This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Korean
Vocabulary
집주인

A2 noun #4,000 most common 13 min read

집주인

jipjuin Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 집주인 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 집주인 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that '집' means 'house' and '주인' means 'owner'. When you put them together, you get '집주인' (jip-ju-in), which means the person who owns a house. For a beginner, this word is most important when you are renting a room or a small apartment. You might need to say '집주인' when you talk to your teacher or friends about where you live. For example, '집주인이 친절해요' (The landlord is kind). You don't need to worry about complex legal terms yet. Just remember that this is the person you pay money to every month if you rent a house. You should also know that in Korea, people often call the landlord '사장님' (sajangnim) to be polite, instead of saying '집주인' directly to their face. This word is very common in basic conversations about daily life, moving, and housing.

At the A2 level, you can use '집주인' in more detailed sentences about your living situation. You should understand that '집주인' is the common word for a landlord or landlady. You will hear this word often when you are looking for an apartment at a real estate office (부동산). At this level, you should be able to describe basic interactions, such as '집주인한테 전화했어요' (I called the landlord) or '집주인이 집세를 올렸어요' (The landlord raised the rent). You should also start to notice that '집주인' is a compound word: 집 (house) + 주인 (owner). This helps you learn other words like '땅주인' (land owner) or '차주인' (car owner). You should also know that '집주인' is used when talking *about* the person, but when talking *to* them, you use titles like '사장님' or '아주머니'. This level also involves understanding that the landlord is responsible for fixing things like the '보일러' (boiler) or '수도' (water pipes).

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '집주인' in discussions about housing contracts and social issues. You should understand the difference between '집주인' and the more formal term '임대인' (imdaein), which you will see on your rental contract (계약서). You might use '집주인' to discuss more complex situations, such as '집주인과 보증금 문제로 이야기했어요' (I spoke with the landlord about a deposit issue). You should also be aware of the cultural context of being a '집주인' in Korea, where property ownership is a significant sign of wealth. You can use the word to express opinions or concerns, such as '집주인이 바뀌어서 걱정이에요' (I'm worried because the landlord changed). At this stage, you should also be able to use honorifics correctly with this word, such as using '집주인께서' as a subject when showing respect to an older landlord.

At the B2 level, you can use '집주인' to discuss broader economic and social topics. You should be able to talk about the 'Jeonse' (전세) system and the relationship between the '집주인' and the '세입자' (tenant) in detail. You might encounter this word in news articles about real estate market trends or legal disputes. For example, you can discuss '집주인의 의무' (the landlord's obligations) or '집주인과의 갈등 해결' (resolving conflicts with the landlord). You should understand the nuances of how '집주인' is portrayed in media and literature, often representing a specific social class. You can also use related idiomatic expressions or metaphors involving ownership. Your vocabulary should now include terms like '임대차 보호법' (Housing Lease Protection Act) and how it affects the power balance between a '집주인' and a tenant. You should be able to handle complex negotiations with a landlord using appropriate levels of formality and politeness.

At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated understanding of the word '집주인' and its place within the Korean legal and economic systems. You can analyze the socio-economic implications of '집주인' status in Korea, including the phenomenon of 'gap-jil' (abuse of power) by some landlords and the legislative efforts to balance the rights of owners and tenants. You should be able to use the word in academic or professional contexts, comparing '집주인' (the colloquial term) with '임대인' (the legal term) and '소유주' (the technical term for an owner). You can discuss the history of property ownership in Korea and how the concept of '집주인' has evolved with urbanization. Your usage should reflect a deep sensitivity to tone, knowing exactly when to use '집주인' to sound relatable and when to use '임대인' to sound authoritative or professional in a legal dispute or a business meeting.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of '집주인' and all its surrounding connotations. You can engage in high-level debates about real estate policy, such as the impact of taxes on '다주택 집주인' (landlords who own multiple houses). You understand the subtle emotional weight the word carries in literature—perhaps as a symbol of stability, greed, or paternalism. You can navigate the most complex legal documents involving '집주인' rights and responsibilities without difficulty. You are also aware of regional variations or historical terms that might be related to property ownership. Your ability to use '집주인' is perfectly nuanced, allowing you to use it in everything from a casual joke about a building owner to a serious discussion about the constitutional rights of property owners. You can also provide expert-level advice to others on how to manage relationships with a '집주인' in Korea, taking into account all the cultural and legal subtleties.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

집주인 in 30 Seconds

집주인 (jip-ju-in) is the standard Korean word for a landlord or house owner, combining 'house' (집) and 'owner' (주인).
It is used in everyday conversation to discuss rent, repairs, and lease contracts, though it is replaced by '사장님' in direct address.
In formal or legal contexts, the term '임대인' (imdaein) is used instead of '집주인' to refer to the lessor.
Being a '집주인' is a significant social and financial status in Korea, often associated with passive income and stability.

The Korean word 집주인 is a compound noun formed by two distinct and fundamental Korean morphemes: 집 (jip), meaning 'house' or 'home', and 주인 (juin), meaning 'owner', 'master', or 'host'. When combined, 집주인 literally translates to 'the owner of the house'. In practical everyday usage, it primarily refers to a landlord or landlady—the person from whom one rents a room, an apartment, or a house. However, it can also simply refer to the person who owns and resides in a house when being discussed by others. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone living in Korea, as the relationship between a tenant and a 집주인 is a central part of daily life and financial planning due to Korea's unique housing systems like Jeonse and Wolse.

Literal Meaning: House (집) + Owner (주인). It refers to the person who holds the legal title to a residential property.
Common Usage: Used when talking about paying rent, requesting repairs, or discussing lease agreements. It is less formal than the legal term '임대인' (imdaein).

우리 집주인은 정말 친절해요. (Our landlord is very kind.)

In the context of Korean society, the 집주인 often plays a more active role than a typical landlord in some Western countries. For example, if you live in a 'Villa' (a type of low-rise apartment building) or a 'One-room' (studio), the 집주인 might live in the same building, often on the top floor. This proximity means you might interact with them regarding trash disposal, mail, or building maintenance quite frequently. The term carries a nuance of authority but also a sense of responsibility for the property's upkeep. When you are looking for a place to live, people will often ask, "집주인 어때요?" (What is the landlord like?), implying that the landlord's personality is as important as the house itself. This is because a difficult 집주인 can make the process of getting your deposit back or getting things fixed very stressful.

집주인한테 연락해서 보일러를 고쳐달라고 했어요. (I contacted the landlord and asked to have the boiler fixed.)

The word is also used in the context of 'Homeowner' in a broader sense. If someone asks "Who is the owner of this house?", you would answer with "이 집 집주인이 누구예요?". It is a neutral term, neither overly formal nor informal, making it suitable for almost all everyday conversations. Whether you are complaining about rent increases or praising a landlord who brought you food, 집주인 is the word to use. In historical or more traditional contexts, 주인 alone could mean the master of a household, but in modern Korean, the specific compound 집주인 is the standard way to denote the property owner.

Social Nuance: In Korea, being a '집주인' is often associated with financial stability and is a common life goal for many. It represents a person who has achieved 'Nae-jip-moryeon' (acquiring one's own home).

새로운 집주인이 집세를 올리겠다고 했어요. (The new landlord said they would raise the rent.)

Finally, it is worth noting that while 집주인 is the person, the concept of ownership is 소유권 (soyugwon). If you are referring to the owner of a specific building rather than just a house/apartment, you might use the word 건물주 (geonmulju), which specifically means 'building owner'. However, for residential contexts, 집주인 remains the most versatile and widely used term across all age groups and regions in South Korea.

어제 집주인과 계약을 연장했습니다. (Yesterday, I extended the contract with the landlord.)

Etymological Breakdown: 집 (Native Korean: House) + 주인 (Sino-Korean 主人: Master/Owner). This is a hybrid word combining native and Chinese roots.

집주인 아들이 이 근처에 살아요. (The landlord's son lives near here.)

Using 집주인 correctly requires an understanding of Korean social hierarchy and the specific context of the housing market. Since the landlord is often older or in a position of authority regarding the property, you will frequently see this word used with honorifics when speaking *to* them or *about* them in a respectful way. While the word 집주인 itself doesn't change, the verbs attached to it usually take the honorific -시- suffix. For instance, instead of saying "집주인이 말했다" (The landlord said), you would more likely say "집주인께서 말씀하셨다" in a formal or polite context.

Subject Marker Usage: When the landlord is the subject of the sentence, use '이/가' for neutral statements or '께서' (kkeseo) for high respect. Example: 집주인이 왔어요 (The landlord came) vs. 집주인께서 오셨어요 (The landlord [honored] came).

집주인 아주머니께서 김치를 주셨어요. (The landlady [middle-aged woman] gave me some kimchi.)

In many cases, people don't address the landlord directly as 집주인. Instead, they use titles like 사장님 (sajangnim - boss/manager) or 아주머니/아저씨 (ajumoni/ajeossi - auntie/uncle) depending on the age and relationship. However, when talking to a third party (like a friend, a realtor, or a lawyer), 집주인 is the most accurate and common way to refer to them. It is also used in possessive forms, such as "집주인의 허락" (the landlord's permission) or "집주인과의 갈등" (conflict with the landlord).

월세를 집주인 계좌로 보냈어요. (I sent the monthly rent to the landlord's account.)

Another common sentence structure involves the verb 바뀌다 (bakkuida - to be changed). In the Korean real estate market, properties are frequently sold, and the tenant must be informed of the change. You might say, "집주인이 바뀌어서 계약서를 다시 써야 해요" (The landlord changed, so I have to rewrite the contract). This highlights the legal and administrative side of the word. Furthermore, the word is often used with 연락하다 (yeonrak-hada - to contact). If there is a leak in the ceiling, the first thing a tenant says is, "집주인한테 연락해 봐" (Try contacting the landlord).

Object Marker Usage: Use '을/를' when the landlord is the object. Example: 집주인을 만났어요 (I met the landlord). Use '한테' or '에게' when giving something to or contacting them: 집주인한테 전화했어요 (I called the landlord).

이사 가기 전에 집주인에게 미리 말해야 해요. (You must tell the landlord in advance before moving out.)

In more complex sentences, 집주인 can be part of a relative clause. For example: "내가 어제 만난 사람은 집주인이었어" (The person I met yesterday was the landlord). Or, in a passive sense: "집주인에 의해 집이 수리되었다" (The house was repaired by the landlord), though the active form is much more natural in Korean: "집주인이 집을 수리해 주었어요." This emphasizes that the landlord provided the service of repairing the house for the tenant.

