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A2 noun #4,500 most common 10 min read

체중

Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 체중 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 체중 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '체중' means 'weight.' You might see it on a health form or hear a doctor say it. It is very similar to '몸무게,' but a bit more formal. For now, just remember that when you see '체중,' it's talking about how many kilograms a person is. You can practice saying '체중이 얼마예요?' (How much is the weight?), though '몸무게가 얼마예요?' is more common for beginners. Focus on recognizing the word in written contexts like signs at a pharmacy or on a scale.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '체중' with basic verbs. You should know '체중을 재다' (to measure weight) and '체중이 늘다/줄다' (to gain/lose weight). You might use this word when talking about your health goals or at a fitness center. At this stage, you should also recognize '체중계' as the word for a scale. Try to use '체중' instead of '몸무게' when you want to sound a little more polite or serious about your health. For example, '저는 요즘 체중 조절을 하고 있어요' (I am controlling my weight these days).

At the B1 level, you should understand the difference between '체중' and '몸무게' and use them in the right situations. You should also be familiar with compound words like '과체중' (overweight) and '저체중' (underweight). You can participate in longer conversations about health, dieting, and exercise. You should be able to describe a process, such as '체중 감량을 위해 식단을 조절하고 있습니다' (I am adjusting my diet for weight loss). You will also start to see '체중' in news articles or health blogs, where it is used to discuss broader health issues.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '체중' in professional or academic contexts. You should understand nuanced expressions like '적정 체중' (appropriate weight) and '표준 체중' (standard weight). You can discuss the social implications of weight in Korea or explain a medical condition in detail. You should also be able to use '체중' with more advanced verbs like '유지하다' (to maintain) or '측정하다' (to measure - formal). Your ability to distinguish between '체중' (body weight) and '중량' (object weight) should be clear in your speech and writing.

At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated understanding of '체중' within the context of Hanja. You understand how the character '重' (jung) relates to other words like '비중' (importance) or '신중' (caution). You can read medical reports, scientific papers, or sociological essays that use '체중' as a variable in research. You are also aware of the cultural sensitivity surrounding weight in Korea and can navigate conversations about it using the most appropriate register. You can use '체중' in complex sentence structures to express subtle points about health policy or beauty standards.

At the C2 level, '체중' is a word you use with total native-like precision. You can debate the ethics of '체중 관리' in the idol industry or analyze the linguistic shift from native Korean terms to Sino-Korean terms in health discourse. You can use '체중' in high-level writing, such as a thesis or a formal speech, ensuring that all surrounding vocabulary matches its formal register. You understand the historical development of the word and its role in the modern Korean lexicon. Your use of '체중' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

체중 in 30 Seconds

Formal term for body weight used in health and sports.
Derived from Hanja 體 (body) and 重 (weight).
More clinical and professional than the native word '몸무게'.
Essential for medical forms, fitness apps, and official reports.

The word 체중 (體重) is the formal, Sino-Korean term for 'body weight.' While the native Korean word '몸무게' is frequently used in casual, everyday conversations, '체중' carries a more clinical, official, or scientific tone. It is derived from the Hanja characters 體 (체), meaning 'body,' and 重 (중), meaning 'heavy' or 'weight.' Understanding this word is essential for navigating health-related contexts in Korea, such as hospital visits, fitness center registrations, or reading nutritional labels. In a culture that often emphasizes physical health and appearance, '체중' is a cornerstone of the vocabulary used in media, medicine, and self-improvement.

Medical Context: When a doctor asks for your weight, they will almost exclusively use '체중' to maintain a professional register. You might see terms like '체중 측정' (weight measurement) on your health check-up results.

건강을 유지하기 위해서는 적정 체중을 유지하는 것이 중요합니다. (To maintain health, it is important to maintain an appropriate body weight.)

Beyond the doctor's office, '체중' is the standard term in the fitness and sports industry. Whether you are discussing weight classes in boxing or tracking progress in a weight-loss program, '체중' provides the precision required for these discussions. It is also used in technical settings, such as calculating the load capacity of an elevator or the safety requirements for equipment based on a person's mass. Unlike '몸무게,' which feels grounded in the physical sensation of 'how heavy my body is,' '체중' feels like a data point—a number on a scale that needs to be monitored and managed.

Linguistic Nuance: The suffix '-중' (重) appears in many words related to gravity and mass, such as '중력' (gravity) and '비중' (relative weight/importance). This links '체중' to a broader scientific conceptual framework.

