Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 리더 | rideo | [ɾidʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 지도자 | jidoja | [t͡ɕido̞d͡ʑa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 수령 | suryeong | [sʰuɾjʌ̹ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 통솔자 | tongsolja | [ˈtʰo̞(ː)ŋsʰo̞ʎt͡ɕ͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, the term used for a leader depends heavily on whether you are using a modern loanword or a traditional term and the specific political or social role the person holds.
What does it mean word for word?
The formal term 지도자 is composed of 지도 (guidance/direction) and 자 (person), literally meaning 'a person who provides guidance'. The term 통솔자 is composed of 통솔 (command/control) and 자 (person), meaning someone who commands or directs a group.
Which one should you use?
리더 is a loanword from English and is common in modern, casual or business contexts. 지도자 is the standard, formal term often used in political, social or historical contexts. 통솔자 refers more specifically to a commander or one who controls/leads a group. 수령 refers specifically to a supreme leader and carries heavy political connotations, most notably associated with North Korean leadership.
How do you pronounce it?
rideo
When do people say it?
In modern Korean, the English loanword for 'leadership' is frequently used as 리더십 to describe the quality of being a leader.
Did you know?
- The word 리더 can be an ambiguous loanword in Korean, as it is phonetically identical to the English word 'reader'.
- In modern business settings, Koreans often prefer the loanword 리더 over 지도자 because it feels more egalitarian and less like a top-down hierarchy.
- The word 수령 is so heavily associated with the North Korean state that using it in South Korea to describe a general leader can sound unnervingly political or dated.
Examples in context
- 지혜로운 리더는 언제 들어야 할지를 안다.A wise leader knows when to listen.This sentence illustrates the use of 리더 to describe a wise person.Tatoeba #6305198 by Queserasera, translation #4949478 by CK
- 난 사람들이 존경할 수 있는 지도자가 되고 싶어.I want to be a leader that people can respect.This sentence shows how to use 지도자 when expressing a desire to be a respected figure.Tatoeba #8425083 by Eunhee, translation #5193405 by CK
- 가톨릭교를 믿지 않는 사람들조차 교황을 상징적인 리더로 우러러본다.Even people who don't believe in the Catholic church venerate the Pope as a symbolic leader.This sentence demonstrates the use of 리더 in a symbolic context.Tatoeba #4568838 by imjcooper, translation #1940 by imjcooper
- 지도자로서의 역할은 중요합니다.The role of a leader is important.
- 리더님께서 오늘도 좋은 업적을 이루셨어요.Leader, you have achieved great accomplishments again today.
- 우리 팀의 리더는 정말 멋진 사람이야.The leader of our team is a really cool person.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are discussing their group project.
- 민준 Min-jun우리 팀에 새로운 리더가 필요해.uri tim-e saeroun rideoga piryohae.Our team needs a new leader.
- 수빈 Su-bin그럼 민준 씨가 해보는 건 어때요?geureom Minjun ssiga haeboneun geon eottaeyo?Then how about you try it, Minjun?
- 민준 Min-jun제가 리더를 잘 할 수 있을까요?jega rideoreul jal hal su isseulkkayo?Do you think I can be a good leader?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 책임감이 강하니까 충분히 가능해요.ne, chaegimgami ganghanikka chungbunhi ganeunghaeyo.Yes, you have a strong sense of responsibility, so it's definitely possible.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leader” translations and entries 리더, 지도자, 수령, 통솔자, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 리더, 수령, 지도자, 통솔자, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
