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A1 noun #7,000 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

옷소매

otsomae Top 7,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 옷소매 en 30 secondes

Explication 옷소매 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the basic physical meaning of '옷소매' as a part of your clothes. You will likely use it when talking about getting dressed or simple problems with your clothes. For example, 'The sleeve is long' (옷소매가 길어요) or 'The sleeve is dirty' (옷소매가 더러워요). It is important to know that '옷' means clothes and '소매' means sleeve. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex idioms. Just think of it as a label for the part of your shirt that covers your arm. You might hear it when a teacher or parent tells you to wash your hands and not get your sleeves wet. Practice saying the word clearly: Oht-so-mae. Notice how the 't' sound in '옷' (oht) is very soft and almost disappears as it transitions into '소매'.

At the A2 level, you can start using '옷소매' with more action-oriented verbs. You should learn the phrase '옷소매를 걷다' which means 'to roll up your sleeves.' This is useful when you are about to eat something messy, wash your face, or start a task. You might also use it in a shopping context, such as asking if a jacket's sleeves can be shortened: '옷소매를 줄일 수 있어요?' (Can you shorten the sleeves?). You will also encounter variations like '긴소매' (long sleeves) and '반소매' (short sleeves). Understanding these variations helps you describe your daily outfits more accurately. You should also be aware of the object particle '를' and the subject particle '가' when used with this word.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '옷소매' in descriptive narratives and more specific contexts. You might describe the texture or the design of the sleeves, such as '레이스가 달린 옷소매' (sleeves with lace). You can also start using the word to describe people's actions in more detail, like someone wiping their forehead with their sleeve or nervously tugging at their cuff. At this level, you should also recognize the word in more formal settings, like a dry cleaner's shop where they might talk about '옷소매 얼룩' (sleeve stains). You should also be able to distinguish between '옷소매' and '소매' (retail) based on the context of the sentence, even if they sound the same.

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At the B2 level, you can begin to use '옷소매' in idiomatic and metaphorical ways. The phrase '옷소매를 걷어붙이다' (to roll up one's sleeves) is very common in professional or community contexts to indicate a strong determination to work hard. You should be able to use this in a speech or a written essay about teamwork or problem-solving. You will also encounter '옷소매' in literature or drama titles, where it might represent a character's identity or a specific historical rank. For example, understanding why the color of an '옷소매' matters in a historical drama shows a deeper cultural understanding. You should also be able to discuss fashion trends using terms like '벌룬 소매' (balloon sleeves) or '커프스' (cuffs) alongside '옷소매'.

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At the C1 level, your understanding of '옷소매' should include its nuance in classical literature and traditional Korean culture. You might analyze how '옷소매' is used in poetry to signify longing or a brief encounter (e.g., '옷깃만 스쳐도 인연이다' - even just the collars brushing is destiny - though this uses 'collar,' similar sentiments often involve sleeves in older texts). You should be able to describe the intricate details of a Hanbok's '옷소매', using terms like '배래' (the curved line of the sleeve) or '끝동' (the cuff). Your vocabulary should also include more obscure related terms and the ability to explain the etymology and historical significance of sleeve styles in different Korean eras. You can use the word fluently in any context, from technical garment manufacturing to abstract poetic imagery.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '옷소매' and its various connotations. You can engage in high-level discussions about the semiotics of clothing in Korean society, using '옷소매' as a point of analysis for social class, gender roles, or modern fashion subcultures. You are aware of the rarest idioms and can use them with perfect timing and tone. You can differentiate between the subtle stylistic choices of using '옷소매' versus '소매' in high-end literary prose to evoke specific moods. Your understanding is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, allowing you to appreciate the word's role in everything from ancient court protocols to contemporary avant-garde fashion critiques. You can also translate complex English metaphors involving 'sleeves' into natural-sounding Korean equivalents using this word.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

옷소매 en 30 secondes

옷소매 means 'sleeve' in Korean, combining '옷' (clothes) and '소매' (sleeve) to describe the arm part of a garment.
It is commonly used with verbs like '걷다' (roll up), '줄이다' (shorten), and '더러워지다' (get dirty) in daily life.
The word appears in famous cultural contexts like the K-drama 'The Red Sleeve,' adding historical and romantic depth to its meaning.
Learners should distinguish it from '소매' (retail) and avoid using it for the legs of pants, which are called '바짓단'.

The Korean word 옷소매 is a compound noun that specifically refers to the sleeve of a garment. It is formed by combining 옷 (clothes) and 소매 (sleeve). While the word 소매 can stand alone to mean sleeve, 옷소매 is often used to be more descriptive or to emphasize the part of the clothing specifically. In daily life, this word is essential because it deals with how we wear, adjust, and clean our clothing. Whether you are rolling up your sleeves to work hard, wiping a smudge off your cuff, or complaining that a shirt is too small for your arms, you will find yourself using this term frequently.

Literal Meaning: The part of the clothing that covers the arm, extending from the shoulder to the wrist or elbow.

그는 옷소매를 걷어붙이고 일을 시작했다. (He rolled up his sleeves and started working.)

Understanding 옷소매 involves more than just knowing it means 'sleeve.' It carries cultural weight in Korea. In historical contexts, the width and length of an 옷소매 on a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) indicated social status and elegance. A wide, flowing sleeve suggested a person of leisure or high rank, whereas a tighter sleeve was practical for commoners. In modern Korean, the word is used in fashion discussions, laundry instructions, and even in romantic metaphors. Tugging at someone's sleeve (옷소매를 붙잡다) is a classic gesture of wanting someone to stay or asking for attention without using words.

Visual Context: Imagine someone wearing a long-sleeved shirt where the cuffs are slightly dirty from writing or eating. That specific area is the '옷소매 끝' (sleeve end).

아이의 옷소매가 밥풀로 더러워졌다. (The child's sleeves became dirty with rice grains.)

In a broader sense, 옷소매 is a word that connects the physical garment to human action. We use our sleeves to wipe our brows, we adjust them when we feel hot, and we look at them to judge the fit of a new coat. If the 옷소매 is too short, the garment feels small; if it is too long, it looks baggy. This word is foundational for anyone describing physical appearance or daily activities involving clothing in Korean. It is also a word you will see in literature and song lyrics, often symbolizing a lingering touch or a farewell.

이 셔츠는 옷소매가 너무 길어서 수선해야 해요. (The sleeves of this shirt are too long, so they need to be altered.)

Common Usage: Used when talking about fashion, laundry, physical labor, or emotional interactions involving physical touch of clothing.

추워서 옷소매를 길게 내려 손을 덮었다. (Because it was cold, I pulled my sleeves down long to cover my hands.)

그녀는 눈물을 옷소매로 닦았다. (She wiped her tears with her sleeve.)

Using 옷소매 in a sentence requires an understanding of Korean particles and common verb pairings. Since it is a noun, it can function as a subject, object, or part of a possessive phrase. Most commonly, you will see it as an object receiving an action like 'rolling,' 'pulling,' or 'cleaning.' For example, when you are preparing for a task, you might say '옷소매를 걷다' (to roll up sleeves). If you are describing the state of the sleeve, you might use adjectives like '길다' (long), '짧다' (short), or '더럽다' (dirty).

Grammar: Object Particle: 옷소매 + 를 (Object marker) -> 옷소매를 걷다 (Roll up the sleeve).

요리하기 전에 옷소매를 걷으세요. (Please roll up your sleeves before cooking.)

Another frequent usage is with the possessive particle 의, though it is often omitted in casual speech. You might talk about '셔츠의 옷소매' (the sleeve of the shirt). In Korean, when describing something that happened *to* the sleeve, we often use the locative particles like 에. For instance, '옷소매에 김칫국물이 튀었다' (Kimchi soup splashed on the sleeve). This indicates the location where the action occurred. Understanding these small particles is key to sounding natural when using 옷소매.

Verb Collocations: Common verbs: 걷다 (roll up), 내리다 (pull down), 줄이다 (shorten), 늘리다 (lengthen), 닦다 (wipe).

세수할 때 옷소매가 젖지 않게 조심해. (Be careful not to get your sleeves wet when washing your face.)

In more complex sentences, 옷소매 can be used to describe someone's mannerisms. For example, '옷소매를 만지작거리다' means to fidget with one's sleeves, which might indicate nervousness or shyness. This level of detail adds flavor to your Korean descriptions. Additionally, in a shopping context, you might ask, '옷소매 길이 좀 봐주실래요?' (Could you check the sleeve length for me?). This shows how the word transitions from basic daily use to specific functional contexts like tailoring or shopping.

Adjective Pairings: 옷소매가 넓다 (Sleeves are wide), 옷소매가 좁다 (Sleeves are narrow), 옷소매가 꽉 끼다 (Sleeves are tight).

이 코트는 옷소매가 넓어서 활동하기 편해요. (This coat has wide sleeves, so it is comfortable to move in.)

그는 수줍은 듯 옷소매를 만지작거렸다. (He fidgeted with his sleeves as if he were shy.)

