재능 있는
jaeneung inneun
The English phrase "talented" is translated into Korean as 재능 있는 (jaeneung inneun).
재능 있는 is used to describe someone who is endowed with talents. For example, you can say 재능 있는 사람 to mean "a talented person" by placing the phrase directly before the noun 사람 (person).
Meaning: endowed with talents (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun 재능 (talent) and the verb 있다 (to exist/to have) in its adjectival form.
Which one should you use?
You may also see the more grammatically complete form 재능이 있는, which is created by adding the subject marker 이 after 재능.
How does it change in a sentence?
재능 있는 functions as an adjectival phrase used to modify the noun that follows it.
How do you pronounce it?
jaeneung inneun
Did you know?
- While 재능 있는 describes innate ability, Koreans often use the word 금손 'golden hand' to specifically describe someone talented at crafts, drawing or gaming.
- When praising a performer, you might hear the word 끼 (kki), which describes a specific type of 'talented' charm or showmanship that cannot be easily taught.
- In Korean culture, it is common to deflect praise for being 재능 있는 by attributing the skill to luck or hard work to avoid appearing arrogant.
Examples in context
- 김 대표는 재능 있는 사업가입니다.Mr. Kim is a talented entrepreneur.
- 그 작곡가는 능숙한 음악가입니다.That composer is a skillful musician.
- 그 애는 진짜 재능이 있는 축구 선수야!That kid is a truly talented soccer player!
- 그는 수학에 재능 있는 학생입니다.geuneun suhage jaeneung inneun haksaengimnida.He is a student talented in mathematics.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are talking about a music performance.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 저 피아니스트 정말 재능 있는 것 같아요.Minjun ssi, jeo pianiseuteu jeongmal jaeneung inneun geot gatayo.Minjun, I think that pianist is really talented.
- 민준 Min-jun맞아요. 연주가 정말 놀라워요.majayo. yeonjuga jeongmal nollawoyo.You're right. The performance is amazing.
- 수빈 Su-bin어린 나이에 저렇게 재능 있는 게 부러워요.eorin naie jeoreoke jaeneung inneun ge bureowoyo.I'm jealous that they are so talented at such a young age.
- 민준 Min-jun노력도 많이 했을 거예요.noryeokdo mani haesseul geoyeyo.They probably worked very hard too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “talented” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
