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A2 noun 9 min read

물결

mulgyeol

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 물결 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 물결 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 물결 (mul-gyeol) as simply 'water moving.' Imagine you are at a park with a small pond. You see the water moving a little bit because of the wind. That movement is 물결. In English, we call this a 'ripple' or a 'small wave.' You don't need to worry about complicated grammar yet. Just remember that '물' means water. So, 물결 is something that happens on the '물'. You can use it with simple words like '예쁘다' (to be pretty). For example, '물결이 예뻐요' means 'The ripples are pretty.' It is a peaceful word that helps you describe nature in a basic way. You might also see it in picture books showing a lake or the sea. It's a good word to learn early because it uses the very common root '물'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 물결 in more complete sentences. You should know that it's a noun. You can say '물결이 일어요' (Ripples are rising/forming) or '물결이 잔잔해요' (The ripples are calm). This level is about describing what you see. For example, if you go to the Han River (Hangang) in Seoul, you can look at the water and say, '오늘 한강의 물결이 아주 잔잔하네요' (The ripples on the Han River are very calm today). You might also start to see this word used for things that *look* like water waves, such as hair. A '물결 펌' (mul-gyeol perm) is a popular hairstyle with wavy hair. This shows you that the word is about the *shape* of a wave, not just the water itself. It's a very useful word for making your descriptions of the world a bit more detailed and natural.

At the B1 level, you move beyond just physical water. You start to use 물결 metaphorically. This means using it to describe things that aren't water but move like it. A very common example is a crowd of people. In Korean, a large group of people moving together is called '사람들의 물결' (a wave of people). You will hear this on the news when there are festivals or protests. You can also use it for emotions. If you feel a sudden surge of happiness or sadness, you can call it a '물결' of that emotion. For instance, '감동의 물결' (a wave of being moved/touched). At this level, you should also learn verbs like '물결치다' (to wave/undulate). You can use this for a flag waving in the wind: '국기가 바람에 물결쳐요.' This level is about expanding your vocabulary to include these more expressive and common Korean idioms.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 물결 in discussions about society, history, and trends. It is a key word for describing major shifts in the world. You will often read about the '시대의 물결' (the wave of the times) or '변화의 물결' (the wave of change) in news articles or books. This implies a large, powerful movement that many people are part of. You should also be able to distinguish 물결 from similar words like '파도' (ocean waves) or '흐름' (flow). While '파도' is about force, 물결 is about the collective pattern. For example, '민주화의 물결' (the wave of democratization) suggests a rhythmic and widespread movement across a country. You can also use it in more descriptive writing, such as '황금빛 물결' to describe a field of ripe grain swaying in the wind. Your use of the word should reflect a deeper understanding of its poetic and social nuances.

At the C1 level, you can use 물결 with high-level vocabulary and in complex literary contexts. You might use it to discuss the '파문' (ripples/impact) an event has on society, where 물결 serves as the foundational image. You can appreciate and use it in 'Sijo' (traditional Korean poetry) or modern literature to describe the passage of time or the transience of life. For example, describing the moonlight as '은빛 물결' (silvery ripples) that '넘실대다' (roll/heave) on the dark sea. You should also be familiar with technical terms like '물결파' in physics. At this level, your usage should be precise. You understand that 물결 isn't just a wave; it represents the '결' (texture/grain) of the water, reflecting a specific Korean aesthetic of finding beauty in natural patterns. You can use it to create vivid, sophisticated imagery in both speaking and writing.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 물결 and its place in the Korean psyche. You can use it to discuss philosophical concepts, such as the ebb and flow of history or the interconnectedness of human actions. You might use it in academic papers to describe '소비의 물결' (waves of consumption) or in profound literary critiques. You understand the subtle differences between '물결', '파도', '파랑', and '파문' and can choose the exact word to convey the desired tone and intensity. You can also play with the word in creative writing, perhaps personifying the 물결 to describe a character's internal state. Your mastery allows you to use the word in any register, from the most formal legal or scientific document to the most intimate and lyrical poem, fully capturing the rhythm and texture that the word '결' implies.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

물결 in 30 Seconds

A noun meaning 'wave' or 'ripple' on water.
Distinguished from '파도' (big waves) by its focus on pattern and texture.
Used metaphorically for crowds, emotions, and social trends.
Derived from '물' (water) and '결' (texture/grain).

The Korean word 물결 (mul-gyeol) is a fascinating noun that primarily refers to the physical movement of water, specifically ripples or waves. Unlike the word '파도' (pa-do), which often evokes images of large, crashing ocean waves, 물결 focuses on the pattern, the rhythm, and the texture of the water's surface. It is a compound word formed from '물' (mul), meaning water, and '결' (gyeol), which refers to a grain, texture, or pattern. Therefore, 물결 literally translates to the 'texture of water.' This nuance is essential for English speakers to grasp because it explains why the word is used so frequently in poetic and metaphorical contexts. When you see light reflecting off a calm lake, creating tiny shimmering lines, those are 물결. When a breeze passes over a rice field, making the stalks sway in unison, Koreans describe this as a 'green wave' using the same terminology. This word captures the essence of fluid motion and rhythmic recurrence, making it a staple in both daily observation and high literature.

Literal Meaning: The visible pattern and motion on the surface of water caused by wind, current, or an object's impact. It describes everything from tiny ripples in a cup to the rolling swells of the sea.

Metaphorical Meaning: Used to describe the collective movement of people, the spread of a social trend, or the fluctuation of emotions and history. It implies a force that moves in a specific direction or rhythm.

