Korean word

걸레

Pronunciation

Romanizationkeolle

Meaning

  • nounrag

Example

바닥을 걸레로 닦아 주세요.pa da geul keol le ro ta kka chu se yo

Please wipe the floor with a rag.

Illustration for 걸레 (rag)

More examples

걸레를 꽉 짜서 물기를 빼세요.keol le reul kkwak jja seo mul gi reul ppae se yo

Squeeze the rag tightly to get the water out.

Core concept

An old cloth serving as a simple tool for rubbing away dirt or moisture.

Common phrases

  • 걸레를 짜다keol le reul jja da

    wring out a rag

  • 걸레질keol le jil

    mopping

Similar words

행주haengju: A kitchen cloth for wiping dishes, counters, and cooking spills.
수건sugeon: A soft cloth used to dry the hands, face, or body after washing.

Definition in Korean

더러운 부분을 문질러 닦기 위해 사용하는 낡거나 헌 천조각.teo reo un pu bu neul mun jil leo tak kki wi hae sa yong ha neun nal kkeo na heon cheon jo gak

Word origin

The word has no securely established origin in the supplied evidence, and its everyday meaning is best remembered as a basic cleaning term.

Usage tips

  • This is a useful household word to recognize in conversation, especially when someone explains how to clean a floor, table, or other surface.

Other meanings

  • scrap of clothnoun

Related words

  • 걸레질keollejilmoppingnoun
  • 걸레질하다keollejilhadamopverb

Word lists with this word