This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun 8 min read

장비

jangbi

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 장비 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 장비 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 장비 (jang-bi) as a word for 'gear' used in sports or hobbies. You might see it in simple sentences about things you have or need. For example, if you like soccer, your shoes and ball are your gear. At this stage, just remember that it means a set of things you use for a specific activity. You don't need to worry about complex industrial meanings yet. Just associate it with 'stuff for a hobby.' It's a noun, so you can use it with '있어요' (have) or '없어요' (don't have). For example, '등산 장비가 있어요' means 'I have hiking gear.' This is a helpful word to know if you are talking about what you do in your free time.

At the A2 level, you should understand that 장비 is used when you are preparing for something. You might hear it in the context of 'buying' (사다) or 'preparing' (준비하다). You will start to see it combined with other words like '캠핑 장비' (camping gear) or '낚시 장비' (fishing gear). At this level, you should be able to ask where to buy certain gear or tell someone to bring their gear. It's also common in gaming contexts which many learners enjoy. Remember that 장비 is more than just one item; it's the whole kit you need to do something properly. You can use it in sentences like '새 장비를 샀어요' (I bought new gear).

At the B1 level, you encounter 장비 in more professional and technical contexts. It’s no longer just about hobbies; it's about the tools of a trade. You'll hear about '의료 장비' (medical equipment) or '방송 장비' (broadcasting equipment). You should be comfortable using verbs like '점검하다' (to inspect) or '갖추다' (to be equipped with) alongside 장비. This level requires you to distinguish 장비 from simpler words like '도구' (tool) or '기계' (machine). You might also hear the slang '장비 빨' and understand that it refers to someone relying on expensive gear rather than skill. You can now use it to describe workplaces or specialized environments.

At the B2 level, 장비 is used in discussions about industry, technology, and maintenance. You will see it in news articles about '장비 수출' (equipment export) or '장비 노후화' (aging of equipment). You should understand how it functions in formal reports, such as safety inspections on construction sites. You'll also encounter it in the context of military readiness or scientific research. At this level, you should be able to discuss the necessity of upgrading equipment and the costs involved. You might use expressions like '장비를 현대화하다' (to modernize equipment) or '장비의 호환성' (compatibility of equipment). Your vocabulary should include the nuances between '장비' and '설비' (installations).

At the C1 level, you can use 장비 in abstract or metaphorical ways, though it remains primarily a concrete noun. You might discuss the '장비' (infrastructure/readiness) of a nation's defense system or the systemic '장비' required for a new technological era. You will understand the word within complex legal or technical documents, such as equipment lease agreements or safety regulation standards. You can use it to talk about '장비의 국산화' (localization/domestic production of equipment) in the context of economic policy. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's Hanja roots and how it fits into high-level academic or professional discourse about manufacturing and technology.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 장비 and its place in the Korean linguistic landscape. You can differentiate between the most subtle synonyms like '기구', '기재', '집기', and '장구' in specific professional niches (like firefighting gear vs. office furniture). You understand the historical evolution of equipment in Korea, from traditional farming '장비' to modern semiconductor '장비'. You can engage in high-level debates about the ethics of '장비' in warfare or the environmental impact of '장비' disposal. You use the word with perfect precision in any register, from casual slang in a gaming community to formal academic papers on industrial engineering or national logistics.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

장비 in 30 Seconds

장비 (Jang-bi) means 'equipment' or 'gear' in Korean.
It refers to a set of items needed for a task, hobby, or job.
Commonly used for sports (hiking gear), work (medical equipment), and gaming (character items).
It is more formal and comprehensive than '도구' (simple tool).

The Korean word 장비 (jang-bi) is a comprehensive noun that translates most accurately to 'equipment,' 'gear,' or 'kit.' It is derived from the Hanja characters 裝 (장 - to dress/equip) and 備 (비 - to prepare/ready). Essentially, it refers to the collection of items, tools, or machinery necessary to perform a specific task, participate in a hobby, or complete a professional job. Unlike a simple 'tool' (도구), which might refer to a single hammer or screwdriver, 장비 implies a more complex system or a full set of items required for readiness.

