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A2 noun 9 Min. Lesezeit

발가락

balgarak

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps 발가락 in 30 Sekunden

Erklärung 발가락 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word '발가락' (bal-ga-rak) is introduced as a basic body part. Students learn it alongside '발' (foot), '손' (hand), and '손가락' (finger). The focus is on simple identification and counting. For example, 'I have ten toes' (발가락이 열 개예요) or 'This is a toe' (이것은 발가락입니다). At this stage, learners should be able to point to their toes and name them in Korean. It is often taught using visual aids or through simple songs about the body. The goal is to distinguish between 'hand digits' and 'foot digits' and to use basic subject particles like '-이' or '-가'.

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At the A2 level, learners begin to use '발가락' in more descriptive and situational sentences. You will learn to express basic physical sensations like pain or coldness: 'My toes are cold' (발가락이 시려요) or 'My toe hurts' (발가락이 아파요). This level also introduces the names of specific toes, most importantly '엄지발가락' (big toe) and '새끼발가락' (little toe). You might use the word when shopping for shoes or socks, or when describing a minor injury like stubbing a toe. The focus shifts from simple naming to using the word with common verbs like '다치다' (to hurt) and '움직이다' (to move).

At the B1 level, '발가락' is used in more complex grammatical structures and social contexts. You might describe the result of an action, such as 'I stubbed my toe on the table' (식탁에 발가락을 찧었어요). Learners at this stage should be comfortable using the word in medical settings to describe symptoms to a doctor or in a beauty context like getting a pedicure. You will also start to encounter the word in common collocations like '발가락 양말' (toe socks). The focus is on fluency in daily life scenarios where foot health or footwear is discussed, and using appropriate honorifics when referring to an elder's physical condition.

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At the B2 level, students encounter '발가락' in idiomatic expressions and more nuanced descriptions. A key idiom is '발가락이 닮았다' (to look exactly like someone, especially a parent). You will also see the word in literary or descriptive writing to convey emotions—for example, a character curling their toes out of embarrassment or tension. At this level, you should understand the difference between the colloquial '발가락' and the more technical/medical term '족지'. You can also discuss cultural aspects, such as why individual toe socks are sometimes worn or the etiquette of showing one's toes in various social settings.

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At the C1 level, '발가락' appears in specialized contexts such as medical journals, sports science, or advanced literature. You might read about '발가락의 기능' (the function of toes) in balance and locomotion. Learners are expected to understand subtle nuances, such as how the word is used to create vivid imagery in poetry or prose. You should be able to discuss complex topics like '무지외반증' (hallux valgus/bunions) and how they affect the '발가락'. The focus is on high-level comprehension and the ability to use the word in professional or academic discussions regarding anatomy, health, or cultural anthropology.

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At the C2 level, the word '발가락' is understood in all its metaphorical, historical, and technical depths. This includes understanding the historical context of famous Korean short stories that use the word in their titles or themes. You can analyze how '발가락' is used as a motif in art or film to represent vulnerability or humanity. At this level, you have native-like intuition about when to use the word versus its synonyms in highly formal or archaic contexts. You can also engage in deep cultural critiques regarding Korean standards of beauty or health as they relate to the feet and toes.

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발가락 in 30 Sekunden

발가락 means 'toe' in Korean, referring to the digits on your feet.
It is a compound of '발' (foot) and '가락' (strand/digit).
Commonly used when discussing shoes, pain, or physical resemblance in families.
Specific toes have names like '엄지발가락' (big toe) and '새끼발가락' (pinky toe).

The Korean word 발가락 (bal-ga-rak) refers specifically to the digits on the human foot, known in English as 'toes.' Anatomically, it is a compound word formed by 발 (foot) and 가락 (a long, thin piece or strand, often used for digits). Understanding this word is essential for basic communication regarding physical health, fashion, and daily activities in Korea. While English speakers often distinguish between 'fingers' and 'toes' using entirely different words, Korean follows a logical pattern where both are 'strands' attached to their respective limbs—손가락 for fingers and 발가락 for toes.

Anatomical Context: In medical or descriptive contexts, Koreans specify which toe they are talking about by adding numbers or specific names. The big toe is often called 엄지발가락, similar to the thumb being 엄지손가락. The others follow a similar naming convention: 검지 (second), 중지 (middle), 약지 (fourth), and 소지 or 새끼발가락 (little toe).

문지방에 발가락을 찧어서 너무 아파요. (I stubbed my toe on the doorframe and it hurts so much.)

