Level 1

외국인

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Meaning and Usage

The word '외국인' specifically refers to a person from a foreign country, commonly translated as 'foreigner' or 'foreign national.' It is a neutral term used in everyday conversation, official contexts, and media.

Common Contexts

You will often hear '외국인' when talking about people living in Korea who are not Korean citizens, tourists, or international students. It is frequently used in news reports, public signs, and social settings.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 외국인 등록증 (foreigner registration card): official ID for foreigners living in Korea.
  • 외국인 노동자 (foreign worker): refers to foreign employees.
  • 외국인 관광객 (foreign tourist): tourists from other countries.

These collocations help specify the type of foreigner being discussed.

Register and Politeness

'외국인' is a formal and polite noun suitable for all levels of speech. It is not offensive and is widely accepted.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '외국인' with '외국어' (foreign language). Remember, '외국인' means a foreign person, while '외국어' means a foreign language.

Example Sentences

서울에는 많은 외국인이 살고 있습니다.

Seoure neun manheun oegugin i salgo itsseumnida.

Many foreigners live in Seoul.

외국인 친구와 한국어로 대화하는 것이 재미있어요.

Oegugin chingu wa hangugeo ro daehwa haneun geosi jaemiisseoyo.

Talking in Korean with a foreign friend is fun.

이 식당은 외국인도 많이 방문해요.

I sikdang eun oegugin do mani bangmunhaeyo.

This restaurant is also visited by many foreigners.