어깨
eokkae[ʌ̹k͈ɛ]
The English phrase 'shoulders' is translated into Korean as 어깨 (eokkae).
How does it change in a sentence?
Depending on the role of the shoulders in a sentence, the form of 어깨 will change: * Adding the subject marker –가 results in 어깨가, used when the shoulders are the subject of the sentence. * Adding the object marker –를 results in 어깨를, used when the shoulders are the direct object of a verb. * Adding the possessive particle –의 results in 어깨의, used to indicate possession or relationship to the shoulders.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is [eokkae].
Did you know?
- In Korea, the phrase 어깨에 힘을 주다, which literally means 'to put strength into one's shoulders', is an idiom for acting arrogant or trying to look important.
- The Korean language uses the term 어깨동무 to describe two people linking arms over each other's shoulders, symbolizing a close and equal friendship.
- In some traditional Korean contexts, certain gestures involving the shoulders, such as shrugging, are much less common than nodding or bowing to show nuance. A shrug might be seen as a lack of proper etiquette in formal settings.
Examples in context
- 톰이 메리의 어깨에 자신의 자켓을 둘렀다.Tom wrapped his jacket around Mary's shoulders.Tatoeba #4568870 by imjcooper, translation #4567904 by Hybrid
- 이 병원의 의사는 어깨 수술을 잘 합니다.The doctor at this hospital is skilled in shoulder surgery.
- 너 어깨 통증 있을 때 어떻게 해?What do you do when you have shoulder pain?
- 어깨가 너무 아파요.eokkaega neomu apayo.My shoulders hurt so much.
- 그는 어깨가 넓어요.geuneun eokkaega neolbeoyo.He has broad shoulders.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a workout at a gym.
- 도현 Do-hyeon오늘 운동했더니 어깨가 아파요.oneul undonghaetdeoni eokkaega apayo.My shoulders hurt because I worked out today.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 무리한 거 아니에요?Dohyeon ssi, muri-han geo anieyo?Dohyeon, weren't you overdoing it?
- 도현 Do-hyeon조금 과하게 한 것 같아요.jogeum gwahage han geot gatayo.I think I went a little too hard.
- 수빈 Su-bin내일은 좀 쉬어야겠어요.naeireun jom swieoyagesseoyo.You should rest a bit tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 어깨, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
