포옹
poong[ˈpʰo̞(ː)o̞ŋ]
The English word 'hug' is translated into Korean as 포옹 (poong).
포옹 refers to an affectionate embrace as a noun. When you want to express the action of hugging, you can use various verbs depending on the level of intensity or formality.
Meaning: affectionate embrace (noun)
Which one should you use?
The noun 포옹 is a formal term, whereas the verb 안다 is the most common way to express the action of hugging in everyday conversation. If you want to be more emphatic or describe a vigorous, tight embrace, use 끌어안다. For a more formal or literary expression of the verb, use 포옹하다. Additionally, the expression 품에 안기다 is used to describe snuggling or being wrapped in someone's arms.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
poong
Did you know?
- In many Western cultures, hugging is a common greeting, but in traditional Korean social etiquette, physical contact like 포옹 is much more reserved and typically reserved for close family or romantic partners.
- While 포옹 is the noun for a hug, Koreans often use the word 백허그 which is a 'Konglish' blend of 'back' and 'hug' to specifically describe hugging someone from behind.
- The word 품 in the expression 품에 안기다 specifically refers to the space within someone's arms or chest, treating the 'embrace area' as a distinct physical location.
Examples in context
- 저는 안아드리겠습니다.I will give you a hug.
- 오늘 안아줄까요?Shall we hug today?
- 그는 따뜻한 포옹을 해주었다.geuneun ttatteuthan poongeul haejueotda.He gave a warm hug.
- 포옹은 마음을 편안하게 한다.poongeun maeumeul pyeonanhage handa.A hug makes the heart feel at ease.
- 우리는 반갑게 포옹을 나누었다.urineun bangapge poongeul nanueotda.We shared an enthusiastic hug.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun meet after a long time.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 정말 보고 싶었어요!Minjun ssi, jeongmal bogo sipeosseoyo!Minjun, I really missed you!
- 민준 Min-jun저도요. 이제 포옹 한 번 할까요?jeodoyo. ije poong han beon halkkayo?Me too. Shall we have a hug now?
- 수빈 Su-bin좋아요, 이리 오세요!joayo, iri oseyo!Okay, come here!
- 민준 Min-jun정말 반가워요, 수빈 씨.jeongmal bangawoyo, Subin ssi.It's so good to see you, Subin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hug” translations and entries 포옹, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
