달인
darin[ta̠ɾin]
The phrase "master" (to learn to a high degree) in Korean is expressed as 달인 (darin).
Meaning: to learn to a high degree (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
darin
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, when addressing someone with a high level of expertise or accomplishment, the formal term 선생님 can be used, which is similar to the English term 'teacher'.
Did you know?
- In modern slang, 달인 is sometimes used ironically to describe someone who is an 'expert' at something negative, such as procrastinating or making excuses.
- In Korean media, the term 달인 is often used in popular television segments to profile people who have performed a single, mundane task with incredible efficiency for decades.
- While 달인 describes a master of a craft, it is rarely used to address someone directly in conversation. Using it as a title can sound like you are describing them in a documentary rather than speaking to them.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are talking about their hobbies.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨는 기타를 정말 잘 치네요.minji ssinun gitareul jeongmal jal chineyo.Minji, you play the guitar really well.
- 민지 Min-ji감사해요. 기타 달인이 되는 게 꿈이에요.gamsahaeyo. gita darin-i doeneun ge kkum-ieyo.Thank you. It's my dream to become a master of the guitar.
- 지훈 Ji-hun매일 연습하시나 봐요.maeil yeonseup-hasina bwayo.I guess you practice every day.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 조금씩 노력하고 있어요.ne, jogeumssik noryeok-hago isseoyo.Yes, I am putting in effort little by little.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 달인, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
