Korean Dictionary
How to say "Passionate" in Korean
“Passionate” in Korean is 열정적이다 (pronounced "Yeoljeongjeogida").
열정적이다
Yeoljeongjeogida
Usage & Context
Describes intense enthusiasm and dedication toward something one loves. Often used in work, art, and relationships. 열정 (passion) is highly valued in Korean work culture — employers frequently seek 열정 있는 사람 (passionate people).
Example Sentence
그는 음악에 열정적으로 임해요.
He is passionate about music.
How to use 열정적이다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Passionate” is 열정적이다, romanized as Yeoljeongjeogida.
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 열정적이다.
Pronunciation Guide
열 (yeol) sounds like 'yul' in 'yule log'. 정 (jeong) is like 'jung' in 'jungle' but with a slightly more open 'o'. 적 (jeok) is like 'juck' in 'duck' but with a 'j' sound. 이 (i) is like 'ee' in 'see'. 다 (da) is like 'da' in 'dad'. The pronunciation is generally even-toned.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
열정적입니다
Yeoljeongjeogimnida
Formal declarative form, used in very polite or official contexts.
Casual (반말)
열정적이야
Yeoljeongjeogiya
Casual declarative form, used with close friends or subordinates.
More Example Sentences
Describing someone's strong dedication to their profession.
그는 자신의 일에 정말 열정적인 사람이에요.
He is a truly passionate person about his work.
Highlighting the intense dedication of K-pop fandoms.
K-pop 팬들은 자신이 좋아하는 아이돌에게 열정적으로 응원해요.
K-pop fans passionately cheer for their favorite idols.
Engaging deeply and enthusiastically in a personal interest.
새로운 취미에 열정적으로 몰두하고 있어요.
I'm passionately engrossed in my new hobby.
Cultural Context
Passion ('열정') is a highly valued trait in Korean society, especially in professional and academic settings. Employers often seek '열정 있는 사람' (passionate people). However, the term '열정 페이' (yeoljeong pei, 'passion pay') has emerged to criticize situations where interns or young workers are paid very little, with the expectation that their 'passion' for the industry should compensate for low wages, highlighting a societal debate about exploitation versus dedication.
Editorial note
We review entries like 열정적이다 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
열정적인 사람
a passionate person
열정적으로 일하다
to work passionately
열정을 쏟다
to pour out one's passion/dedication
Related Expressions
열정
yeoljeong
passion, enthusiasm (noun)
적극적이다
jeokgeukjeogida
to be active, proactive
소극적이다
sogeukjeogida
to be passive, inactive (antonym)
헌신적이다
heonsinjeogida
to be dedicated, devoted
More Emotions Words
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