성인 — meaning in English: adult

seong · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for adult

성인

seong

이론

ilon

판사

pansa

목적

mogjeog

지구

jigu

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 성인 when discussing age-related topics, such as legal responsibilities or eligibility for certain activities like voting or drinking. For instance, in an informal gathering, someone might refer to their friend's new '성인' status upon turning 20, which is a significant age in South Korea.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is '어른' (eoreun), which also means 'adult' but carries a nuance of maturity and responsibility. While 성인 can be used in legal or formal contexts, 어른 is more commonly used in familial or social situations to convey respect.

Culture

The term 성인 comes from the Sino-Korean roots, where '성' (seong) means 'to be born' or 'to grow up,' and '인' (in) means 'person.' This reflects how adulthood is viewed as a significant milestone in Korean culture, often celebrated with a ceremony known as '성년식' (seongnyeonsik), marking the transition to adulthood at age 20. Interestingly, the significance of age in Korean society means that being labeled a 성인 often involves a level of respect and expectation.

FAQ

Q.What is the age of 성인 in Korea?

In South Korea, the age of 성인 is considered to be 20 years old, which is when individuals gain full legal rights and responsibilities. This is an important cultural milestone celebrated in various ways.

Q.How do you use 성인 in a sentence?

You can use 성인 in a sentence like this: '그는 이제 성인이 되었어요,' meaning 'He has now become an adult.' This shows recognition of someone's new status.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 성인?

A common mistake is to confuse 성인 with 어린이 (eorini), which means 'child.' Remember, 성인 specifically refers to adults, while 어린이 is for children, highlighting the clear age difference.

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