You will encounter the word 옷소매 in a variety of real-life settings in Korea. One of the most common places is at a dry cleaner (세탁소) or a clothing alteration shop (수선집). When you take a jacket to be fixed, the tailor will likely ask about the 옷소매 길이 (sleeve length). They might say, '옷소매를 얼마나 줄여드릴까요?' (How much should I shorten the sleeves?). This is a practical, everyday use of the word that every resident in Korea needs to know.

Context: Alteration Shop: Tailors use this word to discuss measurements and fit. It is a technical but common term in the garment industry.

수선집 아저씨가 제 옷소매 길이를 재 주셨어요. (The man at the repair shop measured my sleeve length.)

Another major context is Korean media, specifically Sageuk (historical dramas). As mentioned earlier, the drama 'The Red Sleeve' (옷소매 붉은 끝동) brought this word into the spotlight for many international fans. In the drama, the red sleeves of the court ladies were a symbol of their status as the King's women. Hearing the word in this context adds a layer of poetic and historical meaning. You might also hear it in news reports when discussing fashion trends, such as 'oversized sleeves' or 'puff sleeves,' where the reporter will use 옷소매 to describe the design features.

Context: Daily Life & Parenting: Parents often tell children to roll up their sleeves before eating or playing in the dirt to keep their clothes clean.

엄마가 옷소매에 묻은 얼룩을 지워 주셨다. (Mom removed the stain on my sleeve.)

In professional environments, you might hear the phrase '옷소매를 걷어붙이다' metaphorically. It doesn't always mean someone is physically rolling up their sleeves; it can mean that a team is ready to tackle a difficult project with full energy. For example, a manager might say, '우리 모두 옷소매를 걷어붙이고 이 문제를 해결합시다' (Let's all roll up our sleeves and solve this problem). This idiomatic use is very common in office settings and motivational speeches, making the word versatile beyond its literal meaning.

모두가 옷소매를 걷어붙이고 축제 준비를 도왔다. (Everyone rolled up their sleeves and helped prepare for the festival.)

그는 옷소매 끝에 달린 단추를 잠갔다. (He fastened the button on the end of his sleeve.)

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 옷소매 is confusing it with the word 소매 when it means 'retail.' In Korean, 소매 (sleeve) and 소매 (retail) are homonyms—they sound and look exactly the same in Hangeul, but their Hanja (Chinese characters) are different. While 옷소매 specifically means the sleeve of a garment, using just 소매 in a business context might lead to confusion if you are actually talking about retail sales. However, in most clothing-related contexts, 소매 is understood as sleeve.

Mistake: Homonym Confusion: Confusing 소매 (sleeve) with 소매 (retail). Use '옷소매' to be 100% clear you are talking about clothing.

틀린 예: 이 가게는 옷소매 가격이 싸요. (Incorrect: This shop has cheap sleeve prices - meaning retail prices.)

Another common error is using 옷소매 to refer to the legs of pants. In English, we might sometimes think of 'sleeves' for legs, but in Korean, the word for the bottom edge of pants is 바짓단 or 바지 소매 (though 바짓단 is much more common). Using 옷소매 for pants will sound very strange to a native speaker. Remember: 옷소매 is strictly for the arms. Similarly, don't confuse 옷소매 with 깃 (collar). The 깃 is what goes around your neck, while the 옷소매 goes around your arms.

Mistake: Part Confusion: Using '옷소매' for the legs of trousers. It only applies to the arm part of a top.

틀린 예: 바지 옷소매가 너무 길어요. (Incorrect: The pants sleeves are too long.)

Finally, learners often struggle with the verb 'to roll up.' While '말다' (to roll) might seem like a good fit, for sleeves, we almost always use '걷다' or the more emphatic '걷어붙이다.' Using '말다' for sleeves sounds like you are rolling them into a ball rather than folding them up your arm. Paying attention to these specific verb pairings will help you avoid sounding like a beginner and make your Korean much more precise and natural.

옳은 예: 옷소매를 걷어 올리세요. (Correct: Please roll up your sleeves.)

틀린 예: 옷소매를 말으세요. (Incorrect: Please roll [like a rug] your sleeves.)

When discussing 옷소매, it is helpful to know related terms to expand your vocabulary. The most direct alternative is simply 소매. In most contexts, these two are interchangeable, but 옷소매 feels slightly more complete or formal in certain descriptions. Another related word is 커프스 (cuffs), which is a loanword from English specifically referring to the end part of a shirt sleeve that usually has a button. While every 커프스 is part of an 옷소매, not every 옷소매 has a cuff (like a t-shirt).

소매 vs. 옷소매: 소매 is the general term for sleeve. 옷소매 is slightly more descriptive, emphasizing it as part of the '옷' (clothes).

셔츠 소매가 하얗다. (The shirt sleeves are white.)

