배우
bae'u[pɛu]
The English word actor is translated into Korean as 배우 (bae'u). Wiktionary also lists 연기자 (yeon'gija) and 남우 (namu).
Meaning: dramatic performer (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 배우 | bae'u | [pɛu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [pe̞u] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
|
| 연기자 | yeon'gija | [ˈjɘ(ː)nɡid͡ʑa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 남우 | namu | [na̠mu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 여우 | yeou | [jʌ̹u] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 남배우 | nambae'u | [na̠mbɛu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [na̠mbe̞u] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
masculine |
| 여배우 | yeobae'u | [jʌ̹bɛu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [jʌ̹be̞u] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
feminine |
The primary term for a dramatic performer is 배우. You can also use 연기자 to refer to an actor or performer.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 연기자 is composed of 연기, meaning acting and the suffix 자, which means person.
Which one should you use?
배우 is the most common general term for an actor. In contrast, 연기자 is a slightly more formal or technical term, often used in professional contexts to mean 'performer'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While 배우 is the standard word, 연기자 is a more formal option. Additionally, the term 남우 is used in formal contexts such as professional awards, specifically for 'Best Actor' (남우주연상).
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify gender, you can add the prefix 남 (male) to 배우 to create 남배우 or the prefix 여 (female) to create 여배우.
How do you pronounce it?
bae'u
Did you know?
- If you use the word 여우 to describe someone in a joking way, you might actually be calling them a 'sly fox' rather than an 'actress'.
- In modern Korean pop culture, the term 연기돌 is a portmanteau combining 연기자 (actor) and 'idol', describing K-pop stars who transition into acting.
- While 배우 is the general word for actor, the word 연기 meaning 'acting' is also used to describe the 'acting' or 'performance' of a non-human object or a deceptive person.
Examples in context
- 이 배우는 처음 들어본다.I've never heard of this actor.This sentence is useful for saying you have never heard of a specific 배우.Tatoeba #11105818 by intertime, translation #56631 by AlanF_US
- 톰은 아주 헌신적인 배우야.Tom is a very dedicated actor.This sentence is useful for describing someone as a dedicated 배우.Tatoeba #8367147 by Eunhee, translation #8351207 by CK
- 이 배우는 들어본 적이 없다.I have never heard of this actor.This sentence is useful for stating you have no prior knowledge of a particular 배우.Tatoeba #11105817 by intertime, translation #1479257 by weihaiping
- 그 배우는 뛰어난 연기자입니다.That actor is an outstanding performer.
- 배우로서 따뜻한 감정을 전달합니다.As an actor, he/she conveys warm emotions.
- 저기요, 배우님! 사진 찍어도 될까요?Excuse me, Mr./Ms. Actor! May I take a photo?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ji-hun and Min-ji are watching a movie together.
- 지훈 Ji-hun저 배우 정말 연기를 잘하네요.jeo baeu jeongmal yeongireul jalhaneyo.That actor is really good at acting.
- 민지 Min-ji맞아요. 표정 연기가 아주 훌륭해요.majayo. pyojeong yeongiga aju hullyunghae-yo.You're right. Their facial expressions are great.
- 지훈 Ji-hun어떤 배우인지 찾아봐야겠어요.eotteon baeu-inji chajabwayagesseoyo.I should look up which actor this is.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 저 배우 이름이 여기 있어요.Ji-hun ssi, jeo baeu ireumi yeogi isseoyo.Ji-hun, the actor's name is right here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “actor” translations and entries 배우, 연기자, 남우, 여우, 남배우, 여배우, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
