목걸이
mokgeori[mo̞k̚k͈ʌ̹ɾi]
The Korean word for necklace is 목걸이 (mokgeori).
Meaning: jewelry (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 목걸이 is used for both singular and plural forms of necklace without changing its shape. While the verb 걸다 can mean to hang or put on, the verb 하다 (to do) is commonly used to express the state of wearing a necklace as an accessory.
How do you pronounce it?
mokgeori
Did you know?
- The word 목걸이 describes anything hung around the neck, including an ID badge or a whistle, not just expensive jewelry.
- While 목걸이 is for jewelry, a 'necktie' is called 넥타이 (nek-ta-i), which is a direct loanword from English rather than a Korean construction using 'neck'.
- Korean has a specific word 목걸이줄 to refer specifically to the chain of a necklace, separating the string from the ornament.
Examples in context
- 튬은 메리의 목걸이를 매우 낮은 가격에 팔았다.Tom sold Mary's necklace for a very low price.This sentence shows how to describe the sale of a 목걸이.Tatoeba #13118593 by romzzo, translation #3936421 by Ooneykcall
- 목걸이를 걸다.Put on a necklace/wear a necklace.This sentence demonstrates the action of putting on a 목걸이.
- 이 예쁜 목걸이 어때요?How do you like this pretty necklace?
- 그 목걸이 정말 이쁘다!That necklace is really beautiful!
- 이 목걸이는 정말 예뻐요.i mokgeori-neun jeongmal yeppeoyo.This necklace is really pretty.
Example conversation
Seoyeon is showing a gift to Jihoon in a cafe.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈 씨, 이 목걸이 어때요?Jihoon-ssi, i mokgeori eo-ttae-yo?Jihoon, how is this necklace?
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨에게 정말 잘 어울려요.Seoyeon-ssi-ege jeongmal jal eoul-lyeo-yo.It suits Seoyeon very well.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말인가요? 다행이에요.Jeongmal-in-gayo? Dahaeng-i-e-yo.Really? That's a relief.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 아주 세련됐어요.Ne, aju seryeon-dwaesseoyo.Yes, it is very sophisticated.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “necklace” translations and entries 목걸이, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
