인형
inhyeong[inʝʌ̹ŋ]
The English word "doll" is translated into Korean as 인형 (inhyeong).
인형 is used to refer to a toy in the form of a human, encompassing both children's playthings and more decorative or collectible dolls.
Meaning: a toy in the form of a human (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
If you add the suffix –사 (sa) to 인형, you create the word 인형사, which means "doll maker".
How do you pronounce it?
inhyeong
Did you know?
- In some Korean contexts, 인형 can refer to a 'dummy' used for training or practice, such as a punching bag in a gym.
- In modern Korean slang, 인형 is often used as a compliment for a person with flawless, symmetrical or doll-like facial features.
- The word 인형 is used to describe puppets in Korean, regardless of whether they are hand puppets, finger puppets or large marionettes.
Examples in context
- 난 어렸을 때 꼬마 인형을 많이 가지고 놀았어.I used to play a lot with small dolls when I was young.
- 예쁜 인형을 샀어요.yeppeun inhyeong-eul sass-eoyo.I bought a pretty doll.
- 이 인형은 정말 귀여워요.i inhyeong-eun jeongmal gwiyeowoyo.This doll is really cute.
- 가방에 작은 인형이 있어요.gabang-e jageun inhyeong-i isseoyo.There is a small doll in the bag.
Example conversation
Subin shows a new doll to Dohyun at a cafe.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 이 인형 좀 보세요.Dohyun ssi, i inhyeong jom boseyo.Dohyun, look at this doll.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 귀여운 인형이네요.Jeongmal gwiyeoun inhyeong-ineyo.It is a really cute doll.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아요, 제가 제일 아끼는 거예요.Majayo, jega jeil akkineun geoyeyo.Right, it is my favorite one.
- 도현 Do-hyeon수빈 씨와 아주 잘 어울려요.Subin ssi-wa aju jal eoullyeoyo.It suits you very well, Subin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “doll” translations and entries 인형, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
