Korean Dictionary
How to say "Boiling" in Korean
“Boiling” in Korean is 끓는 듯한 (pronounced "kkeulneun deushan").
끓는 듯한
kkeulneun deushan
Usage & Context
Describes extremely hot weather conditions. Used metaphorically to describe intense summer heat in Korea. Emphasizes the severity of heat waves.
Example Sentence
여름에는 날씨가 끓는 듯해요.
The weather feels like it is boiling in summer.
How to use 끓는 듯한 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Boiling” is 끓는 듯한, romanized as kkeulneun deushan.
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 끓는 듯한.
Pronunciation Guide
끓 (kkeul) starts with a strong, aspirated 'kk' sound, like the 'k' in 'sky' but more tense. The 'eu' is like the 'u' in 'but' but with lips more spread. 는 (neun) sounds like 'nun' in 'nun'. 듯 (deut) sounds like 'deuht', with 'eu' as above, and a soft 't' at the end. 한 (han) sounds like 'han' in 'hand'. The 'kkeul' syllable is the most challenging, requiring a tense throat.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
끓는 듯합니다
kkeulneun deushamnida
Formal declarative ending for the adjective phrase '끓는 듯하다'.
Casual (반말)
끓는 듯해
kkeulneun deushae
Casual declarative ending for the adjective phrase '끓는 듯하다'.
More Example Sentences
Complaining about the extreme heat during peak summer.
8월 한국 날씨는 정말 끓는 듯해요.
August weather in Korea truly feels like it's boiling.
Describing the sound of water heating up.
주전자의 물이 끓는 듯한 소리가 나요.
The water in the kettle makes a sound like it's boiling.
Expressing intense anger or frustration.
그 소식을 듣고 내 속이 끓는 듯했어요.
Hearing that news made my insides feel like they were boiling (with anger).
Cultural Context
While '끓는 듯한' literally means 'like boiling,' it's frequently used metaphorically to describe extremely hot and humid weather, especially during Korea's intense summer heatwaves. Koreans often use vivid and expressive language to describe weather conditions, and this phrase perfectly conveys the severity of the heat. It can also be applied to intense emotions, such as anger or frustration, where one's 'insides are boiling.'
Editorial note
We review entries like 끓는 듯한 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
날씨가 끓는 듯하다
The weather feels like it's boiling.
속이 끓는 듯하다
To feel one's insides boiling (with anger/frustration).
물이 끓는 듯하다
The water feels like it's boiling.
Related Expressions
푹푹 찌는
pukpuk jjineun
sweltering, steaming hot
얼어붙는 듯한
eoreobutneun deushan
freezing, like it's freezing solid
무더운
mudeoun
humid and hot (common in Korean summers)
펄펄 끓는
peolpeol kkeulneun
vigorously boiling (often for water/soup)
More Weather Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Boiling and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
