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A1 noun #700 más común 6 min de lectura

머리

Q: How do I say 'I'm getting a haircut'?

머리 잘라요 or 머리 하러 가요.

meori Top 700

At the A1 level, '머리' is primarily learned as a basic body part. Students learn to identify the head and use it in simple sentences about physical condition, such as '머리가 아파요' (My head hurts). It is also introduced as the word for hair in the context of basic grooming, like '머리가 길어요' (My hair is long). The focus is on the literal, physical meaning and simple subject-verb combinations.

At the A2 level, learners expand into daily life scenarios. This includes visiting the hair salon (미용실) and using verbs like '자르다' (to cut) or '하다' (to do/style). Students also begin to see '머리' used in simple descriptions of people, such as '머리가 좋다' (to be smart). They learn to distinguish between '머리' (the head/hair) and '머리카락' (hair strands) in specific contexts like finding a hair in food.

At the B1 level, the metaphorical uses of '머리' become more prominent. Learners use the word to describe mental states, such as '머리가 복잡하다' (to have a lot on one's mind) or '머리를 식히다' (to clear one's head). They also encounter common compound words and more specific verbs like '감다' (to wash hair) versus '씻다' (to wash body), and start using '머리' to refer to the 'beginning' or 'top' of something.

At the B2 level, students are expected to use '머리' in a wide range of idiomatic expressions. Phrases like '머리를 맞대다' (to deliberate together) or '머리를 굴리다' (to think hard/scheme) are used in conversation. The distinction between '머리' and '고개' (the head/neck movement) becomes clearer, and learners can use '머리' in more formal or professional contexts to refer to the 'head' of an organization or a project.

At the C1 level, learners understand the subtle nuances and cultural weight of '머리'. This includes the aesthetic importance of head size in Korea (small head vs. big head) and the historical/literary significance of hair. They can use '머리' in complex sentence structures and understand its use in proverbs and high-level literature where it might symbolize the self, life, or social status.

At the C2 level, the speaker has a native-like grasp of '머리'. They can use it in all its forms—literal, metaphorical, idiomatic, and slang (like '대가리' in appropriate contexts). They understand the etymological roots and can discuss the word's evolution. They can play with the word in puns or creative writing, and they have a deep understanding of how '머리' functions in the Korean collective consciousness.

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

머리 en 30 segundos

Refers to both the physical head and the hair on the head.
Commonly used to describe intelligence (머리가 좋다 - to be smart).
Used with specific verbs like '감다' (wash hair) and '아프다' (head hurts).
Can also mean the 'top' or 'beginning' of something.

The Korean word 머리 (meori) is one of the most versatile and fundamental nouns in the Korean language. At its most basic level, it refers to the physical head of a human or animal. However, for English speakers, the most important distinction to learn early on is that 머리 is also the standard word used for hair (specifically the hair on one's head). While English uses two distinct words, Korean speakers often use 머리 for both, relying on context or verbs to clarify the meaning. For example, if you say your head hurts, you use 머리; if you say you are going to the salon to get a haircut, you also use 머리.

Anatomical Head: Refers to the physical skull and everything it contains. Used in medical contexts, descriptions of size, or physical actions like nodding.
Hair on Head: Commonly used as a shorthand for '머리카락' (meorikarak). When you 'wash your head' (머리를 감다), you are washing your hair.
Intellect and Brain: Metaphorically refers to one's intelligence or 'brainpower'. Saying someone has a 'good head' (머리가 좋다) means they are smart.

어제 미용실에서 머리를 잘랐어요. (I cut my hair at the hair salon yesterday.)

Beyond the physical, 머리 extends into the realm of leadership and position. Just as in English we might call someone the 'head' of a department, Korean uses 머리 to signify the top, the beginning, or the leader of a group. This versatility makes it a high-frequency word appearing in everything from casual conversations about fashion to complex discussions about cognitive science. Understanding the nuances of 머리 is a key milestone for any A1 learner moving toward fluency.

머리가 너무 아파서 약을 먹었어요. (My head hurt so much I took some medicine.)

