광인
gwang'in[kwa̠ŋin]
The Korean word for 'maniac' (insane person) is 광인 (gwang'in). Wiktionary also lists 미치광이 (michigwang'i).
Meaning: insane person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 광인 | gwang'in | [kwa̠ŋin] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 미치광이 | michigwang'i | [mit͡ɕʰiɡwa̠ŋi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
What does it mean word for word?
The word 미치광이 is derived from the verb 미치다 (to go mad) combined with the noun suffix –광이 (referring to a person with a specific trait or obsession).
Which one should you use?
광인 is a more formal or literary term for a madman compared to the more colloquial 미치광이. If you want to describe an enthusiast or devotee, use 열광자. For an informal way to describe an avid fan, use 광팬.
How do you pronounce it?
gwang'in
When do people say it?
When specifying that someone is a maniac about a particular subject, such as a band, you can use the phrase 밴드 매니아.
Did you know?
- The root 광 (gwang) in 광인 is the same character used in 광화문, the famous main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, but there it means 'light' instead of 'madness'.
- While 미치광이 describes a madman, the root verb 미치다 can also mean 'to reach' or 'to extend to' in a physical or metaphorical sense.
- While 미치광이 sounds very strong and sometimes insulting, it can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is 'crazy good' at a skill.
Examples in context
- 그는 축구 매니아로 유명하다.He is famous for being a soccer maniac.
- 우리 동네에 K-pop 광팬들이 많이 있다.There are many K-pop fanatics in our neighborhood.
- 그는 소설 속의 광인이다.geuneun soseol sogui gwanginida.He is a maniac in the novel.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihoon are discussing a movie they just watched.
- 수빈 Su-bin영화 속 악당은 정말 광인 같았어.yeonghwa sok akdang-eun jeongmal gwangin gat-asseo.The villain in the movie was really like a maniac.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아, 표정이 너무 무서웠어.maja, pyojeong-i neomu museoweosseo.Right, his expression was so scary.
- 수빈 Su-bin그런 광인이 실제로 있다면 어떨까?geureon gwangin-i silje-ro itdamyen eotteolkka?What would it be like if such a maniac existed in real life?
- 지훈 Ji-hun생각만 해도 정말 끔찍해.saenggak-man haedo jeongmal kkeumjjik-hae.It's terrifying just thinking about it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maniac” translations and entries 광인, 미치광이, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
