헬멧
helmet[he̞ɭme̞t̚]modern
The English word "helmet" is translated into Korean as 헬멧. Wiktionary also lists 투구 (tugu).
Meaning: protective head covering (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 헬멧 | helmet | [he̞ɭme̞t̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | modern |
| 투구 | tugu | [tʰuɡu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | historical |
A "helmet" refers to a protective head covering.
Which one should you use?
The word 헬멧 is the transliterated English term used for modern protective gear like bicycle, motorcycle or sports helmets. In contrast, 투구 refers specifically to a helmet used in historical contexts, such as ancient armor or traditional combat gear.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 쓰다 (to wear/put on) is used with 헬멧 because it is an item worn on the head.
How do you pronounce it?
helmet
Did you know?
- While 투구 means 'helmet', the same spelling and pronunciation are used for the word 'pitching a ball' in baseball, derived from the Chinese characters for 'throw' and 'ball'.
- In historical Korean dramas, characters often refer to their 투구 as a symbol of their rank and honor, rather than just a piece of safety equipment.
- Because 투구 is tied to ancient combat, using it to describe a modern bike helmet in a conversation might sound unintentionally poetic or humorous.
Examples in context
- 톰은 헬멧을 쓰고 오토바이에 올라탔다.Tom put on his helmet and then got on his motorcycle.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 헬멧 with the verb for putting on gear.Tatoeba #11106704 by intertime, translation #2537365 by CK
- 머리 보호를 위해서 헬멧을 써야 한다.You have to wear a helmet to protect your head.This sentence is useful for expressing the necessity of wearing a 헬멧 for head protection.Tatoeba #11106716 by intertime, translation #280161 by CK
- 나는 자전거를 탈 때 항상 헬멧을 착용합니다.I always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
- 공사 현장에서는 보호모를 착용하는 것이 필수입니다.Wearing a helmet is mandatory at construction sites.
- 오늘 자전거 탈 때 헬멧 써야 돼?Do I have to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle today?
- 스케이트보드를 탈 때 머리보호구를 꼭 써야 해.You must wear a helmet when riding a skateboard.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jieun and Dohyun are preparing to go cycling.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨, 헬멧 어디에 있어요?Dohyun ssi, helmet eodie isseoyo?Dohyun, where is the helmet?
- 도현 Do-hyeon현관 옆 선반 위에 있어요.hyeongwan yeop seonban wie isseoyo.It is on the shelf next to the entrance.
- 지은 Ji-eun찾았어요. 헬멧이 정말 가볍네요.chajasseoyo. helmet-i jeongmal gabyeopneyo.I found it. The helmet is really light.
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 안전하게 잘 쓰고 가요.ne, anjeonhage jal sseugo gayo.Yes, wear it properly and stay safe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “helmet” translations and entries 헬멧, 투구, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 투구, 헬멧, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
