Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #4,500 más común 10 min de lectura

천장

cheonjang Top 4,500

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 천장 en 30 segundos

Explicación 천장 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '천장' as a basic vocabulary word for parts of a house. Just as you learn 'floor' (바닥), 'wall' (벽), and 'window' (창문), '천장' is the word for the 'ceiling.' At this stage, you focus on identifying the object. You might see it in simple picture books or basic Korean lessons. A typical sentence would be '천장이 하얘요' (The ceiling is white). You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just associate the sound 'cheon-jang' with the surface above your head. It's a useful word when you are learning to describe your room or where a light is located. Remember that it's an interior word. If you look at a house from the outside, you use a different word. But inside your bedroom, looking up, that is the '천장.' Practice saying it while pointing upwards to help the word stick in your memory. It is a common noun that doesn't change based on who you are talking to, making it very straightforward for beginners.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the A2 level, you can start using '천장' with more descriptive adjectives and basic location particles. You should be able to say things like '천장이 높아요' (The ceiling is high) or '천장에 전등이 있어요' (There is a light on the ceiling). This level involves describing your environment in more detail. You might talk about cleaning the ceiling or noticing something on it, like a spider web (거미줄). You should also learn the distinction between '천장' and '지붕' (roof) clearly now. A2 learners often use '천장' when discussing their living situation or visiting a cafe. For example, '이 카페는 천장이 아주 높아서 좋아요' (I like this cafe because the ceiling is very high). You are also moving into using verbs like '바라보다' (to look at/stare) with '천장,' such as when you are lying in bed. This level is about building the 'spatial' vocabulary to describe a 3D room effectively.

At the B1 level, you begin to use '천장' in more practical and slightly more complex situations. You might talk about home repairs, such as '천장에서 물이 새요' (Water is leaking from the ceiling) or '천장을 수리해야 해요' (The ceiling needs to be repaired). You will also encounter '천장' in more specific contexts like '천장형 에어컨' (ceiling-mounted air conditioner), which is very common in Korea. At this stage, you should be comfortable using various particles like '-에서' to indicate origin and '-에' to indicate location on the ceiling. You might also start to see the word in simple news reports about building safety or interior design trends. B1 learners should also be aware of the word '천정' and know that '천장' is the standard, preferred term. You can now describe not just what is on the ceiling, but also what is happening to it, such as '천장에 얼룩이 생겼어요' (A stain appeared on the ceiling).

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B2 level, you can handle more abstract and idiomatic uses of '천장.' You should be familiar with the term '유리 천장' (glass ceiling) and be able to discuss social issues using this metaphor. You might say, '많은 여성이 여전히 유리 천장에 부딪히고 있습니다' (Many women are still hitting the glass ceiling). In economic contexts, you will hear about '가격 천장' (price ceilings) or '부채 천장' (debt ceiling) in news broadcasts. Your vocabulary is now expanding to include technical terms like '노출 천장' (exposed ceiling) when discussing modern architecture or trendy cafes. You should be able to use '천장' in complex sentences with various connective endings, such as '천장이 너무 낮아서 답답한 느낌이 들어요' (The ceiling is so low that it feels stifling). You are no longer just describing a physical object; you are using it as a reference point for social, economic, and architectural discussions.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C1 level, you use '천장' with the precision of a native speaker. You understand the nuances of architectural terms like '반자' versus '천장' and can discuss the aesthetic qualities of different ceiling styles, such as traditional Korean '우물천장' (coved ceiling). You are comfortable with idiomatic expressions like '천장 부지로 치솟다' (to soar sky-high) to describe rising prices or popularity. Your use of the word is integrated into sophisticated discourse. For example, you might analyze the psychological impact of high ceilings in public spaces or the historical evolution of ceiling designs in Korean architecture. You can also navigate technical discussions about HVAC systems or structural integrity where '천장' is a key term. At this level, you recognize the word in literature, where staring at the ceiling might be a metaphor for existential dread or deep contemplation, and you can explain these nuances to others.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '천장' in all its forms. You can appreciate and use the word in high-level literature, poetry, and academic writing. You understand the deep etymological roots (天障 - sky barrier) and how this concept has influenced Korean spatial philosophy. You can engage in professional-level debates about urban planning or architectural history, discussing how '천장' height regulations affect city density. You are also fully aware of the most obscure idioms and can use them with perfect timing and tone. Whether you are translating complex legal documents regarding building codes or writing a philosophical essay on the 'limits' (the metaphorical ceilings) of human knowledge, you use '천장' and its synonyms with absolute accuracy. You can distinguish between the standard '천장' and regional dialects or archaic forms like '천정' in classical texts, providing deep cultural and linguistic context for each.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

천장 en 30 segundos

천장 (cheon-jang) means 'ceiling,' the inside top surface of a room, distinct from the exterior 'roof' (지붕).
It is used with particles like -에 (on) and -에서 (from) to describe location and movement.
Common adjectives paired with it include 높다 (high), 낮다 (low), and 하얗다 (white).
Metaphorically, it refers to upper limits, such as the 'glass ceiling' (유리 천장) or 'price ceiling' (가격 천장).

