포옹
poong[ˈpʰo̞(ː)o̞ŋ]
The English phrase 'hugs' is translated into Korean as 포옹 (poong).
포옹 refers to the act of holding someone closely with your arms to express affection or as a way of greeting.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is poong.
Did you know?
- In many Korean social contexts, physical contact like 포옹 is much less common between acquaintances than in Western cultures. Even close friends often rely on bowing or verbal greetings rather than physical touch.
- The word 포옹 is composed of two Hanja characters, where 포 means 'to embrace' and 옹 means 'to wrap around'.
- The verb 안다 (anda), meaning 'to hug' or 'to hold', is also used to describe holding a baby, regardless of whether it is an emotional 'hug' or simply carrying the child.
Examples in context
- 따뜻한 포옹이 필요해요.ttatteuthan poongi piryohaeyo.I need a warm hug.
- 그는 친구에게 포옹을 했습니다.geuneun chinguege poongeul haesseumnida.He gave his friend a hug.
- 포옹은 아주 좋은 표현이에요.poongeun aju joeun pyohyeoniyeyo.A hug is a very good expression of affection.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Jieun meet after a long time at the airport.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은아, 정말 보고 싶었어!Jieuna, jeongmal bogo sipeosseo!Jieun, I really missed you!
- 지은 Ji-eun나도 정말 보고 싶었어, 도현아.nado jeongmal bogo sipeosseo, Dohyuna.I missed you too, Dohyun.
- 도현 Do-hyeon우리 이제 포옹하자!uri ije poong-haja!Let's hug now!
- 지은 Ji-eun그래, 이리 와!geurae, iri wa!Okay, come here!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 포옹, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 포옹, CC BY-SA 4.0.
