운동
운동 in 30 Sekunden
- Physical exercise or sports for health.
- Social, political, or historical movements.
- Scientific motion or kinematics in physics.
- Requires '하다' to become a verb.
The Korean word 운동 (undong) is a highly versatile and fundamental noun that primarily translates to 'exercise' or 'sport' in English, but its applications extend far beyond simple physical activity. To truly grasp the depth of this word, we must look at its Hanja (Chinese character) roots. The word is composed of two characters: 運 (un), meaning 'to move' or 'to transport', and 動 (dong), meaning 'movement' or 'action'. Therefore, at its absolute core, 운동 means 'the act of moving'. This foundational meaning allows the word to be used in various contexts, ranging from personal health and fitness to physics and large-scale societal shifts.
- Physical Exercise
- In its most common everyday usage, 운동 refers to physical exercise done for health, fitness, or recreation. This includes going to the gym, jogging, swimming, or doing yoga. When a doctor tells you to get more activity, they will use this word.
저는 매일 아침 운동을 합니다. (I exercise every morning.)
Beyond individual fitness, the word also encompasses organized sports. Whether it is soccer, baseball, basketball, or the Olympics, these are all categorized under the umbrella of 운동. In schools, the physical education field or playground is called 운동장 (undongjang), literally 'movement ground'. The shoes you wear for these activities are 운동화 (undonghwa), meaning 'movement shoes'. This shows how deeply integrated the concept of physical motion is in the Korean vocabulary.
- Social and Political Movements
- Interestingly, the concept of 'movement' is not limited to the physical body. It also applies to the movement of society. A political campaign, a social rights movement, or an environmental initiative is also called 운동.
그들은 환경 보호 운동에 참여했습니다. (They participated in the environmental protection movement.)
Furthermore, in the realm of science and physics, 운동 describes kinematics or the physical motion of objects. Kinetic energy, for example, is translated as 운동 에너지 (undong eneoji). The laws of motion formulated by Isaac Newton are known as 뉴턴의 운동 법칙 (Nyuteon-ui undong beopchik). This scientific application perfectly aligns with the original Hanja meaning of 'moving action'. Understanding these three distinct but related pillars—physical fitness, societal shifts, and scientific motion—is crucial for mastering this vocabulary word. It demonstrates how a single concept in Korean can bridge the gap between daily life, history, and academia.
- Scientific Motion
- In physics, it describes the change in position of an object over time. This is a more advanced usage but essential for academic contexts.
물체의 운동 방향이 바뀌었습니다. (The direction of the object's motion changed.)
To summarize, while beginners will primarily use this word to talk about hitting the gym or playing soccer, advanced learners will encounter it in history books discussing democratic movements or in science classes discussing the trajectory of a projectile. The beauty of the word lies in its logical consistency: whether it is a person lifting weights, a group of citizens marching for rights, or a planet orbiting a star, it is all, fundamentally, 'movement'.
건강을 위해 규칙적인 운동이 필요합니다. (Regular exercise is necessary for health.)
시민 운동이 확산되고 있습니다. (The civic movement is spreading.)
Using 운동 (undong) correctly in a sentence depends heavily on the verbs and particles you pair it with. Because it is a noun, it cannot function as an action on its own. The most fundamental and frequent combination you will encounter is 운동하다 (undong-hada), which literally means 'to do exercise'. This is the standard verb form used when you want to say 'I exercise', 'She is exercising', or 'We should exercise'. The verb 하다 (hada) is the engine that drives this noun into action. When using it as an object in a sentence, you will attach the object particle 을 (eul), resulting in 운동을 하다 (undong-eul hada). Both forms are correct and widely used, though the spaced version places slightly more emphasis on the noun itself.
- Basic Verb Pairing
- Always pair with 하다 (to do) to create the verb 'to exercise'. It can be written as one word (운동하다) or separated by an object particle (운동을 하다).
주말마다 헬스장에서 운동해요. (I exercise at the gym every weekend.)
Another very common way to use this word is in the context of lacking or needing exercise. In modern society, many people lead sedentary lifestyles, so the phrase 운동 부족 (undong bujok), meaning 'lack of exercise', is frequently heard in medical or health-related conversations. If a doctor tells you that your health issues are due to a lack of physical activity, they will say '운동 부족입니다' (It is a lack of exercise). Conversely, if you want to express that exercise is good for you, you would say 운동이 몸에 좋다 (undong-i mom-e jota), which translates to 'exercise is good for the body'.
- Expressing Need or Lack
- Combine with 부족 (lack) to describe a sedentary lifestyle, or use descriptive verbs like 필요하다 (to be necessary) to express the need for physical activity.
요즘 운동이 너무 부족해요. (I have a severe lack of exercise these days.)
When shifting to the meaning of a social or political movement, the usage changes slightly. You no longer 'do' the movement in the same way you 'do' a workout. Instead, you participate in it, lead it, or it happens. For example, to say 'to participate in a movement', you would use the verb 참여하다 (chamyeohada) or 동참하다 (dongchamhada), resulting in 운동에 참여하다 (undong-e chamyeohada). If a movement is spreading across the country, you would use the verb 확산되다 (hwaksandoeda) or 일어나다 (ireonada), as in 시민 운동이 일어나고 있다 (A civic movement is arising). This distinction is crucial for advanced fluency.
