At the A1 level, you just need to know that '서랍' (seorap) means 'drawer'. It is a noun used to describe a part of your desk or bed. You will see it in basic sentences like 'My drawer' (내 서랍) or 'The drawer is here' (서랍이 여기 있어요). Think of it as a box that lives inside a desk. You pull it to see what is inside. It is one of the first household objects you learn. You should practice saying the word clearly: 'Seo-rap'. The 'p' sound at the end is very short. You don't blow air out. It is used with simple verbs like 'open' (열어요) and 'close' (닫아요). If you can say '서랍을 열어요' (I open the drawer), you are doing great at this level! Use it to talk about where your pens or toys are.
At the A2 level, you start using '서랍' with more detail. You will learn to say where things are located using '서랍 안에' (inside the drawer). You will also start using numbers to describe which drawer you mean, like '첫 번째 서랍' (the first drawer). You can describe actions like 'putting things in' (넣다) or 'taking things out' (꺼내다). For example, '서랍에서 펜을 꺼내세요' (Take a pen out of the drawer). You should also know '서랍장', which is the whole piece of furniture (chest of drawers). At this level, you might talk about your daily routine, like 'I organize my drawers on weekends'. You are beginning to use the word in full sentences to describe your environment and manage your belongings.
At the B1 level, '서랍' appears in more complex contexts like office work or organizing a home. You can describe the state of the drawer using adjectives like '잠긴' (locked), '비어 있는' (empty), or '엉망인' (messy). You might say, '서랍이 너무 지저분해서 정리해야겠어요' (The drawer is so messy that I need to organize it). You will also encounter compound words and more specific verbs like '뒤지다' (to rummage through). You can explain why you are using a drawer, such as for safety or privacy. You are comfortable using different particles and can handle conversations about furniture quality or office supplies. You might also start to see the word in simple stories or news articles about home improvement.
At the B2 level, you understand '서랍' in both literal and slightly more abstract or professional contexts. You can discuss the mechanics of furniture, such as '레일' (rails) or '손잡이' (handles). You might use the word in a workplace setting to discuss filing systems or inventory. For example, '중요한 서류는 따로 서랍에 보관해 두었습니다' (I have kept important documents separately in the drawer). You are also able to understand the word when used in literature to symbolize something hidden or forgotten. You can describe the materials of the drawer (wood, steel, plastic) and discuss the pros and cons of different storage solutions. Your vocabulary surrounding '서랍' is now integrated with broader themes of interior design and professional organization.
At the C1 level, you can use '서랍' in metaphorical ways. It might represent a 'drawer of memories' (추억의 서랍) or the 'drawers of the mind'. You can discuss psychological concepts where people 'box away' or 'drawer' their emotions. In professional architectural or design discussions, you can talk about 'built-in drawers' (매립형 서랍) and spatial efficiency. You understand the nuances of formal vs. informal usage and can write detailed descriptions or instructions involving complex storage systems. You might encounter the word in advanced literature or essays where the act of opening a drawer is a deep symbolic gesture. Your grasp of the word is complete, allowing you to use it in any stylistic register, from technical manuals to poetic prose.
At the C2 level, '서랍' is a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal. You can engage in high-level academic or artistic discourse involving the word. For example, discussing the historical evolution of the '서랍' in traditional Korean furniture (like the '머릿장') and its socio-cultural implications. You can use the word in complex legal or technical contexts, such as describing patent designs for drawer mechanisms or safety regulations for furniture. You understand every possible idiom and cultural reference related to drawers. You can write sophisticated critiques of minimalist lifestyle trends (like 'empty drawer' philosophies) and express subtle emotional states using the word as a centerpiece of your imagery. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual building block for your advanced Korean expression.

서랍 en 30 segundos

  • 서랍 (seorap) is the Korean word for a drawer, the sliding part of a desk or dresser.
  • It is a common noun used in daily life for organization and storage contexts.
  • Common verbs used with it include '열다' (open), '닫다' (close), and '넣다' (put in).
  • It is distinct from '서랍장' (the whole chest of drawers) and '선반' (a shelf).

The Korean word 서랍 (seorap) refers to a fundamental component of furniture: the drawer. At its core, it describes a sliding compartment, typically box-shaped, that is housed within a larger piece of furniture like a desk, a chest of drawers, or a wardrobe. In the context of daily Korean life, this word is ubiquitous because it touches upon organization, privacy, and the physical structure of the home and workplace. When you think of a drawer, you think of a place where things are kept out of sight but remain easily accessible. In Korean culture, which often emphasizes tidiness and efficient use of space, understanding how to refer to storage solutions is essential for even basic communication.