갑작스러운 체중 변화는 건강 이상 신호일 수 있습니다. (Sudden weight changes can be a sign of health problems.)

In summary, '체중' is the 'clinical weight' of a person. It is the term you will encounter in literature, professional advice, and any context where precision and formality are valued. While it may seem interchangeable with '몸무게,' using '체중' correctly marks you as a speaker who understands the distinction between casual speech and the more formal registers of the Korean language.

Using '체중' correctly requires pairing it with specific verbs that describe the movement or management of weight. The most common verbs are 늘다 (to increase), 줄다 (to decrease), 감량하다 (to lose/reduce weight), and 조절하다 (to control). Because '체중' is a noun, it often takes the object marker '-을/를' when you are the one actively doing something to it, or the subject marker '-이/가' when the weight itself is the focus of the change.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 체중이 늘다: To gain weight (naturally/passively).
2. 체중을 줄이다: To reduce weight (actively).
3. 체중을 재다: To measure/check weight.

매일 아침 체중을 재는 습관을 들이세요. (Develop a habit of measuring your weight every morning.)

When discussing medical goals, '체중 감량' (weight loss) and '체중 증량' (weight gain) are the standard academic terms. For example, a personal trainer might say, '목표 체중까지 5kg 남았습니다' (There are 5kg left until your target weight). Here, '목표' (target/goal) acts as a modifier for '체중.' Similarly, '표준 체중' refers to the standard or ideal weight for a person's height and age. Using these compound nouns allows for very specific communication in professional settings.

Another important aspect is the use of '체중' in comparative sentences. For instance, '체중이 예전보다 많이 나간다' (My weight is higher than before) uses the verb '나가다' (to go out), which is a common idiomatic way to express that something weighs a certain amount. In formal reports, however, you would see '체중이 증가하다' (weight increases) or '체중이 감소하다' (weight decreases). These verbs are the Sino-Korean counterparts to '늘다' and '줄다' and match the formal register of '체중' perfectly.

그는 체중 조절을 위해 매일 운동을 합니다. (He exercises every day to control his weight.)

Finally, consider the word '체중계' (weight scale). The suffix '-계' (instrument/meter) is added to '체중' to create the noun for the physical object used to measure weight. You wouldn't usually say '몸무게계'; instead, '체중계' is the universal term used in both homes and hospitals. Mastering these combinations ensures that you can speak about health and fitness with the appropriate level of sophistication.

In South Korea, health and physical appearance are significant cultural topics, meaning you will hear '체중' in a variety of real-world scenarios. One of the most common places is on television, specifically in health documentaries and variety shows where celebrities discuss their fitness routines. During a '건강 검진' (general health check-up), which is mandatory for many employees and students in Korea, the medical staff will direct you to the '체중계' and record your '체중' in your official file. You will hear phrases like '체중계 위로 올라가세요' (Please step onto the scale).

News and Media: News reports often discuss national health trends, such as '소아 비만과 체중 관리' (childhood obesity and weight management). Here, '체중' is used to discuss the population as a whole.

최근 연구에 따르면 스트레스가 체중 증가의 원인이 될 수 있습니다. (According to recent research, stress can be a cause of weight gain.)

In the world of sports, especially combat sports like Taekwondo, Judo, or MMA, '체중' is vital. Athletes must '체중을 맞추다' (meet the weight requirement) for their specific '체중급' (weight class). If you watch sports commentary in Korean, you will hear detailed discussions about an athlete's '체중 감량' process leading up to a fight. This context is strictly professional, so '몸무게' is rarely used.

You will also encounter '체중' in advertisements for health supplements, diet apps, and gym memberships. Marketing copy often uses '체중' to sound more scientific and trustworthy. For example, a supplement might claim to '체중 감소를 돕다' (help with weight reduction). In these instances, the word choice is intentional to appeal to the consumer's desire for a professional health solution. Even in schools, during physical education class, students' heights and '체중' are measured and recorded annually, making it a word that Koreans are familiar with from a very young age.

복싱 선수는 경기를 앞두고 엄격하게 체중을 관리합니다. (Boxers strictly manage their weight ahead of a match.)

