춤
chum[t͡ɕʰum]
The English phrase "dancing" is translated into Korean as 춤 (chum).
춤 is the general noun used to describe the activity of dancing. In more specific contexts, you may encounter other terms: 무용 refers specifically to dance as a professional discipline or a formal art form and the borrowed term 댄스 is commonly used in formal settings related to modern dance styles.
Meaning: activity of dancing (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 춤 is the standard word for dancing, use 무용 when you are discussing dance in a professional, academic or artistic context. Use 댄스 when referring to modern dance styles in formal environments.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 춤 (dancing) can be turned into the verb 춤추다 (to dance) by adding the verb suffix 추다. If you wish to turn the verb 춤추다 into a gerund or a noun meaning 'the act of dancing', you add the suffix –기 to form 춤추기.
How do you pronounce it?
chum
Did you know?
- In modern K-pop culture, 춤 is often categorized as 칼군무 (kal-gunmu), which literally translates to 'knife group dance'. This refers to choreography where every member moves in perfect, razor-sharp synchronization.
- In Korean culture, 춤 is deeply tied to the concept of 흥 (heung), an inner sense of joy and excitement that spontaneously bursts out as dance or song.
- In Korea, there is a traditional folk dance called 강강술래 where women dance in a large circle under the full moon. This communal form of 춤 was historically used to build solidarity and is now a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Examples in context
- 우리는 모두 자리에서 일어나 춤추기 시작했다.We all got up and started dancing.This sentence shows how to use 춤 in the context of starting an activity.Tatoeba #11104826 by intertime, translation #6662493 by CK
- 계속 춤춰.Keep dancing.This sentence demonstrates the use of the concept of dancing in a command.Tatoeba #8368339 by Eunhee, translation #2111651 by CK
- 춤은 재미있다.Dancing is fun.This sentence illustrates using 춤 as a subject to describe its nature.Tatoeba #11105862 by intertime, translation #2549667 by CK
- 저는 춤을 좋아합니다.I like dancing.
- 오늘 밤에 같이 춤추자!Let's dance together tonight!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are talking about their hobbies.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨는 취미가 뭐예요?Jieun ssineun chwimiga mwoyeyo?Jieun, what is your hobby?
- 지은 Ji-eun저는 춤 배우는 걸 좋아해요.Jeoneun chum baeuneun geol joahae-yo.I like learning dancing.
- 민준 Min-jun정말요? 춤 정말 멋있어요.Jeongmallyo? Chum jeongmal meoshisseoyo.Really? Dancing is really cool.
- 지은 Ji-eun감사해요. 같이 배워볼래요?Gamsahaeyo. Gachi baewobollaeyo?Thank you. Do you want to try learning together?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 춤, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