호수의 물결이 아주 잔잔합니다. (The ripples on the lake are very calm.)

In everyday conversation, you might use this word when visiting the Han River in Seoul or when describing the weather. However, its usage extends far beyond the physical. For instance, in the context of the 'Korean Wave' (Hallyu), while the official term uses '파도' or '풍조' in some academic circles, the poetic description of Korean culture spreading like a 'wave' often invokes the imagery of 물결. It suggests a natural, unstoppable flow. The word is also deeply tied to the concept of '결', which is a uniquely Korean aesthetic term referring to the inner grain or natural flow of things. Understanding 물결 is a gateway to understanding how Koreans perceive harmony and movement in the natural world. It is not just a disturbance in the water; it is the water's way of expressing its energy.

사람들의 물결이 광장을 가득 메웠다. (A wave of people filled the square.)

Furthermore, the word is used in technical and scientific contexts to describe wave-like properties in physics, such as '물결파' (water waves). This demonstrates the word's versatility across different registers of the Korean language. Whether you are a poet describing the moonlight dancing on the sea or a scientist measuring the frequency of a ripple, 물결 is the indispensable term. It evokes a sense of continuity and connection, as one ripple inevitably leads to another. This interconnectivity is a core theme in Korean thought, where no action is isolated but rather part of a larger 물결 or flow of events.

Visual Texture: Think of the 'V' shaped wake behind a boat or the concentric circles expanding from a dropped stone. These are the quintessential visual representations of this word.

바람이 불자 보리밭에 파란 물결이 일었다. (As the wind blew, blue waves rose in the barley field.)

그녀의 치맛자락이 물결처럼 흔들렸다. (The hem of her skirt swayed like ripples.)

Finally, the word appears in many compound verbs and adjectives, such as '물결치다' (to wave/undulate). This verb describes anything that moves in a wave-like fashion, from hair blowing in the wind to the rising and falling of a nation's economy. By mastering this word, you gain access to a rich vocabulary of motion and emotion that is central to the Korean linguistic experience.

Using 물결 correctly requires an understanding of its typical grammatical partners. As a noun, it often functions as the subject or object of a sentence, frequently paired with verbs that describe appearance, movement, or creation. One of the most common verbs used with 물결 is '일다' (to rise/happen). When you say '물결이 일다', you are describing the moment ripples or waves begin to form on a surface. Conversely, '잔잔하다' (to be calm/still) is the go-to adjective for describing a surface where the 물결 are minimal or non-existent.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 일다 (to rise): 물결이 일다. 2. 치다 (to hit/beat): 물결이 치다. 3. 가르다 (to cut through): 물결을 가르다. 4. 넘실거리다 (to roll/heave): 물결이 넘실거리다.

When describing a boat moving through water, Koreans often use the phrase '물결을 가르며 나아가다' (moving forward while cutting through the waves). This creates a vivid image of the bow of a ship splitting the water's surface. In metaphorical usage, the particles '의' (possessive) and '처럼' (like) are vital. You will often hear '환호의 물결' (waves of cheering) or '감동의 물결' (waves of emotion). Here, the word 물결 helps quantify and visualize an abstract feeling as a physical force that washes over a crowd or an individual.

배가 물결을 가르며 호수 한가운데로 나아갔다. (The boat moved toward the center of the lake, cutting through the ripples.)

Another important grammatical structure involves the verb '물결치다'. This is a 'noun + 하다' derived verb (though '치다' is a separate verb, they function as one unit here). It means 'to undulate' or 'to wave'. You can use it to describe physical objects like flags: '태극기가 바람에 물결치고 있다' (The Korean flag is waving in the wind). It can also describe abstract concepts like '가슴이 물결치다', which means one's heart is surging with emotion. This flexibility is what makes 물결 such a powerful tool for expression.

그 소식에 온 국민의 마음이 분노의 물결로 가득 찼다. (At that news, the hearts of all citizens were filled with a wave of anger.)

In formal writing or news reports, you might encounter the word in the context of '시대의 물결' (the wave of the times). This refers to the prevailing trends or historical shifts of an era. For example, '민주화의 물결' (the wave of democratization) was a common phrase in 1980s Korea. In these cases, 물결 acts as a powerful collective noun that signifies a movement involving many people or factors. When writing, remember that 물결 usually implies a continuous, rhythmic motion, so pair it with verbs that reflect that continuity, such as '이어지다' (to continue) or '번지다' (to spread).

Common Adjectives: 1. 잔잔한 (calm): 잔잔한 물결. 2. 거친 (rough): 거친 물결. 3. 은빛 (silvery): 은빛 물결. 4. 푸른 (blue): 푸른 물결.

달빛을 받은 바다는 은빛 물결로 반짝였다. (The sea, touched by moonlight, sparkled with silvery ripples.)

When you want to describe a large crowd moving, use '사람들의 물결'. It suggests that individuals are moving together like a single body of water. This is a very common way to describe protesters, commuters, or fans at a concert. '응원의 물결' (waves of support) is another popular phrase, often seen on social media or news banners during national events like the World Cup. By using 물결 in these contexts, you elevate your Korean from basic communication to a more descriptive and native-like level.

새로운 기술의 물결이 우리 삶을 바꾸고 있다. (A wave of new technology is changing our lives.)

