shorts
shorts 30초 만에
- Shorts are a casual, short-legged garment worn for comfort in heat or during physical activities like running and swimming.
- Grammatically, the word is always plural, requiring plural verbs and pronouns, and is often counted using the phrase 'a pair of'.
- They come in numerous styles, including denim, cargo, and athletic, each suited for different social or functional contexts.
- While common in daily life, their appropriateness varies in formal settings, making them a key element of modern dress codes.
The word shorts refers to a fundamental garment in the modern wardrobe, specifically designed to cover the pelvic area and the upper portion of the legs. Unlike trousers or pants, which extend to the ankles, shorts terminate anywhere from the upper thigh to just below the knee. In the hierarchy of clothing, shorts are predominantly viewed as casual, athletic, or utilitarian attire. They are the quintessential choice for warm-weather climates, offering ventilation and freedom of movement that full-length legwear cannot provide. Historically, shorts were often associated with children—particularly boys—in Western cultures until the mid-20th century, but they have since evolved into a universal staple for all genders and ages.
- Anatomy of Shorts
- Consists of a waistband, a crotch area, and two leg openings of varying lengths.
- Grammatical Category
- A 'plurale tantum' noun, meaning it is always plural in form and takes plural verbs (e.g., 'These shorts are...').
- Primary Function
- Thermal regulation in heat and reduction of fabric interference during physical exertion.
'I decided to wear my denim shorts to the beach because the sun was particularly intense today.'
The versatility of shorts is reflected in the vast array of styles available. From the rugged utility of cargo shorts with their multiple pockets to the streamlined design of cycling shorts made from synthetic fibers, the term 'shorts' acts as an umbrella for many specific sub-types. In a professional context, the acceptance of shorts varies wildly; while standard in creative or tropical offices, they remain a 'faux pas' in traditional corporate environments. Understanding the nuance of when to wear shorts is as much about social awareness as it is about comfort.
'The athlete adjusted his running shorts before the marathon began.'
- Material Variations
- Cotton, linen, polyester, denim, and wool blends are common.
- Fastening Mechanisms
- Buttons, zippers, elastic waistbands, or drawstrings.
Furthermore, the word 'shorts' can occasionally appear in other contexts, such as 'short-circuit' in electronics or 'shorts' in finance (short selling), but as a noun referring to clothing, it remains one of the most frequently used words in the English language for everyday objects. Its simplicity belies its importance in global fashion and personal comfort.
Using the word shorts correctly requires an understanding of its plural nature. Because shorts have two leg holes, English treats them as a plural object, similar to 'glasses' or 'scissors'. You should never say 'a short' when referring to the garment. Instead, use 'a pair of shorts' or simply 'shorts'. This grammatical rule influences the verbs and pronouns that accompany the word.
❌ This short is blue.
✅ These shorts are blue.
When describing the act of putting them on, we use the phrasal verb 'put on' or 'wear'. If you are shopping, you might ask, 'Do you have these shorts in a medium?' or 'How much are these shorts?' Note the use of 'these' (plural) rather than 'this' (singular). If you want to specify the quantity, you must use the counter 'pair'. For example, 'I packed three pairs of shorts for my vacation to Hawaii.'
- Verb Agreement
- Always use plural verbs: 'My shorts are wet,' not 'My shorts is wet.'
- Demonstratives
- Use 'these' and 'those': 'I like those shorts over there.'
- Pronoun Usage
- Use 'them' or 'they': 'I love my new shorts; they are very comfortable. I bought them yesterday.'
In terms of adjectives, shorts are often described by their length (short, long, knee-length), their fit (baggy, tight, slim-fit), or their material (denim, cargo, athletic). You might hear someone say, 'I need some breathable shorts for my workout,' or 'She is wearing high-waisted shorts.' The word is also frequently combined with other nouns to create compound terms like 'board shorts' (for swimming) or 'boxer shorts' (underwear).
The word shorts is ubiquitous in daily life, especially during the summer months or in warmer regions. You will encounter it in various environments, ranging from retail stores to sports broadcasts. In a clothing store, a sales assistant might ask, 'Are you looking for shorts or trousers today?' or 'The shorts are located in the summer clearance section at the back of the shop.'
'The commentator noted that the tennis player was wearing specially designed aerodynamic shorts to improve her speed on the court.'
In sports, the term is essential. Every sport from basketball to soccer has a specific type of shorts as part of the uniform. You'll hear coaches tell players, 'Make sure you have your team shorts for the game tomorrow.' In fitness circles, people discuss 'compression shorts' or 'running shorts' when talking about gear performance. On social media, fashion influencers often post 'OOTD' (Outfit of the Day) videos where they might say, 'I've styled these vintage Levi's shorts with a simple white tee.'
- Weather Forecasts
- 'It's going to be a scorcher today, definitely shorts weather!'
- Parental Instructions
- 'Go and change into your shorts before we go to the park.'
- Travel Planning
- 'Don't forget to pack your swimming shorts for the hotel pool.'
You will also hear it in idioms and metaphors, though less commonly than 'pants'. For example, 'to be caught with one's pants down' is common, but in some regions, you might hear variations or specific references to 'short-changed' (which is unrelated to clothing but sounds similar). Primarily, however, 'shorts' remains a literal term for the garment.
Avoid these frequent errors to sound more like a native speaker:
The most prevalent mistake is treating 'shorts' as a singular noun. Because the word ends in 's', many learners correctly identify it as plural but then fail to use the correct verb agreement. Saying 'My shorts is dirty' is a hallmark of a beginner. Always remember: Shorts are plural.
Incorrect: 'I bought a new short today.'
Correct: 'I bought a new pair of shorts today.' or 'I bought some new shorts today.'
Another mistake involves the confusion between 'short' (the adjective) and 'shorts' (the noun). While they are related, they serve different functions. You can have 'short hair' (adjective + noun), but you wear 'shorts' (noun). You cannot wear 'a short'.
- The 'A' Trap
- Do not use the indefinite article 'a' directly before 'shorts'. Use 'some shorts' or 'a pair of shorts'.
- Confusing with 'Briefs'
- While 'shorts' are outerwear, 'boxer shorts' are underwear. Be careful with context to avoid embarrassment.
- Spelling Error
- Ensure you don't confuse 'shorts' with 'shores' (the land along the edge of an ocean).
While shorts is the general term, several other words describe similar or specific types of legwear. Understanding these distinctions will greatly enrich your vocabulary and help you be more precise in your descriptions.
- Bermuda Shorts
- Semi-casual shorts that extend almost to the knee, often worn in professional settings in warm climates.
- Cargo Shorts
- Loose-fitting shorts with large pockets on the sides of the legs, popular for outdoor activities.
- Trunks / Board Shorts
- Specifically designed for swimming and water sports. 'Trunks' is more common for men's swimwear.
- Cut-offs
- Shorts made by cutting the legs off a pair of old jeans, usually leaving a frayed edge.
- Hot Pants
- Extremely short, tight-fitting shorts, usually worn as a fashion statement.
'He swapped his heavy denim shorts for lightweight swimming trunks before jumping into the pool.'
In the realm of athletic wear, you might encounter 'cycling shorts' (tight, padded shorts for biking) or 'running shorts' (very lightweight and often split at the side for movement). 'Culottes' are a type of women's garment that looks like a skirt but is actually a pair of very wide-legged shorts. Knowing these terms allows you to navigate a clothing store or describe a person's outfit with much higher accuracy.
How Formal Is It?
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난이도
알아야 할 문법
수준별 예문
I wear shorts in summer.
Je porte des shorts en été.
Shorts is plural.
These shorts are red.
Ces shorts sont rouges.
Use 'are' with shorts.
I have two pairs of shorts.
J'ai deux paires de shorts.
Use 'pairs of' to count.
Do you like my shorts?
Aimes-tu mes shorts ?
Question form.
The shorts are small.
Les shorts sont petits.
Adjective after verb.
He is wearing shorts today.
Il porte des shorts aujourd'hui.
Present continuous.
Put on your shorts.
Mets tes shorts.
Imperative.
My shorts are in the bag.
Mes shorts sont dans le sac.
Prepositional phrase.
I bought these denim shorts yesterday.
J'ai acheté ces shorts en jean hier.
Past simple.
Are these shorts on sale?
Ces shorts sont-ils en solde ?
Interrogative.
I prefer wearing shorts when I play football.
Je préfère porter des shorts quand je joue au football.
Gerund after prefer.
She has many colorful shorts for the beach.
Elle a beaucoup de shorts colorés pour la plage.
Adjective before noun.
These shorts are too big for me.
Ces shorts sont trop grands pour moi.
Too + adjective.
I need to wash my running shorts.
Je dois laver mes shorts de course.
Infinitive of purpose.
Can I borrow your shorts?
Puis-je emprunter tes shorts ?
Modal verb 'can'.
The boy is wearing green shorts and a white shirt.
Le garçon porte un short vert et une chemise blanche.
Compound description.
I packed three pairs of shorts for my holiday.
J'ai emballé trois paires de shorts pour mes vacances.
Quantifying plural nouns.
Cargo shorts are useful because they have many pockets.
Les shorts cargo sont utiles car ils ont beaucoup de poches.
Causal clause.
I wasn't sure if shorts were allowed in the museum.
Je n'étais pas sûr si les shorts étaient autorisés au musée.
Indirect question.
These shorts are made of breathable cotton.
Ces shorts sont faits de coton respirant.
Passive voice.
He decided to wear shorts despite the cool breeze.
Il a décidé de porter des shorts malgré la brise fraîche.
Concession with 'despite'.
I need to find a belt for these shorts.
Je dois trouver une ceinture pour ces shorts.
Noun + preposition.
My favorite shorts are the ones I bought in Italy.
Mes shorts préférés sont ceux que j'ai achetés en Italie.
Relative clause.
Could you tell me where the athletic shorts are?
Pourriez-vous me dire où se trouvent les shorts de sport ?
Polite inquiry.
The trend of wearing tailored shorts to the office is growing.
La tendance de porter des shorts ajustés au bureau s'accentue.
Gerund as subject.
I find these linen shorts much more comfortable than denim ones.
Je trouve ces shorts en lin bien plus confortables que ceux en jean.
Comparative structure.
He was criticized for wearing shorts to the wedding ceremony.
Il a été critiqué pour avoir porté des shorts à la cérémonie de mariage.
Passive reporting verb.
High-waisted shorts were very popular in the 1970s.
Les shorts à taille haute étaient très populaires dans les années 1970.
Historical reference.
Unless it rains, I'll be wearing shorts all weekend.
À moins qu'il ne pleuve, je porterai des shorts tout le week-end.
Conditional with 'unless'.
The marathon runners were all wearing lightweight, moisture-wicking shorts.
Les coureurs de marathon portaient tous des shorts légers qui évacuent l'humidité.
Compound adjectives.
I've had these shorts for years, and they're still in great condition.
J'ai ces shorts depuis des années, et ils sont toujours en excellent état.
Present perfect.
Choosing the right length of shorts can be tricky for some body types.
Choisir la bonne longueur de short peut être délicat pour certains types de corps.
Gerund phrase.
The sartorial choice of wearing shorts in a corporate environment remains controversial.
Le choix vestimentaire de porter des shorts dans un environnement d'entreprise reste controversé.
Formal vocabulary (sartorial).
She opted for a pair of pleated culottes, which are essentially wide-legged shorts.
Elle a opté pour une paire de jupes-culottes plissées, qui sont essentiellement des shorts à jambes larges.
Appositive clause.
The durability of these cargo shorts is attributed to the reinforced stitching.
La durabilité de ces shorts cargo est attribuée aux coutures renforcées.
Abstract noun subject.
He stood out in the crowd, clad in nothing but a pair of vibrant board shorts.
Il se distinguait dans la foule, vêtu de rien d'autre qu'une paire de shorts de bain éclatants.
Participle phrase (clad in).
The evolution of shorts from children's wear to adult fashion is a fascinating study.
L'évolution du short, du vêtement pour enfants à la mode pour adultes, est une étude fascinante.
