온도 in 30 Seconds
- 온도 (Ondo) means temperature and is used for air, water, and bodies.
- It is measured in Celsius in Korea and uses the counter '도' (degree).
- Common verbs include 높다 (high), 낮다 (low), and 조절하다 (adjust).
- Specific terms like 기온 (air) and 체온 (body) are often used instead.
The Korean word 온도 (Ondo) is a fundamental noun that translates directly to 'temperature' in English. It is derived from the Hanja characters 溫 (온 - warm) and 度 (도 - degree/measure). At its core, it refers to the numerical measurement of how hot or cold an object, environment, or substance is. In Korea, the standard unit for measuring 온도 is Celsius (섭씨), unlike the Fahrenheit system used in the United States. Understanding 온도 is essential for daily life in Korea, from checking the weather forecast to setting the floor heating (Ondol) in your apartment.
- Scientific Context
- In a scientific sense, 온도 represents the average kinetic energy of particles within a system. When you say '온도가 높다' (the temperature is high), you are essentially saying the particles are moving faster.
- Daily Usage
- In everyday conversation, it covers everything from the setting on your air conditioner to the heat of your coffee or the fever you might have when sick.
- Metaphorical Warmth
- Interestingly, Koreans often use 온도 metaphorically to describe the 'warmth' of a person's heart or the atmosphere of a meeting, though words like '분위기' (atmosphere) are more common for the latter.
'여름에는 실내 온도를 26도로 유지하는 것이 좋습니다.' (In summer, it is good to maintain the indoor temperature at 26 degrees.)
Historically, the concept of temperature in Korea was deeply tied to the seasons and agriculture. Before modern thermometers, people relied on the 24 solar terms (절기) to estimate the '온도' of the coming weeks. Today, digital displays of 온도 are ubiquitous in Korean subways, buses, and public squares, reflecting the nation's obsession with precision and technology. Whether you are adjusting the water for your tea or discussing global warming (지구 온난화), '온도' is the indispensable term you will use.
'이 국은 온도가 딱 적당해서 먹기 좋아요.' (This soup's temperature is just right, so it's good to eat.)
Furthermore, the word '온도' is often paired with specific prefixes to denote the type of temperature being discussed. For instance, '기온' (air temperature), '수온' (water temperature), and '체온' (body temperature) are all specific subsets of the general concept of '온도'. Learning these variations will significantly boost your fluency. In academic papers, you might encounter '절대 온도' (absolute temperature) or '임계 온도' (critical temperature), showing how the word scales from basic survival to advanced physics.
'지구의 평균 온도가 계속 상승하고 있습니다.' (The Earth's average temperature is continuing to rise.)
Using 온도 correctly involves pairing it with the right verbs and particles. Since it is a noun, it often acts as the subject or object of a sentence. The most common adjectives used with it are 높다 (high) and 낮다 (low). Unlike English, where we might say the temperature is 'hot' or 'cold', in Korean, the temperature itself is 'high' or 'low'.
- Subjective Usage: 온도가 높아요 (The temperature is high).
- Objective Usage: 온도를 낮추세요 (Please lower the temperature).
- Change of State: 온도가 올라가요 (The temperature is going up).
Common Verb Pairings
- - 조절하다 (to adjust)
- - 유지하다 (to maintain)
- - 측정하다 (to measure)
- - 감지하다 (to sense/detect)
Common Adverbs
- - 급격히 (suddenly/sharply)
- - 서서히 (gradually)
- - 적정 (appropriate/optimal)
- - 평균 (average)
When you want to specify what kind of temperature you are talking about, you can use compound words. For example, if you are talking about the air outside, 기온 (Gion) is more natural. If you are talking about a person's health, 체온 (Cheon) is the correct term. However, 온도 remains the safe, general-purpose word for all these contexts.
'요리할 때 기름의 온도를 체크하는 것이 중요합니다.' (It is important to check the temperature of the oil when cooking.)
In formal settings, such as scientific reports or weather broadcasts, you will hear '온도' used with technical suffixes like '-도' (degree). For example, '영상 10도' (10 degrees above zero) or '영하 5도' (5 degrees below zero). Note that Koreans use the metric system, so 20 degrees is a pleasant spring day, not freezing!
You will encounter the word 온도 in various environments across South Korea. From the moment you wake up and check your smartphone to the time you adjust your electric blanket at night, this word is everywhere.
Weather Forecasts (일기예보)
This is the most common place. News anchors will discuss the '최고 온도' (highest temperature) and '최저 온도' (lowest temperature) of the day. You'll hear phrases like '낮 기온이 크게 오르겠습니다' (Daytime air temperature will rise significantly).
Kitchens and Restaurants
In cooking shows or recipes, you'll hear about the '적정 온도' (optimal temperature) for frying chicken or brewing coffee. Baristas often talk about the '추출 온도' (extraction temperature) of espresso.
Public Transportation
In summer, passengers might complain to the bus driver: '기사님, 실내 온도가 너무 높아요. 에어컨 좀 더 세게 틀어주세요.' (Driver, the indoor temperature is too high. Please turn the AC up.)
Hospitals and Pharmacies
When you have a cold, the doctor will check your '체온' (body temperature). They might say, '온도가 높네요. 해열제를 처방해 드릴게요.' (Your temperature is high. I'll prescribe some fever reducers.)
In modern smart homes, AI speakers like Kakao Mini or NUGU are frequently asked, '헤이 카카오, 지금 거실 온도 몇 도야?' (Hey Kakao, what's the living room temperature now?). This shows how the word has transitioned from a scientific term to a core part of the digital lifestyle in Korea.
Even intermediate learners often stumble when using 온도. Here are the most frequent pitfalls to avoid to ensure you sound like a native speaker.
- 1. Confusing '온도' with '날씨'
- Learners often say '오늘 날씨가 30도예요' (Today's weather is 30 degrees). While understandable, it's more accurate to say '오늘 기온이 30도예요' or '오늘 온도가 30도예요'. Weather is the state of the atmosphere; temperature is the measurement.
- 2. Using '덥다/춥다' for the word '온도'
- You should not say '온도가 더워요' (The temperature is hot). Instead, use '온도가 높아요' (The temperature is high). '덥다' and '춥다' are adjectives used for how a person feels or the state of the environment, not for the numerical value of temperature.
- 3. Misusing '기온' vs. '온도'
- '기온' specifically refers to air temperature. You cannot use '기온' for the temperature of your soup or your body. Use '온도' or '체온' instead. Using '기온' for soup would sound very strange to a Korean ear.
Korean has several words related to heat and measurement. Distinguishing between them will help you express yourself more precisely.
| Word | Hanja | Meaning | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 온도 (Ondo) | 溫度 | Temperature (General) | Anything: water, air, metal, body. |
| 기온 (Gion) | 氣溫 | Air Temperature | Weather, climate, outside air. |
| 체온 (Cheon) | 體溫 | Body Temperature | Humans and animals, health. |
| 수온 (Suon) | 水溫 | Water Temperature | Pools, oceans, cooking water. |
| 열 (Yeol) | 熱 | Heat / Fever | Energy or having a fever. |
While 온도 is the measure, 열 is the energy itself. For example, '열이 나요' means 'I have a fever' (literally: heat is coming out), whereas '체온이 높아요' means 'My body temperature is high'. Similarly, '기온' is used exclusively for the atmosphere. If you're talking about the temperature inside a room, you can use either '실내 온도' or '실내 기온', but '실내 온도' is more common for HVAC settings.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Sino-Korean Numbers (for degrees)
Adjective conjugation (높다/낮다)
~아/어서 (reasoning)
~기 때문에 (because of)
~ㄹ/을 때 (when)
Examples by Level
오늘 온도가 높아요.
Today the temperature is high.
온도 (subject) + 가 (particle) + 높아요 (adjective).
온도가 몇 도예요?
What is the temperature?
몇 도 (how many degrees) is the standard way to ask for the value.
온도가 낮아요. 추워요.
The temperature is low. It's cold.
낮아요 is the opposite of 높아요.
방 온도가 따뜻해요.
The room temperature is warm.
방 (room) + 온도 (temperature).
물 온도가 어때요?
How is the water temperature?
어때요 asks for an opinion or state.
온도가 20도예요.
The temperature is 20 degrees.
도 is the counter for degrees.
지금 온도를 봐요.
Look at the temperature now.
온도를 (object) + 봐요 (verb).
온도가 올라가요.
The temperature is going up.
올라가다 means to ascend.
에어컨으로 온도를 조절해요.
I adjust the temperature with the air conditioner.
~으로 indicates the tool/means.
요리할 때 온도가 중요해요.
Temperature is important when cooking.
~할 때 means 'when doing'.
실내 온도를 24도로 맞추세요.
Set the indoor temperature to 24 degrees.
맞추다 means to set or adjust to a target.
밖의 온도가 너무 낮아서 나가지 마세요.
The temperature outside is too low, so don't go out.
~아서 (reason) + ~지 마세요 (prohibition).
커피 온도가 너무 뜨거워요.
The coffee temperature is too hot.
뜨겁다 is the adjective for 'hot' to the touch.
냉장고 온도를 확인하세요.
Check the refrigerator temperature.
확인하다 means to check/verify.
온도가 내려가면 옷을 입으세요.
If the temperature goes down, put on clothes.
~면 indicates a condition (if).
적정 온도를 유지하는 것이 좋아요.
It is good to maintain the proper temperature.
~하는 것 (nominalizer) + 이 좋아요.
갑작스러운 온도 변화에 주의하세요.
Be careful of sudden temperature changes.
갑작스러운 (sudden) modifies 변화 (change).
이 식물은 일정한 온도가 필요합니다.
This plant needs a constant temperature.
일정한 means constant or consistent.
체온이 높으면 병원에 가야 해요.
If your body temperature is high, you must go to the hospital.
체온 is specific to body heat.
지구의 온도가 매년 조금씩 오르고 있어요.
The Earth's temperature is rising a little every year.
~고 있다 indicates a continuing action.
수온이 낮아서 수영하기 힘들어요.
The water temperature is low, so it's hard to swim.
수온 is specific to water.
온도 조절 장치가 고장 났어요.
The temperature control device is broken.
장치 means device/apparatus.
실험실의 온도를 엄격하게 관리합니다.
The laboratory temperature is strictly managed.
엄격하게 means strictly.
평균 온도가 작년보다 높습니다.
The average temperature is higher than last year.
~보다 is used for comparison.
온도 상승은 생태계에 큰 영향을 미칩니다.
The rise in temperature has a great impact on the ecosystem.
영향을 미치다 is a set phrase for 'to have an effect'.
금속의 종류에 따라 녹는 온도가 다릅니다.
The melting temperature varies depending on the type of metal.
~에 따라 means 'depending on'.
대기 온도가 낮아지면 수증기가 응결됩니다.
When the atmospheric temperature drops, water vapor condenses.
대기 (atmosphere) + 응결 (condensation).
적정 보관 온도를 지키지 않으면 음식이 상해요.
If you don't keep the proper storage temperature, food spoils.
상하다 means to go bad/spoil.
온도 센서가 실시간으로 데이터를 전송합니다.
The temperature sensor transmits data in real-time.
실시간 (real-time) + 전송 (transmission).
산업 현장에서는 온도를 정밀하게 제어해야 합니다.
In industrial sites, temperature must be precisely controlled.
정밀하게 means precisely.
온도 차이가 심할 때는 감기에 걸리기 쉽습니다.
When the temperature difference is severe, it's easy to catch a cold.
차이 (difference) + 심하다 (severe).
태양의 표면 온도는 약 6,000도에 달합니다.
The sun's surface temperature reaches about 6,000 degrees.
~에 달하다 means 'to reach/amount to'.
지구 온난화 억제를 위해 온도 상승 폭을 제한해야 한다.
To suppress global warming, the range of temperature increase must be limited.
상승 폭 refers to the 'width' or 'range' of the increase.
반도체 공정에서 온도는 수율에 결정적인 변수이다.
In semiconductor processing, temperature is a critical variable for yield.
결정적인 (decisive/critical) + 변수 (variable).
이 물질은 특정 온도 이상에서 초전도 현상을 보입니다.
This material exhibits superconductivity above a certain temperature.
초전도 현상 (superconductivity phenomenon).
도시 열섬 현상으로 인해 도심 온도가 주변보다 높다.
Due to the urban heat island effect, downtown temperatures are higher than the surroundings.
열섬 현상 (heat island effect).
효소의 활성은 온도에 매우 민감하게 반응합니다.
Enzyme activity reacts very sensitively to temperature.
민감하게 (sensitively) + 반응하다 (react).
온도 구배가 클수록 열 전달 속도가 빨라집니다.
The larger the temperature gradient, the faster the heat transfer rate.
온도 구배 (temperature gradient).
심해의 온도는 계절에 상관없이 거의 일정하게 유지된다.
Deep-sea temperatures remain almost constant regardless of the season.
~에 상관없이 means 'regardless of'.
와인의 풍미를 살리기 위해서는 서빙 온도가 중요하다.
To bring out the flavor of wine, the serving temperature is important.
풍미 (flavor/aroma) + 살리다 (to bring to life).
절대 영도에 가까워질수록 분자의 운동은 정지 상태에 수렴한다.
As it approaches absolute zero, molecular motion converges to a state of rest.
수렴하다 (to converge) is a highly academic term.
온도 변화에 따른 엔트로피의 증가는 열역학 제2법칙의 핵심이다.
The increase in entropy according to temperature change is the core of the second law of thermodynamics.
열역학 (thermodynamics).
고고학적 연대 측정에서 온도 이력은 중요한 분석 데이터가 된다.
In archaeological dating, temperature history becomes important analytical data.
이력 (history/record) in a technical sense.
극저온 환경에서의 물질 거동은 고전 물리학의 예측을 벗어난다.
Material behavior in cryogenic environments deviates from the predictions of classical physics.
거동 (behavior/movement) used for inanimate objects in science.
기후 모델링에서 해수면 온도(SST)는 기상 예측의 정밀도를 좌우한다.
In climate modeling, Sea Surface Temperature (SST) determines the precision of weather forecasts.
좌우하다 (to influence/determine).
작가는 소설 속에서 인물 간의 심리적 온도를 섬세하게 묘사했다.
The author delicately depicted the psychological temperature between characters in the novel.
심리적 온도 (psychological temperature) is a metaphorical use.
항온 항습 장치는 정밀 기기의 오작동을 방지하는 데 필수적이다.
Constant temperature and humidity devices are essential for preventing malfunctions in precision instruments.
항온 (constant temperature) + 항습 (constant humidity).
단열재의 성능은 온도 구배에 따른 열관류율로 평가된다.
The performance of insulation materials is evaluated by the thermal transmittance according to the temperature gradient.
열관류율 (thermal transmittance).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Specific to air/weather temperature.
Refers to the overall weather (rain, wind, etc.), not just the numerical temperature.
Refers to heat energy or a fever, not the measured degree.
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
Word Family
Related
How to Use It
Always Celsius. If talking to an American, you might need to specify '섭씨' (Celsius).
In very casual speech, people might just say '도' (e.g., '오늘 30도래' - They say it's 30 degrees today).
Use '온도' for general things, '기온' for weather, '체온' for people.
- Using '덥다/춥다' to describe the noun '온도'.
- Confusing '기온' (air) with '체온' (body).
- Forgetting to use Sino-Korean numbers with '도'.
- Saying '온도가 많아요' instead of '온도가 높아요'.
- Using '날씨' when specifically referring to the degree of heat.
Tips
Specific Terms
Learn 기온, 체온, and 수온 early. Using them correctly makes you sound much more advanced than just using '온도' for everything.
High/Low
Always pair '온도' with '높다' (high) or '낮다' (low). Never use '크다' (big) or '작다' (small) for temperature values.
Ondol Awareness
In winter, if a Korean asks if you are 'warm', they are often referring to the floor temperature. It's a unique part of Korean living.
Weather Reports
Listen for '최고 기온' (highest temp) and '최저 기온' (lowest temp) in daily news to practice hearing numbers and '도'.
Asking for Adjustments
Use '온도 좀 조절해 주실래요?' (Could you adjust the temperature?) in taxis or restaurants if you are uncomfortable.
Scientific Writing
In reports, '온도' is often followed by '상승' (rise) or '하강' (fall) instead of just '높다/낮다'.
Celsius Conversion
Remember that 20-25°C is comfortable, 30°C+ is hot, and below 0°C is freezing.
Fever Talk
If you have a fever, say '열이 나요' (I have a fever) rather than '제 온도가 높아요'.
Oil Temp
When frying, Koreans check if the '기름 온도' (oil temperature) is right by dropping a bit of batter.
Hanja Power
Knowing that '온' (溫) means warm helps you understand words like '온천' (hot spring) and '온실' (greenhouse).
Memorize It
Word Origin
Sino-Korean (Hanja)
Cultural Context
Traditional Korean floor heating that influences how people perceive indoor warmth.
Korea exclusively uses Celsius. 0 is freezing, 100 is boiling.
Public places often keep temperatures at 26°C to save electricity.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"오늘 온도가 몇 도인지 알아요?"
"실내 온도가 너무 낮지 않아요?"
"요리할 때 오븐 온도를 얼마로 맞춰야 해요?"
"한국의 여름 온도는 보통 어느 정도예요?"
"어제보다 온도가 많이 내려갔죠?"
Journal Prompts
오늘의 온도를 기록하고 날씨에 대해 써 보세요.
내가 가장 좋아하는 실내 온도는 몇 도인가요? 그 이유는?
지구 온도가 계속 올라가면 어떤 일이 생길까요?
온도가 너무 높아서 힘들었던 경험을 써 보세요.
겨울철 적정 온도를 유지하는 나만의 방법을 공유해 보세요.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions온도 is the general term for temperature (water, oil, body). 기온 is specifically for air temperature in weather contexts.
You say '영하 5도' (Yeong-ha o-do).
No, you should say '온도가 높아요' (The temperature is high) or '날씨가 더워요' (The weather is hot).
Normal body temperature (체온) is around 36.5도.
You can say '온도를 좀 낮춰 주세요' (Please lower the temperature).
Yes, but you must specify '화씨' (Fahrenheit) because '도' defaults to Celsius in Korea.
It means 'appropriate' or 'optimal' temperature.
You can say '실내 온도' or '실온'.
영하 means below zero (sub-zero), and 영상 means above zero.
Both come from the same Hanja '度', meaning 'measure' or 'degree'.
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Summary
온도 is a versatile noun for 'temperature'. While it is the general term, remember to use '기온' for weather and '체온' for health to sound more like a native speaker. Always use '높다/낮다' (high/low) rather than '덥다/춥다' (hot/cold) when describing the value itself.
- 온도 (Ondo) means temperature and is used for air, water, and bodies.
- It is measured in Celsius in Korea and uses the counter '도' (degree).
- Common verbs include 높다 (high), 낮다 (low), and 조절하다 (adjust).
- Specific terms like 기온 (air) and 체온 (body) are often used instead.
Specific Terms
Learn 기온, 체온, and 수온 early. Using them correctly makes you sound much more advanced than just using '온도' for everything.
High/Low
Always pair '온도' with '높다' (high) or '낮다' (low). Never use '크다' (big) or '작다' (small) for temperature values.
Ondol Awareness
In winter, if a Korean asks if you are 'warm', they are often referring to the floor temperature. It's a unique part of Korean living.
Weather Reports
Listen for '최고 기온' (highest temp) and '최저 기온' (lowest temp) in daily news to practice hearing numbers and '도'.
Example
오늘의 온도는 25도입니다.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More general words
몇몇
A2An unspecified small number of; some or a few.
조금
A1A little/a bit
적게
A1A little / Few
약간
A2A little; slightly; somewhat.
많이
A1A lot/much
잠시
A2For a moment; briefly.
잠깐
A2For a short time; a moment.
아까
A2A little while ago, earlier.
대해
A2About, concerning.
~에 대해서
A2Concerning or regarding a particular subject; about.
