with a huge Korean fanbase) The V-League (South Korea's professional volleyball league)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At school

체육 시간에 배구 해요.
배구 팀에 뽑혔어요.
배구공 좀 빌려주세요.
배구 규칙이 뭐예요?

At a stadium

배구 티켓 두 장 주세요.
응원하는 팀이 어디예요?
스파이크가 정말 빨라요!
오늘 경기 정말 재미있네요.

Talking about hobbies

취미가 배구예요.
배구 동호회 회원이에요.
배구는 건강에 좋아요.
배구 하러 갈까요?

Watching TV

배구 중계 채널이 어디예요?
점수가 몇 대 몇이에요?
와, 서브 에이스다!
이번 세트가 중요해요.

Sports store

배구화 추천해 주세요.
이 배구공 얼마예요?
배구 무릎 보호대 있어요?
배구복 사이즈가 어떻게 돼요?

Conversation Starters

"어떤 구기 종목을 가장 좋아하세요? 배구 좋아하세요?"

"최근에 배구 경기 보신 적 있어요?"

"배구를 직접 하는 걸 좋아하세요, 아니면 보는 걸 좋아하세요?"

"가장 좋아하는 배구 선수가 누구예요?"

"배구 규칙에 대해 잘 아시나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 배구 경기를 봤는데 느낀 점을 써 보세요.

내가 배구 선수가 된다면 어떤 포지션을 하고 싶은지 이유와 함께 적어 보세요.

배구의 매력이 무엇이라고 생각하는지 설명해 보세요.

친구와 배구를 했던 즐거운 기억에 대해 써 보세요.

한국에서 왜 배구가 인기가 많은지 자신의 생각을 적어 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

배구 (Baegu) is standard volleyball played with hands and a high net. 족구 (Jokgu) is a Korean sport played with feet and a low net. They are completely different games.

Yes, very! Especially women's volleyball, which has a huge following and a professional league called the V-League.

You say '배구를 하다' (Baegu-reul hada).

You can use '치다' (chida), as in '공을 치다' (hit the ball).

Yes, it comes from 排 (strike) and 球 (ball).

It is '배구 선수' (baegu seonsu).

Yes, but '비치발리볼' is more specific for the beach version.

Standard professional and school volleyball is almost always an indoor sport (실내 스포츠).

Kim Yeon-koung (김연경) is by far the most famous and beloved player.

Since '구' ends in a vowel, the object particle is '를' (배구를).