양복
yangbok[ja̠ŋbo̞k̚]
The English word 'suit' can be translated into Korean using 양복 (yangbok), 슈트 or 정장.
Meaning: set of clothes (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 양복 | yangbok | [ja̠ŋbo̞k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 슈트 | syuteu | [ɕʰutʰɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 정장 | jeongjang | [ˈt͡ɕɘ(ː)ŋd͡ʑa̠ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, several words are used to describe a suit. 양복 refers specifically to Western-style clothing, 정장 is a general term for formal or professional attire and 슈트 is a loanword from the English word 'suit'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 양복 is composed of the elements 양 (Western) and 복 (clothes).
Which one should you use?
양복 specifically denotes a Western-style suit to distinguish it from traditional Korean clothing like 한복. 정장 is a more general term that translates to formal wear or dress clothes. 슈트 is a phonetic loanword from English and is commonly used in formal contexts, often specifically when referring to men's suits.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting a single set of clothes such as a suit, the counter 한 벌 is used.
How do you pronounce it?
yangbok
Did you know?
- The word 양복 was borrowed from the Japanese term yōfuku, which was created to distinguish Western garments from traditional East Asian robes.
- While 정장 is used for formal wear, the term literally means 'correct' or 'proper' attire, implying that one is dressing in a way that is socially appropriate.
- The counter 벌 used for 양복 is used for any set of clothes that consists of a top and bottom, such as a tracksuit or pajamas.
Examples in context
- 양복을 한 벌 맞췄다.I had a suit tailored for me.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the counter 한 벌 with 양복.Tatoeba #6295658 by okja, translation #6168764 by carlosalberto
- 톰은 오늘 정장을 입지 않았어.Tom didn't wear a suit today.This sentence shows how to use 정장 to describe wearing formal attire.Tatoeba #8363498 by Eunhee, translation #5640448 by CK
- 이 슈트는 방화복입니다.This suit is fire-resistant.This sentence demonstrates the use of 슈트 to describe a specific type of suit.Tatoeba #7098212 by JayKim, translation #7097759 by soliloquist
- 비즈니스 정장Business suit
- 웨딩 수트Wedding suit
- 스포츠 수트Sports suit
- 파티용 슈트Party suit
Example conversation
Dohyun is getting ready for a wedding.
- 도현 Do-hyeon오늘 어떤 양복 입을까?oneul eotteon yangbok ibeulkka?Which suit should I wear today?
- 지은 Ji-eun검은색 양복이 제일 멋져요.geomeunsaek yangbogi jeil meotjyeoyo.The black suit looks the best.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그럼 이걸로 입어야겠다.geureom igeollo ibeoyagetda.Then I should wear this one.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 도현 씨 정말 멋있어요.ne, dohyun ssi jeongmal meosisseoyo.Yes, Dohyun, you look really handsome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “suit” translations and entries 양복, 슈트, 정장, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 슈트, 양복, 정장, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
