Korean · Difficult words

How to pronounce 두통 in Korean

두통

Romanization: dutong

Headache

tootohng[tutʰo̞ŋ]

Standard South Korean; reference: SK-Standard, Seoul · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.

두통 is pronounced [tutʰo̞ŋ] in Korean. In 두통: Let a clear puff of air follow the consonant marked /ʰ/. Keep the next vowel connected to it. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.

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Find the sounds in 두통

The reference transcription for 두통 is [tutʰo̞ŋ]. Read adjacent consonants together without inserting extra vowels. Korean pronunciation changes when sounds meet. Follow the spoken transcription and connected example rather than reading each Hangul letter in isolation.

  1. 1.Aspirated consonants

    In 두통: Let a clear puff of air follow the consonant marked /ʰ/. Keep the next vowel connected to it.

    Watch out: Do not confuse the breathy release with the tight, low-airflow tense consonants.

  2. 2.A steady /o/ vowel

    In 두통: Round the lips and keep the tongue toward the back for a steady /o/. Follow the length indicated in the transcription.

    Watch out: Avoid automatically turning a single /o/ into the moving vowel of English “go”.

  3. 3.Back rounded vowels

    In 두통: Round your lips and keep the tongue toward the back. Follow the closer /u/ or more relaxed /ʊ/ quality written in the IPA.

    Watch out: Avoid inserting a y sound before the vowel unless the IPA includes /j/.

Hear it in context

두통이 있어요.

dutongi isseoyo.

I have a headache.

Listen once, say it aloud, then replay at 1.00×. Keep the word connected to the surrounding sentence rather than giving every syllable equal weight.

Pronunciation and variety

두통 is presented in standard South Korean pronunciation. Everyday speech can vary in vowel quality and consonant realization. Treat the romanization as a reading aid and follow the Hangul, IPA, and recording together.

The English-style respelling is approximate. Use the IPA and recording together for vowel quality and consonants that do not have an exact English equivalent.

Meaning and everyday use

Questions about 두통

How do you pronounce 두통?

두통 is pronounced [tutʰo̞ŋ] in Korean. In 두통: Let a clear puff of air follow the consonant marked /ʰ/. Keep the next vowel connected to it. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.

What should I listen for first?

In 두통: Let a clear puff of air follow the consonant marked /ʰ/. Keep the next vowel connected to it. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.

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