The Korean word 천장 (cheon-jang) is a fundamental noun that every Korean learner should master early in their journey. It refers specifically to the upper interior surface of a room or building. While in English, we might casually use 'ceiling' and 'roof' distinctly, Korean learners must be careful not to confuse 천장 with 지붕 (jibung), which refers to the external roof structure that protects the building from the elements. Understanding 천장 involves more than just knowing a physical object; it involves understanding the spatial orientation of a Korean living environment. In traditional Korean architecture, the ceiling was often left exposed, showing the beautiful wooden beams, but in modern Korean apartments, the 천장 is typically a flat, white surface designed to maximize the feeling of space and light.

Physical Description: The physical 천장 is where you will find light fixtures (전등), smoke detectors (화재 경보기), and sometimes decorative molding (몰딩). When describing a room, saying "천장이 높다" (The ceiling is high) implies a sense of luxury and openness, whereas "천장이 낮다" (The ceiling is low) can suggest a cozy or sometimes cramped atmosphere.

침대에 누워 천장을 멍하니 바라보았다.

Translation: I lay on the bed and stared blankly at the ceiling.

Usage Contexts: You will encounter this word most frequently when discussing interior design, home maintenance, or even when describing a person's height in a humorous way (e.g., '머리가 천장에 닿겠어요' - Your head is going to touch the ceiling). It is also a key word in real estate listings where '높은 천장' (high ceilings) is a major selling point.

새로 이사한 집은 천장이 아주 높아서 마음에 들어요.

Translation: I like the new house because the ceiling is very high.

Furthermore, the word is used metaphorically. For instance, the 'glass ceiling' is translated literally as "유리 천장" (yuri cheonjang), referring to the invisible barriers that prevent certain groups from rising to the upper rungs of a hierarchy. This shows that the word carries the same weight of 'upper limit' in Korean as it does in English. Whether you are talking about the physical structure above your head or the abstract limits of society, 천장 is the word you need.

천장에서 물이 새고 있어요.

Translation: Water is leaking from the ceiling.

Etymological Connection: The Hanja for this word are 天 (천 - sky/heaven) and 障 (장 - barrier/block). Literally, it is the 'barrier to the sky.' This poetic origin helps learners remember that it is the thing that separates the room from the sky above.

아이 방 천장에 별 스티커를 붙였습니다.

Translation: I put star stickers on the ceiling of the child's room.

그는 천장 끝까지 손을 뻗어 보았다.

Translation: He tried reaching his hand all the way to the ceiling.

Using 천장 in a sentence requires an understanding of basic Korean particles and the verbs that naturally pair with it. Because it is a physical location, it often takes the particles -에 (at/on) or -에서 (from). For example, if you are attaching something to the ceiling, you use "천장에". If something is falling from the ceiling, you use "천장에서". It is a versatile noun that fits into various grammatical structures, from simple descriptive sentences to complex architectural discussions.

Descriptive Patterns: To describe the qualities of a ceiling, use adjectives like 높다 (to be high), 낮다 (to be low), or 하얗다 (to be white). Example: "이 카페는 천장이 높아서 시원해 보여요." (This cafe looks cool because the ceiling is high.)

천장에 거미줄이 있어요.

Translation: There is a spider web on the ceiling.

Action-Oriented Sentences: When performing an action related to the ceiling, verbs like 칠하다 (to paint), 수리하다 (to repair), or 바라보다 (to look at) are common. Example: "천장을 파란색으로 칠하고 싶어요." (I want to paint the ceiling blue.)

어젯밤에 천장에서 이상한 소리가 났어요.

Translation: A strange sound came from the ceiling last night.

In more advanced usage, you might use the word in the context of construction or installation. For instance, "천장형 에어컨" refers to a ceiling-mounted air conditioner, a very common sight in Korean offices and modern homes. This compound noun shows how 천장 functions as a modifier to specify the location of equipment. When you are describing a room's layout, you might say "천장에 조명을 설치하다" (to install lights on the ceiling).

거실 천장에 화려한 샹들리에가 달려 있습니다.

Translation: A fancy chandelier is hanging from the living room ceiling.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 닿다 (to touch): '키가 커서 머리가 천장에 닿아요.'
2. 뚫다 (to pierce/make a hole): '천장을 뚫고 연기가 나갔어요.'
3. 쳐다보다 (to stare/look up): '누워서 천장을 쳐다보았어요.'

