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[Learn Korean Day 13] Getting Dressed: 15 Clothing Words & The 5 "Wearing" Verbs


[Learn Korean Day 13] Getting Dressed: 15 Clothing Words & The 5 "Wearing" Verbs

Korean clothing vocabulary and the 5 specific wearing verbs guide.

Hello, Korean learners! Welcome back to Day 13 with Instructor Soona.


In English, getting dressed is easy. You "put on" your shirt, you "put on" your shoes, and you "wear" a hat. But in Korean, if you say you "put on" your shoes using the verb for shirts, it sounds very strange!

Why? Because the Korean language uses different action verbs depending on WHICH body part you are dressing.

Today, we will learn 15 essential vocabulary words for clothes and accessories, neatly categorized by the 5 specific "wearing" verbs you must know.


Let’s dive right in!



1. The Body (몸): 입다 [ip-da]


For any clothing that covers your main body (torso and legs), use the verb 입다.


1. 옷 [ot] - Clothes (General)


2. 바지 [ba-ji] - Pants / Trousers


3. 치마 [chi-ma] - Skirt


4. 셔츠 [syeo-cheu] - Shirt


5. 코트 [ko-teu] - Coat


Usage: 바지를 입어요. (I wear pants.)



2. The Feet (발): 신다 [sin-da]


For anything that goes on your feet, from socks to boots, use the verb 신다.


6. 신발 [sin-bal] - Shoes (General)


7. 양말 [yang-mal] - Socks


8. 운동화 [un-dong-hwa] - Sneakers / Sports shoes


Usage: 양말을 신어요. (I wear socks.)



3. The Head & Face (머리와 얼굴): 쓰다 [sseu-da]


For items placed on top of your head or resting on your face, use the verb 쓰다.


9. 모자 [mo-ja] - Hat / Cap


10. 안경 [an-gyeong] - Glasses


11. 우산 [u-san] - Umbrella (Yes, you "wear" an umbrella over your head in Korean!)


Usage: 안경을 써요. (I wear glasses.)



4. The Hands (손): 끼다 [kki-da]


For items that fit snugly tightly onto your hands or fingers, use the verb 끼다 (to insert/fit tightly).


12. 장갑 [jang-gap] - Gloves


13. 반지 [ban-ji] - Ring

Usage: 반지를 껴요. (I wear a ring.)



5. The Wrists (손목): 차다 [cha-da]


For accessories that you fasten or wrap around your wrist, use the verb 차다.


14. 시계 [si-gye] - Watch / Clock


15. 팔찌 [pal-jji] - Bracelet


Usage: 시계를 차요. (I wear a watch.)



6. Soona's Culture Tip: Why so many verbs?


You might be thinking, "Why does Korean have to make this so complicated?"

The Korean language is highly descriptive and visual. Instead of focusing on the end result (being dressed), Korean verbs describe the physical action required to put the item on.


  • 입다: The action of pulling fabric over your body.

  • 신다: The action of sliding your foot into something.

  • 쓰다: The action of placing something over or on top of your head.

  • 끼다: The action of sliding something into a tight space (like a finger into a ring).


Once you imagine the physical movement, choosing the right verb becomes much more logical and fun!



7. Mini Pop Quiz!


Let’s test your matching skills.


Q1. You are about to go outside and need to put on your SHOES (신발). Which verb should you use?

A) 입다 B) 신다 C) 쓰다


Q2. You want to tell someone you are wearing a HAT (모자). Which sentence is correct?

A) 모자를 써요. B) 모자를 입어요. C) 모자를 껴요.


(Answers at the bottom of the page!)



Ready to actually SPEAK these words?


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Quiz Answers: Q1 (B - 신다 is for feet), Q2 (A - 쓰다 is for head/face)

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