You will encounter 물결 in a variety of real-world settings in Korea. One of the most common places is in nature-related contexts. If you take a walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul or visit the beaches of Busan, you'll hear people commenting on the 물결. Tour guides might describe the '잔잔한 물결' of a historic lake, or a fisherman might complain about the '거친 물결' (rough waves) making it difficult to catch fish. It's a word that bridges the gap between everyday observation and appreciative description of nature.

News and Media: News anchors frequently use '물결' to describe social movements. You might hear '개혁의 물결' (wave of reform) or '변화의 물결' (wave of change). In sports broadcasting, a crowd performing the 'stadium wave' is described as '파도타기' (wave riding), but the visual of the crowd itself is often called '응원의 물결'.

In the world of K-pop and K-dramas, 물결 is often used in song lyrics to express emotions. Ballads frequently use the metaphor of ripples on a lake to describe how a small memory can disturb the peace of one's heart. For example, a lyric might say, '내 마음의 호수에 네가 물결을 일으켰어' (You caused ripples in the lake of my heart). This poetic usage is very common and helps convey a sense of gentle but profound impact. If you watch historical dramas (Sageuk), you'll hear it in more formal or archaic contexts, often referring to the 'waves of fate' or the 'flow of the nation.'

공연장은 팬들이 흔드는 야광봉의 물결로 가득했다. (The concert hall was filled with a wave of light sticks shaken by fans.)

Literature is perhaps where 물결 shines the most. Korean poets have long used the image of water to discuss time, life, and sorrow. In classic poems, the constant motion of 물결 symbolizes the unceasing passage of time—how one moment flows into the next without stopping. In modern literature, it might describe the visual beauty of a landscape, such as '황금빛 물결' (golden waves) referring to a field of ripe rice ready for harvest. This imagery is deeply embedded in the Korean agricultural heritage and is still a powerful symbol of prosperity and hard work today.

가을바람에 억새꽃이 하얀 물결을 이루고 있다. (The silver grass flowers are forming white waves in the autumn breeze.)

You will also see the word in product names or marketing. A brand of bottled water might use '물결' to emphasize purity and natural flow. A hair salon might use it to describe '물결 펌' (mul-gyeol perm), which is a specific style of wavy hair that looks like gentle ripples. In the tech world, UI designers might use '물결 효과' (ripple effect) to describe the visual feedback when a user touches a screen. This widespread usage across different industries shows how deeply the concept of the 'water pattern' is integrated into modern Korean life.

Daily Life Examples: 1. Hair Styles: 물결 펌 (Wavy perm). 2. Weather Reports: 물결이 높게 일겠습니다 (Waves will be high). 3. Social Media: 축하의 물결 (Waves of congratulations).

인터넷에는 그 배우를 향한 비난의 물결

Lastly, in educational settings, teachers use 물결 to explain physical phenomena. Whether it's the physics of sound waves (음파) or light waves (광파), the foundational concept of the 'wave' is often introduced through the observable 물결 of water. This makes it a primary building block for more complex scientific vocabulary. When you hear this word, think of it as more than just 'water moving'; think of it as a fundamental pattern of the universe as perceived through the Korean lens.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 물결 with 파도 (pa-do). While both can be translated as 'wave' in English, their usage is distinct. 파도 specifically refers to the large waves at sea, especially those that break or crash on the shore. It carries a sense of power and sometimes danger. If you are describing a calm lake or the ripples created by a pebble, using '파도' would sound unnatural and exaggerated. 물결 is the correct choice for smaller, gentler, or more generalized patterns of water movement.

물결 vs. 파도: Use '물결' for ripples, patterns, and metaphorical flows (emotions, crowds). Use '파도' for large ocean waves, surfing, and crashing water.

Another common error is using 물결 when you actually mean 흐름 (heu-reum). 흐름 translates to 'flow' or 'current'. While they are related, 흐름 focuses on the direction and continuous movement of a liquid or an abstract concept (like the flow of a conversation). 물결 focuses on the surface pattern and the rhythmic ups and downs. For example, you would talk about the 'flow of a river' (강의 흐름), but the 'ripples on the river' (강의 물결). If you confuse these, you might end up saying 'the ripples of the conversation' which sounds quite strange unless you are being extremely poetic.

❌ 바다의 물결이 너무 높아서 서핑을 할 수 없어요. (The ripples are too high to surf.)
✅ 바다의 파도가 너무 높아서 서핑을 할 수 없어요. (The waves are too high to surf.)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the verb pairings. A common mistake is using '하다' (to do) with 물결 to mean 'it waves'. While '물결치다' is a valid verb, simply saying '물결이 해요' is grammatically incorrect. You must use the appropriate descriptive verbs like '일다' (to rise), '치다' (to hit), or '넘실거리다' (to roll). Understanding the specific 'collocations' or natural word pairings is key to avoiding these awkward phrases. For instance, '물결이 잔잔하다' (the ripples are calm) is a set phrase that sounds much more natural than '물결이 조용하다' (the ripples are quiet).

❌ 경제의 흐름이 일고 있다. (A flow of economy is rising - unnatural)
✅ 경제의 물결이 일고 있다. (A wave of economic change is rising.)

Finally, be careful with the spelling. Some learners confuse 물결 (mul-gyeol) with 물결표 (mul-gyeol-pyo). The latter refers specifically to the tilde symbol (~) used in writing. While they share the same root because the tilde looks like a wave, using the wrong word in a sentence about punctuation or water can lead to confusion. For example, '문장에 물결을 넣으세요' would mean 'put a wave in the sentence,' which is nonsensical, whereas '문장에 물결표를 넣으세요' means 'put a tilde in the sentence.'

