이발소
ibalso[ˈi(ː)ba̠ɭs͈o̞]
The English phrase barbershop is translated into Korean as 이발소 (ibalso). Wiktionary also lists 미장원 (mijang'won) and 리발소 (ribalso).
Meaning: barber’s shop (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 이발소 | ibalso | [ˈi(ː)ba̠ɭs͈o̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 미장원 | mijang'won | [ˈmi(ː)d͡ʑa̠ŋwʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 리발소 | ribalso | North Korea |
The word 이발소 is used to refer to a traditional barbershop, usually tailored for male customers.
Which one should you use?
이발소 typically refers to a traditional barbershop often catering to men, whereas 미장원 refers more generally to a hair salon or beauty parlor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North Korea, the spelling 리발소 is used.
How do you pronounce it?
ibalso
Did you know?
- The word 이발소 contains the character 理, which means 'to manage' or 'to reason'. In this context, it implies 'managing' or 'arranging' the hair rather than just cutting it.
- In Korean culture, visiting an 이발소 is often associated with the 'military cut', a very short style required for conscripts.
- While 이발소 is for traditional haircuts, many modern Koreans use the English loanword 'hair shop' (헤어샵) to describe trendy salons, making 이발소 feel nostalgically old-fashioned.
Examples in context
- 이발소에 가거라.Go to the barbershop.Tatoeba #9383668 by HappyMidnight, translation #949998 by CK
- 저는 근처에 좋은 이발소를 찾고 있습니다.I am looking for a good barbershop nearby.
- 저기, 좋은 이발관 알려주세요!Excuse me, could you tell me a good barbershop?
- 이발소는 어디에 있어요?ibalso-neun eodi-e isseoyo?Where is the barbershop?
- 아버지는 자주 이발소에 가세요.abeoji-neun jaju ibalso-e gaseyo.My father goes to the barbershop often.
Example conversation
Minjun is asking Subin for a recommendation near their house.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 근처에 이발소 있어요?Subin ssi, geuncheo-e ibalso isseoyo?Subin, is there a barbershop nearby?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 저기 골목에 이발소가 있어요.Ne, jeogi golmok-e ibalso-ga isseoyo.Yes, there is a barbershop in that alley.
- 민준 Min-jun거기가 잘 하나요?Geogiga jal hanayo?Do they do a good job there?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 민준 씨도 가보세요.Ne, Minjun ssi-do gaboseyo.Yes, you should try it too, Minjun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “barbershop” translations and entries 이발소, 미장원, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 미장원, 이발소, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