- Usage in Social Contexts
- Do not use 하다 for social movements unless you are the one organizing or executing it. Use 참여하다 (participate) or 벌이다 (to stage/conduct).
여성 권리 운동에 동참합시다. (Let's join the women's rights movement.)
어떤 운동을 가장 좋아하세요? (What kind of exercise/sport do you like the most?)
다이어트를 위해 유산소 운동을 시작했어요. (I started aerobic exercise for my diet.)
Because 운동 (undong) covers such a broad spectrum of human activity, you will hear it in almost every facet of Korean daily life. The most obvious place is, of course, the gym or fitness center, which in Korea is commonly called a 헬스장 (helseujang - health club) or 피트니스 센터 (piteuniseu senteo - fitness center). Here, personal trainers will constantly use the word, asking questions like '오늘 무슨 운동 하실 건가요?' (What kind of exercise are you going to do today?) or instructing you on proper 운동 자세 (undong jase - exercise posture). You will also hear it in parks, along the Han River where people jog, and in community sports centers where people gather to play badminton or table tennis.
- Health and Medical Settings
- Hospitals and clinics are prime locations for this word. Doctors frequently prescribe exercise as a remedy for various lifestyle diseases.
의사 선생님이 무리한 운동은 피하라고 하셨어요. (The doctor told me to avoid strenuous exercise.)
Schools are another major environment where this word is ubiquitous. From a young age, Korean students have physical education classes, which are technically called 체육 (cheyuk), but the actual act of playing during recess or participating in the annual school sports day is heavily associated with the word 운동. The school sports day itself is called 운동회 (undonghoe), a highly anticipated event where students, teachers, and parents gather for relay races, tug-of-war, and other competitive games. The physical space where this happens, the schoolyard or field, is the 운동장 (undongjang).
- Educational Environments
- In schools, the word is part of compound nouns related to physical spaces and events, such as the playground or sports festivals.
아이들이 운동장에서 축구를 하고 있습니다. (The children are playing soccer on the playground.)
When you turn on the television and watch the news, the word takes on its sociological meaning. News anchors will report on labor movements (노동 운동), democratic movements (민주화 운동), or consumer boycott movements (불매 운동). In these contexts, the word carries a heavy, serious tone, reflecting the collective action of citizens striving for change. Korea has a rich history of such movements, particularly the March 1st Independence Movement (3.1 운동) against Japanese colonial rule, which is a cornerstone of modern Korean history. Therefore, hearing this word in a historical documentary or a political debate evokes a sense of struggle, unity, and progress.
- News and History
- Used to describe collective societal actions, historical events, and political campaigns aimed at bringing about social change.
그는 평생을 노동 운동에 바쳤습니다. (He dedicated his entire life to the labor movement.)
플라스틱 줄이기 운동이 한창입니다. (The movement to reduce plastic is in full swing.)
새로운 운동복을 샀어요. (I bought new exercise clothes.)
One of the most frequent mistakes Korean learners make with 운동 (undong) is confusing it with other words that mean 'practice' or 'training'. In English, we might say 'I have soccer practice today', which might tempt a learner to say '오늘 축구 연습이 있어요' (using 연습 - practice). While this is understandable, native Koreans often just say '오늘 축구 운동이 있어요' or simply '오늘 운동 가요' when referring to their regular sports club meetings. However, the critical distinction comes when comparing it to 연습 (yeonseup) and 훈련 (hullyeon). 연습 means repeating an action to get better at a specific skill (like playing the piano or practicing a specific soccer kick), while 운동 is the general act of physical exertion or playing the sport.
- 운동 vs. 연습 (Practice)
- Use 연습 when you are drilling a specific skill to improve technique. Use 운동 for the general physical activity or workout session.
피아노 운동 (Incorrect) -> 피아노 연습 (Correct: Piano practice).
Another area of confusion is with the word 훈련 (hullyeon), which means 'training'. 훈련 is much more intense and systematic than regular 운동. Military training, professional athlete training camps, or dog obedience training all use 훈련. If you are just going to the gym for an hour to stay healthy, you are doing 운동. If you say you are doing 훈련, people might think you are preparing for the Olympics or joining the army. Understanding the scale and intensity implied by these words is key to sounding natural. 운동 is for health and recreation; 훈련 is for rigorous, goal-oriented preparation.
- 운동 vs. 훈련 (Training)
- Reserve 훈련 for professional, military, or highly systematic training. Use 운동 for everyday fitness and amateur sports.
국가대표 선수들이 운동을 넘어 훈련을 하고 있습니다. (The national team athletes are doing training, beyond just exercise.)
Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the verb pairings when discussing social movements. As mentioned earlier, you cannot say '사회 운동을 하다' (to do a social movement) if you are just a participant. You must use 참여하다 (to participate). Saying '나는 환경 운동을 해요' sounds like you are the sole organizer or leader of the environmental movement. It is much more natural to say '나는 환경 보호 운동에 참여하고 있어요' (I am participating in the environmental protection movement). This subtle difference in verb choice completely changes your perceived role in the activity.
