전시하다
jeonsihada[ˈt͡ɕɘ(ː)nɕʰiɦa̠da̠]
The English phrase "show" can be translated into Korean as 전시하다 (jeonsihada) or 보이다.
Meaning: to display (verb)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 전시하다 | jeonsihada | [ˈt͡ɕɘ(ː)nɕʰiɦa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 보이다 | boida | [po̞ida̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Depending on the context, "show" can mean displaying items or letting someone see something. If you are referring to a broadcast program or entertainment, you can use the loanword 쇼 or the word 프로그램. For entertainment in a broader sense, you might also use 흥행. For specific types of shows, use 공연 for a general formal performance like a concert or dance recital, 연극 for a theatrical play, 콘서트 for a concert and 영화 상영 for a movie screening.
Which one should you use?
전시하다 is used specifically for exhibiting or displaying items in a formal setting, such as a museum or a gallery. In contrast, 보이다 is the general, everyday verb used when you show something to someone or when something becomes visible.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
jeonsihada
Did you know?
- The loanword 쇼 is rarely used for a museum exhibit, but it is frequently used to describe a 'showy' or pretentious performance of emotions, similar to the English phrase 'putting on a show'.
- The verb 보이다 can function as both a passive form, meaning 'to be seen', and a causative form, meaning 'to show', depending on the grammatical context.
- When a Korean person wants to 'show' someone the way or give directions, they often use a different verb entirely, such as 안내하다, meaning 'to guide'.
Examples in context
- 오늘 공원에서 공연을 보러 갈 거예요.I'm going to the park to watch a show today.
- 어제 연극을 봤어?Did you watch the theater performance yesterday?
- 네, 공연 정말 멋있었어!Yes, the show was really impressive!
- 이번 주말에 콘서트에 갈 거야?Are you going to the concert this weekend?
- 네, 열심히 연습해서 기대 돼!Yes, I'm excited because I've been practicing hard for it!
- 박물관에서 그림을 전시하다.bakmulgwaneseo geurimeul jeonsihada.To display paintings in a museum.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “show” translations and entries 전시하다, 보이다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 보이다, 전시하다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