비가 많이 와서 천장에 얼룩이 생겼어요.

Translation: Because it rained a lot, a stain appeared on the ceiling.

사다리를 타고 올라가서 천장을 닦았습니다.

Translation: I climbed the ladder and wiped the ceiling.

You will encounter the word 천장 in a variety of real-life settings in Korea. One of the most common places is in a 부동산 (real estate office). Real estate agents often highlight the height of the ceiling to make a small studio apartment (원룸) seem larger. They might say, "이 집은 천고가 높아서 개방감이 좋아요." Here, 천고 (cheon-go) is a more technical term for 'ceiling height,' but 천장 remains the common noun used in daily conversation. You'll also hear it frequently in hardware stores (철물점) or interior design shops when choosing lighting fixtures or wallpaper specifically designed for the ceiling.

In Modern Offices: In professional environments, you'll hear about "노출 천장" (exposed ceilings). This is a popular industrial design trend in Korean cafes and startup offices where the pipes and concrete are left visible. If you are working in Korea, you might hear a colleague complain about the "천장 에어컨" being too cold or needing a filter change.

이 카페는 천장이 노출되어 있어서 분위기가 힙해요.

Translation: This cafe has an exposed ceiling, so the vibe is hip.

In News and Media: Economic news often uses '천장' metaphorically. You might hear about "부채 천장" (debt ceiling) or "가격 천장" (price ceiling). When the stock market is booming, reporters might say prices are "천장 부지로 치솟다" (soaring through the ceiling/sky-high).

물가가 천장 부지로 오르고 있어서 걱정이에요.

Translation: I'm worried because prices are rising sky-high.

In dramas or movies, a character lying in bed staring at the 천장 is a classic trope to indicate deep thought, sadness, or insomnia. A character might say, "밤새 천장만 보고 있었어" (I spent all night just looking at the ceiling). This usage highlights the word's presence in emotional and domestic storytelling. Additionally, in the context of social issues, the term 유리 천장 (glass ceiling) is frequently discussed in news segments regarding gender equality in the workplace.

여성들이 직면한 유리 천장을 깨야 합니다.

Translation: We must break the glass ceiling that women face.

Everyday Hazards: If you visit an old building in Korea, you might see a sign that says "천장 주의" (Watch your head/Mind the ceiling) if the clearance is particularly low. This is common in traditional markets or older basement shops.

입구가 낮으니 천장에 머리를 조심하세요.

Translation: The entrance is low, so watch your head on the ceiling.

박물관 천장에 그려진 벽화가 정말 아름다워요.

Translation: The mural painted on the museum ceiling is truly beautiful.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Korean is confusing 천장 with 지붕 (jibung). While both words relate to the top of a structure, their usage is strictly divided by the perspective of being inside or outside. If you are standing inside a room and looking up, you are looking at the 천장. If you are standing outside and looking at the top of the house, or if you are talking about the roof that keeps the rain out, you must use 지붕. Saying "지붕에 전등을 달았어요" sounds like you climbed onto the outside of your house to attach a light to the shingles!

Confusion with '천정' (Cheon-jeong): You might sometimes see or hear the word 천정. While many people use it interchangeably with 천장, 천장 is the standard language (표준어) according to the National Institute of Korean Language. 천정 is often considered a remnant of Japanese-influenced Hanja or simply a non-standard variant. For learners, it is always safer and more correct to use 천장.

지붕에 거미줄이 있어요. (X)
천장에 거미줄이 있어요. (O)

Correction: Use '천장' for interior ceilings.

Particle Errors: Another mistake involves using the wrong location particles. Because the ceiling is 'above' us, learners often want to say "천장 위에". However, in Korean, 천장 already implies the overhead surface. Saying "천장 위에" literally means 'on top of the ceiling,' which would be the crawl space or the attic area. If you want to say something is attached to the ceiling, simply use "천장에".

천장 위에 전등이 있어요. (X - implies the light is in the attic)
천장 에 전등이 있어요. (O - the light is on the ceiling surface)

Correction: Use the simple '-에' particle for items attached to the ceiling.

Finally, be careful with the verb 달다 (to hang/attach). While you can 'hang' a picture on a wall (벽에 그림을 걸다), for lights or fans on a ceiling, Koreans often use 달다 (to attach/fix) or 설치하다 (to install). Using 걸다 for a ceiling light isn't strictly wrong if it's literally hanging by a wire, but 달다 is the more common and natural choice for fixed objects.

천장이 무너질 것 같아요.

Usage: This means 'The ceiling feels like it's going to collapse' (often used metaphorically for loud noises).

