Hangul Syllable Nib

It depends on the text’s period and region. In Middle Korean, 닙 is an isolated spelling related to 닢, “leaf”; in Pyongan Korean, it is a regional form of 입, “mouth.”

In a pronunciation guide, 닙 can represent the sound [nip] inside a compound; that is a sound cue, not proof that 닙 is the source word’s standard spelling.

Why does 닙 appear in old Korean text?

It preserves an older form of Korean spelling. The National Institute’s historical dictionary records 닙 in an old phrase meaning “pear-tree leaf.” The surviving evidence establishes a Middle Korean attestation, but not a secure first date for the syllable.

Hangul was created in 1443 to give Korean a practical writing system, and its purpose and principles were described in 1446. 닙 follows the ordinary initial–vowel–optional-final block system, rather than carrying a special invented meaning. By the late 18th century, initial n was lost in forms such as 닢 → 잎; inside compounds, [닙] could survive in pronunciation.

How do I type 닙?

Use a Korean IME and enter the parts in order.

On the South Korean 2-beolsik layout, the block is composed from ㄴ, ㅣ, then ㅂ; the IME turns those parts into one syllable. Entering them as loose jamo or in the wrong order can leave separate letters instead of 닙.