📖 Words B2

고성

goseong

loud voice / shouting

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What it means

고성 means a raised voice or shouting — often used in the phrase 고성이 오가다 (shouts were exchanged). More formal and literary than 소리치다 (to shout).

Nuance & when to use

고성이 오가다 = heated shouting back and forth. 고성 금지 = no loud voices (sign in libraries, hospitals). Used in news reports and formal descriptions of arguments. 고성방가 = shouting and singing loudly (disorderly noise).

⚠ Common mistake

고성 (loud voice) ≠ 고성 (ancient fortress, different 한자). Context always clarifies.

Example sentences

두 사람 사이에 고성이 오갔어요. Du saram saie goseongi ogasseoyo. Shouts were exchanged between the two.
병원 안에서 고성은 금지예요. Byeongwon aneseo goseongeun geumjieyeo. Loud voices are prohibited inside hospitals.
고성으로 싸웠어요. Goseong-euro ssawosseoyo. They argued loudly.

See also

소리치다 조용히 목소리
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
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More B2 lessons

금수저 geumsujeong born with a silver (gold) spoon / privileged background 억울하다 eokulhada To feel wronged / Unjustly treated 아우르다 aureurda To encompass / Bring together / Unite
← 갓생 공감 →

FAQ

When is this used?

고성이 오가다 = heated shouting back and forth. 고성 금지 = no loud voices (sign in libraries, hospitals). Used in news reports and formal descriptions of arguments. 고성방가 = shouting and singing loudly (disorderly noise).

What's a common mistake?

고성 (loud voice) ≠ 고성 (ancient fortress, different 한자). Context always clarifies.

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