수학
suhak[ˈsʰu(ː)ɦa̠k̚]
The Korean word for math is 수학 (suhak).
수학 is used as a noun to refer to the subject of mathematics.
Meaning: short form of mathematics (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When 수학 is the direct object of a verb, such as 'to do' or 'to study', it often takes the object marker 을, appearing as 수학을. Additionally, you can turn the noun into the adjective 'mathematical' by adding the suffix -적 to form 수학적.
How do you pronounce it?
suhak
Did you know?
- The term 수포자 is a common slang word for someone who has 'given up on math'. It is a contraction of 수학을 포기한 자.
- When describing someone's ability in 수학, Koreans often use the expression 'math brain' 수학 머리 to describe an innate talent for the subject.
- Korean students often use the word 수학 alongside the concept of 'killer questions' 킬러 문항, which are intentionally designed to be nearly impossible to solve to rank students.
Examples in context
- 메리는 수학을 참 잘해, 그렇지 않아?Mary is very good at math, isn't she?This sentence shows how to say someone is good at 수학.Tatoeba #13118483 by romzzo, translation #7375629 by CF
- 그녀는 수학, 물리, 생물학 수업을 한다.She teaches lessons in math, physics, and biology.This sentence lists 수학 as one of several subjects taught.Tatoeba #11106702 by intertime, translation #5595612 by marcj794
- 나는 수학을 전공하고 싶다.I want to study math.This sentence uses 수학 to express an intention to study the subject.Tatoeba #922010 by Sudajaengi, translation #258938 by CK
- 저는 수학 선생님이 되고 싶어요.I want to become a math teacher.
- 수학 공부 정말 싫어, 너는 어때?I really hate studying math, what about you?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their school schedule.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨, 오늘 수학 수업 있어요?Dohyeon ssi, oneul suhak sueop isseoyo?Dohyun, do you have math class today?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 있어요. 그런데 수학 너무 어려워요.Ne, isseoyo. Geureonde suhak neomu eoryeowoyo.Yes, I do. But math is too difficult.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요. 저도 수학 숙제가 너무 많아요.Majayo. Jeodo suhak sukje-ga neomu manayo.I agree. I have too much math homework too.
- 도현 Do-hyeon우리 같이 공부할까요?Uri gachi gongbu-halkkayo?Shall we study together?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 수학, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
