📖 Words B1

추억

chueok

a cherished memory / nostalgic recollection

Share on X

What it means

추억 means a cherished or nostalgic memory — not just any memory (기억), but one you look back on fondly. 추억을 만들다 = to make memories. Central to K-pop ballads and emotional K-drama moments.

Nuance & when to use

추억 vs 기억: 기억 = memory (neutral, factual). 추억 = a cherished memory (emotional, nostalgic). 추억이 새록새록 나다 = memories come flooding back. 추억 팔이 = nostalgia marketing (selling nostalgic feelings). K-pop ballads about youth and lost love are full of 추억.

⚠ Common mistake

Don't use 추억 for bad memories. Negative memories are 나쁜 기억 or 트라우마. 추억 always has a bittersweet, fond quality.

Example sentences

좋은 추억이에요. Joeun chueokieyo. It's a good memory.
추억을 만들어요. Chueog-eul mandeureoyo. Let's make memories.
그때의 추억이 그리워요. Geuttaeui chueogi geuriwoyo. I miss the memories of that time.

See also

기억 그리움 향수
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
Next lesson →

More B1 lessons

애용 aeyong Favorite / Most-used item -는데 -neunde Background / contrast connector 그거 말고 geugeo malgo Not that / Other than that / Instead of that
← 최애 취향 →

FAQ

When is this used?

추억 vs 기억: 기억 = memory (neutral, factual). 추억 = a cherished memory (emotional, nostalgic). 추억이 새록새록 나다 = memories come flooding back. 추억 팔이 = nostalgia marketing (selling nostalgic feelings). K-pop ballads about youth and lost love are full of 추억.

What's a common mistake?

Don't use 추억 for bad memories. Negative memories are 나쁜 기억 or 트라우마. 추억 always has a bittersweet, fond quality.

Ready to learn more Korean?

Get one free Korean lesson every day — straight to your inbox.

Get Daily Korean Free →

Free forever · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime