It’s important to know how to say the word “clothes” in Korean along with the different Korean vocabulary and phrases related to clothes.
Wearing clothes is a fun part of a person’s daily life which means it can be a majorly important thing in learning Korean vocabulary. Most especially if you want to learn Korean and you like clothes and fashion, then this may be the perfect topic!
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“Clothes” in Korean
The main word for how to say clothes in Korean is 옷 (ot). Whether you are talking about several basic clothing items or just one piece, the word remains the same. However, if you want to emphasize the fact you are speaking of clothes as multiple, you may add the particle 들 (deul) after 옷 (ot), creating the word 옷들 (otdeul). 들 (deul) is simply an expression that there are multiple of the noun it is attached to.
Another word for clothes in Korean is 의복 (uibok). This word is different from 옷 (ot) in that it is used for more official purposes.
Additionally, there is the word 옷차림 (otcharim). This is a good word to use when you want to describe your or someone else’s clothes or style.
How to Remember “Clothes” in Korean
Associations are words, stories, and images that you can use to remember words. To remember 옷 (ot) in English, there are two approaches you can take. You can make an association between the sound and the image. Or even both if that’s easier for you.
For remembering it by sound, what words can you think of in English that sounds like 옷 (ot)? How about if you add the “c” sound to the beginning? It sounds like a “coat” which is a very common piece of clothing!
Word Association for “clothes” in Korean
My favorite piece of clothing is my coat. (옷 – ot | clothes)
You can also use the image of the hangeul for 옷 (ot). It almost looks like a little person, imagine the person is putting on their clothes because they ought to go out.
What association works best for you? Do you have effective ways to remember other words in Korean? Let us know in the comments below!
Clothing Vocabulary in Korean
In this lesson, we have divided the vocabulary into two groups. One group is for nouns, and the other for verbs related to the topic. Below we will introduce you to both.
How to say “clothing” in Korean
In Korean, the word for clothing is 옷 (ot) which is the same term used for “clothes” in Korean. It’s such a simple and short word to remember, and it is the same for both singular and plural use.
Here are some English and Korean words for what people are usually wearing grouped in specific categories.
Tops in Korean
To start off, here are the common Korean words for tops.
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 블라우스 (beullauseu) | Blouse |
| 가디건 (gadigeon) | Cardigan |
| 니트 (niteu) | Knitwear |
| 셔츠 (syeocheu) | Shirt |
| 스웨터 (seuweteo) | Sweater |
| 티셔츠 (tisyeocheu) | T-shirt |
| 탱크톱 (taengkeutop) | Tank top |
| 폴로 (pollo) | Turtleneck |
“Shirt” in Korean
The Korean word for “shirt” – 셔츠 (syeocheu), while you can say 티셔츠 (tisyeocheu) for “t-shirt.”
Bottoms in Korean
These are the Korean words for bottom wear.
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 청바지 (cheongbaji) | Jeans |
| 점프수트 (jeompeusuteu) | Jumpsuit |
| 레깅스 (leginseu) | Leggings |
| 오버롤 (obeorol) | Overalls |
| 바지 (baji) | Pants |
| 반바지 (banbaji) | Shorts |
| 치마 (chima), 스커트 (seukeoteu) | Skirt |
“Pants” in Korean
The Korean word for “pants” is 바지 (baji). If you’re wearing jeans and want to refer to them instead, then you can use the Korean term 청바지 (cheongbaji).
“Shorts” in Korean
Another bottom wear that is commonly worn is 반바지 (banbaji), which means “shorts” in Korean.
Outerwear in Korean
Below is a table that will teach you Korean words if you’d like some layering for your clothes. Koreans wear these often because of the seasons and weather in Korea.
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 코트 (koteu) | Coat |
| 외트 (woeteu) | Overcoat |
| 모피코트 (mopikoteu) | Fur coat |
| 반코트 (bankoteu) | Half-coat |
| 재킷 (jaekit) | Jacket |
| 잠바 (jamba) | Jacket (windbreaker) |
| 가죽코트 (gajukkoteu) | Leather coat |
| 파카 (paka) | Parka |
| 우비 (ubi) | Raincoat |
| 점퍼 (jeompeo) | Windbreaker |
Formal wear in Korean
Here are the Korean words for the clothes that people wear at formal events.
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 드레스 (deureseu) | Dress |
| 원피스 (wonpiseu) | One-piece dress |
| 웨딩드레스 (wedingdeureseu) | Wedding dress |
| 정장 (jeongjang) | Full dress |
| 와이셔츠 (waisyeocheu), 남방셔츠 (nambangsyeocheu) | Dress shirt |
| 양복 (yangbok) | Suit |
| 조끼 (jokki) | Vest |
| 제복 (jebok) | Uniform |
| 교복 (gyobok) | School uniform |
| 작업복 (jakeopbok) | Work uniform |
Footwear in Korean
Below is the Korean vocabulary for the perfect pair crucial in every outfit.
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 부티 (buti) | Ankle boots |
| 부츠 (bucheu) | Boots |
| 구두 (gudu) | Dress shoes |
| 슬리퍼 (seullipeo) | Flip flops |
| 하이힐 (haihil) | High heels |
| 등산화 (deungsanhwa) | Hiking boots |
| 샌들 (saendeul) | Sandals |
| 신발 (sinbal) | Shoes |
| 운동화 (undonghwa) | Sneakers |
| 실내화 (silnaehwa) | Slippers |
| 양말 (yangmal) | Socks |
“Shoes” in Korean
The general term for “shoes” in the Korean language is 신발 (sinbal). On the other hand, the Korean word for “dress shoes” is 구두 (gudu).
Accessories in Korean
To complete the look, here are some Korean words for accessories.
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 가방 (gabang) | Bag |
| 배낭 (baenang) | Backpack |
| 벨트 (belteu) | Belt |
| 허리띠 (heoritti), 혁대 (hyeokdae) | Belt |
| 나비 매듭 (nabi maedeup) | Bow |
| 나비 넥타이 (nabi nektai) | Bow tie |
| 브로치 (beurochi) | Brooch |
| 팔찌 (paljji) | Bracelet |
| 지팡이 (jipangi) | Cane |
| 안경 (angyeong) | Glasses |
| 장갑 (janggap) | Gloves |
| 핸드백 (haendeubaek) | Handbag |
| 모자 (moja) | Hat, cap |
| 머리띠 (meoritti) | Headband |
| 보석 (boseok) | Jewelry |
| 머플러 (meopeulleo) | Muffler |
| 목걸이 (mokgeori) | Necklace |
| 반지 (banji) | Ring |
| 스카프 (seukapeu) | Scarf |
| 스타킹 (seutaking) | Stockings |
| 썬글라스 (sseongeullaseu) | Sunglasses |
| 넥타이 (nektai) | Tie |
| 지갑 (jigap) | Wallet |
| 시계 (sigye) | Watch |
“Hat” in Korean
The Korean word for hat is 모자 (moja). The same word is used for “cap.”
“Glasses” in Korean
If you’re wearing glasses, this is an important word to learn. You can say glasses in Korean as 안경 (angyeong). But you can use the word 썬글라스 (sseongeullaseu) if you specifically mean “sunglasses.”
Other words related to clothing in Korean
Here are more Korean words related to clothes.
