사진
sajin[sʰa̠d͡ʑin]
Photography in Korean is 사진 (sajin).
사진 refers to the general concept of photography. When you want to express the action of taking a photo, you most commonly use the noun 사진 with the verb 찍다 to form the phrase 사진을 찍다.
Meaning: art and technology of producing images on photosensitive surfaces (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 사진 is the general term for photography, 사진촬영 is used to express photography in a more specific manner and 사진기술 is used specifically when referring to the technical aspects of photography.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'to take a photo', the noun 사진 is paired with the verb 찍다 in the phrase 사진을 찍다.
How do you pronounce it?
sajin
Did you know?
- The word 사진 literally translates to 'to depict the truth'. This reflects an early philosophical view that a photograph is a faithful representation of reality.
- While English speakers 'take' or 'capture' a photo, Koreans use the verb 찍다, which is the same word used for 'stamping' a seal or 'clapping' hands.
- Because 사진 is a Sino-Korean word, it shares the same linguistic roots as the word for photography in Chinese and Japanese.
Examples in context
- 오늘은 사진촬영을 할 예정입니다.Today, we have plans for photography.
- 제가 사진기술에 관심이 많습니다.I have a lot of interest in photography techniques.
- 사진에 대해서 관심이 많아.I'm really interested in photography.
- 사진 찍는 것을 좋아해요.I like taking photos.
- 그는 사진에 관심이 많아요.geuneun sajin-e gwansim-i manh-ayo.He is very interested in photography.
- 사진 기술이 정말 발전했어요.sajin gisul-i jeongmal baljeon-haesseoyo.Photography technology has improved a lot.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨는 취미가 뭐예요?minji ssineun chwimiga mwoyeyo?Minji, what is your hobby?
- 민지 Min-ji저는 사진 찍는 것을 좋아해요.jeoneun sajin jjikneun geoseul joahaeyo.I like photography.
- 지훈 Ji-hun와, 사진 정말 멋지네요!wa, sajin jeongmal meotjineyo!Wow, your photography is really cool!
- 민지 Min-ji감사합니다, 지훈 씨.gamsahamnida, jihun ssi.Thank you, Jihoon.
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.
