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TOPIK 5 Grammar β€” 30 Topics & Common Mistakes

Every TOPIK 5 topic below gives you the key rule, real correct-vs-incorrect examples, and the mistakes learners actually make β€” covering verb usage, honorifics register, vocabulary usage and more.

Browse all 30 topics on this pageShow

Verb usage

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TOPIK 5 / B2Verb usage

-(으)γ„Ή 리(κ°€) μ—†λ‹€ / μžˆλ‹€ (there is no way / could be)

-(으)γ„Ή 리(κ°€) μ—†λ‹€

STEM + -(으)γ„Ή 리(κ°€) μ—†λ‹€ means 'there's no way / it can't be that ~'. -(으)γ„Ή 리(κ°€) μžˆλ‹€ = 'there's a way / it could be that ~' (rare; often rhetorical). μΉœκ΅¬κ°€ 거짓말할 리가 μ—†μ–΄μš” ('There's no way my friend would lie'). 리 (理 'reason') = 'reason for ~'.

Key rule

STEM + -(으)γ„Ή 리(κ°€) μ—†λ‹€ = 'no way / impossible / can't be'. STEM + -(으)γ„Ή 리(κ°€) μžˆλ‹€ = rhetorical 'could it be?'. PAST -μ•˜/μ—ˆμ„ 리가 μ—†λ‹€ 'couldn't have ~'. NOUN + -일 리가 μ—†λ‹€. Strong DENIAL / EPISTEMIC impossibility.

Examples

  • μΉœκ΅¬κ°€ 거짓말할 리가 μ—†μ–΄μš”.
    μΉœκ΅¬κ°€ 거짓말할 λ¦¬μ—†μ–΄μš”.

    Strong denial. Translation: My friend would never lie. Romanization: Chingu-ga geojitmalhal ri-ga eopseoyo.

  • κ·Έ μ‚¬λžŒμ΄ ν•œκ΅­μ— 갔을 리가 μ—†μ–΄μš”.
    κ·Έ μ‚¬λžŒμ΄ ν•œκ΅­μ— 가을 리가 μ—†μ–΄μš”. (intended: 'couldn't have gone')

    Past denial. Translation: That person couldn't have gone to Korea. Romanization: Geu saram-i hangug-e gasseul ri-ga eopseoyo.

  • 그게 사싀일 리가 μ—†μ–΄μš”.
    그뢄이 학생리가 μ—†μ–΄μš”.

    Noun + 일 리가. Translation: That can't be true. Romanization: Geuge sasil-il ri-ga eopseoyo.

Common mistakes

  • missing_subject_particle

    μΉœκ΅¬κ°€ 거짓말할 λ¦¬μ—†μ–΄μš”.
    μΉœκ΅¬κ°€ 거짓말할 리가 μ—†μ–΄μš”.

    Include κ°€. Spacing: 리 κ°€ μ—†λ‹€ with space possible but standard is 리가 (joined).

  • missing_past_for_impossibility

    κ·Έ μ‚¬λžŒμ΄ ν•œκ΅­μ— 가을 리가 μ—†μ–΄μš”. (intended: 'couldn't have gone')
    κ·Έ μ‚¬λžŒμ΄ ν•œκ΅­μ— 갔을 리가 μ—†μ–΄μš”.

    Past impossibility needs -μ•˜/μ—ˆμ„ 리가 μ—†λ‹€.

TOPIK 5 / C1Verb usage

-(으)γ„΄κ°€ 보닀 / -λ‚˜ 보닀 (advanced inference / hedged conclusion)

-(으)γ„΄κ°€ 보닀 (μ‘μš©)

T3 introduced basic -λ‚˜ 보닀 / -(으)γ„΄κ°€ 보닀 (observational inference). T5 expands to ADVANCED uses: hedged conclusions in argument, layered inference with multiple clues, formal-writing evidentiality, and combination with other epistemic markers (-(으)γ„Ή 텐데, -것 κ°™λ‹€).

