Korean Dictionary
How to say "Thermometer" in Korean
“Thermometer” in Korean is 체온계 (pronounced "cheonggye").
체온계
cheonggye
Usage & Context
체온계 is an essential household item in Korea where parents routinely monitor their children's body temperature. Digital and infrared 체온계 are widely available at Korean pharmacies. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, contactless infrared 체온계 became mandatory at the entrance of many Korean public buildings.
Example Sentence
열이 있는 것 같아서 체온계로 재봤어요.
I thought I had a fever so I checked with the thermometer.
How to use 체온계 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Thermometer” is 체온계, romanized as cheonggye.
Usage tip
When describing symptoms, combine the word with where it hurts, when it started, and how severe it is.
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 체온계.
Pronunciation Guide
Say 'che-on-gye'. 'Che' sounds like 'cheh' in 'check', 'on' like the English word 'on', and 'gye' like 'geh' in 'get' with a slight 'y' sound before it, almost like 'gyeh'.
More Example Sentences
A parent checking their child's temperature.
아이 열이 나는 것 같아서 체온계로 재봤어요.
I think my child has a fever, so I checked with a thermometer.
An instruction at the entrance of a public building.
비접촉 체온계로 체온을 측정해주세요.
Please measure your temperature with a contactless thermometer.
Someone purchasing a thermometer.
약국에서 체온계를 하나 샀어요.
I bought a thermometer at the pharmacy.
Cultural Context
Thermometers are a common household item in Korea, especially for families with young children, as parents frequently monitor their kids' temperatures. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, contactless infrared '체온계' became ubiquitous, often seen at the entrances of public buildings, restaurants, and schools for mandatory temperature checks. This practice has become a normal part of daily life, reflecting Korea's proactive approach to public health.
Editorial note
We review entries like 체온계 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
체온계로 재다
to measure with a thermometer
비접촉 체온계
contactless thermometer
디지털 체온계
digital thermometer
Related Expressions
열
yeol
fever
체온
cheon
body temperature
재다
jaeda
to measure
온도계
ondogye
thermometer (general, for ambient temperature)
More Health & Medical Words
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