그 집은 집주인이 직접 관리해요. (The landlord manages that house directly.)

Common Verb Pairings: 집주인을 설득하다 (persuade the landlord), 집주인과 합의하다 (reach an agreement with the landlord), 집주인이 허락하다 (landlord permits).

집주인이 보증금을 안 돌려줘요. (The landlord is not returning the deposit.)

You will encounter the word 집주인 in various real-life scenarios in Korea, ranging from mundane daily activities to high-stakes legal situations. The most frequent place is at a 부동산 (budongsan - real estate office). When a real estate agent is showing you an apartment, they will constantly refer to the owner as the 집주인. They might say, "집주인이 도배를 새로 해준대요" (The landlord says they will redo the wallpaper). In this context, the agent acts as a mediator between you and the 집주인.

At the Real Estate Office: Realtors use '집주인' to discuss terms. "집주인분이 보증금을 조금 깎아주실 수 있대요." (The landlord says they can lower the deposit a bit.)

부동산에서 집주인을 만나서 계약을 했어요. (I met the landlord at the real estate office and signed the contract.)

Another common place to hear this word is in K-dramas. Since housing is a major theme in Korean society (reflecting social class and financial struggle), many dramas feature characters interacting with their 집주인. Often, the landlord is portrayed as a strict character who comes to collect overdue rent, or conversely, a kindly grandmother figure who treats the tenant like family. These portrayals reflect the real-life spectrum of tenant-landlord relationships in Korea. If you hear a character shouting, "집주인! 문 좀 열어봐요!" (Landlord! Open the door!), you are witnessing a classic trope.

드라마에서 집주인이 갑자기 집을 비워달라고 했어요. (In the drama, the landlord suddenly asked the tenant to vacate the house.)

News reports and online communities (like Naver Cafes or Reddit's r/korea) are also full of the word 집주인. Discussions often center around 'Jeonse fraud' (전세사기), where a 집주인 disappears with the tenant's large deposit. In these serious contexts, you will hear phrases like "나쁜 집주인" (bad landlord) or "집주인의 파산" (landlord's bankruptcy). Conversely, in lifestyle blogs, you might read about "착한 집주인" (kind landlord) who reduced rent during the pandemic. The word is deeply embedded in the economic discourse of the country.

Online Communities: Tenants often post questions like "집주인이 수리비를 안 내준대요, 어떻게 하죠?" (The landlord says they won't pay for repairs, what should I do?).

인터넷 게시판에 집주인과의 갈등에 대한 글이 많아요. (There are many posts on internet message boards about conflicts with landlords.)

Lastly, you will hear it in casual conversations among friends. When someone moves to a new place, friends will ask about the house and the 집주인. It's a standard part of the 'moving house' narrative. If a friend says, "집주인이 같은 건물에 살아서 좀 불편해" (It's a bit uncomfortable because the landlord lives in the same building), it's a sentiment many Koreans can relate to, as it implies a lack of total privacy or a feeling of being watched.

집주인이 바뀌어도 계약 기간은 유지됩니다. (Even if the landlord changes, the contract period is maintained.)

Common Questions: 집주인한테 물어봤어요? (Did you ask the landlord?), 집주인 연락처 알아요? (Do you have the landlord's contact info?).

어제 집주인과 같이 집 상태를 확인했어요. (Yesterday, I checked the condition of the house together with the landlord.)

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 집주인 is using it as a direct form of address. While in English you might say "Excuse me, Landlord," in Korean, calling someone "집주인!" to their face can sound blunt, robotic, or even slightly rude. It sounds like you are labeling them by their function rather than acknowledging them as a person. As mentioned before, it is much better to use 사장님, 아주머니, or 아저씨. If you are unsure, 사장님 is the safest bet for anyone who owns a business or property.

Mistake 1: Direct Address: Incorrect: "집주인, 보일러가 고장 났어요." (Landlord, the boiler is broken.)
Better: "사장님, 보일러가 고장 났어요." (Sajangnim, the boiler is broken.)

직접 부를 때는 집주인 대신 '사장님'이라고 부르세요. (When calling them directly, use 'Sajangnim' instead of 'Landlord'.)

Another mistake is confusing 집주인 with 주인공 (juingong). While both contain 주인, 주인공 means the 'main character' or 'protagonist' of a story. Beginners sometimes get these mixed up because of the shared root. Remember: 집 + 주인 is for houses, 주인 + 공 is for stories. Similarly, don't confuse it with 주인 (juin) used for pet owners. While you are the 'owner' of a dog, you wouldn't call yourself the 집주인 of the dog; you are just the 주인.

계약서에는 집주인이라는 말 대신 '임대인'이라고 적혀 있어요. (In the contract, 'Imdaein' is written instead of the word 'Landlord'.)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the particle usage. Because 집주인 is a person, when you are doing something *for* them or *to* them, you must use 에게/한테 (to) or 에게서/한테서 (from). Using 에 (the particle for places) is a common error. For example, "집주인에 전화했어" is wrong; it must be "집주인한테 전화했어". Also, remember that if the landlord is much older, using 께 (the honorific 'to') is the most polite: "집주인께 말씀드렸어요."

Mistake 2: Particle Errors: Wrong: 집주인에 물어봤어요. (Asked to the landlord - using place particle)
Correct: 집주인한테 물어봤어요. (Asked the landlord - using person particle)

집주인께 선물을 드렸어요. (I gave a gift to the landlord [honorific].)