People use this word frequently when buying shoes, visiting a doctor for foot-related issues, or describing physical traits. In Korea, where removing shoes indoors is the standard social norm, the appearance and health of one's 발가락 are arguably more 'public' than in many Western cultures. Consequently, you might hear the word in discussions about socks, pedicures, or even the common 'toe socks' (발가락 양말) which are popular among hikers and older generations for their supposed health benefits.

Social Usage: When talking to children, parents might use the word while playing games similar to 'This Little Piggy,' pointing to each 발가락. In a more formal setting, such as a clinic, a patient would point to their 발가락 to describe symptoms of numbness or pain, which are common complaints in a society that spends a lot of time walking or standing.

새 구두가 너무 작아서 발가락이 꽉 끼어요. (The new shoes are too small, so my toes are cramped.)

Finally, the word appears in several idiomatic expressions. For instance, if someone says two people's 'toes look alike' (발가락이 닮았다), it is a classic way to suggest a strong biological resemblance between a father and child, popularized by a famous short story in Korean literature. This highlights how even a simple anatomical term like 발가락 is deeply embedded in the linguistic and cultural fabric of Korea.

Using 발가락 in a sentence requires an understanding of Korean particles and verb collocations. Since it is a noun, it most frequently takes the subject particles -이/가 or the object particles -을/를. Because toes are body parts, they are often the 'target' of an action or the 'location' of a sensation.

Common Verb Pairings: Typical verbs used with toes include 다치다 (to get hurt), 움직이다 (to move), 꼬다 (to curl/cross), and 간지럽히다 (to tickle). For example, 'I moved my toes' would be 발가락을 움직였어요.

추운 날씨 때문에 발가락 끝이 시려요. (Because of the cold weather, the tips of my toes are freezing.)

When describing the number of toes, the native Korean number system is used with the counter 개. For instance, 'five toes' is 발가락 다섯 개. If you are describing a specific toe, you use the possessive structure or simply place the specific name before the word. 오른쪽 발가락 (right toe) or 왼쪽 엄지발가락 (left big toe) are standard ways to pinpoint location.

In more complex sentences, 발가락 can be part of a description of movement or posture. If you are standing on your tiptoes, the phrase is 발레리나처럼 발가락 끝으로 서다 (to stand on the tips of one's toes like a ballerina). In a casual context, you might talk about 'scrunching' your toes when nervous: 긴장해서 발가락을 꼼지락거렸다.

Descriptive Adjectives: Common adjectives include 길다 (long), 짧다 (short), 굵다 (thick), and 얇다 (thin). These are used to describe the physical appearance of the toes, often during childhood growth checks or when comparing family traits.

아기가 자기 발가락을 입에 넣고 빨고 있어요. (The baby is putting its toes in its mouth and sucking on them.)

Advanced learners should note that 발가락 is rarely used in highly formal or honorific forms directed at the body part itself, but the surrounding verbs must match the politeness level of the listener. For example, when speaking to an elder, you would say 발가락이 아프세요? (Does your toe hurt?) rather than 아파?. The noun remains the same, but the sentence structure elevates the respect.

You will encounter the word 발가락 in a variety of real-world settings in Korea. One of the most common places is at a shoe store (신발 가게). When trying on shoes, the clerk might ask if your toes have enough room: 발가락이 편하세요? (Are your toes comfortable?). If the shoes are too tight at the front, you would reply that your toes are being squeezed.

At the Hospital (병원의 상황): In an orthopedic clinic (정형외과), this word is vital. Doctors use it to diagnose fractures, sprains, or skin conditions like athlete's foot (무좀). You'll hear phrases like 발가락 사이 (between the toes) when discussing hygiene or topical treatments.

축구를 하다가 발가락 뼈가 부러졌어요. (I broke my toe bone while playing soccer.)

Another frequent location is the nail salon. With the rise of 'nail art' culture in Korea, pedicures (페디큐어) are extremely popular. Technicians will refer to individual toes while applying polish or cleaning cuticles. They might say, 새끼발가락은 작아서 칠하기가 어렵네요 (The little toe is so small it's hard to paint).

In a domestic setting, parents frequently use the word with their children. Whether it's counting toes during a bath or warning a child not to walk barefoot in a dangerous area, 발가락 is a staple of 'parentese.' You might also hear it in sports broadcasts, especially in sports like taekwondo or swimming, where foot positioning and toe movement are technically significant.

