바람둥이
baramdung'i[pa̠ɾa̠mduŋi]
The English phrase playboy can be translated into Korean as 바람둥이 (baramdung'i). Wiktionary also lists 난봉꾼 (nanbongkkun).
Meaning: man who devotes himself to pleasure (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 바람둥이 | baramdung'i | [pa̠ɾa̠mduŋi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 난봉꾼 | nanbongkkun |
바람둥이 is the most common and natural way to describe a man who is unfaithful or constantly pursues new romantic interests in everyday conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
바람둥이 is literally composed of 바람 (wind) and the suffix 둥이 (a suffix for a person/creature), implying someone who follows the wind (unstable/fickle).
Which one should you use?
While 바람둥이 is a common term for a flirt or a man who cheats, 난봉꾼 is a more severe, literary or formal term used to describe a man who leads a debauched or dissolute lifestyle.
How do you pronounce it?
baramdung'i
Did you know?
- To describe the act of cheating, Koreans use the verb 바람피우다, which literally translates to 'blowing the wind' or 'making wind'.
- The suffix 둥이 is often used for affectionate nicknames, such as 귀염둥이 for a 'cutie'. Using it in 바람둥이 adds a subtle, mocking tone to the description.
- The term 난봉꾼 comes from 난봉 (riot/disorder) and 꾼 (a professional or habitual person), framing debauchery as a sort of 'profession'.
Examples in context
- 그는 전형적인 바람둥이에요.geuneun jeonhyeongjeogin baramdungieyo.He is a typical playboy.
- 바람둥이를 조심하세요.baramdungireul josimhaseyo.Be careful of playboys.
- 내 친구는 정말 바람둥이야.nae chinguneun jeongmal baramdungiya.My friend is such a playboy.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are talking about a mutual acquaintance.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨, 그 사람 조심하세요.Minjun ssi, geu saram josimhaseyo.Minjun, be careful with that person.
- 민준 Min-jun왜요? 어떤 사람인데요?waeyo? eotteon saramindeyo?Why? What kind of person is he?
- 민지 Min-ji소문난 바람둥이라고 들었어요.somunnan baramdungirago deureosseoyo.I heard he is a notorious playboy.
- 민준 Min-jun정말요? 몰랐어요.jeongmalyo? mollasseoyo.Really? I didn't know that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “playboy” translations and entries 바람둥이, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
