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A1 noun #6,500 most common 13 min read

가구

gagu Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 가구 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 가구 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '가구' (gagu) is a basic vocabulary word used to describe things in a house. You learn it alongside words for rooms like 'bang' (room) and 'geosil' (living room). At this stage, you should focus on simple sentences like '가구가 있어요' (There is furniture) or '가구가 예뻐요' (The furniture is pretty). You will mostly use it when talking about your home or shopping for basic items. It is important to know that it is a noun and ends in a vowel, which affects which particles you use. You don't need to know complex types of furniture yet; just knowing that '가구' is the general word for beds, desks, and chairs is enough. Practice saying it clearly: 'Ga-gu'. It's easy to remember because it's only two syllables and both are common sounds in Korean. You might also see it on signs in your neighborhood if there is a furniture store nearby.

At the A2 level, you start to expand how you use '가구'. You can now use adjectives to describe it, such as '무거운 가구' (heavy furniture) or '새 가구' (new furniture). You might also learn the word for furniture store, '가구점'. At this level, you should be able to talk about moving furniture ('가구를 옮겨요') or buying it ('가구를 사요'). You are also introduced to the idea that some furniture needs to be assembled, often using the word '조립' (assembly). You can start making more specific sentences like '저는 나무 가구를 좋아해요' (I like wooden furniture). You should also be aware that '가구' is a category word; while you can say '가구를 사요', you'll more often name the specific item like '침대' (bed) or '소파' (sofa) once you're inside the store. This is also the stage where you might first encounter the homonym '가구' meaning 'household' in basic social studies contexts.

At the B1 level, you use '가구' in more practical and social contexts. You might discuss '인테리어' (interior design) and how '가구 배치' (furniture arrangement) affects the feel of a room. You can handle more complex verbs like '들여놓다' (to bring in/install) or '버리다' (to throw away/dispose of). You should be familiar with the process of disposing of large furniture in Korea, which involves '대형 폐기물 스티커' (large waste stickers). You can also talk about the quality of furniture, using terms like '내구성' (durability) or '원목' (solid wood). At this level, you can understand descriptions of apartments that come '풀옵션' (fully furnished). You might also start to notice '가구' used in news reports about the economy, specifically referring to '1인 가구' (single-person households), and you should be able to distinguish this meaning from 'furniture' based on the context of the sentence.

At the B2 level, your understanding of '가구' includes industry-specific terms and more formal registers. You can discuss '가구 산업' (the furniture industry) or '친환경 가구' (eco-friendly furniture) and its impact on health, such as '새집증후군' (sick building syndrome). You are comfortable using '가구' in formal writing, such as a report on consumer trends. You might use synonyms like '집기' or '비품' correctly in professional settings. You can also appreciate the nuances of '고가구' (antique furniture) and discuss its historical significance or aesthetic value. In terms of grammar, you can use '가구' with complex structures like '~ㄹ 뿐만 아니라' (not only... but also) to describe furniture that is not only beautiful but also functional. You understand the marketing language used by major brands like Hanssem or IKEA and can compare different styles like '모던' (modern) vs '빈티지' (vintage) using sophisticated vocabulary.

At the C1 level, '가구' is a word you use fluently in academic or highly professional discussions. You might analyze the '가구 시장의 변화' (changes in the furniture market) due to the rise of '1인 가구' (single-person households), seamlessly navigating the two meanings of the word. You can discuss the ergonomics of '사무용 가구' (office furniture) or the architectural integration of '빌트인 가구' (built-in furniture). Your vocabulary includes highly specific terms like '상판' (table top), '경첩' (hinge), or '도장' (finish/coating). You can read and understand technical manuals or design critiques that use '가구' as a central theme. You are also aware of the cultural evolution of Korean furniture from traditional 'Ondol'-based low furniture to modern Western styles, and you can articulate these changes in a formal presentation or essay. You use the word with a high degree of precision, choosing it over synonyms only when it is the most appropriate term.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '가구' and all its connotations. You can engage in deep philosophical or artistic discussions about the role of '가구' in defining human space and lifestyle. You understand literary references to furniture and can use the word metaphorically if needed. You are fully aware of the etymological roots of '가구' (家具) and how the Hanja characters '家' (home) and '具' (tool/instrument) combine to form the meaning. You can navigate the most complex legal or economic documents regarding '가구' (household) statistics or '가구' (furniture) trade regulations without hesitation. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, and you can switch between the 'furniture' and 'household' meanings effortlessly, even in punning or wordplay. You might also explore the sociology of furniture—how the '가구' we choose reflects our identity and social status in contemporary Korean society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

가구 in 30 Seconds

가구 (gagu) is the Korean word for 'furniture'.
It covers items like beds, desks, and chairs.
It is a noun and commonly used in home and shopping contexts.
Don't confuse it with 'household' (homonym) or 'appliances'.

