Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 광대 | gwangdae | [ˈkwa̠(ː)ŋdɛ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈkwa̠(ː)ŋde̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 어릿광대 | eoritgwangdae | [ʌ̹ɾit̚k͈wa̠ŋdɛ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ʌ̹ɾit̚k͈wa̠ŋde̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 피에로 | piero | [pʰie̞ɾo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In a broader sense, 광대 can refer to any traditional Korean entertainer or performer, not just a circus clown. To specifically describe a buffoon or a silly clown who acts foolishly for comedy, you can use 어릿광대.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 어릿광대 adds the prefix 어릿– (meaning foolish or silly) to 광대 (performer) to specifically denote a buffoon or a clown who acts foolishly for comedic effect.
Which one should you use?
While 광대 refers to a traditional performer or clown, 피에로 is a loanword from the French 'Pierrot' and is more commonly used to describe the specific Western-style circus clown with white face paint.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix –짓 to 광대 creates a noun 광대짓 that refers to the act of clowning around or acting like a clown, often with a slightly derogatory nuance.
How do you pronounce it?
gwangdae
Did you know?
- The word 광대 is also a homonym for the 'cheekbone' in Korean anatomical terms.
- The term 광대 was used for traditional Korean street performers who often used satire to criticize the ruling class.
- The word 광대 was originally used to mean 'mask' before it came to describe the people wearing them.
Examples in context
- 광대가 유머 감각이 탁월해요.The clown has an excellent sense of humor.
- 그 배우는 흥분된 광대로 변신했어요.That actor transformed into an excited clown.
- 서커스에서 광대를 봤어요.seokeoseueseo gwangdaereul bwasseoyo.I saw a clown at the circus.
- 그 광대는 정말 웃겨요.geu gwangdaeneun jeongmal utgyeoyo.That clown is really funny.
- 광대가 무대 위로 올라왔어요.gwangdaega mudae wiro ollawasseoyo.A clown came onto the stage.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are at a circus.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 저 광대 좀 보세요!Minji ssi, jeo gwangdae jom boseyo!Minji, look at that clown!
- 민지 Min-ji정말 웃기게 생겼네요.jeongmal utgigé saenggyeonneyo.He looks really funny.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지금 공을 던지려고 해요.jigeum gong-eul deonjiryeogo haeyo.He is about to throw a ball now.
- 민지 Min-ji와, 정말 대단한 기술이에요!wa, jeongmal daedanhan gisureyo!Wow, that's an amazing skill!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clown” translations and entries 광대, 어릿광대, 피에로, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 광대, 피에로, CC BY-SA 4.0.