Finally, there is a nuance difference between 집주인 and 가주 (gaju). 가주 is a very formal/literary term for 'head of the household' and is almost never used in modern spoken Korean to mean landlord. Stick to 집주인 for daily life. Also, ensure you don't use 집주인 when you mean the 'host' of a party in a social sense; in that case, 주최자 (juchoeja - organizer) or simply 초대한 사람 (the person who invited) is better, unless the party is specifically at their owned home and you are emphasizing their ownership.

발음할 때 집주인의 '주'를 강하게 발음해요. (When pronouncing, pronounce the 'ju' of 'jip-ju-in' strongly.)

Mistake 3: Confusing with Building Owner: While often the same person, '건물주' (geonmulju) sounds more like a wealthy real estate mogul, whereas '집주인' is the person you deal with for your specific living space.

우리 집주인은 이 건물의 건물주이기도 해요. (Our landlord is also the owner of this building.)

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding property and residency, it's helpful to compare 집주인 with its synonyms and related terms. The most important distinction is between 집주인 and 임대인 (imdaein). While both mean landlord, 임대인 is a legal term used in contracts, court, and formal business. You will rarely hear a person say "My imdaein is nice" in casual conversation; it would sound like they are reading a law textbook. Conversely, you wouldn't typically use 집주인 in a formal lawsuit filing.

집주인 vs. 임대인: '집주인' is for speaking and daily life. '임대인' is for contracts and legal documents.
집주인 vs. 건물주: '집주인' refers to the owner of the house/unit. '건물주' refers to the owner of the entire building. A '건물주' might have many '집주인' roles for different tenants.

법적인 서류에서는 집주인을 '임대인'이라고 불러요. (In legal documents, the landlord is called 'Imdaein'.)

Another related term is 호주 (hoju), which refers to the 'head of the family'. Historically, this was a very important legal status in Korea (the Hoju system), but it was abolished in 2008. While a hoju might be the 집주인, the terms are not interchangeable. One is about family hierarchy, the other is about property ownership. You might also hear 방주인 (bangjuin), which specifically means the owner of a room. This is common in 'Goshivon' (tiny dorm-style rooms) or shared housing situations.

집주인과 건물주가 같은 사람인 경우가 많아요. (In many cases, the landlord and the building owner are the same person.)

On the opposite side of the relationship, we have 세입자 (se-ip-ja), which means 'tenant'. This is the standard word for someone who pays rent to live in a house. A more formal/legal version of this is 임차인 (imchain). Understanding the pair 집주인 (landlord) and 세입자 (tenant) is essential for describing any rental situation. For example, "집주인과 세입자 사이의 관계" (The relationship between a landlord and a tenant).

Opposite Terms: 세입자 (Tenant - Common), 임차인 (Lessee - Formal), 하숙생 (Boarder - Specific to boarding houses).

집주인은 세입자의 권리를 보호해야 합니다. (The landlord must protect the tenant's rights.)

Finally, consider the word 소유자 (soyuja), which simply means 'owner' of any object. While you can be the 소유자 of a car or a pen, 집주인 is specifically reserved for real estate. If you use 소유자 for a house, it sounds very technical and cold. Using 집주인 adds a human element to the concept of ownership, implying that the 'house' is a place of living, not just an asset on a balance sheet.

그는 여러 채의 집을 가진 집주인입니다. (He is a landlord who owns several houses.)

Summary of Alternatives: For speech: 집주인, 사장님. For writing: 임대인. For wealth emphasis: 건물주. For specific rooms: 방주인.

착한 집주인을 만나는 것은 큰 행운입니다. (Meeting a kind landlord is a great stroke of luck.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the past, '주인' could refer to a husband or the head of a household in a very hierarchical sense. Today, it is almost exclusively used for property ownership.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕip.t͈u.in/

US /tɕip.t͈u.in/

The stress is relatively even, but the second syllable 'ju' (pronounced 'jju') feels slightly more emphasized due to the tensing.

Rhymes With

부인 (buin - wife) 사인 (sain - sign/cause) 군인 (gunin - soldier) 시인 (siin - poet) 외국인 (oegugin - foreigner) 노인 (noin - elderly) 개인 (gaein - individual) 범인 (beomin - criminal)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ju' as a soft 'j' instead of a tense 'jj'.
Pronouncing the 'p' in 'jip' too strongly like an English 'p' with a puff of air.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize as it's a compound of two basic words.

Writing 2/5

Straightforward spelling with no complex batchim.

Speaking 3/5

Requires tensing the 'j' in 'juin', which can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Commonly used and usually clear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

집 (house) 주인 (owner) 사람 (person) 돈 (money) 살다 (to live)

Learn Next

월세 (monthly rent) 전세 (lump-sum deposit lease) 부동산 (real estate) 계약서 (contract) 보증금 (security deposit)

Advanced

임대차 보호법 (Housing Lease Protection Act) 등기부등본 (certified copy of real estate register) 확정일자 (fixed date for legal protection)

Grammar to Know

Honorific Suffix -시-

집주인께서 오셨어요.

Particle '한테' vs '에게'

집주인한테 전화했어요.

Subject Marker '이/가'

집주인이 집세를 올렸어요.

