운동
undong[ˈu(ː)ndo̞ŋ]
The English word 'workout' is translated into Korean as 운동 (undong).
운동 refers to exercise or physical activity in a broad sense, covering everything from light walking to intense gym sessions. While the English term 'workout' often implies a structured session at a gym, 운동 is a more general term that can also refer to general physical movement or even a political movement depending on the context. If you want to refer specifically to fitness and working out, the term 헬스 is also used.
Meaning: an exercise session, a period of physical exercise (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 'workout' as a verb (to exercise or to work out), you add the verb suffix –하다 to the noun to form 운동하다.
How do you pronounce it?
undong
Did you know?
- Koreans often distinguish between 운동 (general exercise) and 홈트 (home training). 홈트 is a popular portmanteau used specifically for workouts done at home.
- The word 운동 is an orthographic borrowing from the Japanese word undō, which also means both physical exercise and social movements.
- Using 운동하다 can imply not just 'working out' but 'playing a sport', such as soccer or basketball, whereas English usually separates these activities.
Examples in context
- 나는 매일 운동을 합니다.I exercise every day.
- 오늘 친구들과 함께 운동하러 갈 거야.I'm going to work out with friends today.
- 요즘에는 체력을 키우기 위해 헬스장에 가요.These days, I go to the gym to improve my stamina.
- 어떤 운동을 해요?What kind of exercise do you do?
- 오늘 운동 했어요?oneul undong haesseoyo?Did you work out today?
- 아침에 운동을 해요.achime undong-eul haeyo.I do a workout in the morning.
- 그는 매일 운동을 합니다.geuneun maeil undong-eul hamnida.He works out every day.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are meeting at the gym.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 운동 시작했어요?Subin ssi, undong sijakaesseoyo?Subin, have you started your workout?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 이제 막 시작했어요.ne, ije mak sijakaesseoyo.Yes, I just started.
- 민준 Min-jun오늘 운동 같이 해요.oneul undong gachi haeyo.Let's do the workout together today.
- 수빈 Su-bin좋아요, 같이 해요.joayo, gachi haeyo.Sounds good, let's do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “workout” translations and entries 운동, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 운동, CC BY-SA 4.0.
