유니폼
yunipom[junipʰo̞m]
The English word 'uniform' can be translated into Korean as 유니폼 (yunipom) or 제복.
Meaning: distinctive outfit as a means of identifying members of a group (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 유니폼 | yunipom | [junipʰo̞m] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 제복 | jebok | [ˈt͡ɕe̞(ː)bo̞k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, the choice of word depends on the context of the outfit. While 유니폼 is a general term often used for modern or casual contexts like sports kits or staff clothing, there are more specific terms for other types of uniforms. For example, if you are specifically talking about a school uniform, you should use 교복.
Which one should you use?
제복 is used specifically for the formal, authoritative uniforms worn by those in official or service roles, such as the military or police. In contrast, 유니폼 is a more general loanword used for a wider variety of clothing, including sports uniforms.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
yunipom
Did you know?
- The word 제복 is composed of the characters for 'rule' and 'clothes', implying that the garment itself is a way of following or enforcing a regulation.
- Korean has a specific word for the 'modified' school uniform, 생활교복, which blends the traditional 교복 with comfortable, casual wear to improve student wellbeing.
- In South Korea, students wearing their 교복 is a significant part of the cultural identity of the teenage years, often appearing in many K-dramas as a symbol of youth.
Examples in context
- 학교 교복School uniform
- 군복Military uniform
- 축구 팀의 유니폼이 멋져요.chukgu timui yunibomi meotjyeoyo.The soccer team's uniform is cool.
- 새 유니폼을 입고 있어요.sae yunibomeul ipgo isseoyo.I am wearing a new uniform.
- 이 유니폼은 어디에서 샀어요?i yunibomeun eodieseo sasseoyo?Where did you buy this uniform?
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are looking at a sports team's gear.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨, 저 유니폼 정말 예쁘네요.Jieun ssi, jeo yunibom jeongmal yeppeuneyo.Jieun, that uniform is really pretty.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요, 색깔이 아주 독특해요.Majayo, saekkkari aju dokteukhaeyo.Right, the colors are very unique.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨도 저 유니폼이 마음에 들어요?Jieun ssi-do jeo yunibomi maeume deureoyo?Do you like that uniform too, Jieun?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 정말 사고 싶어요.Ne, jeongmal sago sipeoyo.Yes, I really want to buy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uniform” translations and entries 유니폼, 제복, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 유니폼, 제복, CC BY-SA 4.0.
