작가
jakga[t͡ɕa̠k̚k͈a̠]
The English word "writer" is translated into Korean as 작가 (jakga). Wiktionary also lists 저자 (jeoja) and 필자 (pilja).
Meaning: person who writes, an author (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 작가 | jakga | [t͡ɕa̠k̚k͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 저자 | jeoja | [t͡ɕʌ̹d͡ʑa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈt͡ɕɘ(ː)d͡ʑa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 필자 | pilja | [pʰiʎt͡ɕ͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 글쓴이 | geulsseuni | [kɯɭs͈ɯni] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 작자 | jakja | [t͡ɕa̠k̚t͡ɕ͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
What does it mean word for word?
The term 글쓴이 is a compound consisting of 글 (writing/text), the verb stem of 쓰다 (to write) and the suffix -이 (person/one), literally meaning "the one who wrote the text".
Which one should you use?
작가 is the most common and neutral term used for a professional writer or author. In contrast, 저자 is a formal term for an author typically found in academic or legal contexts, though it is less common in daily conversation. If you are writing an essay or an article and wish to refer to yourself in the third person (similar to saying "the author" in English), use 필자. For a person who simply enjoys writing or writes frequently, the informal term 글쟁이 can be used.
How do you pronounce it?
jakga
Did you know?
- The formal term 저자 may share an ancient connection with Proto-Japanese roots.
- The term 필자 literally means 'brush person', reflecting a historical period when all writing was done with an ink brush.
- The term 작가 literally translates to 'maker' and 'expert' combined, suggesting that a writer is someone who crafts a professional craft rather than just someone who writes words.
Examples in context
- 문학 작품의 세계에는 많은 훌륭한 '작가'들이 있습니다.In the world of literary works, there are many excellent 'writers.'
- 나는 아마추어 '글쟁이'지만, 글쓰기를 정말 좋아해요.I am an amateur 'writer,' but I really enjoy writing.
- 그는 유명한 소설 작가입니다.geuneun yumyeonghan soseol jakga-imnida.He is a famous novel writer.
- 저는 웹툰 작가가 되고 싶어요.jeoneun webtun jakga-ga doego sipeoyo.I want to be a webtoon writer.
- 좋은 작가는 독자의 마음을 읽습니다.joeun jakga-neun dokja-ui maeum-eul ilgseumnida.A good writer reads the reader's heart.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing career goals at a cafe.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨는 꿈이 뭐예요?Minji-ssi-neun kkum-i mwoyeyo?Minji, what is your dream?
- 민지 Min-ji저는 멋진 작가가 되고 싶어요.jeoneun meotjin jakga-ga doego sipeoyo.I want to be a wonderful writer.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 멋진 목표네요!jeongmal meotjin mokpyo-neyo!That is a really wonderful goal!
- 민지 Min-ji응원해 줘서 고마워요, 도현 씨.eungwonhae jwoseo gomawayo, Dohyeon-ssi.Thank you for your support, Dohyeon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “writer” translations and entries 작가, 저자, 필자, 글쓴이, 작자, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 글쓴이, 작가, 저자, 필자, CC BY-SA 4.0.