- Verb Choices for Movements
- Avoid using 하다 with social movements unless you are the leader. Use 참여하다 (participate) or 지지하다 (support).
독립 운동을 하다 (Usually refers to the activists who actively fought/led).
수학 운동 (Incorrect) -> 수학 연습 문제 (Correct: Math practice problems).
강아지 운동 (Usually means walking the dog) vs 강아지 훈련 (Dog obedience training).
To build a robust Korean vocabulary, it is essential to understand the nuances between 운동 (undong) and its synonyms. While 운동 is the most general and widely used term, there are specific words for different types of physical activity. The most direct English loanword is 스포츠 (seupocheu), which means 'sports'. While you can use 운동 to refer to sports (like soccer or baseball), 스포츠 is strictly limited to competitive, organized games. You would not call running on a treadmill at the gym '스포츠'; that is strictly '운동'. However, the Olympics are a '스포츠 축제' (sports festival). Understanding this boundary helps you sound much more like a native speaker.
- 스포츠 (Sports)
- An English loanword used specifically for competitive, rule-based games like basketball, soccer, or tennis. It does not include general fitness workouts.
그는 겨울 스포츠를 좋아합니다. (He likes winter sports.)
Another closely related word is 체육 (cheyuk), which translates to 'physical education' or 'athletics'. This word is highly academic and institutional. You will see it in school subjects (체육 시간 - PE class), college majors (체육학과 - Department of Physical Education), and government ministries. It emphasizes the educational and developmental aspects of physical activity. While you do 운동 during your 체육 class, you would never say 'I am going to the gym to do 체육'. It sounds overly formal and incorrect in a casual setting. 체육 is about the system of physical development, whereas 운동 is the action itself.
- 체육 (Physical Education)
- Used for institutional, educational, or formal contexts regarding physical development. Think 'PE class' or 'athletics department'.
학교에서 체육 시간에 농구를 했어요. (We played basketball during PE class at school.)
We also have words like 활동 (hwaldong), meaning 'activity'. This is a much broader term that encompasses any kind of action, physical or mental. You can have 동아리 활동 (club activities), 봉사 활동 (volunteer activities), or 야외 활동 (outdoor activities). While 운동 is a type of 활동, not all 활동 are 운동. When discussing social movements, the word 캠페인 (kaempein - campaign) is often used interchangeably with 운동, especially for modern, marketing-driven social initiatives like a 'clean internet campaign'. However, for historical or deeply rooted political struggles, 운동 remains the preferred and more powerful term.
- 활동 (Activity)
- A broader term for any kind of action or participation, not limited to physical exertion.
주말에는 야외 활동을 즐깁니다. (I enjoy outdoor activities on the weekends.)
이것은 단순한 스포츠가 아니라 하나의 문화 운동입니다. (This is not just a sport, but a cultural movement.)
그는 시민 단체에서 활발하게 활동하고 있습니다. (He is actively working in a civic group.)
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Noun + 하다: Turning nouns into action verbs (운동 -> 운동하다).
Verb stem + (으)려고: Expressing purpose (살을 빼려고 운동해요 - I exercise to lose weight).
Noun + 기 전에 / 후에: Before/After doing something (운동하기 전에 - Before exercising).
Noun + 에 참여하다: To participate in (a movement/event).
A/V + (으)면: Conditionals (운동을 하면 건강해져요 - If you exercise, you become healthy).
Beispiele nach Niveau
저는 매일 운동을 합니다.
I exercise every day.
Noun + 을/를 하다 (Object particle + to do)
어떤 운동을 좋아해요?
What kind of exercise do you like?
어떤 (what kind of) + Noun
운동화가 아주 예뻐요.
Your sneakers are very pretty.
운동화 (sneakers) - Compound noun
주말에 같이 운동할까요?
Shall we exercise together this weekend?
Verb stem + -(으)ㄹ까요? (Shall we...?)
운동장에 아이들이 많아요.
There are many children on the playground.
Place + 에 (Location particle)
저는 수영 운동을 해요.
I do swimming exercise.
Specific sport + 운동
운동은 건강에 좋아요.
Exercise is good for your health.
Noun + 은/는 (Topic particle)
오늘 운동을 안 했어요.
I didn't exercise today.
안 + Verb (Negative form)
일주일에 세 번 헬스장에서 운동해요.
I exercise at the gym three times a week.
Frequency (일주일에 세 번) + Place + 에서
살을 빼려고 운동을 시작했어요.
I started exercising to lose weight.
Verb stem + -(으)려고 (In order to)
너무 바빠서 운동할 시간이 없어요.
I am so busy that I don't have time to exercise.
Verb stem + -아/어서 (Because)
운동하기 전에 준비 운동을 하세요.
Please do warm-up exercises before exercising.
Verb stem + -기 전에 (Before doing)
어제 무리하게 운동해서 온몸이 아파요.
My whole body hurts because I exercised too hard yesterday.
Adverb (무리하게) + Verb
친구와 함께 배드민턴 운동을 했어요.
I played badminton with a friend.
Noun + 와/과 함께 (Together with)
운동이 끝난 후에 물을 많이 마셨어요.
I drank a lot of water after the exercise finished.
Noun + 이/가 끝나다 (Subject marker + to finish)
건강을 유지하려면 규칙적인 운동이 필요해요.
To maintain health, regular exercise is necessary.
Verb stem + -(으)려면 (If one intends to)
유산소 운동과 근력 운동을 병행하는 것이 좋습니다.
It is good to combine aerobic exercise and strength training.
Noun + 을/를 병행하다 (To do side-by-side)
요즘 현대인들은 운동 부족으로 여러 질병에 시달립니다.
Modern people nowadays suffer from various diseases due to a lack of exercise.
Noun + (으)로 (Due to / Because of)
우리 동네에서는 쓰레기 줍기 운동을 하고 있어요.
In our neighborhood, we are doing a garbage picking movement (campaign).
Verb stem + -고 있다 (Present progressive)
운동을 꾸준히 했더니 체력이 눈에 띄게 좋아졌어요.
Because I exercised consistently, my stamina noticeably improved.
Verb stem + -았/었더니 (As a result of doing)
스트레스 해소에는 땀을 흘리는 운동이 최고예요.
For relieving stress, an exercise that makes you sweat is the best.
Noun + 에는 (For [purpose])
학교 체육대회에서 우리 반이 운동 경기를 다 이겼어요.
Our class won all the sports matches at the school sports festival.
Compound noun (운동 경기 - sports match)
전문가들은 하루 30분 이상의 가벼운 운동을 권장합니다.
Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of light exercise a day.
Noun + 을/를 권장하다 (To recommend)
다이어트 운동 프로그램에 등록하려고 알아보고 있어요.
I am looking into registering for a diet exercise program.
Verb stem + -(으)려고 알아보다 (Looking into doing)
1919년에 일어난 3.1 운동은 한국 독립의 중요한 계기가 되었습니다.
The March 1st Movement that occurred in 1919 became an important turning point for Korean independence.
Noun modifier (일어난) + Noun
최근 환경 보호를 위한 플라스틱 불매 운동이 전국적으로 확산되고 있습니다.
Recently, the plastic boycott movement for environmental protection is spreading nationwide.
Noun + 이/가 확산되다 (To spread)
시민 단체들은 정부의 정책에 반대하는 서명 운동을 벌였습니다.
Civic groups staged a signature campaign opposing the government's policy.
운동을 벌이다 (To stage/conduct a movement)
운동선수들은 경기력을 향상시키기 위해 과학적인 훈련 방식을 도입했습니다.
Athletes introduced scientific training methods to improve their performance.
Compound noun (운동선수 - athlete)
이 물체의 운동 에너지를 계산하려면 질량과 속도를 알아야 합니다.
To calculate the kinetic energy of this object, you need to know its mass and velocity.
Scientific terminology (운동 에너지 - kinetic energy)
노동자들의 권리를 찾기 위한 노동 운동의 역사는 매우 깊습니다.
The history of the labor movement to find workers' rights is very deep.
Noun + 의 (Possessive particle)
규칙적인 운동은 신체 건강뿐만 아니라 우울증 예방 등 정신 건강에도 이롭습니다.
Regular exercise is beneficial not only for physical health but also for mental health, such as preventing depression.
A뿐만 아니라 B도 (Not only A but also B)
여성 인권 운동가들은 성평등을 위해 오랫동안 투쟁해 왔습니다.
Women's rights activists have struggled for gender equality for a long time.
Suffix -가 (Person who does - activist)
뉴턴의 제2법칙은 힘, 질량, 그리고 가속도 간의 관계를 설명하는 핵심적인 운동 법칙입니다.
Newton's second law is a core law of motion that explains the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.
Complex noun phrase modification
현대 사회의 시민 운동은 소셜 미디어를 매개로 하여 과거보다 훨씬 빠르고 광범위하게 조직됩니다.
Civic movements in modern society are organized much faster and more broadly than in the past, mediated by social media.
Noun + 을/를 매개로 하여 (Mediated by)
해당 정당은 풀뿌리 민주주의를 실현하기 위해 지역 주민 중심의 자치 운동을 전개하고 있습니다.
The political party is launching an autonomy movement centered on local residents to realize grassroots democracy.
운동을 전개하다 (To launch/unfold a movement)
운동 생리학적 관점에서 볼 때, 고강도 인터벌 트레이닝은 심폐 지구력 향상에 탁월한 효과가 입증되었습니다.
From the perspective of exercise physiology, high-intensity interval training has been proven to have an excellent effect on improving cardiovascular endurance.
Academic terminology (운동 생리학 - exercise physiology)
독재 정권에 항거한 학생들의 민주화 운동은 한국 현대사의 흐름을 바꾸는 결정적인 변곡점이 되었습니다.
The democratization movement of students who resisted the dictatorial regime became a decisive inflection point that changed the flow of modern Korean history.
Relative clause describing historical context
소비자들의 자발적인 불매 운동은 기업의 비윤리적인 경영 방식을 개선하도록 압박하는 강력한 수단입니다.
Consumers' voluntary boycott movements are a powerful means to pressure companies to improve their unethical management practices.
Causative structure (개선하도록 압박하다)
지구의 자전과 공전은 천체 역학에서 다루는 가장 기본적인 주기적 운동 형태 중 하나입니다.
