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A2 noun #8,000 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

신발장

sinbaljang Top 8,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 신발장 en 30 secondes

Explication 신발장 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '신발장' as a basic vocabulary word for the home. It is a compound word: '신발' means shoes, and '장' means a cabinet or chest. You will find this object right inside the front door of every Korean house. In Korea, everyone takes off their shoes before going inside, so the '신발장' is where you put your shoes so the floor stays clean. You can use simple sentences like '신발장은 현관에 있어요' (The shoe rack is in the entryway). It is helpful to know this word so you can understand when someone tells you where to put your shoes. You might see a '신발장' at a restaurant or a school too. Just remember: shoes go in the '신발장'!

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For A2 learners, '신발장' is an essential word for describing your home and daily routines. You should be able to use it with basic action verbs and location particles. For example, '신발을 신발장에 넣어요' (I put shoes in the shoe rack) or '신발장에서 구두를 꺼내요' (I take dress shoes out from the shoe rack). At this level, you can also start describing the shoe rack using simple adjectives like '커요' (big) or '깨끗해요' (clean). Understanding the cultural importance of the '신발장' in Korean etiquette is also key—keeping it organized is considered a good habit. You might also encounter it in public places like public baths (jjimjilbang), where you will be given a key for your specific '신발장' slot.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '신발장' in more complex sentences and varied contexts. You can discuss home organization, move-in processes, and specific features of the furniture. For instance, you might talk about a '붙박이 신발장' (built-in shoe rack) when describing an apartment's interior. You should also be familiar with related items often found near or inside the '신발장', such as '구두주걱' (shoe horn) or '슬리퍼' (slippers). At this level, you can use the word to explain social situations, like '손님이 많이 오셔서 신발장이 부족했어요' (Many guests came, so there wasn't enough space in the shoe rack). You should also understand its use in compound structures and more formal settings.

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B2 learners should understand the nuances of '신발장' within the context of Korean lifestyle and interior design trends. You can discuss the evolution of the '신발장' from a simple wooden chest to modern, multi-functional '현관장' (entryway cabinets) that include lighting, mirrors, and specialized storage for umbrellas or sports equipment. You should be able to use the word in discussions about real estate, emphasizing the importance of storage space ('수납공간'). Furthermore, you can use it in more abstract or idiomatic ways, such as discussing the 'first impression' of a home based on its entryway. You should also be able to handle complex instructions or complaints involving '신발장' in a professional or service-oriented environment.

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At the C1 level, you should have a comprehensive grasp of '신발장' and its place in Korean culture and linguistics. You can analyze how the suffix '-장' (cabinet/chest) is used across various household items and identify the historical roots of such furniture. You should be able to discuss the '신발장' in the context of urban living and architectural constraints in Korea, such as the design of small 'one-room' (studio) apartments versus large luxury complexes. Your vocabulary should include technical terms related to its construction, materials (like '하이그로시' or '원목'), and maintenance. You can also interpret social cues related to the '신발장', such as how its arrangement reflects the owner's personality or the formality of an event.

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For C2 learners, '신발장' is a word you use with absolute native-like fluency, including its use in literature, news reports about housing trends, or high-level interior design critiques. You can discuss the cultural shift in how '신발장' spaces are utilized, such as the 'sneakerhead' culture where the '신발장' becomes a display case for high-value collections. You should be able to use the word in complex metaphorical contexts or when discussing the sociology of the 'hyeongwan' as a transitional space between public and private life. Your understanding extends to the subtle differences between '신발장', '신발 수납장', and '현관 가구', and you can use these terms precisely in any given register, from casual slang to academic discourse on Korean domestic architecture.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

신발장 en 30 secondes

A furniture item for storing shoes.
Essential in Korean 'shoes-off' culture.
Located in the 'hyeongwan' (entryway).
Can be a stand-alone cabinet or built-in.

The Korean word 신발장 (sinbaljang) is a compound noun that literally translates to 'shoe cabinet' or 'shoe rack.' In the context of Korean culture, where removing one's shoes before entering a home is a fundamental social norm, the sinbaljang is more than just a piece of furniture; it is a vital component of the Korean living space. It is typically located in the 현관 (hyeongwan), which is the small entryway or foyer that separates the outside world from the interior of the house. This area is usually a step lower than the rest of the house to prevent dust and dirt from spreading onto the main floors. The sinbaljang serves as the primary storage unit for all footwear, ranging from daily sneakers and formal shoes to seasonal boots and indoor slippers.

Daily Utility: People use this word every single day when they arrive home or prepare to leave. It is the first thing you interact with when you enter a Korean household. You might say, "Put your shoes in the shoe rack," to a guest, or ask, "Where did I leave my keys? Check on top of the shoe rack."

신발이 너무 많아서 신발장이 꽉 찼어요.

Translation: The shoe rack is completely full because there are too many shoes.

In modern Korean apartments, the sinbaljang is often built into the wall, stretching from floor to ceiling to maximize storage space. These built-in units frequently feature mirrors on the doors, allowing residents to check their appearance one last time before heading out. Some high-end versions even include ventilation systems or UV sterilizers to keep the shoes fresh and clean. Understanding this word is essential for anyone living in Korea or visiting a Korean home, as it dictates the flow of movement within the domestic sphere.

Social Etiquette: Leaving shoes scattered on the floor of the entryway is often seen as untidy. Using the sinbaljang properly is a sign of a well-organized household and respect for the shared living environment. In public places like traditional restaurants or bathhouses (jimjilbang), you will also encounter sinbaljang units, often with individual locks to keep your belongings secure.

손님들이 오시기 전에 신발장 위를 청소해 주세요.

Translation: Please clean the top of the shoe rack before the guests arrive.

The word is composed of '신발' (sinbal), meaning shoes, and '장' (jang), which refers to a cabinet, chest, or storage unit. This '장' suffix is incredibly common in Korean and appears in other words like '옷장' (otjang - clothes closet) and '책장' (chaekjang - bookshelf). By learning sinbaljang, you are also learning a pattern that helps you identify various types of furniture in a Korean home.

새 아파트로 이사 가면서 큰 신발장을 새로 샀어요.

Translation: I bought a new large shoe rack while moving to a new apartment.

Modern Variations: While traditional sinbaljang were simple wooden chests, modern versions might include 'haeng-ing' (hanging) styles that leave a space at the bottom for frequently worn shoes to be tucked away quickly without opening a door. This space is called the 'bottom of the shoe rack' (신발장 하부).

신발장 문에 거울이 달려 있어서 편리해요.

Translation: It is convenient because there is a mirror attached to the shoe rack door.

Using 신발장 correctly involves understanding its role as a location or a direct object in a sentence. Since it is a physical object where things are placed, it frequently appears with the location particles -에 (at/in) and -에서 (at/from). For example, if you want to say you put something inside, you use '신발장에 넣다' (to put into the shoe rack). If you are taking something out, you use '신발장에서 꺼내다' (to take out from the shoe rack).

Common Verbs: The most common verbs paired with sinbaljang include 정리하다 (to organize), 넣다 (to put in), 꺼내다 (to take out), 열다 (to open), and 닫다 (to close). You will also hear it with '두다' (to leave/place), as in "신발장 위에 열쇠를 두었어요" (I left the keys on top of the shoe rack).

신발을 벗어서 신발장에 넣어 주세요.

Translation: Please take off your shoes and put them in the shoe rack.

When describing the state of the shoe rack, you might use adjectives like '크다' (big), '작다' (small), '지저분하다' (messy), or '깨끗하다' (clean). For instance, "신발장이 너무 지저분해서 정리가 필요해요" (The shoe rack is too messy, so it needs organizing). In a more formal or instructional setting, such as a school or a gym, you might see signs saying "신발은 신발장에!" (Shoes [go] in the shoe rack!), which is a shortened, imperative form.

Compound Usage: You can also modify the word to be more specific. '붙박이 신발장' (butbak-i sinbaljang) refers to a built-in shoe rack, while '현관 신발장' (hyeongwan sinbaljang) emphasizes its location in the entryway. If you are talking about a rack specifically for high heels or boots, you might add those words before sinbaljang, though it is usually just generalized.

신발장 안에서 우산을 찾아보세요.

Translation: Try looking for the umbrella inside the shoe rack.

In conversation, you might hear people use the word when discussing home improvements or interior design. A common question when looking at a new apartment is "신발장 수납공간이 넉넉한가요?" (Is the shoe rack storage space sufficient?). This highlights how the sinbaljang is a key selling point in Korean real estate due to the large number of shoes many people own.

우리 집 신발장은 층고가 높아서 장화도 잘 들어가요.

Translation: Our house's shoe rack has high shelves, so even boots fit in well.

You will hear the word 신발장 in a variety of everyday situations in Korea, ranging from intimate family settings to formal public environments. At home, it is a constant subject of conversation, especially among families with many members. Parents often remind children to "정리해라" (organize) the sinbaljang or to put their shoes away instead of leaving them scattered in the hyeongwan.

In Restaurants and Public Baths: If you visit a traditional Korean restaurant where you sit on the floor, the staff will often point toward the sinbaljang and say, "신발은 신발장에 넣어주세요" (Please put your shoes in the shoe rack). Similarly, at a public bathhouse (jjimjilbang) or a gym, the first thing you do is go to the sinbaljang, put your shoes in a locker, and take the key, which often doubles as your electronic wallet for the facility.

식당 입구에 있는 신발장에 열쇠가 꽂혀 있어요.

Translation: The key is inserted in the shoe rack at the restaurant entrance.

In schools, especially elementary schools, the sinbaljang is a place where students exchange their outdoor shoes for indoor slippers (실내화). Each student usually has a designated slot labeled with their name or number. This is a common scene in Korean dramas and movies, often used as a setting for student interactions, such as leaving notes or small gifts for a crush.

Interior Design and Shopping: When shopping at furniture stores like IKEA or Hanssem in Korea, or browsing online shopping malls like Coupang, you will see '신발장' as a major category. Descriptions will focus on features like '통풍' (ventilation), '슬림' (slim design for narrow entryways), and '대용량' (large capacity). You might hear a salesperson ask, "현관 크기에 맞는 신발장을 찾으시나요?" (Are you looking for a shoe rack that fits your entryway size?).

이 신발장은 조립하기가 아주 쉬워요.

Translation: This shoe rack is very easy to assemble.

Finally, you'll hear the word in the context of cleaning and household chores. Because the sinbaljang can accumulate dust and smells, it is a frequent target for seasonal cleaning. You might hear someone say, "신발장 냄새를 없애기 위해 탈취제를 놓았어요" (I put a deodorizer in the shoe rack to get rid of the smell). This practical usage reflects the word's integration into the maintenance of a healthy home environment.

주말에는 신발장 정리를 좀 해야겠어요.

Translation: I should organize the shoe rack this weekend.

While 신발장 is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers and Korean learners often make a few common errors. The most frequent mistake is confusing it with other types of storage furniture. Because many cabinets in a house look similar, learners might accidentally call a bookshelf a sinbaljang if they see it near the door, or vice versa.

Confusing with '옷장' (Wardrobe): In some Western homes, there is a 'coat closet' near the entrance. In Korea, this space is almost exclusively a sinbaljang. If you call it an '옷장' (otjang), a Korean person might be confused because an '옷장' is specifically for clothes and is usually located in a bedroom. Even if you put a coat in there, if its primary purpose is shoes, it is a sinbaljang.

코트를 신발장에 넣지 말고 옷걸이에 거세요.

Translation: Don't put your coat in the shoe rack; hang it on the coat rack.

Another common error involves the pronunciation and spelling of the first part, '신발'. Some beginners might confuse it with '신문' (newspaper) or '신부' (bride/priest) because they share the '신' (sin) syllable. It is important to remember that '신발' specifically refers to footwear. Also, ensure you don't confuse '장' (cabinet) with '정' (affection) or '중' (middle), as these are very different sounds in Korean.

Misusing '선반' (Shelf): Learners often use '선반' (seonban) to refer to a shoe rack. While a '선반' is a shelf, a sinbaljang is usually a closed cabinet. If you have an open rack with multiple tiers, you could call it a '신발 선반' (sinbal seonban), but '신발장' is the more natural and widely used term for any shoe storage unit, whether open or closed.

이건 그냥 선반이 아니라 신발장이에요.

Translation: This isn't just a shelf; it's a shoe rack.

Lastly, be careful with the pluralization. In English, we say 'shoes' (plural), but in Korean, '신발' can be singular or plural. You don't need to add a plural marker when talking about the shoe rack. Saying '신발들장' would be incorrect. Just stick to sinbaljang regardless of how many shoes are inside.

신발장이 너무 작아서 신발이 다 안 들어가요.

Translation: The shoe rack is too small, so all the shoes won't fit.

While 신발장 is the most common term, there are several related words that you might encounter depending on the specific design or context. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and better describe what you see.

신발 선반 (Sinbal Seonban): This refers specifically to an open 'shoe shelf.' While a sinbaljang is typically a cabinet with doors, a sinbal seonban is just the horizontal planks. You might see these in smaller apartments or as an extra storage unit inside a larger sinbaljang.
현관장 (Hyeongwanjang): This is a more professional or architectural term for 'entryway cabinet.' In modern interior design, a hyeongwanjang might include a shoe rack, a place to hang coats, and a small bench. It is a more all-encompassing term than just sinbaljang.
신발 수납장 (Sinbal Sunapjang): 'Sunap' (수납) means storage. This term is slightly more formal and is often used in product catalogs. It emphasizes the function of 'storing' rather than just being a 'cabinet.'

공간이 좁아서 신발장 대신 얇은 선반을 놓기로 했어요.

Translation: Since the space is narrow, I decided to put a thin shelf instead of a shoe cabinet.

In some contexts, you might also hear loanwords from English, though they are less common in daily speech. '슈즈 랙' (shoes rack) or '슈즈 케이스' (shoes case) might be used in trendy interior design blogs or when referring to high-end display cases for sneaker collectors. However, for 99% of daily situations, sinbaljang is the correct word to use.

요즘은 신발장 안에 살균기를 설치하기도 합니다.

Translation: These days, some people even install sterilizers inside their shoe cabinets.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The 'jang' in 'sinbaljang' comes from the Hanja '藏' (jang), meaning to hide or store, or '櫃' (gwi) in some historical contexts, though modern '장' (欌) is the standard for furniture.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɕin.bal.d͡ʑaŋ/

US /ʃɪn.bɑl.dʒɑŋ/

The stress is relatively even across all three syllables, typical of Korean phonology.

Rime avec

책장 (chaekjang) 옷장 (otjang) 찬장 (chanjang) 화장 (hwajang) 시장 (sijang) 공장 (gongjang) 통장 (tongjang) 광장 (gwangjang)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing '장' as 'zang' or 'sang'.
Making the 'l' in 'bal' too heavy like an English 'dark l'.
Confusing '신' (sin) with '심' (sim).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to read; simple characters.

Écriture 2/5

Easy to write, but remember the 'ㄹ' in '발'.

Expression orale 2/5

Easy to pronounce, just watch the 'j' sound in 'jang'.

Écoute 1/5

Very distinct sound in daily conversation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

신발 (shoes) 집 (house) 문 (door) 넣다 (to put in) 있다 (to be/exist)

Apprends ensuite

현관 (entryway) 옷장 (wardrobe) 책장 (bookshelf) 정리하다 (to organize) 수납공간 (storage space)

Avancé

인테리어 (interior design) 붙박이 (built-in) 탈취제 (deodorizer) 제습제 (dehumidifier)

Grammaire à connaître

Location Particle -에

신발장에 신발이 있어요.

Directional Particle -에서

신발장에서 우산을 꺼내요.

Compound Noun Formation

신발 + 장 = 신발장

Object Particle -을/를

신발장을 청소해요.

Polite Imperative -으세요

신발을 신발장에 넣으세요.

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Exemples par niveau

신발장은 어디에 있어요?

Where is the shoe rack?

Simple question with location particle '-에'.

신발이 신발장에 있어요.

The shoes are in the shoe rack.

Basic existence sentence with '있어요'.

신발장은 작아요.

The shoe rack is small.

Descriptive sentence with the adjective '작다'.

신발장에 신발을 넣으세요.

Please put the shoes in the shoe rack.

Polite imperative form '-으세요'.

신발장 문을 닫아요.

I close the shoe rack door.

Object particle '-을' with the verb '닫다'.

이것은 우리 집 신발장이에요.

This is our house's shoe rack.

Possessive '우리 집' and identification '이에요'.

신발장 위에 열쇠가 있어요.

There are keys on top of the shoe rack.

Spatial preposition '위' (top/above).

신발장에서 신발을 꺼내요.

I take shoes out from the shoe rack.

Directional particle '-에서' with '꺼내다'.

현관에 있는 신발장을 정리했어요.

I organized the shoe rack in the entryway.

Past tense '정리했어요' and relative clause '있는'.

신발장이 꽉 차서 자리가 없어요.

The shoe rack is full, so there's no space.

Causal connector '-아서' (because).

식당 신발장에 신발을 넣고 들어오세요.

Put your shoes in the restaurant's shoe rack and come in.

Sequential connector '-고'.

신발장 문에 거울이 있어요.

There is a mirror on the shoe rack door.

Location particle '-에' attached to '문'.

아이들이 신발장 근처에서 놀고 있어요.

The children are playing near the shoe rack.

Present continuous '-고 있어요'.

새로 산 신발장은 디자인이 예뻐요.

The newly bought shoe rack has a pretty design.

Noun modification with '새로 산'.

신발장 아래에 슬리퍼가 있어요.

There are slippers under the shoe rack.

Spatial preposition '아래' (under/below).

신발장 열쇠를 잃어버리지 마세요.

Don't lose the shoe rack key.

Negative imperative '-지 마세요'.

신발장을 더 큰 것으로 바꾸고 싶어요.

I want to change the shoe rack to a bigger one.

Desire expression '-고 싶어요'.

신발장 안에 냄새가 나서 환기를 시켰어요.

It smelled inside the shoe rack, so I aired it out.

Causal connector '-아서' and causative '시키다'.

현관이 좁아서 신발장을 놓을 자리가 부족해요.

The entryway is narrow, so there's not enough room for a shoe rack.

Future noun modification '-을' with '자리'.

신발장에 신발을 넣을 때는 흙을 털고 넣으세요.

When putting shoes in the rack, shake off the dirt first.

Time expression '-을 때' (when).

이 아파트는 신발장이 붙박이로 되어 있어요.

This apartment has a built-in shoe rack.

Passive/State expression '-어 되어 있다'.

신발장 정리를 도와줄 수 있어요?

Can you help me organize the shoe rack?

Ability expression '-을 수 있어요?'.

장화는 높이가 높아서 신발장에 안 들어가요.

The boots are tall, so they don't fit in the shoe rack.

Contrastive topic marker '-는' and negative '안'.

신발장 위에 가족사진을 올려두었어요.

I placed a family photo on top of the shoe rack.

Compound verb '올려두다' (to place up).

신발장을 효율적으로 사용하려면 칸막이를 활용해 보세요.

To use the shoe rack efficiently, try using dividers.

Intentional connector '-으려면' (if you want to).

신발장 문을 열 때마다 퀴퀴한 냄새가 나서 고민이에요.

I'm worried because a musty smell comes out every time I open the shoe rack.

Iterative expression '-을 때마다' (every time).

요즘은 신발장 하부에 간접 조명을 설치하는 것이 유행이에요.

These days, it's trendy to install indirect lighting under the shoe rack.

Gerund '-는 것' and current state '유행이에요'.

신발장이 너무 낡아서 페인트칠을 새로 하려고 해요.

The shoe rack is so old that I'm planning to repaint it.

Intention/Plan '-으려고 해요'.

이사할 집의 신발장 수납 능력을 꼼꼼히 확인했어요.

I carefully checked the storage capacity of the shoe rack in the house I'm moving to.

Adverb '꼼꼼히' (carefully/meticulously).

신발장에 제습제를 넣어두면 신발을 더 오래 보관할 수 있습니다.

If you put a dehumidifier in the shoe rack, you can store shoes longer.

Conditional '-면' and ability '-을 수 있습니다'.

손님용 슬리퍼는 신발장 가장 아래 칸에 보관하고 있어요.

I keep the guest slippers in the very bottom slot of the shoe rack.

Superlative '가장' (most/very).

신발장을 주문 제작했더니 현관 공간에 딱 맞네요.

I had the shoe rack custom-made, and it fits the entryway perfectly.

Discovery/Result connector '-었더니'.

현관 인테리어의 완성은 신발장의 디자인과 조화에 달려 있습니다.

The completion of entryway interior design depends on the design and harmony of the shoe rack.

Dependence expression '-에 달려 있다'.

신발장 내부에 살균 기능을 갖춘 가전제품이 인기를 끌고 있습니다.

Home appliances with sterilization functions inside the shoe rack are gaining popularity.

Formal phrase '인기를 끌고 있다' (to gain popularity).

공간 활용도를 높이기 위해 신발장을 천장까지 높게 설계했습니다.

To increase space utilization, the shoe rack was designed to reach the ceiling.

Purpose expression '-기 위해'.

신발장 정리는 단순히 물건을 치우는 것을 넘어 삶의 질을 높여줍니다.

Organizing the shoe rack goes beyond simply clearing things; it improves the quality of life.

Expression '-을 넘어' (beyond/more than).

오래된 신발장을 리모델링하여 집안 분위기를 완전히 바꾸었습니다.

By remodeling the old shoe rack, I completely changed the atmosphere of the house.

Method/Means '-어/아/여' (by doing).

신발장 문이 삐걱거리는 소리가 나서 경첩을 수리해야겠습니다.

The shoe rack door is making a squeaking sound, so I'll have to repair the hinges.

Future/Conjecture '-겠-'.

최근 1인 가구가 늘어나면서 슬림한 형태의 신발장 수요가 급증했습니다.

As single-person households increase recently, the demand for slim-type shoe racks has surged.

Reason/Context '-면서' (while/as).

신발장은 외부의 먼지가 집안으로 들어오는 것을 막아주는 완충 지대 역할을 합니다.

The shoe rack acts as a buffer zone that prevents outside dust from entering the house.

Role expression '역할을 하다'.

신발장은 가사 노동의 효율성을 결정짓는 현관 수납의 핵심 요소입니다.

The shoe rack is a key element of entryway storage that determines the efficiency of domestic labor.

Formal definition using '핵심 요소' (core element).

전통적인 목공 기법으로 제작된 신발장은 그 자체로 하나의 예술 작품입니다.

A shoe rack crafted with traditional woodworking techniques is a work of art in itself.

Emphasis '그 자체로' (in itself).

신발장의 배치는 풍수지리학적으로도 집안의 기운에 영향을 미친다고 합니다.

It is said that the placement of the shoe rack also affects the home's energy from a Feng Shui perspective.

Reported speech '-고 한다' and adverbial '-적으로'.

미니멀리즘을 추구하는 이들에게 신발장은 비움의 미학을 실천하는 장소입니다.

For those pursuing minimalism, the shoe rack is a place to practice the aesthetics of emptiness.

Dative '이들에게' (for those).

신발장 내부의 습도 조절 실패는 고가의 가죽 신발에 치명적인 손상을 입힐 수 있습니다.

Failure to control humidity inside the shoe rack can cause fatal damage to expensive leather shoes.

Subject nominalization '실패는' and potential '-을 수 있다'.

현대 건축에서 신발장은 단순한 가구를 넘어 공간의 연속성을 부여하는 매개체입니다.

In modern architecture, the shoe rack is a medium that provides spatial continuity beyond simple furniture.

Advanced noun '매개체' (medium/intermediary).

신발장의 견고한 경첩과 부드러운 댐퍼는 사용자에게 심리적 안정감을 제공합니다.

The sturdy hinges and smooth dampers of the shoe rack provide a sense of psychological stability to the user.

Technical terms '경첩' (hinge) and '댐퍼' (damper).

신발장이라는 일상의 사물을 통해 한국인의 주거 문화와 청결 관념을 엿볼 수 있습니다.

Through the everyday object of the shoe rack, one can catch a glimpse of Koreans' housing culture and concepts of cleanliness.

Expression '엿볼 수 있다' (to catch a glimpse).

Collocations courantes

신발장을 정리하다

신발장에 넣다

신발장에서 꺼내다

붙박이 신발장

신발장 수납공간

신발장 문

신발장 위

신발장 냄새

대용량 신발장

신발장 하부

Phrases Courantes

신발은 신발장에!

— A common command or sign indicating that shoes must be placed in the rack. Often heard in schools or restaurants.

선생님이 아이들에게 '신발은 신발장에!'라고 말씀하셨어요.

신발장이 꽉 차다

— To describe a shoe rack that is completely full. Implies a need for organization or more space.

신발장이 꽉 차서 더 이상 넣을 자리가 없어요.

신발장을 비우다

— To empty the shoe rack, usually for cleaning or when moving house.

이사 가기 전에 신발장을 깨끗이 비웠어요.

신발장 열쇠

— Refers to the key for a shoe locker in public places. Essential for getting your shoes back.

목욕탕에서 신발장 열쇠를 잃어버리면 안 돼요.

신발장 칸

— A specific shelf or slot within the shoe rack.

제일 윗 칸은 아빠 신발장 칸이에요.

신발장 탈취제

— A deodorizer specifically for use in shoe cabinets to combat odors.

신발장 탈취제를 샀더니 현관 냄새가 좋아졌어요.

신발장 거울

— The mirror often attached to the door of the shoe cabinet.

신발장 거울을 보며 옷차림을 확인해요.

슬림 신발장

— A narrow shoe cabinet designed for small spaces or hallways.

자취방에는 슬림 신발장이 딱이에요.

신발장 조립

— The process of putting together a DIY shoe rack.

혼자서 신발장 조립을 하느라 힘들었어요.

신발장 습기

— Moisture inside the shoe rack, which can lead to mold or smells.

장마철에는 신발장 습기 관리가 중요해요.

Souvent confondu avec

신발장 vs 옷장

A wardrobe for clothes. People might mix them up if they think of 'closets' generally.

신발장 vs 책장

A bookshelf. Both end in '-장', but the contents are very different.

신발장 vs 찬장

A kitchen cupboard. Similar sound, but for dishes.

Expressions idiomatiques

"신발장에 처박아 두다"

— To shove something into the shoe rack and forget about it; used for things that are no longer used.

유행 지난 구두를 신발장에 처박아 두었어요.

Informal

"신발장이 집의 얼굴이다"

— A saying implying that the state of the entryway (including the shoe rack) represents the entire household's character.

신발장이 집의 얼굴이니 항상 깨끗하게 정리하세요.

Neutral

"신발장 귀신"

— A humorous or scary term sometimes used for someone who lingers at the entrance or hides there.

동생이 신발장 귀신처럼 현관에 서 있었어요.

Child-friendly

"신발장만 봐도 안다"

— An expression meaning you can judge a person's personality just by looking at how they organize their shoes.

그 사람 성격은 신발장만 봐도 알 수 있어요.

Informal

"신발장이 터지려고 하다"

— Metaphor for the shoe rack being so full it's 'about to explode.'

신발장이 터지려고 해서 안 신는 건 버려야겠어요.

Slang/Exaggeration

"신발장에 발을 들이다"

— Literally 'to step into the shoe rack area,' but metaphorically entering a home.

그는 신발장에 발을 들이자마자 한숨을 쉬었다.

Literary

"신발장 열쇠를 쥐다"

— Metaphorically, to have control over the entrance or coming and going (rare).

우리 집 현관 관리는 엄마가 신발장 열쇠를 쥐고 계세요.

