공연
gong'yeon[ko̞ŋjʌ̹n]
The Korean word for performance is 공연 (gong'yeon). Wiktionary also lists 연주 (yeonju).
Meaning: live show or concert (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 공연 | gong'yeon | [ko̞ŋjʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 연주 | yeonju | [ˈjɘ(ː)ɲd͡ʑu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
공연 is the standard term used for theater plays, dance performances and general stage shows. If you want to describe a performance as impressive or cool, you can say 멋있었어. If you want to express that you are looking forward to a show, you can say 기대돼. To show appreciation for a performer's effort, you can say 잘했어 to mean 'Well done' or 'Good job'.
Which one should you use?
While 공연 refers to a general performance or show, 연주 specifically refers to a musical performance involving an instrument. Additionally, the term 연주회 is used to specifically refer to a musical performance or concert.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of performing or putting on a show, use the noun 공연 with the verb 하다 (to do) in the form 공연을 하다.
How do you pronounce it?
gong'yeon
Did you know?
- In South Korea, it is common to see fans holding 'fan chants' during a 공연 where they shout specific lyrics or names in unison to support the performer.
- The term 공연 uses the character 公, which means 'public' or 'common', implying that a performance is something intended for the public eye rather than a private practice.
- In the context of K-pop, a 'performance' often refers specifically to the choreography and stage presence, even if the artist is using a backing track.
Examples in context
- 이번 주에 어떤 공연이 있나요?What performances are there this week?
- 그 연주회는 어땠나요?How was that performance?
- 요즘 공연 활동을 열심히 하고 있어.I've been working hard on my performance activities recently.
- 오늘 공연 정말 좋았어요.oneul gong-yeon jeongmal joat-eoyo.Today's performance was really good.
- 내일 공연 티켓이 있어요?naeil gong-yeon tiket-i isseoyo?Do you have tickets for tomorrow's performance?
- 그 공연은 아주 유명해요.geu gong-yeon-eun aju yumyeong-haeyo.That performance is very famous.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Dohyun are talking about a concert.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨, 이번 공연에 가요?do-hyeon ssi, i-beon gong-yeon-e ga-yo?Dohyun, are you going to this performance?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 정말 기대하고 있어요.ne, jeong-mal gi-dae-ha-go iss-eo-yo.Yes, I'm really looking forward to it.
- 서연 Seo-yeon저도 가고 싶었는데 표가 없네요.jeo-do ga-go sip-eot-neun-de pyo-ga eops-ne-yo.I wanted to go too, but there are no tickets.
- 도현 Do-hyeon취소 표가 있는지 같이 찾아봐요.chwi-so pyo-ga it-neun-ji gat-i cha-ja-bwa-yo.Let's look together to see if there are canceled tickets.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “performance” translations and entries 공연, 연주, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 공연, 연주, CC BY-SA 4.0.