Causative Verb Form

집주인이 집을 수리하게 했어요.

Noun + 이다 (to be)

이분이 집주인입니다.

Examples by Level

집주인이 친절해요.

The landlord is kind.

'집주인' is the subject, followed by the subject marker '이'.

집주인을 만나요.

I meet the landlord.

'집주인' is the object, followed by '을'.

우리 집주인은 할머니예요.

Our landlord is an old lady.

'우리' is used to mean 'my/our' in a communal sense.

집주인 집은 2층이에요.

The landlord's house is on the 2nd floor.

'집주인' functions as a possessive noun here.

집주인한테 전화해요.

I am calling the landlord.

'한테' is the colloquial 'to' particle for people.

집주인이 어디에 살아요?

Where does the landlord live?

A simple question using the subject marker '이'.

집주인이 사과를 주셨어요.

The landlord gave me apples.

The honorific verb '주셨어요' is used for the landlord.

저 사람이 집주인이에요?

Is that person the landlord?

Using the '이에요' ending for identification.

집주인한테 월세를 냈어요.

I paid the monthly rent to the landlord.

'월세' (monthly rent) is a common collocation.

집주인이 보일러를 고쳐줬어요.

The landlord fixed the boiler for me.

'-아/어 주다' indicates the landlord did a favor.

집주인이 계약을 연장하고 싶어 해요.

The landlord wants to extend the contract.

'-고 싶어 하다' is used for the third person's desire.

새로운 집주인은 누구예요?

Who is the new landlord?

'새로운' (new) modifies '집주인'.

집주인 아주머니가 아주 좋으세요.

The landlady is very good/nice.

Adding '아주머니' makes it more specific and polite.

집주인이 집을 팔려고 해요.

The landlord is planning to sell the house.

'-(으)려고 하다' expresses intention.

집주인에게 미리 연락해야 해요.

You have to contact the landlord in advance.

'미리' (in advance) is a useful adverb here.

집주인이랑 같이 집을 구경했어요.

I looked around the house together with the landlord.

'이랑' is a colloquial 'with' particle.

집주인이 보증금을 돌려주지 않아서 걱정이에요.

I'm worried because the landlord isn't returning the deposit.

'보증금' (security deposit) is a vital term for B1.

집주인과 계약 조건에 대해 합의했어요.

I reached an agreement with the landlord regarding the contract terms.

'~에 대해' (about) and '합의하다' (agree).

집주인이 전세를 월세로 바꾸자고 했어요.

The landlord suggested changing the Jeonse to Wolse.

'-자고 하다' is used for making a suggestion.

집주인께서 직접 집을 수리해 주시겠다고 하셨어요.

The landlord said they would repair the house themselves.

Uses honorific '께서' and '-시-' suffix.

집주인이 바뀌어도 기존 계약은 유효합니다.

Even if the landlord changes, the existing contract remains valid.

'~어도' (even if) and '유효하다' (valid).

집주인에게 이사 날짜를 알려주어야 합니다.

You must inform the landlord of the moving date.

'알려주다' (to inform) + '해야 하다'.

집주인이 애완동물을 키우지 말라고 했어요.

The landlord told me not to keep pets.

'-지 말라고 하다' for indirect commands.

집주인이 갑자기 집을 비워달라고 요구했어요.

The landlord suddenly demanded that I vacate the house.

'요구하다' (to demand) and '비워주다' (to vacate).

집주인의 부당한 요구에 대응하기 위해 법적 조언을 구했습니다.

I sought legal advice to respond to the landlord's unfair demands.

'부당한' (unfair) and '법적 조언' (legal advice).

집주인이 세입자의 개인 정보를 무단으로 사용했습니다.

The landlord used the tenant's personal information without permission.

'무단으로' (without permission) is a formal adverb.

집주인과 세입자 간의 갈등이 심화되고 있습니다.

Conflicts between landlords and tenants are intensifying.

'~ 간의' (between) and '심화되다' (intensify).

집주인은 임대차 보호법에 따라 수리 의무가 있습니다.

The landlord has an obligation to repair under the Housing Lease Protection Act.

'~에 따라' (according to) and '의무' (obligation).

집주인이 보증금을 돌려줄 능력이 없는 상태입니다.

The landlord is in a state where they lack the ability to return the deposit.

'~할 능력이 없다' (lack the ability to).

집주인이 집을 담보로 은행에서 대출을 받았습니다.

The landlord took out a loan from the bank using the house as collateral.

'담보로' (as collateral) and '대출' (loan).

집주인이 실거주를 이유로 계약 갱신을 거절했습니다.

The landlord refused to renew the contract, citing actual residence as the reason.

'실거주' (actual residence) and '갱신' (renewal).

집주인과의 원만한 관계 유지가 주거 안정에 중요합니다.

Maintaining a smooth relationship with the landlord is important for housing stability.

'원만한' (smooth/amicable) and '주거 안정' (housing stability).

정부의 부동산 정책이 집주인들의 심리에 큰 영향을 미치고 있습니다.

The government's real estate policy is significantly affecting the psychology of landlords.

'~에 영향을 미치다' (to influence).

일부 몰지각한 집주인들의 횡포로 인해 세입자들이 고통받고 있습니다.

Tenants are suffering due to the tyranny of some thoughtless landlords.

'몰지각한' (thoughtless) and '횡포' (tyranny).