Informal

"신발장에 숨다"

— Used in hide-and-seek contexts or metaphorically for avoiding someone at the door.

무서운 손님이 와서 신발장에 숨고 싶었어요.

Informal

"신발장 밑바닥"

— Metaphor for something being hidden, forgotten, or at the very bottom of priorities.

그 서류는 신발장 밑바닥에 있는 것처럼 찾기 힘들어요.

Informal

"신발장 문턱"

— The threshold of the shoe rack area; often used to describe the boundary of the home.

신발장 문턱을 넘는 순간 편안해졌어요.

Literary

Facile à confondre

신발장 vs 선반

Both store things.

A 'seonban' is an open shelf, while a 'sinbaljang' is usually a cabinet with doors.

신발장에 넣을까요, 아니면 선반 위에 둘까요?

신발장 vs 수납장

General term for storage cabinet.

A 'sunapjang' can be for anything; 'sinbaljang' is specifically for shoes.

거실 수납장 말고 현관 신발장에 넣으세요.

신발장 vs 상자

Both can hold shoes.

A 'sangja' is a box (usually cardboard), while 'sinbaljang' is furniture.

신발 상자는 버리고 신발은 신발장에 넣으세요.

신발장 vs 현관

They are located in the same place.

The 'hyeongwan' is the room/area; the 'sinbaljang' is the furniture in it.

현관 바닥 말고 신발장에 정리해 주세요.

신발장 vs 슬리퍼

Often found together.

Slippers are what you wear; the shoe rack is where you store them.

신발장에서 슬리퍼를 꺼내 신으세요.

Structures de phrases

신발장은 [Location]에 있어요.

신발장은 현관에 있어요.

신발장에 [Object]을/를 넣으세요.

신발장에 구두를 넣으세요.

[Reason] 때문에 신발장이 좁아요.

신발이 많기 때문에 신발장이 좁아요.

신발장을 [Adverb] 정리했더니 [Result].

신발장을 깔끔하게 정리했더니 기분이 좋아요.

신발장은 [Function] 역할을 합니다.

신발장은 수납과 인테리어의 역할을 합니다.

신발장을 통해 [Observation]을/를 엿볼 수 있다.

신발장을 통해 주인의 성격을 엿볼 수 있다.

Mixed

신발장 문을 [Verb].

신발장 문을 열어 두지 마세요.

Mixed

신발장 위에 [Object]이/가 있다.

신발장 위에 택배가 있어요.

Famille de mots

Noms

신발 (shoes)

장 (cabinet/chest)

현관 (entryway)

수납 (storage)

Verbes

신다 (to wear shoes)

벗다 (to take off shoes)

정리하다 (to organize)

넣다 (to put in)

Adjectifs

넉넉하다 (to be ample/spacious)

지저분하다 (to be messy)

깔끔하다 (to be neat)

Apparenté

구두 (dress shoes)

운동화 (sneakers)

슬리퍼 (slippers)

장화 (boots)

구두주걱 (shoe horn)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very common in daily life, especially in residential and service industry contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Leaving shoes on the floor → Putting them in the 신발장
In Korea, leaving shoes scattered on the entryway floor is considered messy. Always use the rack.
Calling it a 'shoe box' → 신발장
A 'shoe box' is '신발 상자'. The furniture is always '신발장'.
Using '-에서' instead of '-에' for storage → 신발장에 넣다
Use '-에' when putting something INTO a destination. Use '-에서' when taking it OUT.
Confusing with '현관' (the room) → 신발장 (the furniture)
Don't say 'I put it in the entryway' if you mean 'I put it in the shoe rack'. Be specific.
Misspelling as '신발정' → 신발장
The suffix is '장' (cabinet), not '정'.

Astuces

Always Use the Rack

When visiting a Korean home, always place your shoes neatly in the shoe rack if the host indicates or if there is space. It shows you are well-mannered.

Heels to the Back

To maximize space in a small 신발장, place one shoe facing forward and the other facing backward.

Public Locker Keys

In public baths, the shoe rack key is often the same key used for your clothes locker. Keep it on your wrist!

The 'Jang' Pattern

Learn other '-장' words like 옷장 (wardrobe) and 책장 (bookshelf) at the same time to see the pattern.

Seasonal Swap

Koreans often swap shoes in the 신발장 by season—putting boots in the back during summer and sandals in the back during winter.

Measure First

Entryways in Korea can be very narrow. Always measure the 'hyeongwan' before buying a new 신발장.

Mirror Magic

A 신발장 with a mirror on the door makes a small entryway look much larger.

Don't Block the Door

Ensure the 신발장 doors don't block the main entrance when they are opened.

