원피스
wonpiseu[wʌ̹npʰi(ː)sʰɯ]
In Korean, "one piece" is translated as 원피스 (wonpiseu), referring specifically to a one-piece dress.
The term 원피스 is used specifically to refer to a one-piece dress that consists of a single piece of fabric covering both the top and bottom of the body. It is not used to describe a single piece of any other general object.
What does it mean word for word?
원피스 is a loanword adapted from the English "one-piece" into Korean phonology.
Which one should you use?
While 원피스 refers to a single-piece dress, 투피스 is used to describe a matching top and bottom set (a two-piece).
How do you pronounce it?
wonpiseu
Did you know?
- In Korea, the world-famous manga series 'One Piece' is written as 원피스, meaning the title of the anime is the exact same word used to describe a woman's dress.
- The word 원피스 is an example of Konglish, where an English phrase is adopted but its meaning is narrowed to a specific item that English speakers would simply call a 'dress'.
- In Korean, if you want to describe a 'one-piece' jumpsuit or romper, you cannot use 원피스 because that term is strictly reserved for dresses with skirts.
Examples in context
- 새 원피스가 정말 예뻐요.sae wonpiseuga jeongmal yeppeoyo.The new one-piece dress is really pretty.
- 이 원피스 어디에서 샀어요?i wonpiseu eodieseo sasseoyo?Where did you buy this one-piece dress?
- 꽃무늬 원피스를 입고 싶어요.kkotmunui wonpiseureul ipgo sipeoyo.I want to wear a floral one-piece dress.
Example conversation
Seoyeon is showing Dohyun a new dress she bought.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨, 제 원피스 어때요?Dohyun ssi, je wonpiseu eottaeyo?Dohyun, how is my dress?
- 도현 Do-hyeon색깔이 정말 잘 어울려요.saekkkari jeongmal jal eoullyeoyo.The color suits you really well.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워요, 마음에 들어요.gomawoyo, maeume deureoyo.Thank you, I like it.
- 도현 Do-hyeon아주 세련된 원피스네요.aju seryeondoen wonpiseuneyo.It is a very sophisticated dress.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 원피스, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 원피스, CC BY-SA 4.0.