The Earth's rotation and revolution are among the most basic forms of periodic motion dealt with in celestial mechanics.
Scientific classification (주기적 운동 - periodic motion)
그 예술 사조는 기존의 미학적 관습을 타파하려는 일종의 전위적인 문화 운동으로 평가받고 있습니다.
That art movement is evaluated as a kind of avant-garde cultural movement attempting to break down existing aesthetic conventions.
Passive voice evaluation (평가받고 있다)
포스트모더니즘 문학 운동은 절대적 진리에 대한 회의를 바탕으로 서사의 해체와 다원성을 추구했습니다.
The postmodernist literary movement pursued the deconstruction of narrative and pluralism based on skepticism toward absolute truth.
Highly abstract academic concepts
양자역학에서 미시 입자의 운동은 고전 역학의 결정론적 궤적이 아닌 확률론적 파동 함수로 기술됩니다.
In quantum mechanics, the motion of microscopic particles is described not by the deterministic trajectories of classical mechanics, but by probabilistic wave functions.
Advanced physics terminology and contrastive structure
19세기 후반의 노동 조합 운동은 자본주의의 구조적 모순에 대항하여 프롤레타리아 계급의 연대를 촉발한 역사적 필연이었습니다.
The labor union movement of the late 19th century was a historical inevitability that triggered the solidarity of the proletariat class against the structural contradictions of capitalism.
Sociological and Marxist terminology
신사회 운동론은 계급 갈등을 넘어 환경, 평화, 여성 등 다양한 정체성과 삶의 질 문제를 조명하며 현대 사회학의 지평을 넓혔습니다.
New social movement theory broadened the horizons of modern sociology by illuminating issues of various identities and quality of life, such as environment, peace, and women, beyond class conflict.
Academic theory discussion (신사회 운동론)
해당 법안의 통과는 오랜 기간 시민 사회가 끈질기게 전개해 온 입법 청원 운동의 값진 결실이라 할 수 있습니다.
The passage of the bill can be said to be the valuable fruit of the legislative petition movement that civil society has persistently carried out for a long time.
Formal rhetorical structure (-라 할 수 있다)
우주 팽창에 따른 은하들의 후퇴 운동은 적색 편이 현상을 통해 관측되며, 이는 빅뱅 우주론을 뒷받침하는 강력한 증거입니다.
The recessional motion of galaxies due to the expansion of the universe is observed through the redshift phenomenon, which is strong evidence supporting the Big Bang cosmology.
Astrophysics terminology
비폭력 저항 운동의 철학적 기저는 억압자의 폭력성에 도덕적 우위로 맞섬으로써 체제의 정당성을 내부로부터 와해시키는 데 있습니다.
The philosophical foundation of the nonviolent resistance movement lies in dismantling the legitimacy of the system from within by confronting the oppressor's violence with moral superiority.
Complex philosophical and strategic analysis
생체 역학적 분석에 따르면, 엘리트 육상 선수의 달리기 운동은 에너지 손실을 최소화하는 최적의 운동학적 사슬을 형성합니다.
According to biomechanical analysis, the running motion of elite track athletes forms an optimal kinematic chain that minimizes energy loss.
Advanced biomechanics terminology (운동학적 사슬 - kinematic chain)
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
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Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
So verwendest du es
While '운동' covers all exercise, modern Koreans often use specific English loanwords for gym workouts (헬스, 웨이트, 필라테스) and reserve '운동' for general fitness or outdoor sports.
The word itself is neutral and can be used in any level of formality. The formality is determined by the verb endings (e.g., 운동해 vs. 운동합니다).
- Using 운동하다 for practicing a musical instrument (e.g., 피아노 운동을 해요 -> Incorrect. Use 피아노 연습을 해요).
- Saying 운동을 치다 instead of 운동을 하다.
- Using 운동 for mental exercises or brain training.
- Saying 사회 운동을 하다 when you are just a participant (Use 사회 운동에 참여하다).
- Confusing 운동화 (sneakers) with general shoes (신발) or dress shoes (구두).
Tipps
Spacing matters
You can write it as one word (운동하다) or two words with a particle (운동을 하다). Both are correct, but the spaced version emphasizes the noun.
Compound words
Learn the compound words: 운동장 (playground), 운동화 (sneakers), 운동복 (sportswear). They are incredibly common in daily life.
The 'Health' Konglish
If a Korean says they are doing '헬스' (Health), they mean they are lifting weights at the gym, not talking about their general well-being.
Don't use for practice
Never use 운동 when you mean practicing an instrument or a language. Use 연습 (yeonseup) for skill repetition.
Social Movements
For TOPIK II, memorize phrases like '운동을 전개하다' (launch a movement) and '운동이 확산되다' (movement spreads).
Casual dropping
In casual speech, drop the '을' and just say '나 운동 가' (I'm going to exercise/the gym).
Intensity
운동 is general fitness. If you want to sound like you are doing hardcore, professional training, use 훈련 (hullyeon).
숨쉬기 운동
Use the joke '숨쉬기 운동만 해요' (I only do breathing exercises) when someone asks if you work out and you want to admit you are lazy.
