Korean · Difficult words

How to pronounce 기침 in Korean

기침

Romanization: gichim

Cough

keecheem[kit͡ɕʰim]

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

기침 is pronounced [kit͡ɕʰim] in Korean. In 기침: 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 기침

The reference transcription for 기침 is [kit͡ɕʰim]. 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 기침: 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.Front-vowel position

    In 기침: Listen for the distinction between the closer /i/ and the more relaxed /ɪ/ when shown. Keep your tongue toward the front.

    Watch out: Do not decide vowel quality from English spelling alone.

Hear it in context

기침이 있어요.

gichimi isseoyo.

I have a cough.

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

기침 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 기침

How do you pronounce 기침?

기침 is pronounced [kit͡ɕʰim] in Korean. In 기침: 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 기침: 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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