자리
jari[t͡ɕa̠ɾi]
The English word "seat" can be translated into Korean using several terms depending on the context. The most common and versatile form is 자리 (jari). Wiktionary also lists 좌석 (jwaseok) and 시트 (siteu).
Meaning: place in which to sit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 자리 | jari | [t͡ɕa̠ɾi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 좌석 | jwaseok | [t͡ɕwa̠sʰʌ̹k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 시트 | siteu | [ɕʰitʰɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
자리 is used to describe a seat, a specific spot or a place. You can use it in various idiomatic phrases: 자리를 비우다 means to leave one's seat or to step away from a desk temporarily, while 자리를 잡다 means to take a seat or to settle into a position.
Which one should you use?
자리 is the general, most common word for a seat, spot or place. 좌석 is a more formal and technical term used specifically for designated seating in settings like theaters, official environments or public transport. 시트 is a loanword from the English word "seat" and is used primarily when referring to the physical material or components of furniture or a car, such as leather seats.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The related verb 앉다 means to provide places to sit.
How do you pronounce it?
jari
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, the 자리 at the head of a table is strictly reserved for the eldest or highest-ranking person present.
- The loanword 시트 is a homonym that can mean either a 'seat' or a 'bed sheet' depending on the context.
- A 자리 can refer to the place where someone slept, often used in traditional contexts to describe a bedding area on the floor.
Examples in context
- 제 자리로 데려다 주세요.Please take me to my seat.This sentence is useful for asking to be taken to your 자리.Tatoeba #9583558 by vitalux, translation #251302 by CK
- 자리에 앉아 주시기 바랍니다.Please have a seat.This sentence is useful for asking someone to sit in their 자리.Tatoeba #11105656 by intertime, translation #38572 by CK
- 그 여자아이는 버스 안에서 노부인에게 자리를 내주었다.The girl gave her seat to an old woman in the bus.This sentence is useful for describing someone giving up their 자리 to another person.Tatoeba #6963802 by H_Liliom, translation #6964584 by H_Liliom
- 이 지역은 항상 대형 극장 자리가 많이 부족해요.In this area, there is always a severe shortage of seats in large theaters.
- 회의를 시작하기 전에 자리에 앉아 주세요.Please take a seat before we start the meeting.
- 저기, 여기 자리 비었어?Hey, is this seat here empty?
- 앉을 자리 없어서 불편해.It's uncomfortable because there are no seats available to sit.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hun are at a crowded cafe.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 여기 자리 있어요?Ji-hun ssi, yeogi jari isseoyo?Ji-hun, is this seat available?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 여기 비어 있어요.Ne, yeogi bieo isseoyo.Yes, it is empty here.
- 지은 Ji-eun다행이네요. 같이 앉아요.Dahaeng-ineyo. Gachi anjayo.That's a relief. Let's sit together.
- 지훈 Ji-hun좋아요, 여기 앉으세요.Joayo, yeogi anjeuseyo.Okay, please sit here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “seat” translations and entries 자리, 좌석, 시트, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 시트, 자리, 좌석, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
