Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '옷' means 'clothes' or 'clothing' and is a very common noun used in everyday conversation. It refers broadly to garments worn on the body.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '옷' when talking about buying, wearing, washing, or describing clothes. It can refer to any type of clothing, from casual wear to formal attire.
Collocations and Patterns
- 옷을 입다: to wear clothes
- 옷을 사다: to buy clothes
- 옷을 세탁하다: to wash clothes
- 새 옷: new clothes
These collocations are very frequent and useful for daily conversations.
Register and Politeness
'옷' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The politeness level is usually conveyed by the verb endings rather than the noun itself.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '옷' with '의복' which is a more formal or literary term for clothing. For everyday use, '옷' is the natural choice.