피
pi[pʰi]
The Korean word for blood is 피 (pi). Wiktionary also lists 혈액 (hyeoraek).
Meaning: vital liquid flowing in human and animal bodies (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 피 | pi | [pʰi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 혈액 | hyeoraek | [çʌ̹ɾɛk̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [çʌ̹ɾe̞k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The word refers to the vital liquid flowing in human and animal bodies. Metaphorically, the expression 피가 끓다 can be used to describe experiencing intense passion, excitement or anger, much like the English expression 'blood is boiling'.
Which one should you use?
피 is the common, everyday word for blood. In contrast, 혈액 is a more formal or medical term used specifically in scientific and clinical contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Korean, you attach particles to 피 depending on its role in a sentence. When blood is the subject (for example, in 'blood is flowing'), use 피가. When blood is the object of a verb (for example, in 'to lose blood'), use 피를.
How do you pronounce it?
pi
Did you know?
- In Korean, the term 피 can also be used as a slang term for the 'premium' fee paid to secure a highly sought-after ticket or product.
- The term 혈액형 (blood type) is a very common topic in Korean social settings, often used as a fun way to guess a person's personality, similar to zodiac signs.
- The word 피 can also be used in the expression 피를 말리다, which literally means 'to dry up the blood'. It is used to describe an incredibly anxious or stressful situation that exhausts someone.
Examples in context
- 내 피가 끓고 있었다.My blood was boiling.This example shows the metaphorical use of the phrase with 피.Tatoeba #6304947 by Queserasera, translation #5752491 by CM
- 메리가 피를 흘리고 있어.Mary is losing blood.This example demonstrates the use of 피 as the object of a verb.Tatoeba #4749595 by kimhkng, translation #2867903 by Amastan
- 그의 상처에서 피가 흘러 나왔다.Blood ran from his wound.This example demonstrates the use of 피 as the subject of a sentence.Tatoeba #6304951 by Queserasera, translation #238746 by xtofu80
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun has a small cut on his finger.
- 도현 Do-hyeon손가락에서 피가 나요.songarak-eseo piga nayo.I'm bleeding from my finger.
- 수빈 Su-bin피가 많이 나나요?piga mani nanayo?Are you bleeding a lot?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니요, 피가 조금만 나와요.aniyo, piga jogeumman nawayo.No, only a little blood is coming out.
- 수빈 Su-bin빨리 피를 닦으세요.ppalli pireul dkakkuseyo.Wipe the blood away quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blood” translations and entries 피, 혈액, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
