욕설
yokseol[joks͈ʌ̹ɭ]
The English phrase "curse words" is 욕설 (yokseol) in Korean.
욕설 is a noun used to describe profanity or abusive language. While 욕설 is the term for the concept of curse words, you can use the verb 욕하다 to express the action of swearing or cursing. Examples of specific profane expressions include 젠장 (Damn it), 병신 (Idiot), 개새끼 (Son of a bitch) and the strong profanity 씨발 (F**k).
What does it mean word for word?
The noun 욕설 is composed of the noun 욕, meaning 'insult' or 'curse' and 설, meaning 'speech' or 'words'.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the formal noun and casual usage. While 욕설 is the formal term for 'curse words', the single syllable 욕 is more commonly used in casual conversation to refer to a curse or a swear word.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
It is typically used in news reports, legal contexts or academic discussions regarding profanity. In everyday casual conversation, speakers are more likely to use the shorter term 욕.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe the act of swearing, the noun is combined with the verb suffix to form 욕하다, meaning 'to swear' or 'to curse'.
How do you pronounce it?
yokseol
Did you know?
- In Korea, there is a professional tradition of 욕쟁이 할머니, or 'swearing grandmothers', who run restaurants where they insult customers as a form of affectionate, rough hospitality.
- There is a specific verb, 욕을 먹다, which means 'to eat a curse'. This is used to describe the experience of being scolded or insulted by someone else.
- The word 욕 (insult/curse) shares the same character as the word for 'shame' or 'humiliation' in many classical contexts, implying that swearing is an act of stripping someone of their dignity.
Examples in context
- 그는 화가 나서 욕설을 내뱉었어요.geuneun hwaga naseo yokseoreul naebaet-eosseoyo.He spat out curse words because he was angry.
- 아이들 앞에서 욕설은 하지 마세요.aideul apeseo yokseoreun haji maseyo.Please do not use curse words in front of children.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are talking about a movie they just watched.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이 영화에 욕설이 너무 많아요.i yeonghwa-e yokseori neomu manayo.There are too many curse words in this movie.
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아요. 조금 심하더라고요.majayo. jogeum simhadoragoyo.You're right. It was a bit too much.
- 도현 Do-hyeon아이들이 보기엔 부적절해요.aideuri bogien bujeokjeolhaeyo.It's inappropriate for children to watch.
- 서연 Seo-yeon저도 그렇게 생각해요, 도현 씨.jeodo geureoke saenggakhaeyo, Dohyun ssi.I think so too, Dohyun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 욕설, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
