통통한
tongtonghan
The Korean word for "chubby" is 통통한 (tongtonghan).
통통한 is an adjective used to describe a person as being somewhat fat. In informal contexts, you can also use the phrase 귀엽게 통통한 to describe someone as "chubby" with a touch of cuteness.
Meaning: of a person, somewhat fat (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
tongtonghan
Did you know?
- The sound of the word 통통 is an onomatopoeia that mimics the bouncing of a ball or a plump, bouncy texture.
- In Korea, calling a baby 통통한 is often a high compliment, as it suggests they are healthy and well-nourished.
- While 'fat' can be a harsh insult in English, a variation of the word for 'chubby' is often used in Korean food commercials to describe juicy, plump fruit.
Examples in context
- 그 아이는 통통한 몸매가 참 예쁘다.That child has a lovely chubby figure.
- 그 사람은 어렸을 때부터 포동포동한 얼굴을 가지고 있었다.That person has had a chubby face since childhood.
- 그 강아지는 몸이 통통한 편이에요.geu gang-ajineun mom-i tongtonghan pyeon-ieyo.That puppy is on the chubby side.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hoon are looking at a baby photo.
- 지은 Ji-eun이 아기 좀 봐요. 정말 귀엽죠?i agi jom bwayo. jeongmal gwiyeopjyo?Look at this baby. Isn't it so cute?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 볼이 통통한 게 너무 사랑스러워요.ne, boli tongtonghan ge neomu sarangseureowoyo.Yes, the chubby cheeks are so lovely.
- 지은 Ji-eun제 조카인데 정말 닮았죠?je jokainde jeongmal dalmatjyo?It's my nephew, doesn't he look like me?
- 지훈 Ji-hun그러게요. 정말 귀여운 아기네요.geureogeyo. jeongmal gwiyeoun agineyo.I agree. He's a really cute baby.
