핸드폰
"Cell phone" in Korean — Konglish "hand phone." The everyday word Koreans actually use, more common than the textbook term 휴대폰.
- Meaning: "Cell phone" in Korean — Konglish "hand phone." The everyday word Koreans actually use, more common than the textbook term 휴대폰.
- Pronunciation: /hɛn.dɯ.pʰon/ (haendeupon)
- Part of speech: noun
- Formality: Neutral — works in most everyday settings.
- Literal: hand phone
What does 핸드폰 mean?
핸드폰 (haendeupon) is the everyday Korean word for "cell phone," coined from English "hand phone." It started as Konglish — a Korean-invented compound that does not exist in native English — and became the default spoken term over the textbook word 휴대폰 (hyudaepon). You will hear 핸드폰 in K-dramas, conversations, and even some news contexts. Younger Koreans sometimes shorten it further to 폰 ("phone").
Examples in context
When to use 핸드폰
- Daily conversation — the natural everyday word
- Texting and messaging contexts
- Casual K-drama dialogue
- Asking for or about phones
When NOT to use 핸드폰
- Formal written reports — prefer 휴대전화 or 휴대폰
- Telecom industry / academic writing — 휴대전화 is the standard term
- When precision matters between cell phone and smartphone — say 스마트폰 (smarteupon) for smartphone specifically
Related terms
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Frequently asked questions
What does 핸드폰 mean in Korean?
핸드폰 (haendeupon) means "cell phone" or "mobile phone." It is Konglish — a Korean-invented word combining English "hand" + "phone" that does not exist in native English. Koreans use 핸드폰 more often than the formal Korean word 휴대폰 in everyday speech.
Is 핸드폰 the same as 휴대폰?
They mean the same thing — both refer to mobile phones. 휴대폰 (hyudaepon, "portable phone") is the textbook / formal term and dominates in news media, contracts, and ads. 핸드폰 (haendeupon) is the everyday spoken term and dominates in conversation. Use 핸드폰 with friends, 휴대폰 in formal writing.
Why is 핸드폰 considered Konglish?
"Hand phone" is not a real English term — native English speakers say "cell phone" or "mobile phone." 핸드폰 is a Korean-invented word made from English-sounding parts, which is the definition of Konglish. Many Koreans are surprised to learn the word does not exist in English.
How do you pronounce 핸드폰?
핸드폰 is pronounced [hɛn.dɯ.pʰon] — "hen-dü-pon," three syllables. The "핸" rhymes with English "hen"; "드" is a quick "dü" with the unrounded "eu" vowel; "폰" rhymes with "phone." Romanization: haendeupon (Revised) or simply "handphone" in informal text.
Further reading
External references for cross-checking the information on this page.
- Konglish — Wikipedia
The category of Korean-coined English-derived words; 핸드폰 is the canonical example.
More Korean slang?
Browse the full Korean Slang Dictionary or read the deep-dive: Korean Slang Ultimate Guide.