In traditional contexts, you might hear the word 한삼 (Hansam), which refers to the long, white decorative sleeves often seen in traditional Korean dance. These are much longer than standard 옷소매 and are used for artistic expression. Another term is 팔소매, which literally means 'arm sleeve.' This is used occasionally to specify the part covering the arm, though it is less common than 옷소매. For the very edge of the sleeve, you can use 소매동 or 끝동, especially when talking about Hanbok design.

Loanwords: 슬리브 (Sleeve) - used in fashion design or technical specs. 커프스 (Cuffs) - used for formal shirt ends.

이 드레스는 슬리브 디자인이 독특해요. (This dress has a unique sleeve design.)

If you are looking for an antonym, there isn't a direct 'opposite' of a sleeve, but you might contrast it with the 몸통 (body/torso) of the shirt or 민소매 (sleeveless). A 민소매 shirt is what we call a tank top or a sleeveless top in English. Knowing 민소매 is very useful for summer shopping. Understanding these variations—from the formal 옷소매 to the specific 커프스 and the seasonal 민소매—gives you a comprehensive toolkit for discussing tops and jackets in Korean.

Comparison Table: 옷소매: General sleeve. 민소매: Sleeveless. 반소매: Short sleeve. 긴소매: Long sleeve.

여름에는 반소매 티셔츠를 자주 입어요. (In summer, I often wear short-sleeved T-shirts.)

그녀는 민소매 원피스를 입고 있었다. (She was wearing a sleeveless dress.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In ancient Korea, the size of one's sleeves was a direct indicator of wealth, as fabric was expensive and large sleeves were impractical for manual labor.

Guide de prononciation

UK /oʊt.soʊ.meɪ/

US /oʊt.soʊ.meɪ/

The stress is balanced, but slightly more emphasis is placed on the first syllable '옷'.

Rime avec

자매 (Jamae - sisters) 판매 (Panmae - sale) 구매 (Gumae - purchase) 남매 (Nammae - brother and sister) 손매 (Sonmae - hand technique) 몸매 (Mommae - figure/body line) 올매 (Olmae - how much) 담매 (Dammae - simple/plain)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'ㅅ' in '옷' as a full 's' sound before '소매' starts (it should be a stop sound).
Confusing the vowel 'ㅐ' in '매' with 'ㅔ'.
Over-emphasizing the 't' sound in '옷'.
Ignoring the compound nature and pausing too long between '옷' and '소매'.
Mispronouncing '소' as '쇼'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Easy to read as it is a simple compound noun.

Écriture 2/5

Requires remembering the double consonant 'ㅆ' is not used, just 'ㅅ'.

Expression orale 1/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Écoute 2/5

Can be confused with '소매' (retail) in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

옷 (clothes) 팔 (arm) 길다 (long) 더럽다 (dirty) 걷다 (to walk/roll up)

Apprends ensuite

단추 (button) 주머니 (pocket) 지퍼 (zipper) 칼라 (collar) 수선 (alteration)

Avancé

재봉 (sewing) 원단 (fabric) 배래 (curved sleeve line) 끝동 (cuff)

Grammaire à connaître

Noun + Instrumental Particle -(으)로

옷소매로 닦다 (Wipe with a sleeve)

Compound Noun Formation

옷 + 소매 = 옷소매

Subject Particle -이/가 with Adjectives

옷소매가 길다 (Sleeve is long)

Object Particle -을/를 with Verbs

옷소매를 걷다 (Roll up sleeves)

Location Particle -에 with verbs of movement/staining

옷소매에 묻다 (Stain on sleeve)

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Exemples par niveau

옷소매가 길어요.

The sleeve is long.

Subject + 가 (subject particle) + adjective.

옷소매가 더러워요.

The sleeve is dirty.

Subject + 가 + adjective.

옷소매를 보세요.

Look at the sleeve.

Object + 를 (object particle) + imperative verb.

이것은 옷소매입니다.

This is a sleeve.

Noun + 입니다 (polite ending).

옷소매가 짧아요.

The sleeve is short.

Subject + 가 + adjective.

옷소매가 파란색이에요.

The sleeve is blue.

Subject + 가 + color noun + 이에요.

옷소매에 단추가 있어요.

There is a button on the sleeve.

Location + 에 (location particle) + subject + 이/가 + 있어요.

옷소매를 잡아요.

Hold the sleeve.

Object + 를 + verb.

옷소매를 걷으세요.

Please roll up your sleeves.

Object + 를 + 걷다 (to roll up) + -(으)세요 (polite command).

옷소매를 줄여 주세요.

Please shorten the sleeves.

Object + 를 + 줄이다 (to shorten) + -어 주세요 (request).

