What is a Taekwondo belt called in Korean?

In Korean, a Taekwondo belt is called a 띠 ti.


This is pronounced tee, like ‘tea’ (the drink), and not tai. The ‘t’ sound should also be pronounced tense.

ti refers to a belt of any colour. To reference a specific colour of belt, add a colour adjective before it:

  • 흰 띠 huin ti – white belt
  • 파란 띠 paran ti – blue belt
  • 검은 띠 gomun ti – black belt

What should you not say?

Do not call a Taekwondo belt an obi. This is a Japanese term that’s used in Karate to refer to the belt. In Taekwondo only Korean terms should be used.

Get some Taekwondo merch!

Taekwondo Fighter Hoodie
Taekwondo Fighter Hoodie
Taekwondo Fighter Tee

Want to learn more?

If you'd like to learn more about the Korean terminology used in Taekwondo, consider buying this book: Taekwondo Terminology. It contains an extensive dictionary of terms used in Taekwondo, as well as explanations on how to pronounce Korean words, and aspects of Korean grammar.

Recommended Books

Related questions:

← Back to Taekwondo FAQs