Korean Dictionary
How to say "Scissors" in Korean
“Scissors” in Korean is 가위 (pronounced "gawi").
가위
gawi
Usage & Context
A cutting tool with two blades. Scissors are used in art and craft classes in Korean schools. Safety scissors are commonly used in elementary schools.
Example Sentence
가위로 종이를 잘랐다.
I cut the paper with scissors.
How to use 가위 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Scissors” is 가위, romanized as gawi.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 가위.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'ga-wi' — 'ga' like 'gah' and 'wi' like 'we' but shorter. Two clean syllables with no stress variation. The 'g' is soft, closer to an English 'k' than a hard 'g'.
More Example Sentences
Walking past a salon
미용실에서 가위 소리가 들려요.
I can hear scissors sounds from the hair salon.
Kids deciding who goes first
가위바위보 할까요?
Shall we play rock-paper-scissors?
Asking a roommate at home
손톱 깎게 가위 좀 빌려주세요.
Could I borrow scissors to trim my nails?
Cultural Context
가위바위보 (scissors-rock-paper) is the Korean version of rock-paper-scissors, but notice the order is reversed — scissors first. It's the default way Koreans decide who pays, who goes first, or who takes the last piece of food. At Korean BBQ restaurants, the server often brings 가위 to the table because cutting meat with scissors instead of a knife is standard practice.
Editorial note
We review entries like 가위 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
가위 좀 주세요.
Please pass me the scissors.
가위로 잘라 주세요.
Please cut it with scissors.
가위바위보!
Rock-paper-scissors!
Related Expressions
가위바위보
gawibawibo
rock-paper-scissors (literally scissors-rock-paper)
손톱깎이
sontopkkakki
nail clippers
자르다
jareuda
to cut
가위질
gawijil
the act of using scissors
Frequently asked questions
How do you correctly pronounce the Korean word for scissors, 가위, and what are common pitfalls?+
The Korean word for scissors, 가위 (gawi), is pronounced 'gah-wee'. The first syllable, 가 (ga), sounds like 'gah' in 'garden', and the second syllable, 위 (wi), sounds like 'wee' in 'week'. A common mistake is to overemphasize the 'w' sound, making it sound like 'gah-wee' with a strong 'w'. Ensure a smooth transition between the syllables for natural pronunciation.
In what common school activities or situations are 가위 (gawi) typically used in Korea?+
In Korean schools, 가위 (gawi) are primarily used in art and craft classes, known as 미술 시간 (misul sigan) or 만들기 시간 (mandeulgi sigan). Students use them for cutting paper, fabric, and other materials for various projects. Safety scissors, called 안전가위 (anjeon gawi), are common in elementary schools to prevent injuries during these activities.
Are there any specific phrases or related vocabulary commonly used with 가위 (gawi)?+
Yes, several phrases are commonly associated with 가위 (gawi). '가위질하다' (gawijilhada) means 'to cut with scissors' or 'to do scissor work'. '가위바위보' (gawibawibo) is the Korean name for 'rock, paper, scissors'. You might also hear '종이가위' (jong-i gawi) for 'paper scissors' or '재봉가위' (jaebong gawi) for 'tailor's scissors'.
Is 가위 (gawi) a formal or informal word, and can it be used in all social contexts?+
가위 (gawi) is a neutral noun for 'scissors' and does not carry a specific formal or informal tone. It can be used appropriately in virtually all social contexts, from casual conversations with friends to more formal settings like purchasing supplies or discussing school curriculum. There's no separate honorific or informal version of the word itself.
What are some common mistakes or misunderstandings learners might have when using the word 가위 (gawi)?+
A common mistake is confusing 가위 (gawi) with similar-sounding words or misapplying it. For instance, '칼' (kal) refers to a 'knife,' which is a different cutting tool. Another misunderstanding might be assuming it's only for specific types of scissors, but 가위 is a general term. Context usually clarifies if it's general scissors or a specific type like '안전가위' (anjeon gawi, safety scissors).
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