At the A1 level, 세탁실 (setaksil) is a basic vocabulary word used to identify a location within a house or building. Learners at this level should focus on identifying the room and using simple sentences to describe its location. For example, '세탁실이 어디예요?' (Where is the laundry room?) is a vital question for someone living in a dormitory or staying in a guesthouse. You should learn to pair it with the verb '있다' (to be) to say things like '세탁실이 1층에 있어요' (The laundry room is on the first floor). The word is easy to remember because it combines '세탁' (washing) and '실' (room). Think of other rooms you know, like '교실' (classroom) or '화장실' (restroom), which also end in '실'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar; just focus on recognizing the word on signs and using it to find where you can wash your clothes. It is a concrete noun that helps you navigate your immediate environment.
At the A2 level, you can begin to use 세탁실 in sentences that describe actions. Instead of just saying where it is, you can explain what you are doing there using the particle -에서. For example, '세탁실에서 빨래를 해요' (I do laundry in the laundry room). You should also be able to describe the room using basic adjectives like '넓다' (to be spacious), '좁다' (to be narrow), or '깨끗하다' (to be clean). At this level, it's important to distinguish 세탁실 from 세탁소 (the dry cleaners). You might also start to use it in the context of daily routines, such as '주말에 세탁실을 청소해요' (I clean the laundry room on the weekend). Understanding simple directions like '주방 옆에 세탁실이 있어요' (The laundry room is next to the kitchen) is also a key skill at the A2 level. You are moving from just naming the room to integrating it into your daily life and basic conversations about household chores.
At the B1 level, you can use 세탁실 to discuss more complex situations, such as rules, etiquette, and problems. You might need to explain a situation to a landlord or a roommate, such as '세탁실에 물이 새요' (Water is leaking in the laundry room) or '세탁실 사용 규칙을 알려주세요' (Please tell me the rules for using the laundry room). This level requires you to handle social interactions involving the space. For instance, you should be able to understand and follow notices in a communal laundry room, such as '밤 10시 이후에는 세탁실 사용을 자제해 주세요' (Please refrain from using the laundry room after 10 PM). You can also start using more specific vocabulary related to the room, such as '세제' (detergent) and '섬유유연제' (fabric softener). Your ability to use the word expands from simple descriptions to managing the practicalities and social norms of shared living spaces in Korea.
At the B2 level, 세탁실 becomes a topic for discussing lifestyle and domestic trends. You can talk about the evolution of Korean housing, such as how '베란다' (balcony) usage is shifting toward dedicated '세탁실' in modern apartment designs. You should be able to use the word in more formal or professional contexts, such as discussing home renovations or real estate. For example, '최근 아파트 트렌드는 세탁실과 건조기를 직렬로 설치할 수 있는 공간을 확보하는 것입니다' (A recent apartment trend is securing space where the laundry machine and dryer can be installed in series). You can also discuss the social issue of '층간소음' (inter-floor noise) caused by washing machines in the 세탁실 late at night, using sophisticated argumentative structures. At this level, the word is not just a location, but a point of reference for broader cultural and social discussions about how Koreans live and interact in high-density urban environments.
At the C1 level, you can use 세탁실 in nuanced discussions about architecture, sociology, and linguistics. You might analyze how the naming of domestic spaces has changed from pure Korean terms to Hanja-derived terms like 세탁실 and even English loanwords like '런드리 룸'. You can discuss the sociological implications of the 'communal laundry room' (공동 세탁실) in modern housing complexes versus the historical communal washing sites (빨래터), exploring themes of privacy, community, and technology. Your vocabulary should include technical terms related to the room's infrastructure, such as '배수 시설' (drainage facilities) or '환기 시스템' (ventilation systems). You can also appreciate the word in literature or media, where the 세탁실 might be used as a symbolic space for cleansing or transition. At this level, you possess the linguistic flexibility to use the word in any context, from a technical manual for builders to a deep sociological essay on urban living.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 세탁실 is near-native, allowing you to use it with perfect precision and cultural depth. You can engage in expert-level discourse on the optimization of 'domestic service spaces' (가사 서비스 공간), where the 세탁실 is a key element. You can explore the etymological roots of '세탁' (洗濯) in classical Chinese and how it differs from other terms for washing in the East Asian linguistic sphere. You can also use the word creatively in high-level writing, perhaps using the laundry room as a metaphor for the 'hidden' or 'functional' parts of a person's life. Your understanding of the word includes all its regional variations, historical shifts, and the subtle social hierarchy implied by the size and location of a 세탁실 in different types of Korean residences. At this stage, the word is a fully integrated part of your extensive Korean lexicon, used with effortless grammatical accuracy and profound cultural insight.

세탁실 en 30 secondes

  • 세탁실 means 'laundry room' in Korean, combining 'setak' (wash) and 'sil' (room).
  • It is a common noun used in homes, dorms, and hotels to identify where washing machines are located.
  • Do not confuse it with '세탁소', which is a professional dry cleaning shop or business.
  • In Korean apartments, using the 세탁실 late at night is often discouraged due to noise etiquette.

The word 세탁실 (setaksil) is a compound noun derived from two Hanja-based components: 세탁 (洗濯 - setak), meaning 'washing' or 'laundry', and (室 - sil), meaning 'room'. Together, they literally translate to 'laundry room'. This term is essential for anyone living in or visiting Korea, as it describes the specific functional space within a home, apartment building, dormitory, or hotel dedicated to the cleaning of textiles and clothing. In the context of modern Korean living, the 세탁실 is often more than just a place for a washing machine; it represents a hub of domestic maintenance.

Functional Scope
The 세탁실 typically houses the washing machine (세탁기), and increasingly, a clothes dryer (건조기). In many Korean homes, it also contains laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and sometimes a small sink for hand-washing delicate items.
Social Etiquette
In shared living environments like dormitories (기숙사) or apartments (아파트), the use of the 세탁실 is governed by strict social norms, particularly regarding noise. Because washing machines can be loud, using the 세탁실 late at night is often considered a breach of etiquette due to inter-floor noise (층간소음).

Historically, the concept of a dedicated 'room' for laundry is relatively modern in Korea. In the past, laundry was performed at communal streams (냇가) or in the courtyard (마당) of a traditional Hanok. As urbanization progressed and high-rise apartments became the standard, the 세탁실 emerged as a necessity. In older apartment designs, the laundry area was frequently located on the enclosed balcony (베란다), but modern premium apartments now feature specialized, sound-insulated 세탁실 located near the kitchen or bathroom for maximum convenience.

우리 아파트는 1층에 공동 세탁실이 있어요. (Our apartment has a communal laundry room on the first floor.)

When you use the word 세탁실, you are specifically referring to the physical space. If you were to refer to the business where you drop off clothes for dry cleaning, you would use 세탁소 (setakso). This is a common point of confusion for learners. A 세탁실 is a room you go into to do the work yourself or where your machine is kept, whereas a 세탁소 is a shop where a professional handles your laundry. Furthermore, with the rise of 'one-room' (studio apartment) culture in Korea, many young adults frequent a 코인세탁소 or 빨래방 (laundromat), which are commercial versions of a 세탁실.

In a broader cultural sense, the 세탁실 is a place of transition. It is where the 'dirty' (더러운 것) becomes 'clean' (깨끗한 것). In literature or film, the communal 세탁실 in a dormitory or apartment building often serves as a setting for chance encounters or private reflections, highlighting its role as a semi-private, semi-public space in modern Korean society.

Using 세탁실 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun of location. It is most commonly paired with the location particles -에 (at/in) and -에서 (at/in - where an action takes place). For example, if you are simply stating that someone is in the laundry room, you say "세탁실에 있어요." However, if you are performing an action like washing clothes, you say "세탁실에서 빨래를 해요."

Common Verbs
Commonly used verbs include 가다 (to go), 오다 (to come), 청소하다 (to clean), and 위치하다 (to be located). For example: "세탁실을 청소해야 해요" (I need to clean the laundry room).

When giving directions or describing a home layout, 세탁실 is often used with directional words like '옆' (beside), '뒤' (behind), or '안' (inside). For instance, "주방 옆에 세탁실이 있습니다" (The laundry room is next to the kitchen). This is a standard way to describe domestic architecture in Korean. In more formal settings, such as a hotel or a large apartment complex, you might see signs that say '공동 세탁실' (Communal Laundry Room) or '세탁실 가는 길' (Way to the Laundry Room).

기숙사 세탁실은 24시간 이용 가능합니다. (The dormitory laundry room is available 24 hours a day.)

Another important aspect of using this word is understanding possessive or descriptive modifiers. You can describe the state of the room: "세탁실이 너무 좁아요" (The laundry room is too narrow/small) or "세탁실이 습해요" (The laundry room is humid). Because laundry involves water, humidity (습기) is a frequent topic of conversation regarding this specific room, especially during the rainy season (장마철). You might hear people say, "세탁실에 곰팡이가 생겼어요" (Mold grew in the laundry room), which is a common household complaint.

In advanced usage, you might encounter the word in compound forms or technical contexts. For example, '세탁실 설비' (laundry room facilities) or '세탁실 인테리어' (laundry room interior design). As Korean homes become more specialized, the 'laundry room' has become a focus of home renovation, leading to more complex sentences like: "세탁실과 다용도실을 통합하여 공간 활용도를 높였습니다" (By integrating the laundry room and the multi-purpose room, we increased space utility).

You will encounter the word 세탁실 in various real-life scenarios in Korea, ranging from daily household chores to navigating public spaces. One of the most common places to hear it is within the family home. Parents might tell their children, "빨래 바구니 세탁실에 갖다 놔라" (Take the laundry basket to the laundry room). In this context, it is a basic vocabulary word used in the rhythm of daily life.

Dormitory Life
For students or young professionals living in 'Goshiwon' (small private rooms) or university dorms, the 세탁실 is a vital communal space. You will hear announcements like "세탁실 점검 시간입니다" (It is laundry room inspection time) or see signs saying "세탁실 내 정숙" (Keep quiet inside the laundry room).

In the hospitality industry, such as hotels or guesthouses, tourists will often ask staff, "세탁실이 몇 층에 있어요?" (On which floor is the laundry room?). While luxury hotels often provide a laundry service (세탁 서비스), many budget-friendly options or long-stay residences (Residences) provide a 'self-service laundry room' (셀프 세탁실) for guests. Hearing this word in a service context usually involves locating the facility or asking about its operating hours.

호텔 3층에 무인 세탁실이 마련되어 있습니다. (An unmanned laundry room is provided on the 3rd floor of the hotel.)

