의상
uisang[ɰisʰa̠ŋ]
The English word "costume" is translated into Korean as 의상 (uisang).
The term 의상 refers to a costume or attire, specifically when describing theatrical or stage costumes.
Meaning: disguise (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
uisang
Did you know?
- While 의상 describes professional costumes, Koreans use 코스프레 (cosplay) to describe dressing up as fictional characters. The word is a shortened version of 'costume play' and is used even in formal contexts regarding hobbyist culture.
- Korean history includes the 관복, which were strictly regulated 'costumes' for government officials. The color and pattern of these garments functioned as a visual rank system that everyone in society had to recognize.
- While 의상 describes the physical garments, the concept of a 'costume' in terms of a person's persona or 'look' is often expressed through the loanword 'concept' (컨셉).
Examples in context
- 우리 동호회에서 매년 할로윈에는 재미있는 의상 경연을 해.We have a fun costume contest every year during Halloween in our club.
- 그 영화의 의상은 매우 독특해요.geu yeonghwaui uisangeun maeu dokteukhaeyo.The costume in that movie is very unique.
- 변장을 위한 특별한 의상이 필요해요.byeonjangul wihan teukbyeolhan uisangi piryohaeyo.I need a special costume for the disguise.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are discussing a theater play.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이번 연극에서 변장 의상이 어때요?ibeon yeongeugeseo byeonjang uisangi eottaeyo?How is the disguise costume for this play?
- 민지 Min-ji정말 멋진 의상이에요.jeongmal meotjin uisangieyo.It is a really wonderful costume.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨가 준비한 건가요?minji ssiga junbihan geongayo?Did you prepare it, Minji?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 제가 직접 골랐어요.ne, jega jikjeop gollasseoyo.Yes, I chose it myself.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 의상, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
