드라마
deurama[tɯɾa̠ma̠]
The English phrase "drama" is translated into Korean as 드라마 (deurama).
In Korean, 드라마 is used specifically to refer to television dramas.
Meaning: dramatic situation (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish 드라마 from 연극, which is the term used to refer to theatrical performances, both traditional and modern.
How do you pronounce it?
deurama
Did you know?
- Unlike in English where 'drama' can mean a conflict between friends, using 드라마 to describe a personal argument would sound like you are comparing your life to a TV show.
- In Korea, 드라마 often refers to a 'miniseries' with a predetermined end date, rather than an open-ended series that runs for years.
- In Korean pop culture, the term 드라마 is often inseparable from the word 본방 (original broadcast), which refers to watching a show at its scheduled time rather than via streaming.
Examples in context
- 새로운 TV 드라마가 꽤 재미있어.The new TV drama is quite interesting.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 드라마 when talking about a new TV series.Tatoeba #13254130 by atitarev, translation #242293 by CM
- 오늘 새로운 드라마 볼래?Do you want to watch a new drama today?
- 최근에 저는 한국 드라마를 좋아하게 됐어요.Lately, I've started liking Korean dramas.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends talking about a surprising event at school.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo오늘 학교에서 정말 드라마 같은 일이 있었어.oneul hakgyo-eseo jeongmal deurama gateun iri isseosseo.Something really like a drama happened at school today.
- 민지 Min-ji정말? 무슨 일인데 그렇게 말해?jeongmal? museun irinde geureoke malhae?Really? What happened that you're saying that?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo갑자기 전학생이 내 첫사랑이었어!gapjagi jeonhaksaengi nae cheotsarang-ieosseo!Suddenly the transfer student was my first love!
- 민지 Min-ji와, 진짜 드라마네!wa, jinja deuramane!Wow, that really is a drama!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 드라마, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