Spelling Note: Ensure you don't spell it as '전장' (jeon-jang), which means 'battlefield,' or '현장' (hyeon-jang), which means 'the scene/on-site.' The 'ㅊ' sound is aspirated and distinct.

키가 너무 커서 천장에 머리가 부딪혔어요.

Translation: I was so tall that I bumped my head on the ceiling.

While 천장 is the most common word for ceiling, there are several related terms and alternatives that can provide more nuance depending on the context. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to describe spaces with greater precision. Whether you are talking about architecture, economics, or simple home life, these alternatives are valuable additions to your vocabulary.

천장 vs. 지붕 (Jibung): As discussed previously, this is the most important distinction. 천장 is the interior view; 지붕 is the exterior structure. If it's raining on it, it's the 지붕. If you're hanging a lamp on it, it's the 천장.

빨간 지붕 집의 천장은 하얀색입니다.

Translation: The ceiling of the house with the red roof is white.

천장 vs. 천정 (Cheon-jeong): Though 천정 is widely used by older generations and in some technical contexts, 천장 is the only standard term. Using 천장 ensures you are using the most current and officially recognized Korean word.

반자 (Banja): This is a technical architectural term. A 반자 is specifically the finished surface of a ceiling that hides the structural elements above it. While an average person rarely uses this word, you might see it in construction documents or when talking to a professional contractor.

이 방은 반자를 새로 해서 아주 깔끔해요.

Translation: This room is very clean because the ceiling finish (banja) was redone.

상단 (Sang-dan): Meaning 'the top part' or 'upper section,' 상단 is a more general term. You might use this when referring to the top of a website, a document, or a shelf. It's not a direct synonym for ceiling, but it shares the 'upper' semantic space.

When talking about limits, you might use 한도 (hando - limit) or 상한선 (sang-han-seon - upper limit line). For example, a 'price ceiling' in a formal economic context is often called 가격 상한제 (price upper-limit system), though 천장 is used in more idiomatic or casual news reporting. Understanding these variations allows you to transition from basic descriptions to sophisticated analysis.

대출 상한선이 천장에 도달했습니다.

Translation: The loan upper limit has reached its ceiling.

Quick Comparison: 1. 천장: Standard ceiling (interior).
2. 지붕: Roof (exterior).
3. 천정: Non-standard variant of ceiling.
4. 상한선: Metaphorical ceiling/upper limit.

집값이 천장을 뚫고 올라갔어요.

Translation: House prices have gone through the ceiling.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The literal meaning 'sky barrier' is quite poetic, as it describes the ceiling as the thing that prevents you from seeing the sky while indoors.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /tɕʰʌndzaŋ/

US /tʃʌndʒaŋ/

In Korean, stress is generally equal across syllables, but a slight emphasis may fall on the first syllable '천'.

Rima con

현장 (hyeon-jang) 선장 (seon-jang) 면장 (myeon-jang) 연장 (yeon-jang) 전장 (jeon-jang) 권장 (gwon-jang) 훈장 (hun-jang) 본장 (bon-jang)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing '천' as '전' (jeon), which changes the meaning.
Failing to aspirate the 'ㅊ' in '천'.
Pronouncing '장' as '잔' (jan), missing the 'ng' sound.
Making the 'eo' sound in '천' too much like 'o'.
Over-stressing the second syllable.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

The word is easy to read as it follows standard phonics.

Escritura 2/5

Simple two-syllable word, easy to remember the spelling.

Expresión oral 3/5

Requires clear aspiration on the 'ch' sound to avoid confusion with 'jeon'.

Escucha 3/5

Can be confused with '전장' (battlefield) or '현장' (scene) if not heard clearly.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

방 (room) 집 (house) 위 (up/above) 보다 (to see)

Aprende después

지붕 (roof) 바닥 (floor) 벽 (wall) 조명 (lighting)

Avanzado

반자 (ceiling finish) 서까래 (rafters) 상한선 (upper limit)

Gramática que debes saber

Location Particle -에

천장에 전등이 있어요.

Source Particle -에서

천장에서 물이 떨어져요.

Adjective Conjugation (높다 -> 높아서)

천장이 높아서 좋아요.

Object Particle -을

천장을 쳐다봐요.

Passive Construction (-어 있다)

천장에 조명이 달려 있어요.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

천장이 하얘요.

The ceiling is white.

Subject marker -이 is used.

천장을 봐요.

Look at the ceiling.

Object marker -을 is used.

방에 천장이 있어요.

There is a ceiling in the room.

Location particle -에 is used.

천장이 높아요.

The ceiling is high.

Adjective 높다 describes the subject.

천장이 낮아요.

