배우 vs 연예인
Korean word comparison
Listen to 배우
Listen to 연예인
| 배우 | 연예인 |
|---|---|
BAE-u noun | yeon-ye-in noun |
| an actor; a person who performs in films, TV, or plays | a celebrity or entertainer |
How they differ
연예인 is broader than 배우: it includes actors, singers, comedians, and other public entertainers. It is not a direct synonym in every context, because it refers to fame and entertainment industry status, not specifically acting.
When to use each
When to use 배우: Use 배우 when you mean only an actor.
When to use 연예인: Use 연예인 when you mean a celebrity in the entertainment world, including actors and non-actors.
Side-by-side examples
- 그 배우는 연기력으로 유명하다.
(That actor is famous for their acting skill.) - 그 연예인은 예능과 드라마를 오가며 활동한다.
(That entertainer works across variety shows and dramas.)
Register & nuance: 연예인 is neutral and very common, but it is broader in meaning than 배우.