[Korean Culture & Language] Note, jumper, notebook

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The word ‘note’ usually refers to a short, informal letter or message in English. However, Koreans often use the word ‘노트(note)’ to refer to a ‘notebook.’

Ex)
A: 혹시 내 노트 봤어?
A: Have you seen my ‘notebook?’
B: 너 잠바 밑에 있던데.
B: I saw it under your ‘jumper.’

잠바(Jumper) is another Konglish word that Koreans often use.
In British English, a ‘jumper’ is a knitted or crocheted sweater. In American English, it is a collarless sleeveless dress that is often worn over a blouse. 

In Korean, ‘잠바(jumper)’ refers to a ‘jacket.’

Ex)

A: 어제 엄마랑 쇼핑 간다고 했지? 뭐 샀어?
A: You said you were going shopping with your mom, right? What did you buy?
B: 나 어제 패딩이랑 잠바 샀어
B: I bought a ‘padded jacket’ and a ‘jacket.’

‘Padded jacket,’ ‘puffer jacket,’ and ‘down jackets’ are all called ‘패딩(padding)’ in Korea.

Long padded jackets or parkas that have been in trend since the 2017 PyeongChang Winter Olympics are called ‘롱패딩(Long padding).’

While ‘노트(note)’ means a ‘notebook’ in Konglish, ‘노트북(notebook)’ refers to a ‘laptop.’

Ex)
A: 과제 다 했어?
A: Did you finish your project?
B: 아니, 나 어제 노트북이 고장나서 못 끝냈어…
B: No, I couldn’t finish it because my ‘laptop’ broke down yesterday.

Have you ever been confused or puzzled by a Korean friend who would call a ‘jacket’ as a ‘jumper’ and ‘laptop’ as a ‘notebook’? I hope this article has provided answers to your questions.