Using 머리 correctly requires paying attention to the verbs that follow it. Because it covers both 'head' and 'hair', the verb often acts as the primary clue for the listener. If you use the verb 감다 (gamda), which means to wash (specifically hair or eyes), everyone knows you are talking about your hair. If you use 아프다 (apeuda), which means to be painful, you are talking about a headache. This economy of language is a hallmark of Korean efficiency.

Physical Sensations: 머리가 무겁다 (Head feels heavy/tired), 머리가 띵하다 (Head feels dizzy/ringing).
Hair Styling: 머리를 묶다 (To tie hair), 머리를 풀다 (To let hair down), 머리를 빗다 (To brush hair).

공부를 많이 해서 머리가 복잡해요. (My head is complicated/full because I studied a lot.)

When describing people, 머리 is used in several common descriptive patterns. To say someone is smart, you say their 'head is good' (머리가 좋다). Conversely, to say someone is slow or not very bright, you might hear the informal 'head is bad' (머리가 나쁘다). Note that in Korean culture, commenting on the size of someone's head is common; saying someone has a 'small head' (머리가 작다) is actually a high compliment, as it is considered an ideal aesthetic trait for proportions.

그 학생은 머리가 정말 좋아요. (That student is really smart.)

You will encounter 머리 everywhere in Korea, from the moment you step into a hair salon (미용실) to the doctor's office. In daily life, it's most frequently heard in the context of grooming. Koreans are very conscious of their appearance, so discussions about 'doing one's hair' (머리 하다) are constant. If a friend shows up with a new look, you might ask, "머리 했어요?" (Did you do your hair?).

긴 머리보다 짧은 머리가 더 잘 어울려요. (Short hair suits you better than long hair.)

In K-Dramas and variety shows, 머리 is often used in emotional or cognitive contexts. Characters will grab their heads and shout "머리야!" when they are frustrated or have a sudden realization. You'll also hear it in sports, referring to 'heading' a ball in soccer. In a workplace, a boss might be referred to as the 'head' using related terms, but 머리 itself appears in idioms like 'putting heads together' (머리를 맞대다) to solve a problem.

At the Salon: "머리 어떻게 해 드릴까요?" (How would you like your hair done?)
In the Classroom: "머리를 써서 문제를 풀어보세요." (Try to solve the problem using your head/brain.)

The biggest mistake English speakers make is over-using the word 머리카락 (meorikarak). While 머리카락 specifically means 'hair fibers' or 'strands of hair', it sounds overly clinical or strange in casual conversation. If you say "I'm going to wash my 머리카락," it sounds like you are washing individual strands in a lab. Always default to 머리 for general hair-related activities.

Wrong: 머리카락이 아파요. (My hair strands hurt - impossible!)
Right: 머리가 아파요. (I have a headache.)

Another common error is confusing the verbs for washing. You use 씻다 (ssitda) for hands, face, and body, but you must use 감다 (gamda) for 머리. Saying "머리를 씻어요" is technically understandable but sounds very unnatural to a native ear. Additionally, be careful with the word 고개 (gogae). While 머리 is the head as an object, 고개 is the head in terms of the neck's movement (e.g., nodding or tilting). You don't 'nod your 머리'; you 'nod your 고개'.

머리 vs. 고개: Use '머리' for the body part/hair. Use '고개' for the action of moving the head/neck.
머리 vs. 두통: '머리가 아프다' is the common way to say 'I have a headache'. '두통' (dutong) is the formal medical noun for 'headache'.

While 머리 is the go-to word, several other terms exist for specific contexts. Understanding these will help you sound more advanced and precise. For instance, when talking about the brain in a biological or highly intellectual sense, the word 두뇌 (dunae) is used. This is common in scientific contexts or when discussing 'brain development'.

두뇌 (Dunae): The biological brain. Used in terms like 'brain power' or 'brain surgery'.
머리카락 (Meorikarak): Individual strands of hair. Use this if you find a hair in your soup or are talking about hair texture.
대가리 (Daegari): A slang/crude term for head. Used for fish heads or as a very rude way to refer to a person's head. Avoid using this for people!

