Korean Dictionary
How to say "Highlighter" in Korean
“Highlighter” in Korean is 하이라이터 (pronounced "hairaiteo").
하이라이터
hairaiteo
Usage & Context
하이라이터 is used to give skin a luminous glow which is central to the Korean glass-skin aesthetic. Korean 하이라이터 is applied on the tops of cheekbones bridge of the nose and cupid's bow for a radiant effect. Liquid and powder 하이라이터 products from Korean brands are prized for their finely milled textures.
Example Sentence
하이라이터를 바르면 피부가 반짝반짝해 보여요.
Applying highlighter makes the skin look sparkling.
How to use 하이라이터 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Highlighter” is 하이라이터, romanized as hairaiteo.
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 하이라이터.
Pronunciation Guide
Say '하이라이터' as 'ha-i-ra-i-teo'. 'Ha' is like 'hah', 'i' is like 'eye', 'ra' is like 'rah', 'i' is like 'eye', and 'teo' is like 'toe'.
More Example Sentences
A makeup artist giving a tip during a tutorial.
광대뼈에 하이라이터를 살짝 발라주면 얼굴이 더 입체적으로 보여요.
If you apply a little highlighter to your cheekbones, your face looks more three-dimensional.
Reviewing a new makeup product.
이 하이라이터는 자연스러운 광채를 줘서 데일리로 쓰기 좋아요.
This highlighter gives a natural glow, so it's good for daily use.
Sharing makeup tricks with friends.
코 끝에 하이라이터를 바르면 코가 더 높아 보여요.
Applying highlighter to the tip of your nose makes it look higher.
Cultural Context
In Korean beauty, '하이라이터' (highlighter) is crucial for achieving the coveted 'glass skin' or 'chok-chok' (dewy) look. It's applied to specific high points of the face like the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid's bow to create a luminous, healthy glow rather than a glittery effect. Many K-beauty brands offer finely milled, natural-looking highlighters that contribute to the overall radiant complexion.
Editorial note
We review entries like 하이라이터 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
하이라이터를 바르다
To apply highlighter
액상 하이라이터
Liquid highlighter
하이라이터 추천
Highlighter recommendation
Related Expressions
광채
gwangchae
Radiance, glow
물광
mulgwang
Watery glow (dewy look)
윤광
yungwang
Sheen, subtle glow
컨투어링
keonteuoring
Contouring
More Beauty & Skincare Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Highlighter and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
