기초 화장품
gicho hwajangpum
The English phrase skincare products is translated into Korean as 기초 화장품 (gicho hwajangpum).
While the general word for cosmetics is 화장품, adding 기초 specifies that you are talking about the basic steps of skincare like toners and lotions, rather than color cosmetics (makeup).
What does it mean word for word?
The term 기초 화장품 is composed of 기초, meaning basic or foundation and 화장품, meaning cosmetics or makeup.
Which one should you use?
You may encounter 기초 제품 (basic products) in casual conversation or beauty contexts where the phrase is shortened. For a more formal way to express the concept, you can use 피부 관리 제품.
How do you pronounce it?
gicho hwajangpum
Did you know?
- The word 기초 (gicho) used in this phrase actually contains the character for 'keystone', a stone used to support a structure, implying that skincare is the architectural foundation of your face.
- While 기초 화장품 refers to the items themselves, the process of applying them is often referred to as 'layering'. This emphasizes the cultural practice of using many thin layers of different products instead of one heavy cream.
- In many Western cultures, 'basic skincare' usually means cleanser and moisturizer, but in Korea, 기초 화장품 almost always includes 'essence' or 'serum' as a fundamental step.
Examples in context
- 저는 이 피부 관리 제품을 사용하고 있어요.I'm using this skincare product.
- 나는 이 크림을 항상 사용해.I always use this cream.
- 기초 화장품을 추천해 주세요.gicho hwajangpumeul chucheonhae juseyo.Please recommend some skincare products.
- 새 기초 화장품을 샀어요.sae gicho hwajangpumeul sasseoyo.I bought new skincare products.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are talking about shopping at a cosmetics store.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 어떤 기초 화장품이 좋아요?Minjun ssi, eotteon gicho hwajangpumi joayo?Minjun, which skincare products are good?
- 민준 Min-jun이 브랜드 기초 화장품이 인기 많아요.i beurendeu gicho hwajangpumi in-gi manayo.This brand's skincare products are very popular.
- 수빈 Su-bin그럼 저도 그걸로 살게요.Geureom jeodo geugeollo salgeyo.Then I will buy those too.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨한테 잘 어울릴 거예요.Subin ssi-hante jal eoul-lil geoyeyo.They will suit you well, Subin.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 기초, 화장품, CC BY-SA 4.0.