Professional Context: In professional settings, 장비 is used for heavy machinery on construction sites, specialized medical devices in hospitals, or technical hardware in IT server rooms. It suggests high-value or essential assets for the operation.
Leisure and Sports: For hobbies like hiking, camping, or skiing, 장비 refers to your 'gear.' If you go camping, your tent, stove, and sleeping bag are all part of your 캠핑 장비 (camping equipment). It carries a nuance of being well-prepared for the environment.
Gaming Culture: In the world of MMORPGs and online gaming, 장비 is the standard term for a character's 'gear' or 'items' (armor, weapons, accessories). Gamers often talk about '장비를 맞추다' which means to complete a set of high-tier equipment.

전문적인 장비가 없으면 이 산을 오르는 것은 위험합니다.

Translation: It is dangerous to climb this mountain without professional equipment.

When using this word, Koreans often think about the quality and completeness of the set. A common expression is '장비 빨' (jang-bi ppal), a slang term referring to someone who performs well not necessarily because of skill, but because they have the best, most expensive equipment. This highlights how central the concept of having the right 'gear' is in Korean culture, whether it’s for photography, cycling, or even studying (using high-end tablets and pens).

새로운 촬영 장비를 구입하는 데 예산을 많이 썼어요.

Translation: I spent a lot of the budget on purchasing new filming equipment.

Military and Security: Soldiers carry personal 장비 (gear). This includes their uniform, protective gear, and weapons. In a security context, CCTV cameras and sensors are referred to as 보안 장비 (security equipment).

To wrap up, 장비 is a word that suggests preparation. It is the physical manifestation of being ready for a specific challenge. Whether you are a scientist in a lab or a barista in a cafe, the machines and tools you use collectively constitute your 장비.

Using 장비 correctly involves understanding the verbs that typically accompany it. Because it refers to a set of items, common actions include preparing, inspecting, upgrading, or lacking said items. In Korean, the grammar is straightforward as it functions as a standard noun, but the collocations (words that naturally go together) are what make you sound like a native speaker.

등산을 가기 전에 장비를 꼼꼼히 점검하세요.

Translation: Please inspect your gear thoroughly before going hiking.

Verb: 갖추다 (To be equipped with): This is a formal and very common way to say someone has the necessary gear. For example, '최신 장비를 갖춘 연구소' (A laboratory equipped with the latest equipment).
Verb: 챙기다 (To pack/take care of): Used in daily life when getting ready for an activity. '운동 장비 챙겼어?' (Did you pack your workout gear?).
Verb: 다루다 (To handle/operate): When talking about the skill required to use equipment. '이 장비를 다루는 법을 배워야 해요.' (You need to learn how to handle this equipment).

In more complex sentences, 장비 can be modified by adjectives to describe its state. '낡은 장비' (old/worn-out equipment), '최첨단 장비' (state-of-the-art equipment), or '필수 장비' (essential gear). These modifiers help specify exactly what kind of equipment is being discussed in a professional or casual setting.

그 회사는 장비 교체 비용으로 수억 원을 투자했다.

Translation: That company invested hundreds of millions of won in equipment replacement costs.

When you want to emphasize the lack of something, use '장비 부족' (lack of equipment). This is frequently heard in news reports about hospitals during a crisis or schools in underprivileged areas. Conversely, '장비 지원' (equipment support) refers to providing the necessary tools to a group or individual. Understanding these patterns allows you to construct sentences that range from simple daily tasks to high-level economic or social discussions.

In South Korea, you will encounter the word 장비 in a variety of vibrant contexts. From the bustling construction sites of Seoul to the high-tech PC bangs (internet cafes) and the serene hiking trails of Bukhansan, this word is everywhere. It’s a word that bridges the gap between professional labor and personal passion.

In the Workplace: If you work in an office, you might hear about '전산 장비' (computing/IT equipment). If there’s a problem with the printer or the server, the maintenance team will come to check the 장비. In factories, workers start their day with a '장비 점검' (equipment check) to ensure safety and efficiency.
At the Gym or Sports Center: Trainers might ask if you have your '개인 장비' (personal gear), like weightlifting belts or gloves. In sports like baseball or ice hockey, which require a lot of protective items, the term is used constantly to refer to the full kit.
In Gaming and Pop Culture: Korea’s massive gaming culture uses 장비 to refer to in-game items. You’ll hear streamers saying things like "장비가 너무 안 좋아서 사냥이 힘들어요" (My gear is so bad that hunting is difficult). This has bled into real life, where people jokingly call their expensive hobby gear '현질 장비' (cash-bought gear).

이곳은 최첨단 의료 장비를 보유하고 있습니다.

Translation: This place possesses state-of-the-art medical equipment.