Key rule

Advanced -(으)γ„΄κ°€ 보닀 / -λ‚˜ 보닀 = LAYERED / FORMAL / ARGUMENT-BASED inference. Past -μ•˜/μ—ˆλ‚˜ 보닀 = 'must have ~'. Combines with other epistemics (-것 κ°™λ‹€, -(으)γ„Ή 텐데). Common in formal writing for tentative conclusions.

Examples

  • λΉ„κ°€ μ™”λ‚˜ λ΄μš”. 길이 μ –μ–΄ 있고, μ‚¬λžŒλ“€μ΄ μš°μ‚°μ„ λ“€κ³  μžˆμ–΄μš”.
    λΉ„κ°€ μ™”λŠ”κ°€ λ΄μš”. (verb past)

    Layered inference. Translation: It must have rained β€” road wet + people with umbrellas. Romanization: Bi-ga wanna bwayo. Gir-i jeojeo itgo, saramdeur-i usan-eul deulgo isseoyo.

  • κ·Έ κ²°κ³Όλ₯Ό 보면 정책이 νš¨κ³Όκ°€ μ—†λŠ”κ°€ λ΄μš”.
    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ μ–΄λ ΅λ‚˜ λ΄μš”. (adjective)

    Argument-based. Translation: Looking at result, policy seems ineffective. Romanization: Geu gyeolgwa-reul bomyeon jeongchaeg-i hyogwa-ga eopneunga bwayo.

  • ν•œκ΅­ μ‚¬νšŒκ°€ λ³€ν•˜κ³  μžˆλŠ”κ°€ 보닀.
    μΉœκ΅¬κ°€ ν•œκ΅­μ— κ°”λŠ”κ°€ λ΄μš”. (informal context)

    Formal observation. Translation: Korean society seems to be changing. Romanization: Hanguk sahoe-ga byeonhago inneunga boda.

Common mistakes

  • wrong_modifier

    λΉ„κ°€ μ™”λŠ”κ°€ λ΄μš”. (verb past)
    λΉ„κ°€ μ™”λ‚˜ λ΄μš”.

    Verb past + -μ•˜/μ—ˆλ‚˜ 보닀 (not -μ•˜/μ—ˆλŠ”κ°€ 보닀, which is more for adjectives or literary).

  • wrong_modifier_for_adj

    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ μ–΄λ ΅λ‚˜ λ΄μš”. (adjective)
    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ μ–΄λ €μš΄κ°€ λ΄μš”.

    Adjective uses -(으)γ„΄κ°€ 보닀.

TOPIK 5 / B2Verb usage

-(으)ㄹ지(도) λͺ¨λ₯΄λ‹€ (possibly / it might be that β€” supposition spectrum)

-(으)ㄹ지도 λͺ¨λ₯΄λ‹€

T3 introduced -(으)ㄹ지도 λͺ¨λ₯΄λ‹€ ('might'). T5 expands: SUPPOSITION SPECTRUM with -(으)ㄹ지 λͺ¨λ₯΄λ‹€ (without 도), POSITIVE supposition (-(으)ㄹ지 μ•Œλ‹€), conditional supposition with -μ•˜/μ—ˆμ„μ§€ λͺ¨λ₯΄λ‹€ (might have ~), and combination with other modal markers.

Key rule

STEM + -(으)ㄹ지(도) λͺ¨λ₯΄λ‹€ = 'might / possibly'. WITHOUT 도 = 'don't know whether'. PAST -μ•˜/μ—ˆμ„μ§€(도) λͺ¨λ₯΄λ‹€ = 'might have'. With μ•Œλ‹€ = positive embedded question. Doubled -(으)ㄹ지 -(으)ㄹ지 = uncertainty between alternatives.

Examples

  • λΉ„κ°€ μ˜¬μ§€λ„ λͺ°λΌμš”.
    λΉ„κ°€ μ˜¬μ§€ λͺ¨λ₯΄λ‹€.

    Standard supposition. Translation: It might rain. Romanization: Bi-ga olji-do mollayo.

  • λΉ„κ°€ μ˜¬μ§€ λͺ¨λ₯΄κ² μ–΄μš”.
    λΉ„κ°€ 와지도 λͺ°λΌμš”.