Finally, in the digital age, '체중' is a common keyword in fitness apps. When setting up a profile on a Korean app like 'Kakao Health' or 'InBody,' you will be asked to input your current '체중' and your '목표 체중.' The word is ubiquitous in any interface designed to track health metrics, reinforcing its status as the technical standard for body mass.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using '무게' (weight) instead of '체중' when talking about people. In Korean, '무게' is a general term used for objects, packages, or abstract concepts like the 'weight of a responsibility.' If you say '제 무게는 70kg입니다,' it sounds like you are describing yourself as an inanimate object. To sound natural, you must use '체중' or '몸무게' when referring to a human being's weight.

Object Weight vs. Person Weight: - 무게: Used for boxes, suitcases, or gold.
- 체중/몸무게: Used exclusively for living beings.

❌ 이 가방의 체중은 얼마인가요? (Incorrect: Bags don't have 'che-jung')
✅ 이 가방의 무게는 얼마인가요? (Correct: Use 'mu-ge' for objects)

Another common error is confusing '체중' with '살' (flesh/fat). While English speakers might say 'I gained weight,' Koreans often say '살이 쪘다' (flesh/fat has grown). While '체중이 늘었다' is also correct and more formal, '살' is the go-to word for the physical appearance of gaining fat. Using '체중' in a very casual setting, like complaining to a friend about a big dinner, can sound slightly stiff or overly medical. In that case, '몸무게' or '살' would be more appropriate.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the particles used with '체중.' Because weight is often seen as something that 'comes out' on a scale, the verb '나가다' (to go out) is used. Beginners might try to use '있다' (to have/be), saying '체중이 60kg 있어요,' which is incorrect. The natural expression is '체중이 60kg 나간다' or simply '체중이 60kg이다.' Understanding this verb-particle relationship is key to sounding like a native speaker.

❌ 체중이 많이 있어요. (Incorrect)
✅ 체중이 많이 나가요. (Correct: 'My weight goes out a lot' = I weigh a lot.)

Finally, avoid overusing '체중' in intimate settings. If you are talking to a child, for example, using '체중' might sound too adult. Stick to '몸무게' to keep the tone soft and accessible. Korean is a language of registers, and '체중' is firmly situated in the formal/neutral-polite zone.

To truly master Korean, you need to know when to use '체중' versus its synonyms. The most important alternative is 몸무게. While both mean body weight, '몸무게' is a native Korean word (몸 = body, 무게 = weight). It is the standard term for daily life, family conversations, and casual talk between friends. If '체중' is 'body mass,' '몸무게' is 'how much I weigh.'

체중 vs. 몸무게: - 체중 (Sino-Korean): Formal, medical, scientific, used in compound words (체중계, 체중계급).
- 몸무게 (Native): Casual, personal, soft, used in everyday speech.

친구 사이: "너 몸무게 얼마나 돼?" (Between friends: "How much do you weigh?")
병원에서: "체중을 측정하겠습니다." (At the hospital: "We will measure your weight.")

Another related word is 중량 (重量). This word also means 'weight' but is typically used for cargo, industrial materials, or heavy lifting in the gym. If you are talking about the weight of the plates on a barbell, you use '중량.' If you are talking about the person lifting them, you use '체중.' Mixing these up can lead to confusion in a fitness context.

For those interested in the more negative aspects of weight, 비만 (肥滿) means obesity. It is often paired with '체중' in medical discussions, such as '과체중' (overweight) and '저체중' (underweight). These terms are prefixes added to '체중' to indicate a state relative to the norm. '과-' means 'excessive' and '저-' means 'low.' Learning these prefixes allows you to expand your medical vocabulary significantly.

그는 과체중으로 인해 무릎 통증을 겪고 있습니다. (He is suffering from knee pain due to being overweight.)

In summary, choose '체중' for formal or medical contexts, '몸무게' for personal and casual ones, '중량' for objects and gym weights, and use prefixes like '과-' or '저-' to modify '체중' when describing health conditions. This level of precision is what separates an intermediate learner from an advanced speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"환자의 체중을 측정하겠습니다."

Neutral

"요즘 체중 관리를 하고 있어요."

Informal

"너 몸무게(체중) 좀 줄었어?"

Child friendly

"우리 아기 몸무게 재볼까?"

Slang

"나 완전 확찐자 됐어."

Fun Fact

The character '重' also means 'important' in Korean, suggesting that weight was historically seen as a significant measure of health or status.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕʰe.dʑuŋ/

US /tɕʰe.dʑuŋ/

Even stress on both syllables.