Another place you'll hear it is in the military. Since military service is mandatory for men in Korea, the term '군용 장비' (military equipment) is a very familiar one. It encompasses everything from a soldier's canteen to tanks and fighter jets. In news broadcasts, you might hear about '장비 현대화' (modernization of equipment) when discussing national defense budgets.

Finally, in the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) and home improvement scene, people talk about '공구' (tools) and '장비' interchangeably, though 장비 usually refers to the larger, more expensive items like power drills or saws. If you visit a '철물점' (hardware store), you'll see various types of 장비 on display.

While 장비 is a versatile word, learners often confuse it with other related terms like 도구 (tool), 기계 (machine), or 용품 (goods/supplies). Understanding the boundaries of these words is key to natural-sounding Korean.

Mistake 1: Using '장비' for simple hand tools: If you are using a simple spoon to eat or a pen to write, do not call it 장비. That would sound like you are treating a pen as a complex piece of machinery. Use 도구 (tool) or 필기구 (writing instrument) instead.
Mistake 2: Confusing '장비' with '기계': While many pieces of equipment are machines, 기계 refers specifically to the mechanical device itself. 장비 is a broader term that includes the machine PLUS the accessories and the context of its use. For example, a camera is a 기계, but the camera, tripod, and lenses together are 촬영 장비.
Mistake 3: Overusing it for small consumables: For things like toilet paper, soap, or office stationery, use 용품 (supplies/goods) or 비품 (office supplies). 장비 implies something durable and significant.

Incorrect: 밥을 먹을 장비가 없어요. (I don't have the equipment to eat.)
Correct: 밥을 먹을 수저가 없어요. (I don't have a spoon and chopsticks.)

Another nuance is the level of formality. In very casual conversations, using '장비' can sometimes sound humorous or sarcastic. If someone shows up to a casual walk in the park wearing full professional hiking gear, a friend might say, "장비가 거의 에베레스트 갈 기세네!" (Your gear looks like you're about to climb Everest!).

Lastly, remember that 장비 is usually a collective noun. While you can count individual pieces of equipment, when you say '장비를 가져오세요,' you are generally asking for the whole set required for the job, not just one specific part.

To truly master Korean, you need to know when to use 장비 and when to switch to a more specific synonym. The Korean language has many words for 'things we use,' and the choice depends on the size, purpose, and permanence of the object.

도구 (Tool / Instrument): Focuses on the function of an object to achieve a goal. It's often smaller and handheld.
Comparison: A '장비' is a collection; a '도구' is a single functional item. You use a tool (도구) to fix a piece of equipment (장비).
용품 (Goods / Supplies / Items): Used for consumer goods or specific category items.
Examples: 생활용품 (daily necessities), 스포츠용품 (sports goods), 사무용품 (office supplies). Unlike 장비, these can be disposable or simple consumables.
기구 (Apparatus / Device): Often refers to scientific apparatus or exercise machines.
Comparison: 헬스 기구 (gym machines) vs. 등산 장비 (hiking gear). '기구' sounds more mechanical or structured.
설비 (Facilities / Installations): Refers to large-scale, fixed systems.
Example: 난방 설비 (heating installation), 생산 설비 (production facilities). You don't 'carry' 설비; it is built into a place.

이 실험에는 정밀한 기구와 최신 장비가 모두 필요합니다.

Translation: This experiment requires both precise apparatus and the latest equipment.

In summary, choose 장비 when you want to sound professional or when referring to a serious set of gear for a serious activity. Choose 용품 for shopping and daily items, and 도구 for basic utility. Mixing these up won't usually cause a total misunderstanding, but using them correctly shows a high level of linguistic nuance.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '裝' (장) also appears in '양복' (western clothes/suit) in some contexts of dressing, and '備' (비) is the same 'bi' in '준비' (preparation). So '장비' literally means 'dressing for preparation.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕaŋ.bi/

US /dʒɑŋ.bi/

Stress is usually even, but the first syllable '장' is slightly longer due to the nasal ending.

Rhymes With

경비 (gyeong-bi - security/expense) 정비 (jeong-bi - maintenance) 준비 (jun-bi - preparation) 단비 (dan-bi - sweet rain) 신비 (sin-bi - mystery) 갈비 (gal-bi - ribs) 냄비 (naem-bi - pot) 대비 (dae-bi - contrast/preparation)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ㅈ' as a hard English 'Z'.
Dropping the 'ng' (ㅇ) sound at the end of the first syllable.
Pronouncing '비' like 'buy' instead of 'bee'.
Confusing it with '정비' (jeong-bi), which means maintenance/repair.
Not distinguishing the 'j' sound from 'ch' (ㅊ).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize once you know the Hanja 'bi' for preparation.