    Without 도. Translation: I'm not sure if it'll rain. Romanization: Bi-ga olji moreugesseoyo.

  • μΉœκ΅¬κ°€ 이미 갔을지 λͺ°λΌμš”.
    μΉœκ΅¬κ°€ 이미 가지도 λͺ°λΌμš”. (intended past)

    Past supposition. Translation: Friend might have already gone. Romanization: Chingu-ga imi gasseulji mollayo.

Common mistakes

  • wrong_conjugation

    λΉ„κ°€ μ˜¬μ§€ λͺ¨λ₯΄λ‹€.
    λΉ„κ°€ μ˜¬μ§€(도) λͺ°λΌμš”.

    Use λͺ¨λ₯΄λ‹€ in conjugated form (λͺ°λΌμš” / λͺ°λžμ–΄μš”).

  • wrong_base_form

    λΉ„κ°€ 와지도 λͺ°λΌμš”.
    λΉ„κ°€ μ˜¬μ§€λ„ λͺ°λΌμš”.

    Use future-modifier -(으)γ„Ή on STEM (였 + γ„Ή β†’ 올).

TOPIK 5 / C1Verb usage

-(으)γ„Ή μˆ˜λ°–μ— μ—†λ‹€ (necessity spectrum β€” advanced)

-(으)γ„Ή μˆ˜λ°–μ— μ—†λ‹€ (μ‘μš©)

T3 introduced -(으)γ„Ή μˆ˜λ°–μ— μ—†λ‹€ ('have no choice but to'). T5 covers ADVANCED uses: inevitability spectrum (combined with adverbs like μ–΄μ©” 수 없이 / κ²°κ΅­), past inevitability -μ•˜/μ—ˆμ„ μˆ˜λ°–μ— μ—†λ‹€, modifier form -(으)γ„Ή μˆ˜λ°–μ— μ—†λŠ” + N, and stacking with -(으)λ‹ˆκΉŒ / -μ•„/μ–΄μ„œ.

Key rule

Advanced -(으)γ„Ή μˆ˜λ°–μ— μ—†λ‹€ uses: MODIFIER -(으)γ„Ή μˆ˜λ°–μ— μ—†λŠ” + N; PAST -μ•˜/μ—ˆμ„ μˆ˜λ°–μ— μ—†λ‹€; STACKING with -(으)λ‹ˆκΉŒ / -μ•„/μ–΄μ„œ; set phrases μ–΄μ©” 수 없이 / μ–΄μ©” 수 μ—†λ‹€. Spectrum: -μ•„/μ–΄μ•Ό ν•˜λ‹€ < -지 μ•ŠμœΌλ©΄ μ•ˆ λ˜λ‹€ < -(으)γ„Ή μˆ˜λ°–μ— μ—†λ‹€ < μ–΄μ©” 수 없이.

Examples

  • 갈 μˆ˜λ°–μ— μ—†λŠ” μƒν™©μ΄μ—ˆμ–΄μš”.
    갈 μˆ˜λ°–μ— μ—†λŠ” μƒν™©μ΄μ—μš”. (intended past)

    Modifier + N. Translation: It was a situation with no choice but to go. Romanization: Gal subakke eopneun sanghwang-ieosseoyo.

  • μ–΄μ©” 수 μ—†λŠ” κ²°μ •μ΄μ—ˆμ–΄μš”.
    μ–΄μ©” 수 μ—†λŠ” κ²°μ •ν•œ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.

    Set phrase modifier. Translation: It was an unavoidable decision. Romanization: Eojjeol su eopneun gyeoljeong-ieosseoyo.

  • μΉœκ΅¬κ°€ κ·Έλ ‡κ²Œ ν–ˆμ„ μˆ˜λ°–μ— μ—†μ—ˆμ„ κ±°μ˜ˆμš”.
    κ·Έλ ‡κ²Œ ν–ˆμ„ μˆ˜κ°€ μ—†μ–΄μš”. (intended: had no choice)

    Past inevitability. Translation: Friend must have had no choice. Romanization: Chingu-ga geureohge haesseul subakke eopseosseul geoeyo.