Complex noun phrase.
Should you decide to hike, ensure your shorts are made of ripstop fabric.
Si vous décidez de faire de la randonnée, assurez-vous que vos shorts sont en tissu ripstop.
Inverted conditional.
The sheer variety of shorts available today reflects our culture's move toward casualization.
La grande variété de shorts disponibles aujourd'hui reflète l'évolution de notre culture vers la décontraction.
Subject-verb agreement with 'variety'.
Despite their ubiquity, shorts are still barred from many upscale establishments.
Malgré leur omniprésence, les shorts sont toujours interdits dans de nombreux établissements haut de gamme.
Concessive clause.
The cultural stigma once attached to men wearing shorts in public has largely dissipated in the West.
Le stigmate culturel autrefois attaché aux hommes portant des shorts en public s'est largement dissipé en Occident.
Reduced relative clause.
In certain jurisdictions, the length of one's shorts can still be a matter of legal or religious contention.
Dans certaines juridictions, la longueur des shorts peut encore faire l'objet de litiges juridiques ou religieux.
Formal prepositional phrases.
The designer's latest collection reinterprets the humble pair of shorts as a luxury item.
La dernière collection du créateur réinterprète l'humble paire de shorts comme un article de luxe.
Transitive verb usage.
To categorize shorts merely as 'casual wear' is to overlook their functional significance in athletic performance.
Catégoriser les shorts simplement comme des 'vêtements décontractés', c'est négliger leur importance fonctionnelle dans la performance athlétique.
Infinitive as subject/complement.
The juxtaposition of a formal blazer with distressed denim shorts created a striking visual irony.
La juxtaposition d'un blazer formel avec un short en jean délavé a créé une ironie visuelle frappante.
Sophisticated vocabulary (juxtaposition).
One might argue that the proliferation of shorts in the workplace epitomizes the modern erosion of professional boundaries.
On pourrait soutenir que la prolifération des shorts sur le lieu de travail incarne l'érosion moderne des frontières professionnelles.
Subjunctive/modal nuance.
The meticulous tailoring of the Bermuda shorts elevated them from mere sportswear to high-end attire.
La coupe méticuleuse des shorts Bermuda les a élevés du simple vêtement de sport à une tenue haut de gamme.
Abstract noun phrases.
Shorts, in their myriad forms, serve as a testament to the human desire for both comfort and self-expression.
Les shorts, sous leurs multiples formes, témoignent du désir humain de confort et d'expression de soi.
Parenthetical insertion.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
shorts and a t-shirt
swimming shorts
boxer shorts
cycling shorts
khaki shorts
linen shorts
high-waisted shorts
baggy shorts
tight shorts
summer shorts
자주 혼동되는 단어
관용어 및 표현
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혼동하기 쉬운
An adjective meaning not long.
A type of underwear.
Specifically for swimming.
Cover the whole leg.
A single opening for both legs.
문장 패턴
사용법
Always plural.
Measured by waist size and inseam.
팁
Plural Verb
Always use 'are' with shorts. 'My shorts are blue' is correct. This is a common mistake for beginners.
Inseam Matters
The inseam determines where the shorts end on your leg. Check this when buying online for the best fit.
Pair of...
Use the phrase 'a pair of' to make your English sound more natural and sophisticated when talking about clothing.
Check the Code
Before traveling, check if shorts are allowed in local religious sites to avoid being turned away at the door.
Try Them On
Shorts fit differently than pants because of the leg width. Always try them on to ensure they aren't too tight.
Wash Inside Out
To keep the color of your denim shorts vibrant, wash them inside out in cold water. This prevents fading.
Liner Shorts
Many running shorts come with a built-in liner. This is designed for comfort and to prevent chafing during long runs.
Grown Up
Remember that shorts used to be for kids. In older books, a boy 'getting his first long pants' was a sign of growing up.
Sun Protection
If you wear shorts, don't forget to apply sunscreen to your legs. It's easy to forget the tops of your knees!
The 'O' Sound
The 'o' in shorts is a long vowel sound /ɔː/. Practice by saying 'short', 'port', and 'court' together.