Writing 3/5

Simple spelling, but must be careful not to confuse with '정비'.

Speaking 2/5

Clear pronunciation with no difficult consonant clusters.

Listening 3/5

Can sound like other 'bi' words in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

준비 (preparation) 도구 (tool) 필요하다 (to need) 기계 (machine)

Learn Next

정비 (maintenance) 설비 (installation) 부품 (parts) 성능 (performance) 호환 (compatibility)

Advanced

기자재 (equipment and materials) 집기 (furniture and fixtures) 장구 (kit/gear)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 을/를 갖추다

최신 장비를 갖춘 헬스장

Noun + 에 필요한 장비

낚시에 필요한 장비

Noun + 없이 (without)

장비 없이 산에 갔다.

Noun + 덕분에 (thanks to)

좋은 장비 덕분에 사진이 잘 나왔다.

Noun + (으)로 (with/using)

특수 장비로 수리했다.

Examples by Level

축구 장비가 필요해요.

I need soccer gear.

Noun + 가/이 필요해요 (Need something)

이 장비는 뭐예요?

What is this equipment?

이 (This) + Noun + 는 뭐예요? (What is...?)

장비가 아주 비싸요.

The gear is very expensive.

Adjective '비싸다' (expensive) in polite present tense.

제 장비를 보세요.

Look at my gear.

Imperative -세요 (Please do...)

장비가 가방에 있어요.

The gear is in the bag.

Location particle -에 + 있어요

등산 장비를 챙기세요.

Please pack your hiking gear.

Object particle -를/을 + 챙기다 (to pack)

새 장비가 좋아요.

The new equipment is good.

Adjective '좋다' (good)

장비가 어디에 있어요?

Where is the equipment?

Question word '어디' (where)

내일 캠핑 장비를 살 거예요.

I will buy camping gear tomorrow.

Future tense -(으)ㄹ 거예요

낚시 장비를 빌릴 수 있을까요?

Can I borrow fishing gear?

-(으)ㄹ 수 있다 (can) + question form

이 장비는 사용하기 쉬워요.

This equipment is easy to use.

-기 쉽다 (easy to do something)

스키 장비를 다 준비했어요.

I have prepared all the ski gear.

Past tense -았/었/했어요

장비가 무거워서 힘들어요.

The gear is heavy, so it's difficult.

-아서/어서 (reason/cause)

운동 장비를 집에 두고 왔어요.

I left my workout gear at home.

-고 오다 (to do something and come)

좋은 장비가 있으면 더 재미있어요.

If you have good gear, it's more fun.

-(으)면 (if/when)

장비 사용법을 가르쳐 주세요.

Please teach me how to use the equipment.

-아/어/여 주세요 (Please do for me)

전문적인 장비를 갖추는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to be equipped with professional gear.

Noun-making -는 것 + 중요하다 (important)

안전 장비를 착용하지 않으면 들어갈 수 없습니다.

You cannot enter if you don't wear safety equipment.

Conditional -지 않으면 (if not...)

이 실험실은 최신 장비를 보유하고 있어요.

This lab possesses the latest equipment.

보유하다 (to possess/hold)

장비 점검을 위해 잠시 멈추겠습니다.

We will stop for a moment for an equipment check.

-을/를 위해 (for the sake of)

컴퓨터 장비가 고장 나서 수리를 맡겼어요.

The computer equipment broke, so I sent it for repair.

맡기다 (to entrust/leave for repair)

그는 장비 빨로 게임을 이겼어요.

He won the game because of his high-end gear.

Slang '장비 빨' (gear advantage)

촬영 장비를 대여하는 비용이 얼마인가요?

How much is the cost to rent filming equipment?

대여하다 (to rent/lease)

현장에는 많은 건설 장비가 배치되어 있습니다.

Many construction machines are deployed at the site.

Passive form -어/아 있다 (state of being)

노후된 장비를 교체하는 데 막대한 예산이 소요됩니다.

Huge budgets are required to replace aged equipment.

소요되다 (to be required/take time or money)

정밀 장비를 다룰 때는 세심한 주의가 필요합니다.

