Korean word

통통하다

Pronunciation

Romanizationtongtonghada

Meaning

  • adjectivechubby

Example

그 아기는 통통해요.keu a gi neun tong tong hae yo

That baby is chubby.

Illustration for 통통하다 (chubby)

More examples

고양이가 밥을 많이 먹어서 통통해졌어요.ko yang i ga pa beul ma ni meo geo seo tong tong hae jeo sseo yo

The cat became chubby because it ate a lot.

Core concept

A person or thing with a softly rounded, full shape and lively firmness.

Common phrases

  • 통통한 아기tong tong han a gi

    chubby baby

  • 통통한 체형tong tong han che hyeong

    chubby build

Similar words

뚱뚱하다ttungttunghada: Having a noticeably large, full body because of excess body fat.
포동포동하다podongpodonghada: Looking plump and soft, especially when describing babies or food.
둥글다tunggeulda: Having a round shape with smooth edges and no corners.

Definition in Korean

사람이나 사물의 살집이 둥글고 탄력 있게 도드라져 보이는 상태를 이르는 형용사.sa ra mi na sa mu rui sal ji bi tung geul go tal lyeok it kke to deu ra jeo po i neun sang tae reul i reu neun hyeong yong sa

Word origin

The adjective combines the reduplicated mimetic base tongtong, suggesting rounded fullness, with hada, an adjective-forming element.

Usage tips

  • For a baby, this word often sounds warm and affectionate, but with an adult it can feel like a personal comment on body size.

Opposites

Word lists with this word