To Wear - One English word, too many Korean words 👔🩳🧢🧤🧦

Short one today!

While English uses the single word "wear" for everything from hats to socks to lipstick, Korean is much more specific. Almost too specific. In Korean, the verb changes depending on which part of the body you are putting the item on and how you are attaching it.

So, let’s break it down by category.

The Basics: Clothing (입다)

This is the most common verb. Use 입다 for anything that covers your torso or legs.

• Items: T-shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, coats, underwear.
• Example: "I wear a coat." → 코트를 입어요.

For Your Feet (신다)

Anything you put on your feet uses 신다. Never use the verb for clothing when talking about shoes! For example, saying 신발 입다 is a no-go.

• Items: Shoes, sneakers, boots, socks, stockings.
• Example: "I wear sneakers." → 운동화를 신어요.

For Your Head and Face (쓰다)

If you put something on your head or use it to cover your face, use 쓰다. It can sound a little silly because 쓰다 also means “to use or to write”, but in this case it’s the right usage!

• Items: Hats, helmets, glasses, sunglasses, wigs, masks.
• Example: "I wear a hat." → 모자를 써요.

Things That "Fit" or "Clasp" (끼다)

Use 끼다 for items that fit snugly or are inserted/clamped onto a body part.

• Items: Gloves, rings, contact lenses.
• Example: "I wear a ring." → 반지를 껴요.

Strapping It On (차다)

For items that you "strap" or fasten around your wrist, ankle, or waist, use 차다.

• Items: Watches, bracelets, belts.
• Example: "I wear a watch." → 시계를 차요.

Tying and Wrapping (매다 & 두르다)

Korean distinguishes between "tying a knot" and "wrapping around."

• 매다: Used for items you tie or fasten with a knot (Neckties, shoelaces).
• 두르다: Used for items you wrap around your neck or shoulders (Scarves, shawls).
• Example: "I wear a tie." → 넥타이를 매요.

Carrying Bags (메다 & 들다)

Though "wearing" a bag sounds natural in English, Koreans "carry" or "shoulder" them.

• 메다: To carry on your shoulder or back (Backpacks).
• 들다: To hold or carry in your hand (Handbags, briefcases).
• Example: "I wear (carry) a backpack." → 배낭을 메요.

The "Magic" Verb for Accessories (하다)

If you are confused, 하다 is your best friend. It is a general "to do" verb that works for almost all jewelry and accessories.

• Items: Earrings, necklaces, hairbands, masks.
• Example: "I wear earrings." → 귀걸이를 해요.

Makeup, Perfume, and Nails (바르다, 뿌리다, 칠하다)

Even "wearing" makeup or perfume has its own set of verbs!

• 바르다: To spread or apply (Lipstick, sunscreen, lotion).
• 뿌리다: To spray (Perfume).
• 칠하다: To paint (Nail polish). Note: You can also use 바르다 for nail polish.
• Example: "I wear (apply) lipstick." → 립스틱을 발라요.

Quick Summary Cheat Sheet

What are you wearing right now? 👔🩳🧢🧤🧦