At the A1 level, you only need to know that '울퉁불퉁하다' means 'bumpy.' Imagine a road that is not smooth. This word describes that road. In Korean, we have many words that sound like what they describe. 'Ul-tung' and 'bul-tung' sound like jumping up and down. You can use it for very simple things. For example, 'The road is bumpy' is '길이 울퉁불퉁해요.' You might use it when you are in a car and it is shaking. You can also use it for a potato. A potato is not round and smooth like an apple; it is '울퉁불퉁.' Just remember the sound 'ultung-bultung' and think of a bumpy surface. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just use it with '해요' at the end to be polite. It's a fun word to say and easy to remember because of the repeating sounds. Even at this basic level, using a word like this makes your Korean sound very natural because Koreans love using these types of 'sound-effect' words in daily life.
At the A2 level, you can start using '울퉁불퉁하다' in more descriptive ways. You should know how to change it to describe a noun, which is '울퉁불퉁한.' For example, 'a bumpy road' is '울퉁불퉁한 길.' You can use it to describe nature, like '울퉁불퉁한 바위' (a bumpy/rugged rock) or '울퉁불퉁한 나무' (a bumpy tree). You might also use it to describe why something is difficult. 'The road was bumpy, so my head hurts' would be '길이 울퉁불퉁해서 머리가 아파요.' At this level, you should also start to notice the difference between this word and '매끄럽다' (smooth). If something is not '매끄럽다,' it might be '울퉁불퉁하다.' You can also use it to describe things you make. If you are making something with clay and it’s not perfect, you can say '울퉁불퉁해요.' It's a useful word for giving simple feedback or describing your surroundings during a trip. Try to use it whenever you see a surface that isn't flat and smooth.
At the B1 level, you should understand the nuances of '울퉁불퉁하다' compared to other similar words. You should be able to use it to describe more specific situations, like skin texture or muscle definition. For instance, if someone has a very muscular body, you can say '근육이 울퉁불퉁해요.' This isn't necessarily a bad thing; it describes the prominent shape of the muscles. You should also be comfortable using the past tense '울퉁불퉁했어요' and the future/supposition '울퉁불퉁할 것 같아요' (It looks like it will be bumpy). You might encounter this word in reading passages about geography or traditional Korean crafts. For example, a description of a handmade '옹기' (Korean earthenware) might mention its '울퉁불퉁한' surface as a sign of its natural beauty. You should also be aware of the adverbial form '울퉁불퉁하게,' which means 'bumpily' or 'unevenly.' For example, 'He cut the bread unevenly' could be '빵을 울퉁불퉁하게 잘랐어요.' This level requires you to integrate the word into more complex sentence structures using various connectors like '-지만' (but) or '-는데' (and/but).
At the B2 level, you can explore the metaphorical and literary uses of '울퉁불퉁하다.' While its primary meaning remains physical, it can be used to describe an 'uneven' or 'rugged' life path. For example, '그의 인생은 울퉁불퉁한 길과 같았다' (His life was like a bumpy road). You should also be able to distinguish it clearly from '거칠다' (rough/coarse) and '들쑥날쑥하다' (irregular/inconsistent). '거칠다' is more about the friction or the quality of a surface (like dry skin or a rough sea), while '울퉁불퉁하다' is strictly about the physical bumps. You might see this word in literature to create a strong visual image of a character's rugged face or a weathered landscape. At this level, you should also be able to use it in formal contexts, such as describing a construction site or a geological survey. For example, '지면이 울퉁불퉁하여 공사가 지연되고 있습니다' (Construction is being delayed because the ground is uneven). Your ability to use this word in both literal and figurative senses will show a high degree of fluency.
At the C1 level, you should have a masterly grasp of '울퉁불퉁하다' and its place within the vast system of Korean mimetic words. You should understand how the phonetic structure—specifically the 'u' vowels—contributes to a sense of 'heaviness' or 'largeness' in the bumps, compared to words like '오돌토돌하다' (odol-todol-hada), which uses 'o' vowels to describe smaller, finer bumps like a rash or sand. You should be able to use '울퉁불퉁하다' in academic or professional discussions about aesthetics, urban planning, or dermatology. For instance, you might discuss the 'aesthetic of imperfection' in traditional Korean art, where '울퉁불퉁한 선' (uneven lines) are valued over perfect symmetry. You should also be able to recognize and use it in idiomatic or highly creative ways in writing. Your understanding should include the word's ability to evoke a specific atmosphere—perhaps one of ruggedness, naturalness, or even discomfort—depending on the context. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are using it to add color and precision to your speech and writing.
At the C2 level, you should be able to analyze the word '울퉁불퉁하다' from a linguistic and cultural perspective. This includes understanding its etymological roots as a mimetic word and how it functions as a 'sensory adjective' in the Korean language. You should be able to use it in high-level literary analysis, perhaps discussing how an author uses '울퉁불퉁한 문체' (a rugged/uneven writing style) to reflect a character's inner turmoil. You should also be aware of regional variations or older forms of the word that might appear in historical texts. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, knowing exactly when '울퉁불퉁하다' provides the perfect phonetic and semantic fit for a description. You might even use it to describe abstract concepts in philosophy or sociology, such as an 'uneven distribution' of resources, though more formal terms exist, using this word can provide a powerful, grounded metaphor. Your mastery involves a deep appreciation for the 'texture' the word brings to the Korean language.

울퉁불퉁하다 em 30 segundos

  • Describes uneven surfaces with physical bumps.
  • Commonly used for roads, nature, and skin.
  • A mimetic word where the sound reflects the meaning.
  • Can be used positively for muscles or negatively for discomfort.

The Korean adjective 울퉁불퉁하다 (ultung-bultung-hada) is a vivid, descriptive word that captures the physical sensation of unevenness. To an English speaker, it is most closely translated as 'bumpy,' 'rugged,' or 'uneven.' It belongs to a unique category of Korean words known as ideophones or mimetic words (uitaeo), which are designed to phonetically mimic the visual or tactile sensation they describe. The sound of the word itself—with its repetitive and alternating vowels—suggests a rhythmic rise and fall, much like the surface of a cobblestone street or a mountain path.

Physical Surfaces
The most common application of this word is to describe physical terrain. If you are driving on a road full of potholes or an unpaved country lane, you would describe it as 울퉁불퉁한 길 (a bumpy road). It is the standard way to describe the surface of a potato, the bark of an old tree, or the rugged exterior of a rock.

시골 길은 울퉁불퉁해서 자전거를 타기 힘들어요. (The country road is bumpy, so it is hard to ride a bicycle.)

Human Body and Health
In the context of the human body, it can describe skin texture, such as acne scars or cellulite. However, it is also used positively in the fitness world to describe 'bulging' or 'rippling' muscles. A bodybuilder’s physique might be described as 울퉁불퉁한 근육, highlighting the prominent, uneven peaks of well-developed muscles.

Beyond the physical, Koreans occasionally use this word metaphorically to describe a 'bumpy' or difficult life path. Just as a car shakes on an uneven road, a person’s life might face many ups and downs, leading to the expression 울퉁불퉁한 인생. Understanding this word requires more than just a definition; it requires an appreciation for how Korean speakers use sound to paint a picture of the world's physical imperfections.

Using 울퉁불퉁하다 correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective (descriptive verb) in Korean grammar. Because it ends in '-하다', it follows standard conjugation patterns. When you want to describe a noun directly, you change it to the adnominal form 울퉁불퉁한. For example, 'a bumpy road' becomes 울퉁불퉁한 길.

Conjugation Examples
Present Tense (Polite): 울퉁불퉁해요
Past Tense (Polite): 울퉁불퉁했어요
Adnominal (Noun-modifying): 울퉁불퉁한
Adverbial: 울퉁불퉁하게

얼굴에 여드름이 나서 피부가 울퉁불퉁해 보였어요. (Because of the acne on my face, my skin looked bumpy.)

When describing the cause of a situation, the form 울퉁불퉁해서 (because it is bumpy) is frequently used. This is common when explaining why a journey was uncomfortable or why a piece of furniture is unstable. If you are describing the process of something becoming bumpy, you use the auxiliary verb pattern -아/어지다, resulting in 울퉁불퉁해지다 (to become bumpy).

Common Sentence Patterns
1. [Noun]이/가 울퉁불퉁하다 (The [Noun] is bumpy).
2. 울퉁불퉁한 [Noun] (Bumpy [Noun]).
3. 울퉁불퉁하게 [Verb] ([Verb] bumpily/unevenly).

In professional contexts, such as civil engineering or dermatology, the word remains the same, though it might be paired with more technical nouns. For example, 울퉁불퉁한 지형 (uneven terrain) or 울퉁불퉁한 표면 (uneven surface). The versatility of this word allows it to transition seamlessly from a child describing a toy to a scientist describing the surface of an asteroid.

You will encounter 울퉁불퉁하다 in a variety of real-life settings in Korea, ranging from daily conversations to media reports. One of the most common places is during travel or commuting. If you are taking a bus through a mountainous region or a rural village, you might hear passengers complaining about the 울퉁불퉁한 길. In fact, many older Koreans associate this word with the 'old days' before most roads were paved with smooth asphalt.

이 등산로는 돌이 많아서 아주 울퉁불퉁하네요. (This hiking trail has many rocks, so it's very rugged/bumpy.)

In the grocery store or at a traditional market (sijang), you might hear people use this word to describe the quality of produce. Interestingly, in Korea, some 'ugly' or 울퉁불퉁한 vegetables like certain varieties of pumpkins or potatoes are prized for their organic, home-grown quality. A vendor might say, 'It looks bumpy, but it tastes the best!'

Media and Entertainment
In K-Dramas, you might hear this word used humorously to describe a character's face if they have a lot of swelling or a very rugged, masculine appearance. In variety shows, it's often used when celebrities participate in outdoor challenges involving difficult terrain. In children's songs and stories, it's a staple word used to describe the features of monsters (dokkaebi) or the bumpy shell of a turtle.

Finally, in the context of interior design or art, 울퉁불퉁하다 is used to describe textures in pottery, paintings, or traditional crafts. The 'imperfection' of an uneven surface is often seen as a sign of handmade authenticity, contrasting with the '매끄러운' (smooth) finish of industrial products.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using 울퉁불퉁하다 is confusing it with other 'roughness' words. Korean has a very rich vocabulary for textures, and using the wrong one can change your meaning entirely. The most common confusion is with 거칠다 (geochilda).

울퉁불퉁하다 vs. 거칠다
Use 울퉁불퉁하다 when there are physical bumps or hills/valleys on a surface. Use 거칠다 when the surface feels abrasive or dry, like sandpaper or chapped hands. You wouldn't say your hands are '울퉁불퉁' unless you have literal large bumps on them!

Mistake: 길이 거칠어서 차가 흔들려요. (X)
Correct: 길이 울퉁불퉁해서 차가 흔들려요. (O)

Another error involves the size of the bumps. If you are describing tiny, sand-like bumps or a slight rash, 오돌토돌하다 is a better choice. 울퉁불퉁하다 implies larger, more noticeable protrusions. Using it for a tiny skin rash might sound like an exaggeration to a native speaker.

Lastly, remember that 울퉁불퉁하다 is primarily an adjective. Beginners often try to use the root '울퉁불퉁' as a standalone noun, but in most cases, it needs the '-하다' suffix to function correctly in a sentence. While '울퉁불퉁' can act as an adverb in specific poetic contexts, '울퉁불퉁하다' is the safe and standard choice for learners.

To truly master the concept of 'unevenness' in Korean, it's helpful to compare 울퉁불퉁하다 with its linguistic cousins. Each word carries a slightly different nuance that can make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

1. 들쑥날쑥하다 (Deulssuk-nalssuk-hada)
This word describes something that is uneven in terms of height, length, or frequency—like a row of teeth that aren't straight or a graph with wild fluctuations. While '울퉁불퉁' is about a surface, '들쑥날쑥' is about consistency and alignment.
2. 험하다 (Heom-hada)
Often translated as 'rugged' or 'rough,' this word implies danger or difficulty. A '험한 산' is a mountain that is steep and hard to climb. '울퉁불퉁한 산' would specifically mean the ground itself has many bumps.

Comparison:
1. 길이 울퉁불퉁해요 (The road is bumpy - physical texture).
2. 성격이 거칠어요 (The personality is rough - metaphorical texture).
3. 길이 험해요 (The road is dangerous/rugged - safety/difficulty).

For the opposite of 울퉁불퉁하다, you have two main choices. 매끄럽다 (mae-ggeu-reop-da) means 'smooth' or 'slick,' like ice or a polished table. 평평하다 (pyeong-pyeong-hada) means 'flat' or 'level,' like a well-paved parking lot. Choosing between these depends on whether you are emphasizing the lack of bumps (평평하다) or the silky feel of the surface (매끄럽다).

By learning these distinctions, you move from simply 'knowing a word' to 'understanding a concept.' Korean is a language that celebrates these sensory details, and being able to pick the right kind of 'rough' or 'smooth' will greatly impress native speakers.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In Korean, mimetic words often use vowel harmony. Dark vowels like 'u' (ㅜ) suggest larger, heavier bumps, while bright vowels like 'o' (ㅗ) would suggest smaller, lighter bumps.

Guia de pronúncia

UK ul.tʰuŋ.bul.tʰuŋ.ɦa.da
US ul.tʰuŋ.bul.tʰuŋ.hɑ.də
The stress is relatively even, but the first syllable of each block (UL-tung, BUL-tung) gets a slight emphasis.
Rima com
뒤숭숭하다 (dwisungsunghada) 어리둥절하다 (eoridungjeolhada) 울긋불긋하다 (ulgeutbulgeuthada) 들쑥날쑥하다 (deulssuknalssukhada) 싱숭생숭하다 (singsungsaengsunghada) 미적지근하다 (mijeokjigeunhada) 시무룩하다 (simurukhada) 어리숙하다 (eorisukhada)
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing it as 'oltong-boltong'. Ensure the 'u' sound is deep.
  • Missing the aspiration on the 't' (tʰ) sound.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its repetitive structure.

Escrita 3/5

Requires remembering the specific mimetic spelling.

Expressão oral 2/5

Fun to say and rhythmic.

Audição 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

길 (road) 피부 (skin) 하다 (to do/be) 거칠다 (rough)

Aprenda a seguir

오돌토돌하다 (slightly bumpy) 들쑥날쑥하다 (irregular) 매끄럽다 (smooth)

Avançado

울퉁불퉁함 (bumpiness) 비포장도로 (unpaved road) 질감 (texture)

Gramática essencial

Mimetic Words (의태어)

울퉁불퉁, 반짝반짝, 쫄깃쫄깃

Adjective to Noun (-함)

울퉁불퉁함 (Bumpiness)

Adjective to Adverb (-하게)

울퉁불퉁하게 (Bumpily)

Becoming form (-아/어지다)

울퉁불퉁해지다 (To become bumpy)

Expressing Reason (-아서/어서)

길이 울퉁불퉁해서 불편해요.

Exemplos por nível

1

길이 울퉁불퉁해요.

The road is bumpy.

Simple present tense with -해요.

2

감자가 울퉁불퉁해요.

The potato is bumpy.

Subject + Adjective.

3

이 공은 울퉁불퉁해요.

This ball is bumpy.

Demonstrative '이' + Noun.

4

방바닥이 울퉁불퉁해요.

The room floor is uneven.

Noun + Subject particle -이.

5

길이 울퉁불퉁해서 무서워요.

The road is bumpy, so I am scared.

Reason connector -해서.

6

울퉁불퉁한 길이에요.

It is a bumpy road.

Adnominal form -한 + Noun + -이에요.

7

내 장난감은 울퉁불퉁해요.

My toy is bumpy.

Possessive '내' + Noun.

8

사과가 울퉁불퉁해요.

The apple is bumpy.

Simple description.

1

울퉁불퉁한 길을 걸었어요.

I walked on a bumpy road.

Past tense of '걷다' (walk).

2

이 나무는 껍질이 울퉁불퉁해요.

This tree has bumpy bark.

Topic-Subject structure.

3

길이 울퉁불퉁해서 자전거를 못 타요.

The road is bumpy, so I can't ride a bike.

Negative '못' + Verb.

4

얼굴이 왜 이렇게 울퉁불퉁해요?

Why is your face so bumpy (swollen)?

Interrogative '왜' (why).

5

울퉁불퉁한 돌을 주웠어요.

I picked up a bumpy stone.

Object particle -을.

6

길이 울퉁불퉁하니까 조심하세요.

The road is bumpy, so please be careful.

Reason connector -(으)니까.

7

이 수박은 표면이 울퉁불퉁해요.

This watermelon has an uneven surface.

Noun '표면' (surface).

8

그림의 표면이 울퉁불퉁해요.

The surface of the painting is bumpy.

Possessive '의'.

1

운동을 많이 해서 근육이 울퉁불퉁해요.

I worked out a lot, so my muscles are rippling/bumpy.

Positive use for muscles.

2

길이 너무 울퉁불퉁해서 멀미가 나요.

The road is so bumpy that I feel motion sick.

Adverb '너무' (too/very).

3

벽을 울퉁불퉁하게 칠했어요.

I painted the wall unevenly.

Adverbial form -하게.

4

이 신발은 바닥이 울퉁불퉁해서 안 미끄러워요.

These shoes have bumpy soles, so they aren't slippery.

Negative adjective '안 미끄럽다'.

5

피부가 울퉁불퉁해지는 게 고민이에요.

I'm worried about my skin becoming bumpy.

Becoming form -해지다.

6

울퉁불퉁한 길을 지나야 마을이 나와요.

You have to pass the bumpy road to reach the village.

Necessity connector -아야.

7

포장되지 않은 길은 대개 울퉁불퉁합니다.

Unpaved roads are usually bumpy.

Formal ending -습니다.

8

그의 손은 울퉁불퉁하고 거칠었다.

His hands were bumpy and rough.

Connector -고 (and).

1

인생은 울퉁불퉁한 길을 가는 것과 같다.

Life is like traveling on a bumpy road.

Metaphorical usage.

2

달의 표면은 아주 울퉁불퉁합니다.

The surface of the moon is very rugged/bumpy.

Scientific context.

3

울퉁불퉁한 지형 때문에 건물을 짓기 힘들어요.

It's hard to build a house because of the uneven terrain.

Noun '지형' (terrain).

4

반죽이 울퉁불퉁하지 않게 잘 펴 주세요.

Please spread the dough well so it's not bumpy.

Negative '지 않게'.

5

그 작가는 울퉁불퉁한 질감을 잘 살려요.

That artist makes good use of bumpy textures.

Noun '질감' (texture).

6

오래된 고택의 서들보가 울퉁불퉁하다.

The beams of the old traditional house are rugged/uneven.

Traditional architecture context.

7

빙판길이 얼어서 울퉁불퉁해졌어요.

The icy road froze and became bumpy.

Compound noun '빙판길'.

8

타이어가 마모되어 표면이 울퉁불퉁합니다.

The tire is worn out, so the surface is uneven.

Technical context.

1

자연스러운 미를 강조하기 위해 울퉁불퉁한 선을 사용했다.

Uneven lines were used to emphasize natural beauty.

Aesthetic terminology.

2

세월의 흔적이 고스란히 담긴 울퉁불퉁한 노인의 손.

The bumpy hands of the elderly man, carrying the traces of time.

Poetic description.

3

비포장도로의 울퉁불퉁함이 차체에 진동을 전달했다.

The bumpiness of the unpaved road transmitted vibrations to the car body.

4

그의 얼굴은 울퉁불퉁하지만 따뜻한 미소를 지었다.

His face was rugged, but he wore a warm smile.

Contrastive description.

5

도심의 보도블록이 울퉁불퉁해서 걷기가 불편하다.

The sidewalk blocks in the city center are uneven, making it uncomfortable to walk.

Social issue context.

6

세포의 표면이 울퉁불퉁하게 변하는 현상을 관찰했다.

We observed the phenomenon where the cell surface changes to become bumpy.

Scientific observation.

7

울퉁불퉁한 바위틈 사이로 작은 꽃이 피어 있었다.

A small flower was blooming between the cracks of the rugged rocks.

Literary imagery.

8

이 가죽은 인위적이지 않은 울퉁불퉁한 무늬가 특징입니다.

This leather is characterized by its non-artificial, bumpy pattern.

Product description.

1

역사의 울퉁불퉁한 굴곡을 헤쳐온 민족의 강인함.

The strength of a people who have navigated the bumpy curves of history.

Abstract metaphorical use.

2

작가는 매끄러운 서사보다는 울퉁불퉁한 진실을 택했다.

The author chose the bumpy truth over a smooth narrative.

Literary criticism.

3

지각 변동으로 인해 해저 지형이 울퉁불퉁하게 솟아올랐다.

Due to crustal movements, the seabed terrain rose up unevenly.

Geological terminology.

4

그의 문체는 울퉁불퉁하면서도 묘한 리듬감을 지니고 있다.

His writing style is rugged yet possesses a strange sense of rhythm.

Style analysis.

5

경제 발전의 울퉁불퉁한 과정을 면밀히 분석해야 한다.

We must closely analyze the uneven process of economic development.

Socio-economic context.

6

울퉁불퉁한 옹기의 표면은 숨을 쉬는 구멍이 된다.

The uneven surface of the Onggi (earthenware) becomes holes for breathing.

Cultural/Scientific explanation.

7

고난과 역경으로 점철된 울퉁불퉁한 삶의 궤적.

A bumpy life trajectory riddled with hardships and adversity.

Advanced vocabulary '점철된', '궤적'.

8

인공적인 매끄러움보다는 자연의 울퉁불퉁함이 주는 편안함.

The comfort provided by nature's unevenness rather than artificial smoothness.

Philosophical contrast.

Colocações comuns

울퉁불퉁한 길
피부가 울퉁불퉁하다
근육이 울퉁불퉁하다
표면이 울퉁불퉁하다
울퉁불퉁한 지형
울퉁불퉁하게 썰다
바닥이 울퉁불퉁하다
울퉁불퉁한 돌
울퉁불퉁한 나무껍질
울퉁불퉁한 감자

Frases Comuns

울퉁불퉁한 인생

— A difficult life with many ups and downs.

그는 울퉁불퉁한 인생을 살아왔다.

울퉁불퉁해지다

— To become bumpy or uneven.

길이 얼어서 울퉁불퉁해졌다.

울퉁불퉁한 얼굴

— A face that is swollen or has a very rugged appearance.

잠을 못 자서 얼굴이 울퉁불퉁하다.

울퉁불퉁한 길을 걷다

— To go through a difficult process or period.

우리는 그동안 울퉁불퉁한 길을 걸어왔다.

피부결이 울퉁불퉁하다

— The texture of the skin is uneven.

피부결이 울퉁불퉁해서 화장이 안 받아요.

울퉁불퉁한 근육질

— A very muscular, 'ripped' physique.

그는 울퉁불퉁한 근육질 몸매를 가졌다.

울퉁불퉁한 산길

— A rugged mountain path.

울퉁불퉁한 산길을 따라 올라갔다.

울퉁불퉁한 표면 처리

— Intentional uneven surface finishing in art.

이 도자기는 울퉁불퉁한 표면 처리가 특징이다.

울퉁불퉁한 비포장도로

— A bumpy unpaved road.

울퉁불퉁한 비포장도로를 달리느라 힘들었다.

울퉁불퉁한 돌길

— A bumpy stone path.

울퉁불퉁한 돌길은 걷기 불편하다.

Frequentemente confundido com

울퉁불퉁하다 vs 거칠다

'거칠다' is for abrasive texture; '울퉁불퉁하다' is for physical bumps.

울퉁불퉁하다 vs 험하다

'험하다' implies danger or difficulty; '울퉁불퉁하다' is just about the surface shape.

울퉁불퉁하다 vs 들쑥날쑥하다

'들쑥날쑥하다' is for inconsistency in height or sequence.

Expressões idiomáticas

"울퉁불퉁한 길을 가다"

— To face many hardships in life or a project.

그 사업은 처음부터 울퉁불퉁한 길을 갔다.

Metaphorical
"울퉁불퉁한 가슴"

— Sometimes used to describe a heart full of suppressed emotions or scars.

그의 울퉁불퉁한 가슴속에는 슬픔이 가득했다.

Literary
"울퉁불퉁한 손마디"

— Symbolizes a life of hard physical labor.

어머니의 울퉁불퉁한 손마디를 보니 눈물이 났다.

Literary
"울퉁불퉁한 세상"

— The harsh, unpredictable world.

이 울퉁불퉁한 세상에서 살아남기 힘들다.

Metaphorical
"울퉁불퉁한 맛"

— A rustic, handmade taste (often positive).

이 빵은 울퉁불퉁한 맛이 매력이다.

Creative/Colloquial
"울퉁불퉁한 성격"

— A person with a difficult or unpredictable temperament.

그의 울퉁불퉁한 성격 때문에 친구가 없다.

Metaphorical
"울퉁불퉁한 꿈"

— A dream that is difficult to achieve or has many obstacles.

그는 울퉁불퉁한 꿈을 포기하지 않았다.

Poetic
"울퉁불퉁한 말"

— Rough or unrefined speech.

그의 입에서 울퉁불퉁한 말이 튀어나왔다.

Metaphorical
"울퉁불퉁한 세월"

— Rough times in the past.

울퉁불퉁한 세월을 견뎌낸 할머니.

Literary
"울퉁불퉁한 인연"

— A complicated or difficult relationship.

우리는 참 울퉁불퉁한 인연이다.

Metaphorical

Fácil de confundir

울퉁불퉁하다 vs 오돌토돌하다

Both describe bumps.

'오돌토돌' is for tiny bumps (rash, goosebumps); '울퉁불퉁' is for large bumps.

소름이 오돌토돌 돋았어요. vs 길이 울퉁불퉁해요.

울퉁불퉁하다 vs 거칠다

Both describe a lack of smoothness.

'거칠다' is like sandpaper; '울퉁불퉁' is like a rocky road.

손이 거칠어요. vs 길이 울퉁불퉁해요.

울퉁불퉁하다 vs 험하다

Both can describe mountain paths.

'험하다' means dangerous/steep; '울퉁불퉁' means bumpy/uneven.

산이 험해요. vs 길이 울퉁불퉁해요.

울퉁불퉁하다 vs 투박하다

Both describe unrefined surfaces.

'투박하다' is about being crude or chunky; '울퉁불퉁' is about being bumpy.

그릇이 투박해요. vs 표면이 울퉁불퉁해요.

울퉁불퉁하다 vs 까칠하다

Both describe rough textures.

'까칠하다' is for dry/prickly skin or a cranky personality.

피부가 까칠해요.

Padrões de frases

A1

[Noun]이/가 울퉁불퉁해요.

길이 울퉁불퉁해요.

A2

울퉁불퉁한 [Noun]

울퉁불퉁한 돌을 봤어요.

B1

[Noun]이/가 울퉁불퉁해서 [Result].

길이 울퉁불퉁해서 배가 아파요.

B1

[Noun]이/가 울퉁불퉁해졌어요.

피부가 울퉁불퉁해졌어요.

B2

울퉁불퉁하게 [Verb].

벽을 울퉁불퉁하게 만들었어요.

C1

[Noun]의 울퉁불퉁함

지형의 울퉁불퉁함이 특징이다.

C1

울퉁불퉁한 [Abstract Noun]

울퉁불퉁한 인생을 살다.

C2

[Noun]이/가 울퉁불퉁하면서도 [Contrast].

표면이 울퉁불퉁하면서도 부드럽다.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

울퉁불퉁 (The state of being bumpy)
울퉁불퉁함 (Bumpiness)

Verbos

울퉁불퉁해지다 (To become bumpy)

Adjetivos

울퉁불퉁하다 (To be bumpy)

Relacionado

오돌토돌하다 (to be slightly bumpy)
들쑥날쑥하다 (to be uneven)
험하다 (to be rugged)
거칠다 (to be rough)
투박하다 (to be crude/rough)

Como usar

frequency

High (Daily conversation, literature, geography).

Erros comuns
  • 길이 거칠어요. (to mean bumpy) 길이 울퉁불퉁해요.