Rhymes With

태중 (tae-jung) 수중 (su-jung) 공중 (gong-jung) 집중 (jip-jung) 존중 (jon-jung) 신중 (sin-jung) 비중 (bi-jung) 도중 (do-jung)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'che' as 'she'.
Making the 'u' sound too short like 'uh'.
Forgetting the aspiration on 'ch'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in health contexts.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the Hanja-based spelling.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick out.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

몸 무게 숫자 건강 늘다

Learn Next

비만 신장 (height) 혈압 맥박 영양

Advanced

신진대사 기초대사량 체지방률 근육량 성인병

Grammar to Know

-(으)면 (If/When)

체중이 늘면 무릎이 아파요.

-기 위해 (In order to)

체중을 줄이기 위해 운동해요.

-는 편이다 (Tends to)

저는 체중이 많이 나가는 편이에요.

-아/어지다 (Become)

운동을 안 해서 체중이 늘어났어요.

-(으)세요 (Polite Command)

체중계 위로 올라가세요.

Examples by Level

제 체중은 60kg입니다.

My weight is 60kg.

Uses the basic 'A은/는 B이다' sentence structure.

체중이 얼마예요?

What is your weight?

Polite question form.

체중계가 어디에 있어요?

Where is the scale?

-가 어디에 있어요? is used to ask for locations.

체중을 적으세요.

Please write down your weight.

-(으)세요 is a polite command.

저는 체중이 적어요.

My weight is low (I am light).

Adjective '적다' means small in amount/number.

체중이 늘었어요.

My weight increased.

Past tense of '늘다' (to increase).

체중이 줄었어요.

My weight decreased.

Past tense of '줄다' (to decrease).

여기에 체중을 쓰세요.

Write your weight here.

'여기에' indicates the location of the action.

매일 체중을 재요.

I measure my weight every day.

Present tense of '재다' (to measure).

체중 조절이 필요해요.

Weight control is necessary.

-이/가 필요하다 means 'to be needed'.

체중이 많이 나갑니다.

My weight is high (I weigh a lot).

'나가다' is used idiomatically for weight values.

건강을 위해 체중을 줄이세요.

Reduce your weight for your health.

-을/를 위해 means 'for the sake of'.

체중계 위로 올라가세요.

Please step onto the scale.

위로 indicates movement onto a surface.

겨울에는 체중이 늘기 쉬워요.

It's easy to gain weight in winter.

-기 쉽다 means 'to be easy to do'.

제 목표 체중은 55kg입니다.

My target weight is 55kg.

'목표' acts as a noun modifier.

운동을 하면 체중이 줄어듭니다.

If you exercise, your weight decreases.

-(으)면 indicates a condition (if/when).

과체중은 만병의 근원입니다.

Overweight is the root of all diseases.

Sino-Korean prefix '과-' means excessive.

갑작스러운 체중 변화는 위험해요.

Sudden weight changes are dangerous.

Adjective '갑작스럽다' modifies the noun.

체중 감량을 위해 식단을 바꿨어요.

I changed my diet for weight loss.

'감량' is a formal term for losing weight.

표준 체중을 유지하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to maintain a standard weight.

-는 것이 중요하다 means 'the act of ... is important'.

체중 조절을 위해 설탕을 줄이세요.

Reduce sugar for weight control.

'조절' means control or regulation.

그는 체중이 꽤 많이 나가는 편이다.

He is on the heavier side.

-는 편이다 means 'to be on the side of / tend to'.

체중계의 숫자에 너무 집착하지 마세요.

Don't be too obsessed with the numbers on the scale.

-지 마세요 is a negative command.

나이가 들면 체중 관리가 더 어렵다.

Weight management gets harder as you get older.

-(으)면 indicates 'as' or 'when'.

적정 체중 유지는 성인병 예방에 필수적이다.

Maintaining appropriate weight is essential for preventing adult diseases.

'필수적' means essential/mandatory.

체중이 급격히 감소하면 병원에 가야 합니다.

If your weight decreases rapidly, you must go to the hospital.

'급격히' is an adverb meaning 'rapidly'.

체중급에 맞춰서 훈련을 진행하고 있습니다.

I am training according to my weight class.

-에 맞춰서 means 'in accordance with'.

비만은 체중뿐만 아니라 체지방도 고려해야 한다.

For obesity, you must consider not only weight but also body fat.

A뿐만 아니라 B도 means 'not only A but also B'.

출산 후 체중이 잘 빠지지 않아서 고민이에요.