The Korean word 가구 (家具) is a fundamental noun that translates directly to 'furniture' in English. At its core, it refers to the collective group of large, movable objects used to make a room or building suitable for living or working. This includes essential items like beds, tables, chairs, and cabinets. For a beginner (CEFR A1), this is one of the most practical words to learn because it allows you to describe your immediate environment, such as your bedroom, living room, or classroom. Whether you are moving into a new apartment in Seoul, shopping at an IKEA in Gwangmyeong, or simply describing your home to a friend, '가구' is the umbrella term you will use most frequently.

Scope of Usage: In everyday conversation, '가구' is used to categorize items. While you might talk about a specific 'uija' (chair) or 'chaeksang' (desk), you use '가구' when referring to the collection as a whole or when discussing the industry of home furnishings. For example, if you are looking for a place to buy a bed and a sofa, you would ask for a 'gagu-jeom' (furniture store).

새 집에 가구를 들여놓았어요. (I put furniture into the new house.)

It is important to note that '가구' is a collective noun in many contexts, but unlike the English word 'furniture' which is uncountable, the Korean word can sometimes feel more flexible depending on the particles attached. However, it is rarely used to count individual pieces; instead, classifiers like 'jeom' (piece) are used in formal settings. In modern Korea, '가구' also appears in the context of interior design ('인테리어 가구') and eco-friendly products ('친환경 가구'), reflecting the high value placed on aesthetics and health in Korean living spaces.

Cultural Nuance: Traditionally, Korean furniture (Gojan-gagu) was designed to be low to the ground because of the 'Ondol' (underfloor heating) system. While modern Koreans use Western-style beds and sofas, the appreciation for high-quality wood furniture remains a significant part of the culture.

이 가구는 나무로 만들어졌어요. (This furniture is made of wood.)

Furthermore, the word '가구' has a homonym (家口) which means 'household'. While they sound identical, the context usually makes it clear which one is being discussed. If you hear '1-in gagu' (1-인 가구), it refers to a single-person household, a growing demographic trend in Korea. But if you are in an 'IKEA' or a department store, '가구' almost certainly refers to the physical items you sit on or sleep in. Understanding this distinction is a key step in moving from A1 to more advanced levels of Korean comprehension.

저는 심플한 가구를 좋아해요. (I like simple furniture.)

Grammar Hint: Since '가구' is a noun, you can pair it with verbs like '사다' (to buy), '바꾸다' (to change/replace), or '배달하다' (to deliver). For example: '가구를 배달해 주세요' (Please deliver the furniture).

거실에 가구가 별로 없어요. (There isn't much furniture in the living room.)

In summary, '가구' is an essential building block for your Korean vocabulary. It bridges the gap between basic objects and the broader concept of 'home'. By mastering this word, you prepare yourself for more complex discussions about living standards, interior design, and even economic trends in Korea. Whether you're admiring a sleek modern desk or a traditional wooden chest, '가구' is the word that brings those items together into a single, cohesive category.

오래된 가구를 버렸어요. (I threw away the old furniture.)

Using 가구 correctly in a sentence requires understanding its role as a general noun. In Korean, nouns are often followed by particles that indicate their grammatical function. For beginners, the most common particles you will use with '가구' are '이/가' (subject), '을/를' (object), and '는/은' (topic). Let's explore how these work in the context of home life and shopping, which are the primary domains for this word.

Basic Subject/Object Usage: When '가구' is the thing you are buying or moving, it takes the object particle '를'. For example, '가구를 사요' (I buy furniture). When you are describing the furniture itself, such as its price or beauty, it takes the subject particle '가'. For example, '가구가 비싸요' (The furniture is expensive).

어떤 가구를 찾으세요? (What kind of furniture are you looking for?)

In more complex sentences, '가구' can be modified by adjectives. Because '가구' is a noun, you use the attributive form of adjectives. For instance, 'yebbeun gagu' (pretty furniture) or 'pyeonhan gagu' (comfortable furniture). You can also use verbs to describe the state of the furniture, such as 'jung-go gagu' (used/second-hand furniture) or 'muryo gagu' (free furniture). These combinations are essential for navigating marketplaces like Karrot (Danggeun Market), which is extremely popular in Korea for buying and selling used goods.

Describing Location: To say where furniture is located, use the location particle '에' with existence verbs like '있다' (to be/exist). '방에 가구가 있어요' means 'There is furniture in the room.' This is a classic A1 sentence structure that helps you practice both vocabulary and basic grammar.

