TOPIK · Level 322
15 words
Korean word
초상화
Pronunciation
Romanizationchosanghwa
Meaning
- nounportrait
Example
화가는 의뢰인의 초상화를 그렸다.hwa ga neun ui roe i nui cho sang hwa reul keu ryeot tta
The painter painted a portrait of the client.
More examples
할머니의 초상화를 보며 가족 이야기를 나눴다.hal meo ni ui cho sang hwa reul po myeo ka jok i ya gi reul na nwot tta
We talked about family stories while looking at our grandmother's portrait.
Core concept
A carefully painted likeness that captures one person's face and expression.
Common phrases
초상화를 그리다cho sang hwa reul keu ri da
paint a portrait
초상화를 보다cho sang hwa reul po da
look at a portrait
초상화를 걸다cho sang hwa reul keol da
hang a portrait
Similar words
사진sajin: A camera image provides a visual record that can be viewed again later.
인물사진inmulsajin: A photograph frames one person as the main subject, from face to full body.
Definition in Korean
한 사람의 얼굴과 표정을 중심으로 닮게 그린 인물의 그림han sa ra mui eol gul gwa pyo jeong eul chung si meu ro tam kke keu rin in mu rui keu rim
Word origin
This Sino-Korean compound combines elements meaning likeness, image, and painting, forming the idea of a painting made to resemble a person.
Usage tips
- English can use portrait for a photograph as well as an artwork, but this Korean word usually points to a painted work rather than a snapshot.
Related words
- 초상화가chosanghwagaportrait painternoun
- 초상화집chosanghwajipportrait collectionnoun
- 초상사진chosangsajinportrait photographnoun