기독교인
gidokgyoin[kido̞k̚k͈join]
In Korean, the English phrase "christian" is translated as 기독교인 (gidokgyoin). Wiktionary also lists 그리스도인 (geuriseudoin) and 기독교도 (gidokgyodo).
Meaning: member of the Christian religion (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 기독교인 | gidokgyoin | [kido̞k̚k͈join] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 그리스도인 | geuriseudoin | |
| 기독교도 | gidokgyodo | [kido̞k̚k͈jodo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 크리스천 | keuriseucheon | [kxɯɾisʰɯt͡ɕʰʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The terms are used to refer to a person who adheres to the Christian religion. To refer to the religion itself, use 기독교.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 기독교인 is composed of 기독교, meaning Christianity and 인, meaning person.
Which one should you use?
기독교인 is the standard, most common way to refer to a Christian in a general or formal context. 그리스도인 is a more theological term meaning "follower of Christ" and is often preferred in more devout or academic religious contexts. 크리스천 is a transliteration of the English word "Christian" and is often used in casual conversation or within church communities. 기독교도 is another way to express the concept.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
gidokgyoin
Did you know?
- The word 기독교 is actually a phonetic transcription of the Chinese characters for 'Christ' used in early translations. It was adapted to create a sound that resembled the word 'Christ' in East Asian languages.
- In South Korea, if someone asks if you are 기독교인, they are often specifically asking if you are a Protestant rather than a Catholic.
- When speaking about someone's faith in a polite way, Koreans might use the phrase 믿음이 있는 사람, which literally translates to 'a person who has faith', rather than using a specific noun for 'Christian'.
Examples in context
- 저는 기독교인이지만, 돼지 고기는 먹지 않아요.I'm a Christian, but I don't eat pork.This sentence is useful for stating one's religious identity while mentioning dietary restrictions using 기독교인.Tatoeba #8674270 by LeeSooHa, translation #8674257 by LeeSooHa
- 제가 기독교인입니다.I am a Christian.
- 그 친구는 그리스도인이야.That friend is a Christian.
- 그는 독실한 기독교인이에요.geuneun doksilhan gidogyoini-eyo.He is a devout Christian.
- 기독교인으로서 봉사하고 싶어요.gidogyoini-roseo bongsahago sipeoyo.I want to serve as a Christian.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are talking about their backgrounds.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨는 기독교인인가요?Minji ssinun gidokgyoin-ingayo?Minji, are you a Christian?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 저는 어릴 때부터 기독교인이었어요.ne, jeonun eoril ttaebuteo gidokgyoin-ieosseoyo.Yes, I have been a Christian since I was young.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그렇군요. 저는 종교가 없어요.geureokunyo. jeonun jonggyoga eopseoyo.I see. I don't have a religion.
- 민지 Min-ji괜찮아요. 사람마다 다르니까요.gwaenchanayo. sarammada dareunikayo.That's okay. Everyone is different.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “christian” translations and entries 기독교인, 기독교도, 크리스천, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 기독교도, 기독교인, 크리스천, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
