더미
deomi[tʌ̹mi]
The English word "piles" can be translated into Korean as 더미 (deomi).
더미 is an informal noun used to describe a large amount.
Meaning: informal: a large amount (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is [deomi].
Did you know?
- While 더미 refers to a physical pile, Koreans often use the phrase 산더미 to describe an overwhelming amount of work or stress. This literally translates to 'a mountain pile'.
- The noun 더미 is often paired with the verb 쌓이다 to describe things piling up. Interestingly, this same verb is used to describe the 'accumulation' of years of experience or grief.
- The word 더미 is a native Korean word, which makes it feel more grounded and traditional than many Sino-Korean words used for measurements.
Examples in context
- 치질입니다I have piles.
- 치질에 시달려요I am experiencing piles.
- 치질의 일반적인 치료 방법이 무엇인가요?What are the common remedies for piles?
- 책 더미가 책상 위에 있어요.chaek deomi ga chaeksang wie isseoyo.There is a pile of books on the desk.
- 서류 더미를 정리해야 해요.seoryu deomi reul jeongnihaeya haeyo.I have to organize the piles of documents.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Do-hyeon are talking about cleaning the living room.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨, 저 옷 더미 좀 봐요.Dohyeon ssi, jeo ot deomi jom bwayo.Do-hyeon, look at that pile of clothes.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 많네요. 제가 치울게요.Jeongmal manhneyo. Jega chiulgeyo.That is a lot. I will clean it up.
- 지은 Ji-eun고마워요, 도현 씨.Gomawoyo, Dohyeon ssi.Thank you, Do-hyeon.
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니에요, 같이 해요.Anieyo, gachi haeyo.No problem, let's do it together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 더미, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 더미, CC BY-SA 4.0.
