Korean Dictionary
How to say "Waist" in Korean
“Waist” in Korean is 허리 (pronounced "heori").
허리
heori
Usage & Context
The part of the body between the ribs and hips. Used in medical and fashion contexts. Important for describing body shape.
Example Sentence
허리가 아파요.
My waist hurts.
How to use 허리 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Waist” is 허리, romanized as heori.
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 허리.
Pronunciation Guide
"허리" (heori) is pronounced "heo" like the "huh" in "uh-huh," followed by "ri" which sounds like "ree" in "tree." The 'h' sound is soft, almost like a sigh, and the 'r' is a light flap, similar to the 'dd' in American English "ladder."
More Example Sentences
Complaining about back pain, common for office workers.
허리가 너무 아파서 앉아있기 힘들어요.
My lower back hurts so much it's hard to sit.
Trying on clothes and commenting on the fit.
이 바지는 허리가 좀 커요.
The waist of these pants is a bit big.
Asking someone's clothing size, often in a fitting room.
허리 사이즈가 몇이에요?
What's your waist size?
Cultural Context
"허리" is a versatile word, referring to both the anatomical waist and, very commonly, the lower back. When Koreans say "허리가 아파요" (My back hurts), they almost always mean their lower back, which is a prevalent issue due to long hours of sitting. Maintaining a slim "허리" is also a common beauty standard, often discussed in K-pop and fashion, with many idols known for their '개미허리' (gaemiheori - ant waist).
Editorial note
We review entries like 허리 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
허리를 굽히다
To bend one's back/waist.
허리를 펴다
To straighten one's back/waist.
허리가 가늘다
To have a slender waist.
Related Expressions
허리띠
heoritti
belt
허리 디스크
heori diseukeu
herniated lumbar disc (very common medical condition)
허리춤
heorichum
waistline (area around the waist)
허리둘레
heoridulle
waist circumference
More Body Parts Words
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