Korean Dictionary
How to say "Fine dust / Air pollution" in Korean
“Fine dust / Air pollution” in Korean is 미세먼지 (pronounced "Misemeonji").
미세먼지
Misemeonji
Usage & Context
Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) that causes air quality problems in Korea, particularly in spring and winter when pollution from China's dust storms combines with local emissions. Checking 미세먼지 levels is a daily habit for many Koreans. 마스크 (mask) wearing for air quality predates COVID in Korea.
Example Sentence
오늘 미세먼지가 심해요. 마스크 꼭 쓰세요.
The fine dust is severe today. Make sure to wear a mask.
How to use 미세먼지 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Fine dust / Air pollution” is 미세먼지, romanized as Misemeonji.
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 미세먼지.
Pronunciation Guide
Four syllables: 'mi-se-meon-ji.' 'Mi' like 'mee,' 'se' like 'seh,' 'meon' rhymes with 'mohn,' and 'ji' like 'jee.' Spoken together: 'MEE-seh-MUN-jee.'
More Example Sentences
Checking an air quality app in the morning
오늘 미세먼지 수치가 너무 높아요.
The fine dust levels are really high today.
Complaining at home during spring
미세먼지 때문에 창문을 못 열어요.
I can't open the window because of the fine dust.
Explaining health risks to a family member
초미세먼지가 더 위험해요.
Ultra-fine dust is actually more dangerous.
Cultural Context
미세먼지 (PM10) and 초미세먼지 (PM2.5) dominate Korean weather forecasts from late winter through spring, with many schools issuing automatic outdoor-activity cancellations when levels hit 나쁨 (bad) or 매우 나쁨 (very bad). Koreans were already daily mask wearers before COVID because of this, and KF80/KF94 filtration ratings are printed on almost every disposable mask. Popular apps like 미세미세 and 에어비주얼 are checked as routinely as the hourly temperature.
Editorial note
We review entries like 미세먼지 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
미세먼지 조심하세요.
Watch out for the fine dust.
오늘 공기 어때요?
How's the air today?
마스크 꼭 쓰세요.
Make sure to wear a mask.
Related Expressions
초미세먼지
chomisemeonji
Ultra-fine dust (PM2.5)
공기질
gonggijil
Air quality
황사
hwangsa
Yellow dust (sandstorm dust)
마스크
maseukeu
Mask
More Nature Words
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