독
dok[to̞k̚]
In Korean, the English phrase "venom" is expressed as 독 (dok). Wiktionary also lists 독액 (dogaek).
Meaning: an animal toxin intended for offensive use (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 독 | dok | [to̞k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 독액 | dogaek | [to̞ɡɛk̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [to̞ɡe̞k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term refers to an animal toxin intended for offensive use. While 독 is the standard term used for animal venom in a biological context, it can also mean any kind of poison.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 독액 is a compound of 독, meaning venom and 액, meaning liquid.
Which one should you use?
독 is a general term for the toxin itself. In contrast, 독액 is used more specifically when referring to the actual liquid substance injected by an animal.
How do you pronounce it?
dok
Did you know?
- The term 독 appears in the name of the 독도 islands, but in this case, it comes from a different root meaning 'alone' rather than 'venom'.
- While 독 is used for venom, it is also the exact same word used for 'solitude' or 'loneliness' when derived from the Hanja 獨.
- In Korean, the word for 'venom' shares a sound with the word for a large traditional earthenware jar, which is also written as 독.
Examples in context
- 대부분의 거미에 있는 독은 인간에게 무해해.The venom of most spiders is harmless to humans.This sentence is useful for describing the harmlessness of certain spider venom using 독.Tatoeba #8364923 by Eunhee, translation #7120571 by CM
- 그 독은 매우 위험하다.That venom is very dangerous.
- 그 전갈은 독이 있다.geu jeon-gal-eun dok-i it-da.That scorpion has venom.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a nature documentary at home.
- 서연 Seo-yeon저 뱀의 독은 정말 무섭다.jeo baem-ui dok-eun jeongmal museopda.That snake's venom is really scary.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아, 아주 치명적이야.maja, aju chimyeongjeok-iya.Right, it is very deadly.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈아, 저걸 직접 보면 안 되겠지?ji-hun-a, jeo-geol jik-jeop bo-myeon an doe-get-ji?Jihoon, we shouldn't see that in person, right?
- 지훈 Ji-hun당연하지, 절대 가까이 가면 안 돼.dang-yeon-ha-ji, jeol-dae ga-kka-i ga-myeon an dwae.Of course, you should never go near it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “venom” translations and entries 독, 독액, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
