혼혈
honhyeol
The English phrase 'mixed race' is translated into Korean as 혼혈 (honhyeol).
혼혈 is used to describe a person who has parents from two or more different racial groups. While it can function as a noun, it is frequently used as a noun modifier to describe a person's background.
How does it change in a sentence?
By adding the suffix 인 (person) to 혼혈, you create the noun 혼혈인, which is a way to refer specifically to a mixed-race person.
How do you pronounce it?
honhyeol
Did you know?
- Historically, the term 혼혈 was heavily associated with the aftermath of the Korean War and the presence of American soldiers, creating a specific social stigma that lasted for decades.
- In Korean pop culture, particularly in K-pop, being 혼혈 is often marketed as a beauty advantage, creating a contrast with the historical social difficulties mixed-race people faced.
- Because Korean culture emphasizes 'pure blood' (단일민족), the concept of 혼혈 was long viewed as a disruption of national identity rather than just a personal characteristic.
Examples in context
- 철수 씨는 한국과 미국 혼혈인이에요.Mr. Cheolsu is of Korean and American mixed heritage.
- 저희 가족은 다른 문화를 갖고 있는 혼혈 가정이에요.Our family is a mixed race family with different cultures.
- 수빈은 혼혈인 친구야.Subin is a friend who is mixed race.
- 우리 반에도 혼혈 학생들이 있어.We have mixed race students in our class too.
- 그는 혼혈이에요.geuneun honhyeolieyo.He is mixed race.
- 혼혈 모델이 정말 많아요.honhyeol moderi jeongmal manayo.There are many mixed-race models.
- 혼혈 친구가 한 명 있어요.honhyeol chinguga han myeong isseoyo.I have one mixed-race friend.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are talking about a new actor in a drama.
- 민준 Min-jun저 배우는 혼혈인가 봐요.jeo baeureuneun honhyeolinga bwayo.That actor seems to be mixed race.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아요, 정말 매력적이에요.majayo, jeongmal maeryeokjeogieyo.That's right, he is very charming.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨는 혼혈 모델을 좋아해요?subin ssineun honhyeol modereul joahaeyo?Subin, do you like mixed-race models?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 아주 좋아해요.ne, aju joahaeyo.Yes, I like them very much.
