Korean Dictionary
How to say "Tie" in Korean
“Tie” in Korean is 넥타이 (pronounced "nektai").
넥타이
nektai
Usage & Context
A formal accessory worn around the neck by men in Korea. Essential for business and formal occasions.
Example Sentence
넥타이를 매고 회의에 갔어요.
I wore a tie to the meeting.
How to use 넥타이 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Tie” is 넥타이, romanized as nektai.
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 넥타이.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '넥' (nek), sounds exactly like 'neck'. The second part, '타이' (tai), sounds like the English word 'tie'. Put them together: 'neck-tie'.
More Example Sentences
A beginner asking for help with formal wear.
넥타이를 매는 법을 알려주세요.
Please teach me how to tie a necktie.
Explaining why one is dressed formally.
오늘 중요한 발표가 있어서 넥타이를 맸어요.
I wore a tie today because I have an important presentation.
Complimenting someone's outfit.
그 넥타이는 정장에 아주 잘 어울리네요.
That tie goes very well with your suit.
Cultural Context
The necktie (넥타이) is a crucial accessory in Korean business and formal culture. It's standard for office workers, especially in corporate settings, and essential for formal events like weddings, funerals, and job interviews. School uniforms for boys often include a tie. While fashion trends might introduce more casual neckwear, the classic tie remains a symbol of professionalism and respect in many situations.
Editorial note
We review entries like 넥타이 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
넥타이 맬 줄 알아?
Do you know how to tie a tie?
넥타이 좀 풀어.
Loosen your tie a bit.
어떤 넥타이가 좋아?
Which tie do you like?
Related Expressions
정장
jeongjang
suit (formal wear)
셔츠
syeocheu
shirt
매다
maeda
to tie (a tie), to wear (a tie)
넥타이핀
nektaipin
tie clip
More Clothing Words
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