Korean Dictionary
How to say "Debut" in Korean
“Debut” in Korean is 데뷔 (pronounced "Debwi").
데뷔
Debwi
Usage & Context
데뷔 is the highly anticipated moment when a K-pop idol or group makes their official public debut. The debut performance is carefully planned and heavily promoted by entertainment companies. Fans eagerly track rookie groups from pre-debut teasers through their official 데뷔.
Example Sentence
이 그룹은 데뷔한 지 3개월밖에 안 됐는데 정말 인기 있어요.
This group has only been debuted for 3 months but is really popular.
How to use 데뷔 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Debut” is 데뷔, romanized as Debwi.
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 데뷔.
Pronunciation Guide
To pronounce '데뷔' (Debwi), think 'deh-bwee'. '데' sounds like 'deh' in 'debt', and '뷔' sounds like 'bwee' as in 'sweet' but with a 'b' sound at the beginning.
More Example Sentences
Talking about a new idol group's immediate success.
그 신인 아이돌은 데뷔하자마자 큰 인기를 얻었어요.
That rookie idol gained huge popularity right after their debut.
Discussing plans to attend a debut event.
다음 달에 데뷔하는 신인 그룹의 쇼케이스에 갈 거예요.
I'm going to the showcase of the new group debuting next month.
Highlighting a long journey to a significant career milestone.
그 배우는 데뷔 10년 만에 첫 주연을 맡았어요.
That actor took on their first lead role 10 years after their debut.
Cultural Context
In K-pop, a '데뷔' is a highly anticipated event, often preceded by extensive pre-debut promotions, teasers, and a 'debut showcase' where the group performs for the first time. Fans follow the journey from trainee to '데뷔' with great excitement, and the debut song/album is a crucial first impression. It's not just a release; it's a grand entrance into the industry.
Editorial note
We review entries like 데뷔 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
데뷔하다
To debut
데뷔 무대
Debut stage
데뷔일
Debut date
Related Expressions
데뷔 앨범
Debwi Aelbeom
Debut album
데뷔곡
Debwigok
Debut song
신인
Sin-in
Rookie, newcomer
연습생
Yeonseupsaeng
Trainee
More Music Words
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