In Literature and Drama: Writers often use toes to describe a character's nervousness or hidden emotions. A character might 'curl their toes' (발가락을 오므리다) inside their shoes to show they are embarrassed or cringing, a detail often captured in close-up shots in K-dramas.

너무 부끄러워서 발가락이 다 오그라드는 것 같았어요. (I was so embarrassed I felt like my toes were all curling up.)

Lastly, in the winter, you will hear people complaining about 발가락 시림 (cold toes) at bus stops or subway stations. This common shared experience of the harsh Korean winter makes the word a frequent part of small talk about the weather and clothing choices like thermal socks.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Korean is confusing 발가락 (toe) with 손가락 (finger). While they sound similar and share the suffix -가락, the prefix 발 (foot) and 손 (hand) are the key identifiers. Mixing these up can lead to comical situations, such as telling a doctor your 'finger' hurts while pointing at your foot.

Particle Errors: Another common error involves the misuse of particles. Beginners often use the topic particle -은/는 when they should use the subject particle -이/가 to describe a sudden sensation. Saying 발가락은 아파요 implies 'As for my toes, they hurt (but other parts don't),' whereas 발가락이 아파요 simply states 'My toe hurts.'

Incorrect: 손가락이 아파요. (Pointing at a toe)
Correct: 발가락이 아파요. (My toe hurts.)

Counting toes can also be tricky. In English, we say 'five toes,' but in Korean, you must use the counter 개 (gae). Saying 다섯 발가락 is understandable but less common than 발가락 다섯 개. Furthermore, learners sometimes forget that when counting, the native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋...) are required, not the Sino-Korean numbers (일, 이, 삼...).

Pronunciation is another area where mistakes occur. The 'ㄹ' in 발 is followed by 'ㄱ' in 가, which can cause a slight tensing of the 'ㄱ' sound, making it sound more like 발까락. While this is a natural phonetic occurrence in spoken Korean, learners should be careful not to over-emphasize it to the point where the word becomes unrecognizable.

Confusion with 'Foot': Sometimes learners use 발 (foot) when they specifically mean 발가락 (toe). If you have an ingrown toenail, saying 발이 아파요 is too vague; you must specify 발가락이 아파요 or 발톱이 아파요 (my toenail hurts) for clarity.

Incorrect: 발 다섯 개 (Five feet)
Correct: 발가락 다섯 개 (Five toes)

Finally, when using the word in idiomatic contexts like 'reserving a seat' or 'stepping on someone's toes' (metaphorically), learners often try to translate the English idiom literally. However, Korean has its own set of idioms for these situations, and 발가락 is rarely used metaphorically in the same way 'toe' is used in English (e.g., 'toes the line'). Stick to literal anatomical descriptions until you are familiar with specific Korean idioms.

While 발가락 is the standard word for 'toe,' there are several related terms and alternatives depending on the context, such as medical, poetic, or specific anatomical parts. Understanding these helps in refining your vocabulary and choosing the right word for the right situation.

발가락 vs. 발톱: The most common confusion is between 발가락 (toe) and 발톱 (toenail). If you are going for a pedicure, you are technically working on your 발톱, though it is located on your 발가락. 발톱을 깎다 means 'to cut toenails.'

신발이 작아서 발톱이 빠졌어요. (The shoes were so small my toenail fell off.)

In medical terminology, you might encounter the word 족지 (jok-ji). This is a Sino-Korean term where 족 (足) means foot and 지 (指) means digit. You will rarely hear this in daily conversation, but it appears in medical reports, surgical descriptions, or anatomical diagrams. For instance, a 'sixth toe' in medical terms is 다지증 (polydactyly), often involving an extra 족지.

Another related term is 발등 (the top of the foot) and 발바닥 (the sole of the foot). These are often used in conjunction with 발가락 when describing the location of an injury. If you drop something on your foot, you might say it hit your 발등 and then rolled onto your 발가락.

Comparison Table

발가락: General term for toes (Daily use).
발톱: Toenail (Pedicures, injuries).
족지: Technical/Medical term for toe digits.
엄지발가락: Big toe (Specific digit).
새끼발가락: Pinky toe (Specific digit).

의사 선생님이 족지 골절이라고 말씀하셨어요. (The doctor said it was a toe fracture.)

