친구 (chin-gu, chingu) · 지인 (ji-in, jiin)
친구 refers to someone with close emotional bonds, while 지인 means a mere acquaintance or someone you know casually.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A person with whom one has a close and emotional relationship
When to use
Introducing childhood friends, Talking with close people, Sharing emotions
The nuance
Use when emphasizing emotional closeness and intimacy. Common in everyday conversation to show deep trust and affection.
Someone you know but are not close to; a mere acquaintance
When to use
Business networking, Introducing at formal events, Mentioning casual acquaintances
The nuance
Used when the relationship is formal or less intimate. Common in business or formal contexts, indicating weak emotional bonds.
어린 시절 친구를 만났어요.
eo-rin si-jeol chin-gu-reul man-nass-eo-yo., eo rin si jeol chin gu reul man nass eo yo.
친구 refers to someone with strong emotional bonds, so it fits well for someone close since childhood.
어린 시절 지인을 만났어요.
eo-rin si-jeol ji-in-eul man-nass-eo-yo., eo rin si jeol ji in eul man nass eo yo.
For someone close since childhood, 친구 is appropriate, not 지인.
비즈니스 지인을 소개합니다.
bi-jeu-ni-seu ji-in-eul so-gae-hap-ni-da., bi jeu ni seu ji in eul so gae hap ni da.
In a business context, 지인 is used for formal, less intimate acquaintances.
비즈니스 친구를 소개합니다.
bi-jeu-ni-seu chin-gu-reul so-gae-hap-ni-da., bi jeu ni seu chin gu reul so gae hap ni da.
Unless there is intimacy, calling a business contact 친구 is inappropriate.
친구에게 고민을 털어놓았다.
chin-gu-e-ge go-min-eul teol-eo-noh-ass-da., chin gu e ge go min eul teol eo noh ass da.
Sharing emotions suits 친구, not 지인.
지인에게 고민을 털어놓았다.
ji-in-e-ge go-min-eul teol-eo-noh-ass-da., ji in e ge go min eul teol eo noh ass da.
지인 implies weak emotional ties, so sharing worries is inappropriate.
지인들과 모임을 가졌다.
ji-in-deul-gwa mo-im-eul ga-jyeoss-da., ji in deul gwa mo im eul ga jyeoss da.
For casual gatherings with acquaintances, 지인 fits well.
친구들과 모임을 가졌다.
chin-gu-deul-gwa mo-im-eul ga-jyeoss-da., chin gu deul gwa mo im eul ga jyeoss da.
When meeting close people, 친구 is appropriate.
Which word is appropriate for someone close since childhood?
Which word is appropriate when referring to someone known formally in a business network?
Which word refers to someone you can share emotions and worries with?
What does it mean?
