쓰레기
sseuregi[s͈ɯɾe̞ɡi]
The English word "garbage" is translated into Korean as 쓰레기 (sseuregi). Wiktionary also lists 오물 (omul).
Meaning: waste material (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 쓰레기 | sseuregi | [s͈ɯɾe̞ɡi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 오물 | omul | [ˈo̞(ː)muɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The word 쓰레기 means garbage. You can create the word for a "garbage can" or "trash bin" by adding the suffix 통 (meaning 'container') to the end, resulting in 쓰레기통.
Which one should you use?
While 쓰레기 refers to general waste or trash, 오물 refers specifically to filthy, liquid or organic waste like excrement or sewage.
How do you pronounce it?
sseuregi
Did you know?
- While 쓰레기 is the standard word for trash, calling a person 쓰레기 is a common, highly insulting way to call someone 'scum' or 'human garbage'.
- South Korea uses a strict 'volume-rate' system where you must buy government-approved bags called 종량제 봉투 to dispose of 쓰레기.
- The word 쓰레기 is believed to be rooted in the Middle Korean verb ᄡᅳᆯ다, which means 'to sweep'.
Examples in context
- 사회의 찌꺼기는 쓰레기장으로 가야지.The dregs of society should be taken to the garbage dump.This sentence uses 쓰레기 to refer to a garbage dump in a metaphorical sense.Tatoeba #6305299 by Queserasera, translation #11489698 by camouat
- 매주 월요일에 쓰레기 수거가 있습니다.They collect our garbage every Monday.This sentence uses 쓰레기 to describe the collection of garbage.Tatoeba #13161190 by SN_H, translation #322359 by CK
- 이 쓰레기를 어디에 버려야 할까요?Where should I dispose of this garbage?
- 이거 너무 쓰레기야!This is so garbage!
- 이 쓰레기 좀 버려 주세요.i sseuregi jom beoryeo juseyo.Please throw away this garbage.
Example conversation
A person is asking a roommate to help with housework.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은아, 이 쓰레기 좀 버려 줄 수 있어?jieuna, i sseuregi jom beoryeo jul su isseo?Jieun, can you throw away this garbage?
- 지은 Ji-eun응, 지금 바로 버리고 올게.eung, jigeum baro beorigo olge.Sure, I'll go throw it away right now.
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워, 쓰레기통이 거의 다 찼어.gomawo, sseuregitongi geoui da chasseo.Thanks, the trash can is almost full.
- 지은 Ji-eun알았어, 도현아. 금방 다녀올게.arasseo, dohyeona. geumbang danyeolge.Got it, Dohyeon. I'll be right back.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “garbage” translations and entries 쓰레기, 오물, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 쓰레기, 오물, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
