머리
meori[mʌ̹ɾi]
머리 (meori) is the Korean word for head.
머리 refers to the anatomical head. However, in many contexts, it is also used to refer to the hair on one's head.
Meaning: part of the body (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
meori
Did you know?
- Historically, 머리 shared the same origin as 마리, which is the modern counter used when counting animals.
- In certain traditional contexts, referring to someone's 머리 can be sensitive because the head is considered the most sacred part of the body.
- In Korean, if you say you have a 'bad 머리', you are not saying your skull is injured, but rather that you are not very clever or are slow to learn.
Examples in context
- 머리가 터질 거 같아I thought my head would explode.This sentence shows how to express a sensation of intense pressure in the 머리.Tatoeba #8306618 by ljj, translation #4398136 by CK
- 톰은 머리 뒤로 손을 꽉 잡았어.Tom clasped his hands behind his head.This sentence describes a physical action involving the 머리.Tatoeba #8462523 by Eunhee, translation #5291817 by Hybrid
- 머리 보호를 위해서 헬멧을 써야 한다.You have to wear a helmet to protect your head.This sentence illustrates the use of protection for the 머리.Tatoeba #11106716 by intertime, translation #280161 by CK
- 저는 머리가 아파요.I have a headache.
- 오늘 머리가 좀 어지러워.I feel a bit dizzy today.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are talking at a cafe.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 머리 스타일이 바뀌었네요!Minji ssi, meori seutailli bakkwieotneyo!Minji, your hair style has changed!
- 민지 Min-ji네, 머리를 짧게 잘랐어요.Ne, meorireul jjalpge jallasseoyo.Yes, I cut my hair short.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 잘 어울려요.Jeongmal jal eoullyeoyo.It suits you very well.
- 민지 Min-ji고마워요, 지훈 씨.Gomawoyo, Jihoon ssi.Thank you, Jihoon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “head” translations and entries 머리, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 머리, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
