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장보기

A2 noun #4,000 most common 11 min read

장보기

jangbogi Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 장보기 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 장보기 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '장보기' (jang-bo-gi) is an essential noun for describing your daily routine. It means 'grocery shopping.' You can use it in simple sentences like '저는 장보기를 해요' (I do grocery shopping). Most beginners will first learn the verb form '장을 봐요' (I shop for groceries). It's important to know that '장' means market and '보기' comes from the verb 'to see.' So, you are 'seeing the market.' You usually do this at a '마트' (mart) or '시장' (market). Beginners should focus on pairing this word with locations and basic time words like '오늘' (today) or '내일' (tomorrow). For example, '오늘 마트에서 장을 봐요' is a perfect A1 sentence. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember that this word is for food and household items, not for clothes!

At the A2 level, you should start using '장보기' in more descriptive sentences and understand its common grammatical patterns. You can use the purpose particle '-러' to say '장보러 가요' (I'm going [in order] to do grocery shopping). This is a very natural way to speak. You should also be able to talk about who you go with, using particles like '-하고' or '-랑.' For example, '친구랑 같이 장보러 가요' (I go grocery shopping with a friend). At this level, you can also start using adjectives like '비싸다' (to be expensive) or '싸다' (to be cheap) to describe the experience. '요즘 장보기가 너무 비싸요' (Grocery shopping is very expensive these days). You are moving from just stating the action to describing the circumstances and feelings surrounding it.

At the B1 level, you can use '장보기' to discuss habits, preferences, and more complex social situations. You might compare different ways of shopping, such as '전통시장 장보기' (traditional market shopping) versus '대형 마트 장보기' (large mart shopping). You should be comfortable using the noun form in complex sentences, such as '장보기를 하기 전에 목록을 만들어요' (I make a list before doing grocery shopping). This level also involves understanding the nuances of the word—knowing that it implies a domestic responsibility. You can participate in conversations about budgeting, such as '식비를 아끼기 위해 알뜰하게 장보기를 해요' (I shop frugally to save on food costs). You should also be familiar with the modern shift toward '온라인 장보기' (online grocery shopping) and be able to explain why you prefer it using connectors like '-기 때문에' or '-어서/아서.'

At the B2 level, '장보기' becomes a topic for discussing social trends and economic issues. You should be able to talk about the '장바구니 물가' (shopping basket prices), which refers to the cost of living as felt by ordinary people. You can discuss the impact of technology on traditional habits, such as how '새벽배송' (dawn delivery) has changed the culture of '장보기' in Korea. You should be able to use the word in formal discussions or writing, perhaps using terms like '소비 패턴' (consumption patterns). For example, '1인 가구의 증가로 인해 장보기 문화가 변하고 있습니다' (Due to the increase in single-person households, the grocery shopping culture is changing). You can also use more idiomatic expressions and understand the word's role in media, like news headlines or lifestyle documentaries.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the cultural and historical connotations of '장보기.' You can analyze the word's etymology and its relation to the historical '오일장' (five-day markets) and how that traditional sense of community still lingers in the modern '장보기' experience. You should be able to discuss the socio-economic implications of large conglomerates (재벌) dominating the '장보기' market and the resulting struggles of '골목상권' (alleyway businesses/small local shops). Your vocabulary should include related professional terms like '유통 구조' (distribution structure) or '산지 직송' (direct shipping from the producer). You can express subtle nuances, such as the difference between '장보기' as a chore versus a form of '힐링' (healing/relaxation) for some people, and use sophisticated grammar to articulate these complex ideas fluently.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native command of '장보기' in all its dimensions. You can engage in high-level debates about the ethics of '장보기'—such as the environmental impact of the excessive packaging in '온라인 장보기' or the labor conditions of delivery workers. You can appreciate and use the word in literary or poetic contexts, understanding how a simple trip for groceries can be used as a metaphor for life, routine, or domestic affection in Korean literature and film. You are comfortable with all registers, from the grittiest market slang to the most formal economic analysis. You can provide detailed cultural commentary on how the concept of '장' has evolved from a physical space of social exchange to a digital algorithm, and what that means for the future of Korean social fabric.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

장보기 in 30 Seconds

Jangbogi means grocery shopping for food and home essentials.
It is a compound of 'jang' (market) and 'bogi' (seeing/doing).
The most common verb form used is 'jang-eul boda' (to shop).
It is distinct from 'shopping' (syoping), which is for non-food items.

The Korean word 장보기 (jang-bo-gi) is a fundamental term that every learner should master early on, as it touches upon the core of daily survival and culture: food and shopping. At its most basic level, it translates to 'grocery shopping' or the 'act of buying food and household necessities.' However, the cultural weight of the word carries much more than a simple trip to a supermarket. It evokes the image of preparing for a family meal, selecting the freshest ingredients for seasonal dishes, and navigating the various types of retail environments available in Korea.

The Root Meaning: The word is a combination of '장' (jang), which historically refers to a traditional marketplace or '시장' (sijang), and '보기' (bogi), the nominalized form of the verb '보다' (boda), meaning 'to see' or 'to look after.' Therefore, '장보기' literally means 'seeing the market' or 'attending to the market business.'