The ceiling is low.

Adjective 낮다 describes the subject.

천장에 불이 있어요.

There is a light on the ceiling.

Location particle -에 indicates where the light is.

이것은 천장입니다.

This is a ceiling.

Polite ending -입니다 is used.

천장이 깨끗해요.

The ceiling is clean.

Adjective 깨끗하다 describes the ceiling.

천장에 거미줄이 있어요.

There is a spider web on the ceiling.

Common A2 noun '거미줄' added.

천장을 파란색으로 칠해요.

Paint the ceiling blue.

Particle -으로 indicates the color/method.

침대에 누워서 천장을 봐요.

Lie on the bed and look at the ceiling.

-어서 connective used for sequential actions.

천장에서 소리가 나요.

There is a sound coming from the ceiling.

Particle -에서 indicates the source of the sound.

천장에 풍선을 붙였어요.

I attached balloons to the ceiling.

Past tense verb 붙였다.

천장이 너무 높아서 청소하기 힘들어요.

The ceiling is too high, so it's hard to clean.

-아서/어서 for reason, -기 힘들다 for difficulty.

천장에 예쁜 조명을 달고 싶어요.

I want to hang a pretty light on the ceiling.

-고 싶다 expresses desire.

천장에 머리를 부딪히지 마세요.

Don't bump your head on the ceiling.

-지 마세요 for negative command.

천장에서 물이 새서 수리공을 불렀어요.

Water was leaking from the ceiling, so I called a repairman.

Combining reason and action.

천장형 에어컨을 설치하면 공간이 넓어 보여요.

If you install a ceiling-mounted AC, the space looks wider.

Conditional -면 and appearance -어 보이다.

천장에 있는 먼지를 닦아주세요.

Please wipe the dust on the ceiling.

Relative clause '천장에 있는'.

비가 많이 오면 천장에 얼룩이 생길 수 있어요.

If it rains a lot, stains can appear on the ceiling.

-ㄹ 수 있다 for possibility.

천장 높이가 3미터나 됩니다.

The ceiling height is as much as 3 meters.

Particle -나 emphasizes the amount.

천장을 마감재로 덮었어요.

The ceiling was covered with finishing materials.

Technical noun '마감재' used.

천장에 화재 경보기가 설치되어 있습니다.

A smoke detector is installed on the ceiling.

Passive state -어 있다.

천장을 보고 누워 있으면 생각이 많아져요.

When I lie down looking at the ceiling, I get many thoughts.

-면 connective and '많아지다' (to become many).

이 건물은 노출 천장 디자인을 채택했습니다.

This building adopted an exposed ceiling design.

Advanced noun '채택하다' (to adopt).

유리 천장을 깨기 위해 노력해야 합니다.

We must work hard to break the glass ceiling.

Metaphorical use of '유리 천장'.

천장 부지로 치솟는 물가 때문에 걱정이에요.

I'm worried about prices soaring sky-high.

Idiom '천장 부지' used.

천장의 구조를 변경하는 것은 큰 공사입니다.

Changing the structure of the ceiling is a major construction project.

Noun phrase '변경하는 것'.

천장에 조명을 매립하여 깔끔하게 만들었습니다.

The lights were recessed into the ceiling to make it look clean.

Verb '매립하다' (to bury/recess).

천장이 울리는 소음 때문에 층간 소음 갈등이 생겼어요.

Inter-floor noise conflicts arose because of the sound vibrating through the ceiling.

Compound noun '층간 소음'.

천장에 화려한 벽화를 그려 넣었습니다.

A magnificent mural was painted onto the ceiling.

Verb '그려 넣다' (to paint in).

천장이 낮으면 심리적으로 압박감을 느낄 수 있습니다.

If the ceiling is low, you can feel psychologically pressured.

Noun '압박감' (feeling of pressure).

정부는 물가 상승을 억제하기 위해 가격 천장을 설정했습니다.

The government set a price ceiling to suppress inflation.

Economic term '가격 천장'.

전통 한옥의 천장은 서까래가 드러나 있어 아름답습니다.

The ceilings of traditional Hanoks are beautiful because the rafters are exposed.

Traditional term '서까래' (rafters).

그의 인기는 천장 부지로 치솟아 멈출 줄 모릅니다.

His popularity is soaring sky-high and shows no signs of stopping.

Idiom applied to popularity.

천장 마감 공사가 지연되어 입주가 늦어졌습니다.

Move-in was delayed because the ceiling finishing work was postponed.

Passive '늦어지다'.

천장에 반사되는 빛의 각도를 세밀하게 조정했습니다.

The angle of the light reflecting off the ceiling was finely adjusted.

Adverb '세밀하게' (finely/minutely).

