Meaning
To inhale and exhale smoke from a cigarette.
Cultural Background
Smoking while walking (길빵) is increasingly frowned upon and often illegal in busy districts like Gangnam. It is considered very rude to blow smoke toward others. When smoking with a superior, you should not only turn your head but also hide the glowing tip of the cigarette in your palm when not inhaling. Electronic cigarettes (전자담배) are becoming very popular among young Koreans, often referred to as '전담' (jeon-dam). On Korean television, cigarettes are almost always pixelated or blurred out to comply with health regulations, even in historical dramas.
The 'Head Turn'
If you smoke with a Korean person older than you, always turn your head to the side. It's the most important smoking etiquette rule.
Indoor Bans
Don't assume you can smoke in bars or cafes. Almost all indoor public spaces are strictly non-smoking now.
Meaning
To inhale and exhale smoke from a cigarette.
The 'Head Turn'
If you smoke with a Korean person older than you, always turn your head to the side. It's the most important smoking etiquette rule.
Indoor Bans
Don't assume you can smoke in bars or cafes. Almost all indoor public spaces are strictly non-smoking now.
Dropping the Marker
To sound more like a native, say '담배 피워요' instead of '담배를 피워요' in casual settings.
Health Vocabulary
Learn '금연' (No Smoking) and '흡연' (Smoking) as they appear on 99% of signs.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb '피우다'.
저는 어제 담배를 세 대 ______.
The sentence uses '어제' (yesterday), so the past tense '피웠어요' is required.
Which sentence is culturally appropriate when asking for permission?
Asking to smoke in a neutral setting:
'-어도 돼요?' is the standard way to ask for permission in Korean.
Match the Korean phrase with its English meaning.
Smoking variations:
These are all common variations of the smoking theme.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
가: 담배 ______? 나: 아니요, 저는 안 ______.
The verb '피우다' is the only natural choice for smoking cigarettes.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal Smoking
Practice Bank
4 exercises저는 어제 담배를 세 대 ______.
The sentence uses '어제' (yesterday), so the past tense '피웠어요' is required.
Asking to smoke in a neutral setting:
'-어도 돼요?' is the standard way to ask for permission in Korean.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all common variations of the smoking theme.
가: 담배 ______? 나: 아니요, 저는 안 ______.
The verb '피우다' is the only natural choice for smoking cigarettes.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIn very casual, fast speech, some natives might shorten it to '피다', but it is technically grammatically incorrect. Stick to '피우다' for exams and clear communication.
You can say '혹시 라이터 있으세요?' (Do you happen to have a lighter?).
It's a sign of respect rooted in Confucianism, showing that you are not blowing smoke or showing the 'dirty' habit directly to an elder.
Only in designated areas. Many main streets are smoke-free zones with fines up to 100,000 KRW.
You say '담배 끊었어요' (I quit tobacco).
It is becoming more common, but there is still a slight social stigma compared to men, especially among older generations.
It means smoking face-to-face. Usually, it refers to the 'taboo' act of a junior smoking directly in front of a senior.
Ask '흡연실이 어디예요?'
Usually, cigars are called '시가'. '담배' specifically refers to cigarettes.
It is '줄담배' (jul-dambae).
It's not necessarily more polite, but it sounds more 'mature' or 'literary'.
It is 19 (international age).
Related Phrases
금연하다
contrastTo quit smoking / To refrain from smoking
불을 붙이다
builds onTo light a fire / To light a cigarette
연기를 내뿜다
similarTo exhale smoke
담배를 끊다
contrastTo quit smoking
재떨이
specialized formAshtray