생선 대가리는 찌개에 넣으세요. (Put the fish head in the stew.)

In summary, 머리 is your 'all-purpose' word. Use it for your physical head, your hair, and your intelligence. Only switch to 두뇌 for science, 머리카락 for strands, or 고개 for neck movements. Mastering these distinctions will make your Korean sound much more natural and nuanced.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"두통(머리 아픔) 증상이 있으십니까?"

Neutral

"머리가 좀 아파서 약을 먹었어요."

Informal

"나 머리 잘랐어. 어때?"

Child friendly

"머리 어깨 무릎 발 무릎 발~"

Jerga

"머리 굴리지 마라."

Dato curioso

In Middle Korean, it was '머리' (meori) as well, showing remarkable stability over centuries. It has no Hanja (Chinese characters) but is often paired with the Hanja '두' (頭) in formal compounds.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /mʌ.ɾi/

US /mʌ.ri/

Even stress on both syllables.

Rima con

허리 (heori - waist) 거리 (geori - street) 서리 (seori - frost) 오리 (ori - duck) 소리 (sori - sound) 유리 (yuri - glass) 요리 (yori - cooking) 다리 (dari - leg)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly like an English 'r'; it should be a light tap (like the 'tt' in 'better').
Pronouncing 'eo' as 'oh'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very simple two-syllable word.

Escritura 1/5

Easy to write in Hangul.

Expresión oral 2/5

Requires correct 'eo' vowel and light 'r' sound.

Escucha 2/5

Must distinguish meaning from context.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

나 (I) 있다 (to have/exist) 아프다 (to be sick/hurt)

Aprende después

어깨 (shoulder) 무릎 (knee) 발 (foot) 눈 (eye) 코 (nose)

Avanzado

두뇌 (brain) 지능 (intelligence) 미용실 (hair salon) 두통약 (headache medicine)

Gramática que debes saber

Subject Marker -가/-이

머리가 아파요.

Object Marker -를/-을

머리를 감아요.

Adjective Conjugation

머리가 길어요 (길다 -> 길어요).

Honorifics with Body Parts

머리가 아프세요? (to an elder).

Past Tense -았/었

머리를 잘랐어요.

Ejemplos por nivel

머리가 아파요.

My head hurts.

머리 (subject) + 가 (particle) + 아파요 (adjective/verb).

머리가 길어요.

My hair is long.

Here 머리 refers to hair length.

머리가 커요.

The head is big.

Basic description of size.

머리를 감아요.

I wash my hair.

감다 is the specific verb for washing hair.

머리가 어디예요?

Where is the head?

Basic identification question.

머리가 예뻐요.

Your hair is pretty.

Complimenting hair style.

머리를 빗어요.

I brush my hair.

빗다 is to comb/brush.

머리가 작아요.

The head is small.

Often a compliment in Korea.

어제 머리를 잘랐어요.

I cut my hair yesterday.

Past tense of 자르다.

머리가 정말 좋네요!

You are really smart!

Idiomatic use for intelligence.

머리를 묶어 주세요.

Please tie my hair.

묶다 means to tie.

머리가 너무 짧아요.

My hair is too short.

Adverb '너무' used for emphasis.

미용실에서 머리 했어요?

Did you get your hair done at the salon?

머리 하다 is a common phrase for styling.

머리가 아파서 쉬고 싶어요.

I want to rest because my head hurts.

-아서/어서 connector for reason.

머리에 모자를 썼어요.

I put a hat on my head.

쓰다 is the verb for wearing hats.

머리 색깔이 뭐예요?

What color is your hair?

Asking about hair color.

머리를 식히러 공원에 가요.

I'm going to the park to cool my head (clear my mind).

Metaphorical use for mental relaxation.

머리가 복잡해서 결정을 못 하겠어요.

My head is so complicated I can't make a decision.

복잡하다 used for mental state.

머리를 감은 후에 말려야 해요.

You should dry your hair after washing it.