Lack of exercise
The phrase '운동 부족' (lack of exercise) is treated almost like a medical condition in Korean conversations. Use it to explain why you feel tired.
News context
If you hear 운동 on the news, 90% of the time it refers to a political, social, or labor movement, not people working out.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine you are doing a heavy workout, lifting a TON of weight. You say 'UN-DONG!' as you grunt and lift the heavy barbell. 'UN' (grunt) 'DONG' (the sound of the weight dropping). UN-DONG means exercise!
Wortherkunft
Sino-Korean
Kultureller Kontext
The suffix '-권' (gwon - circle/sphere) is added to make '운동권' (undonggwon), referring to the generation of student activists who fought for democracy in the 1980s. This is a highly specific cultural and political term.
Koreans often use the English word 'Health' (헬스) to mean 'weightlifting' or 'going to the gym'. So, '헬스하다' is a specific type of '운동하다'.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"평소에 어떤 운동을 즐겨 하세요? (What kind of exercise do you usually enjoy doing?)"
"요즘 운동 부족인 것 같아요. 같이 헬스장 다닐래요? (I think I lack exercise these days. Do you want to go to the gym together?)"
"가장 좋아하는 스포츠 운동 경기가 뭐예요? (What is your favorite sports match?)"
"건강을 위해서 어떤 운동이 가장 좋다고 생각하세요? (What exercise do you think is best for health?)"
"최근에 환경 보호 운동에 관심이 생겼어요. (I recently became interested in the environmental protection movement.)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Write about your weekly exercise routine using frequency adverbs (자주, 가끔, 매일).
Describe a time when you participated in a school sports day (운동회) or a community campaign.
Explain why exercise is important for both physical and mental health.
Research and write a short summary of a famous historical movement (운동) in your country.
Compare your favorite type of exercise (e.g., swimming) with one you dislike (e.g., running).
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, '운동' is strictly for physical exercise, societal movements, or physical kinematics. For mental exercises, you should use words like '두뇌 훈련' (brain training) or '연습' (practice).
스포츠 (sports) refers specifically to competitive, rule-based games like soccer, basketball, or the Olympics. 운동 is a broader term that includes sports but also covers general fitness activities like jogging, lifting weights, or stretching, which are not '스포츠'.
You can say '헬스장에 가요' (I am going to the health club/gym) or simply '운동하러 가요' (I am going to exercise). Both are very natural and commonly used by native speakers.
The word 운동 originally means 'movement' or 'action' in Hanja. In the context of society, it refers to a collective mass movement aimed at achieving a specific goal, much like the English word 'movement' in 'Civil Rights Movement'.
운동 is a noun. To use it as an action, you must attach the verb 하다 (to do), making it 운동하다 (to exercise). You can also use it with an object particle: 운동을 하다.
운동권 (undonggwon) is a specific cultural and historical term referring to the community of student and labor activists who led the pro-democracy movements in South Korea during the 1970s and 1980s.
No, that is incorrect. You use '치다' (to hit) with specific sports like tennis (테니스를 치다) or golf (골프를 치다). For the general word 운동, you must use 하다 (운동을 하다).
In the context of physical activity, the opposite would be 휴식 (rest) or 가만히 있음 (staying still). In physics, the opposite of motion (운동) is 정지 (rest/stationary state).
The word is 운동화 (undonghwa). It combines 운동 (exercise) and 화 (shoes). It is the most common word for any type of athletic shoe or sneaker.
It means 'as a form of exercise'. For example, if you decide to walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator just to get some physical activity, you are doing it '운동 삼아'.
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Translate: 'I exercise at the gym three times a week.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
일주일에 세 번 (3 times a week) + 헬스장에서 (at the gym) + 운동해요 (exercise).
일주일에 세 번 (3 times a week) + 헬스장에서 (at the gym) + 운동해요 (exercise).
Translate: 'Exercise is good for your health.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
운동은 (Exercise) + 건강에 (for health) + 좋아요 (is good).
운동은 (Exercise) + 건강에 (for health) + 좋아요 (is good).
Translate: 'I started exercising to lose weight.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
살을 빼려고 (to lose weight) + 운동을 시작했어요 (started exercising).
살을 빼려고 (to lose weight) + 운동을 시작했어요 (started exercising).
Translate: 'I don't have time to exercise because I am busy.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
바빠서 (because I'm busy) + 운동할 시간이 없어요 (don't have time to exercise).
바빠서 (because I'm busy) + 운동할 시간이 없어요 (don't have time to exercise).
Translate: 'Please do warm-up exercises before exercising.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
운동하기 전에 (before exercising) + 준비 운동을 하세요 (do warm-up exercises).
운동하기 전에 (before exercising) + 준비 운동을 하세요 (do warm-up exercises).
Translate: 'I am participating in the environmental protection movement.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
환경 보호 운동에 (in the environmental protection movement) + 참여하고 있어요 (am participating).
환경 보호 운동에 (in the environmental protection movement) + 참여하고 있어요 (am participating).
Translate: 'I bought new sneakers yesterday.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
어제 (yesterday) + 새 운동화를 (new sneakers) + 샀어요 (bought).
