정자
jeongja[t͡ɕʌ̹ŋd͡ʑa̠]
The Korean word for "sperm" is 정자 (jeongja).
정자 refers to the biological cell (sperm).
Meaning: cell (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 정자 refers specifically to the cell, the term 정액 is used to refer to the fluid (semen) that contains the sperm.
How do you pronounce it?
jeongja
Did you know?
- The word 정자 is a homonym that can also mean a 'pavilion' or 'gazebo' depending on the Hanja used. In a garden or park, a beautiful wooden structure might be called a 정자.
- The root 정 in 정자 comes from a Chinese character meaning 'essence' or 'refined', which is also used in words related to spirit and energy.
- In Korean medical contexts, the word 정자 is treated as a neutral noun, but discussing it in social settings often triggers the use of euphemisms to avoid the clinical sound of the word.
Examples in context
- 정자의 수가 중요합니다.jeongja-ui su-ga jung-yo-ham-ni-da.The number of sperm is important.
- 정자의 모양을 관찰했어요.jeongja-ui mo-yang-eul gwan-chal-hae-sseo-yo.I observed the shape of the sperm.
- 정자는 아주 작아요.jeongja-neun a-ju ja-ga-yo.Sperm is very small.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing fertility at a clinic.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정자 검사 결과가 나왔어요.jeongja geomsa gyeolgwaga nawasseoyo.The sperm test results are out.
- 도현 Do-hyeon결과가 어떻게 되었나요?gyeolgwaga eotteoke doeeonnayo?How were the results?
- 서연 Seo-yeon정자 수가 아주 건강해요.jeongja suga aju geonganghaeyo.The sperm count is very healthy.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 다행이네요.jeongmal dahaeng-ineyo.That is a great relief.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sperm” translations and entries 정자, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 정자, CC BY-SA 4.0.
