수건
sugeon[ˈsʰu(ː)ɡʌ̹n]
The Korean word for "towel" is 수건 (sugeon). If unsure, use 수건. Wiktionary also lists 타월 (tawol).
Meaning: cloth used for wiping (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 수건 | sugeon | [ˈsʰu(ː)ɡʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 타월 | tawol | [tʰa̠wʌ̹ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
수건 is the most common and natural word used in daily conversation when referring to a towel.
Which one should you use?
While 수건 is the standard term, 타월 is a transliterated English loanword. 타월 is often used in commercial contexts, such as in brand names or to describe specific product types like a bath towel.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can create the word for "handkerchief" by adding the word for hand, 손, to the front of 수건 to make 손수건.
How do you pronounce it?
sugeon
Did you know?
- The word 수건 is used in the term 수건돌리기, which refers to a traditional children's game of 'duck duck goose' played by circling a towel.
- The word 수건 is composed of the Chinese characters for 'hand' and 'cloth'.
- While English distinguishes between a 'towel' and a 'washcloth', Koreans often use 수건 for both, specifying size only if necessary.
Examples in context
- 수건 좀 주시겠습니까?Can you pass me the towel?This sentence is useful for asking someone to pass you a 수건.Tatoeba #3947767 by thomaspark, translation #4573443 by imjcooper
- 저기요, 수건을 주실 수 있으세요?Excuse me, could you give me a towel, please?
- 화장실에 수건이 없어요.hwajangsil-e sugeon-i eopseoyo.There are no towels in the bathroom.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are at home after a shower.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨, 수건 어디 있어요?Seoyeon ssi, sugeon eodi isseoyo?Seoyeon, where are the towels?
- 서연 Seo-yeon세탁기 위에 있어요.Setakgi wie isseoyo.They are on top of the washing machine.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo고마워요. 수건이 정말 부드럽네요.Gomawoyo. sugeon-i jeongmal budeureopneyo.Thank you. The towel is really soft.
- 서연 Seo-yeon다행이네요.Dahaeng-ineyo.I'm glad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “towel” translations and entries 수건, 타월, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 수건, 타월, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