집주인이 세금 부담을 세입자에게 전가하려 한다는 비판이 있습니다.

There are criticisms that landlords are trying to pass on the tax burden to tenants.

'전가하다' (to pass on/shift blame or burden).

집주인의 파산으로 인해 전세금을 떼일 위기에 처한 가구가 늘고 있습니다.

The number of households at risk of losing their Jeonse deposit due to landlord bankruptcy is increasing.

'~ 위기에 처하다' (to be in a crisis).

집주인이 바뀌는 과정에서 임대차 승계 문제가 발생할 수 있습니다.

Problems regarding the succession of the lease may arise during the process of changing the landlord.

'승계' (succession/inheritance of rights).

다주택 집주인에 대한 규제가 강화되면서 매물이 쏟아지고 있습니다.

As regulations on multi-home landlords tighten, properties are flooding the market.

'다주택' (owning multiple houses) and '매물이 쏟아지다' (flood of listings).

집주인이 인테리어 비용을 분담하기로 합의하는 사례가 늘고 있습니다.

Cases where landlords agree to share interior design costs are increasing.

'분담하다' (to share/divide a burden).

집주인의 권리와 세입자의 주거권 사이의 균형을 맞추는 것이 입법의 과제입니다.

Balancing the rights of the landlord and the housing rights of the tenant is a task for legislation.

'균형을 맞추다' (to balance) and '입법' (legislation).

집주인이라는 지위가 한국 사회에서 갖는 상징적 의미는 단순한 자산 소유 그 이상입니다.

The symbolic meaning of the status of 'landlord' in Korean society is more than just asset ownership.

'~ 그 이상이다' (is more than just ~).

임대인과 임차인의 관계를 넘어서, 집주인은 지역 공동체의 일원으로서 책임을 다해야 합니다.

Beyond the relationship of lessor and lessee, the landlord must fulfill their responsibility as a member of the local community.

'~를 넘어서' (beyond) and '일원' (a member).

과거 가부장적 사회에서의 집주인은 집안의 절대적 권력자를 의미하기도 했습니다.

In the patriarchal society of the past, the 'house owner' also meant the absolute power holder within the family.

'가부장적' (patriarchal) and '절대적 권력자' (absolute power holder).

집주인의 자산 건전성이 세입자의 주거 안녕과 직결된다는 점이 여실히 드러났습니다.

It has been clearly revealed that the asset soundness of the landlord is directly linked to the housing well-being of the tenant.

'~와 직결되다' (to be directly linked to).

부동산 투기 세력으로 전락한 일부 집주인들에 대한 사회적 공분이 거셉니다.

Social outrage against some landlords who have degenerated into real estate speculators is strong.

'전락하다' (to degenerate/fall into) and '공분' (public indignation).

집주인이 선의를 가지고 임대료를 동결하는 행위는 '착한 임대인 운동'으로 확산되었습니다.

The act of landlords freezing rent with good intentions has spread as the 'Kind Landlord Movement'.

'동결하다' (to freeze [prices/rent]) and '확산되다' (to spread).

집주인과 세입자 간의 신뢰 회복이 고질적인 전세 사기 문제를 해결하는 실마리가 될 수 있습니다.

Restoring trust between landlords and tenants can be a clue to solving the chronic Jeonse fraud problem.

'고질적인' (chronic) and '실마리' (a clue/inkling).

현대 한국 문학에서 집주인은 종종 소외된 계층과 대립하는 냉혹한 인물로 묘사되곤 합니다.

In modern Korean literature, the landlord is often portrayed as a cold-hearted figure in conflict with the marginalized classes.

'~하곤 하다' (to often do ~) and '묘사되다' (to be portrayed).

Common Collocations

집주인과 계약하다

집주인이 바뀌다

집주인한테 연락하다

착한 집주인

집주인의 허락

집주인 계좌

집주인 세대

집주인 아들/딸

집주인과 다투다

집주인의 동의

Common Phrases

집주인 어때요?

— What is the landlord like? This asks about their personality and fairness.

새로 이사 갈 곳의 집주인 어때요?

집주인한테 말해볼게요.

— I will try talking to the landlord. Used when a tenant plans to request something.

변기가 막혔는데 집주인한테 말해볼게요.

집주인이 직접 살아요.

— The landlord lives there themselves. Often means the house is well-maintained.

이 건물은 집주인이 직접 살아서 깨끗해요.

집주인이 까다로워요.

— The landlord is picky/fussy. Used to warn about strict rules.

우리 집주인이 까다로워서 파티는 못 해요.

집주인 연락처 좀 주세요.

— Please give me the landlord's contact information.

부동산 아저씨, 집주인 연락처 좀 주세요.

집주인이 보증금을 안 줘요.

— The landlord won't return the deposit. A common legal complaint.

이사를 가야 하는데 집주인이 보증금을 안 줘요.

집주인 허락 받았어요?

— Did you get the landlord's permission?

벽지 바꾸는 거 집주인 허락 받았어요?

집주인이 집세를 올렸어요.

— The landlord raised the rent.

물가가 올라서 그런지 집주인이 집세를 올렸어요.

집주인과 잘 지내요.

— I get along well with the landlord.

저는 다행히 집주인과 잘 지내요.

집주인이 전화를 안 받아요.

— The landlord is not answering the phone.