옷소매가 너무 꽉 껴요.

The sleeves are too tight.

Subject + 가 + adverb + verb (to be tight).

옷소매에 초콜릿이 묻었어요.

There is chocolate on the sleeve.

Location + 에 + subject + 묻다 (to be stained).

반소매 옷을 입어요.

I wear short-sleeved clothes.

Compound noun (반소매) + object + verb.

옷소매 끝이 닳았어요.

The ends of the sleeves are worn out.

Subject phrase (옷소매 끝) + 가 + 닳다 (to wear out).

옷소매를 내릴까요?

Should I pull down the sleeves?

Object + 를 + 내리다 (to lower) + -(으)ㄹ까요? (suggestion).

옷소매가 젖지 않게 조심하세요.

Be careful not to get your sleeves wet.

Subject + 가 + negative purpose + 조심하다 (to be careful).

그는 옷소매로 땀을 닦았다.

He wiped the sweat with his sleeve.

Instrumental particle -(으)로 used with 옷소매.

옷소매가 넓은 옷이 유행이에요.

Clothes with wide sleeves are in fashion.

Noun-modifying clause (옷소매가 넓은) modifying 옷.

셔츠의 옷소매 단추를 잠갔어요.

I fastened the buttons on the shirt sleeves.

Possessive phrase + object + verb.

옷소매를 만지작거리는 습관이 있어요.

I have a habit of fidgeting with my sleeves.

Object + 만지작거리다 (to fidget) + noun-modifying ending.

이 옷은 옷소매 디자인이 특이하네요.

The sleeve design of this clothing is unique.

Topic + 옷소매 + noun + subject particle + adjective.

옷소매에 자수가 놓여 있어요.

There is embroidery on the sleeves.

Location + 에 + subject + 놓이다 (to be placed/embroidered).

추워서 옷소매 안으로 손을 넣었다.

It was cold, so I put my hands inside my sleeves.

Location (옷소매 안) + 으로 (direction) + object + verb.

옷소매 길이를 다시 확인해 보세요.

Please check the sleeve length again.

Noun phrase (옷소매 길이) + object particle + verb.

우리는 옷소매를 걷어붙이고 청소를 시작했다.

We rolled up our sleeves and started cleaning.

Idiomatic use of 걷어붙이다 (to roll up sleeves for work).

그녀는 슬픈 듯 옷소매로 눈물을 훔쳤다.

She wiped away tears with her sleeve as if she were sad.

Adverbial phrase (슬픈 듯) + instrumental particle -(으)로.

옷소매가 붉은 끝동은 궁녀의 상징이었다.

The red-cuffed sleeves were a symbol of a court lady.

Complex subject phrase describing a specific historical item.

그는 내 옷소매를 붙잡으며 가지 말라고 했다.

He grabbed my sleeve and told me not to go.

Object + 를 + 붙잡다 (to grab) + -(으)며 (while).

옷소매가 너무 길면 거추장스러울 수 있어요.

If the sleeves are too long, they can be cumbersome.

Conditional ending -(으)면 + adjective 거추장스럽다 (cumbersome).

이 양복은 옷소매 끝에 트임이 있어요.

This suit has a slit at the end of the sleeves.

Location phrase + subject + 있어요.

그는 옷소매를 정돈하며 거울을 보았다.

He looked in the mirror while tidying his sleeves.

Object + 정돈하다 (to tidy) + -(으)며 (while).

아이의 옷소매가 흙탕물로 범벅이 되었다.

The child's sleeves were covered in muddy water.

Subject + 가 + instrumental particle + noun (범벅) + 되다 (to become).

전통 한복의 옷소매는 곡선의 미를 잘 보여준다.

The sleeves of traditional Hanbok well demonstrate the beauty of curves.

Formal description using abstract nouns like 곡선의 미 (beauty of curves).

그는 떨리는 손을 감추려 옷소매를 꽉 쥐었다.

He gripped his sleeves tightly to hide his trembling hands.

Purpose ending -(으)려 + object + verb.

옷소매 끝에 새겨진 문양이 매우 정교하다.

The patterns engraved on the ends of the sleeves are very exquisite.

Passive modifying phrase (새겨진) + subject + adjective.

바람에 펄럭이는 옷소매가 마치 날개 같았다.

The sleeves fluttering in the wind were like wings.

Simile using 마치 ~ 같았다 (like).

그는 옷소매를 털며 먼지를 털어냈다.

He brushed off the dust while shaking his sleeves.

Verb repetition and use of -(으)며 for simultaneous action.

옷소매의 너비는 시대에 따라 변해왔다.

The width of sleeves has changed according to the era.