In modern Korea, this term is used universally regardless of where the shopping happens. Whether you are walking through the narrow alleys of a traditional 5-day market (오일장), pushing a cart through a massive multi-story hypermarket like E-mart or Homeplus, or even scrolling through a mobile app like Market Kurly or Coupang for 'dawn delivery' (새벽배송), the activity is still referred to as 장보기. It is distinct from '쇼핑' (shopping), which Koreans typically reserve for discretionary items like clothes, electronics, or luxury goods. If you say you are going 'shopping,' people might ask what outfit you're looking for; if you say you are '장보기,' they know you are stocking your fridge.

주말에는 보통 가족들과 함께 장보기를 하러 마트에 가요. (On weekends, I usually go to the mart to do grocery shopping with my family.)

The usage of this word reflects the Korean emphasis on fresh, home-cooked meals (집밥). Because traditional Korean cuisine involves many side dishes (반찬), the process of 장보기 often involves picking out specific seasonal vegetables, fermented sauces, and proteins that will last through the week. It is a social activity for many, often shared between spouses or parents and children. In the past, it was a daily chore due to limited refrigeration, but today it is often a major weekly event. You will hear this word in household planning, budget discussions, and even in romantic contexts when couples talk about their domestic life together.

Modern Context: With the rise of single-person households in Korea, '혼자 장보기' (shopping alone) has become a common phrase, leading to more 'small-portion' (소포장) products in stores.

Furthermore, the word is deeply tied to the concept of '물가' (prices/cost of living). When the news reports on the rising cost of groceries, they often use the phrase '장보기 겁난다' (It's scary to go grocery shopping), highlighting how this word is the primary touchpoint for Koreans' economic reality. It isn't just a chore; it's a barometer for the economy and a ritual of domestic care.

Using 장보기 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and how it transforms into a verbal phrase. In Korean, the most natural way to express 'to shop for groceries' is 장을 보다. Here, '장' is the object and '보다' is the verb. However, '장보기' as a single noun is used when you want to talk about the activity as a concept, a hobby, or a specific task on a to-do list.

Grammar Pattern: 장을 보다: Subject + (Place) + 장을 봐요/봤어요. This is the standard active form. Example: '어제 엄마랑 같이 마트에서 장을 봤어요.' (Yesterday, I did grocery shopping at the mart with my mom.)

When using the noun form 장보기, it often pairs with the verb '하다' (to do) or '가다' (to go). For instance, '장보기 하러 가요' (I am going to do grocery shopping). It is also frequently used in compound nouns like '온라인 장보기' (online grocery shopping) or '주말 장보기' (weekend grocery shopping). It's important to note that while '쇼핑' is a loanword from English, it is rarely used for groceries unless you are at a very high-end department store food hall, and even then, 장보기 sounds more natural for daily life.

요즘은 스마트폰으로 장보기를 하는 사람들이 많아졌어요. (These days, the number of people who do grocery shopping via smartphone has increased.)

In conversation, you might use it to describe your plans. For example, if a friend asks what you're doing, you could say '장보기 중이에요' (I'm in the middle of grocery shopping). If you are discussing the difficulty of a task, you might say '장보기가 너무 힘들어요' (Grocery shopping is so tiring). Notice how the subject particle '-가' attaches to the noun '장보기' to make it the subject of the sentence. This flexibility allows it to fit into complex sentence structures effortlessly.

Common Adjectives: '알뜰한 장보기' (frugal/thrifty grocery shopping) is a popular phrase used in blogs and news to describe shopping for deals and using coupons.

Finally, consider the level of formality. In formal settings, you might use '식료품을 구입하다' (to purchase groceries), but in 99% of real-life situations, including professional workplace small talk, 장보기 or 장을 보다 is the standard. It conveys a sense of domestic responsibility and routine that is relatable to everyone. Whether you are talking about the high price of cabbage or the convenience of a new app, this is the word that anchors the conversation.

In the daily life of South Korea, you will encounter the word 장보기 in various environments, from the digital screens of your phone to the bustling atmosphere of a local market. Understanding where it appears helps in recognizing the cultural nuances of Korean consumer life. One of the most common places to hear it is within the family. A parent might ask a child, '내일 장보기 목록 좀 적어줄래?' (Could you write down a grocery shopping list for tomorrow?), or a spouse might call from work saying, '퇴근길에 장 좀 봐갈까?' (Should I do some grocery shopping on my way home?).

Traditional Markets (재래시장): In traditional markets, the word is used with a sense of community. Vendors might say '장보러 나오셨어요?' (Are you out for some market shopping?) to passersby. Here, the experience is tactile and auditory, involving haggling and 'service' (free extras).

Another major venue is the '대형 마트' (Large Marts like E-mart, Lotte Mart). Here, you will see '장보기' on signage, particularly near the delivery counters or online pick-up zones. Announcements might mention '쾌적한 장보기를 위해...' (For a pleasant shopping experience...), and flyers will advertise '알뜰 장보기 특가' (Thrifty shopping special prices). In these modern settings, the word is sanitized and professional, often associated with efficiency and loyalty points.

뉴스 리포터: "추석을 앞두고 전통시장을 찾는 장보기 인파가 늘고 있습니다." (News reporter: "Ahead of Chuseok, the crowds of grocery shoppers visiting traditional markets are increasing.")

You will also hear this word frequently on television, especially in 'lifestyle' or 'variety' shows. Programs like 'I Live Alone' (나 혼자 산다) often feature segments where celebrities go 장보기, showing their personal tastes and domestic habits. In K-dramas, a couple going grocery shopping together is a classic trope used to signify that their relationship is becoming serious and 'domesticated.' It represents a shared future and the intimacy of daily life.

Social Media and Blogs: On Instagram or YouTube, you'll see hashtags like #장보기그램 (Jang-bo-gi gram) or 'Vlogs' titled '일주일 장보기' (One week of grocery shopping). These often focus on aesthetic food prep and budgeting tips.

Finally, the word is ubiquitous in economic news. When the 'Consumer Price Index' (소비자물가지수) rises, headlines will shout '장보기 겁나는 물가' (Prices that make shopping scary). In this context, the word represents the pulse of the nation's economy. Whether it's a grandmother at a stall or a student on an app, 장보기 is the universal language of sustenance in Korea.

While 장보기 is a common word, English speakers and other learners often make subtle errors in its application and grammatical structure. The most frequent mistake is the over-reliance on the English loanword '쇼핑' (shopping). While it is technically correct to say '식료품 쇼핑' (grocery shopping), it sounds unnatural and overly formal in a casual Korean context. Native speakers almost exclusively use 장보기 for food and household items. If you tell a Korean friend, '오늘 쇼핑하러 마트에 가요,' they will understand you, but they might think you're going to buy clothes or a toaster rather than milk and eggs.

Mistake 1: Confusing Noun and Verb Forms: Learners often say '장보기를 봐요' (I see the grocery shopping), which is redundant. You should either say '장을 봐요' (I shop/see the market) or '장보기를 해요' (I do grocery shopping). The former is more common in speech, while the latter is often used in writing or when emphasizing the activity as a task.

Another common pitfall is the misuse of particles. Because '장' (market) is the object in the phrase '장을 보다,' you must use the object particle '-을.' Some learners mistakenly use the location particle '-에서' to say '장에서 봐요,' which would literally mean 'I see (something) at the market,' rather than 'I am grocery shopping.' Remember: 장을 보다 is a set idiomatic phrase where '장' functions as the thing you are 'looking after.'

Wrong: 백화점에 장보러 가요. (I'm going to the department store for grocery shopping.)
Right: 마트에 장보러 가요. (I'm going to the mart for grocery shopping.)

Contextual errors also occur when choosing the location. In Korea, you '장보기' at a '마트' (mart), '시장' (market), or '슈퍼' (supermarket), but rarely at a '백화점' (department store) unless you are specifically referring to the basement food hall (식품관). If you use the word 장보기 in relation to a high-end luxury mall, it creates a humorous or mismatched image in the listener's mind.

Mistake 2: Overusing '마트' for everything: While '마트' is common, if you are going to a small convenience store like CU or GS25, you don't usually say '장보기.' Instead, you say '편의점에 가다.' '장보기' implies a more substantial shopping trip for multiple ingredients.

Lastly, don't confuse 장보기 with '심부름' (errand). While grocery shopping can be an errand, '심부름' is a broader term. If your mother asks you to buy milk, you are doing a '심부름.' If you are going to buy the whole week's food, you are 장보기. Distinguishing these helps you sound more like a native speaker who understands the scale and purpose of the activity.

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding 장보기, it is helpful to explore its synonyms and related terms. While 장보기 is the most common and versatile word, other terms can offer more specificity depending on the context, the scale of the shopping, or the formality of the situation.

시장 가기 (Going to the market): This is a very literal alternative. It is often used interchangeably with 장보기, but it specifically emphasizes the destination (the market) rather than the act of selecting items. You might say '시장 갔다 올게' (I'll be back from the market).
식료품 쇼핑 (Food/Grocery Shopping): This is the more 'modern' or 'Westernized' term. It is used in academic texts, news reports, or by younger generations who might be influenced by English. However, it feels slightly more clinical than the warm, domestic feel of 장보기.

Another interesting comparison is with 쇼핑 (shopping). As mentioned before, '쇼핑' is broad. If you say '쇼핑하러 가자,' your friend might expect to go to Myeongdong or a mall. If you say '장보러 가자,' they will expect to go to E-mart or a local grocery store. It's a crucial distinction for managing expectations!

Comparison:
1. 장보기: Focused on food/daily essentials (Daily/Domestic).
2. 쇼핑: Focused on clothes/hobbies/luxury (Leisure/Discretionary).
3. 구매/구입: Focused on the transaction (Formal/Business).

For those interested in the 'how' of shopping, you might encounter 대량 구매 (bulk purchase) or 소량 구매 (small-quantity purchase). These are often used when discussing shopping habits at warehouse stores like Costco (코스트코) versus local convenience stores. Furthermore, the modern phenomenon of 새벽배송 (dawn delivery) has introduced phrases like '모바일 장보기' (mobile grocery shopping), which is rapidly replacing physical trips for many urban Koreans.

Finally, consider the word 찬거리 (ingredients for side dishes). When someone says they are going 장보기 specifically to buy '찬거리,' it implies a very focused trip to get what's needed for that evening's banchan. Understanding these layers of vocabulary allows you to describe your daily life with the same precision and flavor as a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In old Korea, markets weren't open every day. Most were '오일장' (5-day markets). So '장보기' was a major event that happened only once every five days, requiring careful planning.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒaŋ.bo.ɡi/

US /dʒɑːŋ.boʊ.ɡi/

Stress is relatively even, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable '장'.

Rhymes With

보기 (bo-gi) 고기 (go-gi) 모기 (mo-gi) 도기 (do-gi) 오기 (o-gi) 수기 (su-gi) 공기 (gong-gi) 전기 (jeon-gi)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jang' as 'zang'.
Making the 'g' in 'gi' too hard (like 'k').
Over-emphasizing the 'o' in 'bo'.
Mixing up the 'ng' sound with a nasal 'n'.
Pronouncing 'bogi' as 'bogey'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is simple to read and appears frequently in signs and apps.

Writing 3/5

Easy to write, but remember the 'ㅇ' in '장'.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound that is easy to catch in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

시장 (Market) 보다 (To see) 사다 (To buy) 음식 (Food) 물건 (Thing)

Learn Next

식재료 (Ingredients) 영수증 (Receipt) 할인 (Discount) 배달 (Delivery) 유통기한 (Expiration date)

Advanced

소비자물가지수 (CPI) 유통 구조 (Distribution structure) 산지 직송 (Direct from source) 가계 경제 (Household economy) 친환경 소비 (Eco-friendly consumption)

Grammar to Know

The Purpose Particle -(으)러

장보러 가요. (I'm going to shop.)

Nominalization with -기

장을 보다 -> 장보기 (The act of shopping)

Object Particle -을/를

장을 봐요. (I shop the market.)

Sequential Action -기 전에

장보기 전에 목록을 써요. (Write a list before shopping.)

Simultaneous Action -(으)면서

음악을 들으면서 장보기를 해요. (I shop while listening to music.)

Examples by Level

오늘 장보기를 해요.

I do grocery shopping today.

Uses the basic 'Noun + 를 해요' structure.

마트에서 장을 봐요.

I shop for groceries at the mart.

Uses the verb phrase '장을 보다' with location particle '-에서'.

엄마는 장보러 가요.

Mom is going to shop for groceries.

Uses '-러 가다' to express purpose.

우유를 사러 장보러 가요.

I go grocery shopping to buy milk.

Combines two purposes: buying milk and shopping.

장보기가 재미있어요.

Grocery shopping is fun.

Uses '장보기' as the subject of an adjective.

내일 같이 장을 볼까요?

Shall we go grocery shopping together tomorrow?

Uses the suggestion ending '-(으)ㄹ까요?'.

시장에서 장을 봤어요.

I did grocery shopping at the market.

Past tense '봤어요' of the verb '보다'.

장보기 목록이 어디 있어요?

Where is the grocery shopping list?

Uses '목록' (list) as a compound noun with '장보기'.

주말에는 보통 가족들과 장보기를 해요.

On weekends, I usually do grocery shopping with my family.

Uses '보통' (usually) and '가족들과' (with family).

너무 바빠서 장보러 갈 시간이 없어요.

I'm so busy that I don't have time to go grocery shopping.

Uses the '-아서/어서' (because) and '-(으)ㄹ 시간' (time to) structures.

과일이 싸서 장을 많이 봤어요.

The fruit was cheap, so I bought a lot of groceries.

Connects an adjective (싸다) with the shopping action.

어제 장보기를 하다가 친구를 만났어요.

While I was grocery shopping yesterday, I met a friend.

Uses '-다가' to show an action interrupted by another.

집 앞에 마트가 있어서 장보기가 편해요.

There is a mart in front of my house, so grocery shopping is convenient.

Uses '편하다' (to be convenient) with the noun '장보기'.

장을 보기 전에 냉장고를 확인해요.

Before I shop for groceries, I check the refrigerator.

Uses '-기 전에' (before doing).

혼자 장보러 가는 것을 좋아해요.

I like going grocery shopping alone.

Uses '혼자' (alone) and the '-는 것' nominalizer.

어떤 마트에서 장보기를 자주 하세요?

Which mart do you often do grocery shopping at?

Honorific '-세요' ending for a polite question.

요즘은 물가가 올라서 장보기가 겁나요.

Prices have risen lately, so I'm scared to go grocery shopping.

Uses the idiomatic '겁나다' (to be scared/daunted).

전통시장에서 장을 보면 덤을 받을 수 있어요.

If you shop at a traditional market, you can get free extras.

Uses '-(으)면' (if) and explains the cultural concept of '덤'.

퇴근하고 장보러 가기가 너무 귀찮아요.

It's such a hassle to go grocery shopping after work.

Uses '귀찮다' (to be a hassle/bothersome).

필요한 것만 사려고 장보기 목록을 적어왔어요.

I wrote down a shopping list to buy only what I need.

Uses '-(으)려고' to express intention.

온라인으로 장보기를 하면 집까지 배달해 줘요.

If you do grocery shopping online, they deliver it to your house.

Uses the '-아/어 주다' helper verb for service.

장보기 전에 미리 식단을 짜두면 돈을 아낄 수 있어요.

If you plan your meals in advance before shopping, you can save money.

Uses '-아/어 두다' (to do something in advance).

남편과 장을 보면서 주말 메뉴를 결정했어요.

While shopping with my husband, we decided on the weekend menu.

Uses '-(으)면서' to show simultaneous actions.

장보기가 끝난 후에 카페에서 커피를 마셨어요.

After grocery shopping was finished, I drank coffee at a cafe.

Uses '-(으)ㄴ 후에' (after doing).

대형 마트의 휴무일을 확인하지 않고 장보러 갔다가 헛걸음했어요.

I went grocery shopping without checking the mart's closing day and made a useless trip.

Uses '헛걸음하다' (to make a vain trip) and '-지 않고' (without doing).

신선한 식재료를 고르는 것은 장보기의 가장 중요한 부분이에요.

Choosing fresh ingredients is the most important part of grocery shopping.

Uses '식재료' (ingredients) and '부분' (part).

1인 가구가 늘어나면서 소량으로 장보기를 하는 사람이 많아졌습니다.

As single-person households increase, more people are shopping in small quantities.

Formal '-습니다' ending and '-(으)면서' for trends.

마트에서 장보기를 할 때 환경을 생각해서 장바구니를 챙겨가요.

When I go grocery shopping at the mart, I bring a reusable bag for the environment.

Uses '환경' (environment) and '챙겨가다' (to take along).

장보기 비용이 예산을 초과해서 몇 가지 물건을 뺐어요.

The shopping cost exceeded the budget, so I took out a few items.

Uses '예산' (budget) and '초과하다' (to exceed).

맞벌이 부부에게는 온라인 장보기가 시간 절약에 큰 도움이 됩니다.

For dual-income couples, online grocery shopping is a big help in saving time.

Uses '맞벌이 부부' (working couple) and '절약' (saving).

장보기를 통해 계절의 변화를 가장 먼저 느낄 수 있어요.

Through grocery shopping, you can feel the change of seasons first.

Uses '-를 통해' (through/via).

무거운 짐을 들고 장보기를 하는 것이 체력적으로 힘들 때가 있어요.

There are times when grocery shopping while carrying heavy loads is physically taxing.

Uses '체력적으로' (physically/in terms of stamina).

최근 장바구니 물가가 급등하면서 서민들의 장보기가 더 팍팍해졌습니다.

With the recent surge in grocery prices, shopping for ordinary people has become more difficult.

Uses '급등하다' (to surge) and '팍팍하다' (hard/tough/dry).

전통시장의 정겨운 분위기 속에서 장보기를 즐기는 사람들도 여전히 많습니다.

There are still many people who enjoy grocery shopping in the warm atmosphere of traditional markets.

Uses '정겹다' (warm/affectionate) and '여전히' (still).

유통 단계가 축소되면 소비자들이 더 저렴하게 장보기를 할 수 있을 것입니다.

If the distribution stages are reduced, consumers will be able to shop more cheaply.

Uses '유통' (distribution) and '축소되다' (to be reduced).

충동구매를 방지하기 위해 장보기 전에 반드시 목록을 작성해야 합니다.

To prevent impulsive buying, you must write a list before grocery shopping.

Uses '충동구매' (impulse buying) and '방지하다' (to prevent).

새벽배송 서비스의 등장은 한국인들의 장보기 패러다임을 완전히 바꿔놓았습니다.

The emergence of dawn delivery services has completely changed the grocery shopping paradigm of Koreans.

Uses '패러다임' (paradigm) and '바꿔놓다' (to change completely).

대형 마트의 강제 휴무제는 전통시장 장보기를 활성화하려는 취지에서 시작되었습니다.

The mandatory closing system for large marts was started with the intent to vitalize traditional market shopping.

Uses '활성화하다' (to vitalize) and '취지' (intent/purpose).

장보기를 단순히 물건 구매로 보지 않고 일종의 여가 활동으로 여기는 이들도 있습니다.

Some people do not see grocery shopping as mere purchasing but regard it as a kind of leisure activity.

Uses '-로 여기다' (to regard as).

지속 가능한 소비를 위해 친환경적인 장보기 습관을 기르는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to cultivate eco-friendly grocery shopping habits for sustainable consumption.

Uses '지속 가능한' (sustainable) and '습관을 기르다' (to cultivate a habit).

디지털 소외 계층에게 스마트폰을 통한 온라인 장보기는 여전히 높은 장벽입니다.

For the digitally marginalized, online grocery shopping via smartphone remains a high barrier.

Uses '디지털 소외 계층' (digitally marginalized class) and '장벽' (barrier).

장보기라는 일상적인 행위 속에는 한 사회의 경제적 역동성이 고스란히 담겨 있습니다.

The economic dynamics of a society are fully contained within the everyday act of grocery shopping.

Uses '역동성' (dynamics) and '고스란히' (just as it is/intact).

과도한 포장재 사용은 온라인 장보기가 해결해야 할 시급한 환경적 과제 중 하나입니다.

The use of excessive packaging is one of the urgent environmental tasks that online grocery shopping must solve.

Uses '과도한' (excessive) and '시급한 과제' (urgent task).

전통적 시장의 쇠퇴와 함께 장보기가 지녔던 공동체적 교류의 기능도 점차 상실되어 가고 있습니다.

Along with the decline of traditional markets, the communal exchange function that grocery shopping once held is gradually being lost.

Uses '쇠퇴' (decline) and '상실되어 가다' (to be getting lost).

소비자들의 까다로운 안목은 장보기 시장의 질적 향상을 이끄는 원동력이 됩니다.

Consumers' fastidious discernment serves as the driving force leading the qualitative improvement of the grocery shopping market.

Uses '까다로운 안목' (fastidious discernment) and '원동력' (driving force).

장보기 비용의 증가는 가계 부채와 맞물려 국민들의 삶의 질에 직접적인 영향을 미칩니다.

The increase in grocery shopping costs, coupled with household debt, directly affects the quality of life of the people.

Uses '~와 맞물려' (coupled with/in gear with).

빅데이터 분석을 통한 맞춤형 장보기 추천 서비스가 유통업계의 새로운 화두로 떠오르고 있습니다.

Customized grocery shopping recommendation services through big data analysis are emerging as a new hot topic in the retail industry.

Uses '맞춤형' (customized) and '화두' (hot topic/topic of conversation).

문화적 다양성이 확대됨에 따라 장보기 품목에서도 이국적인 식재료의 비중이 높아지고 있습니다.

As cultural diversity expands, the proportion of exotic ingredients in grocery shopping items is increasing.

Uses '비중' (proportion/weight) and '이국적인' (exotic).

Common Collocations

장보기 목록

알뜰 장보기

온라인 장보기

장보러 가다

장을 보다

장보기 겁나다

주말 장보기

새벽 장보기

대량 장보기

장보기 도우미

Common Phrases

장 다 봤어요?

— Are you finished with the grocery shopping? Used when checking progress.

장 다 봤으면 이제 집에 가자.

장보러 나가는 길이에요.

— I'm on my way out to do grocery shopping. A common status update.

어디 가세요? - 네, 장보러 나가는 길이에요.

장보기 귀찮아요.

— I don't feel like grocery shopping. Expressing reluctance.

오늘 너무 피곤해서 장보기 귀찮아.

뭐 사야 돼요?

— What do we need to buy? Often asked during the process.

우리 장보러 왔는데 뭐 사야 돼요?

이것저것 장을 봤어요.

— I bought this and that. Used when shopping for many small things.

마트에서 이것저것 장을 봤더니 돈이 많이 나왔네.

장보기 딱 좋은 날씨네요.

— It's perfect weather for grocery shopping. Casual small talk.

날씨가 선선해서 장보기 딱 좋은 날씨네요.

장보기가 취미예요.

— Grocery shopping is my hobby. Used by people who enjoy it.

저는 스트레스 풀 때 장보기를 해요. 장보기가 취미거든요.

장보러 갈 사람?

— Who wants to go grocery shopping? Asking for a companion.

나 지금 마트 갈 건데, 장보러 갈 사람?

장보기 전에 밥 먹자.

— Let's eat before grocery shopping. To avoid impulse buys.

배고프면 다 사고 싶으니까 장보기 전에 밥 먹자.

장보기 완료!

— Grocery shopping complete! Often used on social media.

오늘의 장보기 완료! 냉장고가 든든해요.

Often Confused With

장보기 vs 쇼핑 (Shopping)

Usually refers to buying clothes, gifts, or luxury items, whereas '장보기' is for food.

장보기 vs 심부름 (Errand)

A general errand. Buying one item for someone else is a '심부름', but a full trip is '장보기'.

장보기 vs 구입 (Purchase)

A formal term for the transaction itself, not the activity of browsing and selecting food.

Idioms & Expressions

"장바구니 물가"

— The cost of living as felt by consumers in their daily shopping.

장바구니 물가가 올라서 주부들의 고민이 깊어지고 있다.

News/Formal

"장바구니를 채우다"

— To fill the shopping basket; often means to buy plenty of food.

오랜만에 마트에서 장바구니를 가득 채웠어요.

Neutral

"장을 봐오다"

— To go out, buy groceries, and bring them back.

엄마가 맛있는 걸 많이 장 봐오셨어요.

Casual

"장보기가 무섭다"

— Prices are so high that one is literally 'afraid' to shop.

요즘은 만 원으로 살 게 없어서 장보기가 무서워요.

Casual/Emphatic

"장 보듯 하다"

— To do something very frequently or easily (like a routine chore).

그는 해외여행을 장 보듯 자주 간다.

Metaphorical

"장거리를 내다"

— To put items out for sale at the market (archaic/rural).

할머니께서는 직접 키운 채소를 장거리를 내러 가셨다.

Traditional

"장날이 장날이다"

— Used when something unexpected happens on a day you planned something (market day).

가는 날이 장날이라더니, 마트가 쉬는 날이네.

Idiomatic/Proverb

"눈 쇼핑 / 아이쇼핑"

— Window shopping; looking without buying (often used even for groceries).

돈이 없어서 그냥 장보기 아이쇼핑만 했어요.

Slang/Casual

"싹쓸이 장보기"

— Panic buying or buying everything on the shelf.

태풍 소식에 사람들이 싹쓸이 장보기를 하고 있어요.

Journalistic

"덤터기 쓰다"

— To be overcharged while shopping (often at a market).

시장에서 잘 모르면 덤터기 쓰기 쉬워요.

Casual

Easily Confused

장보기 vs 시장 (Market)

Both relate to shopping.

'시장' is the place (noun), while '장보기' is the activity (noun). You go to the '시장' to do '장보기'.

시장에서 장보기를 했어요.

장보기 vs 마트 (Mart)

Both relate to shopping.

'마트' is a specific type of large store. '장보기' is the act of shopping there.

마트에 장보러 가요.

장보기 vs 식료품 (Groceries)

They are the objects of the shopping.

'식료품' are the actual food items. '장보기' is the act of buying them.

식료품을 사러 장보기를 해요.

장보기 vs 배달 (Delivery)

Both involve getting food.

'배달' is usually for prepared meals (like pizza). '장보기' is for raw ingredients.

오늘 장보기 귀찮은데 배달 시킬까?

장보기 vs 장만 (Preparation)

Both mean getting things ready.

'장만' is the broader act of preparing or providing something (like a house or a feast). '장보기' is specifically the shopping part.

결혼 준비로 가구를 장만했어요.

Sentence Patterns

저는 [Time]에 장을 봐요.

저는 토요일에 장을 봐요.

[Person]하고 같이 장보러 가요.

언니하고 같이 장보러 가요.

[Reason]-아서 장보기가 힘들어요.

비가 와서 장보기가 힘들어요.

장보기 전에 [Action]-아/어 보세요.

장보기 전에 목록을 확인해 보세요.

[Method]-로 장보기를 하는 편이에요.

주로 앱으로 장보기를 하는 편이에요.

장보기를 통해 [Discovery].

장보기를 통해 물가가 오른 것을 알았어요.

장바구니 물가 상승으로 인해 [Consequence].

장바구니 물가 상승으로 인해 장보기가 부담스러워졌습니다.

장보기라는 일상이 [Metaphor/Insight].

장보기라는 일상이 가족의 사랑을 확인하는 시간이 되기도 합니다.

Word Family

Nouns

시장 (Market)

장터 (Marketplace)

장날 (Market day)

장바구니 (Shopping basket)

Verbs

장을 보다 (To shop for groceries)

장보다 (Shortened verb form)

장만하다 (To prepare/procure)

식료품 (Groceries)

마트 (Mart)

슈퍼 (Supermarket)

배달 (Delivery)

할인 (Discount)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and media.

Common Mistakes

백화점에서 장보기를 해요. → 마트에서 장보기를 해요.
You usually shop for groceries at a 'mart' or 'market.' A 'department store' (백화점) is for luxury items and clothes, though they do have food halls, it's not the primary place for '장보기'.
오늘 옷 장보기를 했어요. → 오늘 옷 쇼핑을 했어요.
'장보기' is only for food and household items. For clothes, use '쇼핑'.
장에서 봐요. → 장을 봐요.
In the phrase '장을 보다,' '장' is the object, so you must use the object particle '-을'. '-에서' makes it sound like you are just looking at something while standing in a market.
장보기를 봐요. → 장을 봐요 / 장보기를 해요.
Don't combine the noun '장보기' with the verb '보다'. It's redundant. Use '장을 보다' or '장보기를 하다'.
매일 쇼핑을 해서 요리해요. → 매일 장을 봐서 요리해요.
While '쇼핑' is understandable, '장을 보다' is the much more natural and common way to describe buying ingredients for cooking.

Tips

Learn the Verb Form

Don't just learn '장보기'. Make sure you can conjugate '장을 보다' (to shop) in all tenses: 봐요, 봤어요, 볼 거예요. This is how you will actually use the word in 80% of conversations.

Traditional Market Bonus

If you do your '장보기' at a traditional market, try asking '좀 깎아주세요' (Please give me a discount) or '덤 좀 주세요' (Give me a little extra). It's part of the fun!

Particle Precision

Remember the object particle: '장**을** 보다'. Using '장**이** 보다' or '장**에** 보다' is a common mistake that will make your Korean sound awkward.

Listen for '마트'

In Korea, the word 'Mart' (마트) is almost always synonymous with '장보기'. If someone says they are going to the mart, they are almost certainly going grocery shopping.

Use '장보러'

When telling someone where you are going, '장보러 가요' (I'm going to shop) sounds much more natural and active than '장보기를 해요'.

Compound Nouns

You can create many useful words by putting a noun before '장보기'. Example: '주말 장보기' (weekend shopping), '캠핑 장보기' (camping shopping).

Online Apps

To see '장보기' in action, download Korean apps like 'Market Kurly' or 'B-Mart'. You will see the word everywhere in the interface.

The Couple Activity

In Korea, '같이 장보기' (shopping together) is considered a very sweet and domestic dating activity for serious couples. Mentioning this can be a good conversation topic!

Budgeting

If you want to talk about saving money, use '알뜰하게 장을 보다' (to shop thriftily). It's a very common and positive expression.

Soft 'G'

In '장보기', the '기' is often pronounced very softly. Don't stress it too hard; let it flow naturally from the 'bo' sound.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are a 'Jang' (a tall Korean jar for fermented food) and you are 'Bogi' (looking) for ingredients to fill yourself up. Jang-Bogi!

Visual Association

A person looking (bogi) at a giant traditional market (jang) filled with colorful vegetables.

Word Web

Market Food List Cart Money Fresh Dinner Family

Challenge

Try to write your next grocery list in Korean and call the activity '장보기' in your head while you are at the store.

Word Origin

The word is a pure Korean compound. '장' (場/market) originates from the Hanja for 'place' or 'open space' where trade occurred. '보기' is the nominalized form of '보다' (to see).

Original meaning: To go and see what is available at the local market and tend to the household's needs.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

Be respectful in traditional markets; don't touch produce too roughly if you aren't buying. Use 'service' (덤) politely.

In the West, grocery shopping is often seen as a chore. In Korea, while still a chore, it is highly social and deeply tied to the pride of 'home cooking' (집밥).

Variety show 'I Live Alone' often features grocery shopping segments. The movie 'Cart' (카트) deals with the lives of supermarket workers. K-drama 'Crash Landing on You' has a scene where the leads go to a market together.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

냉장고가 비었어. 장보러 가야겠다.
장보기 목록 좀 적어줘.
오늘 장 뭐 봤어?
장보기 돈이 너무 많이 들었어.

At the Mart

장보기 카트 어디 있어요?
장보기가 거의 끝났어요.
이거 장보기 목록에 있었나?
장보기 가방을 차에 두고 왔네.

With Friends

캠핑 가기 전에 장보러 가자.
같이 장보러 갈래?
너는 보통 어디서 장보기 해?
온라인 장보기가 진짜 편해.

News/Economy

장바구니 물가가 비상입니다.
알뜰 장보기 요령을 알려드립니다.
전통시장 장보기가 활발해졌습니다.
1인 가구용 장보기 상품이 인기입니다.

Online Shopping

앱으로 장보기를 했어.
장보기 배송이 언제 와요?
장보기 품목을 장바구니에 담았어.
무료 배송으로 장보기를 했어.

Conversation Starters

"보통 일주일에 몇 번 장보기를 하세요?"

"장보러 갈 때 주로 어떤 마트에 가세요?"

"장보기 목록을 미리 적어가는 편이세요?"

"요즘 장바구니 물가에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"전통시장에서 장보기 하는 거 좋아하세요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 장보기를 하면서 무엇을 샀는지, 그리고 가장 비쌌던 물건은 무엇이었는지 써보세요.

내가 생각하는 '완벽한 장보기'는 어떤 모습인가요? (장소, 품목, 같이 가는 사람 등)

온라인 장보기와 직접 가서 하는 장보기 중 어느 것을 더 선호하나요? 그 이유는 무엇인가요?

어렸을 때 부모님과 함께 장보러 갔던 기억에 대해 써보세요.

장보기 비용을 줄이기 위한 나만의 특별한 방법이 있다면 소개해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '장보기' is strictly for groceries and household necessities. For clothes, you should use '쇼핑' (syoping) or '옷을 사다' (buy clothes). Using '장보기' for a dress would sound very strange to a native speaker.

'장보기' is a noun meaning 'grocery shopping.' '장을 보다' is a verb phrase meaning 'to shop for groceries.' You use the noun in cases like '장보기가 취미예요' (Shopping is my hobby) and the verb in '어제 장을 봤어요' (I shopped yesterday).

Yes, it is understandable and used, but '장보기' or '장 보러 가기' is much more common and sounds more natural in a daily Korean context. '마트 쇼핑' might imply you are looking at things other than food, like electronics or home decor.

It refers to 'dawn grocery shopping.' This can mean going to a wholesale market very early in the morning, or more commonly nowadays, using 'dawn delivery' services where you order online at night and the groceries arrive before 7 AM.

The most common term is '장보기 목록' (jang-bo-gi mok-rok). You can also say '장 볼 것' (things to shop for) or simply '메모' (memo).

It is a neutral, standard word used in all levels of formality. However, in extremely formal business or academic contexts, you might see '식료품 구매' or '생활용품 구입' instead.

Absolutely! While it was traditionally associated with housewives in the past, today it is a gender-neutral term used by everyone who buys food, from students to grandfathers.

'알뜰' means thrifty or frugal. So '알뜰 장보기' is shopping wisely to save money, such as using coupons, buying items on sale, or comparing prices between different stores.

In Korean, '보다' has many meanings beyond 'to see,' including 'to look after,' 'to attend to,' or 'to experience.' '장을 보다' implies attending to the needs of the household via the market.

Yes! It includes food and basic household consumables like soap, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies—essentially anything you would typically find in a grocery store or supermarket.