Real estate is another major domain where you will hear 세탁실. When viewing a potential new home with a realtor (공인중개사), they will point out the features of the house. They might say, "이 집은 세탁실이 넓게 잘 빠졌어요" (This house has a well-designed, spacious laundry room). In modern Korean apartment marketing, having a separate 세탁실 that is hidden from the main living area is considered a significant selling point, as it hides the noise and clutter of washing.

Finally, you will see the word written on building directories and floor plans. In large office buildings or hospitals, the 세탁실 is where uniforms and linens are processed. While the general public might not enter these areas, the word remains the standard designation for any room dedicated to washing. Whether it is a tiny closet in a studio apartment or a massive industrial facility in a hospital, the term 세탁실 remains the consistent label for the space.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning 세탁실 is confusing it with 세탁소. In English, we might loosely say "I'm going to the laundry," which could mean the laundry room in our house OR the dry cleaners down the street. In Korean, these are strictly separated. If you say "세탁실에 옷을 맡겼어요" (I left my clothes at the laundry room), it sounds very strange because a laundry room is just a room in a house; there is no one there to 'take' your clothes. You must use 세탁소 for professional services.

Confusion with Equipment
Another common error is confusing 세탁실 (the room) with 세탁기 (the machine). A student might say "세탁실이 고장 났어요" (The laundry room is broken), when they actually mean the washing machine is broken ("세탁기가 고장 났어요"). Unless the actual room has a structural problem like a leaky pipe or a broken door, you should refer to the machine.

Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The 'k' sound in 세탁 (se-tak) and the 's' sound in 실 (sil) require a clear transition. Some learners accidentally say '세타실' (se-ta-sil), omitting the final 'k' sound (받침). It is important to pronounce the 'ㄱ' (k) clearly to ensure the word is understood. Practice the transition from the stopped 'k' sound to the 's' sound to sound more like a native speaker.

틀린 표현: 세탁소에서 빨래를 돌리고 있어요. (Wrong: I am running the laundry at the dry cleaners - if you mean your home machine.)
옳은 표현: 세탁실에서 빨래를 돌리고 있어요. (Correct: I am running the laundry in the laundry room.)

Usage of particles is another area for potential mistakes. Beginners often confuse -에 and -에서. Remember: use -에 for existence or destination ("세탁실에 가요", "세탁실에 세제가 있어요") and -에서 for actions ("세탁실에서 옷을 빨아요"). Using the wrong particle won't usually prevent understanding, but it will make your Korean sound unnatural.

Lastly, don't confuse 세탁실 with 화장실 (bathroom). While in some Western countries the washing machine might be in the bathroom, in Korea, they are almost always in a separate utility area or 세탁실. Calling the laundry room a 화장실 just because there is water involved will confuse your Korean friends. Keep the functions of the rooms distinct in your vocabulary.

While 세탁실 is the most direct term for a laundry room, there are several related words that describe similar or overlapping spaces. Understanding the nuances between these terms will greatly enhance your descriptive ability in Korean. The most common alternative you will see in architectural contexts is 다용도실 (dayongdosil), which literally means 'multi-purpose room'.

세탁실 vs. 다용도실
세탁실 is specific to laundry. 다용도실 is a broader term for a utility room where one might keep the washing machine, but also store trash for recycling, keep extra food supplies, or store cleaning tools. In many modern apartments, the 'laundry room' is officially labeled as the 'multi-purpose room'.
세탁실 vs. 빨래방
세탁실 is usually a room inside a private residence or a building facility. 빨래방 (ppallaebang) or 코인세탁소 (coin-setakso) refers to a commercial laundromat where you pay to use the machines. You wouldn't call the room in your house a '빨래방'.

Another word often associated with laundry is 베란다 (beranda) or 발코니 (balkoni). In older Korean apartments, there was no separate internal 세탁실. Instead, the washing machine was placed on the balcony, which had water drainage and supply lines. Therefore, you might hear older generations say "베란다에 가서 빨래 좀 확인해라" (Go to the balcony and check the laundry), even though they are referring to the space where the laundry is done.

요즘은 세탁실 대신 '런드리 룸'이라는 영어 표현을 쓰는 사람들도 많아졌어요. (These days, many people have started using the English expression 'laundry room' [reundeuris rum] instead of 'setaksil'.)

There is also the term 세탁실 겸 보일러실. In many Korean villas or older apartments, the laundry room also houses the gas boiler for floor heating (온돌). This combined space is very common. If you are looking for the laundry room and someone points to a door and says "보일러실이에요" (It's the boiler room), you will likely find the washing machine in there as well.

Lastly, for learners of pure Korean (not Hanja-based), you might encounter 빨래터 (ppallaeteo). This refers to the historical 'washing place' by a river or stream. While you won't use this for a modern room, it is a beautiful word to know when watching historical dramas (사극) or reading traditional literature. It highlights the long journey from the communal riverbank to the private, high-tech 세탁실 of today.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

While '세탁' is the formal Hanja word for washing, the pure Korean word is '빨래'. However, we don't say '빨래실'; we almost always use the Hanja version '세탁실'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /seɪ.tʰak.ɕil/
US /seɪ.tʰɑk.ʃɪl/
The primary stress is on the first syllable '세' (Se), with a secondary emphasis on '실' (sil).
Rime avec
사무실 (samusil - office) 교실 (gyosil - classroom) 화장실 (hwajangsil - restroom) 회의실 (hoeuisil - meeting room) 침실 (chimsil - bedroom) 욕실 (yoksil - bathroom) 대기실 (daegisil - waiting room) 연구실 (yeongusil - lab/study)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Omitting the 'k' sound (받침) in 'tak', saying 'se-ta-sil'.
  • Pronouncing 'sil' with a hard English 'L' sound; Korean 'ㄹ' is closer to a light 'L' or tapped 'R'.
  • Over-aspirating the 's' in 'sil' so it sounds like 'shil' (though this is actually quite close to native pronunciation).
  • Pronouncing 'tak' as 'talk' with a long vowel.
  • Failing to pause slightly between the syllables.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to read once you know the Hanja for 'room' (실).