N + 에 따라 (according to) + present perfect progressive equivalent.

그녀의 옷소매에서 은은한 향기가 났다.

A subtle scent came from her sleeves.

Source particle -에서 + subject + 나다 (to emerge/smell).

옷소매를 걷어붙인 그의 팔뚝에 힘줄이 돋았다.

Veins popped out on his forearms with his sleeves rolled up.

Noun-modifying phrase describing a state.

옷소매를 적신 눈물은 그의 고뇌를 대변했다.

The tears that soaked his sleeves represented his anguish.

Metaphorical subject phrase using '대변하다' (to represent/speak for).

작가는 옷소매의 작은 움직임으로 인물의 심리를 묘사했다.

The author described the character's psychology through small movements of the sleeves.

Instrumental particle -(으)로 used for literary technique description.

옷소매의 붉은색은 왕에 대한 충성을 상징한다.

The red color of the sleeves symbolizes loyalty to the King.

Abstract noun (상징 - symbol) + verb (하다).

그는 과거의 영광을 뒤로하고 옷소매를 여미며 길을 떠났다.

Leaving his past glory behind, he straightened his sleeves and set out on his journey.

Literary construction using '여미다' (to straighten/close up clothes).

옷소매 끝동의 색채 대비가 시각적 즐거움을 준다.

The color contrast of the sleeve cuffs provides visual pleasure.

Subject phrase involving multiple nouns and particles.

그녀는 옷소매를 끌며 힘없이 걸어갔다.

She walked powerlessly, dragging her sleeves.

Simultaneous action with -(으)며 + adverbial phrase.

옷소매 사이로 비치는 살결이 고왔다.

The skin visible through the sleeves was beautiful.

Prepositional phrase (사이로 - through) + noun-modifying verb.

그는 옷소매를 걷어붙이고 사회적 불평등에 맞서 싸웠다.

He rolled up his sleeves and fought against social inequality.

Abstract idiomatic use in a sociopolitical context.

Collocations courantes

옷소매를 걷다

옷소매를 줄이다

옷소매가 더럽다

옷소매를 붙잡다

옷소매가 젖다

옷소매를 여미다

옷소매 끝

옷소매 길이

옷소매를 털다

옷소매가 끼다

Phrases Courantes

옷소매 붉은 끝동

— A reference to the red cuffs of court ladies in the Joseon dynasty.

드라마 '옷소매 붉은 끝동'을 보셨나요?

옷소매를 걷어붙이다

— To roll up one's sleeves to get ready for hard work.

우리 모두 옷소매를 걷어붙이고 도웁시다.

옷소매가 길다

— The sleeves are long, often implying the garment is too big.

옷소매가 너무 길어서 손이 안 보여요.

옷소매를 만지다

— To touch or fidget with one's sleeves.

그는 긴장하면 옷소매를 만지는 습관이 있다.

옷소매를 당기다

— To pull someone's sleeve to get their attention.

아이가 엄마의 옷소매를 당겼다.

옷소매에 묻다

— Something gets stained or stuck on the sleeve.

옷소매에 잉크가 묻었어요.

옷소매를 닦다

— To wipe something using the sleeve (often tears or sweat).

옷소매로 입가를 닦았다.

옷소매가 너풀거리다

— Sleeves fluttering or waving in the wind.

옷소매가 바람에 너풀거린다.

옷소매를 수선하다

— To repair or alter the sleeves.

찢어진 옷소매를 수선했어요.

옷소매가 좁다

— The sleeves are narrow or tight.

이 옷은 옷소매가 좁아서 불편해요.

Souvent confondu avec

옷소매 vs 소매 (Retail)

Homonym. Means selling goods in small quantities. Context is key.

옷소매 vs 바짓단 (Pants hem)

Learners often apply 'sleeve' to legs. Use '바짓단' for pants.

옷소매 vs 옷깃 (Collar)

Refers to the neck part, not the arm part.

Expressions idiomatiques

"옷소매를 걷어붙이다"

— To enthusiastically start a task or solve a problem.

정부가 경제 회복을 위해 옷소매를 걷어붙였다.

Common

"옷소매를 붙잡다"

— To try to stop someone from leaving or to plead with them.

떠나는 연인의 옷소매를 붙잡았다.

Literary/Emotional

"옷소매에 눈물을 적시다"

— To cry a lot, literally soaking the sleeves with tears.

그녀는 밤새 옷소매에 눈물을 적셨다.

Literary

"옷소매가 짧다"

— Metaphorically, to be lacking in resources or power (rare).

그는 옷소매가 짧아 큰 일을 도울 수 없었다.

