Korean word

구두

Pronunciation

Romanizationkudu

Meaning

  • noundress shoe

Example

어제 구두를 샀어요.eo je ku du reul sa sseo yo

I bought dress shoes yesterday.

Illustration for 구두 (dress shoe)

More examples

매장에서 구두가 잘 맞는지 확인하세요.mae jang e seo ku du ga chal man neun ji hwa gin ha se yo

Check whether the shoes fit well in the store.

Core concept

Closed shoes that give an outfit a neat, formal appearance, usually made of leather.

Common phrases

  • 구두를 닦다ku du reul tak tta

    polish shoes

  • 구두를 고치다ku du reul ko chi da

    repair shoes

  • 구두가 맞다ku du ga mat tta

    shoes fit

Similar words

신발sinbal: Footwear that covers the feet and supports comfortable, steady walking.
운동화undonghwa: Casual shoes with flexible soles for exercise and everyday movement.
샌들saendeul: Light open footwear held in place by straps or a buckle.
부츠pucheu: Footwear that covers the ankle or higher and gives the feet extra warmth and protection.

Definition in Korean

정장이나 격식 있는 자리에서 신는, 대체로 가죽으로 만든 발을 덮는 닫힌 형태의 신발을 이르는 말cheong jang i na kyeok ssik in neun cha ri e seo sin neun tae che ro ka ju geu ro man deun pa reul teom neun ta chin hyeong tae ui sin ba reul i reu neun mal

Word origin

The origin is uncertain, but 구두 (gudu, "formal shoes") is often explained as a borrowing from Mongolian gutul, meaning footwear, whose meaning narrowed in Korean.

Usage tips

  • English speakers use shoes for many kinds of footwear, but 구두 (gudu, "formal shoes") usually suggests a smart pair worn with formal clothes rather than sneakers or slippers.

Other meanings

  • leather shoesnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 구두수선kudususeonshoe repairnoun
  • 구두점kudujeomshoe storenoun
  • 구두끈kudukkeunshoelacenoun

Word lists with this word