길
gil
Definition
A road, path, or way — both a physical route you walk or drive, and a figurative direction in life.
Example
이 길은 공원까지 이어져 있어요.
Show translation
This path leads all the way to the park.
Etymology
Native Korean word (고유어) attested throughout Old Korean texts. Related to the verb 걷다 (to walk) in usage and shares semantic space with 도로 (道路, Sino-Korean for road). Its figurative use — "the path of life" (인생의 길) — is deeply embedded in Korean literature and everyday speech.
Cultural note
길 carries strong metaphorical weight in Korean culture. Phrases like 길을 잃다 (to lose one's way) or 내 길을 가다 (to go my own way) are common in K-pop lyrics, films, and everyday conversation. The word also appears in place names and compound words: 골목길 (alley), 지름길 (shortcut), 오솔길 (narrow forest trail). Note that 도로 (도로) is the more formal/technical term for a paved road or highway, while 길 feels warmer and more universal.