Korean Dictionary
How to say "Bone" in Korean
“Bone” in Korean is 뼈 (pronounced "ppyeo").
뼈
ppyeo
Usage & Context
The hard structure that supports the body. Used in medical and anatomical discussions. Important for discussing skeletal health.
Example Sentence
뼈가 부러졌어요.
My bone is broken.
How to use 뼈 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Bone” is 뼈, romanized as ppyeo.
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 뼈.
Pronunciation Guide
'뼈' (ppyeo) starts with a tense, strong 'pp' sound, similar to the 'p' in 'spin' but more emphasized, not like the 'p' in 'pie'. The vowel 'ㅕ' (yeo) sounds like 'yo' in 'yogurt' but with a slightly more open mouth. Put them together for a sharp 'pp-yo'.
More Example Sentences
Deciding to seek medical attention after an injury.
넘어져서 뼈에 금이 갔는지 병원에 가봐야겠어요.
I fell and I think I might have a hairline fracture in my bone, so I should go to the hospital.
Giving health advice about diet.
뼈 건강을 위해 칼슘이 풍부한 음식을 많이 먹어야 해요.
For bone health, you should eat a lot of calcium-rich foods.
Complaining about a meal.
이 생선은 뼈가 많아서 먹기 좀 불편해요.
This fish has a lot of bones, so it's a bit inconvenient to eat.
Cultural Context
'뼈' is often used in various idiomatic expressions in Korean. For example, '뼈대 있는 집안' (ppyeodae inneun jiban) refers to a family with a long and respectable lineage or tradition, highlighting the concept of 'backbone' or foundation. In Korean cuisine, '뼈해장국' (ppyeo-haejangguk, pork bone soup) is a very popular dish, especially for hangovers, demonstrating how bones are integral to certain traditional culinary practices.
Editorial note
We review entries like 뼈 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
뼈가 부러지다
To break a bone
뼈에 좋다
Good for bones
뼈만 남다
To be skin and bones (very thin)
Related Expressions
골격
golgyeok
Skeleton
뼈대
ppyeodae
Framework, backbone, lineage
골절
goljeol
Bone fracture
칼슘
kalsyum
Calcium
More Body Parts Words
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