Korean Dictionary
How to say "Skin Tone" in Korean
“Skin Tone” in Korean is 피부 톤 (pronounced "Pibu Ton").
피부 톤
Pibu Ton
Usage & Context
Skin tone refers to the color and complexion of the skin. Korean makeup emphasizes even skin tone and radiant complexion.
Example Sentence
피부 톤에 맞는 파운데이션을 고르는 것이 중요해요.
It is important to choose a foundation that matches your skin tone.
How to use 피부 톤 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Skin Tone” is 피부 톤, romanized as Pibu Ton.
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 피부 톤.
Pronunciation Guide
For "피부" (Pibu), say "pee-boo," with "pee" like the letter 'P' and "boo" like in "boo!" (to scare someone). For "톤" (Ton), it sounds exactly like the English word "tone."
More Example Sentences
Discussing makeup choices based on personal complexion.
제 피부 톤에는 쿨 톤 파운데이션이 더 잘 맞아요.
Cool-toned foundation suits my skin tone better.
Reviewing a makeup product.
이 쿠션은 피부 톤을 자연스럽게 보정해줘요.
This cushion naturally corrects skin tone.
Giving makeup advice.
피부 톤이 균일해야 화장이 더 예뻐 보여요.
Makeup looks prettier when your skin tone is even.
Cultural Context
Skin tone (피부 톤) is a highly discussed topic in Korean beauty, particularly in relation to makeup and skincare. There's a strong emphasis on achieving a bright, clear, and even complexion, often referred to as "물광 피부" (mul-gwang pibu, "water-glowing skin") or "꿀 피부" (kkul pibu, "honey skin"). Koreans often categorize their skin tone as "웜 톤" (warm tone) or "쿨 톤" (cool tone) to choose the most flattering makeup shades, especially for foundation, blush, and lipsticks. Many beauty brands offer extensive shade ranges and products designed to brighten or even out skin tone.
Editorial note
We review entries like 피부 톤 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
피부 톤 밝히다.
To brighten skin tone.
피부 톤에 맞추다.
To match one's skin tone.
피부 톤 보정.
Skin tone correction.
Related Expressions
피부색
Pibusaek
Skin color (more general)
안색
Ansaek
Complexion, facial color
웜 톤
Wom Ton
Warm tone (for skin)
쿨 톤
Kul Ton
Cool tone (for skin)
More Beauty & Skincare Words
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