What does 이름 mean?
이름 (i-reum) means: Name.
Calling someone's name is the ultimate act of recognition. '내 이름을 불러줘' (Call my name) means 'Acknowledge my existence and love me.'
Other sides of 이름
◆ reputation — When natives use '이름' this way, they aren't talking about what's on your ID—they're talking about your legacy, your face, and what people say behind your back. It's the intangible capital you build and the heavy anchor that makes public humiliation or betrayal so devastating. If you ruin your '이름', you basically cease to exist as a trusted entity in Korean society.
◆ nominal — When natives use 이름 (i-reum) this way, they aren't talking about identification; they're pointing out a hollow shell. It signals cynicism, pointing out that while a rule, title, or position officially exists, it has been completely gutted of its actual meaning or function in practice. Learners often miss this legalistic irony, translating it as 'name' when natives actually mean 'a technicality' or 'a hollow title.'
◆ nominal — When natives use 이름 (i-reum) this way, they aren't talking about identification; they're pointing out a hollow shell. It signals cynicism, pointing out that while a rule, title, or position officially exists, it has been completely gutted of its actual meaning or function in practice. Learners often miss this legalistic irony, translating it as 'name' when natives actually mean 'a technicality' or 'a hollow title.'
How it's actually used
- 멀리서 누군가 내 이름을 불렀는데 돌아보니 아무도 없었어.
meolliseo nugeunga nae ireumeul bulleonneunde doraboni amudo eopseosseo.
Someone called my name from afar, but when I turned around, no one was there.
💡 Use the object marker '이름을' with verbs like 부르다 (to call). - 가게 예약할 때 이름을 뭐라고 적어 드릴까요?
gage yeyakhal ttae ireumeul morago jeogeo deurilkkayo?
What name should I put down for the restaurant reservation?
💡 Commonly used when asking for someone's identification or reservation name. - 출석을 부를 때 내 이름을 잘못 발음해서 다들 웃었다.
chulsor-eul bureul ttae nae ireumeul jalmot barumhaeseo dadeul useotda.
Everyone laughed when my name was mispronounced during roll call.
💡 Common daily situation regarding one's identity.