천장의 하중을 견디기 위해 기둥을 보강했습니다.

The pillars were reinforced to withstand the load of the ceiling.

Technical term '하중' (load/weight).

유리 천장이라는 보이지 않는 장벽이 성장을 가로막습니다.

The invisible barrier called the glass ceiling blocks growth.

Appositive '-이라는'.

천장에 맺힌 이슬이 방 안의 습도를 짐작게 합니다.

The dew formed on the ceiling gives a hint about the humidity in the room.

Causative contraction '-게 하다'.

천장이라는 공간은 단순한 덮개를 넘어 건축적 철학을 담고 있습니다.

The space called the ceiling goes beyond a simple cover and contains architectural philosophy.

Abstract philosophical usage.

부채 천장 협상이 결렬되자 시장은 큰 혼란에 빠졌습니다.

When the debt ceiling negotiations broke down, the market fell into great chaos.

Formal political/economic context.

우물천장의 기하학적 문양은 선조들의 미적 감각을 투영합니다.

The geometric patterns of the coved ceiling reflect our ancestors' aesthetic sense.

High-level vocabulary like '투영하다'.

천장을 가로지르는 대들보의 웅장함에 압도당했습니다.

I was overwhelmed by the grandeur of the main beam crossing the ceiling.

Passive '압도당하다'.

시인은 천장을 보며 우주의 무한함을 노래했습니다.

The poet sang of the infinity of the universe while looking at the ceiling.

Literary context.

천장의 균열은 단순한 노후화가 아닌 구조적 결함을 암시합니다.

The cracks in the ceiling imply structural defects, not just simple aging.

Formal analysis '암시하다'.

현대 건축에서 천장은 빛과 공기의 흐름을 제어하는 핵심 요소입니다.

In modern architecture, the ceiling is a key element that controls the flow of light and air.

Professional architectural description.

천장 부지의 물가 폭등은 서민 경제에 치명적인 타격을 주었습니다.

The sky-high surge in prices dealt a fatal blow to the economy of the common people.

Sophisticated economic analysis.

Colocaciones comunes

천장이 높다

천장에 달다

천장에서 물이 새다

천장을 바라보다

천장형 에어컨

노출 천장

유리 천장

천장 부지

천장을 뚫다

천장 주의

Frases Comunes

천장이 무너지다

— To have the ceiling collapse. Often used metaphorically for a loud noise or a disaster.

천장이 무너지는 줄 알았어요.

천장에 닿다

— To reach the ceiling. Often used to describe someone very tall.

키가 커서 머리가 천장에 닿겠어요.

천장을 칠하다

— To paint the ceiling.

주말에 천장을 하얗게 칠했어요.

천장 높이

— Ceiling height.

천장 높이를 재 보세요.

천장 조명

— Ceiling lighting.

천장 조명이 너무 밝아요.

천장 얼룩

— A stain on the ceiling.

천장 얼룩을 지워야 해요.

천장 수리

— Ceiling repair.

천장 수리비가 많이 나왔어요.

천장 마감

— Ceiling finishing/border.

천장 마감이 깔끔하네요.

천장 환풍기

— Ceiling fan/vent.

천장 환풍기를 틀어 주세요.

천장 공사

— Ceiling construction.

내일부터 천장 공사를 시작합니다.

Se confunde a menudo con

천장 vs 지붕

지붕 is the roof (exterior), while 천장 is the ceiling (interior).

천장 vs 천정

천정 is a common but non-standard variant of 천장.

천장 vs 전장

전장 means battlefield, which sounds similar but has a different first consonant.

Modismos y expresiones

"유리 천장"

— An invisible barrier that prevents women or minorities from rising to top positions.

기업 내 유리 천장을 없애야 합니다.

Social/Professional

"천장 부지로 치솟다"

— To skyrocket without limit (referring to prices or popularity).

주가가 천장 부지로 치솟고 있어요.

Economic/Journalistic

"천장을 뚫다"

— To be extremely loud or to exceed a limit significantly.

응원 소리가 천장을 뚫을 기세예요.

Informal

"천장이 울리다"

— To hear noise from the floor above (inter-floor noise).

윗집 아이들이 뛰어서 천장이 울려요.

Daily Life

"천장만 쳐다보다"

— To stare at the ceiling, usually due to worry, boredom, or insomnia.

잠이 안 와서 밤새 천장만 쳐다봤어.

Informal

"가격 천장"

— A government-imposed maximum price for a good or service.

정부는 임대료에 가격 천장을 설정했습니다.

Economic

"천장 효과"

— The ceiling effect (in statistics or psychology), where scores cannot go higher.

시험이 너무 쉬워서 천장 효과가 나타났어요.

