인기 있는
in'gi inneun
The English phrase 'popular' is translated into Korean as 인기 있는 (in'gi inneun).
인기 있는 is used to describe something or someone that is liked by many people. For a common way to express that something is popular within a complete sentence, you can also use the phrase 인기가 많다, which literally means 'to have much popularity'.
Meaning: liked by many people (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 인기 있는 is a modifier form made of the noun 인기 (popularity) and the verb 있다 (to exist or to have). It literally translates to 'one that has popularity'.
How does it change in a sentence?
인기 있는 acts as a modifier. To express the idea of being popular in a full sentence, the phrase 인기가 많다 (meaning 'to have much popularity') is a very common alternative.
How do you pronounce it?
in'gi inneun
Did you know?
- The word 인기 is a borrowing from the Japanese word 'ninki'. This shows how certain modern concepts of 'popularity' in East Asia were shared through linguistic exchange.
- The root 인기 consists of the characters for 'person' and 'energy' or 'spirit'. It describes popularity as a tangible aura or energy emanating from a person.
- Korean speakers often use 인기 in the phrase 인기 폭발, which literally means 'popularity explosion'. This is used to describe a sudden or overwhelming surge in fame.
Examples in context
- 테니스는 매우 인기 있는 운동종목이다.Tennis is a very popular sport.This sentence is useful for describing a popular sport using 인기 있는.Tatoeba #11597093 by cherryband, translation #13163536 by sarakabocha
- 그 배우는 한국에서 인기 있는 스타입니다.That actor is a popular star in Korea.
- 이 영화는 대중적인 흥행을 거두었습니다.This movie achieved popular success.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new restaurant in the city.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 이 식당 정말 인기 있는 곳인가요?ji-hun ssi, i sik-dang jeong-mal in-gi it-neun gos-in-ga-yo?Jihoon, is this restaurant really a popular place?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 요즘 아주 인기 있는 맛집이에요.ne, yo-jeum a-ju in-gi it-neun mat-jip-i-e-yo.Yes, it is a very popular restaurant lately.
- 지은 Ji-eun사람들이 정말 많네요.sa-ram-deul-i jeong-mal man-ne-yo.There are really many people.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그러니까요, 줄을 서서 기다려야 해요.geu-reo-ni-kka-yo, jul-eul seo-seo gi-da-ryeo-ya hae-yo.I know, you have to stand in line and wait.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “popular” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 인기, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