Archaic

"옷소매를 떨치다"

— To leave someone or something resolutely.

그는 옷소매를 떨치고 자리를 일어났다.

Literary

"옷소매를 여미다"

— To pull oneself together or prepare for a cold/difficult situation.

마음을 다잡으며 옷소매를 여몄다.

Literary

"옷소매가 스치다"

— A very brief or chance encounter.

우리는 옷소매가 스치는 인연조차 없었다.

Poetic

"옷소매를 털다"

— To finish a task and leave cleanly.

모든 일을 끝내고 옷소매를 털고 일어났다.

Colloquial

"옷소매를 끌다"

— To move slowly or reluctantly.

그는 옷소매를 끌며 뒤처져 걸어왔다.

Descriptive

"옷소매를 잡고 늘어지다"

— To persist or nag someone by holding onto them.

그는 내 옷소매를 잡고 늘어지며 부탁했다.

Colloquial

Facile à confondre

옷소매 vs 소매치기

Contains the word '소매'.

It means pickpocket. It comes from the action of reaching into or striking a sleeve/pocket.

소매치기를 조심하세요.

옷소매 vs 민소매

Related but opposite.

Means sleeveless (tank top style).

여름에는 민소매가 시원해요.

옷소매 vs 반소매

Specific type of sleeve.

Means short sleeves.

반소매 티셔츠를 입었어요.

옷소매 vs 긴소매

Specific type of sleeve.

Means long sleeves.

추워서 긴소매를 꺼냈어요.

옷소매 vs 소매동

Very similar.

Specifically refers to the cuff or opening of the sleeve.

소매동이 너무 좁아요.

Structures de phrases

[Noun]이/가 [Adjective].

옷소매가 길어요.

[Noun]을/를 [Verb].

옷소매를 걷으세요.

[Noun]에 [Noun]이/가 묻다.

옷소매에 얼룩이 묻었어요.

[Noun]으로 [Verb].

옷소매로 눈물을 닦다.

[Noun]을/를 걷어붙이다.

옷소매를 걷어붙이고 일하다.

[Noun]을/를 만지작거리다.

옷소매를 만지작거리며 웃다.

[Noun]에 새겨진 [Noun].

옷소매에 새겨진 무늬.

[Noun]을/를 여미며 [Verb].

옷소매를 여미며 떠나다.

Famille de mots

Noms

소매 (sleeve)

옷 (clothes)

반소매 (short sleeve)

긴소매 (long sleeve)

민소매 (sleeveless)

Verbes

옷소매를 걷다 (to roll up sleeves)

옷소매를 줄이다 (to shorten sleeves)

옷소매를 수선하다 (to alter sleeves)

Adjectifs

소매 없는 (sleeveless)

소매 긴 (long-sleeved)

Apparenté

커프스 (cuffs)

단추 (button)

셔츠 (shirt)

한복 (Hanbok)

손목 (wrist)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in daily life, fashion, and literature.

Erreurs courantes

바지 옷소매 → 바짓단
Using 'sleeve' for pants legs is incorrect in Korean.
옷소매를 말다 → 옷소매를 걷다
The verb '말다' (to roll) isn't used for sleeves; use '걷다' (to roll up).
소매 가격 → 소매(retail) 가격
While '소매' is correct for retail, adding '옷' (옷소매 가격) makes it mean 'the price of a sleeve,' which is nonsensical.
옷소매가 좁아요 (for neck) → 옷깃이 좁아요
Confusing the sleeve with the collar.
옷소매를 걷어붙이다 (for walking) → 바짓단을 걷다
Using the 'roll up sleeves' idiom for rolling up pants legs to cross a river.

Astuces

Particle Choice

Use '를' when you are doing something to the sleeve, like rolling it. Use '가' when you are describing its state, like being long.

Compound Words

Remember that '반' (half) + '소매' = short sleeve, and '긴' (long) + '소매' = long sleeve.

Historical Context

In historical dramas, pay attention to the width of the 옷소매 to guess the character's social standing.

Work Ethic

Use '옷소매를 걷어붙이다' in business meetings to show you are ready to work hard on a project.

Not for Pants

Never use 옷소매 for pants. It will confuse native speakers. Stick to '바짓단'.

The Stop Sound

Don't pronounce the 'ㅅ' in '옷' like an 's'. It should be a silent stop before the '소매' starts.

Sleeve Length

Always check the '옷소매 길이' when buying clothes online in Korea, as sizes can be smaller.

Wiping

Using your sleeve to wipe things is common in informal settings, but avoid it in formal Korean etiquette.

Cuffs

If you want to talk about the specific buttoned part at the wrist, '커프스' is the word to use.

