감독
gamdok[ka̠mdo̞k̚]
The Korean word for director is 감독 (gamdok).
감독 is the most commonly used term for director in formal situations, typically referring to film, theater or any similar artistic field.
Meaning: someone who directs (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 감독 refers to a director (like a film or sports director), the term 연출가 is used specifically for a creative director or stage director in performing arts. 경영진 is generally used in business settings to refer to a director, executive or member of the management team. 이사 is a term commonly used in corporate contexts, referring to directors or members of a board of directors.
How do you pronounce it?
gamdok
Did you know?
- In South Korea, sports coaches are called 감독 instead of 'coach'. This places them in the same professional category as film directors.
- While an English speaker might call a film director 'the director', a Korean speaker might use the title 감독님 to show respect, adding the honorific suffix 님.
- The components of 감독 can be split into 'to oversee' and 'to observe', suggesting that a director's role is essentially one of constant supervision.
Examples in context
- 그 영화 감독은 정말 유명해요.geu yeonghwa gamdok-eun jeongmal yumyeonghaeyo.That movie director is really famous.
- 감독님이 현장에 오셨어요.gamdok-nimi hyeonjang-e osyeosseoyo.The director has arrived at the scene.
- 새로운 감독을 찾는 중이에요.saeroun gamdok-eul chatneun jung-ieyo.We are in the middle of looking for a new director.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyun are talking about a movie they just watched.
- 민지 Min-ji이 영화 정말 멋지지 않아요?i yeonghwa jeongmal meotjiji anayo?Isn't this movie really cool?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 감독의 연출력이 대단하네요.ne, gamdog-ui yeonchulryeog-i daedanhane-yo.Yes, the director's directing skill is amazing.
- 민지 Min-ji감독이 누구인지 찾아볼까요?gamdog-i nuguinji chajabolkayo?Shall we look up who the director is?
- 도현 Do-hyeon좋아요, 지금 바로 확인해 봐요.joayo, jigeum baro hwaginhae bwayo.Sounds good, let's check right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 감독, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 감독, CC BY-SA 4.0.