Physical Description
A 서랍 is characterized by its ability to slide in and out. This mechanical action is usually facilitated by 'rails' or simple wooden grooves. Whether it is a small drawer for pens in a desk or a large drawer for clothes in a dresser, the term remains the same.
Functional Context
People use the word 서랍 when they are looking for lost items, organizing their belongings, or giving directions. For example, if someone asks where the scissors are, you might respond that they are in the 'first drawer' (첫 번째 서랍).

내 책상 서랍 안에는 비밀 일기장이 있어요.

— Inside my desk drawer, there is a secret diary.

The word is often used in compound forms or with specific verbs. To 'open' a drawer is 서랍을 열다, and to 'close' it is 서랍을 닫다. Because drawers are internal spaces, the locative particle -에 is frequently paired with (inside), resulting in 서랍 안에 (inside the drawer). This distinction is important because it highlights the container-like nature of the object.

양말을 서랍에 잘 정리해 두세요.

— Please organize your socks well in the drawer.
Furniture Types
While '서랍' is the drawer itself, a 'chest of drawers' is called 서랍장 (seorap-jang). The suffix '-장' typically refers to a cabinet or a piece of storage furniture. Knowing the difference between the component (서랍) and the whole unit (서랍장) is vital for shopping or describing furniture.

맨 위 서랍이 잘 안 열려요.

— The top drawer doesn't open very well.

In summary, '서랍' is a foundational noun that every learner should master early. It bridges the gap between basic household vocabulary and more complex discussions about organization and interior design. Whether you are at home, in an office, or at school, you will interact with drawers and need this word to describe your actions.

Using 서랍 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the typical verbs that accompany it. In Korean grammar, nouns like '서랍' take various particles depending on their function in the sentence. For instance, if the drawer is the object of an action, you use -을. If it is the location where something exists, you use -에 or -안에.

Object Usage (The Direct Target)
When you are performing an action on the drawer, such as opening, closing, or cleaning it, '서랍' is the object.
Example: 서랍을 열다 (Open the drawer), 서랍을 닦다 (Wipe/clean the drawer).
Locative Usage (The Place)
When you are describing where an item is located, you treat the drawer as a container.
Example: 서랍에 넣다 (Put in the drawer), 서랍에서 꺼내다 (Take out from the drawer).

책상 서랍을 열고 펜을 꺼냈어요.

— I opened the desk drawer and took out a pen.

One of the most common sentence patterns involves specifying which drawer you are referring to. Since many pieces of furniture have multiple drawers, Koreans use ordinal numbers or position words. 첫 번째 서랍 (first drawer), 두 번째 서랍 (second drawer), 맨 위 서랍 (topmost drawer), and 맨 아래 서랍 (bottommost drawer) are standard phrases you will hear and use frequently.

그 서류는 아마 서랍 깊숙이 있을 거예요.

— That document is probably deep inside the drawer.

Furthermore, '서랍' can be modified by adjectives. For instance, 잠긴 서랍 (a locked drawer) or 비어 있는 서랍 (an empty drawer). These modifiers help provide more detail in narrative or descriptive contexts. If you are describing a messy room, you might say '서랍이 엉망이에요' (The drawer is a mess/disorganized).

Common Verb Pairings
  • 열다/닫다: Open/Close
  • 정리하다: Organize
  • 뒤지다: Rummage through
  • 잠그다: Lock

아이들이 서랍을 함부로 열지 못하게 하세요.

— Don't let the children open the drawers carelessly.

By practicing these patterns, you move from simply knowing the word to being able to use it fluously in a variety of situational contexts. Focus on the relationship between the noun and the action being performed.

The word 서랍 is most commonly heard in domestic and professional environments. In a Korean home, it is a word used daily among family members. Whether it's a parent telling a child to put their toys away or a spouse asking where the remote control is, '서랍' is the go-to term for describing storage spaces. In the office, it is equally prevalent, as desks are almost always equipped with drawers for stationery and documents.

At Home
You will hear this word in the bedroom (clothes drawers), the kitchen (utensil drawers), and the living room (entertainment center drawers). Mothers often say, '양말은 서랍에 넣어라' (Put your socks in the drawer).
In the Office
Colleagues might ask, '서랍에 스테이플러 있어요?' (Is there a stapler in the drawer?). It refers to the personal storage space provided to each employee.

가구점에서 새로 산 서랍장이 오늘 배달될 거예요.

— The chest of drawers I bought at the furniture store will be delivered today.

In retail settings, specifically furniture stores like IKEA or local Korean brands like Hanssem, the word is used constantly. Salespeople will point out the 'soft-closing' features of a drawer or the 'spaciousness' of a particular drawer unit. You might hear terms like 레일 서랍 (drawer with rails) or 원목 서랍 (solid wood drawer).

호텔 방 서랍 안에 성경책이 놓여 있었어요.

— A Bible was placed inside the hotel room drawer.

In educational settings, teachers might tell students to clear their desks and put everything in their drawers before a test: '모든 물건을 서랍 안에 넣으세요'. Thus, from childhood through adulthood, the word is integrated into the structural flow of the day.

