반지
banji[pa̠ɲd͡ʑi]
The English word 'ring' (referring to jewelry) is translated into Korean as 반지 (banji). Wiktionary also lists 가락지 (garakji).
Meaning: round piece of (precious) metal worn around the finger (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 반지 | banji | [pa̠ɲd͡ʑi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 가락지 | garakji | [ka̠ɾa̠k̚t͡ɕ͈i] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The noun refers to a round piece of precious metal worn around a finger. The word for 'diamond' in Korean is 다이아몬드.
Which one should you use?
반지 is the standard, most common word for a ring worn on a finger. In contrast, 가락지 refers specifically to traditional Korean rings, often worn in pairs on the fingers.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing the action of wearing a ring, use the verb 끼다. The standard phrase for 'to wear a ring' is 반지를 끼다. Note that 끼다 is used specifically for wearing rings or gloves, rather than the more general verb 쓰다 or wearing clothes.
How do you pronounce it?
banji
Did you know?
- The word 반지 is a Sino-Korean term that literally translates to 'half finger'.
- In traditional Korean culture, 가락지 were often made of jade or agate rather than the gold and diamonds common in Western rings.
- In historical contexts, the way one wears 가락지 could signify social status or marital standing in traditional Korean society.
Examples in context
- 만약 내가 죽어도 이 반지는 지니고 싶다.If I die, I want to keep this ring.This sentence shows how to express the desire to keep a 반지.Tatoeba #5989203 by mistake101, translation #5985459 by marcelostockle
- 어, 반지는 어쨌어?Hey, where's your ring?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of a 반지.Tatoeba #13161193 by SN_H, translation #3575397 by CK
- 반지를 끼다to put on/wear a ringThis sentence demonstrates the standard phrase for wearing a 반지.
- 제가 반지를 사려고 합니다.I want to buy a ring.
- 반지를 잃어버렸어요.I lost my ring.
Example conversation
A man shows a ring to a woman in a jewelry shop.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이 반지는 얼마예요?i banjineun eolmayeyo?How much is this ring?
- 민지 Min-ji그 반지는 백만 원이에요.geu banjineun baengman wonieyo.That ring is one million won.
- 도현 Do-hyeon조금 더 예쁜 반지는 없나요?jogeum deo yeppeun banjineun eomnnayo?Are there no prettier rings?
- 민지 Min-ji이것도 한번 보세요.igeotdo hanbeon boseyo.Please take a look at this one too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ring” translations and entries 반지, 가락지, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 가락지, 반지, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
