이발
ibal[ˈi(ː)ba̠ɭ]
The English word 'haircut' is translated into Korean as 이발 (ibal). Wiktionary also lists 머리 깎기 (meori kkakgi).
Meaning: act of cutting of hair (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 이발 | ibal | [ˈi(ː)ba̠ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 머리 깎기 | meori kkakgi |
The noun 이발 refers to the act of cutting hair. If you want to express the action 'to get a haircut', you use the verb form 이발하다. In natural speech, people also frequently use the verb phrase 머리를 자르다 to mean 'to cut hair'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 머리 깎기 literally means 'hair cutting'. The word 머리 means head or hair, and 깎기 is the noun form of the verb meaning to shave or cut.
Which one should you use?
이발 is a more formal or technical term, often used in the context of barber shops or professional hair cutting services.
How does it change in a sentence?
While 머리 깎기 is a noun, in natural speech, Koreans often use the verb phrase 머리를 자르다 to mean 'to cut hair'.
How do you pronounce it?
ibal
Did you know?
- In Korea, a sudden change in hairstyle or a 'haircut' is often used as a cultural metaphor for starting a new life or making a fresh start after a failure.
- The verb 깎다 used in 머리 깎기 is the same word used for peeling an apple or carving a sculpture.
- The word 머리 used for 'hair' or 'head' was once identical to the modern Korean counter used for counting animals, 마리.
Examples in context
- 톰은 이발하러 갔지만, 곧 돌아올 거예요.Tom has gone to get a haircut, but he should be back soon.This sentence is useful for describing someone who has gone to get an 이발.Tatoeba #14009335 by LeviHighway, translation #2494128 by CK
- 저는 이발소에서 머리를 자를 거예요.I am going to get a haircut at the hair salon.
- 미용실에서 좋은 미용사에게 머리를 맡겨봤어요.I tried getting my haircut by a good hairdresser at the beauty salon.
- 이발 비용이 얼마예요?ibal biyong-i eolmayeyo?How much is the haircut?
- 어제 이발을 했어요.eoje ibal-eul haesseoyo.I had a haircut yesterday.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are talking about his new look.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 제 이발 스타일 어때요?Minji ssi, je ibal seutail eottaeyo?Minji, how is my haircut style?
- 민지 Min-ji정말 깔끔하고 멋있어요, 도현 씨.jeongmal kkalkkeumhago meoshisseoyo, Dohyun ssi.It looks very neat and cool, Dohyun.
- 도현 Do-hyeon다행이다, 마음에 드셔서요.dahaengida, maeume deusyeoseoyo.I'm glad you like it.
- 민지 Min-ji어디서 이발 하셨어요?eodiseo ibal hasyeosseoyo?Where did you get your haircut?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “haircut” translations and entries 이발, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 머리, 이발, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
