Korean Dictionary
How to say "Weightlifting" in Korean
“Weightlifting” in Korean is 역도 (pronounced "yeokdo").
역도
yeokdo
Usage & Context
Weightlifting is an Olympic sport that tests strength and technique. Korea has strong weightlifters who have won numerous international medals.
Example Sentence
역도 선수는 강해요.
Weightlifters are strong.
How to use 역도 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Weightlifting” is 역도, romanized as yeokdo.
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 역도.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce "yeok-do." "Yeok" sounds like "yuck" but with a slightly softer 'y' and a clear 'eo' vowel, similar to "yoke" but with 'o' as in "dot." The 'k' is a soft, unreleased sound. "Do" sounds like the English word "dough."
More Example Sentences
Expressing admiration for the sport's difficulty.
역도는 정말 힘든 운동이에요.
Weightlifting is a really tough sport.
Discussing a famous Korean athlete.
장미란 선수는 한국 역도의 전설이에요.
Jang Mi-ran is a legend of Korean weightlifting.
Talking about the benefits of the sport.
역도를 하면 근육이 많이 생겨요.
If you do weightlifting, you gain a lot of muscle.
Cultural Context
Weightlifting, or 'yeokdo,' is a sport where Korea has produced several world-class athletes, most notably Jang Mi-ran, an Olympic gold medalist and a national hero. Her story of perseverance and strength is widely known and respected across generations. The sport is seen as a testament to raw power and mental toughness.
Editorial note
We review entries like 역도 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
역도 경기
Weightlifting competition
역도 훈련
Weightlifting training
역도 기록
Weightlifting record
Related Expressions
역도 선수
yeokdo seonsu
Weightlifter
역기
yeokgi
Barbell/weights
근력 운동
geullyeok undong
Strength training
들어 올리다
deureo ollida
To lift up
More Sports Words
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