Korean word

단편

Pronunciation

Romanizationtanpyeon

Meaning

  • nounshort story

Example

그 작가는 단편을 통해 유명해졌다.keu chak kka neun tan pyeo neul tong hae yu myeong hae jeot tta

The writer became famous through short stories.

Illustration for 단편 (short story)

More examples

서점에서 단편집을 샀다.seo jeo me seo tan pyeon ji beul sat tta

I bought a short story collection at a bookstore.

Core concept

A complete story told in a small space, usually around one character or moment.

Common phrases

  • 단편 소설tan pyeon so seol

    short story

  • 단편집tan pyeon jip

    short story collection

Similar words

이야기iyagi: A spoken or written story that relates events to other people.
소설soseol: A full-length written fiction follows connected characters and events through a developed narrative.
단편소설tanpyeonsoseol: A brief written work of fiction presents a self-contained narrative from beginning to end.
단편집tanpyeonjip: A collection brings several separate short stories together in one book.

Definition in Korean

한 편으로 이야기를 끝맺는 짧은 분량의 소설로, 주로 하나의 인물이나 순간을 중심으로 전개되는 작품.han pyeo neu ro i ya gi reul kkeun maen neun jjal beun pul lyang ui so seol lo chu ro ha na ui in mu ri na sun ga neul chung si meu ro cheon gae doe neun chak pum

Word origin

The Sino-Korean term combines elements meaning short and piece, describing a work that is complete despite its limited length.

Usage tips

  • Unlike the English label short story, this Korean term can also describe a short work in another medium, with context showing whether it is literary or filmed.

Other meanings

  • short filmnoun
  • fragmentnoun

Opposites

  • 장편changpyeonfull-length worknoun

Related words

  • 단편소설tanpyeonsoseolshort storynoun
  • 단편집tanpyeonjipshort story collectionnoun

Word lists with this word