Korean Dictionary
How to say "BMI" in Korean
“BMI” in Korean is 체질량지수 (pronounced "chejirlyang jisu").
체질량지수
chejirlyang jisu
Usage & Context
체질량지수 or BMI is used in Korean health checkups to categorize weight status. Korean health guidelines set BMI cutoffs that are slightly different from Western standards reflecting Asian body composition differences. A BMI over 25 is considered overweight in Korean medical guidelines.
Example Sentence
체질량지수가 정상 범위에 있어서 다행이에요.
I am relieved that my BMI is in the normal range.
How to use 체질량지수 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “BMI” is 체질량지수, romanized as chejirlyang jisu.
Usage tip
When describing symptoms, combine the word with where it hurts, when it started, and how severe it is.
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 체질량지수.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '체질량지수' as 'Che-jil-lyang jee-soo'. 'Che' is like 'che' in 'check'. 'Jil' sounds like 'jill'. 'Ryang' is similar to 'liang' in Chinese, with a light 'l' or 'r' sound. 'Ji' is like 'jee' in 'jeep'. 'Su' is like 'soo' in 'soon'.
More Example Sentences
A person discussing their health check-up results.
건강검진 결과 체질량지수가 조금 높게 나왔어요.
My BMI came out a bit high in the health check-up results.
Explaining how BMI is determined.
체질량지수를 계산하려면 키와 몸무게가 필요해요.
You need height and weight to calculate BMI.
Recalling a doctor's advice.
의사 선생님이 체질량지수를 관리하라고 조언해 주셨어요.
The doctor advised me to manage my BMI.
Cultural Context
체질량지수 (BMI) is a widely recognized metric in Korea, especially during health check-ups and in discussions about diet and exercise. Korean beauty standards often emphasize a slim physique, and while BMI is a health indicator, it can sometimes be linked to appearance concerns. It's common for people to be aware of their BMI and discuss it, especially if they are trying to lose or gain weight. The Korean medical guidelines for BMI (e.g., overweight > 25) are slightly adjusted for Asian populations compared to Western standards, reflecting different body compositions.
Editorial note
We review entries like 체질량지수 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
체질량지수 계산
BMI calculation
정상 체질량지수
normal BMI
체질량지수 관리
BMI management
Related Expressions
키
ki
height
몸무게
mommuge
weight
비만
biman
obesity
저체중
jeochejung
underweight
More Health & Medical Words
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