Korean · Body & Health
"Head" in Korean: 머리
머리meori
Head in Korean is 머리 (meori). 머리가 아파요 means my head hurts. 머리 can also refer to hair in everyday phrases, while 머리카락 specifically names hair.
A simple sentence
머리가 아파요.meoriga apayo.
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How to pronounce 머리
Say it
muh-ree
/mʌ.ɾi/
The eo vowel in 머리 is not English oh. The middle ㄹ is a light flap, and both syllables stay short.
"Head" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 머리meori | head Also used for hair in context. | Also used for hair in context. |
| 머리가 아파요meoriga apayo | my head hurts A useful symptom phrase. | A useful symptom phrase. |
How to use 머리 in real life
- 1A simple sentence
머리가 아파요.
meoriga apayo.
My head hurts.
가 marks 머리 as subject.
- 2An everyday situation
머리를 숙여요.
meorireul sugyeoyo.
I lower my head.
를 marks 머리 as object.
- 3A useful question
머리에 모자를 써요.
meorie mojareul sseoyo.
I wear a hat on my head.
에 marks the location.
Mistakes English speakers make with 머리
Incorrect: 머리이 아파요.
Correct: 머리가 아파요.
Use 가 after the vowel in 머리.
Incorrect: 머리을 숙여요.
Correct: 머리를 숙여요.
Use object particle 를 after a vowel.
Good to know
머리 자르다 means to cut one’s hair, not to cut off a head. The surrounding action determines whether 머리 refers to hair or the head.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Explain how you feel
Partner
어디가 아파요?
eodiga apayo?
Where does it hurt?
You
머리가 아파요.
meoriga apayo.
My head hurts.
Partner
머리가 많이 아파요?
meoriga mani apayo?
Does your head hurt a lot?
You
네, 좀 쉬고 싶어요.
ne, jom swigo sipeoyo.
Yes, I want to rest a little.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"Head" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Head" in Korean
Does meori mean hair too?
Yes, 머리 can mean hair in phrases about cutting or washing it. 머리카락 is more specific.
How do I say my head hurts?
머리가 아파요 is the common sentence.
What particle follows meori as an object?
머리를 uses 를 because 머리 ends in a vowel.
What is headache as a noun?
두통 is the noun headache; 머리가 아파요 is the everyday symptom sentence.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