Public Spaces
Even in libraries or hospitals, drawers are used to store files or medical supplies. While '수납장' (storage cabinet) might be used for the whole unit, the specific sliding part is always '서랍'.

서랍은 열쇠로 잠글 수 있습니다.

— This drawer can be locked with a key.

Listen for the soft 's' and the clear 'r' sound when people speak. Because it ends in a 'p' (ㅂ) sound, the word has a very definite, closed ending that mimics the sound of a drawer shutting.

Even though 서랍 is a basic noun, learners often make specific errors regarding its pronunciation, its confusion with similar objects, and its grammatical usage. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid confusion in daily interactions.

Confusion with 'Shelf' (선반)
A common mistake is using '서랍' when you actually mean '선반' (seon-ban). A '서랍' is a closed, sliding compartment, whereas a '선반' is an open, flat surface (a shelf). If you tell someone to look in the drawer for something that is sitting on a shelf, they will be very confused.
Misusing '서랍' vs '서랍장'
Learners often say '서랍' when referring to the entire piece of furniture. While people will usually understand you, it is more accurate to say '서랍장' for the dresser/chest and '서랍' for the individual drawer. Think of it like the difference between 'drawer' and 'dresser'.

Incorrect: 책상 서랍 위에 책이 있어요.

Correct: 책상 선반 위에 책이 있어요.

— Use 'shelf' for things 'on' a surface; use 'drawer' for things 'in' a compartment.

Another frequent error involves the pronunciation of the final consonant . In Korean, the final 'p' is unreleased. Some English speakers tend to add a small vowel sound at the end, making it sound like 'seorap-peu'. Ensure that you stop the airflow at the lips without releasing a puff of air. This makes the word sound crisp and correct.

실수하기 쉬운 표현: 서랍을 '열기' 대신 '켜기'라고 하지 마세요.

— Don't say 'turn on' (켜다) for a drawer; always use 'open' (열다).

Finally, be careful with the verb 'to put'. While 넣다 (to put in) is the standard verb for drawers, some learners confuse it with 놓다 (to place/put on). Since a drawer is a 3D space, 넣다 is almost always the correct choice. If you say '서랍에 놓다', it sounds like you are placing something on top of the drawer unit rather than inside the sliding part.

Checklist for Accuracy
  • Is it a sliding box? Use 서랍.
  • Is it a flat board? Use 선반.
  • Are you putting it inside? Use 넣다.
  • Are you referring to the whole cabinet? Consider 서랍장.

그는 서랍 속에서 낡은 사진을 찾아냈어요.

— He found an old photo from inside the drawer.

Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly improve your clarity when describing household or office tasks in Korean.

While 서랍 is the most common word for a drawer, the Korean language has several related terms that describe different types of storage. Understanding these nuances will allow you to be more precise in your descriptions and better understand the specific furniture being discussed.

서랍장 (Seorap-jang)
As mentioned before, this is the 'chest of drawers' or 'dresser'. It is the entire piece of furniture. If you are buying furniture, you look for a 서랍장, but you check if the 서랍 slides smoothly.
수납함 (Sunap-ham)
This refers to a storage box or container. Unlike a drawer, which is built into furniture, a 수납함 is usually a standalone box (often plastic or fabric) used to organize things inside a closet or under a bed.

서랍은 칸막이가 있어서 정리가 편해요.

— This drawer has dividers, so it's easy to organize.

Another word often confused with drawer is 캐비닛 (Cabinet). In Korean, this loanword is used specifically for metal office cabinets or lockers. While a cabinet might contain drawers, the word itself refers to the large outer structure. Similarly, 장식장 (Jangsik-jang) refers to a display cabinet, often with glass doors, which is quite different from a drawer.

속옷 서랍을 따로 만들어 두었어요.

— I set aside a separate drawer for underwear.

In a more traditional or formal context, you might encounter the word 궤 (Gwe), which refers to a traditional Korean chest or trunk. However, these rarely have sliding drawers and instead have lids that open from the top. For modern living, '서랍' remains the indispensable term.

Quick Comparison Table
WordMeaningKey Feature
서랍DrawerSlides out
선반ShelfFlat/Open
서랍장DresserFurniture unit
수납장Storage unitGeneral storage

플라스틱 서랍은 가벼워서 옮기기 쉬워요.

— Plastic drawers are light, so they are easy to move.