Confusion with Symbols: Avoid using '물결' when referring to the keyboard character '~'. The correct term is '물결표' or '물결 무늬'.

❌ 이메일 주소에 물결이 있어요. (There is a wave in the email address.)
✅ 이메일 주소에 물결표가 있어요. (There is a tilde in the email address.)

To avoid these mistakes, always visualize the scene. Is it a gentle pattern or a crashing force? Is it a physical liquid moving in a direction or a rhythmic pattern on the surface? By asking these questions, you will choose the right word every time.

Exploring synonyms and related terms for 물결 helps you fine-tune your descriptions and understand the subtle differences in Korean imagery. While 물결 is the most versatile term, several other words can be used depending on the specific context or the intensity of the wave you are describing.

파도 (Pado) - Wave/Surf: As mentioned before, '파도' is the big brother of '물결'. It specifically refers to ocean waves, especially those with white caps or those that crash against something. If the '물결' becomes too big or violent, it becomes '파도'.
파문 (Pamun) - Ripple/Impact: '파문' literally means 'wave pattern.' It is most often used to describe the concentric circles created when something is dropped into still water. Metaphorically, it is used to describe the 'stir' or 'scandal' caused by an event. Example: '그 사건은 사회적으로 큰 파문을 일으켰다' (That incident caused a great stir in society).
파랑 (Parang) - Waves/Swell: This is a more technical or literary term for waves, often used in weather forecasts (파랑 주의보 - wave advisory). It combines '파' (wave) and '랑' (billow). It sounds more formal than '물결'.

If you are looking for verbs that describe wave-like motion, consider 넘실대다 or 출렁이다. 넘실대다 describes the graceful, rolling motion of large amounts of water or a large crowd. It has a rhythmic, almost dancing quality. 출렁이다, on the other hand, describes the sloshing or splashing of water in a container or a sudden surge. If you carry a full bucket of water and it spills over, that's '출렁이다'. If the sea is slightly choppy, you might say '바다가 출렁인다'.

호수에 돌을 던지자 파문이 퍼져 나갔다. (As a stone was thrown into the lake, ripples spread out.)

In metaphorical contexts, 흐름 (flow) and 추세 (trend) are excellent alternatives. While '물결' emphasizes the visual and collective movement, '흐름' emphasizes the direction and '추세' emphasizes the statistical or social direction. For example, if you are talking about the 'trend of the times,' '시대의 추세' sounds more academic, while '시대의 물결' sounds more evocative and powerful. Choosing between them depends on whether you want to be precise or poetic.

그녀의 마음속에 그리움의 물결이 출렁였다. (A wave of longing sloshed/surged in her heart.)

For describing patterns that look like waves but aren't water, you can use 물결무늬 (wave pattern). This is commonly used in fashion, interior design, and art. If a shirt has a wavy pattern, you call it '물결무늬 셔츠'. If the sand on a beach has been shaped into ridges by the wind, those are also '물결무늬'. This word allows you to apply the concept of '물결' to static objects that mimic the water's natural beauty.

Comparison Summary: 1. 물결: General ripples/patterns. 2. 파도: Large/crashing waves. 3. 파문: Concentric ripples/social impact. 4. 출렁이다: Sloshing/choppy movement. 5. 넘실대다: Rolling/graceful movement.

바닷가 모래 사장에 물결무늬가 예쁘게 생겼다. (Beautiful wave patterns formed on the sandy beach.)

By learning these alternatives, you can avoid repetitive language and describe the world with much greater precision. Whether you are talking about a literal ocean or the figurative waves of history, you now have the tools to choose the perfect word for the occasion.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word '결' is very important in Korean aesthetics. It refers to the natural lines in wood, the grain of fabric, or even a person's temperament. '물결' is thus the 'temperament' or 'pattern' of water.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mul.ɡjʌl/

US /mul.ɡjʌl/

Both syllables receive equal stress in Korean, but the first syllable might feel slightly higher in pitch.

Rhymes With

결 (gyeol - texture) 결결 (gyeol-gyeol - every layer) 숨결 (sum-gyeol - breath) 바람결 (baram-gyeol - breeze) 꿈결 (kkum-gyeol - dreamlike state) 살결 (sal-gyeol - skin texture) 마음결 (maeum-gyeol - nature of heart) 비단결 (bidan-gyeol - silky texture)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'gyeol' as 'gyeol-ee' (adding an extra vowel).
Making the 'g' sound too much like a 'k'.
Using a dark English 'l' which sounds heavy.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the common '물' root.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowing specific verb collocations like '일다'.

Speaking 3/5

Pronouncing 'gyeol' correctly takes practice for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, usually clear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

물 (water) 바다 (sea) 바람 (wind) 일다 (to rise)

Learn Next

파도 (ocean wave) 파문 (ripple/impact) 넘실대다 (to roll) 출렁이다 (to slosh)

Advanced

파랑 (swell) 여파 (aftermath) 유동성 (liquidity)

Grammar to Know

Compound Nouns (N+N)

물 (water) + 결 (texture) = 물결 (ripples)

Simile with '처럼'

물결처럼 부드럽다 (Soft like ripples)

Present Continuous '-고 있다'

물결이 일고 있다 (Ripples are rising)

Adjective Conjugation '-ㄴ/은'

잔잔한 물결 (Calm ripples)

Causative/Reason '-때문에'

바람 때문에 물결이 생겼다 (Ripples formed because of the wind)

Examples by Level

물결이 예뻐요.

The ripples are pretty.

물결 (noun) + 이 (subject particle) + 예뻐요 (adjective in polite present tense).

