극장
geukjang[kɯk̚t͡ɕ͈a̠ŋ]
The English word "theater" is 극장 (geukjang) in Korean.
극장 refers to a theater as a place or building.
Meaning: place or building (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 극장 can refer to any theater, 영화관 is the more specific and common term used for a modern movie theater. Additionally, the term 공연장 is often used instead of 극장 when referring specifically to a venue for live performances like concerts or plays.
How do you pronounce it?
geukjang
Did you know?
- When discussing a 'theater of war' or a 'theater of operations', Koreans do not use 극장. Instead, they use the term 전구 (戰區), which literally means 'war zone'.
- Korean has a specific word, 마당놀이, for a traditional form of theater performed in an open courtyard. This differs from 극장 because it breaks the 'fourth wall' and involves direct interaction with the audience.
- The word 영화 in the common term 영화관 (movie theater) literally translates to 'shadow picture'.
Examples in context
- 그는 극장에 가길 좋아한다.He loves going to the theater.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for going to the theater using 극장.Tatoeba #11105901 by intertime, translation #1312934 by CK
- 극장에 가자.Let's go to the theater.This sentence is useful for suggesting a trip to the theater using 극장.Tatoeba #13236456 by atitarev, translation #9535692 by DJ_Saidez
- 극장 앞에서 만납시다.Let's meet in front of the theater.This sentence is useful for arranging a meeting point in front of the theater using 극장.Tatoeba #1587181 by JanAson, translation #238478 by CK
- 저는 극장에서 연극을 보는 것을 좋아해요.I enjoy watching plays at the theater.
- 이 동네에 소극장이 있을까요?Is there a small theater in this neighborhood?
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Hyunwoo are discussing where to watch a movie.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 근처에 큰 극장이 있어요.Hyunwoo-ssi, geuncheoe keun geukjang-i isseoyo.Hyunwoo, there is a large theater nearby.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo거기가 시설이 좋아요?geogiga siseori joayo?Is the facility there good?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 그 극장은 아주 깨끗해요.ne, geu geukjang-eun aju kkaekkeuthaeyo.Yes, that theater is very clean.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럼 거기서 영화를 봐요.geureom geogiseo yeonghwaleul bwayo.Then let's watch a movie there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “theater” translations and entries 극장, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
