Korean Dictionary
How to say "Assault" in Korean
“Assault” in Korean is 폭행 (pronounced "Pokhang").
폭행
Pokhang
Usage & Context
Attacking or threatening to attack someone physically. Assault is a crime in South Korea with penalties depending on the severity of injury.
Example Sentence
폭행은 범죄입니다.
Assault is a crime.
How to use 폭행 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Assault” is 폭행, romanized as Pokhang.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 폭행.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 폭 (pok), sounds like "poke" but with a slightly shorter 'o' sound, similar to "pock" in "pockmark." The second syllable, 행 (haeng), sounds like the English word "hang." The stress is fairly even on both syllables.
More Example Sentences
A news report about an arrest.
그는 폭행 혐의로 체포되었습니다.
He was arrested on charges of assault.
Discussing social issues or news.
술에 취해 폭행을 저지르는 경우가 많아요.
There are many cases of committing assault while drunk.
Reporting on police activity.
경찰은 폭행 사건 현장을 조사했습니다.
The police investigated the scene of the assault.
Cultural Context
'폭행' covers a range of physical attacks, from minor shoving to severe beatings. In South Korea, even a minor physical altercation can be legally considered '폭행' and lead to serious consequences, especially if reported to the police. There's a strong emphasis on not engaging in physical violence, and public perception is generally very negative towards those who commit '폭행'.
Editorial note
We review entries like 폭행 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
폭행 사건
Assault case
폭행을 당하다
To be assaulted
폭행죄
Crime of assault
Related Expressions
구타
guta
Beating, physical assault (more severe)
상해
sanghae
Injury (often used in legal contexts like '상해죄' - crime of injury)
폭력
pongnyeok
Violence (broader term)
시비
sibi
Quarrel, dispute (can lead to 폭행)
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