비닐봉지
binilbongji[piniɭbo̞ŋd͡ʑi]
The English phrase "plastic grocery bag" is 비닐봉지 (binilbongji) in Korean.
비닐봉지 refers to a thin bag made of plastic used for carrying items bought at a store.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound of 비닐 (vinyl) and 봉지 (bag/sack).
Which one should you use?
비닐봉투 is a common alternative to 비닐봉지, often used in more formal or commercial contexts like retail signage.
How do you pronounce it?
binilbongji
When do people say it?
In South Korea, it is common for stores to charge extra for plastic bags to encourage environmentally friendly practices.
Did you know?
- The character '지' in the historical component 봉지 originally meant 'paper', making the term a linguistic fossil that literally translates to 'sealed paper bag'.
- While 비닐 comes from the English word 'vinyl', in Korean it is used as a generic term for all thin plastic films, not just the specific PVC material.
- Korean has a specific word 장바구니 for a reusable shopping bag, which literally translates to 'market basket'.
Examples in context
- 한 번에 더 많은 식료품을 담을 수 있는 비닐봉지가 필요해.I need a plastic grocery bag that can hold more groceries at once.
- 비닐봉지 하나 주세요.binilbongji hana juseyo.Please give me one plastic grocery bag.
- 비닐봉지에 담아 드릴까요?binilbongjie dam-a deurilkkayo?Should I put it in a plastic grocery bag?
- 비닐봉지가 너무 약해요.binilbongjiga neomu yakhaeyo.The plastic grocery bag is too weak.
Example conversation
At a convenience store checkout counter.
- 지은 Ji-eun비닐봉지 필요하세요?binilbongji piryohaseyo?Do you need a plastic grocery bag?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 비닐봉지 하나 주세요.ne, binilbongji hana juseyo.Yes, please give me one plastic grocery bag.
- 지은 Ji-eun여기 있습니다.yeogi itseumnida.Here it is.
- 지훈 Ji-hun감사합니다.gamsahamnida.Thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 비닐봉지, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 비닐봉지, CC BY-SA 4.0.