Careful attention is needed when handling precision equipment.

-(으)ㄹ 때 (when doing...)

회사는 장비 유지 보수 비용을 절감하기로 했습니다.

The company decided to reduce equipment maintenance costs.

-기로 하다 (to decide to...)

구조 대원들이 특수 장비를 이용해 사람을 구했습니다.

Rescue workers saved a person using special equipment.

이용하다 (to use/utilize)

이 장비는 해외 시장에서도 경쟁력이 있습니다.

This equipment is competitive even in overseas markets.

경쟁력이 있다 (to be competitive)

장비의 오작동으로 인해 생산이 중단되었습니다.

Production was halted due to equipment malfunction.

-으로 인해 (due to/because of)

군 당국은 장비의 현대화 사업을 추진하고 있습니다.

The military authorities are pushing for an equipment modernization project.

추진하다 (to push forward/promote)

소방관들은 개인 보호 장비를 철저히 점검합니다.

Firefighters thoroughly check their personal protective equipment.

철저히 (thoroughly)

반도체 장비 산업은 국가 경쟁력의 핵심입니다.

The semiconductor equipment industry is the core of national competitiveness.

Noun + 은/는 + Noun + 의 핵심이다 (is the core of...)

장비 임대 계약서의 조항을 면밀히 검토해야 합니다.

The clauses of the equipment lease agreement must be closely reviewed.

면밀히 (closely/minutely)

기술 혁신으로 인해 기존 장비들이 빠르게 도태되고 있습니다.

Due to technological innovation, existing equipment is quickly becoming obsolete.

도태되다 (to fall behind/be weeded out)

이 장비는 극한의 환경에서도 견딜 수 있도록 설계되었습니다.

This equipment is designed to withstand extreme environments.

-도록 설계되다 (designed so that...)

의료 장비의 국산화율을 높이는 것이 시급한 과제입니다.

Increasing the localization rate of medical equipment is an urgent task.

시급한 과제 (urgent task)

장비의 호환성 문제는 시스템 통합의 가장 큰 걸림돌입니다.

The issue of equipment compatibility is the biggest obstacle to system integration.

걸림돌 (stumbling block/obstacle)

해당 장비는 엄격한 품질 관리 기준을 통과했습니다.

The equipment in question has passed strict quality control standards.

통과하다 (to pass)

장비 운용 인력에 대한 전문 교육이 병행되어야 합니다.

Professional training for equipment operation personnel must be conducted in parallel.

병행되다 (to be done in parallel)

장비의 감가상각을 고려하여 자산 가치를 재평가했습니다.

The asset value was re-evaluated considering the depreciation of the equipment.

감가상각 (depreciation)

첨단 장비의 도입이 반드시 생산성 향상으로 직결되는 것은 아닙니다.

The introduction of advanced equipment does not necessarily lead directly to increased productivity.

-로 직결되다 (to lead directly to...)

국가 안보 차원에서 핵심 장비의 기술 유출을 방지해야 합니다.

Technology leakage of core equipment must be prevented from a national security perspective.

방지하다 (to prevent)

장비의 내구성은 가혹한 운용 조건을 견뎌낼 수 있어야 합니다.

The durability of the equipment must be able to withstand harsh operating conditions.

내구성 (durability)

본 연구는 장비의 최적화를 통해 에너지 효율을 극대화하는 데 목적이 있습니다.

This study aims to maximize energy efficiency through equipment optimization.

극대화하다 (to maximize)

장비의 고도화는 산업 구조의 근본적인 변화를 야기할 것입니다.

The advancement of equipment will cause fundamental changes in the industrial structure.

야기하다 (to cause/bring about)

규제 당국은 장비의 안전성에 대한 전수 조사를 실시했습니다.

The regulatory authorities conducted a full-scale inspection of the equipment's safety.

전수 조사 (complete enumeration/full-scale survey)

장비의 생애 주기 비용을 분석하는 것이 투자 결정의 핵심입니다.

Analyzing the life-cycle cost of equipment is key to investment decisions.

생애 주기 (life cycle)

Synonyms

도구 기구 설비 비품 장치

Antonyms

맨손

Common Collocations

장비를 갖추다

최신 장비

장비 점검

안전 장비

장비를 다루다

개인 장비

장비 교체

장비 부족

특수 장비

장비를 대여하다

Common Phrases

장비 빨

— A slang term meaning one's performance is due to expensive gear rather than skill.

그는 실력보다 장비 빨이 더 좋다.

풀 장비

— Having a complete, full set of gear for an activity.

그는 캠핑을 갈 때 항상 풀 장비를 챙긴다.

장비병

— An obsession with buying the latest and most expensive gear for a hobby.

카메라에 취미가 생기더니 장비병에 걸렸다.

기본 장비

— The basic, essential equipment required for something.

이것은 등산의 가장 기본 장비입니다.

보호 장비

— Protective gear, such as helmets or pads.

인라인을 탈 때는 보호 장비를 꼭 하세요.

방송 장비

— Broadcasting equipment like cameras and microphones.

방송 장비가 너무 무거워요.

사무 장비

— Office equipment like printers and copiers.

사무 장비가 고장 나서 일을 못 해요.

통신 장비

— Communication equipment like routers or satellite dishes.

통신 장비 점검이 필요합니다.

실험 장비

— Laboratory or experimental equipment.

실험 장비를 깨끗이 닦으세요.

전투 장비

— Combat or military equipment.

전투 장비를 점검하고 대기하라.

Often Confused With

장비 vs 정비 (jeong-bi)

Means maintenance or repair. Often confused because equipment (장비) needs maintenance (정비).

장비 vs 준비 (jun-bi)

Means preparation. You prepare (준비) your gear (장비).

장비 vs 장비 (Zhang Fei)

A historical figure from China. Context usually makes the difference clear.

Idioms & Expressions

"장비가 반이다"

— Having the right equipment is half the battle; preparation is key.

등산은 장비가 반이라고들 하죠.

Casual

"장비 탓을 하다"

— To blame one's tools or equipment for a poor performance.

서툰 목수가 장비 탓을 한다.

Proverbial

"장비가 아깝다"

— To say that someone's expensive gear is wasted on them because they lack skill.

그 실력에 그런 비싼 카메라는 장비가 아깝다.

Casual/Sarcastic

Easily Confused

장비 vs 도구

Both mean things you use.

도구 is a single tool; 장비 is a complex set or system.

망치는 도구이고, 목공 세트는 장비입니다.

장비 vs 설비

Both are industrial terms.

설비 is fixed (like plumbing); 장비 is often movable (like a laptop or drill).

난방 설비와 전산 장비.

장비 vs 기구

Both refer to machines.

기구 is often scientific or specific exercise machines.

실험 기구와 등산 장비.

장비 vs 용품

Both refer to items for a purpose.

용품 refers to consumer goods/supplies (like soap); 장비 refers to durable gear.

세면 용품과 스쿠버 장비.

장비 vs 기계

Equipment often includes machines.

기계 is the mechanical device itself; 장비 includes the accessories and context.

저 기계는 우리 촬영 장비 중 하나예요.

Sentence Patterns

Noun + 이/가 있어요

낚시 장비가 있어요.

Noun + 을/를 사다

새 장비를 샀어요.

Noun + 을/를 점검하다

매일 장비를 점검해요.

Noun + 을/를 교체하다

낡은 장비를 교체해야 해요.

Noun + 의 현대화

군 장비의 현대화가 시급하다.

Noun + 도입

신규 장비 도입을 검토 중이다.

Noun + 의 내구성

장비의 내구성이 우수하다.

Noun + 감가상각

장비의 감가상각이 크다.

Word Family

Nouns

장비 (equipment)

무장 (armament)

의장 (ceremonial equipment)

군장 (military gear)

Verbs

장비하다 (to equip)

무장하다 (to arm oneself)

정비하다 (to maintain/overhaul)

Adjectives

장비된 (equipped)

기구 (apparatus)

설비 (installation)

도구 (tool)

자재 (materials)

비품 (supplies)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both daily life and professional industry.

Common Mistakes

Using 장비 for a single pen. → 필기구 or 도구
장비 is for complex sets or professional gear.
Saying '장비를 고치다' for maintenance. → 장비를 정비하다
정비 is the technical term for maintaining equipment.
Confusing 장비 with 준비. → 장비 (gear) vs 준비 (prep)
They sound similar but have different meanings.
Using 장비 for fixed factory systems. → 설비
Fixed installations are called 설비.
Using 장비 for food ingredients. → 재료
Ingredients are 재료, not gear.

Tips

Learn the Hanja

裝 (jang) means dress/equip and 備 (bi) means prepare. Knowing this helps you understand '무장' (arm/equip) and '준비' (prepare).

Use '장비 빨'

If a friend buys a $2000 camera but takes bad photos, you can jokingly say '장비 빨이네!'

Business Context

In a resume, use '장비 운용 가능' to say you can operate specific equipment.

Safety First

Always look for '보호 장비' signs in industrial areas in Korea.

Buying Gear

When shopping online, search for '[Hobby Name] + 장비' to find full kits.

Verbs Matter

Remember the pair: 장비를 점검하다 (check equipment).

Nasal Ending

Make sure to pronounce the 'ng' in 'Jang' clearly, or it might sound like 'Ja-bi' (mercy).

Hiking Culture

Koreans take hiking gear very seriously. Even for a small hill, many wear full '장비'.

Gaming Terms

'장비 강화' means upgrading/strengthening your gear in a game.

Don't confuse with '도구'

Use '도구' for a single hammer, '장비' for the whole toolbox.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Jang' (Giant) 'Bi' (Bee) carrying a full set of heavy gear. A Giant Bee needs a lot of 'Jang-bi' (equipment) to fly!

Visual Association

Imagine a professional hiker standing at the base of a mountain, surrounded by a tent, boots, poles, and a backpack—all labeled 'Jang-bi'.

Word Web

Camera Hiking Construction Gaming Medical Military Maintenance Safety

Challenge

Try to list five things in your house that you would call '장비' instead of just '도구'.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja) roots.

Original meaning: To dress oneself and prepare for a journey or task.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

None. It is a neutral, technical term.

In English, we use 'gear' for hobbies and 'equipment' for professional settings. In Korean, '장비' covers both seamlessly.

Jang Bi (Zhang Fei) is a famous general from 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms,' though his name uses different Hanja. Korean gaming streamers often have '장비 리뷰' (gear review) segments. Safety posters in Korean subways often feature the word '안전 장비' (safety equipment).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hiking/Outdoors

등산 장비
장비를 챙기다
무거운 장비
필수 장비

Gaming

장비를 맞추다
장비 강화
전설 장비
장비 빨

Workplace/Factory

장비 점검
장비 교체
정밀 장비
장비 오작동

Hospital

의료 장비
최신 장비
장비 도입
장비 부족

Military

전투 장비
개인 장비
장비 현대화
특수 장비

Conversation Starters

"어떤 캠핑 장비를 추천하시나요? (What camping gear do you recommend?)"

"촬영 장비를 어디서 빌릴 수 있을까요? (Where can I rent filming equipment?)"

"새로 산 게임 장비가 마음에 드세요? (Do you like the new gaming gear you bought?)"

"전문적인 장비 없이도 이 일을 할 수 있나요? (Can I do this job without professional equipment?)"

"장비 점검은 얼마나 자주 해야 하나요? (How often should I do an equipment check?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 가진 취미 장비 중에서 가장 비싼 것은 무엇인가요? (What is the most expensive hobby gear I own?)

미래에 사고 싶은 꿈의 장비에 대해 써보세요. (Write about the dream equipment you want to buy in the future.)

장비가 실력보다 중요하다고 생각하시나요? (Do you think gear is more important than skill?)

오늘 사용한 전자 장비들은 무엇이었나요? (What electronic equipment did you use today?)

안전 장비의 중요성에 대해 자신의 생각을 적어보세요. (Write your thoughts on the importance of safety equipment.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, '주방 도구' or '조리 기구' is better. Using '장비' for a spatula sounds like you are a professional chef with a very expensive set.

In Korean, '장비' is used for both. You don't need to add '들' unless you want to emphasize different types of equipment.

It means 'gear advantage.' It's when someone's success is credited to their expensive or high-quality equipment rather than their skill.

It's a standard noun. It's used in news, business, and daily conversation. It's perfectly fine in any setting.

In gaming, '장비' usually refers to wearable gear (armor, weapons), while '아이템' is a broader term including potions, gold, etc.

You say '중장비' (jung-jang-bi). This specifically refers to excavators, cranes, etc.

Yes, '장비하다' means to equip, but it's more common to use '장비를 갖추다'.

They share the character '備' (bi - prepare). '장비' is the gear itself; '정비' is the act of keeping it in good condition.

No, use '문구' or '학용품'. '장비' sounds too heavy for pens and paper.

It means safety equipment, like helmets, gloves, and safety harnesses.