Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 마음 | ma'eum | [ma̠ɯm] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 심성 | simseong | [ɕʰimsʰʌ̹ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term 마음 is used to refer to the mind. It is also used in idiomatic expressions such as 마음을 먹다, which literally means 'to eat one's mind' and is the standard way to say 'to make up one's mind' or 'to resolve to do something'. Another common idiom is 마음을 바꾸다, which is used to express the act of changing one's mind or changing one's intention.
Which one should you use?
While 마음 refers to the general mind or heart, 심성 is used more specifically to describe a person's innate character or disposition.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In South Korea, the term 마음 is widely used to express the concept of 'mind'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the mind is the subject of a sentence (e.g., 'the mind is calm'), use the subject marker –이 with 마음 to get 마음이. When the mind is the object of an action (e.g., 'to change one's mind'), use the object marker –을 with 마음 to get 마음을.
How do you pronounce it?
ma'eum
Did you know?
- The modern word 마음 has a hidden connection to the concept of 'sound', as its ancient form MOSOm can be interpreted as 'heart-sound'.
- In Korean, when someone is 'hurt' emotionally, they often say their 마음 is wounded, treating the mind like a physical body part that can bleed or scar.
- The word 심성 is a Sino-Korean term, meaning its roots come from Chinese characters. In contrast, 마음 is a native Korean word.
Examples in context
- 그는 재빨리 마음을 먹었다.He made up his mind quickly.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the idiom for making up one's mind with 마음.Tatoeba #11105223 by intertime, translation #962513 by CK
- 뭐가 네 마음을 바꾸게 했어?What convinced you to change your mind?This sentence is useful for expressing the concept of changing one's mind with 마음.Tatoeba #8533680 by Eunhee, translation #8532651 by CK
- 톰은 마지막 순간에 마음을 바꿨다.Tom changed his mind at the last minute.This sentence is useful for demonstrating the use of the idiom for changing one's mind with 마음.Tatoeba #5526075 by raining211, translation #1095311 by CK
- 저는 두뇌가 뛰어난 사람입니다.I am a person with an excellent mind.
- 그 사람은 항상 집중력이 뛰어나며 정신이 매우 안정적입니다.That person is always focused and has a very stable mind.
- 오늘 고민이 많아서 머리가 아파요.I have a headache because I have a lot on my mind today.
- 너의 생각을 알고 싶어요.I want to know what's on your mind.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are talking about how to stay calm.
- 수빈 Su-bin마음을 편하게 가지세요.maeumeul pyeonhage gajiseyo.Try to put your mind at ease.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo노력하고 있는데 잘 안 돼요.noryeok-hago itneunde jal an dwaeyo.I'm trying, but it's not working.
- 수빈 Su-bin심호흡을 하면 마음이 진정될 거예요.simhohueul hamyeon maeumi jinjeong-doel geoyeyo.Deep breathing will calm your mind.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo고마워요, 수빈 씨.gomawoyo, Subin ssi.Thank you, Subin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mind” translations and entries 마음, 심성, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 마음, 심성, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
