낯선 사람
natseon saram
The English word "stranger" is translated into Korean as 낯선 사람 (natseon saram).
The phrase refers to a person whom one does not know.
Meaning: person whom one does not know (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective 낯선, meaning unfamiliar or strange and the noun 사람, meaning person.
Which one should you use?
While 낯선 사람 emphasizes the "unfamiliarity" or "strangeness" of the person, 모르는 사람 is a more common, functional way to describe someone you simply do not know.
How do you pronounce it?
natseon saram
Did you know?
- The adjective 낯선 comes from the noun 낯, which refers specifically to the 'face'.
- The word for person, 사람, literally translates to 'one who lives'. It is derived from the verb 'to live', implying that a person is fundamentally a living being.
- In Korean culture, calling someone a 낯선 사람 can imply a sense of psychological alienation or eeriness rather than just a lack of acquaintance.
Examples in context
- 낯선 사람을 조심하세요.natseon sarameul josimhaseyo.Be careful of strangers.
- 낯선 사람이 길을 물어봤어요.natseon sarami gireul murobwasseoyo.A stranger asked for directions.
- 그곳에는 낯선 사람도 많아요.geugoseneun natseon saramdo manhayo.There are many strangers there too.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Do-hyeon are walking in a park.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨, 저 낯선 사람이 누굴까요?Dohyeon ssi, jeo natseon sarami nugulkkayo?Do-hyeon, who is that stranger?
- 도현 Do-hyeon글쎄요, 처음 보는 사람 같은데요.geulsseyo, cheoeum boneun saram gatneundeyo.I'm not sure, they look like someone I've never seen before.
- 지은 Ji-eun계속 우리를 쳐다보는 것 같아요.gyesok urireul chyeodaboneun geot gatayo.I think they keep staring at us.
- 도현 Do-hyeon빨리 여기서 자리를 옮겨요.ppalli yeogiseo jarireul omggyeoyo.Let's move from here quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stranger” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 사람, CC BY-SA 4.0.
