사진
sajin[sʰa̠d͡ʑin]
In Korean, 사진 (sajin) is the word for photo.
To express the action of taking a photo, it is typically paired with the verb 찍다 (to take/shoot) to form the phrase 사진을 찍다.
Meaning: to take a photograph (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 사진 refers to the photograph itself, the related word 사진기 refers to the camera device used to take them.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the photo is the subject of a sentence, you use the subject marker 이 after 사진 (as in 사진이). When the photo is the object of an action, such as taking or sending it, use the object marker 을 (as in 사진을).
How do you pronounce it?
sajin
Did you know?
- The word 사진 literally means 'to depict truth', originating from the Hanja characters 寫 meaning 'to depict' and 眞 meaning 'truth'.
- In Korean culture, people often make a 'V' sign with their fingers when 사진을 찍다 to symbolize 'victory' or 'peace'.
- Korean has a specific term for the 'best' photo in a series, often referred to as a 'life shot' (인생샷), meaning the best photo of one's life.
Examples in context
- 어제 찍은 사진 좀 보내줄래?Could you send the photo that was taken yesterday?This sentence is useful for asking someone to send a 사진 taken in the past.Tatoeba #8298202 by ljj, translation #8861372 by alpucca
- 이 사진은 10월에 찍힌 사진 같아.I think this photo was taken in October.This sentence is useful for describing when a 사진 appears to have been taken.Tatoeba #8361804 by Eunhee, translation #7514995 by CK
- 단체 사진을 찍읍시다.Let's get a group photo.This sentence is useful for suggesting that the group take a 사진 together.Tatoeba #7342096 by yesjustryan, translation #5178446 by CK
- 선생님, 저는 사진을 찍으려고 카메라를 사왔어요.Teacher, I bought a camera to take pictures.
- 할머니께서 사진을 액자에 넣으셨어요.Grandma put the photo in the picture frame.
- 너, 어제 사진 찍은 거 보여줄래?Hey, can you show me the pictures you took yesterday?
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are at a beautiful cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 여기서 사진 한 장 찍어줄래요?Hyeonu ssi, yeogiseo sajin han jang jjigeojullaeyo?Hyunwoo, can you take a photo of me here?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 여기 서 보세요.Ne, yeogi seo boseyo.Yes, please stand here.
- 민지 Min-ji사진이 정말 잘 나왔어요!Sajini jeongmal jal nawasseoyo!The photo came out really well!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 예쁘게 찍혔네요.Jeongmal yeppeuge jjikhyeotneyo.It was taken very beautifully.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 사진, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 사진, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
