Korean Dictionary
How to say "Debtor" in Korean
“Debtor” in Korean is 채무자 (pronounced "Chaemu-ja").
채무자
Chaemu-ja
Usage & Context
A person who owes money. Debtors have obligations to repay their debts.
Example Sentence
채무자로서 책임이 있어요.
As a debtor, I have responsibility.
How to use 채무자 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Debtor” is 채무자, romanized as Chaemu-ja.
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 채무자.
Pronunciation Guide
채 (chae) sounds like 'chai' in 'chai tea'. 무 (mu) is like 'moo' as in a cow's sound. 자 (ja) is pronounced like 'ja' in 'jazz'. The syllables are pronounced with relatively even timing.
More Example Sentences
A bank employee explaining a client's situation.
그는 현재 채무자 신분이라 대출이 어렵습니다.
He is currently a debtor, so getting a loan is difficult.
A legal advisor explaining terms.
채무자는 약속된 날짜에 돈을 갚아야 할 의무가 있습니다.
The debtor has an obligation to repay the money on the promised date.
A counselor advising someone in debt.
채무자 회생 제도를 통해 새 삶을 시작할 수 있어요.
You can start a new life through the debtor rehabilitation system.
Cultural Context
The concept of a '채무자' (debtor) carries significant weight in Korean culture, often associated with personal responsibility and sometimes shame. Stories of individuals struggling with debt are common themes in K-dramas, highlighting the societal pressure to repay and the difficult consequences of defaulting. The term is mainly used in formal financial and legal contexts.
Editorial note
We review entries like 채무자 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
채무자 보호
Debtor protection
채무자 회생
Debtor rehabilitation
채무자 상담
Debtor counseling
Related Expressions
채권자
Chaegwon-ja
Creditor
빚
Bit
Debt
대출
Daechool
Loan
돈을 갚다
Doneul gapda
To repay money
More Finance & Banking Words
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