거짓말
geojinmal[ˈkɘ(ː)d͡ʑinma̠ɭ]
In Korean, the phrase for "lie" is 거짓말 (geojinmal).
거짓말 refers to the act of telling an intentional untruth. It can function as both a noun meaning "a lie" and as the root of the verb "to lie".
Meaning: tell an intentional untruth (verb)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the noun 거짓말 into the verb "to lie", you add the verb 하다 (to do) to create 거짓말하다. You can also form the verb phrase "to tell a lie" by using 거짓말 as a transitive object with the particle 을, resulting in 거짓말을 하다.
How do you pronounce it?
geojinmal
Did you know?
- In high-stress or aggressive confrontations, instead of just saying 'you are lying', Koreans might use the more blunt 뻥 (ppeong), which is a common onomatopoeic slang for a 'pop' or a lie.
- In Korean, the word 말 in 거짓말 means 'word' or 'speech' but it is also the word for a 'horse'.
- The Korean language distinguishes between a 'lie' and 'exaggeration' using 허풍 (heopung), which refers specifically to boasting or 'empty wind'.
Examples in context
- 내게 거짓말 하지 마.Don't lie to me.The first sentence is useful for telling someone not to lie to you using 거짓말.Tatoeba #5254837 by rainbow4us, translation #452256 by enwilson
- 나는 거짓말 하지 않아.I don't lie.The second sentence is useful for stating that you do not lie using 거짓말.Tatoeba #5254836 by rainbow4us, translation #2245722 by CK
- 우리에게 거짓말 하지 마.Don't lie to us.The third sentence is useful for telling a group of people not to lie to them using 거짓말.Tatoeba #5254843 by rainbow4us, translation #2250428 by hayastan
- 제시카가 그 일에 대해서 거짓말을 했다.Jessica lied about that matter.
- 그는 거짓말에 대한 책임을 져야 한다.He should take responsibility for his lie.
- 그들은 허위로 말하고 있습니다.They are speaking falsely.
- 이 기사는 허위로 작성되었습니다.This article was written dishonestly.
- 거짓말 하지마!Don't lie!
- 좀 뻥을 치지마!Stop telling lies!
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon is questioning Subin about a broken vase.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 네가 깨뜨린 거야?jeongmal nega kkaetteurin geoya?Did you really break it?
- 수빈 Su-bin아니야, 정말 거짓말 아니야!aniy-a, jeongmal geojitmal ani-ya!No, I'm not lying, really!
- 지훈 Ji-hun방금 거짓말 한 거 아니지?banggeum geojitmal han geo aniji?You didn't just lie to me, right?
- 수빈 Su-bin진심이야, 지훈아.jinsimiya, jihoon-a.I'm serious, Jihoon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 거짓말, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
