턱
teok[tʰʌ̹k̚]
The Korean word for "chin" is 턱 (teok).
턱 is used to refer to the bottom part of the face.
Meaning: bottom of a face (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
teok
Did you know?
- The word 턱 can be used in the expression 턱이 없다, which literally means 'to have no chin' but is used to say a price is 'outrageous' or 'unreasonable'.
- The Middle Korean form of 턱 was written as ᄩᅥᆨ, suggesting it may have been an onomatopoeic word representing the sound of a heavy object hitting the chin.
- The expression 턱이 밑으로 빠지다 literally means 'the chin is falling down', but it is used to describe someone being extremely shocked or amazed.
Examples in context
- 턱에 축구공을 정통으로 맞아서 음식을 씹을 수가 없다.Since he was hit straight on the chin with a soccer ball, he can't eat.This sentence illustrates how an injury to the 턱 can affect one's ability to eat.
- 그의 턱은 강인하고 날카로워 보였다.His chin looked strong and sharp.
- 그는 턱을 괴고 앉아 있었다.geuneun teogeul goe-go anja isseotda.He was sitting with his chin resting on his hand.
- 턱이 조금 아파요.teogi jogeum apayo.My chin hurts a little.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Subin are talking about a new haircut.
- 도현 Do-hyeon수빈아, 머리 모양이 정말 잘 어울린다.Subin-a, meori moyangi jeongmal jal eoul-linda.Subin, your haircut looks really good on you.
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워요. 턱 선이 좀 더 날렵해 보여요.gomawoyo. teok seoni jom deo nallyeophae boyeoyo.Thank you. My chin line looks a bit sharper.
- 도현 Do-hyeon맞아, 인상이 훨씬 깔끔해 보여.maja, insangi hwolssin kkalkkeumhae boyeo.True, you look much cleaner.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨가 그렇게 말해주니 기쁘네요.Dohyun ssiga geureoke malhaejuni gippeuneyo.I'm glad you said that, Dohyun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chin” translations and entries 턱, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 턱, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
