복부
bokbu[po̞k̚p͈u]
The English word 'abdomen' is 복부 (bokbu) in Korean.
복부 refers specifically to the abdomen.
Meaning: belly (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 복부 is used in medical or formal contexts, 배 is the standard, everyday word for 'belly' or 'stomach'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
복부 is a formal or medical term. In everyday conversation, it is more common to use words like 배.
How do you pronounce it?
bokbu
Did you know?
- There is a common Korean idiom 배가 아프다 meaning 'my belly hurts', which is used to describe feeling jealous of someone else's success.
- While 복부 is the anatomical term, if you want to talk about a 'potbelly', Koreans often use the expression 올챙이 배, which literally translates to 'tadpole belly'.
- While 복부 is a medical term, the common word for belly 배 is a homonym that also means 'pear' and 'boat' in Korean.
Examples in context
- 병원에서 의사와 환자가 대화할 때, 의사는 환자의 복부를 확인합니다.When the doctor and patient communicate at the hospital, the doctor examines the patient's abdomen.
- 복부에 통증이 있어요.bokbue tongjeungi isseoyo.I have pain in my abdomen.
- 복부 근육을 키우고 싶어요.bokbu geunyugeul kiugo sipeoyo.I want to build my abdominal muscles.
- 복부에 힘을 주세요.bokbue himeul juseyo.Please tighten your abdomen.
Example conversation
Minji is talking to Minjun about her health at a clinic.
- 민지 Min-ji지금 복부가 많이 아파요.jigeum bokbuga mani apayo.My abdomen hurts a lot right now.
- 민준 Min-jun복부 어디가 정확히 아픈가요?bokbu eodiga jeonghwakhi apeungayo?Where exactly in the abdomen does it hurt?
- 민지 Min-ji오른쪽 복부 쪽이 아파요.oreunjjok bokbu jjogi apayo.The right side of my abdomen hurts.
- 민준 Min-jun알겠어요. 잠시만 기다리세요.algesseoyo. jamsiman gidariseyo.I see. Please wait a moment.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 복부, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