바다에 물결이 있어요.

There are ripples in the sea.

바다 (sea) + 에 (location particle) + 물결 (ripples) + 이 (subject particle) + 있어요 (exists/there is).

물결이 작아요.

The ripples are small.

물결 (ripples) + 이 (subject particle) + 작아요 (small in polite present tense).

강에 물결이 일어요.

Ripples are rising in the river.

강 (river) + 에 (location particle) + 물결 (ripples) + 이 (subject particle) + 일어요 (rise/happen).

물결을 봐요.

Look at the ripples.

물결 (ripples) + 을 (object particle) + 봐요 (look/see).

물결이 파란색이에요.

The ripples are blue.

물결 (ripples) + 이 (subject particle) + 파란색 (blue color) + 이에요 (is).

호수에 물결이 없어요.

There are no ripples on the lake.

호수 (lake) + 에 (location particle) + 물결 (ripples) + 이 (subject particle) + 없어요 (does not exist/there is no).

물결이 움직여요.

The ripples are moving.

물결 (ripples) + 이 (subject particle) + 움직여요 (move).

바람 때문에 물결이 일고 있어요.

The ripples are rising because of the wind.

바람 (wind) + 때문에 (because of) + 물결 (ripples) + 이 (subject particle) + 일고 있어요 (is rising - present continuous).

배가 지나가서 물결이 생겼어요.

A boat passed by, so ripples were created.

배 (boat) + 가 (subject particle) + 지나가서 (passed and so) + 물결 (ripples) + 이 (subject particle) + 생겼어요 (appeared/was created).

물결이 아주 잔잔해서 수영하기 좋아요.

The ripples are very calm, so it's good for swimming.

물결 (ripples) + 이 (subject particle) + 잔잔해서 (is calm and so) + 수영하기 (swimming) + 좋아요 (is good).

호수의 물결이 반짝거려요.

The ripples on the lake are sparkling.

호수 (lake) + 의 (possessive) + 물결 (ripples) + 이 (subject particle) + 반짝거려요 (sparkle).

그녀는 물결 무늬 치마를 입었어요.

She wore a skirt with a wave pattern.

물결 무늬 (wave pattern) + 치마 (skirt) + 를 (object particle) + 입었어요 (wore).

물결이 점점 커지고 있어요.

The ripples are getting bigger and bigger.

물결 (ripples) + 이 (subject particle) + 점점 (gradually) + 커지고 있어요 (is becoming big).

아이들이 물결을 따라 뛰어가요.

Children are running along the waves.

아이들 (children) + 이 (subject particle) + 물결 (waves) + 을 (object particle) + 따라 (following) + 뛰어가요 (run).

물결 소리가 정말 듣기 좋아요.

The sound of the ripples is really nice to hear.

물결 소리 (sound of ripples) + 가 (subject particle) + 정말 (really) + 듣기 좋아요 (is good to hear).

공연장이 팬들의 환호의 물결로 가득 찼다.

The concert hall was filled with a wave of fans' cheering.

환호 (cheering) + 의 (possessive) + 물결 (wave) + 로 (with/by) + 가득 찼다 (was filled).

바람에 흔들리는 보리밭이 초록색 물결 같아요.

The barley field swaying in the wind looks like green waves.

보리밭 (barley field) + 이 (subject particle) + 초록색 (green) + 물결 (wave) + 같아요 (is like).

태극기가 바람에 힘차게 물결치고 있습니다.

The Korean flag is waving energetically in the wind.

태극기 (Korean flag) + 가 (subject particle) + 물결치고 있습니다 (is waving/undulating).

기쁜 소식에 축하의 물결이 이어졌습니다.

A wave of congratulations followed the happy news.

축하 (congratulation) + 의 (possessive) + 물결 (wave) + 이 (subject particle) + 이어졌습니다 (continued/followed).

사람들의 물결을 헤치고 앞으로 나아갔어요.

I pushed through the wave of people and moved forward.

사람들 (people) + 의 (possessive) + 물결 (wave) + 을 (object particle) + 헤치고 (pushing through and).

그녀의 긴 머리카락이 물결처럼 어깨 위로 흘러내렸다.

Her long hair flowed over her shoulders like ripples.

머리카락 (hair) + 이 (subject particle) + 물결 (ripples) + 처럼 (like) + 흘러내렸다 (flowed down).

호수에 돌을 던지자 동그란 물결이 퍼져 나갔다.

As I threw a stone into the lake, circular ripples spread out.

동그란 (round) + 물결 (ripples) + 이 (subject particle) + 퍼져 나갔다 (spread out).

갑자기 밀려온 감동의 물결에 눈물이 났다.

Tears came at the wave of emotion that suddenly rushed in.

감동 (being moved) + 의 (possessive) + 물결 (wave) + 에 (due to).

새로운 기술의 물결이 우리 사회를 뒤흔들고 있다.

A wave of new technology is shaking our society.

기술 (technology) + 의 (possessive) + 물결 (wave) + 이 (subject particle) + 뒤흔들고 있다 (is shaking up).

그는 시대의 물결에 휩쓸리지 않으려고 노력했다.

He tried not to be swept away by the wave of the times.

시대 (era/times) + 의 (possessive) + 물결 (wave) + 에 (by/in) + 휩쓸리지 않으려고 (to not be swept away and).

민주화의 거센 물결이 전국으로 퍼져 나갔습니다.

The fierce wave of democratization spread throughout the country.