Academic

"천장을 빌리다"

— To stay at someone's house (rare/poetic).

하룻밤 천장을 빌릴 수 있을까요?

Literary

"천장에 침 뱉기"

— Like 'spitting in the wind'—an action that ends up hurting oneself.

동료를 비방하는 것은 천장에 침 뱉기예요.

Proverbial

"천장지구"

— An idiom (from Chinese) meaning as eternal as heaven and earth.

우리의 우정은 천장지구할 것이다.

Literary

Fácil de confundir

천장 vs 지붕

Both are at the top of a house.

지붕 is outside; 천장 is inside.

지붕에 비가 내려요. 천장에 등을 달아요.

천장 vs 벽

Both are room surfaces.

벽 is vertical (wall); 천장 is horizontal/overhead (ceiling).

벽에 그림을 걸고 천장에 등을 달아요.

천장 vs 바닥

Both are horizontal surfaces.

바닥 is at the bottom (floor); 천장 is at the top (ceiling).

바닥에 앉아서 천장을 봐요.

천장 vs 옥상

Both relate to the upper part of a building.

옥상 is the rooftop (the flat area on top of a building); 천장 is the interior ceiling.

옥상에서 파티를 하고 천장을 수리해요.

천장 vs 천정

They look and sound very similar.

천장 is the standard word; 천정 is non-standard.

천장(O) / 천정(X)

Patrones de oraciones

천장이 [Adjective]-아요/어요.

천장이 높아요.

천장에 [Noun]이/가 있어요.

천장에 거미줄이 있어요.

천장에서 [Noun]이/가 [Verb]-아요/어요.

천장에서 물이 새요.

천장을 [Color]-(으)로 칠해요.

천장을 하얀색으로 칠해요.

천장이 [Adjective]-아서 [Result].

천장이 낮아서 답답해요.

천장에 [Noun]을/를 설치하다.

천장에 에어컨을 설치하다.

[Noun]이/가 천장 부지로 [Verb].

물가가 천장 부지로 올라요.

유리 천장을 깨다.

여성들이 유리 천장을 깨고 있습니다.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

천장부 (ceiling section)

천장재 (ceiling material)

천장화 (ceiling painting)

Verbos

천장하다 (to place in a ceiling - rare/technical)

Adjetivos

천장형 (ceiling-type)

Relacionado

지붕 (roof)

바닥 (floor)

벽 (wall)

실내 (interior)

건축 (architecture)

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in domestic and architectural contexts.

Errores comunes

Using '지붕' for the interior ceiling. → 천장
지붕 is only for the exterior roof. If you are inside, use 천장.
Saying '천장 위에' for a light fixture. → 천장에
'천장 위에' means on top of the ceiling (in the attic). For items on the surface, use '천장에'.
Spelling it as '천정'. → 천장
천정 is a common non-standard variant. 천장 is the correct standard Korean.
Confusing '천장' with '전장'. → 천장
전장 (jeon-jang) means battlefield. Make sure to use the aspirated 'ㅊ'.
Using '걸다' for all ceiling items. → 달다 / 설치하다
While '걸다' works for hanging, '달다' is more common for fixed ceiling lights or fans.

Consejos

Inside vs. Outside

Always remember: Inside = 천장, Outside = 지붕. Don't mix them up when describing a house!

Standard Language

Stick to '천장' even if you hear '천정'. '천장' is the official standard word.

Location Particles

Use '천장에' for things attached to it. Avoid '천장 위에' unless you mean something literally on top of the ceiling structure (like in the attic).

Idiomatic Power

Use '천장 부지로 치솟다' to sound very natural when talking about prices or popularity going up fast.

Technical Terms

If you are in real estate, use '천장고' to refer to ceiling height. It sounds more professional.

Inter-floor Noise

Understand '층간 소음' (noise between floors). If someone says '천장이 울려요', they are complaining about their upstairs neighbors.

Description

When describing a room, '천장이 높다' implies luxury, while '천장이 낮다' implies coziness or confinement.

Daily Life

'천장만 보고 있다' is a great way to describe insomnia or being lost in thought in your journal.

Low Ceilings

In old Korean buildings, look out for '천장 주의' signs. It means 'watch your head'!

Modern Tech

Learn '천장형'. You will see it everywhere on appliances like air conditioners or heaters.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Cheon' (천) as 'Heaven' (like the sky) and 'Jang' (장) as a 'Jacket' or 'Sheet' covering you. The ceiling is the 'Heaven-Sheet' over your head.

Asociación visual

Imagine looking up at a white ceiling and seeing the word '천장' written in big, blue letters across it.

