Meaning
To view programs on a television set.
Cultural Background
The 'viewership rating' (시청률) is a major topic of conversation. If a drama hits 20%, it's considered a huge success, and actors often make 'rating promises' (시청률 공약) like dancing in public. Public broadcasting fees (수신료) are mandatory for any household with a TV. This supports KBS and EBS, ensuring high-quality educational '시청' materials for the public. During the 1980s, '시청' was often a communal activity in villages where only one house had a TV. This led to a strong sense of national identity through shared media. The rise of '1-person households' has shifted '시청' habits from the living room TV to smartphones and tablets, leading to the term 'OTT 시청'.
Use it in Writing
Always use '시청하다' in written assignments or formal emails to sound more professional.
Don't over-formalize
If you say '시청하다' to a close friend, they might think you're joking or being sarcastic.
Meaning
To view programs on a television set.
Use it in Writing
Always use '시청하다' in written assignments or formal emails to sound more professional.
Don't over-formalize
If you say '시청하다' to a close friend, they might think you're joking or being sarcastic.
The 'Viewer' is King
In Korea, the '시청자' (viewer) is treated with great respect by broadcasting companies.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate verb for a job interview context.
저는 주말에 주로 다큐멘터리를 ( ).
'시청합니다' is the formal version of 'watch', which is appropriate for an interview.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '시청하다'.
어제 뉴스를 ( )? (Past tense, polite)
The past tense polite form is '시청했어요'.
Match the media with the correct formal verb.
1. TV 2. Radio 3. Movie (Theater)
TV is 시청, Radio is 청취, and Theater movies are 관람.
Complete the news anchor's closing statement.
Anchor: 오늘 뉴스를 ( ) 주셔서 감사합니다.
The standard closing is '시청해 주셔서 감사합니다'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises저는 주말에 주로 다큐멘터리를 ( ).
'시청합니다' is the formal version of 'watch', which is appropriate for an interview.
어제 뉴스를 ( )? (Past tense, polite)
The past tense polite form is '시청했어요'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
TV is 시청, Radio is 청취, and Theater movies are 관람.
Anchor: 오늘 뉴스를 ( ) 주셔서 감사합니다.
The standard closing is '시청해 주셔서 감사합니다'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is increasingly common in formal contexts to say '유튜브 시청'.
Not at all! It's the most common way to say it in daily life. '시청하다' is just the formal version.
It means 'viewership ratings'—the percentage of people watching a specific show.
There isn't a single formal word, but you can say '연속 시청' (continuous viewing).
Related Phrases
TV를 보다
similarTo watch TV
라디오를 청취하다
specialized formTo listen to the radio
영화를 관람하다
specialized formTo watch a movie (at a theater)
본방사수
builds onWatching the original broadcast live
시청자 게시판
builds onViewer message board