민주화 (democratization) + 의 (possessive) + 거센 (fierce/strong) + 물결 (wave).

가을 산은 단풍의 붉은 물결로 물들었습니다.

The autumn mountains were colored with a red wave of autumn leaves.

단풍 (autumn leaves) + 의 (possessive) + 붉은 (red) + 물결 (wave) + 로 (with).

개혁의 물결이 정치권에 새로운 바람을 일으켰다.

The wave of reform brought a new wind to the political world.

개혁 (reform) + 의 (possessive) + 물결 (wave) + 이 (subject particle).

시장의 변화라는 큰 물결을 타는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to ride the big wave of market change.

시장 (market) + 의 (possessive) + 변화 (change) + 라는 (called) + 물결 (wave) + 을 타는 것 (riding).

그의 연설은 청중들에게 깊은 울림과 물결을 남겼다.

His speech left a deep resonance and a wave [of impact] on the audience.

울림 (resonance) + 과 (and) + 물결 (wave) + 을 (object particle) + 남겼다 (left).

해안가에 밀려드는 물결이 하얀 거품을 만들었다.

The waves rushing to the shore created white foam.

밀려드는 (rushing in) + 물결 (waves) + 이 (subject particle).

달빛 아래 부서지는 은빛 물결이 한 폭의 그림 같았다.

The silvery ripples breaking under the moonlight were like a painting.

부서지는 (breaking) + 은빛 (silvery) + 물결 (ripples) + 이 (subject particle).

역사의 도도한 물결은 그 누구도 막을 수 없다.

No one can stop the grand wave of history.

역사 (history) + 의 (possessive) + 도도한 (grand/majestic) + 물결 (wave).

그의 문체는 마치 잔잔한 물결처럼 부드럽고 우아하다.

His writing style is smooth and elegant, like calm ripples.

문체 (writing style) + 는 (topic particle) + 물결 (ripples) + 처럼 (like).

인생의 파고를 넘고 나니 비로소 평온한 물결이 찾아왔다.

After crossing the high waves of life, a peaceful ripple finally arrived.

파고 (wave height/hardships) + 를 (object particle) + 넘고 나니 (after crossing).

호수의 고요를 깨뜨리는 작은 물결이 그의 마음을 어지럽혔다.

The small ripples breaking the lake's silence disturbed his mind.

고요 (silence/stillness) + 를 (object particle) + 깨뜨리는 (breaking).

전통과 현대가 어우러진 문화의 새로운 물결이 일고 있다.

A new wave of culture, where tradition and modernity harmonize, is rising.

어우러진 (harmonized) + 문화 (culture) + 의 (possessive) + 물결 (wave).

그녀의 눈동자에는 슬픔의 물결이 쉴 새 없이 일렁였다.

Waves of sadness flickered incessantly in her eyes.

슬픔 (sadness) + 의 (possessive) + 물결 (wave) + 이 (subject particle) + 일렁였다 (flickered/swayed).

과학자들은 이 현상을 물결파의 간섭으로 설명한다.

Scientists explain this phenomenon as the interference of water waves.

물결파 (water waves) + 의 (possessive) + 간섭 (interference).

인간의 욕망이 만들어낸 거대한 물결이 생태계를 위협하고 있다.

A giant wave created by human desire is threatening the ecosystem.

욕망 (desire) + 이 (subject particle) + 만들어낸 (created) + 물결 (wave).

시간의 영겁 속에서 우리 존재는 찰나의 물결에 불과하다.

In the eternity of time, our existence is nothing more than a momentary ripple.

영겁 (eternity) + 속에서 (within) + 찰나 (moment) + 의 (possessive) + 물결 (ripple).

철학자는 존재의 근원을 끊임없이 변화하는 물결에 비유했다.

The philosopher likened the source of existence to constantly changing ripples.

존재 (existence) + 의 (possessive) + 근원 (source) + 을 (object particle) + 비유했다 (likened).

국제 정세의 급변하는 물결 속에서 국익을 지키는 것은 쉽지 않다.

It is not easy to protect national interests in the rapidly changing waves of international affairs.

국제 정세 (international situation) + 의 (possessive) + 급변하는 (rapidly changing) + 물결 (wave).

그의 예술 세계는 고전적 미학과 현대적 감각의 물결이 교차하는 지점에 있다.

His artistic world lies at the point where waves of classical aesthetics and modern sensibility intersect.

교차하는 (intersecting) + 지점 (point) + 에 (at).

군중의 집단적 무의식이 거대한 분노의 물결로 분출되었다.

The collective unconscious of the crowd erupted into a giant wave of anger.

집단적 무의식 (collective unconscious) + 이 (subject particle) + 분출되었다 (erupted).

생명의 박동은 대지의 물결과 공명하며 우주의 리듬을 만들어낸다.

The heartbeat of life resonates with the waves of the earth, creating the rhythm of the universe.

박동 (pulsation/beat) + 은 (topic particle) + 공명하며 (resonating and).

사유의 깊이가 더해질수록 진리의 물결은 더욱 선명하게 다가온다.

As the depth of thought increases, the wave of truth approaches more clearly.

사유 (thought/contemplation) + 의 (possessive) + 깊이 (depth) + 가 (subject particle) + 더해질수록 (as it adds up).

Common Collocations

물결이 일다

물결이 잔잔하다

물결을 가르다

물결이 치다

물결이 넘실거리다

시대의 물결

사람들의 물결

감동의 물결

환호의 물결

물결 무늬

Common Phrases

물결을 타다

— To follow a trend or take advantage of a situation.

