치마
chima[t͡ɕʰima̠]
The English word 'skirt' can be translated into Korean as either 치마 (chima) or 스커트. If unsure, use 치마.
Meaning: article of clothing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 치마 | chima | [t͡ɕʰima̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 스커트 | seukeoteu | [sʰɯkʰʌ̹tʰɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Both words refer to an article of clothing worn from the waist downwards, but they are used in different contexts.
Which one should you use?
치마 is the native Korean word and is a versatile term used for any type of skirt. 스커트 is a loanword from the English word 'skirt' and is frequently used in fashion-related contexts or specifically when referring to Western-style clothing.
How do you pronounce it?
chima
Did you know?
- There is a Korean expression 치마폭에 싸이다 which means to be pampered or overly protected, imagining someone wrapped in the folds of a 치마.
- In Korean, the phrase 치마바지 literally means 'skirt-pants' and refers to culottes or divided skirts.
- In the Middle Korean recorded in the 1459 text 월인석보, the word 치마 already existed in its current form, showing remarkable linguistic stability over centuries.
Examples in context
- 이 치마는 네 스타일(분위기)에 딱 맞는다.This skirt fits your style perfectly.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 치마 when discussing someone's style.Tatoeba #4031849 by intratech, translation #8828101 by alpucca
- 그 사람은 아름다운 스커트를 입었어요.That person was wearing a beautiful skirt.
- 이 치마 예뻐, 어디서 샀어?Your skirt is pretty, where did you buy it?
- 새로운 치마를 하나 샀어요.saeroun chimareul hana sasseoyo.I bought a new skirt.
- 이 치마는 길이가 너무 길어요.i chimaneun giluiga neomu gireoyo.This skirt is too long.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are shopping for clothes together.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨, 이 치마 어때요?Subin ssi, i chima eottaeyo?Subin, how about this skirt?
- 수빈 Su-bin색깔이 정말 마음에 들어요.saekkkari jeongmal maeume deureoyo.I really like the color.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그럼 이걸로 살게요.geureom igeollo salgeyo.Then I will buy this one.
- 수빈 Su-bin잘 어울릴 것 같아요.jal eoulil geot gatayo.I think it will look great on you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skirt” translations and entries 치마, 스커트, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 스커트, 치마, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