I'm worried because I can't lose weight after childbirth.

'빠지다' is used for weight 'falling off'.

체중을 지탱하는 무릎 관절에 무리가 갔다.

The knee joints that support the body weight were strained.

'지탱하다' means to support or sustain.

그 선수는 체중 조절 실패로 실격되었습니다.

The athlete was disqualified due to failing weight control.

'실격' means disqualification.

정기적인 체중 측정은 건강 상태 확인의 기본이다.

Regular weight measurement is the basis of checking health status.

'기본' means the basics or foundation.

현대 사회에서 체중은 단순한 숫자를 넘어 사회적 기호가 되었다.

In modern society, weight has become a social symbol beyond a simple number.

-을 넘어 means 'beyond'.

급격한 체중 변화는 호르몬 불균형을 초래할 수 있다.

Rapid weight changes can cause hormonal imbalances.

'초래하다' means to bring about or cause (usually something negative).

체중과 자존감 사이의 상관관계를 분석한 논문이다.

This is a thesis analyzing the correlation between weight and self-esteem.

'상관관계' means correlation.

정부는 국민의 평균 체중 증가를 억제하기 위한 정책을 펼치고 있다.

The government is implementing policies to curb the increase in the average weight of the citizens.

'억제하다' means to suppress or curb.

심리적 스트레스가 체중의 변동에 미치는 영향은 지대하다.

The influence of psychological stress on weight fluctuations is enormous.

'지대하다' means to be huge or immense.

체중 감소가 반드시 건강의 호전을 의미하는 것은 아니다.

Weight loss does not necessarily mean an improvement in health.

반드시 -는 것은 아니다 is a partial negation (not necessarily).

사회적 미의 기준이 저체중을 강요하는 경향이 있다.

Social standards of beauty tend to force underweight.

'강요하다' means to force or compel.

체중 관리는 단순한 미용의 목적을 넘어 생존의 문제이다.

Weight management is a matter of survival beyond simple aesthetic purposes.

'생존' means survival.

체중이라는 생물학적 지표는 개인의 생활 양식을 고스란히 반영한다.

The biological indicator called weight intactly reflects an individual's lifestyle.

'고스란히' means just as it is, or intactly.

기술의 발달로 체중뿐만 아니라 근육량과 골밀도를 정밀하게 측정하게 되었다.

With the development of technology, not only weight but also muscle mass and bone density are precisely measured.

'정밀하게' means precisely.

체중의 증감이 반복되는 '요요 현상'은 신진대사에 악영향을 미친다.

The 'yo-yo effect,' where weight gain and loss repeat, has a negative impact on metabolism.

'악영향' means a bad influence.

미디어는 체중에 대한 편견을 강화하는 역할을 수행하기도 한다.

The media also plays a role in reinforcing prejudices about weight.

'강화하다' means to reinforce or strengthen.

체중 조절의 성패는 결국 의지력보다는 환경적 요인에 의해 결정된다.

The success or failure of weight control is ultimately determined by environmental factors rather than willpower.

'성패' means success or failure.

고령화 사회에서 체중 미달은 비만만큼이나 심각한 보건 문제로 대두되고 있다.

In an aging society, being underweight is emerging as a health issue as serious as obesity.

'대두되다' means to emerge or come to the fore.

체중의 사회적 구성에 대한 비판적 담론이 활발해지고 있다.

Critical discourse on the social construction of weight is becoming active.

'담론' means discourse.

개별화된 맞춤형 체중 관리 솔루션이 헬스케어 시장의 화두이다.

Individualized, customized weight management solutions are the talk of the healthcare market.

'화두' means a hot topic or subject of conversation.

Common Collocations

체중을 재다

체중이 늘다

체중이 줄다

체중 감량

체중 조절

적정 체중

표준 체중

체중이 나가다

체중 관리

체중계

Common Phrases

체중이 불다

— To gain weight (literally 'to swell'). Used casually.

야식 때문에 체중이 불었어요.

체중을 줄이다

— To actively reduce weight.

건강을 위해 체중을 줄여야 해요.

목표 체중

— The weight someone aims to achieve.

목표 체중까지 2kg 남았습니다.

체중 미달

— Being underweight compared to the standard.

그는 체중 미달로 군 면제를 받았다.

체중 초과

— Exceeding the allowed weight limit.

수하물 체중 초과로 추가 요금을 냈다.

