Korean Dictionary
How to say "Back" in Korean
“Back” in Korean is 등 (pronounced "deung").
등
deung
Usage & Context
The rear part of the torso. Essential vocabulary for describing body parts. Used in medical and everyday contexts.
Example Sentence
등이 아파요.
My back hurts.
How to use 등 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Back” is 등, romanized as deung.
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 등.
Pronunciation Guide
The word "등" (deung) sounds like "dung" in English, but with a slightly softer 'd' and the 'eu' vowel like the 'u' in "put" or "book," followed by a nasal 'ng' sound as in "sing." The sound is short and crisp.
More Example Sentences
Asking a close friend or family member for help with an itch.
등 좀 긁어줄래?
Can you scratch my back?
Complaining about being hot or having a sweaty back.
등에 땀이 많이 나요.
I'm sweating a lot on my back.
Talking about the comfort of a backpack.
등에 메는 가방이 편해요.
A bag worn on the back (backpack) is comfortable.
Cultural Context
"등" refers specifically to the upper and middle part of the back, the torso's rear. While "허리" (waist/lower back) is often used for general back pain, "등" is precise for the upper area. In Korean culture, it's common to ask close family or friends to scratch one's back, a casual interaction often seen in slice-of-life K-dramas.
Editorial note
We review entries like 등 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
등이 가렵다
My back is itchy.
등을 돌리다
To turn one's back (on someone/something).
등을 기대다
To lean one's back (against something).
Related Expressions
등뼈
deungppyeo
backbone, spine (colloquial)
등짝
deungjjak
back (colloquial, often implies a broader or stronger back)
등산
deungsan
hiking, mountain climbing (literally 'mountain back')
등받이
deungbad-i
backrest
More Body Parts Words
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