Word Web

Interior House Light High Low Paint Roof Up

Desafío

Go into every room in your house and say '천장' while looking up. Try to describe each one: '천장이 높아요' or '천장이 하얘요'.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from Sino-Korean Hanja characters: 天 (천) meaning 'sky' or 'heaven' and 障 (장) meaning 'barrier,' 'screen,' or 'block.'

Significado original: A barrier that blocks the sky.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but be mindful when discussing '유리 천장' as it can be a politically charged topic.

English speakers often use 'ceiling' metaphorically for limits, which translates well to Korean '천장'. However, the distinction between 'ceiling' and 'roof' is very strict in Korean.

The Sistine Chapel ceiling (시스티나 성당 천장화). The movie 'Parasite' (기생충) where the 'ceiling' and levels of a house represent social class. The idiom '유리 천장' frequently cited in Korean feminist literature.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Home Maintenance

천장에서 물이 새요.
천장을 수리해야 해요.
천장에 곰팡이가 생겼어요.
천장 도배를 새로 했어요.

Real Estate

천장이 높아서 넓어 보여요.
천장고가 얼마나 되나요?
복층이라 천장이 아주 높습니다.
천장형 에어컨이 옵션인가요?

Interior Design

천장에 조명을 달고 싶어요.
노출 천장 스타일로 꾸몄어요.
천장 색깔을 추천해 주세요.
천장에 몰딩을 돌렸어요.

Daily Life

누워서 천장만 보고 있었어.
천장에 거미가 있어요.
천장에 머리 조심하세요.
천장이 울리는 소리가 나요.

Economics/Social Issues

유리 천장을 깨야 합니다.
물가가 천장 부지로 올라요.
가격 천장제가 시행되었습니다.
부채 천장 협상이 끝났어요.

Inicios de conversación

"이사하신 집 천장이 정말 높네요! (The ceiling of your new house is really high!)"

"천장에 있는 저 조명 어디서 사셨어요? (Where did you buy that light on the ceiling?)"

"천장에서 이상한 소리 못 들으셨어요? (Didn't you hear a strange sound from the ceiling?)"

"요즘 카페들은 왜 다 노출 천장일까요? (Why are all the cafes these days exposed ceiling style?)"

"천장에 별 스티커를 붙이면 아이들이 좋아할까요? (Would kids like it if I put star stickers on the ceiling?)"

Temas para diario

오늘 침대에 누워 천장을 보며 무슨 생각을 했나요? (What thoughts did you have while lying in bed looking at the ceiling today?)

내가 꿈꾸는 집의 천장은 어떤 모습인가요? (What does the ceiling of my dream house look like?)

우리 사회의 '유리 천장'에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요? (What do you think about the 'glass ceiling' in our society?)

천장에서 갑자기 돈이 떨어진다면 무엇을 하고 싶나요? (If money suddenly fell from the ceiling, what would you want to do?)

내가 가본 곳 중 가장 아름다운 천장은 어디였나요? (Where was the most beautiful ceiling you have ever seen?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

천장 (cheon-jang) is the ceiling, which you see from inside a room. 지붕 (jibung) is the roof, which you see from outside a building. For example, if you want to hang a light, you do it on the 천장. If you want to fix a leak from the rain, you might need to fix the 지붕.

While many Koreans use '천정' (cheon-jeong) in casual speech, '천장' (cheon-jang) is the only standard word recognized by the National Institute of Korean Language. It is better to use '천장' to be grammatically correct.

You say '천장이 높다' (cheon-jang-i nop-da). This is a common phrase used to describe spacious rooms or cafes.

It means 'glass ceiling.' Just like in English, it refers to an invisible barrier that prevents certain groups, like women or minorities, from reaching top-level positions in their careers.

You say '천장에서 물이 새요' (cheon-jang-eseo mul-i sae-yo). This uses the particle -에서 to show the source of the leak.

Yes, it is used in terms like '부채 천장' (debt ceiling) or '가격 천장' (price ceiling). It's also used in the idiom '천장 부지로 오르다' to describe prices that are skyrocketing.

It is a 'ceiling-mounted air conditioner.' These are very common in Korean offices, restaurants, and newer apartments to save wall and floor space.

You say '천장을 바라보다' (cheon-jang-eul bara-boda) or '천장을 쳐다보다' (cheon-jang-eul chyeoda-boda). This is often used when describing someone who is thinking deeply or cannot sleep.

Use '-에' if something is located on the ceiling (e.g., 천장에 전등이 있어요). Use '-에서' if something is coming from the ceiling (e.g., 천장에서 소리가 나요). Use '-을' if you are doing something to the ceiling (e.g., 천장을 닦아요).

It means 'exposed ceiling.' This is an interior design style where the pipes, ducts, and structural elements are left visible instead of being covered by a finished surface.

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas