일반
ilban[iɭba̠n]
The Korean word for "general" (meaning involving every part or member, not specific or particular) is 일반 (ilban).
일반 is a versatile term used in various contexts to mean "general" or "common". It is the antonym of 특수, which means "special", "particular" or "specific". It is combined with the character 인 (person) to form 일반인, which means "the general public" or "an ordinary person".
Meaning: involving every part or member, not specific or particular (adj)
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter 일반적 and 일반적인, which are used to express "general" or "typical" as an attributive adjective.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 일반 can be transformed into the adjective form 일반적인 to modify other words in a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
ilban
Did you know?
- While 일반인 means 'ordinary person', it is frequently used in Korean media to distinguish a non-celebrity from a public figure.
- The term 일반 is composed of the characters for 'one' and 'sort' or 'kind', literally meaning 'one kind' of thing.
- When describing a 'general' truth or 'general' consensus, Koreans often use 일반적 as a way to soften a claim and avoid sounding too aggressive or absolute.
Examples in context
- 1917년, 알베르트 아인슈타인은 일반 상대성 이론을 바탕으로 우주에 대한 설명을 제안했습니다.In 1917, Albert Einstein proposed a description of the universe based on his Theory of General Relativity.This sentence uses 일반 in the context of the Theory of General Relativity.Tatoeba #12401408 by gratified3539, translation #3957946 by Hybrid
- 그 작품은 일반에게 최초로 공개됐다.The work was for the first time shown to the general public.This sentence uses 일반 to refer to the general public.
- 한국 역사에는 유명한 장군들이 많이 있었습니다.Korean history has had many famous generals.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Min-jun are discussing a new store's opening hours.
- 지은 Ji-eun이 가게의 일반 영업 시간은 언제예요?i gage-ui ilban yeong-eop sigan-eun eonjeyeyo?What are the general business hours for this store?
- 민준 Min-jun보통 오전 10시부터 오후 8시까지예요.botong ojeon yeolsi-buteo ohu yeodeolsi-kkajiyeyo.Usually, it is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- 지은 Ji-eun주말에도 일반 시간과 같나요?jumaredo ilban sigan-gwa gatnayo?Is it the same as the general hours on weekends?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 주말에도 운영 시간이 같아요.ne, jumaredo unyeong sigan-i gat-ayo.Yes, the operating hours are the same on weekends.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 일반, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 일반, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
