neutral
very common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 사람 (salam) in everyday conversations when referring to an individual or discussing characteristics of people. For instance, you might hear it while asking someone about their friends ('그 사람은 누구예요?' - 'Who is that person?') or in more formal settings, such as in a presentation about social issues.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 인간 (in-gan), which specifically refers to 'human' and can carry a philosophical connotation. You might choose 사람 when talking about specific individuals in everyday life, while 인간 is more likely used in discussions about humanity or moral philosophy.
Culture
The word 사람 (salam) comes from the classical Chinese character '人' which also means 'person.' In Korean culture, there is a strong emphasis on community and relationships, making the word particularly significant in social contexts. Interestingly, the word is also used in various compound terms, such as 사람들 (saramdeul), which means 'people' and reflects the collectivist nature of Korean society.
FAQ
Q.What does the Korean word 사람 mean?
The word 사람 (salam) means 'person' in English. It is used to refer to an individual human being in a variety of contexts, both formal and informal.
Q.How do you use 사람 in a sentence?
You can use the word 사람 in sentences like '저 사람은 친절해요.' which means 'That person is kind.' It’s versatile and can fit many sentence structures.
Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 사람?
A common mistake is confusing 사람 with 인간 (in-gan). Remember that 사람 is for specific individuals, while 인간 refers to humans in a broader sense, often in discussions about humanity.