What does 스킨십 (skinship) mean?
- 스킨십skinship
Physical affection
Fine in most situations
스킨십 (skinship) means physical affection or touch in Korean, like holding hands, hugging or kissing. It is a Konglish word you will hear a lot when people talk about dating, and also about parents and children.
Where it comes from
It was made in Korean from the English words "skin" and "-ship," like "friendship." English speakers do not use it this way, so it often confuses learners.
How to use 스킨십
For couples, 스킨십 covers everything from holding hands to kissing. People talk about how fast a couple's 스킨십 is moving, or whether someone is the type who likes a lot of it.
It is not only romantic. Parents are encouraged to give babies lots of 스킨십, and close friends may be described as having a lot of 스킨십 if they hug and link arms.
It is a neutral, everyday word, not crude. You can use it with friends or in polite conversation.
Examples
Tap a word to see what it means and save it to your flashcards.
Asking a new partner gently
Talking about a new relationship
Describing your dating style
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 스킨십이 많다 | To be very touchy-feely | Describes a person or a couple. |
| 스킨십 진도 | How far a couple has gone physically | 진도 means progress. |
| 손잡기 | Holding hands | Often the first step of 스킨십 for a new couple. |
Questions learners ask
Is skinship an English word?
No. It is Konglish, a word made in Korea from English parts. Native English speakers would say "physical affection" or "PDA."
Does skinship mean something sexual?
Not by itself. It covers any affectionate touch, including hugs, holding hands and a parent cuddling a child.