Korean Dictionary
How to say "Crutches" in Korean
“Crutches” in Korean is 목발 (pronounced "mokbal").
목발
mokbal
Usage & Context
목발 are frequently seen in Korea after leg or foot injuries, especially during sports season and winter when falls are common. Korean hospitals and pharmacies often loan 목발 to patients recovering from lower limb injuries. Proper 목발 technique is taught by Korean physical therapists to prevent further injury.
Example Sentence
발목을 삐어서 한동안 목발을 짚었어요.
I sprained my ankle and used crutches for a while.
How to use 목발 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Crutches” is 목발, romanized as mokbal.
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 목발.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 목 (mok), sounds like 'mok' in 'mock' or 'Mickey' without the 'ey' sound. The second syllable, 발 (bal), sounds like 'bal' in 'ballet' or 'ball' but with a shorter, crisper 'a' sound. The stress is fairly even across both syllables.
More Example Sentences
During a physical therapy session after an injury.
목발 짚는 법을 배우는 중이에요.
I'm learning how to use crutches.
Helping a friend in need after an accident.
친구가 다쳐서 제 목발을 빌려줬어요.
My friend got hurt, so I lent them my crutches.
Asking at a hospital reception desk after a consultation.
병원에서 목발을 대여해 주나요?
Does the hospital rent out crutches?
Cultural Context
In Korea, it's common for hospitals or pharmacies to offer crutches for loan or rent, especially after common injuries like ankle sprains from sports or slips during winter. Physical therapists often provide guidance on proper 목발 usage to ensure safe recovery. You might see characters in K-dramas using 목발 after an accident or injury, reflecting everyday life.
Editorial note
We review entries like 목발 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
목발을 짚다
to use/lean on crutches
목발을 짚고 걷다
to walk with crutches
목발을 빌리다
to borrow crutches
Related Expressions
깁스
gipseu
cast (for broken bones)
휠체어
hwilchee-eo
wheelchair
지팡이
jipangi
cane, walking stick
보조기
bojogi
brace, assistive device
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