Écriture 2/5

Simple characters, but don't forget the 'ㄱ' in '탁'.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires clear pronunciation of the 'k' and 's' transition.

Écoute 2/5

Commonly heard in house tours and dorm life.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

방 (room) 옷 (clothes) 물 (water) 있다 (to be) 가다 (to go)

Apprends ensuite

세탁기 (washing machine) 건조기 (dryer) 세제 (detergent) 빨래하다 (to do laundry) 청소하다 (to clean)

Avancé

다용도실 (utility room) 층간소음 (inter-floor noise) 배수구 (drainage) 습기 (humidity) 건조대 (drying rack)

Grammaire à connaître

Location Particle -에

세탁실에 세탁기가 있어요.

Action Location Particle -에서

세탁실에서 옷을 빨아요.

Subject Markers -이/-가

세탁실이 깨끗해요.

Object Markers -을/-를

세탁실을 청소해요.

Honorific Ending -(으)세요

세탁실로 가세요.

Exemples par niveau

1

세탁실은 어디에 있나요?

Where is the laundry room?

Uses the subject marker '-은' and the polite question ending '-나요?'

2

세탁실은 1층에 있어요.

The laundry room is on the first floor.

Uses the location particle '-에' with the verb '있어요'.

3

여기가 세탁실입니다.

This is the laundry room.

Uses the formal ending '-입니다'.

4

세탁실이 아주 깨끗해요.

The laundry room is very clean.

Uses the subject marker '-이' and the adjective '깨끗해요'.

5

세탁실에 세탁기가 있어요.

There is a washing machine in the laundry room.

Shows the relationship between the room and the machine.

6

세탁실 문을 닫으세요.

Please close the laundry room door.

Uses the imperative ending '-(으)세요'.

7

세탁실에서 만나요.

Let's meet in the laundry room.

Uses the action location particle '-에서'.

8

세탁실이 작아요.

The laundry room is small.

Uses the adjective '작다' (to be small).

1

저는 지금 세탁실에 가요.

I am going to the laundry room now.

Uses the present tense '가요' to indicate movement.

2

세탁실에서 빨래를 해요.

I do laundry in the laundry room.

Standard subject-object-verb structure with location.

3

세탁실이 주방 옆에 있어요.

The laundry room is next to the kitchen.

Uses the noun '옆' (beside) to indicate relative position.

4

세탁실을 청소하고 싶어요.

I want to clean the laundry room.

Uses the '-고 싶다' (want to) construction.

5

어제 세탁실에 갔어요.

I went to the laundry room yesterday.

Uses the past tense '-았/었-'.

6

세탁실에 세제가 없어요.

There is no detergent in the laundry room.

Uses '없어요', the opposite of '있어요'.

7

이 세탁실은 공용이에요.

This laundry room is for public use.

Uses '공용' (public use) with the copula '이에요'.

8

세탁실 불을 켜주세요.

Please turn on the laundry room light.

Uses the helping verb '-아/어 주다' (to do for someone).

1

세탁실을 이용하려면 카드가 필요해요.

You need a card to use the laundry room.

Uses the conditional '-(으)려면' (if you intend to).

2

밤늦게 세탁실을 사용하면 안 돼요.

You shouldn't use the laundry room late at night.

Uses the prohibition structure '-(으)면 안 되다'.

3

세탁실에 빨래를 두고 왔어요.

I left my laundry in the laundry room.

Uses '-고 오다' to express doing something and then coming.

4

세탁실이 너무 습해서 곰팡이가 생겼어요.

The laundry room is so humid that mold grew.

Uses '-아서/어서' to show cause and effect.

5

세탁실 문이 잘 안 열려요.

The laundry room door doesn't open well.

Uses the passive/involuntary form '열리다'.

6

공동 세탁실은 에티켓이 중요합니다.

Etiquette is important in a communal laundry room.

Uses the formal '-(스)ㅂ니다' ending.

7

세탁실에서 이상한 소리가 나요.

There is a strange sound coming from the laundry room.

Uses the expression '소리가 나다' (a sound occurs).

8

기숙사 세탁실은 몇 시까지 하나요?

Until what time is the dorm laundry room open?

Uses '몇 시까지' (until what time).

1

세탁실 공간을 효율적으로 활용하고 싶어요.

I want to utilize the laundry room space efficiently.

Uses the adverb '효율적으로' (efficiently).

2

요즘 아파트는 세탁실이 주방과 연결되어 있어요.

Modern apartments have laundry rooms connected to the kitchen.

Uses the passive state '연결되어 있다'.

3

세탁실 소음 때문에 이웃과 다퉜어요.