체중 이동

— Weight transfer (in sports like golf or baseball).

골프에서는 체중 이동이 중요하다.

체중급

— Weight class in sports.

그는 헤비급 체중급 선수이다.

체중 변화

— Changes in weight.

매일 체중 변화를 기록하세요.

체중 유지

— Maintaining current weight.

다이어트보다 체중 유지가 더 힘들다.

체중 측정

— The act of measuring weight.

체중 측정을 시작하겠습니다.

Often Confused With

체중 vs 무게

무게 is for objects; 체중 is for people.

체중 vs 중량

중량 is for cargo or barbell weights; 체중 is for body weight.

체중 vs 살

살 refers to the physical fat/flesh; 체중 is the numerical weight.

Idioms & Expressions

"몸무게가 가볍다"

— To be light (not an idiom, but a common description).

그녀는 몸무게가 가벼워서 춤을 잘 춘다.

Neutral

"살을 빼다"

— To lose fat/weight (the most common idiomatic phrase).

이번 달에 꼭 살을 뺄 거야.

Informal

"살이 찌다"

— To gain fat/weight.

겨울이라 살이 쪘나 봐요.

Informal

"몸을 만들다"

— To work out and get a good physique.

바디 프로필을 위해 몸을 만들고 있어요.

Neutral

"뼈만 남다"

— To be skin and bones (extremely thin).

아프고 나서 뼈만 남았어요.

Informal

"몸이 무겁다"

— To feel sluggish or tired (often not about actual weight).

감기 기운이 있어서 몸이 무겁네요.

Informal

"체중을 싣다"

— To put one's weight into something (like a punch or a step).

펀치에 체중을 실어 보세요.

Neutral

"눈덩이처럼 불어나다"

— To grow like a snowball (can apply to weight).

체중이 눈덩이처럼 불어나서 걱정이에요.

Informal

"고무줄 몸무게"

— Weight that fluctuates easily like a rubber band.

저는 고무줄 몸무게라 관리가 힘들어요.

Slang/Informal

"확찐자"

— A pun on 'confirmed case' (확진자) and 'gained weight' (살이 확 찐 사람), used during COVID-19.

집에만 있었더니 확찐자가 됐어요.

Slang

Easily Confused

체중 vs 몸무게

Both mean body weight.

몸무게 is native and casual; 체중 is Sino-Korean and formal.

친구한테는 '몸무게'라고 하고, 의사 선생님한테는 '체중'이라고 해요.

체중 vs 무게

General word for weight.

You cannot say '사람의 무게' in a natural way; you must use '체중'.

사과의 무게를 재다 (O), 사람의 무게를 재다 (X - use 체중).

체중 vs 질량

Scientific term for mass.

질량 is used in physics; 체중 is used in daily life and health.

달에 가도 질량은 같지만 체중은 변한다.

체중 vs 체격

Both start with '체' (body).

체격 is the physical build/frame; 체중 is the weight.

그는 체격이 좋지만 체중은 많이 나가지 않는다.

체중 vs 비중

Both end with '중' (weight).

비중 means relative importance or specific gravity.

이 프로젝트에서 그의 비중이 크다.

Sentence Patterns

제 체중은 [숫자]입니다.

제 체중은 70kg입니다.

[시간]마다 체중을 재요.

아침마다 체중을 재요.

체중을 줄이기 위해 [활동]을 해요.

체중을 줄이기 위해 수영을 해요.

체중이 [부사] 늘어났어요.

체중이 갑자기 늘어났어요.

체중 관리는 [명사]에 필수적이다.

체중 관리는 건강 유지에 필수적이다.

체중의 변화는 [명사]를 반영한다.

체중의 변화는 신진대사 상태를 반영한다.

체중이 [숫자] 나갑니다.

체중이 65kg 나갑니다.

목표 체중까지 [숫자] 남았다.

목표 체중까지 3kg 남았다.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in health, fitness, and medical domains.

Common Mistakes

이 상자의 체중은 얼마예요? → 이 상자의 무게는 얼마예요?
'체중' is only for living bodies. For boxes or objects, use '무게'.
체중이 50kg 있어요. → 체중이 50kg이에요 / 나가요.
You don't 'have' weight in Korean; you 'are' a weight or it 'goes out'.
제 무게는 60kg입니다. → 제 체중은 60kg입니다.
Using '무게' for yourself sounds like you are an object. Use '체중' or '몸무게'.
체중을 먹다 (to eat weight) → 체중이 늘다 (to gain weight)
English speakers might think of 'consuming' weight, but in Korean, weight 'increases'.
몸무게계 → 체중계
Even though '몸무게' is common, the instrument is always called '체중계'.

