TOPIK · Level 310
15 words
Korean word
수필
Pronunciation
Romanizationsupil
Meaning
- nounessay
Example
나는 신문에서 수필을 읽었다.na neun sin mu ne seo su pi reul il geot tta
I read an essay in the newspaper.
More examples
그녀는 개인 블로그에 수필을 연재하고 있다.keu nyeo neun kae in peul lo geu e su pi reul yeon jae ha go it tta
She is posting a series of essays on her personal blog.
Core concept
A personal piece of writing that explores thoughts and feelings in a relaxed, free-form way.
Common phrases
수필을 쓰다su pi reul sseu da
write an essay
수필 공모전su pil kong mo jeon
essay contest
수필 작품su pil chak pum
essay piece
Similar words
에세이esei: A short personal reflection that presents thoughts or experiences in a flexible written form.
칼럼kalleom: A brief article that offers opinions or explanations about social issues or everyday topics.
일기ilgi: A private record of daily events and personal feelings.
Definition in Korean
개인의 느낌이나 생각을 가볍고 자유롭게 풀어 쓴 글.kae i nui neu kki mi na saeng ga geul ka byeop kko cha yu rop kke pu reo sseun keul
Word origin
The Sino-Korean compound is based on the Chinese characters for following and writing brush, suggesting writing that follows the writer's thoughts freely.
Usage tips
- English essay can sound like a school assignment or an argument, while this Korean word often points to more personal reflective writing.