By learning these alternatives, you expand your vocabulary from a single object to an entire system of organization, making your Korean much more descriptive and natural.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In old Korea, drawers were high-quality features found in 'jang' (cabinets) and 'nong' (stacked chests). Having many drawers was often a sign of having many small, precious items to organize.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /sʌ.ɾap/
US /sʌ.ɾɑp/
The stress is equal on both syllables, typical of Korean word structure.
Rima con
대답 (daedap - answer) 장갑 (janggap - gloves) 전압 (jeonap - voltage) 지갑 (jigap - wallet) 조합 (johap - combination) 수업 (sueop - class) 작업 (jageop - work) 졸업 (joreop - graduation)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing the final 'p' with a puff of air (like 'seorap-puh').
  • Making the 'r' sound too strong like an English 'r'; it should be a quick flap.
  • Pronouncing 'seo' as 'see' or 'so'.
  • Elongating the vowels too much.
  • Failing to close the lips at the end of the word.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

The word is short and uses very basic consonants and vowels.

Escritura 1/5

Easy to write, no complex batchim clusters.

Expresión oral 2/5

The final 'p' sound needs practice to avoid over-pronouncing.

Escucha 1/5

Clear sound, usually easy to distinguish in context.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

책상 (desk) 안 (inside) 있다 (to be) 열다 (to open) 가구 (furniture)

Aprende después

서랍장 (chest of drawers) 선반 (shelf) 수납 (storage) 정리하다 (to organize) 잠그다 (to lock)

Avanzado

수납함 (storage box) 진열장 (display case) 칸막이 (divider) 레일 (rail) 경첩 (hinge)

Gramática que debes saber

Location Particle -에

서랍에 넣으세요.

Source Particle -에서

서랍에서 꺼내세요.

Object Particle -을/를

서랍을 닫으세요.

Honorific Imperative -으세요

서랍을 여세요.

Noun Modifier -는/은

열려 있는 서랍.

Ejemplos por nivel

1

서랍이 있어요.

There is a drawer.

Basic existence sentence with -이/가.

2

제 서랍입니다.

It is my drawer.

Possessive '제' (my) + formal ending -입니다.

3

서랍을 열어요.

I open the drawer.

Object particle -을 + present tense '열어요'.

4

서랍을 닫아요.

I close the drawer.

Object particle -을 + present tense '닫아요'.

5

서랍이 작아요.

The drawer is small.

Adjective '작다' (to be small).

6

서랍에 연필이 있어요.

There is a pencil in the drawer.

Location particle -에 + existence verb '있어요'.

7

파란색 서랍이에요.

It is a blue drawer.

Color adjective + noun + -이에요.

8

서랍이 깨끗해요.

The drawer is clean.

Adjective '깨끗하다' (to be clean).

1

첫 번째 서랍을 확인해 보세요.

Please check the first drawer.

Ordinal number '첫 번째' (first).

2

양말을 서랍 안에 넣으세요.

Please put the socks inside the drawer.

Directional '안에' (inside) + imperative -으세요.

3

서랍에서 지우개를 꺼냈어요.

I took an eraser out of the drawer.

Source particle -에서 (from) + past tense.

4

책상 서랍이 고장 났어요.

The desk drawer is broken.

Compound noun '책상 서랍' (desk drawer).

5

이 서랍은 너무 무거워요.

This drawer is too heavy.

Adverb '너무' (too) + '무겁다' (heavy).

6

서랍 안에 무엇이 있어요?

What is inside the drawer?

Question word '무엇' (what).

7

서랍을 정리하고 싶어요.

I want to organize the drawer.

Verb '정리하다' + desire form -고 싶다.

8

침대 밑에 서랍이 있어요.

There are drawers under the bed.

Location '밑에' (under).

1

서랍이 잠겨 있어서 열 수 없어요.

The drawer is locked, so I can't open it.

Passive '잠기다' + reason -어서 + ability -ㄹ 수 없다.

2

비밀 편지를 서랍 깊숙이 숨겼어요.

I hid the secret letter deep inside the drawer.

Adverb '깊숙이' (deeply) + verb '숨기다' (to hide).

3

서랍을 뒤졌지만 열쇠를 못 찾았어요.

I rummaged through the drawer but couldn't find the key.

Verb '뒤지다' (to rummage) + contrast -지만.

4

서랍장이 낡아서 서랍이 잘 안 닫혀요.

The chest of drawers is old, so the drawers don't close well.

Negative adverb '안' + passive '닫히다' (to be closed).

5

서랍 안에 칸막이를 설치했어요.

I installed dividers inside the drawer.

Noun '칸막이' (divider) + verb '설치하다' (to install).

6

중요한 물건은 꼭 서랍에 보관하세요.

Make sure to keep important items in the drawer.

Adverb '꼭' (surely) + verb '보관하다' (to store/keep).

7

서랍 손잡이가 떨어졌어요.

The drawer handle fell off.

Noun '손잡이' (handle/knob).

8

서랍을 비우고 새로 정리했어요.

I emptied the drawer and reorganized it.

Verb '비우다' (to empty) + connective -고.

1

서랍을 열 때마다 삐걱거리는 소리가 나요.

Every time I open the drawer, it makes a squeaking sound.