어제 (yesterday) + 새 운동화를 (new sneakers) + 샀어요 (bought).
Translate: 'Aerobic exercise is good for relieving stress.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
유산소 운동은 (Aerobic exercise) + 스트레스 해소에 (for stress relief) + 좋아요 (is good).
유산소 운동은 (Aerobic exercise) + 스트레스 해소에 (for stress relief) + 좋아요 (is good).
Translate: 'I walk up the stairs as a form of exercise.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
운동 삼아 (as a form of exercise) + 계단으로 걸어 올라가요 (walk up the stairs).
운동 삼아 (as a form of exercise) + 계단으로 걸어 올라가요 (walk up the stairs).
Translate: 'Modern people lack exercise.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
현대인들은 (Modern people) + 운동이 부족해요 (lack exercise).
현대인들은 (Modern people) + 운동이 부족해요 (lack exercise).
Translate: 'The civic movement is spreading nationwide.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
시민 운동이 (Civic movement) + 전국적으로 (nationwide) + 확산되고 있습니다 (is spreading).
시민 운동이 (Civic movement) + 전국적으로 (nationwide) + 확산되고 있습니다 (is spreading).
Translate: 'He dedicated his life to the labor movement.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
평생을 (his whole life) + 노동 운동에 (to the labor movement) + 바쳤습니다 (dedicated).
평생을 (his whole life) + 노동 운동에 (to the labor movement) + 바쳤습니다 (dedicated).
Translate: 'The March 1st Movement was a turning point for Korean independence.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
3.1 운동은 (The March 1st Movement) + 한국 독립의 (Korean independence's) + 계기가 되었습니다 (became a turning point).
3.1 운동은 (The March 1st Movement) + 한국 독립의 (Korean independence's) + 계기가 되었습니다 (became a turning point).
Translate: 'To calculate kinetic energy, you need to know mass and velocity.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
운동 에너지를 (kinetic energy) + 계산하려면 (to calculate) + 질량과 속도를 알아야 합니다 (must know mass and velocity).
운동 에너지를 (kinetic energy) + 계산하려면 (to calculate) + 질량과 속도를 알아야 합니다 (must know mass and velocity).
Translate: 'Consumers staged a boycott movement against the company.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
불매 운동을 벌였습니다 means 'staged a boycott movement'.
불매 운동을 벌였습니다 means 'staged a boycott movement'.
Translate: 'Regular exercise prevents depression.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
규칙적인 운동은 (Regular exercise) + 우울증을 (depression) + 예방합니다 (prevents).
규칙적인 운동은 (Regular exercise) + 우울증을 (depression) + 예방합니다 (prevents).
Translate: 'Athletes use scientific training methods.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
운동선수들은 (Athletes) + 과학적인 훈련 방식을 (scientific training methods) + 사용합니다 (use).
운동선수들은 (Athletes) + 과학적인 훈련 방식을 (scientific training methods) + 사용합니다 (use).
Translate: 'The democratization movement changed history.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
민주화 운동이 (The democratization movement) + 역사를 바꿨습니다 (changed history).
민주화 운동이 (The democratization movement) + 역사를 바꿨습니다 (changed history).
Translate: 'I am doing both aerobic and strength training.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
병행하고 있습니다 means 'doing side-by-side/both'.
병행하고 있습니다 means 'doing side-by-side/both'.
Translate: 'He has good athletic ability, so he learns sports quickly.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
운동 신경이 좋아서 (because he has good athletic ability) + 빨리 배웁니다 (learns quickly).
운동 신경이 좋아서 (because he has good athletic ability) + 빨리 배웁니다 (learns quickly).
How would you ask a friend 'What kind of exercise do you usually do?'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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평소에 (usually) 어떤 운동을 (what kind of exercise) 주로 하세요 (do you mainly do)?
How would you say 'I exercise at the gym three times a week to lose weight.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
살을 빼려고 (to lose weight) 일주일에 세 번 (3 times a week) 헬스장에서 (at the gym) 운동해요 (exercise).
How would you complain 'I am so busy these days I don't have time to exercise.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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너무 바빠서 (too busy so) 운동할 시간이 없어요 (don't have time to exercise).
How would you suggest 'Let's participate in the environmental protection movement together.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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같이 (together) 환경 보호 운동에 (in the environmental protection movement) 동참합시다 (let's participate).
How would you say 'I bought new sneakers for running.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
달리기를 하려고 (to do running) 새 운동화를 샀어요 (bought new sneakers).
How would you advise 'You should do warm-up exercises before swimming.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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수영하기 전에 (before swimming) 준비 운동을 (warm-up exercise) 해야 해요 (must do).
How would you say 'I lack exercise, so my stamina is weak.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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운동 부족이라서 (because of lack of exercise) 체력이 약해요 (stamina is weak).
How would you say 'I walk instead of taking the bus as a form of exercise.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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운동 삼아 (as a form of exercise) 버스를 안 타고 (not taking the bus) 걸어가요 (walk).
How would you say 'My brother has good athletic ability.'
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운동 신경이 좋아요 means 'has good athletic ability/motor nerves'.
How would you say 'Aerobic exercise is good for health.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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유산소 운동 (aerobic exercise).
