Korean word

욕

Pronunciation

Romanizationyok

Meaning

  • nouninsult

Example

그는 친구에게 욕을 했다.keu neun chin gu e ge yo geul haet tta

He insulted his friend.

Illustration for 욕 (insult)

More examples

인터넷 댓글에 사람들이 그에게 욕을 퍼부었다.in teo net taet kkeu re sa ram deu ri keu e ge yo geul peo bu eot tta

People hurled insults at him in the online comments.

Core concept

A verbal attack that uses harsh language to put another person down.

Common phrases

  • 욕을 하다yo geul ha da

    insult

  • 욕을 먹다yo geul meok tta

    be insulted

  • 욕을 퍼붓다yo geul peo but tta

    hurl insults

  • 욕을 주고받다yo geul chu go bat tta

    trade insults

Similar words

욕설yoksseol: Offensive expressions that use strong language to berate a person.
욕지거리yokjjigeori: A string of repeated, vulgar curses aimed at another person.

Definition in Korean

상대에게 모욕을 주기 위해 사용하는 비난적이고 거친 말이나 표현.sang dae e ge mo yo geul chu gi wi hae sa yong ha neun pi nan jeo gi go keo chin ma ri na pyo hyeon

Word origin

The word comes from a Sino-Korean root associated with shame and disgrace, which fits its use for language that demeans someone.

Usage tips

  • Its force depends on the relationship and setting, so wording that sounds playful among close friends can be deeply offensive in a formal situation.

Other meanings

  • verbal abusenoun
  • cursingnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 욕하다yokadainsultverb
  • 욕설yoksseolverbal abusenoun
  • 욕지거리yokjjigeoricoarse languagenoun

Word lists with this word