암기하기
어원
Old English 'sceort'
문화적 맥락
Historically associated with young schoolboys.
Extremely common casual wear in all states.
National dress for men, even in business.
Often restricted in temples.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
대화 시작하기
"Do you prefer wearing shorts or pants in the summer?"
"What kind of shorts do you wear for exercise?"
"Is it acceptable to wear shorts at your workplace?"
"Where did you buy those shorts?"
"How many pairs of shorts do you own?"
일기 주제
Describe your favorite pair of shorts and why you like them.
Write about a time you were too hot because you weren't wearing shorts.
Discuss the pros and cons of wearing shorts to work.
What is the perfect outfit to wear with denim shorts?
Should schools allow students to wear shorts all year round?
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문It is always plural. You must use plural verbs like 'are' and 'were'. Even one item is called 'shorts'.
No, you should say 'a pair of shorts' or just 'shorts'. 'A short' is not used for clothing.
They are a specific style of shorts that are slightly longer, usually reaching just above the knee. They are often worn in semi-formal settings.
Not exactly. 'Trunks' usually refers to shorts specifically made for swimming, while 'shorts' is a general term.
You count them using 'pairs'. For example, 'one pair of shorts', 'two pairs of shorts'.
Because shorts have two leg sections, similar to glasses (two lenses) or scissors (two blades).
They are loose shorts with many extra pockets on the sides, often used for hiking or outdoor work.
Yes, shorts are a unisex garment worn by people of all genders.
The opposite would be 'trousers' or 'pants', which cover the full length of the legs.
Usually in formal environments like weddings, funerals, or traditional corporate offices, unless specified otherwise.
셀프 테스트 180 질문
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Shorts are an essential, plural-only noun for short trousers. Master the use of 'a pair of' and plural verb agreement to use this word correctly in everyday English conversations about fashion, weather, and sports.
- Shorts are a casual, short-legged garment worn for comfort in heat or during physical activities like running and swimming.
- Grammatically, the word is always plural, requiring plural verbs and pronouns, and is often counted using the phrase 'a pair of'.
- They come in numerous styles, including denim, cargo, and athletic, each suited for different social or functional contexts.
- While common in daily life, their appropriateness varies in formal settings, making them a key element of modern dress codes.
Plural Verb
Always use 'are' with shorts. 'My shorts are blue' is correct. This is a common mistake for beginners.
Inseam Matters
The inseam determines where the shorts end on your leg. Check this when buying online for the best fit.
Pair of...
Use the phrase 'a pair of' to make your English sound more natural and sophisticated when talking about clothing.
Check the Code
Before traveling, check if shorts are allowed in local religious sites to avoid being turned away at the door.
예시
He wore shorts and a T-shirt.
관련 콘텐츠
Clothing 관련 단어
bare
B1형용사 'bare'는 벌거벗은 또는 아무것도 덮이지 않은 상태를 의미합니다 (예: 맨발).
glasses
A1안경은 시력을 교정하는 데 사용됩니다.
helmets
B1헬멧은 머리를 부상으로부터 보호하기 위해 쓰는 단단한 모자입니다. 자전거를 타거나 운동을 할 때 필수적입니다.
stitch
B2바느질이나 뜨개질의 한 땀, 또는 의료용 봉합.
dressed
B1형용사 'dressed'는 '옷을 입은'이라는 뜻입니다. 예를 들어, '그는 면접을 위해 정장을 입고 있습니다.'
apron
C1A protective garment worn over the front of one's clothes and tied at the back, typically used in cooking or manual labor. In technical contexts, it refers to a hard-surfaced area on an airfield used for parking, loading, or maintaining aircraft.
lining
B1안감 (의류) 또는 내벽/점막 (생물학). '코트의 안감이 따뜻합니다.' '위벽.'
wear
A1그녀는 파티를 위해 아름다운 드레스를 입고 있습니다.
button
B2작고 둥근 물건을 묘사하는 형용사로 사용됩니다.
gloves
B1장갑은 손을 보호하거나 따뜻하게 하기 위해 손에 끼는 물건으로, 손가락마다 끼우는 부분이 따로 있습니다.