Master Taekwondo: Essential Korean Vocabulary for Beginners

By Citra

Apr 29, 2025

In Martial Arts & Culture

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Taekwondo, the Korean martial art known for its dynamic kicking techniques and emphasis on discipline, offers more than just physical training. Delving into the Korean language opens a deeper understanding of its history, philosophy, and techniques. This article provides a comprehensive guide to essential Korean vocabulary for Taekwondo beginners, enhancing your training experience and connection to this powerful art.

Why Learn Korean for Taekwondo?

Understanding the Korean language used in Taekwondo enhances your overall experience in a multitude of ways. Not only will you gain a deeper appreciation for the art's heritage, but you'll also improve your comprehension of instructions, connect better with your instructors and fellow practitioners, and unlock the subtleties often lost in translation. It's about immersing yourself fully in the tradition.

Deeper Understanding and Appreciation

Learning the origin of the techniques will give more meaning. For example, understanding the origin of the stance, striking, and blocking will motivate you to learn more.

Improved Communication

When you understand the instructor is saying, it will make you follow the training better.

Core Taekwondo Terminology: Stances (Seogi)

Stances form the foundation of all Taekwondo movements, providing stability and power. Here are some essential stances you'll encounter, along with their Korean names:

• Charyeot Seogi (차렷 서기): Attention Stance. Feet together, hands at your sides. This is the standard starting position for many exercises and forms.
• Joonbi Seogi (준비 서기): Ready Stance. Feet shoulder-width apart, hands in front of the body, ready for action. This stance prepares you to respond quickly to any situation.
• Ap Seogi (앞 서기): Forward Stance. One foot forward, knee bent, the other foot back, leg straight. Used for advancing and attacking.
• Ap Kubi Seogi (앞 굽이 서기): Long Stance. A longer version of Ap Seogi, providing greater stability and power in forward movements.
• Dwit Kubi Seogi (뒷 굽이 서기): Back Stance. One foot forward, angled slightly, the other foot back, knee bent. Primarily used for defense and counter-attacks.
• Beom Seogi (범 서기): Tiger Stance. Similar to Dwit Kubi, but with the weight more heavily on the back leg. Emphasizes balance and agility.

Practicing these stances and memorizing their Korean names will significantly improve your technique and understanding.

Basic Korean Commands: Essential Instructions

During training, your instructor will use Korean commands to guide you through exercises and techniques. Familiarizing yourself with these commands is crucial for effective participation.

• Charyeot (차렷): Attention. Stand at attention.
• Gyeong-rye (경례): Bow. Show respect to the instructor and your fellow practitioners.
• Joonbi (준비): Ready. Get into the ready stance.
• Sijak (시작): Start. Begin the exercise or technique.
• Geuman (그만): Stop. Cease the exercise or technique.
• Baro (바로): Return. Return to the starting position.
• Swieo (쉬어): Rest. Relax and take a break.
• Kihap (기합): Shout. A vocalization of energy, used to focus power during strikes and blocks.

Learning these commands will allow you to respond quickly and accurately to your instructor's instructions.

Essential Korean Vocabulary: Kicks (Chagi)

Kicks are a defining characteristic of Taekwondo. Knowing the Korean names for different kicks will enhance your understanding and execution.

• Ap Chagi (앞 차기): Front Kick. A straight kick targeting the front of the opponent.
• Dollyeo Chagi (돌려 차기): Roundhouse Kick. A circular kick targeting the side of the opponent.
• Yeop Chagi (옆 차기): Side Kick. A powerful linear kick targeting the side of the opponent.
• Bandal Chagi (반달 차기): Crescent Kick. An arcing kick that sweeps inward or outward.
• Huryeo Chagi (후려 차기): Hook Kick. A hooking kick that strikes with the heel.
• Dwit Chagi (뒤 차기): Back Kick. A kick delivered backward, targeting an opponent behind you.
• Dwit Huryeo Chagi (뒤 후려 차기): Back Hook Kick. A combination of a back kick and a hook kick.
• Narae Chagi (나래 차기): Double Kick. Two kicks performed simultaneously, often targeting different levels.

Understanding the nuances of each kick's Korean name can provide insights into its technique and purpose. For instance, Dollyeo suggests a rotating motion, while Yeop signifies a lateral direction.

Strikes and Blocks in Korean: Hand Techniques (Jireugi & Makgi)

While Taekwondo is known for its kicks, hand techniques (strikes and blocks) are also important. Learning the Korean terminology helps you understand their applications.