I had a fight with my neighbor because of laundry room noise.

Uses '때문에' to indicate a reason for a negative result.

4

세탁실에 건조기를 설치할 자리가 부족해요.

There isn't enough room to install a dryer in the laundry room.

Uses the noun '자리' (space/spot) and '부족하다' (to be insufficient).

5

세탁실 바닥 타일을 새로 교체했어요.

I replaced the laundry room floor tiles with new ones.

Uses the adverb '새로' (newly) and the verb '교체하다' (to replace).

6

세탁실 환기가 안 되면 냄새가 날 수 있어요.

If the laundry room isn't ventilated, it can smell.

Uses the conditional '-(으)면' and the potential '-ㄹ 수 있다'.

7

세탁실은 집안에서 가장 기능적인 공간입니다.

The laundry room is the most functional space in the house.

Uses the superlative '가장' (most).

8

세탁실 벽면에 선반을 달아서 수납을 늘렸어요.

I increased storage by putting up shelves on the laundry room wall.

Uses the sequential '-아서/어서' to show a method.

1

세탁실의 배수구가 막혀서 물이 역류하고 있습니다.

The laundry room drain is clogged, so water is backing up.

Uses technical terms like '배수구' (drain) and '역류' (backflow).

2

공동 주택에서 세탁실 소음은 층간소음의 주된 원인입니다.

In multi-unit housing, laundry room noise is a primary cause of inter-floor noise.

Uses formal academic phrasing like '주된 원인' (primary cause).

3

세탁실을 단순히 가사 노동의 공간이 아닌 휴식의 공간으로 꾸미는 것이 유행입니다.

It is trendy to decorate the laundry room as a space for relaxation, not just for domestic labor.

Uses the 'A이/가 아닌 B' (not A but B) construction.

4

건축 설계 시 세탁실의 동선을 고려하는 것이 매우 중요합니다.

When designing a building, it is very important to consider the movement flow of the laundry room.

Uses '시' (at the time of) and '동선' (path of movement).

5

세탁실 내의 습기 제어는 건물의 수명을 연장하는 데 기여합니다.

Controlling humidity in the laundry room contributes to extending the lifespan of the building.

Uses '기여하다' (to contribute) and '수명을 연장하다' (extend lifespan).

6

과거의 빨래터가 가졌던 공동체적 기능이 현대의 공동 세탁실로 이어지고 있습니다.

The communal function that the old washing sites had is continuing into modern shared laundry rooms.

Uses '공동체적' (communal) and '이어지다' (to be continued).

7

세탁실의 위치는 가사 효율성을 결정짓는 핵심적인 요소입니다.

The location of the laundry room is a key factor that determines domestic efficiency.

Uses '결정짓다' (to determine) and '핵심적인 요소' (key factor).

8

최근 1인 가구의 증가로 인해 주거 공간 내 세탁실의 개념이 변화하고 있습니다.

Due to the recent increase in single-person households, the concept of the laundry room in residential spaces is changing.

Uses '-로 인해' (due to) and '주거 공간' (residential space).

1

세탁실이라는 공간은 근대화 과정에서 사적 영역으로 편입된 대표적인 사례입니다.

The space called the laundry room is a representative case of being incorporated into the private sphere during the process of modernization.

Uses '편입되다' (to be incorporated) and '사적 영역' (private sphere).

2

세탁실의 소음과 진동을 최소화하기 위한 건축적 공법이 끊임없이 연구되고 있습니다.

Architectural methods to minimize noise and vibration from the laundry room are being constantly researched.

Uses '최소화하다' (to minimize) and '건축적 공법' (architectural methods).

3

가사 노동의 외주화가 가속화되면서 가정 내 세탁실의 위상도 달라지고 있습니다.

As the outsourcing of domestic labor accelerates, the status of the laundry room within the home is also changing.

Uses '외주화' (outsourcing) and '위상' (status/position).

4

세탁실의 배수 계통 설계는 위생 공학적 관점에서 매우 정밀한 접근을 요합니다.

The design of the laundry room's drainage system requires a very precise approach from a sanitary engineering perspective.

Uses '위생 공학적' (sanitary engineering) and '요하다' (to require).

5

도시화에 따른 주거 밀도의 상승은 공동 세탁실의 필요성을 재점화하고 있습니다.

The rise in housing density due to urbanization is reigniting the need for communal laundry rooms.

Uses '재점화하다' (to reignite) and '주거 밀도' (housing density).

6

세탁실은 거주자의 생활 양식과 가치관을 투영하는 공간으로 재해석되기도 합니다.

The laundry room is sometimes reinterpreted as a space that projects the resident's lifestyle and values.

Uses '투영하다' (to project/reflect) and '재해석되다' (to be reinterpreted).

7

스마트 홈 기술의 도입으로 세탁실은 이제 원격 제어가 가능한 첨단 공간이 되었습니다.

With the introduction of smart home technology, the laundry room has now become a high-tech space capable of remote control.

Uses '원격 제어' (remote control) and '첨단' (state-of-the-art).

8

세탁실의 변천사는 한국 주거 문화의 변천사와 그 궤를 같이한다고 볼 수 있습니다.

The history of the laundry room's changes can be seen as being in line with the history of Korean housing culture.

Uses the idiom '궤를 같이하다' (to be in line with/share a path).