Pattern '-을 때마다' (every time...).

2

그는 서랍 속에서 오래된 일기장을 발견했습니다.

He discovered an old diary inside the drawer.

Noun '속' (inside) + formal verb '발견하다'.

3

서랍의 레일이 마모되어서 교체해야 해요.

The drawer rails are worn out, so they need to be replaced.

Passive '마모되다' (to be worn out) + necessity -해야 하다.

4

아이의 손이 서랍에 끼지 않도록 주의하세요.

Be careful so that the child's hand doesn't get caught in the drawer.

Verb '끼다' (to get caught) + '-지 않도록' (so that... not).

5

서랍을 열어보니 추억의 물건들이 가득했어요.

When I opened the drawer, it was full of items of memories.

Pattern '-어 보니' (now that I've tried...).

6

서랍을 세게 닫으면 가구가 상할 수 있어요.

If you close the drawer forcefully, the furniture can be damaged.

Adverb '세게' (hard/forcefully) + conditional -면.

7

사무실 서랍을 잠그는 것을 잊지 마세요.

Don't forget to lock your office drawer.

Nounizing '-는 것' + negative imperative '-지 마세요'.

8

서랍 높이가 낮아서 큰 물건은 안 들어가요.

The drawer height is low, so large items don't fit in.

Noun '높이' (height) + '안 들어가다' (not enter/fit).

1

그녀는 과거의 아픔을 마음속 서랍에 가두어 두었다.

She locked away the pain of the past in the drawer of her heart.

Metaphorical usage + verb '가두다' (to imprison/confine).

2

서랍의 부드러운 슬라이딩 기술이 이 가구의 핵심입니다.

The smooth sliding technology of the drawer is the core of this furniture.

Technical description using '핵심' (core/key).

3

박물관 서랍에는 수백 년 된 유물들이 보관되어 있다.

Hundreds of years old artifacts are kept in the museum drawers.

Passive state '-어 있다' (is in a state of).

4

그 서랍은 비밀 장치가 있어서 아무나 열 수 없다.

That drawer has a secret device, so no one can open it.

Noun '비밀 장치' (secret device).

5

서랍을 정리하는 행위는 마음을 정돈하는 것과 같다.

The act of organizing a drawer is like tidying one's mind.

Comparison structure '-와 같다'.

6

서랍 내부의 마감 처리가 매우 정교하게 되어 있군요.

The finishing inside the drawer is done very exquisitely.

Exclamatory ending '-군요' + '정교하게' (exquisitely).

7

서랍의 하중을 견디지 못하고 레일이 휘어버렸다.

The rail bent because it couldn't withstand the weight of the drawer.

Noun '하중' (load/weight) + '휘어버리다' (to end up bending).

8

그 작가는 서랍 속 원고들을 세상에 내놓기로 결심했다.

The author decided to release the manuscripts hidden in the drawer to the world.

Idiomatic '세상에 내놓다' (to release/reveal).

1

서랍이라는 공간은 개인의 은밀한 사생활이 투영되는 장소이다.

The space called a drawer is a place where an individual's secret private life is projected.

Abstract philosophical definition.

2

전통 가구인 머릿장의 서랍은 장인의 숨결이 느껴지는 예술품이다.

The drawer of a 'Meoritjang' (traditional chest) is an artwork where one can feel the artisan's breath.

Cultural/Historical context.

3

서랍의 개폐 메커니즘은 인체공학적 설계의 정수를 보여준다.

The opening and closing mechanism of the drawer shows the essence of ergonomic design.

Academic/Technical vocabulary like '정수' (essence).

4

그의 소설에서 서랍은 억압된 욕망을 상징하는 중요한 메타포로 쓰인다.

In his novel, the drawer is used as an important metaphor symbolizing repressed desires.

Literary criticism context.

5

서랍의 규격화는 근대 가구 산업의 비약적인 발전을 이끌어냈다.

The standardization of drawers led to the rapid development of the modern furniture industry.

Historical/Industrial analysis.

6

디지털 시대에도 서랍은 여전히 아날로그적 감성을 보존하는 매개체이다.

Even in the digital age, the drawer remains a medium that preserves analog sensibilities.

Sociological observation.

7

서랍 속의 무질서는 때때로 창의적인 영감의 원천이 되기도 한다.

The disorder inside a drawer sometimes becomes a source of creative inspiration.

Paradoxical philosophical statement.

8

서랍의 틈새로 비치는 빛은 잃어버린 시간에 대한 향수를 불러일으킨다.

The light shining through the crack of the drawer evokes nostalgia for lost time.

Poetic/Evocative language.

Colocaciones comunes

서랍을 열다
서랍을 닫다
책상 서랍
서랍에 넣다
서랍에서 꺼내다
서랍을 정리하다
서랍이 잠기다
맨 위 서랍
서랍 손잡이
비밀 서랍

Frases Comunes

서랍 속

— Inside the drawer. Used to describe the interior space.

