컵 (keop) · 텀블러 (teom-beul-reo, teombeulreo)
컵 refers to a general drinking vessel, while 텀블러 is a portable container with insulation for keeping drinks hot or cold.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A general vessel or container used for drinking beverages
When to use
Drinking beverages at home, Serving drinks at restaurants, Disposable drink containers
The nuance
Used typically at home or restaurants for drinking; does not have insulation and is not designed for portability.
A portable beverage container with insulation to keep drinks hot or cold
When to use
Portable for commuting, During outdoor activities, When insulation is needed
The nuance
Used for carrying drinks while maintaining temperature, suitable for office, outdoor activities, or travel.
이 컵에 물 좀 주세요.
i keop-e mul jom ju-se-yo., i keop e mul jom ju se yo.
Natural expression when referring to a regular cup at home or restaurant.
이 텀블러에 물 좀 주세요.
i teom-beul-reo-e mul jom ju-se-yo., i teom beul reo e mul jom ju se yo.
Appropriate when asking for water in a portable insulated tumbler.
식당에서 텀블러를 줬어요.
sik-dang-e-seo teom-beul-reo-reul jwoss-eo-yo., sik dang e seo teom beul reo reul jwoss eo yo.
Restaurants usually provide regular cups; tumblers are personal items, so this is unnatural.
야외에서 컵으로 음료를 마셨어요.
ya-oe-e-seo keop-eu-ro eum-ryo-reul ma-syeoss-eo-yo., ya oe e seo keop eu ro eum ryo reul ma syeoss eo yo.
Natural when using disposable or regular cups outdoors.
야외에서 텀블러로 음료를 마셨어요.
ya-oe-e-seo teom-beul-reo-ro eum-ryo-reul ma-syeoss-eo-yo., ya oe e seo teom beul reo ro eum ryo reul ma syeoss eo yo.
Suitable for outdoor use of insulated tumblers.
텀블러에 커피를 담아 식당에 갔어요.
teom-beul-reo-e keo-pi-reul dam-a sik-dang-e gass-eo-yo., teom beul reo e keo pi reul dam a sik dang e gass eo yo.
Natural when carrying coffee in a tumbler outside.
컵에 커피를 담아 출근했어요.
keop-e keo-pi-reul dam-a chul-geun-haess-eo-yo., keop e keo pi reul dam a chul geun haess eo yo.
Regular cups are not portable, so this is unnatural for carrying coffee to work.
텀블러는 보통 플라스틱이나 금속으로 만들어져요.
teom-beul-reo-neun bo-tong peul-ra-seu-tik-i-na geum-sok-eu-ro man-deul-eo-jyeo-yo., teom beul reo neun bo tong peul ra seu tik i na geum sok eu ro man deul eo jyeo yo.
Appropriate when describing the typical materials of tumblers.
Which word to use for carrying drinks while keeping temperature?
What container is usually used for drinks in restaurants?
Which to use for keeping drinks warm during outdoor activities?