Collocations courantes

공동 세탁실
세탁실 소음
세탁실 청소
세탁실 위치
세탁실 인테리어
세탁실 배수
세탁실 수납
세탁실 이용
세탁실 문
세탁실 선반

Phrases Courantes

세탁실이 어디예요?

— Where is the laundry room? Used when looking for the facility.

저기요, 이 건물 세탁실이 어디예요?

세탁실에 가요

— I am going to the laundry room. Used to announce one's destination.

나 빨래하러 세탁실에 가요.

세탁실에서 빨래를 돌리다

— To run a load of laundry in the laundry room.

지금 세탁실에서 빨래를 돌리고 있어요.

세탁실을 정리하다

— To tidy up the laundry room.

오늘 오후에 세탁실을 정리할 거예요.

세탁실에 빨래가 밀려 있다

— Laundry is piled up in the laundry room.

세탁실에 빨래가 너무 많이 밀려 있어요.

세탁실 불이 켜져 있다

— The laundry room light is on.

세탁실 불이 아직 켜져 있네요.

세탁실 사용 중

— Laundry room in use. Often seen on signs.

세탁실이 사용 중이라서 기다려야 해요.

세탁실 점검

— Laundry room inspection.

내일은 세탁실 점검이 있는 날입니다.

세탁실 바닥

— The laundry room floor.

세탁실 바닥이 젖어 있으니 조심하세요.

세탁실 환기

— Laundry room ventilation.

세탁실 환기를 시키려고 문을 열어뒀어요.

Souvent confondu avec

세탁실 vs 세탁소

A commercial dry cleaner or professional laundry business.

세탁실 vs 세탁기

The actual washing machine device, not the room.

세탁실 vs 화장실

The bathroom; in Korea, laundry is rarely done in the main bathroom.

Expressions idiomatiques

"빨래를 세탁실에 묵히다"

— To let laundry sit in the laundry room for a long time without washing it.

바빠서 빨래를 세탁실에 며칠째 묵히고 있어요.

Colloquial
"세탁실이 제2의 거실"

— Used when someone spends a lot of time doing laundry or organizing the space.

아이들이 많아서 세탁실이 제2의 거실이 되었어요.

Humorous
"세탁실에서 살다"

— To spend an excessive amount of time in the laundry room (usually doing chores).

엄마는 주말 내내 세탁실에서 살아요.

Hyperbole
"세탁실 문턱이 닳다"

— To go in and out of the laundry room very frequently.

빨래가 많아서 세탁실 문턱이 닳겠어요.

Figurative
"세탁실의 요정"

— Someone who secretly or kindly does the laundry for others (slang/informal).

누가 빨래를 다 해놨지? 세탁실의 요정인가?

Informal/Slang
"세탁실 구석에 박히다"

— Something is forgotten or hidden in the corner of the laundry room.

내 운동화가 세탁실 구석에 박혀 있었네.

Colloquial
"세탁실을 뒤집어엎다"

— To completely reorganize or clean the laundry room (usually with great effort).

대청소를 하느라 세탁실을 완전히 뒤집어엎었어요.

Colloquial
"세탁실이 보물창고"

— When the laundry room is used to store many useful things.

우리 집 세탁실은 온갖 물건이 다 있는 보물창고예요.

Metaphorical
"세탁실 소음 전쟁"

— Frequent conflict between neighbors over laundry noise.

아파트 주민들 사이에 세탁실 소음 전쟁이 시작됐어요.

Modern/Social
"세탁실 찬스"

— Using the excuse of going to the laundry room to get away from something else.

설거지하기 싫어서 세탁실 찬스를 썼어요.

Slang

Facile à confondre

세탁실 vs 세탁소

Both start with '세탁'.

세탁실 is the room in your house. 세탁소 is the business you pay for services.

세탁실에서 옷을 빨고, 세탁소에서 정장을 맡겨요.

세탁실 vs 빨래방

Both are places to do laundry.

빨래방 is a public laundromat. 세탁실 is usually private or a building facility.

집 세탁실이 고장 나서 빨래방에 갔어요.

세탁실 vs 다용도실

Often refers to the same physical space.

다용도실 is a 'multi-purpose' room. 세탁실 is specifically for 'laundry'.

다용도실을 세탁실로 쓰고 있어요.

세탁실 vs 탈의실

Both end in '실' and relate to clothes.

탈의실 is a changing room (e.g., at a gym or store).

탈의실에서 옷을 갈아입고 세탁실에 빨래를 넣어요.

세탁실 vs 건조실

Related to laundry process.

건조실 is specifically a drying room, often found in large facilities.

세탁실에서 빤 옷을 건조실로 옮겨요.

Structures de phrases

A1

[Place]에 [Object]이/가 있어요.

세탁실에 세탁기가 있어요.

A2

[Place]에서 [Action]을/를 해요.

세탁실에서 빨래를 해요.

B1

[Place]에 가려면 [Condition]이/가 필요해요.

세탁실에 가려면 열쇠가 필요해요.

B2

[Place] 때문에 [Result].

세탁실 소음 때문에 시끄러워요.

C1

[Place]의 [Noun]은/는 [Factor]입니다.

세탁실의 배수는 중요한 요소입니다.

C2

[Place]은/는 [Abstract Concept]의 공간입니다.

세탁실은 가사 노동이 집약된 공간입니다.

A2

[Place]이/가 [Adjective]해요.

세탁실이 너무 좁아요.

