Korean word

인물

Pronunciation

Romanizationinmul

Meaning

  • nouncharacter

Example

그 영화에는 중요한 인물이 한 명 나온다.keu yeong hwa e neun chung yo han in mu ri han myeong na on da

One important character appears in the movie.

Illustration for 인물 (character)

More examples

회의에 중요한 인물이 참석했다.hoe ui e chung yo han in mu ri cham seo kaet tta

An important person attended the meeting.

Core concept

A notable figure whose presence or actions matter within a group or narrative.

Common phrases

  • 주요 인물chu yo in mul

    major figure

  • 중요한 인물chung yo han in mul

    important person

  • 유명한 인물yu myeong han in mul

    famous figure

Similar words

사람saram: One individual human being, viewed in ordinary everyday terms.
등장인물teungjanginmul: A story, play, or movie figure who takes part in its events.
캐릭터kaerikteo: A recognizable set of traits and behavior that gives a person or story figure a distinct identity.
유명인yumyeongin: A well-known public figure.

Definition in Korean

어떤 집단이나 이야기에서 역할이나 영향력이 크고 주목받는 사람을 이르는 말.eo tteon chip tta ni na i ya gi e seo yeo ka ri na yeong hyang nyeo gi keu go chu mok ppan neun sa ra meul i reu neun mal

Word origin

인물 (inmul, "person or figure") is a Sino-Korean formation from 인 (in, "person") and 물 (mul, "thing"), used for a person with a notable role or presence.

Usage tips

  • It often suits formal descriptions when the speaker wants to highlight why someone matters rather than merely identify that person.

Other meanings

  • important personnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 인물사진inmulsajinportrait photographnoun
  • 인물화inmulhwaportrait paintingnoun
  • 인물상inmulsangcharacter portrayalnoun

Word lists with this word