서랍 속에 편지가 있어요.

서랍 칸막이

— Drawer divider. Tools used to organize the inside of a drawer.

서랍 칸막이를 사러 가요.

서랍 레일

— Drawer rail. The mechanical part that helps the drawer slide.

서랍 레일에 기름을 칠했어요.

서랍 열쇠

— Drawer key. A key specifically for a locking drawer.

서랍 열쇠를 잃어버렸어요.

서랍 깊숙이

— Deep inside the drawer. Used when something is pushed to the back.

서랍 깊숙이 넣어 두세요.

서랍을 뒤지다

— To rummage through a drawer. Searching frantically.

온 서랍을 뒤졌지만 안 보여요.

서랍을 비우다

— To empty a drawer. Taking everything out.

이 서랍을 비워 주세요.

서랍을 잠그다

— To lock a drawer. Ensuring security.

외출할 때 서랍을 잠그세요.

서랍이 뻑뻑하다

— A drawer is stiff. Hard to open or close.

서랍이 뻑뻑해서 잘 안 열려요.

서랍을 맞추다

— To have a drawer custom-made or fitted.

가구점에 서랍을 새로 맞췄어요.

Se confunde a menudo con

서랍 vs 선반

A shelf (open) vs a drawer (sliding box).

서랍 vs 서랍장

The whole unit vs the individual drawer.

서랍 vs 상자

A general box vs a built-in sliding drawer.

Modismos y expresiones

"추억의 서랍"

— The drawer of memories. A metaphorical place where past experiences are stored.

그는 추억의 서랍을 열어 옛날 사진을 보았다.

Literary
"서랍 속에 넣어두다"

— To put something in a drawer (metaphor). To hide, postpone, or ignore something (like a plan or feeling).

그 꿈은 잠시 서랍 속에 넣어두기로 했다.

Metaphorical
"마음의 서랍"

— The drawer of the heart. Keeping secrets or deep feelings tucked away.

누구나 마음의 서랍 하나쯤은 가지고 있다.

Poetic
"서랍을 닫다"

— To close the drawer (metaphor). To end a discussion or stop thinking about a certain topic.

이제 그 일에 대해서는 서랍을 닫읍시다.

Colloquial
"서랍이 바뀌다"

— Drawers are switched. To be confused or to have things in the wrong place.

정신이 없어서 서랍이 바뀐 줄도 몰랐다.

Informal
"비밀의 서랍을 열다"

— To open the secret drawer. To reveal a long-kept secret.

드디어 그는 비밀의 서랍을 열기로 했다.

Dramatic
"서랍 끝까지 당기다"

— To pull the drawer to the end. To investigate something thoroughly.

진실을 알기 위해 서랍 끝까지 당겨 보아야 한다.

Creative
"먼지 쌓인 서랍"

— A dusty drawer. Refers to something long forgotten or neglected.

먼지 쌓인 서랍에서 옛 편지를 발견했다.

Descriptive
"서랍을 채우다"

— To fill the drawer. To accumulate wealth, knowledge, or experience.

젊은 시절에는 경험의 서랍을 채우는 것이 중요하다.

Inspirational
"서랍이 넘치다"

— The drawer overflows. Having too many things to handle or a very full life.

할 일이 많아서 서랍이 넘칠 지경이에요.

Exaggeration

Fácil de confundir

서랍 vs 선반

Both are storage spaces.

A 선반 is a flat horizontal surface, usually open to the air. A 서랍 is a box that slides into a larger structure.

책은 선반에 있고, 펜은 서랍에 있어요.

서랍 vs 서랍장

They share the same root.

서랍장 is the entire piece of furniture (dresser). 서랍 is just one sliding compartment inside it.

이 서랍장은 서랍이 다섯 개예요.

서랍 vs 수납함

Both hold things.

수납함 is a separate container/box. 서랍 is part of the furniture's structure.

서랍 안에 작은 수납함을 넣어서 정리했어요.

서랍 vs 장롱

Both are bedroom furniture.

장롱 is a large wardrobe for hanging clothes. It may contain 서랍, but it's a much larger unit.

장롱 문을 열고 서랍을 확인해 봐.

서랍 vs

Both refer to compartments.

칸 is a general word for a section or space. 서랍 is the specific physical sliding box.

이 서랍은 세 칸으로 나뉘어 있어요.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

[Noun] 서랍

책상 서랍

A1

서랍에 [Item]이/가 있다

서랍에 펜이 있다.

A2

서랍을 [Verb]

서랍을 열어요.

A2

[Ordinal] 서랍

두 번째 서랍.

B1

서랍에서 [Item]을/를 꺼내다

서랍에서 돈을 꺼냈어요.

