Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '인물' primarily means 'person' or 'figure,' often referring to a notable or specific individual rather than just any person. It is commonly used to talk about people in historical, social, or artistic contexts.
Common Contexts
- Referring to famous or important people: "유명한 인물" (famous figure), "중요한 인물" (important figure).
- Talking about portraits or photographs: "인물 사진" means a portrait photo.
Collocations and Patterns
- 인물 사진 (portrait photo): used in photography contexts.
- 역사상 인물 (historical figure): used when discussing history.
- 중요한 인물 (important person): used to emphasize significance.
Register and Politeness
'인물' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without changing form.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '인물' with '사람' (person). '사람' is more general, while '인물' often implies a person with some significance or a specific role. Use '인물' when emphasizing the person's identity or importance.