Korean Dictionary
How to say "Brightening" in Korean
“Brightening” in Korean is 미백 (pronounced "Mibaek").
미백
Mibaek
Usage & Context
Brightening refers to making the skin look lighter and more radiant. Korean skincare is renowned worldwide for its brightening products.
Example Sentence
미백 기능이 있는 화장품을 사용하면 피부가 밝아져요.
Using brightening cosmetics makes the skin look lighter.
How to use 미백 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Brightening” is 미백, romanized as Mibaek.
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 미백.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 'Mi,' sounds like 'me' in English. The second syllable, 'Baek,' rhymes with 'back' but with a slightly softer 'b' sound and a shorter 'ae' vowel. The stress is fairly even on both syllables.
More Example Sentences
Recommending a skincare product to a friend.
이 세럼은 미백 효과가 정말 좋아요.
This serum has really good brightening effects.
Discussing seasonal skincare tips.
여름에는 특히 미백 관리가 중요해요.
Brightening care is especially important in summer.
Shopping for skincare products at a store.
미백 기능성 화장품을 찾고 있어요.
I'm looking for functional brightening cosmetics.
Cultural Context
In Korean beauty, '미백' (mibaek) is a highly sought-after effect, often synonymous with clear, radiant, and even-toned skin rather than simply 'whitening.' K-beauty brands heavily feature '미백 기능성' (mibaek gineungseong - brightening functional) products, which are officially recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for their brightening claims. This focus is deeply ingrained in Korean beauty standards, often seen in K-dramas where characters strive for a luminous complexion.
Editorial note
We review entries like 미백 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
미백 크림
Brightening cream
미백 효과
Brightening effect
미백 기능성
Brightening functional (cosmetics)
Related Expressions
화이트닝
hwaiteuning
Whitening (direct English loanword, often used interchangeably with 미백)
브라이트닝
beuraiteuning
Brightening (direct English loanword, also used)
기미
gimi
Melasma/dark spots (a related skin concern that brightening products target)
칙칙하다
chikchikada
To be dull/sallow (antonym of bright skin)
More Beauty & Skincare Words
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