Korean Dictionary
How to say "Goosebumps" in Korean
“Goosebumps” in Korean is 소름 (pronounced "Soreum").
소름
Soreum
Usage & Context
소름 literally means goosebumps and is used both for physical cold sensations and emotional reactions to something thrilling or eerie. Koreans say 소름 돋다 meaning goosebumps appear when something gives them chills. The expression is also used for awe-inspiring performances.
Example Sentence
그 노래를 들으면 소름이 돋아요.
Listening to that song gives me goosebumps.
How to use 소름 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Goosebumps” is 소름, romanized as Soreum.
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 소름.
Pronunciation Guide
소름 (Soreum) is pronounced 'soh-reum.' 'Soh' rhymes with 'go,' and 'reum' sounds like 'room' but with a slightly softer 'r' sound, similar to the 'tt' in American English 'butter.'
More Example Sentences
Discussing a thrilling or shocking movie plot.
그 영화의 반전은 정말 소름 돋았어요.
The twist in that movie really gave me goosebumps.
Describing a physical reaction to cold.
갑자기 찬 바람이 불어서 소름이 쫙 돋았어.
A sudden cold wind blew, and I got goosebumps all over.
Expressing awe and excitement over a K-pop performance.
아이돌 무대 보는데 소름이 돋을 정도로 멋있었어요!
Watching the idol group's performance, it was so cool it gave me goosebumps!
Cultural Context
소름 is a versatile word in Korean, used for both physical goosebumps from cold or fear, and emotional goosebumps from awe, excitement, or a thrilling experience. The most common expression is 소름 돋다 (soreum dotda), meaning 'goosebumps appear/rise.' In K-pop culture, fans often exclaim '소름 돋는다!' when an idol's performance is incredibly powerful or impressive, indicating they are deeply moved or amazed.
Editorial note
We review entries like 소름 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
소름 끼치다
To be creepy/chilling (literally 'goosebumps pierce')
소름 돋는 연기
Goosebump-inducing acting (amazing acting)
소름 쫙
(Sound/feeling of) goosebumps all over (often used colloquially)
Related Expressions
소름 돋다
Soreum dotda
To get goosebumps (verb phrase)
닭살 돋다
Daksal dotda
To get goosebumps (often used for cringe/cheesy things, literally 'chicken skin')
오싹하다
Ossakhada
To feel a chill, to feel eerie
전율
Jeonyul
Thrilling sensation, shudder (often for emotional impact)
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