속이다
sogida[sʰo̞ɡida̠]
The English verb "cheat" is translated into Korean as 속이다 (sogida).
속이다 is used to describe the act of violating rules to gain an advantage. In specific contexts, other terms are preferred: 사기 is a common formal term for cheat in Korean used in business or academic contexts, while 부정행위 is a specific term used when referring to cheating in exams or sports events.
Meaning: violate rules to gain advantage (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
sogida
Did you know?
- While 속이다 is a general term, Koreans use 바람피우다 to describe cheating in a romantic relationship, which literally means 'to blow the wind'.
- If you want to say someone 'cheated' on a test, Koreans often use the phrase 컨닝을 하다 (keonning-eul hada), derived from the English word 'cunning'.
- In certain contexts, if you 'cheat' someone out of money, you might be accused of 등쳐먹다 (deungchyeomeokda), an idiomatic expression that implies 'stripping' someone.
Examples in context
- 경기에서 부정행위를 저지르면 심각한 처벌을 받을 수 있다.If you commit cheating in a game, you can face serious consequences.
- 우리 형이 항상 친구들을 속여.Our older brother always cheats his friends.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun are discussing a board game.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 지금 속인 거 아니에요?Ji-hun ssi, ji-geum sog-in geo a-ni-e-yo?Jihun, aren't you cheating right now?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아니에요, 저는 정직하게 했어요.a-ni-e-yo, jeo-neun jeong-jik-ha-ge haet-eo-yo.No, I played honestly.
- 민지 Min-ji분명히 속이다 생각했어요.bun-myeong-hi sog-i-da saeng-gak-haet-eo-yo.I clearly thought you were cheating.
- 지훈 Ji-hun다시 확인해 보세요.da-si hwa-gin-hae bo-se-yo.Please check again.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 속이다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
