Korean Dictionary
How to say "Vest" in Korean
“Vest” in Korean is 조끼 (pronounced "jokki").
조끼
jokki
Usage & Context
Vests or 조끼 are sleeveless garments worn over shirts in Korean fashion. Knit vests became a big trend in Korea recently. They add a preppy or layered look to Korean style.
Example Sentence
니트 조끼가 요즘 유행이에요.
Knit vests are in trend these days.
How to use 조끼 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Vest” is 조끼, romanized as jokki.
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 조끼.
Pronunciation Guide
The 'jo' in 'jokki' sounds like 'joe' in English. The 'kki' is pronounced like 'key' but with a slightly stronger, double 'k' sound, almost like 'k-key.' The stress is fairly even across both syllables.
More Example Sentences
Asking for fashion advice at a store.
이 니트 조끼는 어떤 상의에 입어야 예쁠까요?
What top would look good with this knit vest?
Describing a functional vest for outdoor activities.
아빠가 등산 갈 때 입는 조끼는 주머니가 많아요.
The vest my dad wears when hiking has many pockets.
Discussing school uniform styling.
교복 위에 조끼를 입으면 더 단정해 보여요.
Wearing a vest over the school uniform makes it look neater.
Cultural Context
Knit vests (니트 조끼) have been a massive trend in Korean fashion, especially among students and young adults. They are often layered over shirts or blouses to achieve a preppy, academic, or simply stylish layered look. This versatility makes them a common sight in K-dramas and street fashion, reflecting a preference for neat and thoughtful layering.
Editorial note
We review entries like 조끼 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
조끼를 입다
to wear a vest
니트 조끼 코디
knit vest styling/outfit
조끼 벗을까?
Shall I take off my vest?
Related Expressions
니트 조끼
niteu jokki
knit vest
패딩 조끼
paeding jokki
padded vest
베스트
beseuteu
vest (loanword, often for more specific types)
상의
sangi
top (general term for upper body clothing)
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