순수한
sunsuhan
The English word 'pure' can be translated into Korean as 순수한 (sunsuhan) or 맑다.
Meaning: free of foreign material or pollutants (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 순수한 | sunsuhan | |
| 맑다 | makda | [ma̠k̚t͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
순수한 refers to something being pure in terms of its composition, essence or substance. It is often used in an abstract or metaphorical sense to describe a person's pure intentions or a pure heart. To add intensity and emphasize this purity, you can use the phrase 정말로 순수한. If you want to describe purity in the context of innocence or being blameless, the word 결백한 is used instead.
Which one should you use?
While both words relate to purity, they are used in different contexts. 순수한 refers to purity of essence or composition, whereas 맑다 is used to describe purity in terms of clarity, such as clear water or a clear sky.
How do you pronounce it?
sunsuhan
Did you know?
- Calling someone 순수한 can be a double-edged sword, as it can subtly imply that the person is 'naive' or lacks worldly experience.
- While 순수한 describes purity, the related word 순수 is used in Korean to categorize 'fine arts' as 순수 예술, distinguishing them from applied arts.
- While 'pure' in English often describes liquids, the Korean word 맑다 is also the standard way to describe a person's voice as being 'clear' or 'pure'.
Examples in context
- 오빠는 착해.You are pure-hearted, older brother.
- 순수한 물이 필요해요.sunsuhan muri piryohaeyo.I need pure water.
- 이것은 순수한 금입니다.igeoseun sunsuhan geumimnida.This is pure gold.
- 순수한 공기를 마시고 싶어요.sunsuhan gonggireul masigo sipeoyo.I want to breathe pure air.
Example conversation
Hyun-woo and Su-bin are looking at a skincare product.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이 화장품은 성분이 아주 순수한 것 같아요.i hwajangpumeun seongbuni aju sunsuhan geot gatayo.I think the ingredients in this cosmetic are very pure.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아요, 화학 물질이 전혀 없대요.mayayo, hwahak muljiri jeonhyeo eopdaeyo.That's right, they say there are no chemicals at all.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨 피부에 잘 맞겠어요.subin ssi pibue jal matgesseoyo.It would suit your skin well, Su-bin.
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워요, 현우 씨. 하나 사야겠어요.gomawoyo, hyeon-u ssi. hana sayagessoyo.Thank you, Hyun-woo. I should buy one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pure” translations and entries 맑다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
