쓰레기
sseuregi[s͈ɯɾe̞ɡi]
The English word 'trash' is translated into Korean as 쓰레기 (sseuregi).
쓰레기 refers to general waste rather than specific items like cans or plastic bottles. You can also use the word 쓰레기통 to mean 'trash can', which is formed by combining 쓰레기 (trash) and 통 (container/can).
Meaning: things to be discarded (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When trash is the direct object of a verb like 'to pick up' or 'to throw away', the object marker –를 is added to the noun to form 쓰레기를. When trash is the subject of a sentence, such as 'The trash is full', the subject marker –가 is added to form 쓰레기가.
How do you pronounce it?
sseuregi
Did you know?
- South Korea uses a strict volume-based waste fee system where 쓰레기 must be placed in government-mandated bags purchased from local stores.
- The word 쓰레기 can be used as a harsh insult toward a person, similar to calling someone 'trash' or 'garbage' in English.
- The word 쓰레기 may share an ancestral root with the Middle Korean verb ᄡᅳᆯ다 (psulta), which means 'to sweep'.
Examples in context
- 쓰레기를 주워라.Pick up your trash.This sentence is useful for learning how to use 쓰레기 as a direct object.Tatoeba #11597180 by cherryband, translation #2569030 by Hybrid
- 이 구역은 재활용 폐기물에 대한 시설을 갖추고 있습니다.This area has facilities for recycling waste.
- 요즘 친구들이 쓰레기통에 쓰레기를 제대로 버리지 않아.These days, my friends don't properly dispose of trash in the trash bin.
- 쓰레기통이 너무 작아요.sseuregitongi neomu jagayo.The trash can is too small.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are cleaning up their apartment.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨, 쓰레기 좀 버려 주세요.Minjun ssi, sseuregi jom beoryeo juseyo.Minjun, please take out the trash.
- 민준 Min-jun지금 바로 버릴게요.jigeum baro beorilgeyo.I will take it out right now.
- 민지 Min-ji고마워요. 쓰레기 봉투도 필요해요.Gomawoyo. sseuregi bongtudo piryohaeyo.Thank you. We also need trash bags.
- 민준 Min-jun알겠어요. 내가 사 올게요.Algesseoyo. naega sa olgeyo.I understand. I will go buy some.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trash” translations and entries 쓰레기, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 쓰레기, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