Finally, for those interested in idioms, 발가락 is sometimes compared to 손가락 in metaphors about ease or skill. While 'lifting a finger' in English means making a minimal effort, Korean uses 손가락 하나 까딱 안 하다 (not even flickering a finger). 발가락 doesn't usually replace 손가락 in this specific idiom, but in casual banter, someone might say they can do something 'even with their toes' (발가락으로도 하겠다) to mean it is incredibly easy.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The suffix '-가락' is used for many long, thin objects in Korean, including chopsticks (젓가락) and even strands of hair (머리카락).

Aussprachehilfe

UK /pal.ɡa.ɾak/

US /pɑl.ɡɑ.ɾɑk/

In Korean, syllables generally have equal length and stress, but a slight emphasis may naturally fall on the first syllable '발'.

Reimt sich auf

손가락 (Finger) 머리카락 (Hair) 나뭇가락 (Twig/Stick) 젓가락 (Chopsticks) 숟가락 (Spoon) 엿가락 (Stick of taffy) 소릿가락 (Tune/Melody) 토막가락 (Piece/Fragment)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing '가' as '카' (aspirated). It should be a plain, unaspirated 'g' sound.
Making the 'ㄹ' too heavy like an English 'L'. It should be a quick flap of the tongue.
Adding a vowel after the final 'ㄱ' in '락'. It should be a clean stop.
Confusing the vowels 'ㅏ' with 'ㅓ'.
Over-tensing the 'ㄱ' so it sounds like '발까락' (though this happens naturally in fast speech).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The word is phonetically simple and frequently appears in basic texts.

Schreiben 2/5

Spelling is straightforward, following standard Hangul rules.

Sprechen 3/5

Requires distinguishing between '발가락' and '손가락' quickly in conversation.

Hören 2/5

Distinctive sound, though fast speech might blend the 'ㄹ' and 'ㄱ'.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

발 (Foot) 손 (Hand) 가락 (Strand/Digit - understood as a suffix)

Als Nächstes lernen

발톱 (Toenail) 발목 (Ankle) 무좀 (Athlete's foot)

Fortgeschritten

족지 (Anatomical toe) 무지외반증 (Hallux valgus) 말단 (Extremity)

Wichtige Grammatik

Native Korean Numbers with Counters

발가락 다섯(5) 개

Subject Particle -이/가 with Body Parts

발가락이 아파요.

Descriptive Adjectives

발가락이 길다 (Toes are long).

Location Particles -에/에서

발가락에 상처가 났어요.

Auxiliary Verb -어 보다 (Experience)

발가락을 움직여 보세요.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

발가락이 다섯 개 있어요.

I have five toes.

Uses the subject particle '이' and the native Korean number '다섯'.

이것은 제 발가락입니다.

This is my toe.

Formal polite ending '-입니다'.

발가락이 길어요.

The toes are long.

Adjective '길다' (to be long) in polite form.

아기 발가락은 작아요.

Baby's toes are small.

Topic particle '은' used for general description.

발가락을 보세요.

Look at the toes.

Imperative form '-세요'.

양말이 발가락을 가려요.

The socks cover the toes.

Object particle '을' used with '가리다' (to cover).

발가락이 귀여워요.

The toes are cute.

Adjective '귀엽다' (to be cute).

왼쪽 발가락이에요.

It is a left toe.

Identification using '이에요'.

발가락이 너무 아파요.

My toe hurts so much.

Adverb '너무' (too/so) modifying '아파요'.

엄지발가락을 다쳤어요.

I hurt my big toe.

Past tense of '다치다' (to hurt/injure).

겨울에는 발가락이 시려요.

In winter, my toes are cold.

Time marker '에는' and adjective '시리다' (to be cold/chilly).

새끼발가락이 어디 있어요?

Where is the little toe?

Interrogative '어디' (where).

발가락을 움직여 보세요.

Try moving your toes.

Auxiliary verb '-어 보다' (to try doing something).

발가락 사이에 모기가 물렸어요.

A mosquito bit me between my toes.

Location marker '사이에' (between).

신발이 작아서 발가락이 불편해요.

The shoes are small, so my toes are uncomfortable.

Conjunctive ending '-아서' (so/because).

발가락 양말을 신어 봤어요?

Have you tried wearing toe socks?

Questioning experience with '-어 봤어요?'.

식탁 다리에 발가락을 세게 찧었어요.

I stubbed my toe hard on the table leg.

Adverb '세게' (hard/strongly) and verb '찧다' (to pound/stub).

발가락 끝에 감각이 없어요.

I have no feeling in the tips of my toes.

Noun '감각' (sense/feeling) and '없다' (to not have).

여름이라서 발가락이 보이는 샌들을 샀어요.

