저자
jeoja[t͡ɕʌ̹d͡ʑa̠]
The English word author is translated into Korean as 저자 (jeoja). Wiktionary also lists 글쓴이 (geulsseuni) and 지은이 (jieuni).
Meaning: originator or creator of a work (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 저자 | jeoja | [t͡ɕʌ̹d͡ʑa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈt͡ɕɘ(ː)d͡ʑa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 글쓴이 | geulsseuni | [kɯɭs͈ɯni] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 지은이 | jieuni | [t͡ɕiɯni] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 작자 | jakja | [t͡ɕa̠k̚t͡ɕ͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 필자 | pilja | [pʰiʎt͡ɕ͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
These terms are used to refer to the originator or creator of a work.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 지은이 is a native Korean construction where 지은 comes from the verb 지다 (to build/make/write) and 이 is a person-suffix, meaning 'the one who made/built it'.
Which one should you use?
In contrast, 글쓴이 is a more casual and descriptive term, literally meaning 'the person who wrote the text'. 필자 is a formal term used primarily by the author themselves when referring to themselves in a written piece (e.g., 'The author believes…').
How do you pronounce it?
jeoja
Did you know?
- Some linguists suggest that the Middle Korean form of 저자 may be related to a Proto-Japanese root.
- The word 작자 is a Sino-Korean term, but in modern casual speech, it can sometimes carry a slightly derogatory or mocking tone, implying 'that person' or 'the fellow' who did something.
- The native Korean word for author 지은이 comes from the verb 짓다, which is used not only for writing but also for building a house or making kimchi.
Examples in context
- 저자인 김지영은 정말로 훌륭한 소설가입니다.Kim Jiyoung, the author, is a truly exceptional novelist.
- 이 책의 저자는 한국의 역사 전문가입니다.The author of this book is a Korean history expert.
- 저번 주말에 작가님이 새로운 소설을 발표했어요.The author released a new novel last weekend.
- 이 책의 저자는 누구인가요?i chaegui jeojaneun nuguingayo?Who is the author of this book?
- 저자가 매우 유명해요.jeojaga maeu yumyeonghaeyo.The author is very famous.
- 저자의 의도를 파악하기 어려워요.jeoja-ui uidoreul pa-akhagi eoryeowoyo.It is difficult to grasp the author's intention.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Hyeon-u are discussing a book at a cafe.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 이 소설의 저자가 누구인지 알아요?hyeonu ssi, i soseolui jeoja-ga nuguinji arayo?Hyeon-u, do you know who the author of this novel is?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo글쎄요, 저자가 외국인이라고 들었어요.geulsseyo, jeojaga oegugin-irago deureosseoyo.Well, I heard the author is a foreigner.
- 지은 Ji-eun그 저자의 문체가 참 독특하네요.geu jeoja-ui munchega cham dokteukhaeneyo.That author's writing style is quite unique.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo맞아요, 지은 씨도 그렇게 생각해요?majayo, jieun ssi-do geureoke saeng-gak-haeyo?True, do you think so too, Ji-eun?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “author” translations and entries 저자, 글쓴이, 지은이, 작자, 필자, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 글쓴이, 작자, 저자, 지은이, CC BY-SA 4.0.