Common mistakes

  • tense_in_situation

    갈 μˆ˜λ°–μ— μ—†λŠ” μƒν™©μ΄μ—μš”. (intended past)
    갈 μˆ˜λ°–μ— μ—†λŠ” μƒν™©μ΄μ—ˆμ–΄μš”.

    If situation is past, use past μ΄μ—ˆμ–΄μš”.

  • missing_object_marker

    μ–΄μ©” 수 μ—†λŠ” κ²°μ •ν•œ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
    μ–΄μ©” 수 μ—†λŠ” 결정을 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.

    Object marker 을.

TOPIK 5 / C1Verb usage

-μ•„/μ–΄ λ§ˆμ§€μ•Šλ‹€ (cannot help but feel β€” literary / editorial)

-μ•„/μ–΄ λ§ˆμ§€μ•Šλ‹€

STEM + -μ•„/μ–΄ λ§ˆμ§€μ•Šλ‹€ means 'cannot help but ~ / cannot but feel ~'. Used in LITERARY / FORMAL / EDITORIAL contexts to express STRONG emotion. 감사해 λ§ˆμ§€μ•ŠμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ ('I can't help but feel grateful'). μ•ˆνƒ€κΉŒμ›Œ λ§ˆμ§€μ•Šλ‹€ ('I can't help but feel sorry'). Very formal.

Key rule

STEM + -μ•„/μ–΄ + λ§ˆμ§€μ•Šλ‹€ = LITERARY 'cannot help but feel ~'. Highly formal / dramatic. Used in editorials, formal speeches, condolences, congratulations. Mostly with EMOTION verbs (κ°μ‚¬ν•˜λ‹€, κΈ°μ˜λ‹€, μ•ˆνƒ€κΉλ‹€, μŠ¬ν”„λ‹€). RECOGNIZE; use sparingly.

Examples

  • 감사해 λ§ˆμ§€μ•ŠμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
    (μΉœκ΅¬μ—κ²Œ) 감사해 λ§ˆμ§€μ•ŠμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.

    Formal gratitude. Translation: I am profoundly grateful. Romanization: Gamsahae majianseumnida.

  • 기뻐 λ§ˆμ§€μ•ŠμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
    감사해 λ§ˆμ§€μ•Šμ•„μš”. (casual context)

    Joy. Translation: I cannot help but rejoice. Romanization: Gippeo majianseumnida.

  • μ•ˆνƒ€κΉŒμ›Œ λ§ˆμ§€μ•ŠμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
    κ°μ‚¬ν•˜ λ§ˆμ§€μ•ŠμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.

    Sympathy. Translation: I cannot but feel sorry. Romanization: Antakkawo majianseumnida.

Common mistakes

  • register_too_formal

    (μΉœκ΅¬μ—κ²Œ) 감사해 λ§ˆμ§€μ•ŠμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
    (μΉœκ΅¬μ—κ²Œ) 정말 κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œ. / (μΉœκ΅¬μ—κ²Œ) λ„ˆλ¬΄ κ°μ‚¬ν•΄μš”.

    λ§ˆμ§€μ•Šλ‹€ is LITERARY / FORMAL. With friends sounds dramatic.

  • register_inconsistency

    감사해 λ§ˆμ§€μ•Šμ•„μš”. (casual context)
    감사해 λ§ˆμ§€μ•ŠμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. (in formal context only).

    Usually appears in 합쇼체 / writing.

TOPIK 5 / C1Verb usage

-μ•„/μ–΄ λ§ˆλ•…ν•˜λ‹€ / -(으)ㅁ이 λ§ˆλ•…ν•˜λ‹€ (deserves to be / right to β€” formal)

-μ•„/μ–΄ λ§ˆλ•…ν•˜λ‹€

STEM + -μ•„/μ–΄ λ§ˆλ•…ν•˜λ‹€ or NOM + -ㅁ이 λ§ˆλ•…ν•˜λ‹€ means 'deserves to be / is right to / fitting that ~'. μΉ­μ°¬λ°›μ•„ λ§ˆλ•…ν•œ μΌμ΄μ—μš” ('It's a thing that deserves praise'). μ²˜λ²Œλ°›μ•„ λ§ˆλ•…ν•˜λ‹€ ('Deserves punishment'). Formal / editorial.

