허리
heori[hʌ̹ɾi]
The English word "waist" is 허리 (heori) in Korean.
The word 허리 is used to refer to both the narrow part of the torso (waist) and the general lower back area.
Meaning: part of the body (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
heori
Did you know?
- Korean has a specific expression 허리가 휘다 which means 'the waist is bending' to describe being overwhelmed by a heavy financial burden or hard work.
- When describing a 'wasp waist' or a very slim figure, Koreans use the term 개미 허리, which translates literally to 'ant waist'.
- In Korean, the term 허리 can be applied metaphorically to the 'waist' of a way or a period of time, representing the middle or most crucial part of an event.
Examples in context
- 이건 허리가 좀 너무 크네.This is a bit too loose around my waist.This sentence is useful for describing how a piece of clothing is too loose around the 허리.Tatoeba #4785721 by kimhkng, translation #673753 by CK
- 허리가 아파요.My back hurts.
- 그녀는 허리가 가늘어요.geunyeoneun heoriga ganeureoyo.She has a slim waist.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are at a clothing store trying on pants.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨, 허리가 맞아요?Subin ssi, heoriga majayo?Subin, does the waist fit?
- 수빈 Su-bin아니요, 허리가 너무 작아요.Aniyo, heoriga neomu jagayo.No, the waist is too small.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo한 사이즈 더 큰 걸로 입어 봐요.Han saijeu deo keun geollo ibeo bwayo.Try on one size larger.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 고마워요, 현우 씨.Ne, gomawoyo, Hyunwoo ssi.Okay, thank you, Hyunwoo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “waist” translations and entries 허리, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