그는 새로운 사업의 물결을 잘 탔다.

물결이 높다

— The waves are high (often used in weather reports).

오늘 동해안은 물결이 높게 일겠습니다.

물결처럼 번지다

— To spread like a ripple (usually for news or feelings).

소문은 물결처럼 순식간에 번져 나갔다.

물결이 잦아들다

— The ripples/waves are calming down.

폭풍이 지나가자 물결이 서서히 잦아들었다.

물결에 몸을 맡기다

— To let oneself go with the flow.

그는 흐르는 물결에 몸을 맡기고 수영을 즐겼다.

은빛 물결

— Silvery ripples (often describing water under moonlight or sun).

강물 위로 은빛 물결이 반짝인다.

황금 물결

— Golden waves (often describing ripe rice fields).

가을 들판에 황금 물결이 일렁인다.

분노의 물결

— A wave of anger.

그 사건 이후 국민들 사이에 분노의 물결이 일었다.

개혁의 물결

— A wave of reform.

전 세계적으로 개혁의 물결이 거세게 불고 있다.

초록 물결

— Green waves (describing forests or fields).

산등성이가 싱그러운 초록 물결로 덮였다.

Often Confused With

물결 vs 파도

Pado is for big ocean waves; Mul-gyeol is for ripples or general patterns.

물결 vs 흐름

Heureum is the 'flow' or 'direction'; Mul-gyeol is the 'surface pattern'.

물결 vs 파문

Pamun is specifically for ripples from an impact or a social scandal.

Idioms & Expressions

"물결치는 가슴"

— A heart that is surging with emotion or excitement.

그녀를 다시 만날 생각에 가슴이 물결쳤다.

Literary

"시대의 물결에 휩쓸리다"

— To be carried away by the trends or events of the time.

그는 자신의 의지와 상관없이 시대의 물결에 휩쓸렸다.

Neutral

"물결을 거스르다"

— To go against the trend or current.

대세를 거스르는 것은 마치 물결을 거스르는 것과 같다.

Neutral

"잔잔한 물결에 돌 던지기"

— To cause trouble or a stir in a peaceful situation.

평화로운 마을에 그의 등장은 잔잔한 물결에 돌을 던진 격이었다.

Informal

"물결이 일렁이다"

— To sway or flicker like waves (often for light or eyes).

그녀의 눈동자에 슬픔의 물결이 일렁였다.

Literary

"환희의 물결"

— A surge of joy.

합격 소식을 듣자 환희의 물결이 온몸을 감쌌다.

Literary

"물결 무늬 펌"

— A specific wavy hairstyle.

그녀는 이번에 물결 무늬 펌을 해서 분위기를 바꿨다.

Informal

"비난의 물결"

— A wave of criticism.

정치인의 실언에 비난의 물결이 쏟아졌다.

Neutral

"추모의 물결"

— A wave of memorial/mourning.

사고 현장에는 시민들의 추모의 물결이 이어졌다.

Neutral

"역사의 물결"

— The tide/flow of history.

누구도 역사의 거대한 물결을 바꿀 수는 없다.

Formal

Easily Confused

물결 vs 파도

Both translate to 'wave'.

파도 is high-energy, breaking ocean waves. 물결 is lower-energy, rhythmic ripples or patterns.

서핑은 파도(O) / 물결(X)에서 해요.

물결 vs 흐름

Both describe movement of water.

흐름 is the internal current/direction. 물결 is the surface undulation.

강의 흐름이 빠르다 vs 강의 물결이 잔잔하다.

물결 vs 파문

Both mean ripples.

파문 is usually circular and caused by a specific impact. It's often used for 'scandals'.

물에 돌을 던져 파문을 만들었다.

물결 vs 물보라

Both relate to waves.

물보라 is the spray or mist caused by waves hitting something.

파도가 치자 하얀 물보라가 튀었다.

물결 vs 파랑

Both mean waves.

파랑 is a formal/technical term for sea swells.

파랑 주의보가 내려졌다.

Sentence Patterns

물결이 [Adjective]요.

물결이 예뻐요.

[Location]에 물결이 [Verb]요.

호수에 물결이 일어요.

[Noun]의 물결이 [Verb]다.

환호의 물결이 넘실댄다.

물결처럼 [Adjective/Verb]다.

머리카락이 물결처럼 부드럽다.

[Abstract Noun]의 물결이 일고 있다.

변화의 물결이 일고 있다.

[Noun]의 물결을 타다.

성공의 물결을 타다.

[Poetic Description] 물결이 [Verb]다.

달빛 머금은 물결이 부서진다.

[Complex Subject] 물결은 [Philosophical Predicate].

역사의 도도한 물결은 멈추지 않는다.

Word Family

Nouns

물 (water)

결 (texture/grain/pattern)

물결표 (tilde symbol)

물결무늬 (wave pattern)

Verbs

물결치다 (to wave/undulate)

일렁이다 (to sway/flicker)

출렁이다 (to slosh/surge)

Adjectives

물결치는 (wavy/undulating)

잔잔한 (calm - used with 물결)

파도 (wave)

파랑 (swell)

파문 (ripple)

여파 (aftermath)

흐름 (flow)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '파도' for a calm lake. → 호수의 물결
'파도' implies crashing ocean waves. Lakes usually have '물결'.
Saying '물결을 해요' for 'it waves'. → 물결쳐요 / 물결이 일어요
'물결' needs specific verbs like '치다' or '일다' instead of just '하다'.
Confusing '물결' with '물결표'. → 물결표를 쓰세요.
Use '물결표' when referring to the tilde symbol (~).
Using '물결' for the direction of a river. → 강의 흐름
'물결' is the surface pattern; '흐름' is the flow/direction.
Spelling it as '물결이' when the root is just '물결'. → 물결
Some learners think the subject particle '이' is part of the word.

