Korean Dictionary
How to say "Acting" in Korean
“Acting” in Korean is 연기 (pronounced "Yeongi").
연기
Yeongi
Usage & Context
Performing in dramas, films, or theater. 연기하다 (to act). Many K-pop idols cross over into acting. 연기력 (acting ability) is a frequent topic of discussion among Korean drama fans. Korea's drama industry produces content for both domestic and international streaming markets, requiring high-quality performances.
Example Sentence
그 배우의 연기가 너무 자연스러워서 깜짝 놀랐어요.
I was surprised at how natural that actor's acting was.
How to use 연기 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Acting” is 연기, romanized as Yeongi.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 연기.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'yuhn-gee' — two short syllables. 'Yuhn' rhymes with 'yun' as in 'yonder' cut short, and 'gee' is like the letter 'G.' Smooth and even.
More Example Sentences
chatting about idol-turned-actors
아이유 연기력이 진짜 좋아졌어요.
IU's acting skills have really improved.
complaining about a new drama
발연기 때문에 몰입이 안 돼요.
I can't get immersed because the acting is so bad.
recommending a new actor to a fellow drama fan
그 신인 배우 연기 대박이에요.
That rookie actor's acting is amazing.
Cultural Context
Korean audiences are notoriously picky about 연기력 (acting ability) — an idol's drama debut can make or break their long-term career. The slang 발연기 (literally 'foot acting,' meaning wooden/terrible acting) trends on Twitter whenever a miscast lead airs, and 연기돌 (acting-idol) is the coveted title for K-pop stars who prove they can actually act, like Im Siwan, IU, or Do Kyungsoo. The industry also distinguishes between 연기파 배우 (craft-actor) and pretty-face leads in casting discussions.
Editorial note
We review entries like 연기 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
연기를 잘해요.
They act well.
연기력이 뛰어나요.
Their acting ability is outstanding.
연기 변신
A transformative acting role
Related Expressions
배우
baeu
actor / actress
연기력
yeongi-ryeok
acting ability
발연기
baryeongi
terrible acting (slang)
몰입
mollip
immersion / being drawn in
More Culture Words
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