그림
geurim[ˈkɯ(ː)ɾim]
In Korean, painting is translated as 그림 (geurim). Wiktionary also lists 회화 (hoehwa).
Meaning: an illustration or artwork using paint (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 그림 | geurim | [ˈkɯ(ː)ɾim] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 회화 | hoehwa | [ˈɸwe̞(ː)βwa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈhø̞(ː)βwa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term 그림 is a broad term that can refer to both drawings and paintings.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 그림 is derived from the verb 그리다, which means 'to draw' or 'to paint'.
Which one should you use?
While 그림 is a general term for a drawing or a painting, 회화 is a more formal and academic term that specifically refers to the art of painting as a discipline, often used to denote fine art painting.
How do you pronounce it?
geurim
Did you know?
- The formal word for painting, 회화, is a homonym with the word for 'conversation'. While spelled differently in Hanja, they are pronounced identically in modern Korean.
- The word 그림 can be used in the idiom 그림이 된다, which literally means 'it becomes a painting' but is used to describe a scene that looks aesthetically perfect or ideal.
- Korean has a specific term 그림체 which refers to a particular artist's unique 'painting style' or 'signature line'.
Examples in context
- 그는 그림에 재능이 있었다.He had a talent for painting.This sentence is useful for describing someone's talent for the 그림.Tatoeba #2881455 by cueyayotl, translation #1079599 by keira_n
- 나는 회화를 매우 좋아해요.I really like painting.
- 이 작품은 어떤 페인팅 기법을 사용했나요?What painting technique did they use in this artwork?
- 벽에 그림이 걸려 있어요.byeoge geurimi geollyeo isseoyo.There is a painting hanging on the wall.
- 이 그림은 정말 아름다워요.i geurimeun jeongmal areumdawoyo.This painting is truly beautiful.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Minjun are visiting an art gallery.
- 서연 Seo-yeon민준 씨, 이 그림 보세요.Minjun ssi, i geurim boseyo.Minjun, look at this painting.
- 민준 Min-jun색감이 정말 아름답네요.saekgami jeongmal areumdapneyo.The colors are truly beautiful.
- 서연 Seo-yeon누가 그린 그림일까요?nuga geurin geurim-ilkkayo?I wonder who painted this painting?
- 민준 Min-jun여기 설명에 적혀 있어요.yeogi seolmyeonge jeokhyeo isseoyo.It is written here in the description.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “painting” translations and entries 그림, 회화, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
