아이돌
aidol[a̠ido̞ɭ]
The English phrase "idol" can be translated into Korean as 아이돌 (aidol) or 우상.
Meaning: cultural icon, especially popular person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 아이돌 | aidol | [a̠ido̞ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 우상 | usang | [ˈu(ː)sʰa̠ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term 아이돌 is a loanword specifically used to refer to pop music idols or K-pop stars. It is the common way to discuss celebrities within the music industry or pop culture. You can also use the term K-pop 아이돌 to say "K-pop idol" in Korean.
Which one should you use?
아이돌 is a colloquial loanword used specifically for pop music idols or K-pop stars.
How do you pronounce it?
aidol
Did you know?
- In Korea, the concept of an 아이돌 includes a strict 'idol image' that often involves avoiding public dating to remain an idealized fantasy for fans.
- While 아이돌 refers to pop stars, the word 우상 is often used in a religious context to mean a 'false god' or a 'graven image'.
- Korean fans often use the term 최애, meaning 'most loved', to specify which particular 아이돌 is their favorite in a group.
Examples in context
- 나는 K-pop 아이돌을 사랑해요.I love K-pop idols.
- 그는 아이돌이 되는 꿈을 꾸고 있어요.He dreams of becoming an idol.
- 그는 유명한 아이돌이에요.geuneun yumyeonghan aidol-ieyo.He is a famous idol.
- 저는 아이돌 연습생이에요.jeoneun aidol yeonseupsaeng-ieyo.I am an idol trainee.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a music concert.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준 씨, 어떤 아이돌을 제일 좋아해요?Minjun ssi, eotteon aidoreul jeil joahae-yo?Minjun, which idol do you like the most?
- 민준 Min-jun저는 요즘 이 그룹이 정말 좋아요.jeoneun yojeum i geurubi jeongmal joayo.I really like this group lately.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요, 그 아이돌들은 춤을 정말 잘 춰요.majayo, geu aidol-deureun chumeul jeongmal jal chwo-yo.That's true, those idols dance really well.
- 민준 Min-jun그래서 이번 콘서트에 가고 싶어요.geuraeseo ibeon konseoteue gago sipeoyo.That's why I want to go to this concert.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idol” translations and entries 아이돌, 우상, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
