수영 — meaning in English: swimming

suyeong · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for swimming

금속

geumsog

목욕

mog

생산성

saengsanseong

이혼

ihon

수영

suyeong

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 수영 when discussing leisure activities, fitness regimes, or sports. For example, a friend might say, '이번 주말에 수영하러 갈래?' meaning 'Do you want to go swimming this weekend?' It’s common in settings like conversations at the beach, pool parties, or while making plans for exercise.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 헤엄, which also means 'to swim,' but it often refers specifically to the action of swimming rather than the activity or sport as a whole. Use 수영 when talking about swimming as a sport or leisure activity, while 헤엄 can be used more casually.

Culture

The word 수영 has its roots in the Chinese characters 游泳, which also mean 'swimming.' In South Korea, swimming is not just a recreational activity but also a competitive sport, with numerous local and international competitions held annually. Interestingly, the importance of swimming was underscored in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, which sparked a national interest in aquatic sports.

FAQ

Q.How do you say 'swimming' in Korean?

The word for 'swimming' in Korean is 수영 (suyeong). It's a common term used for both recreational and competitive swimming.

Q.What is the difference between 수영 and 헤엄?

While both words mean 'to swim,' 수영 refers more to the activity or sport of swimming, and 헤엄 is often used to describe the act of swimming itself in a more casual context.

Q.Can 수영 be used in formal situations?

Yes, 수영 is a neutral term, making it suitable for both informal conversations and formal contexts like sports discussions or written reports about swimming.

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