근육
geunyuk[kɯɲuk̚]
The English word "muscle" is translated into Korean as 근육 (geunyuk).
근육 is a noun meaning contractile tissue. You might use the specific term 이두근 when referring to the biceps. Among young people, the informal term 근육짱 is used to describe someone with impressive or well-developed muscles.
Meaning: contractile tissue (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
geunyuk
Did you know?
- The suffix 짱 in 근육짱 is slang for 'the best' or 'top', originally derived from the word for a gang leader.
- While 근육 refers to the tissue, the word 알 is used informally to describe the hard knots or 'balls' of muscle that form after intense exercise.
- When describing someone with an extremely ripped or defined physique, slang terms like 근수저 are sometimes used.
Examples in context
- 심장은 근육이야.The heart is a muscle.This sentence is useful for stating that the heart is a muscle using 근육.Tatoeba #8365274 by Eunhee, translation #868735 by CK
- 내 근육이 정말 강해졌어!My muscles have really become stronger!
- 그 사람은 근육짱이야!That person has impressive muscles!
- 운동을 해서 근육이 생겼어요.undong-eul haeseo geun-yug-i saeng-gyeot-seo-yo.I built up some muscle from exercising.
- 등 근육이 너무 아파요.deung geun-yug-i neomu a-pa-yo.My back muscles hurt so much.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are at the gym.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 근육이 정말 많네요!Minjun ssi, geun-yugi jeongmal mannneyo!Minjun, you have so much muscle!
- 민준 Min-jun감사해요. 매일 운동하고 있어요.gamsahaeyo. maeil undong-hago isseoyo.Thank you. I'm exercising every day.
- 수빈 Su-bin비결이 뭐예요?bigyeri mwoyeyo?What is your secret?
- 민준 Min-jun식단 조절이 중요해요.sikdan jojeori jung-yohaeyo.Diet control is important.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “muscle” translations and entries 근육, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
