How to Say "Sports" in Korean

스포츠

seupocheu[sʰɯpʰo̞t͡ɕʰɯ]

The English phrase "sports" is translated into Korean as 스포츠 (seupocheu).

The term 스포츠 is used to refer to sports. In formal contexts, the word 체육 is used to refer to the overall concept of sports and physical education.

What does it mean word for word?

스포츠 is a loanword from the English word "sports", transliterated into the Korean alphabet.

seupocheu

Korean sports fans often use the term 응원 to describe the act of cheering. This is a cultural pillar of 스포츠 in Korea, involving highly choreographed songs and dance routines in stadiums.
Certain traditional Korean activities, such as 씨름 (traditional wrestling), are often categorized as 민속놀이 or 'folk games' rather than under the modern loanword 스포츠.
When describing an athlete as 'sporty' or 'athletic', Koreans are more likely to say they are 'good at exercise' using the word 운동을 잘하다 (undong-eul jalhada).

나는 오늘 내 스포츠카를 운전할 계획이야.
I plan on driving my sports car today.
This sentence shows how to use 스포츠 in the context of a sports car.
Tatoeba #13755231 by qlTmalffk, translation #6430925 by CK
톰이랑 메리는 항상 스포츠에 관심이 있었다고 말해.
Tom and Mary say they've always been interested in sports.
This sentence uses 스포츠 to describe an interest in sports.
Tatoeba #13755294 by qlTmalffk, translation #6498637 by CT
스포츠는 누구나 좋아한다.
Everyone loves sports.
This sentence uses 스포츠 to express that everyone loves sports.
Tatoeba #4568849 by imjcooper, translation #4568224 by CK
올림픽은 체육 경기들의 축제입니다.
The Olympics is a festival of sports competitions.
주말에 친구들과 함께 운동을 즐기는 걸 좋아해요.
I enjoy exercising with my friends on weekends.

Minji and Jihun are talking about their hobbies.

민지 Min-ji

지훈 씨는 어떤 스포츠 좋아해요?
Jihun ssineun eotteon seupocheu joahae-yo?
Jihun, what sports do you like?
지훈 Ji-hun

저는 축구 같은 스포츠를 좋아해요.
Jeoneun chukgu gateun seupocheureul joahae-yo.
I like sports like soccer.
민지 Min-ji

정말요? 저도 스포츠 보는 거 좋아해요.
Jeongmalyo? Jeodo seupocheu boneun geo joahae-yo.
Really? I also love watching sports.
지훈 Ji-hun

그럼 같이 스포츠 경기 보러 가요.
Geureom gachi seupocheu gyeonggi boreo gayo.
Then let's go watch a sports match together.

Sources

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