내향적인 사람
naehyangjeogin saram
The English phrase 'introvert' is translated into Korean as 내향적인 사람 (naehyangjeogin saram).
The term refers to one who focuses primarily on their own mind, feelings or affairs.
Meaning: one who focuses primarily on their own mind, feelings, or affairs (noun)
Which one should you use?
You can also use the antonym 외향적인 사람 to mean 'extrovert', where the prefix 외 (oe) means 'outside'.
How do you pronounce it?
naehyangjeogin saram
Did you know?
- In modern Korean social media and pop culture, the term I-형 (I-type) is frequently used instead of 내향적인 사람 to describe introverts, referring to the MBTI personality test.
- While 내향적인 사람 describes a personality type, Koreans often use the word 집순이 for women or 집돌이 for men to describe an introvert who loves staying at home.
- The word 사람 used in this phrase actually comes from an ancient root meaning 'to live'. Historically, calling someone a 'person' was equivalent to saying they are 'one who is alive'.
Examples in context
- 내향적인 사람은 아무것도 없는 작은 방에서 더없이 행복하지.An introvert is perfectly happy in a tiny little room with nothing.This sentence is useful for describing the happiness an introvert might find in a small, empty room using 내향적인 사람.Tatoeba #8855595 by Eunhee, translation #8855565 by Hybrid
- 저는 내향적인 사람이에요.jeoneun naehyangjeogin saram-ieyo.I am an introvert.
- 그는 내향적인 사람이라 혼자 있는 것을 좋아해요.geuneun naehyangjeogin saram-ira honja inneun geoseul joahaeyo.He is an introvert, so he likes being alone.
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are talking about their personalities.
- 민준 Min-jun서연 씨는 외향적인 성격인가요?seoyeon ssineun oehyangjeogin seonggyeogingayo?Seoyeon, do you have an extroverted personality?
- 서연 Seo-yeon아니요, 저는 사실 내향적인 사람이에요.aniyo, jeoneun sasil naehyangjeogin saramieyo.No, I'm actually an introvert.
- 민준 Min-jun정말요? 전혀 그렇게 안 보여요.jeongmalyo? jeonhyeo geureoke an boyeoyo.Really? You don't seem like one at all.
- 서연 Seo-yeon집에 가면 에너지를 충전해야 하거든요.jibe gamyeon eneojireul chungjeonhaeya hageodeunyo.That's because I need to recharge my energy when I go home.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 사람, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