급한데 집주인이 전화를 안 받아요.

Often Confused With

집주인 vs 주인공

Means 'main character' in a story, not a house owner.

집주인 vs 건물주

Refers to the owner of the whole building, not necessarily the specific unit you rent.

집주인 vs 호주

Refers to the head of a family (historical legal term).

Idioms & Expressions

"조물주 위에 건물주"

— The building owner is above the Creator. A cynical joke about the power and wealth of landlords in Korea.

요즘은 조물주 위에 건물주라고들 하잖아요.

Slang/Humorous

"집주인 행세"

— Acting like the owner of the house. Used when someone who doesn't own the place tries to exert authority.

네가 왜 우리 집에서 집주인 행세를 하니?

Informal

"주인 없는 집"

— A house without an owner. Metaphorically means a situation with no one in charge.

이 회사는 지금 주인 없는 집 같아요.

Metaphorical

"문전박대"

— Being turned away at the door. Often associated with a landlord refusing entry.

집주인에게 문전박대를 당했어요.

Literary/Common

"셋방살이 신세"

— The plight of living in a rented room. Emphasizes the powerlessness of a tenant compared to a 집주인.

평생 셋방살이 신세를 면하지 못했다.

Idiomatic/Sad

"내 집 마련"

— Acquiring one's own home. The opposite of being a tenant; becoming the 집주인.

드디어 내 집 마련의 꿈을 이뤘어요.

Common Goal

"셋방살이"

— Living in a rented room. Implies a subordinate relationship to the 집주인.

우리는 10년 동안 셋방살이를 했다.

Common

"주인 의식"

— Ownership mentality. Having a sense of responsibility as if one were the owner.

직원들이 주인 의식을 가지고 일해야 합니다.

Business/Moral

"셋돈"

— Rent money. The money paid to the 집주인.

매달 셋돈 내는 게 너무 힘들어요.

Slightly Dated

"집주인 마음"

— It's up to the landlord. Used when terms are entirely at the discretion of the owner.

그건 집주인 마음이라 우리가 어쩔 수 없어요.

Casual

Easily Confused

집주인 vs 임대인

Both mean landlord.

임대인 is the legal term for contracts; 집주인 is the common spoken term.

계약서에는 임대인이라고 써요.

집주인 vs 소유자

Both mean owner.

소유자 is general for any property; 집주인 is specific to homes.

이 차의 소유자가 누구예요?

집주인 vs 사장님

People call landlords '사장님'.

사장님 is a polite title; 집주인 is the actual noun for the role.

집주인을 사장님이라고 불러요.

집주인 vs 방주인

Both refer to owners.

방주인 is for a room; 집주인 is for the whole house/apartment.

하숙집 방주인이 엄격해요.

집주인 vs 가주

Both mean head/owner of a house.

가주 is literary/archaic; 집주인 is modern.

소설 속 가주는 위엄이 있었다.

Sentence Patterns

N(집주인)이/가 Adj(친절하다).

집주인이 친절해요.

N(집주인)한테 V(전화하다).

집주인한테 전화했어요.

N(집주인)이 V-아/어 주다.

집주인이 고쳐 줬어요.

N(집주인)과의 N(갈등).

집주인과의 갈등이 생겼어요.

N(집주인)에 의해 N이/가 V-아/어지다.

집주인에 의해 계약이 파기되었어요.

N(집주인)은 N(할머니)이다.

집주인은 할머니예요.

N(집주인)의 N(연락처).

집주인의 연락처를 알아요.

N(집주인)께서 V-(으)시-.

집주인께서 말씀하셨어요.

Word Family

Nouns

집 (house)

주인 (owner)

주인공 (main character)

건물주 (building owner)

땅주인 (land owner)

Verbs

주인 노릇을 하다 (to act as the owner)

집을 소유하다 (to own a house)

Adjectives

주인답다 (to be like an owner)

임대인 (lessor)

임차인 (lessee)

세입자 (tenant)

부동산 (real estate)

계약서 (contract)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, especially for those in their 20s-40s who rent.

Common Mistakes

Calling the landlord '집주인' to their face. → Use '사장님' or '아주머니/아저씨'.
Calling someone by their job title or role directly can sound cold or impolite in Korean culture.
Using '집주인에' for 'to the landlord'. → Use '집주인한테' or '집주인에게'.
The particle '에' is for places, while '한테/에게' is for people.
Confusing '집주인' with '주인공'. → 집주인 = Landlord, 주인공 = Main character.
These words sound similar but have completely different meanings despite sharing the root '주인'.
Using '집주인' in a formal legal contract. → Use '임대인'.
'집주인' is a colloquial term; '임대인' is the required legal terminology for documentation.
Assuming '집주인' only means a male landlord. → It is gender-neutral.
Don't look for a separate word for landlady unless you specifically need to emphasize gender.

Tips

Build a good relationship

In Korea, having a good relationship with your 집주인 can lead to lower rent increases or faster repairs. A small gift during holidays like Chuseok can go a long way.

Check the register

Before signing a contract, always check the '등기부등본' to make sure the person you are meeting is the actual legal 집주인.

Use honorifics

Even if you are frustrated, using honorifics like '집주인께서' when talking to others about them shows you are a polite and educated person.

Direct contact

While realtors help at the start, most ongoing issues are handled by contacting the 집주인 directly via KakaoTalk or phone.