Sequential action using -은 후에.

그는 머리가 비상한 사람이에요.

He is a person with extraordinary intelligence.

비상하다 (extraordinary) modifying 머리.

머리 끝부터 발끝까지 다 완벽해요.

Everything is perfect from head to toe.

Fixed expression for 'entirely'.

머리를 굴려도 답이 안 나와요.

Even if I rack my brain, the answer doesn't come out.

머리를 굴리다 (roll the head) means to think hard.

머리가 띵해서 집중이 안 돼요.

My head is ringing so I can't concentrate.

띵하다 describes a specific dizzy sensation.

머리를 뒤로 넘겼어요.

I pushed my hair back.

넘기다 means to pass/push over.

우리 머리를 맞대고 고민해 봅시다.

Let's put our heads together and think about it.

Idiom for collaboration.

머리를 쓰는 일은 정말 피곤해요.

Mental work is really tiring.

머리를 쓰다 means to use one's brain.

머리가 굳어서 새로운 걸 못 배우겠어요.

My brain is stiff so I can't learn new things.

머리가 굳다 means to be slow-witted or set in ways.

그 사건은 머릿속에서 떠나지 않아요.

That incident won't leave my head.

머릿속 refers to the inside of the head/mind.

머리를 조아리며 사과했습니다.

He apologized while bowing his head low.

조아리다 is a formal word for bowing low.

머리 회전이 빠른 사람이 부러워요.

I envy people who are quick-witted.

머리 회전 (head rotation) refers to mental processing speed.

머리를 스치는 생각이 있었어요.

A thought flashed through my mind.

스치다 means to graze or flash by.

머리가 하얗게 세어버렸어요.

My hair has turned completely white.

세다 is the verb for hair turning gray/white.

머리를 쥐어짜도 아이디어가 없어요.

Even if I squeeze my brain, I have no ideas.

쥐어짜다 (to squeeze) used for intense thinking.

그는 조직의 머리 역할을 하고 있다.

He is playing the role of the head of the organization.

Metaphorical use for leadership.

머리가 무거워지는 이야기를 들었어요.

I heard a story that makes my head feel heavy (serious/depressing).

Describing the emotional weight of information.

머리를 올리는 의식을 치렀습니다.

They performed the ceremony of putting the hair up.

Historical reference to coming-of-age/marriage.

머리끝까지 화가 치밀어 올랐어요.

Anger boiled up to the top of my head.

Expression for extreme anger.

머리싸움을 벌이는 중입니다.

They are engaged in a battle of wits.

머리싸움 (head-fight) means psychological warfare.

머리를 못 쓰게 만들 정도로 바빠요.

I'm so busy I can't even think straight.

Complex causative structure.

머리에 피도 안 마른 녀석이!

You youngster who still has wet blood on your head! (You're too young/naive!)

Idiomatic insult for someone young and arrogant.

머리의 기저에는 복잡한 심리가 깔려 있다.

At the base of the mind, complex psychology is laid out.

Academic/Philosophical use.

머리를 가로저으며 부정의 뜻을 표했다.

He expressed denial by shaking his head.

Literary description of movement.

머리가 명석하기로 소문이 자자하다.

Rumors are widespread that he is brilliant.

High-level vocabulary (명석하다).

머리를 숙여 고인의 명복을 빌었습니다.

I bowed my head and prayed for the soul of the deceased.

Formal/Ritualistic context.

머리 기사로 다뤄질 만큼 큰 뉴스였다.

It was news big enough to be treated as a lead story.

머리 기사 means 'headline' or 'lead story'.

머리를 깎고 산으로 들어갔다.

He shaved his head and went into the mountains (became a monk).

Cultural idiom for entering priesthood.

머리가 영민하여 만사를 꿰뚫어 본다.

Being clever, he sees through all matters.

Archaic/Literary tone.

머리를 맞대고 숙의를 거듭한 끝에...

After repeated deliberation with heads together...

Formal administrative language.