Since it's summer, I bought sandals that show my toes.

Relative clause '보이는' (that are visible).

발가락을 다쳐서 걷기가 힘들어요.

I hurt my toe, so it's hard to walk.

Nominalized verb '걷기' (walking) as a subject.

아이가 자기 발가락을 만지며 놀고 있어요.

The child is playing while touching their toes.

Conjunctive ending '-으며' (while).

발가락에 매니큐어를 발랐어요.

I applied nail polish to my toes.

Verb '바르다' (to apply/spread).

등산화가 너무 꽉 끼면 발가락이 아플 수 있어요.

If hiking boots are too tight, your toes might hurt.

Conditional '-면' and possibility '-을 수 있다'.

발가락을 꼼지락거리는 습관이 있어요.

I have a habit of wiggling my toes.

Mimetic word '꼼지락거리다' (to wiggle/fidget).

그 아이는 아빠와 발가락이 닮았네요.

That child's toes look just like their father's.

Idiomatic use of '닮다' (to resemble).

너무 긴장해서 구두 속에서 발가락을 꽉 오므렸어요.

I was so nervous that I curled my toes tight inside my shoes.

Verb '오므리다' (to curl/pucker).

발가락 하나 까딱하기 싫을 정도로 피곤해요.

I'm so tired I don't even want to move a single toe.

Grammar '-을 정도로' (to the extent that).

발가락 사이의 위생을 관리하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to manage hygiene between the toes.

Gerund form '-하는 것' as a subject.

발가락이 뒤틀리는 듯한 극심한 통증을 느꼈어요.

I felt an extreme pain as if my toes were being twisted.

Simile '-는 듯한' (as if/like).

그는 발가락 끝으로 조심스럽게 걸어갔다.

He walked carefully on the tips of his toes.

Adverb '조심스럽게' (carefully).

발가락의 모양만 보고도 누구인지 알 수 있었다.

I could tell who it was just by looking at the shape of the toes.

Grammar '-만 보고도' (just by seeing).

발가락에 쥐가 나서 한참 동안 움직이지 못했다.

I got a cramp in my toe and couldn't move for a while.

Idiom '쥐가 나다' (to get a cramp).

발가락의 미세한 움직임이 균형 감각에 큰 영향을 미칩니다.

The subtle movement of the toes significantly affects the sense of balance.

Formal phrase '영향을 미치다' (to exert influence).

엄지발가락이 휘어지는 무지외반증은 조기 치료가 필요합니다.

Hallux valgus, where the big toe bends, requires early treatment.

Medical terminology usage.

발가락 끝까지 혈액 순환이 잘 안 되는 것 같아요.

It seems like blood circulation isn't reaching the tips of the toes well.

Noun phrase '혈액 순환' (blood circulation).

그 무용수는 발가락의 힘만으로 온몸을 지탱했다.

The dancer supported their entire body weight only with the strength of their toes.

Particle '만으로' (only with/by).

발가락 관절의 염증 때문에 구두를 신기가 고통스럽다.

It is painful to wear shoes because of inflammation in the toe joints.

Causal noun '때문에' (because of).

동결 사고로 인해 발가락을 절단해야 할 위기에 처했다.

Due to a frostbite accident, they were in danger of having to amputate their toes.

Formal '로 인해' (due to) and '위기에 처하다' (to be in a crisis).

발가락 사이사이까지 꼼꼼하게 씻는 습관이 필요하다.

A habit of washing thoroughly even between each toe is necessary.

Reduplication '사이사이' for emphasis.

발가락의 감각 이상은 척추 질환의 신호일 수 있다.

Abnormal sensation in the toes can be a sign of spinal disease.

Noun '이상' (abnormality/error).

소설 속 주인공은 발가락 하나하나에 서린 고단한 삶의 흔적을 보았다.

The protagonist in the novel saw the traces of a weary life embedded in each and every toe.

Literary verb '서리다' (to be imbued with).

발가락 끝에 닿는 차가운 바닷물이 정신을 번쩍 들게 했다.

The cold seawater touching the tips of the toes made them snap to their senses.

Idiom '정신이 번쩍 들다' (to snap out of it).

그의 연기는 발가락 끝의 미세한 떨림까지도 계산된 것이었다.

His acting was calculated down to the minute trembling of his toe tips.

Passive structure '계산된 것' (a calculated thing).

발가락이 닮았다는 사실 하나가 그에게는 유일한 혈연의 증거였다.