B1

[Place]을/를 [Action]해 주세요.

세탁실을 정리해 주세요.

Famille de mots

Noms

세탁 (washing)
세탁기 (washing machine)
세탁소 (dry cleaners)
세탁물 (laundry items)
세제 (detergent)

Verbes

세탁하다 (to wash clothes)
빨래하다 (to do laundry - pure Korean term)

Apparenté

건조기 (dryer)
섬유유연제 (fabric softener)
빨래바구니 (laundry basket)
다림질 (ironing)
옷걸이 (hanger)

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in domestic and service contexts.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 세탁소 instead of 세탁실. 세탁실에서 빨래를 해요.

    세탁소 is a dry cleaner's shop. 세탁실 is the room in your house.

  • Saying 세탁실이 고장 났어요. 세탁기가 고장 났어요.

    You should say the machine (세탁기) is broken, not the room (세탁실).

  • Using the wrong particle: 세탁실에 빨래해요. 세탁실에서 빨래해요.

    Use '-에서' for actions taking place in a location.

  • Pronouncing it as 세타실. 세탁실 (Se-tak-sil)

    The 'ㄱ' (k) sound must be pronounced clearly as a final consonant.

  • Calling the laundry room '화장실'. 세탁실

    In Korea, these rooms are almost always separate. Don't call it a bathroom.

Astuces

Room Suffix

Remember that '-실' (sil) means room. This will help you learn dozens of other words like 교실, 화장실, and 사무실.

Noise Etiquette

Avoid using the laundry room after 9 PM or 10 PM in an apartment to stay on good terms with your neighbors.

Action vs. Location

Use '-에' to say where the room is, and '-에서' to say what you are doing inside it.

Floor Plans

Look for the word '다용도실' on Korean floor plans; that's usually where the 세탁실 is.

The 'K' Sound

Make sure you don't drop the 'ㄱ' in 세탁. It's a short, sharp stop in the back of your throat.

Detergent Storage

In Korea, detergent is often stored on shelves inside the 세탁실, not under the kitchen sink.

Ventilation

Always keep the 세탁실 window or door slightly open after washing to prevent mold (곰팡이).

Hotel Services

If a hotel says they have a 'Laundry Room', it's for you to use. If they say 'Laundry Service', they will do it for you (for a fee).

Space Saving

Koreans often use '직렬 설치' (serial installation), which means stacking the dryer on the washer in a small 세탁실.

Dorm Rules

Check the notice board in a communal 세탁실; people often leave notes if they leave their clothes too long.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'SE-TAK' as 'SAY-TAKE' - you SAY you will TAKE your clothes to the room (SIL).

Association visuelle

Imagine a room (SIL) with a giant 'S' (for Setak) on the door, and inside is a washing machine.

Word Web

세탁기 (machine) 세제 (soap) 물 (water) 옷 (clothes) 깨끗하다 (clean) 빨래 (laundry) 건조기 (dryer) 실 (room)

Défi

Go to your own laundry room and say '여기는 세탁실입니다' five times while looking at the washing machine.

Origine du mot

Composed of the Hanja words 洗濯 (세탁 - setak) and 室 (실 - sil). 洗 (se) means 'to wash', 濯 (tak) also means 'to wash' or 'rinse', and 室 (sil) means 'room'.

Sens originel : A room for washing and rinsing clothes.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).

Contexte culturel

Be aware of 'inter-floor noise' (층간소음) regulations in Korean apartments; using the laundry room late at night can lead to complaints from neighbors.

In the US or UK, 'laundry room' is often in the basement or a dedicated closet. In Korea, it's often a converted balcony space.

The movie 'Parasite' features a small laundry area in the semi-basement house. Many K-Dramas show characters meeting in a '빨래방' (laundromat) which is the commercial version of a 세탁실. Korean interior design YouTube channels often feature '세탁실 메이크오버' (laundry room makeovers).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At Home

  • 세탁실 문 닫아라.
  • 세탁실에 빨래 넣어놨어.
  • 세탁실 불 꺼.
  • 세탁실 청소 좀 해.

In a Dormitory

  • 세탁실 카드 충전해야 해.
  • 세탁실에 사람 많아?
  • 세탁실 이용 시간 끝났어.
  • 세탁실에서 내 빨래 누가 꺼냈어?

At a Hotel

  • 세탁실은 무료인가요?
  • 세탁실 비밀번호가 뭐예요?
  • 세탁실에 세제가 비치되어 있나요?
  • 세탁실은 24시간 운영하나요?

Real Estate / Apartment Hunting

  • 세탁실이 따로 있나요?
  • 세탁실이 꽤 넓네요.
  • 주방이랑 세탁실이 멀어요?
  • 세탁실에 환기창이 있어요?

Laundry Problems

  • 세탁실 바닥에 물이 고여요.
  • 세탁실 전등이 나갔어요.
  • 세탁실 문이 고장 났어요.
  • 세탁실에서 냄새가 나요.

Amorces de conversation

"세탁실이 어디 있는지 아세요? (Do you know where the laundry room is?)"

"오늘 세탁실 청소할 사람 누구예요? (Who is supposed to clean the laundry room today?)"

"세탁실에 내 파란색 셔츠 있었어? (Was my blue shirt in the laundry room?)"

"세탁실에 건조기 새로 들어왔대요. (I heard a new dryer was installed in the laundry room.)"

