아시아인
asiain[a̠ɕʰia̠in]
The English phrase "asian" can be translated into Korean as 아시아인 (asiain).
아시아인 is a term used to describe someone from the continent of Asia.
Meaning: of, relating to or from Asia (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
아시아인 is composed of 아시아, meaning Asia and 인, meaning person.
Which one should you use?
While 아시아인 refers to anyone from the continent of Asia, 동양인 (often translated as Oriental or Eastern person) is frequently used to refer specifically to people from East Asia within a traditional or cultural context. Additionally, 동아시아인 specifically denotes a person from or descended from people from East Asia.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
asiain
Did you know?
- While 아시아인 is a neutral term, the more common 동양인 literally means 'Eastern person'. This reflects a traditional Korean worldview that divides the world into 'East' and 'West' rather than by continental borders.
- The suffix 인 in 아시아인 is a Hanja character meaning 'person'. This same character is used across Chinese and Japanese to denote nationality or ethnicity, creating a shared linguistic root for 'person' across East Asia.
- In everyday conversation, Koreans rarely use 아시아인 to describe themselves. They are far more likely to use the specific nationality, such as 한국인 for 'Korean person'.
Examples in context
- 그 사람은 아시아인이다.That person is Asian.
- 나는 남아시아인들과 일하고 있다.I am working with South Asians.
- 우리 동남아 여행 계획 좀 봐봐.Let's check out our Southeast Asian travel plans.
- 그는 동양인 교환 학생이야.He is an East Asian exchange student.
- 그는 전형적인 아시아인이에요.geuneun jeonhyeongjeogin asiain-ieyo.He is a typical Asian.
- 아시아인 친구를 사귀고 싶어요.asiain chin-gureul sagwigo sipeoyo.I want to make Asian friends.
- 그녀는 아시아인으로서 자부심이 강해요.geunyeoneun asiain-eureoseo jabusimi ganghaeyo.She has strong pride as an Asian.
Example conversation
Ji-hun and Min-ji are discussing a famous artist's background.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 화가는 아시아인인가요?i hwaganeun asia-in-ingayo?Is this artist Asian?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 한국인이라고 들었어요.ne, hangugin-irago deureosseoyo.Yes, I heard they are Korean.
- 지훈 Ji-hun작품에서 아시아인 특유의 분위기가 나요.jakpum-eseo asia-in teugyuyeun bunwigiga nayo.The work has a uniquely Asian atmosphere.
- 민지 Min-ji맞아요, 정말 아름다워요.majayo, jeongmal areumdawoyo.That's true, it is really beautiful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 아시아인, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아시아인, CC BY-SA 4.0.
