벨트
belteu[pe̞ɭtʰɯ]
The English phrase 'belt' can be translated into Korean as 벨트 (belteu) or 허리띠.
Meaning: band worn around the waist (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 벨트 | belteu | [pe̞ɭtʰɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 허리띠 | heoritti | [hʌ̹ɾit͈i] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Both terms refer to a band worn around the waist. When describing the action of wearing, fastening or tightening a belt, the verb 매다 is used.
What does it mean word for word?
The native Korean word 허리띠 is a compound consisting of 허리, meaning waist and 띠, meaning band or belt.
Which one should you use?
The distinction between the two lies in their origin and context. 벨트 is a loanword from English and is commonly used when referring to modern fashion accessories. 허리띠 is a native Korean word used for more functional waistbands or to refer to a sash and the wide fabric bands used in traditional clothing.
How do you pronounce it?
belteu
Did you know?
- In Korean astrology and the zodiac, the word 띠 is used to refer to a person's birth year animal sign, such as the 'year of the rabbit'.
- The word 허리띠 is often used metaphorically in Korean to describe a sense of 'tightening one's belt' or preparing oneself for a difficult situation.
- The word 띠 can also describe a strip of color or a band of light, such as a rainbow or a decorative ribbon on a pageant sash.
Examples in context
- 새 벨트를 샀어요.sae belteu-reul sasseoyo.I bought a new belt.
- 이 벨트는 너무 길어요.i belteu-neun neomu gireoyo.This belt is too long.
- 가죽 벨트가 필요해요.gajuk belteu-ga piryohaeyo.I need a leather belt.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are shopping for clothes together.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 이 벨트 어때요?Seoyeon ssi, i belteu eottaeyo?Seoyeon, how is this belt?
- 서연 Seo-yeon색깔이 정말 예뻐요.saekkkari jeongmal yeppeoyo.The color is really pretty.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그럼 이걸로 살까요?geureom igeollo salkkayo?Then shall we buy this one?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 잘 어울려요.ne, jal eoullyeoyo.Yes, it suits you well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “belt” translations and entries 벨트, 허리띠, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
