온라인
onnain[o̞nna̠in]
The English phrase "online" is 온라인 (onnain) in Korean.
온라인 is used as an adjective meaning "connected to the Internet".
Meaning: connected to the Internet (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 온라인 is the adjective, its direct antonym is 오프라인, which means "offline".
How do you pronounce it?
onnain
Did you know?
- In Korea, 오프라인 is often used to describe 'real life' experiences, even if those experiences do not involve a computer or internet connection.
- When talking about shopping 온라인, Koreans frequently use the term 직구, which refers specifically to buying products online directly from overseas stores.
- The phrase 온라인 is frequently paired with the word 상담 to describe the ubiquitous culture of 'online counseling' used for everything from banking to medical queries.
Examples in context
- 그 사람은 항상 온라인이에요.That person is always online.
- 온라인 수업을 들어요.on-ra-in su-eop-eul deul-eo-yo.I take online classes.
- 온라인 쇼핑을 좋아해요.on-ra-in syo-ping-eul jo-a-hae-yo.I like online shopping.
- 온라인 게임을 하고 있어요.on-ra-in ge-im-eul ha-go iss-eo-yo.I am playing an online game.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a classmate's status on a messaging app.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨, 지금 온라인이에요?Dohyeon ssi, jigeum onlain-ieyo?Dohyeon, are you online now?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 저 온라인이에요. 왜요?ne, jeo onlain-ieyo. waeyo?Yes, I am online. Why?
- 서연 Seo-yeon숙제 파일 좀 보내주세요.sukje pail jom bonaejuseyo.Please send me the homework file.
- 도현 Do-hyeon알겠어요. 바로 보낼게요.algesseoyo. baro bonaelgeyo.I got it. I will send it right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 온라인, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