Wipe the Bottoms

Wiping the bottom of your shoes before putting them in the cabinet keeps the 신발장 clean for much longer.

Gifts for New Homes

A small deodorizer or a nice shoe horn for the 신발장 can be a practical housewarming gift.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'SIN' (sinful) 'BAL' (ball) in a 'JANG' (jail). Imagine your dirty, sinful shoes are like balls being locked away in a cabinet jail so the house stays pure!

Association visuelle

Visualize a tall, white cabinet with a mirror on it. Inside, there are rows and rows of shoes perfectly aligned. The word '신발' (shoes) is written on the door.

Word Web

신발 현관 정리 장 옷장 책장 수납 거울

Défi

Go to your entryway right now. Point at where you keep your shoes and say '이것은 신발장입니다' three times loudly.

Origine du mot

A compound of the native Korean word '신발' (sinbal) and the Sino-Korean suffix '장' (jang).

Sens originel : A chest or cabinet for storing footwear.

Sino-Korean (for 'jang') and Native Korean (for 'sinbal').

Contexte culturel

Always use the shoe rack if provided; leaving shoes on the floor when a rack is available can be seen as slightly lazy or messy.

Unlike many Western homes where shoes might be kept in a bedroom closet or on a simple mat, in Korea, a dedicated, often large cabinet (신발장) is standard.

Commonly seen in K-Dramas like 'Reply 1988' showing traditional entryways. Featured in 'Parasite' (2019) to show the difference between rich and poor household entryways. Webtoons often use the shoe rack as a place for characters to hide or leave gifts.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At home with family

신발장 정리 좀 해라.
신발장 위에 열쇠 뒀어.
신발장이 너무 좁아.
신발장 문 닫아!

Visiting a friend's house

신발은 어디에 둘까요?
신발장에 넣으면 돼요?
신발장이 정말 크네요!
신발장에 자리가 있나요?

At a traditional restaurant

신발은 신발장에 넣어주세요.
신발장 열쇠 챙기세요.
제 신발이 신발장에 없어요.
신발장 번호가 몇 번이에요?

At a furniture store

슬림한 신발장 있어요?
이 신발장은 조립식인가요?
신발장 수납이 얼마나 돼요?
화이트 색상 신발장 보여주세요.

Moving or Real Estate

신발장은 옵션인가요?
신발장이 붙박이라서 좋아요.
신발장을 새로 맞춤 제작하려고요.
현관에 신발장 자리가 넉넉해요.

Amorces de conversation

"우리 집 신발장이 너무 작아서 고민이에요. 어떻게 정리하면 좋을까요?"

"혹시 신발장 냄새 없애는 좋은 방법 아세요?"

"새로 이사한 집 신발장이 정말 커서 신발이 다 들어가고도 남아요!"

"요즘은 신발장에 거울 달린 게 유행인가 봐요."

"식당 신발장에서 신발이 바뀐 적이 있어서 항상 조심해요."

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 신발장을 정리하면서 느낀 점을 써보세요. 어떤 신발이 가장 많았나요?

내가 꿈꾸는 완벽한 신발장은 어떤 모습인가요? (색상, 크기, 기능 등)

한국의 신발 벗는 문화와 우리 집의 신발 보관 방식을 비교해 보세요.

신발장 위에 항상 올려두는 물건은 무엇인가요? 그 이유는 무엇인가요?

신발장에서 오래된 신발을 발견했을 때의 추억을 적어보세요.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Not necessarily, but most traditional and modern Korean 'sinbaljang' do have doors to hide the shoes and prevent smells from spreading. If it's open, it might be called a '신발 선반' (shoe shelf), but many people still use the term '신발장' generally.

It is almost always located in the '현관' (hyeongwan), which is the entryway or foyer of a house or apartment. This is the area where you take off your shoes.

Yes, many Koreans store umbrellas, shoe horns, and even keys or mail on or inside the '신발장'. Modern built-in units often have dedicated sections for these items.

It is a 'built-in' shoe rack. These are very common in modern Korean apartments and are integrated into the wall to save space and look neat.

You say '신발장을 정리하다' (sinbaljang-eul jeongri-hada). This is a very common household chore.

Yes, you will find them in traditional restaurants, schools, gyms, and public baths. In these places, they often have locks and keys.

Because of the culture of removing shoes indoors. Without a '신발장', the entryway would become cluttered and dirty, which is seen as disrespectful and untidy.

Usually, there is an area next to it or a lower shelf. If you're unsure, you can ask the staff, "신발 어디에 둘까요?" (Where should I put my shoes?).

Yes, they range from small single-tier racks to floor-to-ceiling cabinets that can hold dozens of pairs of shoes.

Koreans often use '탈취제' (deodorizers), coffee grounds, or charcoal to absorb odors inside the cabinet.

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