Poetic Meaning

In poetry, '옷소매' often represents a lingering connection or a sad goodbye.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Oht' as 'Out' and 'Somae' as 'So many'. You put your arms 'Out' through 'So many' sleeves.

Association visuelle

Visualize a person rolling up their sleeves before a big fight or a big meal. Focus on the fabric bunching up at the elbow.

Word Web

옷 (Clothes) 소매 (Sleeve) 팔 (Arm) 손목 (Wrist) 단추 (Button) 걷다 (Roll up) 줄이다 (Shorten) 더럽다 (Dirty)

Défi

Try to describe three different shirts in your closet using the word '옷소매' and an adjective (long, short, dirty, clean).

Origine du mot

옷 (Native Korean: clothes) + 소매 (Native Korean: sleeve). It is a pure Korean compound word.

Sens originel : The part of the clothing that covers the arm.

Koreanic

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but be mindful that calling someone's sleeves 'dirty' can be seen as a critique of their hygiene.

In English, we just say 'sleeves.' Using '옷소매' is like saying 'shirt-sleeves' in a more formal or descriptive way.

The Red Sleeve (옷소매 붉은 끝동) - K-Drama Traditional Korean Dance (Seungmu) - uses long sleeves Fashion blogs discussing K-style

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a Restaurant

옷소매에 국물이 튀었어요.
옷소매 좀 걷어줘.
옷소매로 닦지 마세요.
옷소매가 음식에 닿았어요.

At a Tailor Shop

옷소매 길이를 재주세요.
옷소매를 2cm만 줄여주세요.
옷소매가 너무 넓어요.
옷소매 단추가 떨어졌어요.

Daily Morning Routine

옷소매를 단정하게 정리해.
옷소매가 왜 이렇게 구겨졌니?
긴소매를 입을까, 반소매를 입을까?
옷소매에 팔을 넣어봐.

At the Laundry

옷소매 얼룩 좀 지워주세요.
옷소매가 늘어났어요.
옷소매가 줄어들었어요.
옷소매 끝이 헤졌어요.

In a Romantic Drama

그녀의 옷소매를 붙잡았다.
옷소매로 눈물을 닦아주었다.
옷소매에 얼굴을 묻고 울었다.
옷소매가 스치는 찰나.

Amorces de conversation

"이 셔츠 옷소매 길이가 저한테 맞을까요? (Would the sleeve length of this shirt fit me?)"

"오늘 왜 옷소매를 걷어붙이고 계세요? (Why do you have your sleeves rolled up today?)"

"옷소매에 뭐가 묻었는데 보셨어요? (Did you see that something got on your sleeve?)"

"추운데 옷소매를 좀 내리는 게 어때요? (It's cold, how about pulling down your sleeves?)"

"이 코트 옷소매 디자인이 정말 독특하죠? (The sleeve design of this coat is really unique, right?)"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 입은 옷의 옷소매는 어떤 스타일이었나요? (What style were the sleeves of the clothes you wore today?)

옷소매를 걷어붙이고 열심히 일했던 경험에 대해 써보세요. (Write about an experience where you rolled up your sleeves and worked hard.)

누군가의 옷소매를 붙잡고 싶었던 순간이 있었나요? (Was there a moment you wanted to grab someone's sleeve?)

좋아하는 옷의 옷소매에 얽힌 추억이 있나요? (Do you have a memory related to the sleeves of your favorite clothes?)

옷소매 수선을 맡겨본 적이 있나요? 어땠나요? (Have you ever had your sleeves altered? How was it?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

소매 is the general word for sleeve. 옷소매 is slightly more specific, emphasizing that it is part of the '옷' (clothes). They are mostly interchangeable when talking about garments.

You say '옷소매를 걷다' or more emphatically '옷소매를 걷어붙이다'. The latter is often used when someone is determined to work hard.

No, 옷소매 is only for the arms. For the legs of pants, you should use '바짓단' (hem) or just '바지 다리' (pants leg).

No, it is a pure Korean (Native) word. '옷' and '소매' both have native Korean origins.

It refers to '옷소매 붉은 끝동', the red-colored cuffs on the sleeves of court ladies in the Joseon Dynasty, symbolizing their status.

You can say '옷소매 길이 좀 줄여주세요' (Please shorten the sleeve length).

Yes, '소매' (小賣) means retail in a business context. You can tell the difference by the context of the conversation.

It is '민소매'. '민' is a prefix meaning 'bare' or 'without'.

It's pronounced [오쏘매]. The 'ㅅ' in '옷' acts as a stop and then reinforces the 'ㅅ' in '소매'.

Yes, any upper-body garment that has arm coverings can have '옷소매'.

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