지갑
jigap[t͡ɕiɡa̠p̚]
The Korean word for purse is 지갑 (jigap).
지갑 is the standard term used for a small bag used to carry money.
Meaning: small bag for carrying money (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term 가방 is a general word for a bag or handbag and can be used to refer to a purse in formal settings. For a more specific, informal term, Korean youth often use the loanword 파우치, which means pouch.
How do you pronounce it?
jigap
Did you know?
- The word 지갑 literally translates to 'paper box'.
- The word 지갑 can be used metaphorically in the phrase 'opening one's 지갑' to describe the act of spending money or being generous.
- Korean culture often distinguishes between a 지갑 for cash and a 카드지갑 specifically for credit cards, reflecting the high rate of cashless payments in the country.
Examples in context
- 어머니께서 예쁜 가방을 사셨어요?Did your mother buy a beautiful purse?
- 대통령은 핸드백을 들고 나오셨다.The president came out with a handbag.
- 나 지갑에 돈 좀 넣어놓을게.I'll put some money in my purse.
- 오늘 파우치를 새로 샀어.I bought a new pouch (purse) today.
- 새 지갑을 샀어요.sae jigabeul sasseoyo.I bought a new purse.
- 지갑이 어디 있어요?jigabi eodi isseoyo?Where is my purse?
- 작은 지갑이 필요해요.jageun jigabi piryohaeyo.I need a small purse.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are looking for Minji's belongings at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨, 지갑 찾았어요?Minji ssi, jigap chajasseoyo?Minji, did you find your purse?
- 민지 Min-ji아니요, 지갑이 안 보여요.aniyo, jigabi an boyeoyo.No, I can't see my purse.
- 민준 Min-jun가방 안에 지갑이 있어요.gabang ane jigabi isseoyo.The purse is inside the bag.
- 민지 Min-ji아, 정말 고마워요!a, jeongmal gomawoyo!Ah, thank you so much!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “purse” translations and entries 지갑, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 지갑, CC BY-SA 4.0.