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 사각팬티 (sagakpaenti) | Boxers |
| 브라 (beura) | Bra |
| 팬티 (paenti) | Underpants |
| 속옷 (sokot) | Underwear |
| 내옷 (naeot) | Underwear |
| 비키니 (bikini) | Bikini |
| 수영복 (suyeongbok) | Swimsuit |
| 운동복 (undongbok) | Sweatsuit |
| 파자마 (pajama) | Pajamas |
| 가운 (gaun) | Bathrobe |
| 옷장 (otjang) | Wardrobe (closet) |
| 옷가게 (otgage) | Clothing store |
| 휴대품 보관소 (hyudaepum bogwanso) | Cloakroom |
| 단추 (danchu) | Button |
| 천 (cheon) | Cloth |
| 옷깃 (otgit) | Collar |
| 칼라 (kalla) | Collar |
| 고무줄 (gomujul) | Elastic band |
| 주머니 (jumeoni) | |
| 소매 (somae) | Sleeve |
| 긴소매 (ginsomae) | Long sleeved |
| 반소매 (bansomae) | Short sleeved |
| 지퍼 (jipeo) | Zipper |
| 사이즈 (saijeu) | Size |
| 스타일 (seutail) | Style |
| 빨래 집게 (ppallae jipge) | Clothes peg |
| 옷걸이 (otgeori) | Hanger |
| 세탁물 (setakmul) | Laundry |
Now that we’ve covered the nouns, here are some verbs and adjectives in the Korean language related to clothes.
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 입다 (ipda) | To wear clothes |
| 신다 (sinda) | To wear shoes/socks |
| 쓰다 (sseuda) | To wear glasses |
| 벗다 (beotda) | To take off |
| 입어보다 (ibeoboda) | To try on |
| 딱 맞다 (ttak matda) | To fit on right |
| 크다 (keuda) | To be big |
| 작다 (jakda) | To be small |
| 무겁다 (mugeopda) | To be heavy |
| 가볍다 (gabyeopda) | To be light |
| 비싸다 (bissada) | To be expensive |
| 싸다 (ssada) | To be cheap |
| 할인 하다 (harin hada) | To be discounted |
| 낡은 (nalgeun) | Old |
| 새 (sae) | New |
Sample Sentences
Below are sentences with Korean words related to clothes and their meaning in English. You can practice on each example to help you learn better and remember the vocabulary and the Korean language in general.
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 그 드레스는 너무 예뻐요. (geu deureseuneun neomu yeppeoyo.) | That dress is so pretty! |
| 어머, 그 코트는 너무 간지나네요! (eomeo, geu koteuneun neomu ganjinaneyo!) | Wow, your coat is so stylish. |
| 오늘 날씨가 되게 추워서 따뜻한 코트를 입고 있어요. (oneul nalssiga dwoege chuweoseo ttatteuthan koteureul ipgo isseoyo.) | The weather is really cold today so I'm wearing a warm coat. |
| 이 신고싶은 하이힐은 불편하네요. (i singosipeun haihireun bulpyeonhaneyo.) | These high heels I want to wear are uncomfortable. |
| 한달에 보통 의복을 위해서 돈을 얼마나 소비하세요? (handare botong uibogeul wihaeseo doneul eolmana sobihaseyo? ) | How much money do you usually spend on clothes each month? |
| 그 파티에는 어떤 옷을 입을거에요? (geu patieneun eotteon oseul ibeulgeoeyo?) | What kind of clothes will you wear to that party? |
| 압구정에 가면 좋은 의복을 입은 사람들 많이 볼 수 있어요. (apgujeonge gamyeon joeun uibogeul ibeun saramdeul mani bol su isseoyo) | If you go to Apgujeong, you can see many well-dressed people. |
| 난 우리 발리 여행 위해 새로운 옷을 많이 샀어. (nan uri balli yeohaeng wihae saeroun oseul mani sasseo.) | I bought many new clothes for our Bali trip. |
| 미안한데, 벌써 옷을 벗어서 오늘 다시 밖으로 못 갈 것 같아. (mianhande, beolsseo oseul beoseoseo oneul dasi bakkeuro mot gal geot gata.) | I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can go out again today since I have already taken off my clothes. |
Wrap Up
With the lessons you’ve learned so far, you can already shop for clothes through Korean online malls street shops. You can also describe your outfit or appreciate your friends’. Whenever you’re dressing up, you can also review these words you just learned! If you’d like to know more about the usual fashion scene in Korea, here’s where to go!
Was this Korean language vocabulary fun and easy or hard to learn? Let us know in the comments!
thankyou so much… it’s really helpful
You’re welcome, Riddhima! We are glad you find our article helpful. ^^