B1

서랍 안에 [Item]을/를 넣다

서랍 안에 옷을 넣었어요.

B2

서랍이 [Passive Verb]

서랍이 잠겨 있어요.

C1

서랍 속의 [Abstract Noun]

서랍 속의 비밀.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

서랍장 (chest of drawers)
책상서랍 (desk drawer)
옷서랍 (clothes drawer)
비밀서랍 (secret drawer)

Verbos

서랍질하다 (rarely used, to act like a drawer or use drawers repeatedly)

Relacionado

가구 (furniture)
수납 (storage)
정리 (organization)
공간 (space)
칸막이 (divider)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in daily life, especially at home and work.

Errores comunes
  • 서랍을 켜다 (seorabeul kyeoda) 서랍을 열다 (seorabeul yeolda)

    Learners sometimes confuse 'open' (열다) with 'turn on' (켜다). Always use '열다' for physical objects like drawers.

  • 서랍 위에 넣다 (seorap wie neota) 서랍 안에 넣다 (seorap ane neota)

    Using '위' (on top) instead of '안' (inside). If you put something 'on top' of the drawer, it's not inside it.

  • 서랍장를 열다 (seorapjang-reul yeolda) 서랍을 열다 (seorabeul yeolda)

    You open the individual 'drawer' (서랍), not the entire 'chest' (서랍장), though colloquially people might understand.

  • 서랍을 놓다 (seorabeul nota) 서랍에 넣다 (seorabe neota)

    Confusing '놓다' (to place on) with '넣다' (to put in). Drawers are containers, so '넣다' is the standard verb.

  • Pronouncing it '서라프' (seorapeu) 서랍 (seorap)

    Adding an extra vowel at the end. The final 'p' should be silent and unreleased.

Consejos

Learn the pairs

Always learn '서랍' with '열다' (open) and '닫다' (close). These three words are almost always used together in daily life.

Use '안' for clarity

While '서랍에' is correct, saying '서랍 안에' (inside the drawer) sounds much more natural and precise in Korean.

The Final Consonant

Focus on the 'ㅂ' sound. It is a 'stop' sound. Don't let any air escape at the end of '서랍'.

Traditional Furniture

Look up 'Meoritjang' or 'Nong' to see beautiful traditional Korean drawer units. It helps you appreciate the word's history.

Use with '정리'

Koreans love organization. '서랍 정리' (drawer organizing) is a very common phrase you'll see on YouTube or blogs.

Furniture Stores

When at a store, ask '서랍이 몇 칸이에요?' to know how many drawers/sections a piece of furniture has.

Descriptive Adjectives

Use words like '깊은' (deep) or '얕은' (shallow) to describe drawers in your writing.

Child Safety

Learn '손 끼임 방지' (hand pinch prevention) – a term often used with drawers and doors in Korea.

Mental Storage

Try using '마음의 서랍' in your journal to talk about things you are keeping to yourself.

Labeling

Label your own drawers at home with the word '서랍' to remind yourself of the vocabulary every day.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Seo' (like a 'Saw') and 'Rap'. You 'saw' a 'rap' artist hiding in your 'drawer' (서랍)!

Asociación visual

Visualize a wooden desk. Imagine the drawer sliding out smoothly with a soft 'shhh' sound. See the word '서랍' written on the handle.

Word Web

가구 (Furniture) 책상 (Desk) 옷장 (Wardrobe) 열다 (Open) 닫다 (Close) 넣다 (Put in) 꺼내다 (Take out) 정리 (Order)

Desafío

Go around your room and point at every drawer you see, saying '서랍' out loud. Then, open one and say '서랍을 열어요' and close it saying '서랍을 닫아요'.

Origen de la palabra

Native Korean word. It has been used for centuries to describe the sliding compartments in wooden furniture.

Significado original: A sliding box for storage.

Koreanic

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities. It is a neutral household object.

In English, we use 'drawer' for everything from kitchen utensils to underwear. Korean is the same; '서랍' is used universally across all types of furniture.

Many K-Pop lyrics use the 'drawer' metaphor for hidden feelings (e.g., '서랍 속의 이야기'). Traditional Korean woodworking (Somokjang) focuses heavily on the perfect fit of a 서랍. The 'Secret Drawer' is a common trope in Korean mystery webtoons.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Searching for an item

  • 서랍에 있어요?
  • 모든 서랍을 다 찾아봤어요.
  • 서랍 어디에 뒀어요?
  • 서랍을 뒤져보세요.

Cleaning/Organizing

  • 서랍을 비우세요.
  • 서랍을 정리하고 있어요.
  • 서랍 칸막이가 필요해요.
  • 서랍이 너무 지저분해요.

Buying Furniture

  • 서랍이 몇 개예요?
  • 서랍이 부드럽게 열려요.
  • 서랍장이 튼튼해요.
  • 깊은 서랍을 원해요.

