손목

sonmok

The wrist

TOPIK 3

Meaning and Usage

The word '손목' specifically refers to the wrist, the joint connecting the hand and the forearm. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation, especially when talking about body parts, injuries, or accessories like watches and bracelets.

Common Collocations

  • 손목이 아프다: to have wrist pain, often used when describing injury or strain.
  • 손목시계: wristwatch, a very common compound noun.
  • 손목을 보호하다: to protect the wrist, frequently used in sports or exercise contexts.

Usage Notes

'손목' is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When talking about pain or injury, it often appears with verbs like '아프다' (to hurt) or '삐다' (to sprain).

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '손목' with '팔목', but '팔목' is less common and more literary; '손목' is the standard everyday term for the wrist.

Summary

Use '손목' whenever you refer to the wrist in daily conversation, especially when discussing pain, protection during exercise, or wearing accessories like watches and bracelets.

Example Sentences

손목이 아파서 팔찌를 빼야 했어요.

Sonmoki apaseo paljjireul ppaeya haesseoyo.

My wrist hurt, so I had to take off my bracelet.

운동할 때 손목을 보호하는 것이 중요해요.

Undonghal ttae sonmogeul bohohaneun geosi jungyohaeyo.

It's important to protect your wrist when exercising.

손목시계를 차고 출근했어요.

Sonmoksigyereul chago chulgeunhaesseoyo.

I wore a wristwatch and went to work.