Korean Dictionary
How to say "Spitting Image" in Korean
“Spitting Image” in Korean is 판박이 (pronounced "Panbaqi").
판박이
Panbaqi
Usage & Context
Panbagi means being the exact copy or spitting image of someone. It is commonly used in Korean to describe strong family resemblances.
Example Sentence
그 아이는 아버지 판박이예요.
That child is the spitting image of the father.
How to use 판박이 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Spitting Image” is 판박이, romanized as Panbaqi.
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 판박이.
Pronunciation Guide
판 (pan) sounds like 'pawn' or 'pan'. 박 (bak) is like 'bahk' in 'bark'. 이 (i) is like 'ee' in 'see'. The stress is relatively even.
More Example Sentences
Remarking on a strong resemblance between a son and his father.
그 아들은 아빠의 젊은 시절 판박이예요.
That son is the spitting image of his father in his youth.
Expressing surprise and affection at a child's strong resemblance to their mother.
어쩜 그렇게 엄마 판박이니? 웃는 모습까지 똑같아!
How can you be such a spitting image of your mom? Even your smile is identical!
Describing a faithful adaptation of a book into a movie (metaphorical use).
그 영화는 원작 소설의 판박이처럼 만들어졌어요.
That movie was made like a spitting image of the original novel.
Cultural Context
'판박이' is a very common and affectionate term used to describe strong family resemblances, especially between children and parents. It literally means a 'print' or 'stamp,' implying an exact copy. You'll often hear it in family gatherings or when friends comment on a child's appearance, often with a chuckle. It's a warm way to acknowledge shared genetics and is frequently used in K-dramas to highlight family ties.
Editorial note
We review entries like 판박이 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
아빠 판박이.
Spitting image of dad.
엄마 판박이.
Spitting image of mom.
완전 판박이네!
Totally a spitting image!
Related Expressions
붕어빵
bungeoppang
Goldfish-shaped pastry (colloquial, used to describe people who look exactly alike, especially family, like 'cut from the same cloth')
똑같다
ttokgatda
To be identical, exactly the same
닮다
dalmda
To resemble, to look like
복사판
boksapan
A copy, duplicate (more literal, less common for people)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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