옷차림
otcharim
The English phrase "outfit" is translated into Korean as 옷차림 (otcharim).
옷차림 is often used when discussing someone's general appearance, such as 'neat outfit' or 'formal outfit'.
Meaning: set of clothing (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of 옷 (clothes) and 차림 (the act of preparing or arranging).
Which one should you use?
While 옷 refers to the physical clothes themselves, 옷차림 refers to the overall appearance or the way one is dressed (the 'outfit').
How do you pronounce it?
otcharim
When do people say it?
Traditional Korean clothing is known as 한복 (Hanbok).
Did you know?
- The second half of the word, 차림, comes from the verb 차리다, which means to set a table or prepare a formal meal.
- The word 옷 is an example of a 'pure Korean' word, meaning it does not derive from Chinese characters, unlike a vast majority of the Korean vocabulary.
- If someone's 'outfit' is too casual for a specific event, a Korean might say their 옷차림 is 가볍다, which literally means 'is light' in terms of weight.
Examples in context
- 어떤 옷을 입을지 고민 중이야.I'm undecided about what outfit to wear.
- 그 친구는 항상 멋진 차림을 해.That friend always dresses stylishly.
- 오늘 옷차림이 정말 멋지네요.oneul otcharimi jeongmal meotjineyo.Your outfit today is really cool.
- 그녀는 단정한 옷차림을 좋아해요.geunyeoneun danjeonhan otcharimeul joahaeyo.She likes a neat outfit.
- 행사에는 격식 있는 옷차림이 필요해요.haengsaeneun gyeoksik inneun otcharimi piryohaeyo.A formal outfit is needed for the event.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Min-jun are meeting at a cafe.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준 씨, 오늘 옷차림이 아주 깔끔하네요!Minjun ssi, oneul otcharimi aju kkalkkeumhaneyo!Min-jun, your outfit is very neat today!
- 민준 Min-jun정말요? 고마워요, 지은 씨.Jeongmalyo? Gomawoyo, Ji-eun ssi.Really? Thank you, Ji-eun.
- 지은 Ji-eun새로 산 옷인가요?Saero san otin gayo?Is it new clothing?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 어제 산 옷이에요.Ne, eoje san osieyo.Yes, it is something I bought yesterday.
