화장지
hwajangji[ɸwa̠d͡ʑa̠ŋd͡ʑi]
The English phrase toilet paper is translated into Korean as 화장지 (hwajangji). Wiktionary also lists 휴지 (hyuji) and 토일렛 페이퍼 (toillet peipeo).
Meaning: paper to clean oneself after defecation or urination (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 화장지 | hwajangji | [ɸwa̠d͡ʑa̠ŋd͡ʑi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 휴지 | hyuji | [çud͡ʑi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 토일렛 페이퍼 | toillet peipeo |
The term refers to paper used for cleaning oneself after defecation or urination. To be more specific about a roll of toilet paper, Koreans often use the term 두루마리 휴지.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 화장지 is composed of 화장, meaning cosmetic or makeup and 지, meaning paper.
Which one should you use?
While 화장지 specifically refers to toilet paper or cosmetic paper, 휴지 is a more general term for any paper tissue or napkin used for wiping.
How do you pronounce it?
hwajangji
Did you know?
- The general word for tissue, 휴지, was found in letters from the grave of Lady Suncheon Kim dating back to around 1585.
- The word 화장실, meaning 'bathroom', shares the same 'makeup' root as the word for toilet paper.
Examples in context
- 화장실에 휴지가 없다.There's no toilet paper in the bathroom.This sentence is useful for expressing that there is no 휴지 in the bathroom.Tatoeba #13248461 by qiwiwi, translation #12462044 by ddnktr
- 죄송한데, 화장지가 필요한데요.Excuse me, but I need toilet paper.
- 화장지를 한 롤 더 사야 해요.hwajangjireul han rol deo sa-ya hae-yo.I need to buy one more roll of toilet paper.
- 새 화장지를 꺼내 주세요.sae hwajangjireul kkeonae ju-se-yo.Please take out a new roll of toilet paper.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Jihun are checking the household supplies.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈 씨, 화장지 얼마나 남았어요?Jihun ssi, hwajangji eolmana namasseoyo?Jihun, how much toilet paper is left?
- 지훈 Ji-hun딱 한 롤밖에 없네요.ttak han rollbakke eomneyo.There is only one roll left.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그럼 오늘 마트에서 화장지 사요.geureom oneul mateueseo hwajangji sayo.Then let's buy toilet paper at the mart today.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 제가 같이 살게요.ne, jega gachi salgeyo.Yes, I will buy it with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toilet paper” translations and entries 화장지, 휴지, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 화장지, 휴지, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
