Korean word

위생

Pronunciation

Romanizationwisaeng

Meaning

  • nounhygiene

Example

식당에서는 위생이 가장 중요하다.sik ttang e seo neun wi saeng i ka jang chung yo ha da

In a restaurant, hygiene matters most.

Illustration for 위생 (hygiene)

More examples

병원에서는 위생을 특히 중요하게 여긴다.pyeong wo ne seo neun wi saeng eul teu ki chung yo ha ge yeo gin da

Hospitals consider hygiene especially important.

Core concept

Preventing harmful germs from growing or spreading through clean conditions and careful habits.

Common phrases

  • 손 위생son wi saeng

    hand hygiene

  • 식품 위생sik pum wi saeng

    food hygiene

  • 위생 관리wi saeng kwal li

    hygiene management

Similar words

청결cheonggyeol: A clean state without dirt or contamination.
손씻기sonssitkki: Washing the hands with soap to remove germs before or after handling food.
식품위생sikpumwisaeng: Safe handling, storage, and preparation of food to prevent illness.
소독sodok: Treatment with heat or chemicals to reduce harmful germs on a surface.

Definition in Korean

음식·공간·신체에서 병원체의 번식이나 오염을 막아 건강을 유지하기 위한 상태와 그 관리를 이르는 말eum sik kong gan sin che e seo pyeong won che ui peon si gi na o yeo meul ma ga keon gang eul yu ji ha gi wi han sang tae wa keu kwal li reul i reu neun mal

Word origin

The word combines Sino-Korean elements associated with protection and life, which connects hygiene with maintaining health.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often use cleanliness for appearance, but hygiene highlights habits and management that reduce health risks.

Opposites

  • 불결pulgyeoluncleanlinessnoun

Related words

  • 위생관리wisaenggwallihygiene managementnoun
  • 위생적wisaengjeokhygienicadjective
  • 위생용품wisaengyongpumhygiene productsnoun

Word lists with this word