입
ip[ip̚]
The Korean word for mouth is 입 (ip).
입 is the general term for the opening of a creature through which food is ingested. It can be used in any formal context.
Meaning: the opening of a creature through which food is ingested (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 입 is the standard term, the word 구강 is more commonly used in medical or scientific contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
ip
Did you know?
- The expression 입이 짧다 translates to 'the mouth is short' but actually means that a person is a picky eater.
- In Korea, the phrase 입이 무겁다 literally means 'the mouth is heavy' and describes a person who can keep a secret.
- Korean uses the word 입 to refer to people in a household when discussing food, such as counting how many 'mouths' need to be fed.
Examples in context
- 내가 입을 열어서 미안해.I'm sorry I opened my mouth.The first sentence uses 입 to express regret for speaking.Tatoeba #8361967 by Eunhee, translation #5244072 by CK
- 연필을 입에 넣지 마세요, 실수로 입천장을 찌를 수 있습니다.Don’t put a pencil in your mouth. You might accidentally stab your palate.The second sentence uses 입 to warn against putting an object in one's mouth.Tatoeba #3790725 by masoris, translation #3932205 by jm
- 선생님은 입이 매우 크십니다.The teacher has a very big mouth.
- 우리 강아지 입이 크다.Our puppy has a big mouth.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are eating at a restaurant.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨, 입에 음식이 묻었어요.Subin-ssi, ib-e eum-sik-i mut-at-eo-yo.Subin, you have food on your mouth.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말요? 어디에 묻었나요?Jeong-mal-yo? Eo-di-e mut-at-na-yo?Really? Where is it?
- 지훈 Ji-hun입 주변에 조금 묻었어요.Ib ju-byeon-e jo-geum mut-at-eo-yo.It's around your mouth.
- 수빈 Su-bin알려줘서 고마워요, 지훈 씨.Al-ryeo-jwo-seo go-ma-wo-yo, Jihoon-ssi.Thanks for telling me, Jihoon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mouth” translations and entries 입, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
