감상문
gamsangmun
The English word 'review' (as a critical evaluation of a work) can be translated into Korean as 감상문 (gamsangmun) or 리뷰.
Meaning: account intended as a critical evaluation of a text or a piece of work (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 감상문 | gamsangmun | |
| 리뷰 | ribyu | [ɾibju] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, the term for a review depends on whether you are discussing an artistic impression or a consumer-oriented rating. For example, the phrase 리뷰를 남기다 is commonly used in the context of online shopping or apps to mean 'to leave a review'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 감상문 is composed of 감상 (impression/appreciation) and 문 (writing/text), literally meaning an 'essay of appreciation/impression'.
Which one should you use?
Use 감상문 when referring to a more formal or academic essay expressing one's feelings or impressions about a book, movie or art piece. Use the loanword 리뷰 when referring to modern, consumer-oriented reviews, such as product reviews, restaurant reviews or online ratings.
How do you pronounce it?
gamsangmun
Did you know?
- In Korean digital culture, 'review' content is often categorized as 내돈내산 (naedon-naesan), a slang phrase meaning 'bought with my own money' to prove the review is not a paid advertisement.
- In the context of online shopping, leaving a 리뷰 often involves a specific custom of uploading 'proof photos' to gain trust from other buyers, which is more culturally emphasized in Korea than in some Western markets.
- In South Korean schools, writing a 감상문 is often a mandatory homework assignment after a field trip or a required reading, turning a 'personal impression' into a formal academic requirement.
Examples in context
- 어제 회의를 끝낸 후 회사의 성과를 평가했어요.After finishing the meeting yesterday, we reviewed the company's performance.
- 이 문제를 검토한 후에 여러 가지 해결책을 고려해 보아야 해요.After reviewing this problem, we have to consider various solutions.
- 제품을 구매하기 전에 다른 사람들의 리뷰를 확인하세요.Before purchasing the product, please check reviews from other people.
- 이 영화 리뷰를 읽었는데, 완전 대박이었어!I read the review of this movie, and it was absolutely fantastic!
- 영화 감상문을 써야 해요.yeonghwa gamsangmuneul sseoya haeyo.I have to write a movie review.
- 그 책의 감상문은 어땠나요?geu chaegui gamsangmuneun eottaennayo?How was the review of that book?
- 감상문을 제출하고 나서 왔어요.gamsangmuneul jechulhago naseo wasseoyo.I came after submitting the review.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun are talking about a class assignment.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 감상문 다 썼어요?Jihun ssi, gamsangmun da sseosseoyo?Jihun, did you finish the review?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아니요, 아직 쓰고 있어요.aniyo, ajik sseugo isseoyo.No, I am still writing it.
- 민지 Min-ji내용이 많이 어려워요?naeyong-i mani eoryeowoyo?Is the content very difficult?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 생각할 게 많네요.ne, saenggakhal ge mannneyo.Yes, there is a lot to think about.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “review” translations and entries 리뷰, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