"세탁실 사용하려면 예약해야 하나요? (Do I need to make a reservation to use the laundry room?)"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 세탁실에서 있었던 재미있는 일을 써보세요. (Write about something interesting that happened in the laundry room today.)

당신이 꿈꾸는 완벽한 세탁실은 어떤 모습인가요? (What does your dream laundry room look like?)

세탁실 청소를 미루는 이유에 대해 써보세요. (Write about why you are putting off cleaning the laundry room.)

공동 세탁실을 사용할 때 가장 불편한 점은 무엇인가요? (What is the most inconvenient thing about using a communal laundry room?)

어렸을 때 우리 집 세탁실에 대한 추억을 써보세요. (Write about a memory of your childhood home's laundry room.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Generally, yes. However, it often also houses a dryer (건조기), detergents, and sometimes a boiler for heating the house.

Not usually. A commercial laundromat is called a '빨래방' or '코인세탁소'. '세탁실' implies a room within a larger building like a home or hotel.

Korean apartments have thin floors, and the vibration of a washing machine can be very loud for the neighbors downstairs. This is called '층간소음'.

In older apartments, it's on the balcony. In newer ones, it's a small room next to the kitchen or bathroom.

There isn't a direct pure Korean equivalent for the 'room' itself, but '빨래터' was the old word for the washing site.

You can say '세탁실이 어디예요?' (Where is the laundry room?) or '셀프 세탁실이 있나요?' (Is there a self-service laundry room?)

It is a communal or shared laundry room found in dormitories, hostels, or apartment complexes.

Almost all homes have a designated space for a washing machine, but in small 'one-room' studios, it might just be under the kitchen counter.

Yes, that is the most common place for it. Many Koreans stack the dryer on top of the washing machine to save space.

You should say '세탁실에 물이 넘쳐요!' (The laundry room is overflowing!) and turn off the water tap immediately.

Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using '세탁실' and '어디'.

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using '세탁실' and '빨래'.

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Describe your laundry room in Korean (3 words).

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a request to close the laundry room door.

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence about why you can't use the laundry room at night.

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Ask if there is a laundry room in the hotel.

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write that the laundry room is next to the kitchen.

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write that you need to clean the laundry room.

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'The communal laundry room is on the 2nd floor.'

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using '세탁실' and '습하다' (to be humid).

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Ask what time the laundry room opens.

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write that you left your clothes in the laundry room.

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'There is no detergent in the laundry room.'

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Describe a narrow laundry room.

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence about the laundry room light.

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'I am going to the laundry room now.'

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write about a strange noise in the laundry room.

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using '세탁실' and '건조기'.

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'Please keep the laundry room clean.'

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence about the laundry room floor being wet.

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

How do you say 'laundry room' in Korean?

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Ask where the laundry room is.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I am doing laundry in the laundry room.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'The laundry room is on the first floor.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Please close the laundry room door.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Ask if there is a washing machine in the laundry room.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'The laundry room is next to the kitchen.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I'm going to the laundry room.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'The laundry room is very clean.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Don't use the laundry room at night.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Ask 'Is this the laundry room?'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'There is no soap in the laundry room.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I need to clean the laundry room.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'The laundry room is too small.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I left my clothes in the laundry room.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'The laundry room light is off.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Wait for me in the laundry room.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I'm tidying the laundry room.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'The laundry room is humid.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'The laundry room door is broken.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Identify the word: '세탁실'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to '세탁실에 가요' and translate.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to '세탁실이 어디예요?' and translate.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to '세탁실 문을 닫으세요' and translate.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to '세탁실에서 빨래해요' and translate.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to '세탁실이 1층에 있어요' and translate.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to '세탁실이 깨끗해요' and translate.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to '세탁실 소음' and translate.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to '공동 세탁실' and translate.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to '세탁실에 세제가 없어요' and translate.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to '세탁실 청소' and translate.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to '세탁실 불' and translate.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to '세탁실 바닥' and translate.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to '세탁실 환기' and translate.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to '세탁실 이용 시간' and translate.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
error correction

세탁실에 빨래를 해요.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 세탁실에서 빨래를 해요.

Use -에서 for actions.

error correction

세탁소에 가서 세탁기를 돌려요.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 세탁실에 가서 세탁기를 돌려요.

You use a machine in a 세탁실, not a 세탁소 (shop).

error correction

세탁실이 고장 났어요.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 세탁기가 고장 났어요.

The machine breaks, not the room.

error correction

세타실이 어디예요?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 세탁실이 어디예요?

Correct spelling is 세탁실.

error correction

세탁실을 가요.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 세탁실에 가요.

Use -에 for destination.

error correction

세탁실에 세제가 없어요?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 세탁실에 세제가 없어요.

Grammatically okay, but check if it's a question or statement.

error correction

밤에 세탁실을 사용해라.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 밤에 세탁실을 사용하지 마라.

Avoid using it at night due to noise.

error correction

세탁실에서 불을 꺼요.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 세탁실 불을 꺼요.

More natural to say 'laundry room light'.

error correction

세탁실이 주방 안에 있어요.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 세탁실이 주방 옆에 있어요.

Usually next to, not inside, the kitchen.

error correction

세탁실은 1층에 있어요?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 세탁실은 1층에 있어요.

Check sentence ending punctuation.

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

C'tait utile ?
Pas encore de commentaires. Soyez le premier à partager vos idées !