Korean Dictionary
How to say "Realism" in Korean
“Realism” in Korean is 사실주의 (pronounced "Sasiljuui").
사실주의
Sasiljuui
Usage & Context
An art movement emphasizing accurate representation of reality. Influential in Korean art history and contemporary practice.
Example Sentence
사실주의는 현실을 정확하게 표현합니다.
Realism accurately represents reality.
How to use 사실주의 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Realism” is 사실주의, romanized as Sasiljuui.
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 사실주의.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '사' (sa), sounds like 'sa' in 'sad'. '실' (sil) sounds like 'sill' as in 'window sill'. '주' (ju) sounds like 'joo' as in 'juice'. The final '의' (ui) is often pronounced like 'ee' or a soft 'wee'. Put them together: 'Sa-sill-joo-ee'.
More Example Sentences
Discussing a film's style and impact.
그 영화는 사실주의 기법으로 제작되어 현실감이 넘쳤어요.
That movie was produced with realism techniques and felt very realistic.
In a literature class or academic discussion.
19세기 문학에서는 사실주의가 중요한 흐름이었죠.
Realism was an important trend in 19th-century literature.
Talking about the nature of photography.
사진은 현실을 가장 사실주의적으로 담아내는 매체 중 하나입니다.
Photography is one of the mediums that captures reality most realistically.
Cultural Context
Realism, or '사실주의' (sasiljuui), has played a significant role in Korean art and literature, often serving as a powerful tool for social commentary. During periods of political change or modernization, Korean artists and writers frequently employed '사실주의' to depict the lives of ordinary people, highlight societal issues, or reflect historical narratives. This often gives Korean realist works a distinct emotional depth and a strong sense of connection to the nation's collective experience, differing from purely observational Western realism.
Editorial note
We review entries like 사실주의 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
사실주의 화가
realist painter
사실주의 문학
realist literature
사실주의적 표현
realistic expression
Related Expressions
낭만주의
nangmanjuui
romanticism (antonym)
자연주의
jayeonjuui
naturalism (related)
이상주의
isangjuui
idealism (antonym)
현실주의
hyeonsiljuui
pragmatism, realism (broader philosophical term)
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