Korean Dictionary
How to say "Elbow" in Korean
“Elbow” in Korean is 팔꿈치 (pronounced "palkkumchi").
팔꿈치
palkkumchi
Usage & Context
The joint in the middle of the arm. Used in medical and anatomical discussions. Important for describing arm injuries.
Example Sentence
팔꿈치가 아파요.
My elbow hurts.
How to use 팔꿈치 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Elbow” is 팔꿈치, romanized as palkkumchi.
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 팔꿈치.
Pronunciation Guide
'Pal' is like 'pal'. 'Kkum' sounds like 'koom' with a strong 'k' and a short 'oo' vowel. 'Chi' is pronounced like 'chee' in 'cheese'. Put it together: 'Pal-koom-chee'.
More Example Sentences
Explaining an injury after a fall.
넘어져서 팔꿈치를 다쳤어요.
I fell and hurt my elbow.
A person deep in contemplation.
팔꿈치로 테이블을 짚고 생각에 잠겼다.
He rested his elbow on the table and fell into thought.
A polite warning in a crowded public space.
팔꿈치로 밀지 마세요!
Don't push with your elbow!
Cultural Context
While '팔꿈치' itself doesn't carry deep cultural nuances, the action of '팔꿈치로 밀다' (pushing with an elbow) is often considered rude or aggressive in crowded public spaces like subways or markets. Koreans generally value personal space and considerate behavior in such environments, making elbowing a noticeable breach of etiquette.
Editorial note
We review entries like 팔꿈치 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
팔꿈치가 아파요.
My elbow hurts.
팔꿈치로 받치다.
To prop up with one's elbow.
팔꿈치에 멍이 들었어요.
I have a bruise on my elbow.
Related Expressions
팔꿈치 보호대
palkkumchi bohode
elbow pad
팔꿈치 관절
palkkumchi gwanjeol
elbow joint
팔꿈치로 찌르다
palkkumchiro jjireuda
to poke with an elbow
팔꿈치로 밀다
palkkumchiro milda
to push with an elbow
More Body Parts Words
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