Colocaciones comunes

머리를 감다

머리가 아프다

머리를 자르다

머리가 좋다

머리를 묶다

머리를 쓰다

머리를 굴리다

머리를 식히다

머리가 크다

머리를 하다

Frases Comunes

머리부터 발끝까지

머리가 무겁다

머리가 띵하다

머리를 맞대다

머리가 복잡하다

머리가 나쁘다

머리를 빗다

머리가 빠지다

머리를 넘기다

머리가 돌아가다

Se confunde a menudo con

머리 vs 머리카락

머리카락 is specifically the hair strand. 머리 is the whole head or hair in general.

머리 vs 고개

고개 refers to the neck/head movement. 머리 is the physical object.

머리 vs 뇌

뇌 is the physical brain organ. 머리 is the head or the concept of intelligence.

Modismos y expresiones

"머리가 굵다"

To become an adult; to start thinking for oneself.

이제 머리가 굵었다고 말을 안 듣네.

Informal

"머리를 짜내다"

To rack one's brains.

아이디어를 얻으려 머리를 짜냈다.

Neutral

"머리에 피도 안 마르다"

To be young and green/naive.

머리에 피도 안 마른 게 어디서!

Slang/Rude

"머리를 굴리다"

To use one's wits (often in a scheming way).

잔머리 굴리지 마.

Informal

"머리가 하얘지다"

To go blank (mind).

시험지를 보니 머리가 하얘졌다.

Neutral

"머리를 깎다"

To become a monk (literally to shave head).

그는 머리를 깎고 절로 갔다.

Neutral

"머리가 돌다"

To go crazy or lose one's mind.

화가 나서 머리가 돌 것 같아.

Informal

"머리를 조아리다"

To bow low in respect or apology.

그는 왕 앞에서 머리를 조아렸다.

Formal

"머리를 식히다"

To take a break and clear one's mind.

바람 좀 쐬며 머리 좀 식혀.

Neutral

"머리가 무겁다"

To feel depressed or burdened.

걱정 때문에 머리가 무겁다.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

머리 vs 모자

Sounds slightly similar and related to head.

모자 is a hat; 머리 is the head.

머리에 모자를 써요.

머리 vs 꼬리

Rhymes with 머리.

꼬리 is a tail; 머리 is the head.

강아지가 꼬리를 흔들어요.

머리 vs 허리

Rhymes with 머리.

허리 is the waist; 머리 is the head.

허리가 아파요.

머리 vs 다리

Rhymes with 머리.

다리 is the leg/bridge; 머리 is the head.

다리가 길어요.

머리 vs 오리

Rhymes with 머리.

오리 is a duck; 머리 is the head.

오리가 수영해요.

Patrones de oraciones

머리가 [Adjective]요.

머리가 커요.

머리를 [Verb]요.

머리를 감아요.

머리가 [Adjective]서 [Result].

머리가 아파서 쉬어요.

머리를 [Verb]고 싶어요.

머리를 자르고 싶어요.

머리를 [Verb]는 중이에요.

머리를 말리는 중이에요.

머리가 [Adjective]ㄴ 것 같아요.

머리가 좋은 것 같아요.

머리를 [Verb]기 위해 [Action].

머리를 식히기 위해 산책해요.

머리를 [Verb] 정도로 [Adjective].

머리를 못 쓸 정도로 바빠요.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high; top 500 most common Korean words.

Errores comunes

머리를 씻어요 → 머리를 감아요
You 'gamda' hair/eyes, you 'ssitda' everything else.
내 머리카락이 아파요 → 머리가 아파요
Hair strands can't feel pain; the head does.
머리를 노드해요 → 고개를 끄덕여요
Nodding uses 'gogae', not 'meori'.
머리가 나빠요 (to mean 'I have a headache') → 머리가 아파요
머리가 나쁘다 means you are not smart.
Using 대가리 for a person → 머리
대가리 is offensive for humans.

Consejos

Subject vs Object

Use '머리가' when it's doing the action (hurting) and '머리를' when you are doing something to it (washing/cutting).

Small Head Compliment

If someone tells you '머리가 작아요', say thank you! It's a compliment about your proportions.