The single fact that the toes resembled each other was the only evidence of blood relation for him.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

인간의 진화 과정에서 발가락의 퇴화는 직립 보행의 결과물이다.

In the process of human evolution, the degeneration of toes is a result of bipedalism.

Academic terms '퇴화' (degeneration) and '직립 보행' (bipedalism).

발가락을 꼼지락거리는 행위 속에 숨겨진 불안을 포착해냈다.

They captured the anxiety hidden within the act of wiggling the toes.

Verb '포착해내다' (to capture/detect).

고행의 길을 걷는 수도자의 발가락은 굳은살로 뒤덮여 있었다.

The toes of the monk walking the path of penance were covered in calluses.

Noun '굳은살' (callus) and '뒤덮여 있다' (to be covered).

발가락 끝에서부터 전해오는 전율이 온몸을 감쌌다.

The thrill spreading from the tips of the toes enveloped the entire body.

Grammar '에서부터' (starting from).

Häufige Kollokationen

발가락을 다치다

발가락이 아프다

발가락을 움직이다

발가락 사이

발가락 양말

발가락 끝

발가락을 찧다

발가락이 시리다

발가락을 꼬다

발가락이 닮다

Häufige Phrasen

발가락이 몇 개예요?

— How many toes do you have? Used for teaching kids or checking injuries.

아기한테 발가락이 몇 개인지 물어봤어요.

발가락을 쭉 펴다

— To stretch out one's toes. Common in yoga or stretching contexts.

발가락을 쭉 펴고 스트레칭을 하세요.

발가락이 꼬이다

— To have one's toes crossed or tangled. Can be literal or metaphorical for feeling awkward.

너무 긴장해서 발가락이 꼬이는 것 같아요.

발가락에 힘을 주다

— To put strength into one's toes. Used when trying to balance or grip.

넘어지지 않으려고 발가락에 힘을 줬어요.

발가락을 간지럽히다

— To tickle someone's toes. Often used with children.

동생의 발가락을 간지럽혔어요.

발가락이 붓다

— To have swollen toes. Used in medical contexts.

어제부터 발가락이 퉁퉁 부었어요.

발가락을 꼼지락대다

— To wiggle one's toes. Describes a small, restless movement.

그는 지루한지 발가락을 꼼지락댔다.

발가락이 저리다

— To have toes that are 'asleep' or tingling. Describes poor circulation.

오래 앉아 있었더니 발가락이 저려요.

발가락을 핥다

— To lick toes. Usually refers to pets like dogs.

강아지가 제 발가락을 핥아요.

발가락을 오므리다

— To curl or clench one's toes. Often a reaction to cold or embarrassment.

추워서 발가락을 꽉 오므렸어요.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

발가락 vs 손가락

English speakers often mix these up because they both end in '-가락'. Remember '손' is hand, '발' is foot.

발가락 vs 발톱

Toenail vs. Toe. You paint your '발톱', but you hurt your '발가락'.

발가락 vs 발목

Ankle vs. Toe. '목' means neck/joint, '가락' means strand/digit.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"발가락이 닮았다"

— To look exactly like someone, especially a parent. It implies a deep genetic connection.

아들이 아빠랑 발가락이 닮았네.

Common/Literary

"발가락 하나 까딱 안 하다"

— To not lift a finger (toe). To be extremely lazy or refuse to help at all.

그는 집안일에는 발가락 하나 까딱 안 해요.

Informal

"발가락으로 글씨를 쓰다"

— To do something very poorly or messily, as if using toes instead of hands.

글씨를 발가락으로 썼니? 알아볼 수가 없네.

Casual/Sarcastic

"발가락 끝까지 소름이 돋다"

— To get goosebumps all the way down to one's toes. Describes extreme fear or awe.

그 영화는 발가락 끝까지 소름이 돋게 만들었다.

Expressive

"발가락이 간지럽다"

— A superstition that someone is talking about you behind your back (similar to ears burning).

누가 내 욕을 하나? 발가락이 간지럽네.

Folk belief

"발가락을 빨다"

— To be in a state of extreme poverty or hunger (literally 'sucking one's toes' because there is no food).

사업이 망해서 발가락 빨게 생겼어.

Slang/Metaphorical

"발가락이 닳도록 걷다"

— To walk until one's toes are worn down. To work very hard or travel a long distance on foot.

성공을 위해 발가락이 닳도록 뛰어다녔다.

Emphatic

"발가락 새에 끼다"

— To be insignificant or tiny (like something stuck between toes).