Tips

Texture of Water

Always remember '결' means texture. This helps you understand that '물결' is about how the water looks and feels on top.

Verb Matching

Pair '물결' with '일다' (to rise) for a natural sound. '물결이 일다' is the most standard way to say waves are forming.

Metaphorical Crowds

Use '사람들의 물결' when describing a sea of people. It sounds much more sophisticated than just saying 'many people'.

Autumn Imagery

In autumn, describe fields of rice as '황금빛 물결' (golden waves) to impress Koreans with your cultural knowledge.

Don't forget the 'ㄹ'

Make sure to write '물결', not '물겨'. The 'ㄹ' at the end is crucial for the meaning.

Poetic Colors

Combine with '은빛' (silver) for moonlight or '초록빛' (green) for forests to create beautiful imagery.

Mul-gyeol vs Pado

If you can surf on it, it's '파도'. If you can just watch it shimmer, it's '물결'.

Social Media Waves

When a post goes viral, you can say '응원의 물결이 이어지고 있다' (a wave of support is continuing).

Wave Physics

For science students, '물결파' is the term for water waves in physics problems.

Wavy Patterns

Use '물결 무늬' to describe wavy patterns on clothes, wallpaper, or even sand.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Mul' (water) and 'Gyeol' (texture). 'Mul-gyeol' is the texture of the water. Imagine running your hand over the 'grain' of a lake's surface.

Visual Association

Visualize a tilde (~) on top of a blue square. The tilde is the 'mul-gyeol' (wave) and the blue is 'mul' (water).

Word Web

Water (물) Texture (결) Lake (호수) River (강) Sea (바다) Wind (바람) Crowd (사람들) Trend (유행)

Challenge

Try to describe three different things using '물결' today: one physical (like water), one visual (like hair or a field), and one metaphorical (like a feeling).

Word Origin

A native Korean compound word. '물' (water) + '결' (texture/grain).

Original meaning: The natural grain or texture formed on the surface of water.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but when using it for social movements (e.g., 'protest waves'), ensure the context is respectful.

English speakers often use 'waves' for everything. In Korean, using '물결' for ripples and '파도' for ocean waves is a mark of higher proficiency.

The 'Korean Wave' (Hallyu) is the most famous metaphorical use of this concept globally. Traditional Sijo poems often use '물결' to represent the transience of time. The song '물결' (Wave) by various K-pop artists often uses the term to describe emotional states.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Nature Observation

물결이 잔잔해요.
물결이 반짝여요.
강의 물결.
호수의 물결.

Social Trends

변화의 물결.
시대의 물결.
개혁의 물결.
새로운 물결.

Events/Crowds

사람들의 물결.
환호의 물결.
축하의 물결.
빨간 물결.

Fashion/Design

물결 무늬.
물결 펌.
물결 모양.
물결 드레스.

Literature/Emotion

감동의 물결.
그리움의 물결.
마음의 물결.
은빛 물결.

Conversation Starters

"한강의 물결을 보며 걷는 걸 좋아하세요? (Do you like walking while looking at the ripples of the Han River?)"

"최근에 어떤 새로운 기술의 물결이 가장 놀라운가요? (What wave of new technology is most surprising recently?)"

"바다가 잔잔한 물결인 게 좋아요, 아니면 거친 파도인 게 좋아요? (Do you like the sea with calm ripples or rough waves?)"

"한국의 '한류' 물결에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about the 'Hallyu' wave of Korea?)"

"어릴 때 호수에 돌을 던져 물결을 만들어 본 적 있나요? (Have you ever thrown a stone into a lake to make ripples when you were young?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내 마음의 물결은 어떠했나요? (How were the ripples of my heart today?)

내가 경험한 가장 거대한 '사람들의 물결'은 무엇이었나요? (What was the largest 'wave of people' I have experienced?)

변화하는 시대의 물결 속에서 내가 지키고 싶은 가치는? (What values do I want to keep in the changing wave of the times?)

창밖으로 보이는 풍경 속의 물결에 대해 묘사해 보세요. (Describe the ripples/waves in the scenery seen outside the window.)

누군가에게 '감동의 물결'을 주었던 경험이 있나요? (Have you ever given a 'wave of emotion' to someone?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can use it to describe the general movement or look of the ocean surface, especially if it's not crashing. If the waves are big, '파도' is better.

No, it's very common for flags, hair, fields of grain, or even hearts filled with emotion.

It's a 'wave perm' where the hair is styled to look like horizontal ripples or finger waves.

'Hallyu' (韓流) uses Hanja (Chinese characters). '물결' is a native Korean word. In poetic speech, people might say '한국 문화의 물결', but the official title is Hallyu.

'물결표' is the tilde symbol (~). It's named after '물결' because of its shape.

It's called '파도타기' (wave riding), but the crowd itself can be described as a '물결'.

Yes, in the form of '음파' (sound wave), but in poetic descriptions, you might hear '소리의 물결'.

Usually neutral or positive (beautiful, rhythmic). However, terms like '비난의 물결' (wave of criticism) make it negative.

It means to cut through the water, usually describing a boat or a swimmer moving forward.

Yes, though '파문' is more specific for a single circular ripple from an impact.