심장
simjang[ɕʰimd͡ʑa̠ŋ]
The English word "heart" is translated to Korean as 심장 (simjang) when referring to the physical organ.
심장 is used specifically when discussing biological or medical contexts involving the physical organ.
Meaning: an organ (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between 심장 and 마음. While 심장 refers to the physical organ, 마음 is used when referring to the heart in an emotional or psychological sense.
How do you pronounce it?
simjang
Did you know?
- The word 심장 is used in the expression 심장이 쫄깃하다, which literally means 'the heart is chewy'. It describes the feeling of being extremely nervous or suspenseful.
- Korean has a unique term 심쿵, a slang abbreviation involving the word 심장. It describes the sensation of your heart 'thumping' when you see someone attractive or cute.
- The word 심장 comes from the Chinese characters 心 meaning 'heart' and 臟 meaning 'internal organ'.
Examples in context
- 심장은 근육이야.The heart is a muscle.This sentence is useful for stating that the 심장 is a muscle.Tatoeba #8365274 by Eunhee, translation #868735 by CK
- 심장병(心臟病)Heart disease, cardiopathyThis shows how 심장 is used in the term for heart disease.
- 저는 네 맘을 알아요.I know your heart/feelings.
- 그는 정성을 다해 일했어요.He worked with all his heart/dedication.
- 나의 마음을 이해해 줘.Please understand my feelings.
- 가슴이 두근두근해.My heart is pounding.
- 심장 소리가 아주 빨라요.simjang soriga aju ppallayo.The heart sound is very fast.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are talking about health at a clinic.
- 도현 Do-hyeon심장 소리가 잘 들리네요.simjang sori-ga jal deullineyo.I can hear the heart sound clearly.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 건강한 심장인가요?jeongmal geon-gang-han simjang-ingayo?Is it really a healthy heart?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 아주 튼튼합니다.ne, 아주 teunteun-hamnida.Yes, it is very strong.
- 서연 Seo-yeon다행이네요. 감사합니다.dahaeng-ineyo. gamsahamnida.That's a relief. Thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heart” translations and entries 심장, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 심장, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
