Korean Dictionary
How to say "Breath" in Korean
“Breath” in Korean is 숨 (pronounced "sum").
숨
sum
Korean usage reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026.
This page checks meaning, pronunciation, politeness level, and common learner mistakes.
Usage & Context
The air taken in and out of the lungs. Essential vocabulary for health discussions. Used in medical and everyday contexts.
Example Sentence
숨이 차요.
I am out of breath.
How to use 숨 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Breath” is 숨, romanized as sum.
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 숨.
Pronunciation Guide
'Sum' is pronounced like 'soom' as in 'zoom' but with an 's' sound. The 's' is a soft 's' sound, the 'u' is like the 'oo' in 'moon' or 'flute', and the 'm' is a standard 'm' sound.
More Example Sentences
Reacting to a sudden shock.
너무 놀라서 숨을 들이켰어요.
I gasped for breath because I was so surprised.
Calming someone down or encouraging clarity.
숨을 크게 쉬고 천천히 말해봐.
Take a deep breath and speak slowly.
Expressing extreme frustration or feeling overwhelmed.
숨이 막힐 것 같은 답답함이 느껴져요.
I feel a suffocating frustration, like I can't breathe.
Cultural Context
'숨 쉬다' (to breathe) is a fundamental verb. '숨 막히다' (to be breathless or suffocated) is often used metaphorically in K-dramas or daily life to describe overwhelming situations, intense beauty, or a stifling atmosphere. '한숨 쉬다' (to sigh) is a common expression for showing relief, tiredness, or frustration.
Editorial note
We review entries like 숨 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. Last reviewed June 4, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
숨을 쉬다
to breathe
숨을 참다
to hold one's breath
숨이 가쁘다
to be out of breath, short of breath
Related Expressions
숨 쉬다
sum swida
to breathe
한숨
hansum
a sigh
숨 막히다
sum makida
to be breathless, suffocated
호흡
hoheup
respiration (more formal/medical term)
More Body Parts Words
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