Korean Dictionary
How to say "Fat" in Korean
“Fat” in Korean is 지방 (pronounced "jibang").
지방
jibang
Usage & Context
The tissue that stores energy in the body. Used in medical and health discussions. Important for discussing body composition.
Example Sentence
지방이 많아요.
I have a lot of fat.
How to use 지방 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Fat” is 지방, romanized as jibang.
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 지방.
Pronunciation Guide
To pronounce '지방', say 'Ji-bang.' 'Ji' is like 'jee' in 'jeep.' 'Bang' is like the English word 'bang,' but the 'b' is a soft 'b' sound, not aspirated. The 'a' is like in 'father.'
More Example Sentences
Reading a food label.
이 음식은 지방 함량이 낮아서 다이어트에 좋아요.
This food has a low fat content, so it's good for dieting.
Talking about a new fitness routine.
복부 지방을 빼는 운동을 시작했어요.
I started exercises to lose belly fat.
Getting nutritional advice.
몸에 좋은 지방도 있으니 무조건 피할 필요는 없어요.
There are also good fats for the body, so you don't necessarily need to avoid all of them.
Cultural Context
'지방' is a very common word in health, diet, and beauty discussions in Korea. With the strong emphasis on appearance and health, terms like '체지방' (chejibang, body fat) and '복부 지방' (bokbu jibang, belly fat) are frequently heard. Many K-pop idols and actors maintain very low body fat percentages, influencing public perception and discussions around '지방' and dieting, making it a highly relevant term in daily life.
Editorial note
We review entries like 지방 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
지방이 많다
to have a lot of fat / be fatty
지방을 태우다
to burn fat
지방 함량
fat content
Related Expressions
살
sal
fat, flesh (more colloquial, often refers to body fat)
체지방
chejibang
body fat
지방질
jibangjil
fatty substance, lipid
탄수화물
tansuhwamul
carbohydrate
More Body Parts Words
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