How to Say "Tattoo" in Korean

문신

munsin[munɕʰin]

The English word 'tattoo' can be translated into Korean as 문신 (munsin) or 타투.

Meaning: an image made in the skin with ink and a needle (noun)

Ways to say it

“tattoo” in Korean
Korean	Romanization (Wiktionary)	IPA
문신	munsin	[munɕʰin] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow)
타투	tatu	[tʰa̠tʰu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow)

A tattoo is an image made in the skin with ink and a needle.

In contrast, 타투 is a loanword from English and is used more frequently in modern, casual contexts, such as discussing fashion or art.

munsin

Historically, 문신 was used as a form of criminal punishment in East Asia to permanently mark a person's crime on their body. This legacy contributes to the lingering negative perception of tattoos in older generations.
In South Korea, getting a tattoo is often legally categorized as a medical procedure, meaning only licensed medical professionals are technically allowed to perform them.
While 타투 is seen as art, 문신 is often associated with the 'Kkangpae' or organized crime world in Korea. Using the wrong term in a formal setting could accidentally imply a connection to the underworld.

타투 예약하려고 하는데, 뭐가 좋을까?
I'm thinking of making a tattoo reservation, what do you think is good?
오늘 문신 가게에 다녀왔어!
I visited a tattoo shop today!
그는 팔에 문신이 있어요.
geuneun pare munsini isseoyo.
He has a tattoo on his arm.
문신을 하고 싶어요?
munsineul hago sipeoyo?
Do you want to get a tattoo?
그 문신은 정말 멋져요.
geu munsineun jeongmal meotjyeoyo.
That tattoo is really cool.

Hyunwoo and Jieun are talking about a drawing.

현우 Hyeon-woo

지은 씨, 문신 좋아해요?
Jieun ssi, munsin joahae-yo?
Jieun, do you like tattoos?
지은 Ji-eun

네, 예쁜 문신이 많더라고요.
ne, yeppeun munsini manteoragoyo.
Yes, there are many pretty tattoos.
현우 Hyeon-woo

저도 하나 하고 싶어요.
jeodo hana hago sipeoyo.
I want to get one too.
지은 Ji-eun

어디에 할 거예요?
eodie hal geoyeyo?
Where are you going to get it?

Sources

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