종이
jong'i[t͡ɕo̞ŋi]
The English word 'paper' is translated into Korean as 종이 (jong'i).
종이 is used to refer to a sheet material.
Meaning: sheet material (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
jong'i
Did you know?
- In Korea, the traditional handmade paper called 한지 is so durable that it is often used as a structural material for doors and windows rather than just for writing.
- The Korean word 종이 is used in the term 종이 인형, which refers to paper dolls but is also used as a metaphor for someone who is passively manipulated by others.
- The Middle Korean form of 종이, recorded as 죠ᄒᆡ, looks quite different from the modern spelling, reflecting shifts in vowel and consonant pronunciation over six centuries.
Examples in context
- 톰은 종이를 접어 메리에게 건넸다.Tom folded the paper before handing it to Mary.This sentence shows how someone might fold 종이.Tatoeba #11110789 by intertime, translation #1094074 by CK
- 프린터 종이가 필요하다.I need printer paper.This sentence demonstrates a need for printer 종이.Tatoeba #11105256 by intertime, translation #2650962 by meerkat
- 저는 종이에 사자를 그리고 있습니다.I am painting a lion on a paper.This sentence illustrates painting something on 종이.
- 이 문서를 확인하기 위해 종이를 사용해야 합니다.You need to use paper to review this document.
- 그냥 종이에 메모하면 돼.Just write it on the paper.
- 이 종이 진짜 좋아.This paper is really good.
Example conversation
At a stationery shop, Seoyeon asks Jihoon for something to write on.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈 씨, 흰 종이 좀 빌려줄 수 있어요?Jihun ssi, huin jong-i jom billyeojul su isseoyo?Jihoon, can you lend me a sheet of white paper?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 여기 종이 한 장 있어요.Ne, yeogi jong-i han jang isseoyo.Yes, here is a sheet of paper.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워요. 이 종이에 메모할게요.Gomawoyo. I jong-ie memohalgeyo.Thank you. I will make a note on this paper.
- 지훈 Ji-hun천천히 적으세요.Cheoncheonhi jeokuseyo.Take your time writing it down.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paper” translations and entries 종이, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 종이, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
