청바지
cheongbaji[t͡ɕʰʌ̹ŋba̠d͡ʑi]
The English phrase "blue jeans" can be translated into Korean as 청바지 (cheongbaji). Wiktionary also lists 블루진 (beullujin).
Meaning: denim trousers (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 청바지 | cheongbaji | [t͡ɕʰʌ̹ŋba̠d͡ʑi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 블루진 | beullujin | [pɯɭɭud͡ʑin] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term for blue jeans is 청바지.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 청바지 is a compound of 청 (blue) and 바지 (pants).
Which one should you use?
청바지 is the standard, native-influenced term, whereas 블루진 is a transliteration of the English 'blue jeans'.
How do you pronounce it?
cheongbaji
Did you know?
- The word 바지 (pants) is used in various compound words to describe social status, such as 바지사장, which refers to a 'paper president' or a figurehead who has no real power.
- The term 청 is also used in 청춘 (youth), meaning 'blue spring', which describes the period of one's life when they are young and full of hope.
- In South Korean fashion, 청바지 are often associated with 'campus looks' and youthful energy, reflecting the era when students first adopted them as a symbol of rebellion.
Examples in context
- 세련된 청바지Stylish blue jeans
- 허리 편한 청바지Comfortable blue jeans
- 새 청바지를 샀어요.sae cheongbaji-reul sasseoyo.I bought new blue jeans.
- 그 청바지는 정말 편해요.geu cheongbaji-neun jeongmal pyeonhaeyo.Those blue jeans are really comfortable.
- 어떤 청바지가 더 예뻐요?eotteon cheongbaji-ga deo yeppeoyo?Which blue jeans are prettier?
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are deciding what to wear for a casual outing.
- 민지 Min-ji내일 뭐 입을 거야?naeil mwo ibeul geoya?What are you going to wear tomorrow?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo나는 그냥 청바지 입으려고.naneun geunyang cheongbaji iburyeogo.I'm just going to wear blue jeans.
- 민지 Min-ji나도 청바지 입어야겠다.nado cheongbaji ibeoyagetda.I should wear blue jeans too.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그래, 내일 보자!geurae, naeil boja!Okay, see you tomorrow!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blue jeans” translations and entries 청바지, 블루진, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
