대통령
daetongnyeong[ˈtɛ(ː)tʰo̞ŋɲʌ̹ŋ]
The Korean word for president is 대통령 (daetongnyeong). Wiktionary also lists 총통 (chongtong).
Meaning: the head of state of a republic (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 대통령 | daetongnyeong | [ˈtɛ(ː)tʰo̞ŋɲʌ̹ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈte̞(ː)tʰo̞ŋɲʌ̹ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 총통 | chongtong | [ˈt͡ɕʰo̞(ː)ŋtʰo̞ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [t͡ɕʰo̞ŋtʰo̞ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term 대통령 is the standard way to refer to the head of state of a republic, such as the President of South Korea.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 대통령 is composed of 대 meaning great and 통령 meaning commander or leader.
Which one should you use?
While both terms can translate to president, 대통령 is the standard term for a republican president. In contrast, 총통 is often associated with authoritarian or historical figures, such as the German 'Führer' and is not used for the South Korean presidency.
How do you pronounce it?
daetongnyeong
Did you know?
- The term 총통 contains the character 총 which can also mean 'gun' or 'firearm', creating a linguistic link to weaponry that is absent in the term for a republican president.
- The spelling and structure of 대통령 reflects a historical linguistic path where Japanese terminology helped shape modern East Asian political vocabulary.
- If you were to use the word 총통 in a modern political discussion in South Korea, you would likely be accused of insulting the person's legitimacy.
Examples in context
- 난 이번 대통령이 싫어.I hate the new president.This sentence shows how to express a personal opinion about a president using 대통령.Tatoeba #12401381 by Arcsine, translation #11863352 by Lebensfreude
- 대통령 탄핵 미국 너네도 할 수 있어.You guys in America can impeach your president too.This sentence uses 대통령 in the context of impeachment.Tatoeba #13125715 by Uwe, translation #13161038 by atitarev
- 그 대통령은 경찰의 석궁 사용을 승인했다.The president approved the use of crossbows by the police.This sentence shows 대통령 being used in a sentence regarding official approval.Tatoeba #3698237 by Queserasera, translation #3698235 by Jesse
- 한국의 대통령은 국내외에서 존경받는다.The president of South Korea is respected domestically and internationally.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing the news about a national election.
- 수빈 Su-bin누가 다음 대통령이 될까?nuga da-eum daetongnyeong-i doelkka?Who will be the next president?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아직은 잘 모르겠어.ajigeun jal moreugesseo.I'm not sure yet.
- 수빈 Su-bin새로운 대통령이 필요해.saeroun daetongnyeong-i piryohae.We need a new president.
- 지훈 Ji-hun나도 그렇게 생각해, 수빈아.nado geureoke saenggakhae, Subin-a.I think so too, Subin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “president” translations and entries 대통령, 총통, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 대통령, 총통, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