백화점에서 가구를 구경했어요. (I looked at furniture at the department store.)

As you progress, you will start using '가구' in compound words. '가구 배치' (gagu baechi) refers to the arrangement of furniture, a common topic when talking about interior design or moving. '가구 단지' (gagu danji) refers to a furniture complex or district, where many stores are clustered together. These terms are highly practical for anyone living in Korea. Even at the A1 level, recognizing these patterns will help you understand signs and advertisements more effectively.

이 가구는 조립하기 쉬워요. (This furniture is easy to assemble.)

Formal vs. Informal: In formal situations, such as a business meeting about furniture manufacturing, you might use '가구류' (gagu-ryu, furniture items/types). In casual talk, simply '가구' is sufficient. For example, '가구 좀 보러 갈래?' (Want to go look at some furniture?).

집에 가구가 하나도 없어요. (There is not a single piece of furniture in the house.)

Finally, consider the verb '들여놓다' (deuryeonota), which means to bring in or install. This is the specific verb Koreans use when they move furniture into a room. '침실에 새로운 가구를 들여놓았어요' (I put new furniture in the bedroom). Learning these specific collocations—words that naturally go together—is the secret to sounding like a native speaker even when your vocabulary is still growing.

그 가구는 너무 무거워요. (That furniture is too heavy.)

In South Korea, you will encounter the word 가구 in various real-life scenarios, ranging from commercial districts to digital platforms. One of the most common places is 'Gagu Geori' (Furniture Streets). Many cities in Korea, like Seoul (specifically Nonhyeon-dong or Ahyeon-dong), have dedicated streets where dozens of furniture shops are lined up. You will see large signs flashing '가구 할인' (Furniture Discount) or '명품 가구' (Luxury Furniture). Hearing the word in these environments is often accompanied by discussions about wood quality, design styles, and delivery schedules.

In the Home: When visiting a Korean friend's house, they might point out a new item and say, '이 가구 새로 샀어' (I bought this furniture recently). Conversations about 'interior' (인테리어) often revolve around '가구', as Koreans are very passionate about home styling. You might hear people debating whether 'vintiji gagu' (vintage furniture) or 'modeon gagu' (modern furniture) looks better in a small apartment.

이 가구 거리는 정말 유명해요. (This furniture street is really famous.)

Digital spaces are another major arena for this word. Apps like 'Today House' (Oneul-ui Jip) are incredibly popular for furniture shopping and home styling inspiration. If you browse these apps, '가구' is the main category header. You will see sub-categories like 'ju-bang gagu' (kitchen furniture) and 'su-nap gagu' (storage furniture). In YouTube vlogs, especially 'room tours' or 'moving vlogs', creators frequently use '가구' as they explain their choice of decor and how they organized their space.

In the News: On the news, you might hear the homonym '가구' (household) more often. Phrases like '1-in gagu bi-yul' (the ratio of single-person households) are common in economic reports. However, the 'furniture' meaning appears when discussing the 'gagu san-eop' (furniture industry) or raw material prices like timber. Distinguishing between these two based on the surrounding words like 'industry' vs 'household' is a great listening exercise.

인터넷으로 가구를 주문했어요. (I ordered furniture online.)

Lastly, if you are a student in Korea, you will hear this word when dealing with 'gagu-daeyeo' (furniture rental) services, which are popular for temporary residents. Real estate agents (Budongsan) might also use it when describing an apartment as 'pul-opsyeon' (full option), meaning it comes with all the necessary '가구' and appliances. In all these contexts, '가구' is a word that connects the physical space to the practicalities of daily life.

우리 동네에 큰 가구 매장이 생겼어요. (A large furniture store opened in our neighborhood.)

Social Media: Hashtags like #가구스타그램 (Gagustagram) or #집꾸미기 (Home Decorating) are widely used on Instagram, where people showcase their aesthetically pleasing furniture arrangements.

이 가구는 디자인이 독특해요. (This furniture has a unique design.)

While 가구 is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often stumble on a few specific areas due to differences in how the two languages handle nouns and categories. One of the biggest hurdles is the 'Countability' issue. In English, 'furniture' is an uncountable noun (you can't say 'one furniture' or 'furnitures'). In Korean, '가구' is a noun that represents the category, and while you don't usually say 'one gagu' (가구 하나) to mean a single piece of furniture, you *can* say it to mean 'one set' or 'one item' in certain contexts, though it's better to use specific names like 'bed' or 'chair'.

Mistake 1: Confusing Furniture with Appliances: A common error is including electronics like refrigerators or TVs under '가구'. In Korean, these are strictly categorized as '가전' (gajeon) or '가전제품' (gajeon-jepum). If you go to a store and ask for '가구' but you want a microwave, the clerk will be confused. Always remember: 'Gagu' is for wood/fabric/metal structures you use, 'Gajeon' is for things you plug into the wall.

냉장고는 가구가 아니라 가전제품이에요. (A refrigerator is an appliance, not furniture.)

Another mistake involves the homonym issue mentioned earlier. Since '가구' (家口) means 'household', beginners might get confused when reading statistics or news. For example, '1인 가구' (one-person household) has nothing to do with how much furniture a person owns. It's about the number of people living in a home. Always look for numbers and the word '인' (person) before '가구' to identify if it means household. If it's about shopping or wood, it's furniture.

Mistake 2: Particle Errors: Because '가구' ends in the vowel 'u', some students accidentally use '이' instead of '가' as a subject particle. Correct: '가구가 예뻐요'. Incorrect: '가구이 예뻐요'. Similarly, for the object particle, use '를' (가구를), not '을'.

이 가구를 어디에 둘까요? (Where shall we put this furniture?)

Lastly, learners sometimes use '가구' when they should be using '인테리어' (interior). While related, '가구' refers to the objects, while '인테리어' refers to the overall design and decoration of the space, including wallpaper, lighting, and layout. If you say 'I want to change the furniture' (가구를 바꾸고 싶어요), you are talking about the items. If you say 'I want to change the interior' (인테리어를 바꾸고 싶어요), you are talking about the whole look of the room. Being precise with these terms will make your Korean sound much more natural.

싼 가구는 금방 망가져요. (Cheap furniture breaks quickly.)

Vocabulary Distinction: In English, we say 'set of furniture'. In Korean, we use '가구 세트' (gagu sete) or '가구 일체' (gagu ilche - all furniture included). Avoid just saying 'many furniture' (많은 가구) if you mean a complete set for a room.

침실 가구 세트를 샀어요. (I bought a bedroom furniture set.)

To truly master the concept of 가구, it's helpful to understand its synonyms and related terms. While '가구' is the standard word for furniture, there are other words used depending on the level of formality or the specific type of items being discussed. Exploring these will help you build a more nuanced vocabulary and understand different registers of Korean speech.

가구 (Gagu) vs. 집기 (Jipgi): '가구' refers to the large items like beds and tables. '집기' (Jipgi) is a more formal or technical term that refers to 'fixtures' or 'utensils/tools' used in a home or office. While '가구' focuses on the physical objects for living, '집기' often implies items used for a specific purpose, like 'office equipment' (사무용 집기).
가구 (Gagu) vs. 비품 (Bipum): '비품' (Bipum) translates to 'supplies' or 'equipment'. You hear this word most often in schools or offices. While a desk is '가구', it is also part of the '비품' of an office. '가구' is what you buy for your home; '비품' is what a company provides for its employees.

사무용 가구를 새로 주문했어요. (We ordered new office furniture.)

For those interested in traditional culture, you might encounter '고가구' (Go-gagu), which means 'antique furniture' or 'ancient furniture'. This specifically refers to traditional Korean wooden pieces like 'jang' (chests) or 'soban' (small tray-tables). On the other hand, if you are looking for modern, minimalist items, you might hear the loanword '퍼니처' (peonicheo), which is simply the English word 'furniture' transliterated. This is often used in high-end design contexts or as part of a brand name to sound more 'trendy' or 'international'.

Specific Types of 가구: 1. 목재 가구 (Mokjae gagu): Wooden furniture.
2. 조립식 가구 (Joripsik gagu): Assembly/DIY furniture.
3. 맞춤 가구 (Matchum gagu): Custom-made furniture.
4. 사무용 가구 (Samuyong gagu): Office furniture.

이것은 핸드메이드 가구입니다. (This is handmade furniture.)

In the context of interior design, '소품' (sopum) is another word to know. While '가구' are the big items, '소품' are the 'accessories' or 'props' like cushions, candles, and small lamps that complete the look. Knowing the difference helps you when shopping; you go to the '가구' section for a sofa, but the '소품' section for the throw pillows. By understanding these distinctions, you can navigate Korean stores and websites with much more confidence.

맞춤 가구는 가격이 조금 비싸요. (Custom-made furniture is a bit expensive.)

Finally, consider the word '장식' (jangsik), meaning decoration. Often, furniture is described as '장식용 가구' (decorative furniture), meaning it's more for show than for heavy use. Learning how '가구' interacts with these other words allows you to build a rich web of associations, making it easier to remember the word and use it correctly in varied situations.

북유럽 스타일 가구가 유행이에요. (Scandinavian style furniture is in fashion.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word '가구' used to refer to any tool used in a house, but over time, its meaning narrowed down specifically to the large furnishings we know today.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡa.ɡu/

US /ɡɑ.ɡu/

Even stress on both syllables.

Rhymes With

야구 (yagu - baseball) 도구 (dogu - tool) 축구 (chukgu - soccer) 입구 (ipgu - entrance) 지구 (jigu - Earth) 친구 (chingu - friend) 연구 (yeongu - research) 항구 (hanggu - port)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'u' like 'uh'. It should be 'oo'.
Aspirating the 'g' too much. It's a plain 'g', not 'kh'.
Confusing it with 'gagu' (household) which sounds identical.
Making the 'a' too long like 'father'. Keep it short.
Pronouncing 'g' as 'k' at the start.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Easy to recognize with two simple syllables.

Writing 1/5

Simple strokes, very easy to write.

Speaking 1/5

Clear pronunciation with no difficult sounds.

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear, but watch out for homonyms.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

집 (house) 방 (room) 나무 (wood) 사다 (to buy) 있다 (to be)

Learn Next

침대 (bed) 책상 (desk) 의자 (chair) 소파 (sofa) 옷장 (wardrobe)

Advanced

인테리어 (interior) 배치 (arrangement) 내구성 (durability) 원목 (solid wood)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 이/가 (Subject Particle)

가구가 비싸요.

Noun + 을/를 (Object Particle)

가구를 사요.

Noun + 에 (Location Particle)

방에 가구가 있어요.

Adjective + Noun (Attributive form)

예쁜 가구

Noun + 점 (Counter for furniture pieces in formal settings)

가구 한 점

Examples by Level

가구가 예뻐요.

The furniture is pretty.

Subject particle '가' is used after '가구'.

방에 가구가 있어요.

There is furniture in the room.

Location particle '에' indicates where the furniture is.

새 가구를 사요.

I buy new furniture.

Object particle '를' is used because '가구' is the object.

이 가구는 얼마예요?

How much is this furniture?

Topic particle '는' is used to talk about 'this furniture'.

가구가 아주 많아요.

There is a lot of furniture.

Adverb '아주' (very/really) modifies the adjective '많아요'.

가구점에 가요.

I go to the furniture store.

'가구점' is a compound noun: furniture + store.

가구가 가벼워요.

The furniture is light.

Adjective '가볍다' (to be light) describes the furniture.

어떤 가구를 좋아해요?

What kind of furniture do you like?

'어떤' means 'what kind of' or 'which'.

가구를 어디에 놓을까요?

Where should we place the furniture?

'~을까요' is a suggestive ending.

나무로 만든 가구예요.

It is furniture made of wood.

'~로 만든' means 'made of/with'.

이 가구는 조립해야 해요.

This furniture must be assembled.

'~해야 하다' expresses obligation or necessity.

가구가 너무 크네요.

The furniture is so big!

'~네요' is an exclamation ending.

중고 가구를 팔았어요.

I sold used furniture.

'중고' means second-hand or used.

가구를 바꾸고 싶어요.

I want to change the furniture.

'~고 싶다' means 'to want to'.

가구가 배달되었어요.

The furniture has been delivered.

Passive form '배달되다' (to be delivered).

비싼 가구는 품질이 좋아요.

Expensive furniture has good quality.

Adjective '비싼' (expensive) modifies '가구'.

가구 배치를 다시 했어요.

I rearranged the furniture.

'배치' means arrangement or layout.

오래된 가구를 버릴 때 스티커가 필요해요.

You need a sticker when throwing away old furniture.

'~ㄹ 때' means 'when'.

이 방에는 가구가 별로 없어서 넓어 보여요.

There isn't much furniture in this room, so it looks spacious.

'~어 보이다' means 'to look like/seem'.

가구의 모서리가 날카로워요.

The corners of the furniture are sharp.

'모서리' means corner or edge.

인터넷에서 가구를 주문하면 직접 조립해야 돼요.

If you order furniture online, you have to assemble it yourself.

'직접' means 'directly' or 'personally/myself'.

가구 광택제를 사용해서 닦으세요.

Wipe it using furniture polish.

'광택제' means polish or wax.

이 가구는 수납 공간이 많아요.

This furniture has a lot of storage space.

'수납 공간' means storage space.

가구 박람회에 가서 구경했어요.

I went to a furniture fair and looked around.

'박람회' means fair or exhibition.

친환경 소재로 만든 가구가 인기를 끌고 있어요.

Furniture made of eco-friendly materials is gaining popularity.

'인기를 끌다' is an idiom meaning 'to gain popularity'.

가구의 내구성을 확인하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to check the durability of the furniture.

'내구성' means durability.

이 가구는 디자인뿐만 아니라 기능성도 뛰어납니다.

This furniture has excellent functionality as well as design.

'~뿐만 아니라' means 'not only... but also'.

가구 공장에서 소음이 심하게 나요.

There is a lot of noise coming from the furniture factory.

'심하게' is the adverbial form of '심하다' (severe).

맞춤 가구를 제작하는 데 시간이 꽤 걸려요.

It takes quite a bit of time to manufacture custom furniture.

'~는 데' here indicates the process or task.

가구의 색상이 벽지와 잘 어울리네요.

The color of the furniture goes well with the wallpaper.

'어울리다' means to match or suit.

최근 1인 가구가 늘어나면서 소형 가구 수요가 급증했습니다.

As single-person households increase, demand for small furniture has surged.

Note the dual use of '가구' (household vs furniture) here.

이 가구는 대물림해서 쓸 정도로 튼튼해요.

This furniture is sturdy enough to be passed down through generations.

'대물림하다' means to pass down (to next generations).

가구의 구조적 안정성을 고려하여 설계되었습니다.

It was designed considering the structural stability of the furniture.

Uses formal passive voice '설계되었습니다'.

전통 가구의 미학을 현대적으로 재해석한 작품입니다.

This is a work that reinterprets the aesthetics of traditional furniture in a modern way.

'재해석하다' means to reinterpret.

가구 산업의 글로벌 경쟁력을 강화해야 합니다.

We must strengthen the global competitiveness of the furniture industry.

'경쟁력' means competitiveness.

공간의 효율성을 극대화하기 위해 빌트인 가구를 활용했습니다.

Built-in furniture was utilized to maximize space efficiency.

'극대화하다' means to maximize.

가구 표면의 도장 처리가 매우 매끄럽게 잘 되었습니다.

The finish on the furniture surface was done very smoothly.

'도장 처리' refers to painting or coating process.

이 가구는 사용자 편의를 위한 인체공학적 설계가 돋보입니다.

This furniture stands out for its ergonomic design for user convenience.

'인체공학적' means ergonomic.

가구 원자재 가격 상승으로 인해 제품 가격이 인상되었습니다.

Product prices have increased due to the rise in furniture raw material costs.

'~로 인해' indicates a cause or reason.

가구 수리 및 복원 전문가를 찾아가 상담을 받았습니다.

I went to a furniture repair and restoration expert for a consultation.

'복원' means restoration.

가구는 단순한 도구를 넘어 삶의 궤적을 담는 그릇이라 할 수 있다.

Furniture can be said to be a vessel that holds the trajectory of life, beyond being a simple tool.

Highly metaphorical and formal language.

현대 사회에서 가구의 소비 패턴은 자아 정체성의 표현 수단으로 진화했다.

In modern society, furniture consumption patterns have evolved into a means of expressing self-identity.

'진화하다' means to evolve.

가구 디자인에 있어서 형태와 기능의 조화는 영원한 화두이다.

The harmony of form and function in furniture design is an eternal topic.

'화두' means a topic of conversation or a central theme.

전통 목가구의 이음새 기법은 못을 사용하지 않는 정교함의 극치를 보여준다.

The joining techniques of traditional wooden furniture show the pinnacle of sophistication without using nails.

'극치' means the height or pinnacle of something.

가구 배치를 통해 주거 공간의 심리적 안정감을 도모할 수 있다.

Through furniture arrangement, one can promote a sense of psychological stability in the living space.

'도모하다' means to promote or aim for.

가구 시장의 양극화 현상은 소비자의 가치 지향적 구매 성향을 반영한다.

The polarization of the furniture market reflects consumers' value-oriented purchasing tendencies.

'양극화' means polarization.

가구의 수명은 소재의 질뿐만 아니라 사용자의 관리 습관에 의해 결정된다.

The lifespan of furniture is determined not only by the quality of the material but also by the user's maintenance habits.

'결정되다' means to be determined.

미니멀리즘의 확산은 가구의 본질적 기능에 대한 재고를 요청하고 있다.

The spread of minimalism is calling for a reconsideration of the essential functions of furniture.

'재고' means reconsideration or rethinking.

Common Collocations

가구를 사다

가구점

가구 배치

조립식 가구

맞춤 가구

가구를 옮기다

중고 가구

가구 거리

원목 가구

가구 단지

Common Phrases

가구를 들여놓다

— To move furniture into a house.

이삿날에 새 가구를 들여놓았어요.

가구를 버리다

— To throw away or dispose of furniture.

낡은 가구를 버리고 새 것을 샀어요.

가구를 고르다

— To choose or select furniture.

백화점에서 하루 종일 가구를 골랐어요.

가구를 수리하다

— To repair furniture.

부서진 가구를 직접 수리했어요.

가구를 닦다

— To wipe or clean furniture.

주말마다 가구의 먼지를 닦아요.

가구 세트

— A furniture set.

침실 가구 세트를 할인받아 샀어요.

가구 디자이너

— A furniture designer.

그는 유명한 가구 디자이너입니다.

사무용 가구

— Office furniture.

사무용 가구는 기능이 중요해요.

가구 박람회

— A furniture exhibition.

가구 박람회에서 최신 트렌드를 봤어요.

가구 브랜드

— A furniture brand.

좋아하는 가구 브랜드가 있나요?

Often Confused With

가구 vs 가수

Gagu (furniture) vs Gasu (singer). Don't mix them up!

가구 vs 가루

Gagu (furniture) vs Garu (powder). Similar vowels.

가구 vs 가구 (家口)

The homonym meaning 'household'. Check context for people vs objects.

Idioms & Expressions

"가구가 들어오다"

— Literally 'furniture comes in', used to mean getting married and setting up a home.

그 집에 가구가 들어오는 날이에요.

traditional

"가구 하나 없다"

— To be completely empty or extremely poor.

집에 가구 하나 없이 텅 비어 있었어요.

neutral

"가구처럼 있다"

— To be as silent or still as a piece of furniture (rare/poetic).

그는 구석에 가구처럼 가만히 앉아 있었다.

literary

"가구를 짜다"

— To build or construct furniture (using wood joints).

아버지는 손수 가구를 짜셨어요.

neutral

"가구 값을 하다"

— To be worth the price paid for the furniture.

이 소파는 비싸지만 가구 값을 하네요.

colloquial

"가구를 맞추다"

— To have furniture custom-made.

신혼집에 맞춰 가구를 맞췄어요.

neutral

"가구에 손을 대다"

— To start repairing or modifying furniture.

오래된 가구에 손을 대서 리폼했어요.

neutral

"가구가 사람을 만든다"

— Furniture makes the person (play on 'Clothes make the man').

좋은 가구가 사람을 만든다는 광고 카피가 있어요.

advertising

"가구의 숲"

— A forest of furniture (describing a massive store).

이케아는 정말 가구의 숲 같네요.

metaphorical

"가구와 살다"

— To live with furniture (implying a deep appreciation for decor).

그녀는 평생 아름다운 가구와 살고 싶어 해요.

neutral

Easily Confused

가구 vs 가전

Both are items in a house.

Gagu is furniture (beds, tables); Gajeon is appliances (TV, fridge).

냉장고는 가전이고, 식탁은 가구예요.

가구 vs 소품

Both are decorations.

Gagu are large items; Sopum are small accessories like vases.

가구를 사고 남은 돈으로 소품을 샀어요.

가구 vs 도구

Both can mean 'tool'.

Dogu is a general tool (hammer, pen); Gagu is specific to home furnishings.

가구는 집에서 쓰는 큰 도구라고 할 수 있어요.

가구 vs 집기

Similar meaning.

Gagu is more common for homes; Jipgi is more formal/commercial.

사무실 집기를 새로 들였어요.

가구 vs 비품

Both refer to equipment.

Bipum is for office/school supplies; Gagu is for general furniture.

학교 비품으로 가구를 신청했어요.

Sentence Patterns

N(가구) + 이/가 + Adj

가구가 예뻐요.

N(가구) + 을/를 + V(사다)

가구를 사요.

Place + 에 + 가구 + 이/가 + 있다

방에 가구가 있어요.

Adj(modifier) + 가구

비싼 가구

가구 + 을/를 + V(바꾸다/옮기다)

가구 배치를 바꿔요.

가구 + N(compound)

가구 전문점

가구 + 에 관한 + N

가구에 관한 잡지

가구의 + Abstract Noun

가구의 내구성

Word Family

Nouns

가구점 (furniture store)

가구공 (furniture maker)

가구류 (furniture types)

가구재 (furniture material)

Verbs

가구하다 (to furnish - rare)

가구화하다 (to turn into furniture)

Adjectives

가구적 (furniture-like)

침대 (bed)

책상 (desk)

의자 (chair)

옷장 (wardrobe)

소파 (sofa)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and shopping.

Common Mistakes

가구이 예뻐요. → 가구가 예뻐요.
Use '가' after a vowel.
냉장고 가구 → 냉장고 가전
Refrigerators are appliances, not furniture.
가구 하나 (for a chair) → 의자 하나
It's more natural to name the specific item.
가구을 사요. → 가구를 사요.
Use '를' after a vowel.
Using '가구' for small props. → Using '소품' for small props.
Furniture refers to large items only.

Tips

Think Categories

Always remember that '가구' is the category. If you can't remember the word for 'cabinet', you can often point and say '이 가구' (this furniture).

Check the Stickers

In Korea, you can't just leave '가구' on the street. Always look for the disposal stickers to avoid fines.

Particle Choice

Since it ends in 'u', use '가' and '를'. This is a common test point for beginners.

Furniture Streets

Visit '가구 거리' in Seoul for a great immersive listening and reading experience.

Short Vowels

Keep the 'a' and 'u' short and snappy. Ga-gu.

Use Apps

Download the 'Today House' (오늘의집) app to see how '가구' is used in real modern contexts.

Link to Wood

Associate '가구' with '나무' (wood) as most furniture in Korea is wood-based.

Complimenting

Say '가구가 너무 예쁘네요!' when visiting a Korean friend's house. It's a great icebreaker.

Not Electronics

Remember: A TV is NOT '가구'. It's '가전'.

Household Meaning

When you see '1인' or '2인' before '가구', switch your brain to the 'household' meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'GArden' and a 'GOOey' sofa in it. GA-GU. You put your furniture in the garden!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant wooden 'G' shaped like a chair and a 'A' shaped like a table. They are your GAGU.

Word Web

Bed Chair Table Wood Store House Desk Sofa

Challenge

Go around your room and point at three things that are '가구'. Say '이것은 가구예요' (This is furniture) for each.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean characters 家具.

Original meaning: 家 (Ga) means 'house' and 具 (Gu) means 'tool' or 'instrument'. Together, they mean 'tools for the house'.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; however, note that 'antique furniture' (고가구) is a hobby for the wealthy.

Unlike English where 'furniture' is uncountable, Korean '가구' is a noun that can be used with counters or in plural-like contexts more easily.

IKEA Korea (major influence on modern Korean furniture culture) Hanssem (Korea's leading home furnishing brand) Nonhyeon-dong Furniture Street (famous luxury furniture district in Seoul)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Moving House

가구를 옮겨요.
가구를 버려요.
가구를 들여놓아요.
가구 배치를 해요.

Shopping

가구점이 어디예요?
가구가 얼마예요?
가구를 배달해 주세요.
가구를 구경해요.

Interior Design

가구가 예뻐요.
가구가 잘 어울려요.
가구 스타일이 좋아요.
새 가구를 샀어요.

Office Work

사무용 가구예요.
책상을 바꿔요.
가구가 튼튼해요.
가구 비품 리스트.

News/Economy

1인 가구 증가.
가구 산업 뉴스.
가구 가격 인상.
친환경 가구.

Conversation Starters

"어떤 스타일의 가구를 좋아하세요? (What style of furniture do you like?)"

"최근에 새로 산 가구가 있나요? (Is there any furniture you bought recently?)"

"가구 배치를 자주 바꾸는 편인가요? (Do you rearrange your furniture often?)"

"가구점에 가서 구경하는 거 좋아하세요? (Do you like looking around furniture stores?)"

"가장 아끼는 가구가 뭐예요? (What is your most precious piece of furniture?)"

Journal Prompts

우리 집 거실에 있는 가구에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the furniture in your living room.)

내가 직접 가구를 만든다면 무엇을 만들고 싶나요? (If you were to make furniture yourself, what would you make?)

가구점에 갔던 경험을 이야기해 보세요. (Talk about your experience going to a furniture store.)

왜 가구 배치를 바꾸는 것이 기분 전환에 도움이 될까요? (Why does rearranging furniture help change one's mood?)

미래의 내 방에는 어떤 가구가 있으면 좋을까요? (What furniture would you like to have in your future room?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In Korean, '가구' is used for both a single piece (collectively) and furniture in general. To specify 'one piece', you can say '가구 한 점' or just name the item.

You say '가구점' (gagu-jeom) or '가구 매장' (gagu maejang).

Yes, it is a homonym. '家口' means household (number of people), while '家具' means furniture. Context makes it clear.

It is simply called '빌트인 가구' (bilteu-in gagu).

You must buy a '대형 폐기물 스티커' (large waste sticker) from a convenience store or district office and stick it on the '가구' before putting it outside.

It is called '조립식 가구' (joripsik gagu).

Yes, '침대' is a specific type of '가구'.

Yes, you can call them '사무용 가구' (office furniture).

It is called '원목 가구' (wonmok gagu).

Yes, it is a basic A1 level word that every learner should know.