보석
boseok[ˈpo̞(ː)sʰʌ̹k̚]
The English phrase jewelry is translated into Korean as 보석 (boseok).
보석 refers to precious stones used as decoration.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 보석 is composed of the characters 보 (precious) and 석 (stone).
Which one should you use?
While 보석 specifically refers to precious stones or gems, the term 장신구 is a broader term used for any decorative accessories or ornaments worn on the body.
How do you pronounce it?
boseok
Did you know?
- The character 보 in 보석 can also mean 'to preserve' or 'to protect', which is why the same spelling can be used in legal terms like 'bail' or 'release on bail'.
- In traditional Korean culture, jewelry like 보석 was often used in 'norigae' ornaments, which are traditional tassels hung from the waist of a hanbok.
- Because 보석 is based on Chinese characters, it shares the same root as the word for 'treasure' in Japanese, hōseki.
Examples in context
- 보석을 좋아하세요?Do you like jewelry?
- 주얼리를 구입하러 가시는 건가요?Are you going to buy jewelry?
- 이 보석은 정말 아름다워요.i boseogeun jeongmal areumdawoyo.This jewelry is truly beautiful.
- 상자 안에 보석이 있어요.sangja ane boseogi isseoyo.There is jewelry inside the box.
- 그녀는 보석을 아주 좋아해요.geunyeoneun boseogeul aju joahaeyo.She likes jewelry very much.
Example conversation
Jieun and Hyunwoo are looking at a display case in a store.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 이 보석 좀 보세요.Hyeon-u ssi, i boseok jom boseyo.Hyunwoo, look at this jewelry.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo와, 정말 아름답네요.wa, jeongmal areumdapneyo.Wow, it is truly beautiful.
- 지은 Ji-eun선물로 주고 싶어요.seonmullo jugo sipeoyo.I want to give it as a gift.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 좋은 선물이 될 거예요.jeongmal joeun seonmuri doel geoyeyo.It will be a really great gift.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 보석, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 보석, CC BY-SA 4.0.
