kim jong il: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowNeutral to Formal; can be used in informal/satirical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “kim jong il” mean?
The former leader of North Korea (1994-2011), the second Supreme Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The former leader of North Korea (1994-2011), the second Supreme Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Often used metonymically to represent the North Korean regime, its policies, or a symbol of totalitarian leadership. In popular culture, can be referenced in hyperbolic or satirical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling consistent; no major usage differences. British media may use 'Mr Kim Jong-il' more formally.
Connotations
Similar connotations of dictatorship and isolationism in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, spiking during news coverage of North Korea.
Grammar
How to Use “kim jong il” in a Sentence
[Kim Jong Il] + [verb in past tense] (ruled, died, visited)During the + [Kim Jong Il] + eraunder + [Kim Jong Il]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “kim jong il” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- a Kim Jong Il-style procession
- Kim Jong Il-era policies
American English
- a Kim Jong Il-type dictatorship
- Kim Jong Il-esque secrecy
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in geopolitical risk analysis (e.g., 'markets were volatile during the Kim Jong Il era').
Academic
Used in political science, history, and Asian studies contexts.
Everyday
Typically in news discussion or historical reference.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “kim jong il”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “kim jong il”
- Misspelling: Kim Jong-il, Kim Jong Il (both accepted), Kim Jong II (incorrect Roman numeral). Confusing him with his son, Kim Jong Un.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In British English: /ˌkɪm dʒɒŋ ˈɪl/. In American English: /ˌkɪm dʒɑːŋ ˈɪl/.
'Dear Leader' (Chosŏn'gŭl: 친애하는 령도자) was the official title used for Kim Jong Il in North Korean media and propaganda.
No, he was the second. His father, Kim Il Sung, was the founding leader.
It is almost exclusively a proper noun. Any figurative use ('a bit of a Kim Jong Il') is informal and metaphoric.
The former leader of North Korea (1994-2011), the second Supreme Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Kim jong il is usually neutral to formal; can be used in informal/satirical contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None standard; potential creative/satirical use: 'pulling a Kim Jong Il' (acting unpredictably or reclusively).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'KIM' (Key Isolated Man) JONG (Jong is long, as in long reign) IL (Ill, as in illiberal regime).
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A REGIME (He embodied the state); POWER IS A BUNKER (associated with secrecy and isolation).
Practice
Quiz
Kim Jong Il was succeeded by: