대두
daedu[ˈtɛ(ː)du]
The Korean phrase for "big head" is 대두 (daedu).
대두 is used in modern Korean internet slang and casual conversation to describe a specific physical type or as a humorous self-deprecating remark about one's proportions. Additionally, the phrase 머리 커 serves as an informal way to make a light-hearted comment about someone having a large head.
How do you pronounce it?
daedu
Did you know?
- The word 대두 is a homonym that also means 'soybean' in Korean. This creates a common visual pun where people with large heads are jokingly compared to beans.
- Because 대두 means 'soybean', you might see bean emojis used in text messages as a coded way to call someone a 'big head'.
Examples in context
- 너 진짜 머리 커!Your head is really big!
- 그 모델은 대두라서 고민이래요.geu model-eun daedu-raseo gomin-iraeyo.That model says they are worried because they have a big head.
- 저는 대두라서 모자가 안 맞아요.jeonun daedu-raseo moja-ga an maj-ayo.I have a big head, so the hat doesn't fit me.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are shopping for hats.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이 모자 나한테 너무 작아.i moja nahante neomu jaga.This hat is too small for me.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현아, 너 진짜 대두구나?dohyona, neo jinja daeduguna?Dohyun, do you really have a big head?
- 도현 Do-hyeon맞아, 항상 큰 사이즈를 찾아.maja, hangsang keun saijeureul chaja.Right, I always look for large sizes.
- 서연 Seo-yeon더 큰 모자를 찾아보자.deo keun mojareul chajaboja.Let's look for a bigger hat.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 대두, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 대두, CC BY-SA 4.0.