그 정도 문제는 내 발가락 새에 낀 때만큼도 안 돼.

Vulgar/Slang

"발가락으로 그리다"

— Used to mock someone's bad drawing skills.

이 그림은 발가락으로 그린 것 같아.

Casual

"발가락 끝으로 서다"

— To be in a state of extreme tension or alert (like standing on tiptoes).

긴장감에 발가락 끝으로 서 있는 기분이었다.

Literary

Leicht verwechselbar

발가락 vs 손가락

Similar suffix and related body part.

손가락 are on the hand; 발가락 are on the foot.

피아노는 손가락으로 치고, 축구는 발가락을 조심해야 해요.

발가락 vs 발톱

Both are part of the toe area.

발톱 is the hard nail; 발가락 is the entire digit.

발가락이 아픈 게 아니라 발톱이 깨진 거예요.

발가락 vs 가락

It is the second half of the word.

가락 on its own often refers to a tune or a long piece of something like taffy.

엿가락 한 개 주세요.

발가락 vs 발바닥

Both are part of the foot.

발바닥 is the sole/bottom; 발가락 are the digits at the front.

발바닥이 간지러워요 vs 발가락이 아파요.

발가락 vs 족지

It means the same thing.

족지 is the Sino-Korean medical term; 발가락 is the native Korean daily term.

의학 서적에는 족지라고 나옵니다.

Satzmuster

N(body part)이/가 Adj

발가락이 작아요.

N을/를 다치다

발가락을 다쳤어요.

N(location)에 N을/를 찧다

의자에 발가락을 찧었어요.

N이/가 닮다

발가락이 아빠랑 닮았어요.

N의 V-는/ㄴ 것

발가락의 움직이는 기능

N 끝에 V-는 N

발가락 끝에 닿는 차가운 물

N(number) 개

발가락 열 개

N 사이(에)

발가락 사이에 약을 발라요.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

엄지발가락 (Big toe)

새끼발가락 (Little toe)

발가락뼈 (Toe bone)

발가락 양말 (Toe socks)

발가락 사이 (Between toes)

Verben

발가락질하다 (To point with toes - rare/slang)

발가락을 꼼지락거리다 (To wiggle toes)

Verwandt

발 (Foot)

발톱 (Toenail)

손가락 (Finger)

발목 (Ankle)

발바닥 (Sole)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in medical, fashion (shoes), and family contexts.

Häufige Fehler

Using '손가락' (finger) for 'toe'. → 발가락
This is the most frequent error. '손' is hand, '발' is foot. Always check the first syllable.
Saying '발가락 다섯' without a counter. → 발가락 다섯 개
In Korean, you almost always need a counter (개) when specifying the number of objects.
Using Sino-Korean numbers (오 발가락). → 발가락 다섯 개
Native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋...) are used for counting physical items like toes.
Confusing '발가락' with '발톱'. → Context dependent.
If you say '발가락을 깎다' (cut my toe), it sounds painful! You mean '발톱을 깎다' (cut my toenails).
Misspelling as '발가럭'. → 발가락
The last syllable must be '락' (rak), not '럭' (reok).

Tipps

Think 'Foot-Sticks'

Break the word down: 발 (foot) + 가락 (stick/strand). It makes it much easier to remember!

Toe Socks are Real

Don't be surprised to see people wearing '발가락 양말' in Korea. They are believed to prevent athlete's foot and improve balance.

Subject vs. Object

Use '발가락이' when they hurt on their own, and '발가락을' when you do something to them (like washing or stubbing).

Specify the Toe

In a clinic, don't just say 'foot' (발). Be specific: '엄지발가락' (big toe) or '새끼발가락' (little toe) to help the doctor.

The Soft 'R'

The 'ㄹ' in the middle of '발가락' should be a very light tap, almost like a quick 'D' in 'ladder'.

No Pointing!

Never point at a person or an object with your toes in Korea. It is considered extremely disrespectful.

Resemblance

If someone says your '발가락' looks like your dad's, they are giving you a compliment on your family resemblance.

Consistent Vowels

Remember the vowels: ㅏ - ㅏ - ㅏ. 발 - 가 - 락. It's very rhythmic!

Shoe Fitting

When buying shoes, the most important phrase is '발가락이 편해요' (My toes are comfortable).

Baby Toes

Koreans love '귀여운 아기 발가락' (cute baby toes). It's a very common topic of praise for new parents.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of your foot (발 - Bal) having 'garlic' (가락 - Garak) shaped toes. 'Bal-garlic' sounds like 'Bal-garak'.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a pair of 'toe socks' where each toe is a different color, highlighting the 'strands' (가락) of the foot (발).

