집
jip[t͡ɕip̚]
The English word 'house' is translated into Korean as 집 (jip). Wiktionary also lists 댁 (daek).
Meaning: human abode (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 집 | jip | [t͡ɕip̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 댁 | daek | [tɛk̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [te̞k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
honorific |
집 refers to a human abode. While it literally means 'house', it is also the standard word used to mean 'home' in a general sense. Related parts of a house include 방 (room), 거실 (living room), 부엌 (kitchen), 화장실 (bathroom) and 침실 (bedroom).
Which one should you use?
집 is the standard form, while 댁 is an honorific form used specifically when referring to the house of someone you wish to show respect to, such as a teacher, elder or superior.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use the honorific form 댁 when speaking about the residence of a person of higher status to maintain politeness.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'at home' or 'to the house', the particle 에 is added to the word to form 집에.
How do you pronounce it?
jip
Did you know?
- In Korean, the word 집 is used to describe not just a residence but also a specialized shop or business, such as a 떡집 for a rice cake shop or a 빵집 for a bakery.
- Because 집 also means 'gathering' or 'collection' in certain contexts, it is used to describe a 'set' of things, such as a 시집 for a collection of poetry.
- In traditional Korean culture, the placement of the 집 was often decided by 'pungsu' or feng shui to ensure the flow of energy from the mountains to the sea.
Examples in context
- 언제든지 우리 집에 와.Come to my house whenever you like.This sentence shows how to use the form 집 to invite someone to one's house.Tatoeba #3681044 by Eunhee, translation #66198 by CK
- 집 칠하는 것을 도와줘!Help me paint the house!This sentence demonstrates the use of 집 in the context of a household task.Tatoeba #4717729 by rainbow4us, translation #1224044 by Ketutar
- 그녀는 큰 집에서 산다.She lives in a large house.This sentence shows how 집 is used to describe where someone lives.Tatoeba #11105597 by intertime, translation #313591 by CK
- 저는 작은 집에 살고 있어요.I live in a small house.
- 어제 친구 놀러 내 집에 왔어.My friend came over to my house yesterday.
- 집이 정말 아늑하네.Your house is really cozy.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are talking about their weekend plans.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이번 주말에 집에서 쉴 거야.Ibeon jumare jibeseo swil geoya.I'm going to rest at home this weekend.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말? 같이 집으로 놀러 가도 돼?Jeongmal? Gachi jibeuro nolleo gado dwae?Really? Can I come over to your house?
- 지훈 Ji-hun응, 언제든지 우리 집으로 와.Eung, eonjedeunji uri jibeuro wa.Yes, come to my house anytime.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워, 지훈아! 토요일에 갈게.Gomawo, Jihun-a! Toyoire galge.Thanks, Jihoon! I'll go on Saturday.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “house” translations and entries 집, 댁, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