Office Work

  • 서랍을 잠그고 퇴근하세요.
  • 서랍에 서류가 있어요.
  • 개인 서랍을 사용하세요.
  • 서랍 열쇠가 어디 있죠?

Safety for children

  • 서랍에 손이 끼지 않게 조심해.
  • 서랍 잠금 장치를 설치했어.
  • 아이들이 서랍을 열지 못하게 해.
  • 서랍 위에 올라가지 마.

Inicios de conversación

"책상 서랍에 뭐가 들어 있어요?"

"서랍을 얼마나 자주 정리하세요?"

"가장 아끼는 물건을 어느 서랍에 보관하시나요?"

"서랍이 많은 가구를 좋아하세요, 아니면 선반이 많은 가구를 좋아하세요?"

"비밀 서랍을 만들어 본 적이 있나요?"

Temas para diario

오늘 내 책상 서랍을 정리하면서 발견한 오래된 물건에 대해 써 보세요.

내가 만약 마법의 서랍을 가진다면, 그 안에서 무엇이 나오길 바라나요?

서랍 속에 숨겨둔 나의 꿈이나 목표에 대해 이야기해 보세요.

방 안의 서랍들을 보며 나의 성격이 어떻게 반영되어 있는지 생각해 보세요.

어린 시절, 서랍 속에 보관했던 소중한 보물들에 대한 추억을 적어 보세요.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, '서랍' refers only to the individual drawer. The whole dresser is called '서랍장'. However, in casual speech, people might say '서랍' when they mean the whole unit if the context is clear.

You say '맨 위 서랍' (maen wi seorap) for the top drawer and '맨 아래 서랍' (maen arae seorap) for the bottom drawer. '가운데 서랍' is the middle drawer.

Yes, if the kitchen cabinet has sliding parts, those parts are called '서랍'. If they are just doors with shelves, they are '수납장' or '찬장'.

No, '서랍' is strictly a noun. To express the action of using a drawer, you must use verbs like '열다' (open) or '넣다' (put in).

The general counter '개' (gae) is used. For example, '서랍 세 개' (three drawers).

You can simply say '책상 서랍' (chaeksang seorap).

You can say '서랍이 안 열려요' (The drawer won't open) or '서랍이 뻑뻑해요' (The drawer is stiff/stuck).

Yes, '추억의 서랍' (drawer of memories) is a common poetic expression for the past.

You say '서랍을 정리하다' (seorabeul jeongri-hada).

No, it is an unreleased 'p'. Your lips close to stop the sound, but you don't release any air. It's more like the 'p' in 'stop' when spoken quickly.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence: 'The pen is in the drawer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Please open the desk drawer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I put my socks in the second drawer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The drawer is locked, so I can't open it.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I found an old letter in the drawer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Please organize your messy drawer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The drawer handle is broken.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Take the passport out of the top drawer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I searched all the drawers but couldn't find it.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The drawer slides smoothly.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'A drawer is a good place to hide secrets.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I need to buy a new chest of drawers.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Don't slam the drawer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'There are three drawers in this desk.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The drawer of my heart is full of memories.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I keep my diary in the bottom drawer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I cleaned the dust inside the drawer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The drawer was empty when I opened it.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Put the tools back in the drawer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The drawer is too shallow for this book.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce the word: '서랍'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Open the drawer.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Close the drawer.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'The key is in the drawer.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Take out the pen from the drawer.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Put the socks in the drawer.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'The drawer is broken.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'The top drawer is locked.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'I organized my desk drawer.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Which drawer should I put this in?'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'The drawer is too messy.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'I found an old photo in the drawer.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Please pull the drawer handle.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'The drawer opens smoothly.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'I rummaged through all the drawers.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Empty the drawer before moving it.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'My memories are in this drawer.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'The drawer makes a squeaking sound.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Be careful not to pinch your fingers in the drawer.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'I hide my secrets in the drawer.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and choose the correct word: [Audio: 서랍]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the action: [Audio: 서랍을 열어요]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the object: [Audio: 책상 서랍에 펜이 있어요]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the location: [Audio: 두 번째 서랍을 보세요]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the problem: [Audio: 서랍이 잠겼어요]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the instruction: [Audio: 서랍에서 여권을 꺼내세요]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the furniture: [Audio: 서랍장을 샀어요]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the state: [Audio: 서랍이 엉망이에요]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the sound: [Audio: 서랍이 삐걱거려요]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the part: [Audio: 서랍 손잡이가 빠졌어요]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the material: [Audio: 나무로 만든 서랍이에요]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the adverb: [Audio: 서랍을 세게 닫지 마세요]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the count: [Audio: 서랍이 세 개 있어요]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the metaphor: [Audio: 마음의 서랍을 엽니다]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the feeling: [Audio: 서랍을 보니 옛 생각이 나요]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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