    '거칠다' means rough like sandpaper, not bumpy like a road.

  • 울퉁불퉁 길 울퉁불퉁한 길

    You need the adnominal form '-한' to modify a noun.

  • 올퉁볼퉁하다 울퉁불퉁하다

    The standard mimetic form uses 'u' (ㅜ) vowels.

  • 얼굴이 울퉁불퉁해요. (for a tiny pimple) 얼굴에 오돌토돌하게 뭐가 났어요.

    '울퉁불퉁' is for large bumps; '오돌토돌' is for small ones.

  • 울퉁불퉁해요 (for a winding path) 구불구불해요.

    '울퉁불퉁' is up/down bumps; '구불구불' is left/right curves.

Dicas

Choose the right bump size

Use '울퉁불퉁' for big bumps (roads, rocks) and '오돌토돌' for small ones (rashes).

Adjective vs Adverb

Remember to add '-하다' to make it an adjective and '-하게' to make it an adverb.

Appreciate the sound

Korean mimetic words are all about the 'feel' of the sound. 'Ul-tung-bul-tung' sounds like a bumpy ride!

Learn the opposites

Learning '매끄럽다' (smooth) and '평평하다' (flat) alongside this word will help you master descriptions.

Rhythmic pronunciation

Say it with a bit of a bounce to mirror the meaning of the word.

Metaphorical use

Try using it to describe a 'bumpy journey' in your Korean essays.

Identify in context

When you hear someone talking about a road and sounding annoyed, listen for '울퉁불퉁'.

Visualizing the 'U'

The 'U' vowel (ㅜ) looks like a dip, which matches the idea of an uneven surface.

Geography terms

This is a great word for describing the mountainous terrain of the Korean peninsula.

Avoid '거칠다' for bumps

Don't say '거칠다' when you mean there are physical hills and valleys on a surface.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'UL-tung' as 'UP-tung' and 'BUL-tung' as 'BUMP-tung'. It sounds like a car going over bumps: ul-tung bul-tung!

Associação visual

Imagine a potato with many eyes or a rocky mountain road. Visualizing the 'u' shape (ㅜ) as a dip can help.

Word Web

Road Potato Muscle Acne Mountain Rock Uneven Texture

Desafio

Try to find three things in your room that are '울퉁불퉁하다' and describe them in Korean.

Origem da palavra

Mimetic root '울퉁' (protruding) + '불퉁' (sunken/irregular).

Significado original: Describing a surface that is not level.

Koreanic (Native Korean ideophone).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using it to describe someone's skin or face, as it can be seen as pointing out flaws unless in a medical or humorous context.

English speakers might just say 'rough,' but '울퉁불퉁하다' is more specific to physical shape.

The children's song '울퉁불퉁 멋진 몸매에' (Bumpy, cool body) about a tomato. Traditional Dokkaebi stories.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Driving/Travel

  • 길이 울퉁불퉁해요 (The road is bumpy)
  • 멀미가 나요 (I feel sick)
  • 천천히 가세요 (Go slowly)
  • 비포장도로예요 (It's an unpaved road)

Skincare

  • 피부가 울퉁불퉁해요 (My skin is uneven)
  • 여드름이 났어요 (I got acne)
  • 화장이 안 받아요 (Makeup doesn't apply well)
  • 피부결을 정리해요 (Smooth out skin texture)

Nature/Hiking

  • 바위가 울퉁불퉁해요 (The rock is bumpy)
  • 등산화가 필요해요 (I need hiking boots)
  • 길이 험해요 (The path is rugged)
  • 조심해서 걸으세요 (Walk carefully)

Cooking

  • 감자가 울퉁불퉁해요 (The potato is bumpy)
  • 껍질을 깎아요 (Peel the skin)
  • 모양이 안 예뻐요 (The shape isn't pretty)
  • 잘 썰어주세요 (Slice it well)

Gym/Fitness

  • 근육이 울퉁불퉁해요 (Muscles are rippling)
  • 운동을 많이 했어요 (I worked out a lot)
  • 몸이 좋아요 (Your body is good)
  • 힘이 세 보여요 (You look strong)

Iniciadores de conversa

"이 길 왜 이렇게 울퉁불퉁해요? (Why is this road so bumpy?)"

"피부가 좀 울퉁불퉁해진 것 같지 않아요? (Don't you think my skin has become a bit uneven?)"

"울퉁불퉁한 감자로 요리하면 더 맛있을까요? (Do you think it tastes better if we cook with bumpy potatoes?)"

"근육이 울퉁불퉁한 사람을 보면 어떤 생각이 들어요? (What do you think when you see someone with rippling muscles?)"

"이 그림의 울퉁불퉁한 질감이 마음에 드세요? (Do you like the bumpy texture of this painting?)"

Temas para diário

오늘 울퉁불퉁한 길을 걸어본 적이 있나요? 어땠나요? (Have you walked on a bumpy road today? How was it?)

내 인생에서 가장 울퉁불퉁했던 시기는 언제였나요? (When was the 'bumpiest' period in your life?)

자연의 울퉁불퉁함이 아름답다고 생각하나요? (Do you think nature's unevenness is beautiful?)

울퉁불퉁한 표면을 가진 물건 세 가지를 묘사해 보세요. (Describe three objects with bumpy surfaces.)

매끄러운 길과 울퉁불퉁한 길 중 어느 쪽을 더 좋아하나요? (Do you prefer smooth roads or bumpy roads?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Yes, but it's metaphorical. It means their life or personality has many 'bumps' or difficulties. However, '성격이 거칠다' (rough personality) is more common.

Not necessarily. In fitness, '울퉁불퉁한 근육' (rippling muscles) is positive. In art, it can describe a natural, handmade texture.

'올퉁볼퉁' is a variation with 'bright' vowels, suggesting smaller or lighter bumps, but it's much less common than '울퉁불퉁'.

You use the '-아/어지다' form: '길이 울퉁불퉁해졌어요.'

No, for a wrinkled shirt, use '구겨지다'. '울퉁불퉁하다' is for solid bumps.

Only if you are describing swelling, severe acne scars, or a very rugged look. Be careful as it can be offensive.

It is '울퉁불퉁하게'.

No, for a winding road, use '구불구불하다'.

Generally no, unless the liquid is semi-solid or frozen (like bumpy ice).

Yes, to describe terrain or surface conditions in engineering or science.

Teste-se 200 perguntas

writing

Translate: 'The road is bumpy.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'I don't like bumpy potatoes.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'My skin became bumpy because of acne.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'Please be careful because the road is bumpy.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'He has rippling muscles.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'The surface of the moon is rugged.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'Life is a bumpy road.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'I walked on a bumpy stone path.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'The wall was painted unevenly.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'The unpaved road was very bumpy.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'Why is this rock so bumpy?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'I prefer smooth surfaces over bumpy ones.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'The car shook on the bumpy road.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'Traditional jars have a bumpy texture.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'The terrain here is very uneven.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'My head hurts because the road was bumpy.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'She has bumpy hands from hard work.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'The artist expressed the bumpy texture.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'Is the road to the village bumpy?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'The frozen road is bumpy.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Describe a bumpy road in Korean.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell someone to be careful on a bumpy path.

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speaking

Say that your skin became bumpy.

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speaking

Explain why a car is shaking.

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speaking

Describe a muscular person.

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speaking

Ask why a potato is bumpy.

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speaking

Say that a surface is smooth, not bumpy.

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speaking

Describe the surface of a rock.

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speaking

Say that a life path is bumpy.

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speaking

Talk about a bumpy mountain trail.

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speaking

Say that you painted something unevenly.

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speaking

Explain that a shoe is not slippery because of its bumpy sole.

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speaking

Describe an old tree's bark.

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speaking

Say that the dough is bumpy.

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speaking

Ask if the road to the village is bumpy.

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speaking

Say that you picked up a bumpy stone.

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speaking

Describe the moon's surface.

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speaking

Say that the floor is uneven.

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speaking

Say that the construction site is bumpy.

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speaking

Describe a goblin's club.

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listening

(Audio: 길이 울퉁불퉁해요.) What is being described?

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listening

(Audio: 피부가 울퉁불퉁해졌어요.) What happened to the skin?

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listening

(Audio: 근육이 울퉁불퉁하네요.) What is the speaker noticing?

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listening

(Audio: 울퉁불퉁한 감자를 샀어요.) What did the speaker buy?

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listening

(Audio: 길이 울퉁불퉁하니까 천천히 가세요.) What is the advice?

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listening

(Audio: 표면이 울퉁불퉁해서 깎기 힘들어요.) Why is it hard to peel/cut?

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listening

(Audio: 울퉁불퉁한 산길을 걸었어요.) Where did the speaker walk?

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listening

(Audio: 인생은 울퉁불퉁한 여행이에요.) What is life compared to?

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listening

(Audio: 바닥이 울퉁불퉁해서 의자가 흔들려요.) Why is the chair shaking?

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listening

(Audio: 울퉁불퉁한 돌을 던졌어요.) What did the speaker throw?

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listening

(Audio: 비포장도로는 울퉁불퉁합니다.) What is said about unpaved roads?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

(Audio: 피부결이 울퉁불퉁해요.) What part of the skin is bumpy?

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listening

(Audio: 울퉁불퉁하게 썰지 마세요.) What is the instruction?

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listening

(Audio: 이 나무껍질은 울퉁불퉁해요.) What is bumpy?

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listening

(Audio: 달 표면은 울퉁불퉁해요.) What is being described?

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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