Korean word

일반인

Pronunciation

Romanizationilbanin

Meaning

  • nounordinary person

Example

이 동네에는 일반인이 많아요.i tong ne e neun il ba ni ni ma na yo

There are many ordinary people in this neighborhood.

Illustration for 일반인 (ordinary person)

More examples

이 문제는 일반인 수준에서는 어렵다.i mun je neun il ba nin su ju ne seo neun eo ryeop tta

This problem is difficult for the average person.

Core concept

An everyday member of the public who is not defined by a special rank, role, or area of expertise.

Common phrases

  • 일반인 수준il ba nin su jun

    level of the average person

  • 일반인 대상il ba nin tae sang

    for the general public

Similar words

보통 사람potong saram: A person whose life and qualities are much like those of most people.
평범한 사람pyeongbeomhan saram: A person living an ordinary life who attracts little special attention.

Definition in Korean

특별한 지위나 자격이 없고 일상에서 보는 보통의 사람을 이르는 말.teuk ppyeol han chi wi na cha gyeo gi eop kko il sang e seo po neun po tong ui sa ra meul i reu neun mal

Word origin

일반인 (ilbanin, "ordinary person") is formed from Sino-Korean elements meaning general and person, which gives it its broad social meaning.

Usage tips

  • The term has a formal, report-like tone, so everyday conversation often uses more familiar expressions instead.

Other meanings

  • the general publicnoun
  • laypersonnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word