Korean word

국민

Pronunciation

Romanizationkungmin

Meaning

  • nouncitizen

Example

저는 한국 국민입니다.cheo neun han guk kung mi nim ni da

I am a Korean citizen.

Illustration for 국민 (citizen)

More examples

최근 정부는 국민의 의견을 듣고 있다.choe geun cheong bu neun kung mi nui ui gyeo neul teut kko it tta

The government has recently been listening to its citizens' opinions.

Core concept

The recognized members of a nation, viewed individually or as the public belonging to it.

Common phrases

  • 국민의 권리kung mi nui kwol li

    citizens' rights

  • 국민여론kung mi nyeo ron

    public opinion

  • 국민건강kung min geon gang

    public health

Similar words

한국 사람hanguk saram: A person from Korea or connected with Korea in everyday speech.
한국인hangugin: A person who has Korean nationality or grew up in Korea.
시민simin: A member of a city or wider community who has public rights and duties.

Definition in Korean

한 나라의 구성원으로서 법적 권리와 의무를 가진 사람.han na ra ui ku seong wo neu ro seo peop jjeok kwol li wa ui mu reul ka jin sa ram

Word origin

국민 (gungmin, "citizen") comes from Sino-Korean elements for country and people, which helps explain its formal focus on a nation's members.

Usage tips

  • For TOPIK, connect this word with formal topics such as laws, elections, and public policy, where its official register is especially common.

Other meanings

  • the peoplenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 국민의식kungminuisiknational consciousnessnoun
  • 국민적kungminjeoknationaladjective
  • 국민투표kungmintupyoreferendumnoun

Word lists with this word