Learning a new language opens up a whole new world of opportunities, activities, and cultural experiences. If you’re interested in the world of sports and fitness, knowing the right vocabulary can be incredibly helpful, whether you’re watching a game, working out in a Korean gym, or discussing sports with Korean friends. Here’s a list of common Korean words related to sports and fitness that will surely expand your lexicon in an active and engaging way.
체육관 (Cheyukgwan)
This means “gymnasium” or “physical education hall” where sports and physical activities take place.
친구랑 체육관에서 만나기로 했어요.
(I made plans to meet a friend at the gymnasium.)
운동 (Undong)
This refers to “exercise” or “physical activity.”
매일 아침 운동을 해요.
(I exercise every morning.)
피트니스 (Piteuniseu)
This is the Korean adaptation of the English word “fitness.”
건강을 위해서 피트니스가 중요해요.
(Fitness is important for health.)
무게를 들다 (Muge-reul Deulda)
It translates to “lift weights.”
저는 매주 세 번씩 무게를 들어요.
(I lift weights three times a week.)
조깅 (Joging)
This is the transliteration of the English term “jogging.”
오늘 아침 공원에서 조깅을 했어요.
(I went jogging in the park this morning.)
스포츠 (Seupocheu)
This is the Korean borrowing of the English word “sports.”
다양한 스포츠를 즐겨 봐요.
(Try enjoying a variety of sports.)
경기 (Gyeonggi)
This word means “game” or “match.”
어제 축구 경기를 봤어요.
(I watched a soccer match yesterday.)
선수 (Seonsu)
This word is used for a “player” or “athlete.”
그는 유명한 올림픽 선수예요.
(He is a famous Olympic athlete.)
운동장 (Undongjang)
This translates to “sports field” or “stadium.”
학교 운동장에서 축구 연습을 해요.
(I practice soccer at the school sports field.)
헬스 (Hel-seu)
This is another borrowed term from English, “health,” commonly used to refer to exercise related to bodybuilding.
저는 일주일에 네 번 헬스 클럽에 가요.
(I go to the health club four times a week.)
다이어트 (Dai-eoteu)
This term is a direct borrowing from the English “diet”, often used in the context of losing weight.
건강한 식습관을 위해서 다이어트를 시작했어요.
(I started a diet for healthier eating habits.)
요가 (Yoga)
“Yoga” in Korean is a direct borrowing from the English word.
요가 수업은 매주 월요일에 있어요.
(Yoga classes are on every Monday.)
수영 (Suyeong)
This means “swimming.”
여름에는 거의 매일 수영을 해요.
(I swim almost every day in the summer.)
These Korean words and phrases will not only assist you in navigating the sports and fitness landscapes but can also be a stepping stone to forming new bonds and enhancing your athletic experiences in Korean culture. Remember, language learning is a marathon, not a sprint, so take your time to practice and integrate these new words into your vocabulary, and soon you’ll be discussing sports and fitness like a local!
