Korean word

비누

Pronunciation

Romanizationpinu

Meaning

  • nounsoap

Example

비누를 샀어요.pi nu reul sa sseo yo

I bought soap.

Illustration for 비누 (soap)

More examples

손을 비누로 씻었어요.so neul pi nu ro ssi seo sseo yo

I washed my hands with soap.

Core concept

A cleaning product that makes foam with water and lifts away dirt and oil from skin, objects, or surfaces.

Common phrases

  • 비누 한 개pi nu han kae

    a piece of soap

  • 비누로 씻다pi nu ro ssit tta

    wash with soap

  • 비누 거품pi nu keo pum

    soap bubbles

Similar words

액체비누aekchebinu: A liquid soap for washing the hands or body with water.
핸드워시haendeuwosi: A liquid soap intended for cleaning the hands.
세제seje: A liquid or powder used to remove dirt from laundry or dishes.
샴푸syampu: A hair cleanser that removes oil and dirt from the hair and scalp.

Definition in Korean

손이나 몸, 물건을 씻을 때 쓰는 세제로, 보통 물과 함께 문질러 거품을 내어 때와 기름을 제거하며 고형 비누와 액체 비누가 있다.so ni na mom mul geo neul ssi seul ttae sseu neun se je ro po tong mul gwa ham kke mun jil leo keo pu meul nae eo ttae wa ki reu meul che geo ha myeo ko hyeong pi nu wa aek che pi nu ga it tta

Word origin

This is a long-established Korean everyday term for soap, although its deeper historical origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may connect this word mainly with washing hands or bodies, but Korean also uses it for products that clean objects.

Related words

  • 비누거품pinugeopumsoap sudsnoun
  • 비누방울pinubangulsoap bubblenoun
  • 비누받침pinubatchimsoap dishnoun

Word lists with this word