Korean Dictionary
How to say "Trash Can" in Korean
“Trash Can” in Korean is 쓰레기통 (pronounced "Sseuregitong").
쓰레기통
Sseuregitong
Usage & Context
Trash cans are found throughout Korean homes. Korea has a mandatory recycling system where trash must be sorted and disposed of properly.
Example Sentence
쓰레기통에 분리수거를 꼭 해야 해요.
You must do recycling in the trash can.
How to use 쓰레기통 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Trash Can” is 쓰레기통, romanized as Sseuregitong.
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 쓰레기통.
Pronunciation Guide
"Sseu-re-gi-tong." "Sseu" is like 'soo' but with lips spread wider, almost like 'ssuh.' "Re" is like 'reh' in 'red.' "Gi" is like 'gee' in 'geese.' "Tong" is like 'tong' in 'tongue.' The 'ss' sound is a tense, aspirated 's.'
More Example Sentences
Noticing a full trash can at home.
주방에 쓰레기통이 꽉 찼어요.
The trash can in the kitchen is full.
Instructing someone on where to dispose of specific waste.
종이 쓰레기는 저 쓰레기통에 버려주세요.
Please throw paper trash in that trash can.
Complaining about the lack of public trash cans.
길거리에 쓰레기통이 별로 없어서 불편해요.
It's inconvenient because there aren't many trash cans on the street.
Cultural Context
Korea's waste management system is highly structured, with mandatory '분리수거' (bunrisugeo, separate collection/recycling) for different types of waste (paper, plastic, glass, food waste, general waste). This means homes often have multiple bins or designated areas for sorting. General waste is disposed of in specific, pre-paid '종량제 봉투' (jongnyangje bongtu, volume-based trash bags). Public trash cans are less common than in some Western countries, encouraging people to take their trash home, which contributes to cleaner streets.
Editorial note
We review entries like 쓰레기통 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
쓰레기통 비워줘.
Empty the trash can.
쓰레기통이 어디 있어요?
Where is the trash can?
쓰레기통에 버리다
To throw away in the trash can
Related Expressions
분리수거함
Bunrisugeoham
Recycling bin
음식물 쓰레기통
Eumsingmul sseuregitong
Food waste bin
쓰레기 봉투
Sseuregi bongtu
Trash bag
재활용하다
Jaehwalyonghada
To recycle
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