Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 머리카락 | meorikarak | [mʌ̹ɾikʰa̠ɾa̠k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 머리 | meori | [mʌ̹ɾi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 머리털 | meoriteol | [mʌ̹ɾitʰʌ̹ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term is used to refer to the mass of filaments found on the human head.
What does it mean word for word?
머리카락 is a compound of 머리, meaning head and 가락, which refers to a strand or a piece of something long and thin.
Which one should you use?
While 머리카락 specifically refers to the actual filaments of hair, 머리 is a broader term used for the concept of hair on the head. 머리털 is a more blunt or descriptive term used when focusing on the physical substance or texture of the hair. Note that 머리 literally means 'head', but it is the most common way to refer to hair in casual conversation, such as when discussing hair color or a haircut.
How do you pronounce it?
meorikarak
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistake 머리 for only meaning the body part 'head'. In Korean, it is frequently used as a shorthand for 'hair' in phrases like 'cut hair' (머리 자르다).
Did you know?
- Because 머리 can mean 'head' or 'hair', a person might say they are 'cutting their head' when they actually mean they are getting a haircut.
- In early Korean, the word 머리 for 'head' was identical to 마리, which is the modern counter used when counting animals.
- While 머리 refers to the hair on the head, the word 털 used in 머리털 is the general term for animal fur or body hair.
Examples in context
- 톰 머리는 어떤 색깔이야?What color is Tom's hair?This sentence shows how to use 머리 when asking about hair color.Tatoeba #8365066 by Eunhee, translation #2420416 by CK
- 그녀는 머리를 금발로 염색했다.She dyed her hair blonde.This sentence shows how to use 머리 when talking about dyeing hair.Tatoeba #3680981 by ssuss32, translation #1977727 by Spamster
- 너의 얇고, 곱슬곱슬한 머리카락은 당면만큼 식욕을 돋우어.Your fine, curly hair looks as appetizing as glass noodles.This sentence uses 머리카락 to describe the physical quality of hair strands.Tatoeba #6305471 by Queserasera, translation #618643 by MUIRIEL
- 저는 하루에 수십 개의 머리카락이 빠집니다.I lose dozens of hair strands a day.
- 머리카락이 없는 부위에 털을 이식했어요.I had hair transplanted to the bald area.
- 저는 헤어 스타일을 바꾸고 싶어요.I want to change my hairstyle.
- 헤어 제품을 사용해서 머리를 보호해야 해요.You should protect your hair using hair products.
- 모자를 써서 머리털을 가릴 수 있어요.You can cover your hair with a hat.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyun-woo and Ji-eun are talking about a new haircut.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨, 머리카락 정말 많이 잘랐네요!Ji-eun ssi, meorikarak jeongmal mani jallanne-yo!Ji-eun, you cut your hair a lot!
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 머리카락이 너무 길어서 답답했어요.Ne, meorikaragi neomu gireoseo dapdap-haesseoyo.Yes, my hair was too long, so it felt stuffy.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지금 스타일이 훨씬 더 잘 어울려요.Jigeum seutairi hwolssin deo jal eoullyeoyo.The current style suits you much better.
- 지은 Ji-eun그렇게 말해주니 정말 고마워요, 현우 씨.Geureoke mal-haejuni jeongmal gomawoyo, Hyun-woo ssi.Thank you so much for saying that, Hyun-woo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hair” translations and entries 머리카락, 머리, 머리털, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 머리, 머리카락, 머리털, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