How would you explain 'The March 1st Movement was a peaceful independence movement.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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평화적인 (peaceful) 독립 운동 (independence movement).
How would you say 'The consumer boycott movement is spreading rapidly.'
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불매 운동 (boycott movement) 확산되고 있습니다 (is spreading).
How would you state 'Kinetic energy is proportional to mass and the square of velocity.'
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운동 에너지 (kinetic energy).
How would you say 'He is a famous human rights activist.'
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인권 운동가 (human rights activist).
How would you say 'The labor union launched a strike movement.'
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파업 운동을 전개했습니다 (launched a strike movement).
How would you say 'Regular exercise prevents various lifestyle diseases.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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규칙적인 운동 (regular exercise).
How would you say 'The democratization movement changed the political landscape.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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민주화 운동 (democratization movement).
How would you say 'Athletes are doing high-intensity training.'
Read this aloud:
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운동선수들 (athletes).
How would you say 'Civic movements play an important role in modern society.'
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시민 운동 (civic movement).
How would you say 'I combine strength training and aerobic exercise.'
Read this aloud:
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근력 운동 (strength training) 유산소 운동 (aerobic exercise) 병행합니다 (combine).
Listen to the audio: '정부는 국민 건강 증진을 위해 생활 체육 운동을 적극 지원하기로 했습니다.' What is the government supporting?
생활 체육 운동 refers to daily sports or physical education activities for the general public.
Listen to the audio: '최근 20대 사이에서 바디프로필 촬영을 목표로 고강도 운동을 하는 것이 유행입니다.' What is the trend among people in their 20s?
고강도 운동 means high-intensity exercise.
Listen to the audio: '1987년 6월 민주 항쟁은 한국 현대사의 가장 중요한 시민 운동 중 하나로 평가받습니다.' What is the June 1987 Democratic Struggle evaluated as?
시민 운동 means civic movement.
Listen to the audio: '뉴턴의 운동 제3법칙은 작용과 반작용의 법칙입니다.' What is Newton's third law of motion?
운동 제3법칙 means the third law of motion.
Listen to the audio: '환경 단체들이 일회용품 사용 근절을 위한 서명 운동을 시작했습니다.' What did environmental groups start?
서명 운동 means signature campaign/movement.
Listen to the audio: '운동 부족은 비만뿐만 아니라 우울증의 원인이 될 수도 있습니다.' What can a lack of exercise cause besides obesity?
운동 부족 means lack of exercise.
Listen to the audio: '유관순 열사는 3.1 독립 운동의 상징적인 인물입니다.' Who is Ryu Gwansun a symbolic figure of?
독립 운동 means independence movement.
Listen to the audio: '전문가들은 운동 직후에 단백질을 섭취하는 것이 근육 생성에 도움이 된다고 조언합니다.' When do experts advise consuming protein?
운동 직후 means right after exercise.
Listen to the audio: '해당 기업의 비윤리적 행태가 밝혀지자, 네티즌들을 중심으로 대대적인 불매 운동이 일어났습니다.' What happened after the company's unethical behavior was revealed?
불매 운동 means boycott movement.
Listen to the audio: '그는 어릴 때부터 운동 신경이 남달라서 어떤 스포츠든 금방 배웠습니다.' Why did he learn any sport quickly?
운동 신경 means athletic ability/motor nerves.
Listen to the audio: '올바른 운동 자세를 유지하지 않으면 오히려 관절에 무리가 갈 수 있습니다.' What happens if you don't maintain proper exercise posture?
운동 자세 means exercise posture.
Listen to the audio: '여성 권리 신장을 위한 페미니즘 운동은 전 세계적인 흐름입니다.' What is a global trend?
페미니즘 운동 means feminism movement.
Listen to the audio: '운동 에너지는 물체의 속도가 빠를수록, 질량이 클수록 커집니다.' When does kinetic energy increase?
운동 에너지 means kinetic energy.
Listen to the audio: '학생 운동권 출신 정치인들이 이번 선거에서 대거 당선되었습니다.' Who was elected in large numbers?
운동권 means activist circle.
Listen to the audio: '퇴근길에 운동 삼아 두 정거장 먼저 내려서 걷기로 했습니다.' What did the person decide to do on the way home?
운동 삼아 means as a form of exercise.
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Summary
운동 (undong) is the core word for 'exercise' or 'movement'. While beginners use it for gym workouts (운동하다), advanced learners will see it in history (독립 운동 - independence movement) and physics (운동 에너지 - kinetic energy).
- Physical exercise or sports for health.
- Social, political, or historical movements.
- Scientific motion or kinematics in physics.
- Requires '하다' to become a verb.
Spacing matters
You can write it as one word (운동하다) or two words with a particle (운동을 하다). Both are correct, but the spaced version emphasizes the noun.
Compound words
Learn the compound words: 운동장 (playground), 운동화 (sneakers), 운동복 (sportswear). They are incredibly common in daily life.
The 'Health' Konglish
If a Korean says they are doing '헬스' (Health), they mean they are lifting weights at the gym, not talking about their general well-being.
Don't use for practice
Never use 운동 when you mean practicing an instrument or a language. Use 연습 (yeonseup) for skill repetition.
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