Tips

Subject vs Object

Use '체중이 늘다' (subject) when weight increases on its own. Use '체중을 늘리다' (object) when you are intentionally trying to gain weight.

Prefixes

Learn '과-' (over) and '저-' (under) to create '과체중' and '저체중'. This is a very efficient way to expand your vocabulary.

Formal Situations

In interviews or medical forms, always use '체중'. It shows a higher level of education and respect for the context.

Body Image

Be aware that '체중 관리' is a very common topic in Korea. People might talk about it more openly than you are used to.

Aspiration

Make sure to puff out a bit of air when saying the 'ch' in 'che'. If it sounds like 'je', it might be confused with other words.

Scale

The word for scale is always '체중계', not '무게계' or '몸무게계'.

Context Clues

If you hear '킬로그램' (kg), the word '체중' or '몸무게' is almost certainly nearby.

Weight 'Going Out'

Remember the pattern '체중이 많이 나가다'. It literally means 'weight goes out a lot,' but it just means 'to weigh a lot'.

BMI

In Korea, BMI is often discussed in terms of '체질량 지수', but '체중' is the core component people focus on.

Body + Heavy

Just remember: Che = Body, Jung = Heavy. Body-Heavy = Weight.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Che' as 'Chest' (part of the body) and 'Jung' as 'Junk' (too much junk food increases weight).

Visual Association

Imagine a scale (체중계) with a giant letter 'C' for 'Che' on it.

Word Web

Health Scale Kilograms Diet Doctor Muscle Fat Gym

Challenge

Try to find your weight in kilograms and say '제 체중은 [number] 킬로그램입니다' three times today.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja).

Original meaning: 體 (Body) + 重 (Heavy/Weight).

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '체중' or '몸무게' around people you don't know well, as it can still be a sensitive topic despite the cultural directness.

English speakers might find the directness of Koreans regarding weight surprising or offensive.

InBody (the famous Korean body composition analysis company) K-pop 'diet' culture Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (K-drama)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hospital

체중을 재주세요
체중이 줄었어요
정상 체중인가요?
체중 변화가 심해요

At the Gym

체중 감량이 목표예요
체중 조절 식단
중량을 늘리다
체중계가 어디 있죠?

Talking about Diet

체중이 안 빠져요
목표 체중에 도달했어요
체중 유지 비결
요요 없이 체중 감량

Formal Documents

체중 측정 결과
평균 체중 통계
과체중 위험성
체중 관리 지침

Sports Competitions

체중급 결정
체중 맞추기
체중 미달 실격
계체량 통과

Conversation Starters

"요즘 체중 관리를 어떻게 하세요?"

"겨울에는 체중이 늘기 쉬운 것 같아요. 그렇죠?"

"건강을 위해 목표로 하는 체중이 있나요?"

"체중계 숫자에 신경을 많이 쓰는 편이세요?"

"효과적인 체중 감량 방법을 알고 계세요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 나의 체중과 건강 상태에 대해 기록해 보세요.

내가 생각하는 이상적인 체중과 그 이유는 무엇인가요?

체중 관리를 위해 내가 실천하고 있는 습관 세 가지를 써 보세요.

체중이 변했을 때 나의 기분은 어떻게 달라지나요?

한국의 체중 관리 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 적어 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, yes. For animals, you can use '체중' in a veterinary context, but '몸무게' or '무게' is also common. For objects, never use '체중'.

Yes, it's not wrong, but it might sound a bit more serious or clinical than '몸무게'. It's like saying 'body mass' instead of 'weight'.

It is a weighing scale. '체중' (weight) + '계' (meter/instrument).

You can say '체중이 증가했습니다' or '체중이 늘었습니다'.

It means 'overweight.' '과' (excessive) + '체중' (weight).

It means 'standard weight' or 'ideal weight' based on medical charts.

Yes, especially in sports with weight classes like boxing, wrestling, and Taekwondo.

No, that's unnatural. Use '체중이 나가다' or '체중이 [숫자]이다'.

It means weight control or weight management.

Because '체' (體) means 'body' in Hanja. It's the same '체' as in '체력' (physical strength) and '체육' (P.E.).