Korean Dictionary
How to say "Foundation" in Korean
“Foundation” in Korean is 파운데이션 (pronounced "paundeyisyon").
파운데이션
paundeyisyon
Usage & Context
파운데이션 in Korean beauty is applied to create an even skin tone and is typically chosen for a dewy finish rather than a matte one. Korean 파운데이션 shades were historically designed for lighter East Asian skin tones though brands have expanded their shade ranges. Shade matching services at Korean beauty stores are popular to find the perfect 파운데이션 match.
Example Sentence
자신의 피부 톤에 맞는 파운데이션을 선택하세요.
Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone.
How to use 파운데이션 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Foundation” is 파운데이션, romanized as paundeyisyon.
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 파운데이션.
Pronunciation Guide
"Pa-un-de-i-shyon" sounds like "pah-oon-day-ee-shyon" (pah as in 'father', oon as in 'moon', day as in 'day', ee as in 'see', shyon as in 'shone'). It's a longer word, so pronounce each syllable clearly and distinctly.
More Example Sentences
Expressing satisfaction after finding the right makeup product.
내 피부 톤에 딱 맞는 파운데이션을 찾았어요.
I found a foundation that perfectly matches my skin tone.
Giving a critical review of a foundation's texture.
이 파운데이션은 커버력은 좋지만 좀 두꺼워 보여요.
This foundation has good coverage but looks a bit thick.
Discussing current beauty trends in Korea.
요즘은 촉촉한 파운데이션이 유행이에요.
Dewy foundations are trendy these days.
Cultural Context
While 파운데이션 is a universal makeup product, in Korea, there's a strong preference for a natural, dewy (촉촉한, chokchokhan) finish rather than a heavy matte look. Korean brands have historically focused on lighter shades, but with increasing global demand, more diverse shade ranges are becoming available. Shade matching services at beauty stores are popular to achieve the coveted 'my skin but better' look.
Editorial note
We review entries like 파운데이션 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
파운데이션 바르다
To apply foundation
파운데이션 색상
Foundation shade
파운데이션 브러쉬
Foundation brush
Related Expressions
쿠션 팩트
kushyon paekteu
Cushion foundation (specific type)
비비 크림
bibi keurim
BB cream (lighter coverage alternative)
컨실러
keonsilleo
Concealer
베이스 메이크업
beiseu meikeueop
Base makeup
More Beauty & Skincare Words
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