Word Web

발 (Foot) 손가락 (Finger) 발톱 (Toenail) 양말 (Socks) 신발 (Shoes) 걷다 (To walk) 아프다 (To hurt) 엄지 (Thumb/Big toe)

Herausforderung

Try to count your toes in Korean every morning while putting on socks: 하나, 둘, 셋, 넷, 다섯 발가락!

Wortherkunft

A native Korean compound word. '발' (foot) + '가락' (strand/digit).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The 'strands' or 'digits' of the foot.

Koreanic

Kultureller Kontext

Avoid pointing at people or things with your feet/toes in Korea, as it is considered very rude.

English speakers use 'toe' for all five, but Korean speakers often use '엄지' (big) and '새끼' (little) more specifically in daily talk.

Short story '발가락이 닮았다' by Kim Dong-in (1932), a classic of Korean literature. Korean variety shows often feature 'toe wrestling' or picking up objects with toes. The movie 'The Handmaiden' has subtle scenes where foot imagery is used symbolically.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At a Shoe Store

발가락이 꽉 끼어요.
앞부분이 남아서 발가락이 놀아요.
발가락이 편한 신발을 찾고 있어요.
엄지발가락이 닿아요.

At the Hospital

발가락을 삐었어요.
발가락이 부러진 것 같아요.
발가락 사이가 가려워요.
발가락 끝이 저려요.

Daily Life/Weather

발가락이 시려서 두꺼운 양말을 신었어요.
발가락을 문에 찧었어요.
발가락 양말은 건강에 좋아요.
아기 발가락이 너무 귀여워요.

Beauty/Pedicure

발가락에 매니큐어 발라주세요.
발가락 각질 제거도 되나요?
새끼발가락 발톱이 깨졌어요.
발가락 모양이 예쁘시네요.

Sports/Yoga

발가락을 쫙 펴세요.
발가락에 힘을 주고 균형을 잡으세요.
발가락 끝을 잡으세요.
발가락을 꼼지락거리며 긴장을 푸세요.

Gesprächseinstiege

"발가락 양말 신어본 적 있어요? 진짜 편해요."

"저는 발가락이 길어서 기성복 신발이 가끔 안 맞아요."

"어제 침대 모서리에 발가락을 찧었는데 아직도 아파요."

"아이들은 왜 자기 발가락을 입에 넣을까요?"

"발가락이 닮았다는 말을 들어본 적 있나요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

오늘 발가락을 다쳤던 경험이나 신발 때문에 발가락이 아팠던 적에 대해 써 보세요.

한국의 '발가락 양말' 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 적어 보세요.

자신의 신체 부위 중 발가락이 누구를 닮았는지 설명해 보세요.

겨울철 발가락 시림을 방지하기 위한 자신만의 방법이 있나요?

발가락으로 물건을 집는 능력이 있다면 무엇을 하고 싶은가요?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

You say '엄지발가락' (eom-ji-bal-ga-rak). '엄지' means 'thumb' or 'big,' and you just add it to '발가락'.

In Korean, we usually just say '발가락'. If you want to emphasize there are many, you can say '발가락들', but it's rarely necessary. To be specific, use a number: '발가락 열 개' (ten toes).

Yes, for animals with clear digits like dogs, cats, or monkeys, you can use '발가락'. For birds, people often focus on '발톱' (claws).

It is '발가락 양말' (bal-ga-rak yang-mal). They are quite common in Korea for health reasons or hiking.

You say '발가락을 찧었어요' (bal-ga-rak-eul jjio-sseo-yo). The verb '찧다' is specifically used for stubbing or pounding.

It is called '새끼발가락' (sae-kki-bal-ga-rak). '새끼' here means 'small' or 'baby'.

No, Korean doesn't have an equivalent for 'toe the line' using the word '발가락'. Most metaphors involving toes in Korean relate to resemblance or extreme laziness.

It is a common way to say two people look exactly alike. It comes from the idea that even the most hidden parts (toes) are identical, proving a biological link.

Use native Korean numbers: 하나 (one), 둘 (two), 셋 (three), 넷 (four), 다섯 (five) + the counter '개'. Example: 발가락 다섯 개.

Yes, the word itself is neutral. To show respect, you change the verbs and particles around it, like '발가락이 아프세요?' instead of '발가락이 아파?'.

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