Strikes (Jireugi)

• Jireugi (지르기): Punch. A straight punch, the most basic hand strike.
• Momtong Jireugi (몸통 지르기): Middle Punch. A punch to the midsection.
• Eolgul Jireugi (얼굴 지르기): Face Punch. A punch to the face.
• Chigi (치기): Strike. A general term for various hand strikes, including hammer fist, knife hand strike, and others.
• Sonnal Chigi (손날 치기): Knife Hand Strike. A strike using the edge of the hand.
• Palkup Chigi (팔굽 치기): Elbow Strike. A strike using the elbow.

Blocks (Makgi)

• Makgi (막기): Block. A general term for defensive techniques.
• Are Makgi (아래 막기): Low Block. A block used to defend against attacks to the lower body.
• Momtong Makgi (몸통 막기): Middle Block. A block used to defend against attacks to the midsection.
• Eolgul Makgi (얼굴 막기): High Block. A block used to defend against attacks to the head.
• Bakat Makgi (바깥 막기): Outward Block. A block that moves outward to deflect an attack.
• An Makgi (안 막기): Inward Block. A block that moves inward to deflect an attack.

Counting in Korean: Numbers (Sutja)

Numbers are used frequently in Taekwondo for counting repetitions, sets, and patterns. Learning the Korean numbers will help you follow instructions and participate more effectively in training.

Here are the numbers 1 through 10 in Korean, using both the Sino-Korean and Native Korean systems:

| Number | Sino-Korean | Native Korean | Pronunciation (Sino) | Pronunciation (Native) | |---|---|---|---|---| | 1 | Il (일) | Hana (하나) | Il | Ha-na | | 2 | I (이) | Dul (둘) | Ee | Dool | | 3 | Sam (삼) | Set (셋) | Sahm | Sett | | 4 | Sa (사) | Net (넷) | Sah | Nett | | 5 | O (오) | Daseot (다섯) | Oh | Da-seot | | 6 | Yuk (육) | Yeoseot (여섯) | Yook | Yeo-seot | | 7 | Chil (칠) | Ilgop (일곱) | Chill | Il-gop | | 8 | Pal (팔) | Yeodeol (여덟) | Pal | Yeo-deol | | 9 | Gu (구) | Ahop (아홉) | Goo | A-hop | | 10 | Sip (십) | Yeol (열) | Ship | Yeol |

Generally, the Sino-Korean system is used for counting repetitions during exercise, while the Native Korean system is often used for age and other general counting purposes. Your instructor will likely use the Sino-Korean system for most training exercises.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Korean Vocabulary

As you progress in Taekwondo, you'll encounter more specialized vocabulary. These terms often relate to specific techniques, forms (Poomsae), and philosophical concepts.

• Poomsae (품새): Form. A sequence of movements that simulates combat against multiple opponents.
• Gyeorugi (겨루기): Sparring. Free fighting against an opponent.
• Kyokpa (격파): Breaking. The act of breaking boards or other materials to demonstrate power and technique.
• Dobok (도복): Uniform. The traditional Taekwondo uniform.
• Dojeang (도장): Training Hall. The place where Taekwondo is practiced.
• Sabeom (사범): Instructor. A qualified Taekwondo instructor.
• Kwanjangnim (관장님): Head Instructor/Master. The head of the Taekwondo school.

Learning these terms will deepen your understanding of Taekwondo culture and history.

Tips for Learning Korean Vocabulary

Learning a new language takes time and effort. Here are some tips to help you learn Korean vocabulary for Taekwondo effectively:

• Start with the basics: Focus on the essential stances, commands, and kicks first.
• Use flashcards: Create flashcards with the Korean word on one side and the English translation on the other.
• Practice regularly: Dedicate a few minutes each day to reviewing vocabulary.
• Listen to Korean: Watch Taekwondo videos or listen to Korean music to familiarize yourself with the sounds of the language.
• Ask your instructor: Don't be afraid to ask your instructor for clarification or help with pronunciation.
• Immerse yourself: If possible, try to immerse yourself in Korean culture by watching Korean movies, TV shows, or visiting Korean restaurants.
• Use online resources: There are many online resources available to help you learn Korean, including websites, apps, and online courses.
• Practice with a partner: Find a training partner who is also interested in learning Korean and practice together.

Conclusion: Embracing the Korean Language in Taekwondo

Learning Korean vocabulary for Taekwondo is a rewarding journey that enhances your understanding, appreciation, and skill in this dynamic martial art. By mastering essential terms, commands, and concepts, you'll connect more deeply with the art's rich heritage and improve your communication with instructors and fellow practitioners. So, embrace the challenge, dedicate yourself to learning, and unlock a new dimension of Taekwondo training! Understanding Korean in Taekwondo will not only set you apart, but also connect you to its origin.