Level 2

봉투

bongtu

Envelope

TOPIK 2

Meaning and Usage

The word '봉투' specifically refers to an envelope, commonly used to hold letters, money, or small documents. It is a noun and appears frequently in everyday contexts such as mailing letters or giving money as a gift.

Common Collocations

  • 봉투에 넣다: to put something in an envelope
  • 봉투를 열다: to open an envelope
  • 봉투를 접다: to fold an envelope

These collocations are useful when talking about mailing or gifting.

Register and Politeness

'봉투' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal situations without change.

Tips for Learners

Be careful not to confuse '봉투' with '편지' (letter). '봉투' is the container, while '편지' is the content. Also, '봉투' can sometimes be used metaphorically to mean a small bag or pouch, but this is less common in daily conversation.

Example Sentences

편지를 봉투에 넣어서 우체통에 넣었어요.

Pyeonjireul bongtue neoeoseo uchetong-e neoeosseoyo.

I put the letter in the envelope and then into the mailbox.

돈을 봉투에 넣어 선생님께 드렸어요.

Doneul bongtue neoeo seonsaengnimkke deuryeosseoyo.

I put the money in an envelope and gave it to the teacher.

봉투가 없으면 편지를 직접 접어도 돼요.

Bongtuga eopseumyeon pyeonjireul jikjeop jeobeodo dwaeyo.

If you don't have an envelope, you can fold the letter directly.