Korean for Clothing Alterations: Hem Trousers While Keeping the Original Cuff
Learn polite Korean to ask a tailor to shorten trousers while preserving the original hem. Master 밑단, 기장, and the key request 밑단 그대로 살려서 줄여 주세요.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
When you want trousers shortened but the original factory hem kept, you need precise Korean. This lesson teaches you how to ask a tailor to shorten the length while preserving the existing hem. You will learn the words 밑단 (hem) and 기장 (length), and the polite request 밑단 그대로 살려서 줄여 주세요. You will also learn why this alteration often costs more and how to confirm the finished length before any cutting. By the end, you can confidently discuss this common alteration in Korean.
By the end, you can…
- name the hem and length in Korean.
- politely ask a tailor to shorten trousers while keeping the original hem.
- ask why keeping the original hem costs more.
- confirm the desired finished length before the tailor cuts.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
밑단
hem (bottom edge of trousers)
mit-dan
Refers specifically to the finished bottom edge of a garment, not the entire leg.
기장
length (of clothing)
gi-jang
Used for the total length from waist to hem. Ask about 기장 when you want a specific finished length.
밑단 그대로 살려서 줄여 주세요.
Please shorten them while keeping the original hem as is.
mit-dan geu-dae-ro sal-lyeo-seo jul-yeo ju-se-yo
The key request. 그대로 means 'as is', 살려서 means 'keeping/preserving', 줄여 주세요 means 'please shorten'.
이렇게 하면 왜 더 비싼가요?
Why is it more expensive to do it this way?
i-reo-ke ha-myeon wae deo bi-ssan-ga-yo
Polite question to ask for the reason. Use when you want to understand the cost difference.
자르기 전에 최종 기장을 확인해 주세요.
Please confirm the final length before cutting.
ja-reu-gi jeon-e choe-jong gi-jang-eul hwak-in-hae ju-se-yo
Essential to avoid mistakes. 최종 means 'final', 확인해 주세요 means 'please confirm'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The pattern '밑단 그대로 살려서 줄여 주세요' combines three key elements: 밑단 (hem), 그대로 (as is), and 살려서 (keeping/preserving). The verb 살리다 means 'to preserve' or 'to keep alive', and the -서 form connects it to the main request. You can also say '밑단 살려 주세요' (please keep the hem) or '밑단 그대로 두고 줄여 주세요' (leave the hem as is and shorten). For example: '이 바지 밑단 그대로 살려서 줄여 주세요' (Please shorten these trousers while keeping the original hem).
When to use it
Use this request when you like the original hem's stitching or finish and want to keep it after shortening. It is common for jeans or dress trousers with a distinctive hem. Because keeping the original hem requires extra work—removing, shortening, and reattaching the hem—it often costs more than a simple cut. Ask '이렇게 하면 왜 더 비싼가요?' to understand the price difference. Always confirm the final length before cutting: '자르기 전에 최종 기장을 확인해 주세요.' You can also specify the desired length: '밑단을 2cm 줄여 주세요' (Please shorten the hem by 2 cm).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
안녕하세요, 이 바지 기장을 좀 줄이고 싶은데요.
Hello, I'd like to shorten the length of these trousers.an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, i ba-ji gi-jang-eul jom jul-i-go si-peun-de-yo네, 밑단은 어떻게 해 드릴까요?
Sure, what would you like me to do with the hem?ne, mit-dan-eun eo-tteo-ke hae deu-ril-kka-yo밑단 그대로 살려서 줄여 주세요. 그리고 이렇게 하면 왜 더 비싼가요?
Please shorten them while keeping the original hem. And why is it more expensive to do it this way?mit-dan geu-dae-ro sal-lyeo-seo jul-yeo ju-se-yo. geu-ri-go i-reo-ke ha-myeon wae deo bi-ssan-ga-yo밑단을 떼었다가 다시 붙여야 해서 손이 더 가요. 자르기 전에 최종 기장을 확인해 주세요.
Because we have to remove the hem and reattach it, it takes more work. Please confirm the final length before cutting.mit-dan-eul tte-eot-da-ga da-si bu-chyeo-ya hae-seo son-i deo ga-yo. ja-reu-gi jeon-e choe-jong gi-jang-eul hwak-in-hae ju-se-yoA little context goes a long way
In Korean tailoring shops, politeness is key. Use -아/어 주세요 or -시겠어요? to make requests. Tailors may ask for specific measurements; be ready to state how many centimeters you want shortened. It's normal to discuss the method and cost before agreeing. Keeping the original hem is a common request, but not all shops offer it, so ask politely.
One thing to watch for
Using 밑단 to mean the entire leg or saying '밑단을 자르지 마세요' (Don't cut the hem) when you actually want it shortened but preserved.
Try this instead: 밑단 refers only to the hem. To ask to keep it while shortening, say '밑단 그대로 살려서 줄여 주세요.' If you say '밑단을 자르지 마세요,' the tailor might think you don't want any shortening. Be clear: '기장은 줄이되 밑단은 그대로 살려 주세요' (Shorten the length but keep the hem as is).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'Please shorten these trousers while keeping the original hem' in Korean?
Show a sample answer
이 바지 밑단 그대로 살려서 줄여 주세요.
This uses the key phrase with the specific item. You can also say '밑단 그대로 살려서 줄여 주세요' without mentioning the trousers if context is clear.
2What question can you ask to understand why keeping the original hem costs more?
Show a sample answer
이렇게 하면 왜 더 비싼가요?
This politely asks for the reason. Alternatively, you can ask '밑단 살리면 왜 더 비싸요?' but the first is more polite.
3How do you ask the tailor to confirm the final length before cutting?
Show a sample answer
자르기 전에 최종 기장을 확인해 주세요.
This ensures you agree on the length. You can also say '자르기 전에 기장을 확인해 주세요' which is slightly less specific but still clear.
To keep the original hem while shortening trousers, say '밑단 그대로 살려서 줄여 주세요.' Ask why it costs more with '이렇게 하면 왜 더 비싼가요?' and always confirm the final length before cutting: '자르기 전에 최종 기장을 확인해 주세요.'
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