Korean Dictionary
How to say "Heat wave" in Korean
“Heat wave” in Korean is 폭염 (pronounced "Pognyeom").
폭염
Pognyeom
Usage & Context
Extreme hot weather conditions. Korean summers have become increasingly intense with climate change. The government issues 폭염 경보 (heat wave warnings) when temperatures exceed dangerous thresholds. 무더위 (mugdeoui) refers to stifling, oppressive heat. Air conditioning (에어컨) usage spikes dramatically during 폭염.
Example Sentence
올여름 폭염이 심해서 밖에 나가기가 힘들어요.
The heat wave this summer is severe so it's hard to go outside.
How to use 폭염 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Heat wave” is 폭염, romanized as Pognyeom.
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 폭염.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce "Pognyeom" as "Pohg-nyeom." The 'ㅗ' (o) sounds like the 'o' in 'go', and 'ㅕ' (yeo) is like 'yo' in 'yogurt'. The 'ㄱ' (g) at the end of the first syllable is a soft 'k' sound, almost silent, leading into the 'ㄴ' (n) of the next syllable. The stress is fairly even.
More Example Sentences
News report scenario about extreme weather.
폭염 특보가 발령돼서 야외 활동을 자제해야 해요.
A heat wave advisory has been issued, so we should refrain from outdoor activities.
Daily life conversation about discomfort from heat.
폭염 때문에 밤에도 잠 못 이루는 사람들이 많아요.
Many people can't sleep even at night because of the heat wave.
Complaining about prolonged hot weather.
올해는 유난히 폭염이 길게 이어지고 있어요.
This year, the heat wave is lasting unusually long.
Cultural Context
Korean summers, especially July and August, are known for their intense heat and humidity, often referred to as '찜통더위' (jjimtongdeowi - steaming heat). '폭염' is a serious weather condition, and the government frequently issues '폭염 경보' (heat wave warnings) or '폭염 주의보' (heat wave advisories). During these times, people are advised to stay indoors, hydrate, and avoid outdoor activities, especially the elderly and children. You'll often see news segments on how to cope with the heat, and convenience stores will stock up on cold drinks and ice cream.
Editorial note
We review entries like 폭염 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
폭염 경보
Heat wave warning
폭염 주의보
Heat wave advisory
폭염 속에서
In the midst of a heat wave
Related Expressions
무더위
Mudeowi
Stifling heat, oppressive heat
열대야
Yeoldaeya
Tropical night (night where temperature doesn't drop below 25°C)
찜통더위
Jjimtongdeowi
Steaming heat, sweltering heat
한파
Hanpa
Cold wave (antonym)
More Nature Words
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