조끼
jokki[t͡ɕo̞k͈i]
The English word 'vest' is translated into Korean as 조끼 (jokki).
조끼 is a noun referring to a garment worn over a shirt. You can use it in various descriptions, such as 가벼운 조끼 for 'lightweight vest', 패션 조끼 for 'fashion vest' or 검은 베스트 for 'black vest'.
Meaning: garment worn over a shirt (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is jokki.
Did you know?
- The word 조끼 actually traces its lineage back to the Portuguese word 'jaqueta', meaning 'jacket', via Japanese pronunciation.
- Korean distinguishes between a 조끼 and a 민소매 'sleeveless top'. While a 조끼 is designed to be worn over another layer, a 민소매 is often worn on its own.
- In modern Korean street fashion, 'vest' is often discussed using the English-derived 베스트 to imply a more trendy, Western-style aesthetic compared to the standard 조끼.
Examples in context
- 이 조끼는 정말 예쁘네요.This vest is really pretty.
- 조끼 어디에서 사야 하나요?Where can I buy a vest?
- 이런 조끼는 어때요?How about this kind of vest?
- 따뜻한 조끼를 입었어요.ttatteut-han jokki-reul ib-eosseo-yo.I wore a warm vest.
- 이 조끼는 색깔이 예뻐요.i jokki-neun saekkkal-i yeppeo-yo.This vest has a pretty color.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are shopping for clothes together.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨, 이 조끼 어때요?Minji ssi, i jokki eotteo-yo?Minji, how about this vest?
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨한테 잘 어울려요.Hyunwoo ssi-hante jal eoul-lyeo-yo.It looks good on you, Hyunwoo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말요? 마음에 들어요.Jeongmal-yo? Maeum-e deureo-yo.Really? I like it.
- 민지 Min-ji색깔도 아주 밝고 예뻐요.Saekkkal-do aju balk-go yeppeo-yo.The color is also very bright and pretty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vest” translations and entries 조끼, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 조끼, CC BY-SA 4.0.
