담요
damnyo[ˈta̠(ː)mɲo]
The English word blanket can be translated into Korean as either 이불 or 담요 (damnyo).
Meaning: fabric (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 담요 | damnyo | [ˈta̠(ː)mɲo] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 이불 | ibul | [ibuɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Which one should you use?
이불 refers specifically to bedding used for sleeping, such as a duvet, comforter or heavy bed blanket.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 덮다 (to cover) is the standard verb used with 이불 or 담요 when talking about covering oneself with them. For example, you can say 이불을 덮다 to mean to cover oneself with a blanket or duvet.
How do you pronounce it?
damnyo
Did you know?
- Korean culture has a specific term, 이불킥, which literally means 'blanket kick' and describes the act of kicking your blankets in frustration when remembering an embarrassing moment.
- In traditional Korean culture, the 요 (bedspread) is placed on the floor and the 이불 (comforter) is placed on top of the person.
- The word 이불 has a written history dating back to at least 1103 in the text 계림유사.
Examples in context
- 어머니는 아이에게 이불을 덮어 주었습니다.The mother covered her child with a blanket.This sentence shows how to use 이불 with the verb to cover.
- 예쁜 이불을 구매하고 싶어요.I want to buy a pretty blanket.
- 부드러운 담요가 필요해요.budeureoun damyoga piryohaeyo.I need a soft blanket.
- 이 담요는 정말 따뜻해요.i damyoneun jeongmal ttatteuthaeyo.This blanket is really warm.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are watching a movie on the couch.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연 씨, 좀 추워요?Seoyeon ssi, jom chuwoyo?Seoyeon, are you a bit cold?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 약간 쌀쌀해요.ne, yakgan ssalssalhaeyo.Yes, it's a little chilly.
- 도현 Do-hyeon여기 담요 있어요. 쓰세요.yeogi damyo isseoyo. sseuseyo.Here is a blanket. Please use it.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워요, 도현 씨.gomawoyo, Dohyun ssi.Thank you, Dohyun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blanket” translations and entries 담요, 이불, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 담요, 이불, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
