변태
byeontae[ˈpjɘ(ː)ntʰɛ]
The Korean word for "pervert" is 변태 (byeontae).
변태 is used to refer to a sexually perverted person. While it can be a serious accusation, it is frequently used in a playful or teasing way among friends to call someone a "weirdo" or "pervert" regarding harmless sexual jokes.
Meaning: sexually perverted person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, 변태 means "metamorphosis" or "transformation" in a biological sense, but is most commonly used to mean "pervert" in a social context.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address someone directly in an informal way, you can add the particle 야 to create 변태야, which translates to "You're a pervert". To describe someone as a "perverted person" more descriptively, you can use the phrase 변태 같은 사람.
How do you pronounce it?
byeontae
Did you know?
- The Korean word 변태 is a linguistic doublet of the Japanese word 헨타이. Both originate from the same Chinese characters, 變態, meaning 'changed state'.
- In Korean pop culture, especially in variety shows, calling someone a 변태 is often a comedic trope used to highlight a character's awkwardness or obsession.
- The word's meaning of 'transformation' is rooted in the characters 變 meaning 'change' and 態 meaning 'appearance' or 'condition'.
Examples in context
- 그 사람은 정말 변태예요.geu sarameun jeongmal byeontae-ye-yo.That person is a real pervert.
- 완전 변태 같은 행동이야.wanjeon byeontae gat-eun haengdong-iya.That is such perverted behavior.
- 변태가 나타났어요!byeontae-ga natat-asseoyo!A pervert appeared!
Example conversation
Subin tells Jihun about a strange encounter on the subway.
- 지훈 Ji-hun오늘 지하철에서 무슨 일 있었어?oneul jihacheol-eseo museun il isseosseo?Did something happen on the subway today?
- 수빈 Su-bin어떤 변태가 나를 계속 쳐다봤어.eotteon byeontaega nareul gyesok chyeodabwasseo.Some pervert kept staring at me.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 기분 나빴겠다.jeongmal gibun nappatgetda.That must have felt really unpleasant.
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 너무 무서웠어.eung, neomu museowosseo.Yes, I was so scared.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pervert” translations and entries 변태, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 변태, CC BY-SA 4.0.
