Korean Dictionary
How to say "Hand" in Korean
“Hand” in Korean is 손 (pronounced "son").
손
son
Korean usage reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026.
This page checks meaning, pronunciation, politeness level, and common learner mistakes.
Usage & Context
The part of the arm with fingers used for grasping. One of the most fundamental body parts in Korean. Used in countless everyday expressions.
Example Sentence
손이 차가워요.
My hands are cold.
How to use 손 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Hand” is 손, romanized as son.
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 손.
Pronunciation Guide
This word sounds like the English word 'sone' (as in 'cone' or 'bone'). It's a single, short syllable.
More Example Sentences
A simple, affectionate gesture between people.
손을 잡고 길을 건넜어요.
We held hands and crossed the street.
Emphasizing the handmade quality of an item.
손으로 직접 만들었어요.
I made it myself by hand.
Describing a laborious or time-consuming task.
손이 많이 가는 일이에요.
It's a task that requires a lot of effort/hands-on work.
Cultural Context
'손' is incredibly versatile in Korean idioms. For example, '손이 크다' (big hands) means generous, while '손이 작다' (small hands) means stingy. '손이 빠르다' (fast hands) means quick at work. Holding hands ('손을 잡다') is a common expression of affection or reassurance, frequently seen in K-dramas between couples or friends.
Editorial note
We review entries like 손 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. Last reviewed June 4, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
손 씻으세요.
Wash your hands.
손 들어!
Hands up! / Raise your hand!
손이 시려워요.
My hands are cold.
Related Expressions
손이 크다
soni keuda
to be generous (lit. to have big hands)
손이 작다
soni jakda
to be stingy (lit. to have small hands)
손이 빠르다
soni ppareuda
to be quick/nimble (lit. to have fast hands)
손가락
songarak
finger
More Body Parts Words
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