저는 흑인입니다
jeoneun heugin-imnida
The English phrase "I am black" is expressed in Korean as 저는 흑인입니다 (jeoneun heugin-imnida).
This phrase is used to identify oneself as a person of Black racial descent.
What does it mean word for word?
The term for a Black person, 흑인, is a compound consisting of 흑 meaning black and 인 meaning person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 저는 흑인입니다 utilizes the formal polite ending -입니다.
How do you pronounce it?
jeoneun heugin-imnida
Did you know?
- Korean often uses the word 검다 for 'black' when describing skin tone, whereas 흑 is used for objects or racial categories. Using 검다 to describe a person's race can sound overly descriptive or unnatural.
- Because Korea is historically a mono-ethnic society, people may respond to 저는 흑인입니다 with curiosity or questions about nationality rather than just race.
- While 흑인 is the standard term, you may encounter the older term 깜둥이. This word is now widely recognized as a derogatory slur and should be avoided.
Examples in context
- 아니오, 저는 흑인입니다.No, I am black.
- 괜찮아요, 근데 피부가 좀 검은 것 같아요.It's fine, but my skin looks a bit dark.
- 영어 잘하는 거 아니에요. 그냥 흑인 때문에 그런 거예요.It's not that I'm good at English, it's just because I'm black.
- 저는 흑인입니다.jeoneun heuginimnida.I am Black.
- 저는 흑인입니다, 맞아요.jeoneun heuginimnida, majayo.I am Black, that's right.
- 사실 저는 흑인입니다.sasil jeoneun heuginimnida.Actually, I am Black.
Example conversation
Two people are introducing themselves at a language exchange meeting.
- 서연 Seo-yeon자기소개 부탁드려요.jagisogae butakdeuryeoyo.Please introduce yourself.
- 지훈 Ji-hun반가워요. 저는 흑인입니다.bangawoyo. jeoneun heugin-imnida.Nice to meet you. I am black.
- 서연 Seo-yeon만나서 반가워요, 지훈 씨.mannaseo bangawoyo, Jihun ssi.Nice to meet you, Jihun.
- 지훈 Ji-hun감사합니다, 서연 씨.gamsahamnida, Seoyeon ssi.Thank you, Seoyeon.
