드레스
deureseu[tɯɾe̞s͈ɯ]
The English word 'dress' can be translated into Korean. The default form is 드레스 (deureseu). Wiktionary also lists 의복 (uibok) and 원피스 (wonpiseu).
Meaning: item of clothing which both covers the upper part of the body and includes a skirt below the waist (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 드레스 | deureseu | [tɯɾe̞s͈ɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 의복 | uibok | [ɰibo̞k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 원피스 | wonpiseu | [wʌ̹npʰi(ː)sʰɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term 드레스 is typically reserved for high-fashion, formal evening wear or wedding dresses. To express the action of putting on clothes, you can use the verbs 입다 or 옷을 입다.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 원피스 is a loanword from the English 'one-piece', used to describe a single-piece garment.
Which one should you use?
While 드레스 is typically reserved for high-fashion, formal evening wear or wedding dresses, 원피스 is used to describe a single-piece garment. For a formal, technical or academic term for 'clothing' in general, use 의복.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
deureseu
Did you know?
- The Sino-Korean term 의복 shares the same Hanja characters used in many other East Asian languages, meaning the concept of 'clothing' is deeply rooted in shared Chinese characters.
- While 원피스 comes from 'one-piece', it refers specifically to a dress. In English, a 'one-piece' usually refers to a swimsuit or a jumpsuit, but in Korean, it is the standard word for a casual daily dress.
- If you describe someone as wearing a 드레스 in a casual setting like a grocery store, it may imply they are overdressed or wearing a costume.
Examples in context
- 그 드레스는 그녀에게 잘 어울린다.That dress really becomes her.This sentence shows how to use 드레스 to say a garment becomes someone.Tatoeba #13146418 by SN_H, translation #68652 by Luornu
- 내 아내는 파란 드레스를 입고 있어.My wife is wearing a blue dress.This sentence uses 드레스 to describe what someone is wearing.Tatoeba #8364866 by Eunhee, translation #1194209 by CM
- 메리는 그녀의 긴 드레스를 걷어잡았다.Mary gathered up her long dress.This sentence uses 드레스 to describe an action involving a long dress.Tatoeba #6820052 by yesjustryan, translation #6637314 by Hybrid
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
지은과 도현이 쇼핑몰에서 옷을 구경하고 있다.
- 지은 Ji-eun이 흰색 드레스 어때요?i huinsaek deureseu eottaeyo?How about this white dress?
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨에게 정말 잘 어울려요.Jieun ssi-ege jeongmal jal eoullyeoyo.It looks really good on you, Jieun.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말요? 다른 드레스도 봐볼까요?Jeongmalyo? dareun deureseudo bwabolkayo?Really? Should we look at other dresses too?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 천천히 구경해요.Ne, cheoncheonhi gugyeonghaeyo.Yes, let's take our time looking.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dress” translations and entries 드레스, 의복, 원피스, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 드레스, 원피스, 의복, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
