Korean word

시민

Pronunciation

Romanizationsimin

Meaning

  • nouncitizen

Example

시민들이 공원에서 모였다.si min deu ri kong wo ne seo mo yeot tta

Citizens gathered in the park.

Illustration for 시민 (citizen)

More examples

그는 시민 운동에 참여했다.keu neun si min un dong e cha myeo haet tta

He participated in a civic movement.

Core concept

A person seen as part of a community, with both the rights to receive public protection and the duties to support society.

Common phrases

  • 시민 운동si min un dong

    civic movement

  • 시민의 권리si mi nui kwol li

    citizens' rights

  • 시민 안전si min an jeon

    citizen safety

Similar words

주민chumin: A person living in a certain neighborhood, town, or other local area.
국민kungmin: A recognized member of a nation with legal rights and responsibilities.
유권자yugwonja: A voter who is entitled to choose leaders in an election.

Definition in Korean

도시나 사회의 구성원으로서 일정한 권리와 의무를 가진 사람to si na sa hoe ui ku seong wo neu ro seo il jeong han kwol li wa ui mu reul ka jin sa ram

Word origin

Formed from Sino-Korean elements meaning city and people, the word developed from the idea of an urban resident into a member of a civic society.

Usage tips

  • In news and public-policy contexts, this word signals that the topic involves people as participants in society, not just people living in a particular place.

Opposites

Related words

  • 시민사회siminsahoecivil societynoun
  • 시민권simingwoncitizenshipnoun

Word lists with this word