Verb Pairing

Always pair '머리' with '감다' for washing. Never '씻다'.

Smartness

Use '머리가 좋다' to call someone smart. It's very common and natural.

The 'EO' sound

Make sure your mouth is relaxed and open for the 'eo' in 'meo'.

Compound Words

Notice how '머리' changes to '머릿' in words like '머릿속' (mind). This is due to the 'sai-siot' grammar rule.

Context Clues

If you hear '미용실' (salon), '머리' definitely means hair.

Avoid Slang

Don't use '대가리' unless you are talking about fish or being intentionally rude.

Body Song

Learn the 'Head, Shoulders, Knees, Toes' song in Korean to cement the word.

Doing Hair

The phrase '머리 하다' is a catch-all for cutting, perming, or styling hair.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Me' and 'Ready'. My head is 'Me-Ready' to think!

Asociación visual

Imagine a person with a giant head that is actually a giant ball of hair.

Word Web

Brain Hair Headache Smart Salon Hat Top Leader

Desafío

Try to use '머리' in three different ways today: once for a headache, once for your hair, and once for someone's intelligence.

Origen de la palabra

Native Korean word (Pure Korean).

Significado original: The uppermost part of the body.

Koreanic

Contexto cultural

Avoid using '대가리' (daegari) for people as it is highly offensive. Also, be aware that commenting on head size is common in Korea but might be sensitive to foreigners.

English speakers often struggle with using 'head' for 'hair'. In English, you 'wash your hair', but in Korean, you 'wash your head'.

The K-pop song '머리 어깨 무릎 발' (Head, Shoulders, Knees, Toes). Common K-drama trope: grabbing the head during a stressful revelation. Traditional 'Sangtu' (topknot) hairstyles in historical dramas.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At the Hair Salon

머리 잘라 주세요.
머리 염색하고 싶어요.
머리 어떻게 해 드릴까요?
머리 마음에 들어요.

At the Pharmacy

머리가 너무 아파요.
머리 아플 때 먹는 약 있어요?
어제부터 머리가 띵해요.
머리가 무거워요.

In School

머리를 써서 풀어봐.
그 친구는 머리가 좋아.
머릿속이 복잡해.
머리가 안 돌아가.

Daily Grooming

머리 감았어?
머리 좀 빗어.
머리 묶는 게 예뻐.
머리 말려야지.

Describing People

머리가 작으시네요.
머리가 길어요.
머리 색이 예뻐요.
머리가 참 좋으시네요.

Inicios de conversación

"오늘 머리 스타일이 정말 멋지네요!"

"머리가 아플 때는 보통 어떻게 하세요?"

"머리를 짧게 자르는 게 좋을까요, 기르는 게 좋을까요?"

"머리가 좋은 사람의 특징이 뭐라고 생각하세요?"

"어제 미용실에서 머리 하셨어요?"

Temas para diario

오늘 내 머릿속에 가장 많이 든 생각은 무엇인가요?

내가 가고 싶은 미용실이나 해보고 싶은 머리 스타일을 설명해 보세요.

머리가 너무 복잡할 때 나만의 스트레스 해소법은 무엇인가요?

최근에 머리를 써서 해결한 어려운 문제가 있었나요?

머리부터 발끝까지 내가 가장 좋아하는 나의 모습은?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, but for fish or in casual/rough contexts, '대가리' is often used. For pets, '머리' is fine.

You can say '두통이 있습니다' (I have a headache) or '머리가 아픕니다'.

It can be, as small heads are preferred in Korean beauty standards, but it's often just a neutral observation.

머리를 감다 is the correct way to say wash hair. 머리를 씻다 sounds like you are washing your face or skin on the head.

Metaphorically yes (intelligence), but the physical organ is '뇌'.

머리 잘라요 or 머리 하러 가요.

Yes, like '머리말' (preface/beginning words).

Yes, in some contexts, but '우두머리' or '수뇌' are more specific for 'leader/boss'.

It's an idiom for going crazy or being extremely angry.

긴 머리.