신성
sinseong[ɕʰinsʰʌ̹ŋ]
The English phrase 'nova' is translated into Korean as 신성 (sinseong).
신성 is a noun used to describe the sudden brightening of a star.
Meaning: sudden brightening of a star (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the characters for 'new' (신) and 'star' (성), literally meaning 'new star'.
Which one should you use?
While 신성 refers to a nova, the specific term used for a supernova is 초신성.
How do you pronounce it?
sinseong
Did you know?
- In Korean pop culture, 신성 is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a 'rookie' or a rising star in a professional field.
- Because the word 신성 uses the same characters for 'new star' as it does for 'sacred' or 'holy', it can be a homonym in conversation.
- Because 신성 is a Sino-Korean word, it shares the same root characters as the Japanese word for nova, shinsē.
Examples in context
- 안녕하세요, 저는 노바입니다.Hello, I am Nova.
- 노바님, 질문이 있습니다.Excuse me, Nova, I have a question.
- 안녕, 노바야!Hey, Nova!
- 노바, 오늘 같이 놀자!Nova, let's hang out today!
- 망원경으로 신성을 관측했다.mangwongyeok-euro sinseong-eul gwancheok-haetda.I observed a nova through a telescope.
- 갑자기 신성이 나타났다.gapjagi sinseong-i natanatda.Suddenly, a nova appeared.
Example conversation
Ji-hun and Seo-yeon are looking at the night sky together.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 저기 밝은 빛이 보여요?Seoyeon ssi, jeogi balgeun bich-i boyeoyo?Seo-yeon, do you see that bright light over there?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 혹시 저게 신성일까요?ne, hok-si jeoge sinseong-il-kkayo?Yes, could that possibly be a nova?
- 지훈 Ji-hun그럴 가능성이 매우 높아요.geureol ganeung-seong-i mye-u nop-ayo.There is a very high possibility.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 신기하고 아름답네요.jeong-mal singi-hago areum-dam-neyo.It is truly amazing and beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nova” translations and entries 신성, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