Asking permission

Always ask the 집주인 before making major changes like painting walls or installing large fixtures, as they can be very protective of their property.

Rent receipts

Even if you trust your 집주인, always keep a record of your rent transfers to their account as proof of payment.

Learn '주인' compounds

Learning '집주인' helps you learn '차주인' (car owner), '땅주인' (land owner), and '가게 주인' (shop owner).

The 'jj' sound

If you don't tense the 'j' in 'juin', Koreans will still understand you, but it will sound like a very clear 'foreigner accent'.

Deposit protection

Make sure to get a '확정일자' (fixed date) on your contract to protect your deposit in case the 집주인 has financial trouble.

The 'God' joke

If someone mentions they own a building, you can jokingly say '조물주 위에 건물주네요!' to show you know the local slang.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jip' (sounds like 'Zip') and 'Juin' (sounds like 'Join'). You 'Zip' your bags to 'Join' the house of the 'Jip-ju-in'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a giant key (주인) standing on top of a small roof (집).

Word Web

House Money Contract Key Rent Apartment Landlord Owner

Challenge

Try to use '집주인' in a sentence that includes the word '월세' (monthly rent) and '연락하다' (to contact).

Word Origin

A compound word of native Korean and Sino-Korean origin. '집' is a native Korean word for house, and '주인' (主人) is a Sino-Korean word.

Original meaning: The master of the house.

Koreanic + Sinitic (Sino-Korean)

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing rent or deposits; it's a sensitive financial topic for many Koreans.

In English, we distinguish between 'landlord' and 'homeowner'. '집주인' covers both, but is most common for 'landlord'.

Drama: 'Because This Is My First Life' (contract between landlord and tenant). Webtoon: 'Strangers from Hell' (creepy landlord character). Song: 'Building Owner' (various hip-hop tracks about wealth).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Renting an apartment

집주인 연락처가 뭐예요?
집주인이 보증금을 깎아줄까요?
집주인과 직접 계약하고 싶어요.
집주인이 도배를 새로 해줬어요.

Requesting repairs

집주인한테 보일러 고쳐달라고 했어요.
집주인이 수리비를 안 내준대요.
집주인이 직접 와서 확인했어요.
집주인에게 사진을 찍어서 보냈어요.

Moving out

집주인에게 이사 날짜를 말했어요.
집주인이 보증금을 바로 돌려줬어요.
집주인이 집 상태를 확인하러 왔어요.
집주인과 공과금을 정산했어요.

Legal disputes

집주인이 계약을 위반했어요.
집주인에게 내용증명을 보냈어요.
집주인이 파산했어요.
집주인과 법정에서 만났어요.

Socializing/Gossip

그 친구는 벌써 집주인이 됐대요.
우리 집주인은 정말 좋은 사람이에요.
집주인이랑 가끔 같이 식사해요.
집주인이 너무 간섭이 심해요.

Conversation Starters

"집주인이 친절한 편인가요?"

"집주인한테 월세 깎아달라고 해본 적 있어요?"

"집주인이 수리를 제때 잘 해주나요?"

"집주인이랑 직접 연락하세요, 아니면 부동산을 통해서 하세요?"

"집주인이 같은 건물에 살면 불편하지 않아요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 집주인과 나눈 대화에 대해 써보세요.

만약 당신이 집주인이 된다면 어떤 세입자를 받고 싶나요?

한국의 집주인-세입자 관계에 대해 느낀 점을 적어보세요.

집주인에게 고마웠던 일이나 힘들었던 일에 대해 써보세요.

꿈꾸는 '착한 집주인'의 모습은 무엇인가요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The most common and polite way to address your landlord directly is '사장님' (sajangnim). If they are an elderly woman, you can also use '아주머니' (ajumoni), or '아저씨' (ajeossi) for an elderly man, but '사장님' is always a safe and respectful choice.

No, '집주인' is gender-neutral and can refer to both a landlord and a landlady. If you specifically want to say landlady, you can use '여집주인', but it is rarely necessary in everyday conversation.

You should use '임대인' (imdaein) when you are filling out official paperwork, signing a rental contract, or speaking in a legal context (like in court or with a lawyer). In all other spoken situations, '집주인' is more natural.

Not necessarily. It can also refer to the person who simply owns the house they live in. However, in most conversations, it implies a landlord-tenant relationship.

Koreans frequently use '우리' (we/our) instead of '제/내' (my) to show a sense of belonging or community. It doesn't mean multiple people share the landlord; it's just a common linguistic habit.

No. A pet owner is simply called '주인' (juin). Calling a pet owner '집주인' would imply they are the landlord of the pet's house, which sounds strange.

A '건물주' (geonmulju) owns a whole building, while a '집주인' (jip-ju-in) owns a specific house or apartment. In a small villa, they are often the same person, but in a large apartment complex, you deal with the '집주인' of your specific unit.

In Korea, if the '집주인' changes (the house is sold), the new owner automatically takes over the existing lease contract. You don't usually need a new contract, but it's good to confirm the details with the new owner.

It is pronounced [jip-jju-in]. The 'j' in 'ju' is tensed, sounding like a sharp 'jj' or 'tch' sound, because it follows the 'p' sound in 'jip'.

Yes, it is generally seen as a very positive status. It implies financial independence and wealth. There is even a popular saying that being a building owner is better than being God.