Key rule

STEM + -μ•„/μ–΄ + λ§ˆλ•…ν•˜λ‹€ = 'deserves to / is fitting / right to ~'. Often with PASSIVE -λ°›λ‹€ verbs (μΉ­μ°¬λ°›μ•„ λ§ˆλ•…ν•˜λ‹€). Modifier: -μ•„/μ–΄ λ§ˆλ•…ν•œ + N. Alternative: -(으)ㅁ이 λ§ˆλ•…ν•˜λ‹€. Formal / moral / editorial register.

Examples

  • κ·ΈλŠ” μΉ­μ°¬λ°›μ•„ λ§ˆλ•…ν•œ μ‚¬λžŒμ΄μ—μš”.
    κ·ΈλŠ” μΉ­μ°¬ν•΄ λ§ˆλ•…ν•œ μ‚¬λžŒμ΄μ—μš”.

    Modifier + N. Translation: He deserves praise. Romanization: Geu-neun chingchan-bada matanghan saram-iyeyo.

  • 그런 행동은 λΉ„λ‚œλ°›μ•„ λ§ˆλ•…ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€.
    그런 행동은 λΉ„λ‚œν•΄ λ§ˆλ•…ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. (intended: deserves criticism)

    Editorial judgment. Translation: Such behavior deserves criticism. Romanization: Geureon haengdong-eun binan-bada matanghamnida.

  • 쒋은 κ²°κ³ΌλŠ” λ…Έλ ₯ν•œ μ‚¬λžŒμ—κ²Œ κ°€μ•Ό λ§ˆλ•…ν•˜λ‹€.
    (친ꡬ λŒ€ν™”) μΉ­μ°¬λ°›μ•„ λ§ˆλ•…ν•΄.

    Moral statement. Translation: Good results should go to those who tried. Romanization: Joeun gyeolgwa-neun noryeokhan saram-ege gaya matanghada.

Common mistakes

  • active_instead_of_passive

    κ·ΈλŠ” μΉ­μ°¬ν•΄ λ§ˆλ•…ν•œ μ‚¬λžŒμ΄μ—μš”.
    κ·ΈλŠ” μΉ­μ°¬λ°›μ•„ λ§ˆλ•…ν•œ μ‚¬λžŒμ΄μ—μš”.

    Use PASSIVE λ°›λ‹€ form (the person RECEIVES praise).

  • active_instead_of_passive

    그런 행동은 λΉ„λ‚œν•΄ λ§ˆλ•…ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€. (intended: deserves criticism)
    그런 행동은 λΉ„λ‚œλ°›μ•„ λ§ˆλ•…ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€.

    Action deserves to be CRITICIZED β€” passive λΉ„λ‚œλ°›λ‹€.

TOPIK 5 / B2Verb usage

-지 μ•Šμ„ 수 μ—†λ‹€ / μ•ˆ -(으)γ„Ή μˆ˜κ°€ μ—†λ‹€ (cannot help / must β€” double-negative emphasis)

-지 μ•Šμ„ 수 μ—†λ‹€

STEM + -지 μ•Šμ„ 수 μ—†λ‹€ / μ•ˆ -(으)γ„Ή μˆ˜κ°€ μ—†λ‹€ means 'cannot help but ~ / must ~' through double negation. μΈμ •ν•˜μ§€ μ•Šμ„ 수 μ—†μ–΄μš” ('I cannot help but acknowledge'). Emphatic obligation / inevitability.

Key rule

STEM + -지 μ•Šμ„ 수 μ—†λ‹€ = 'cannot help but / cannot not = must'. Double negation emphasizing inevitability / acknowledgment. Modifier: -지 μ•Šμ„ 수 μ—†λŠ” + N. Past: -지 μ•Šμ„ 수 μ—†μ—ˆλ‹€. Alternative: μ•ˆ + V + -(으)γ„Ή μˆ˜κ°€ μ—†λ‹€.

Examples

  • κ·ΈλΆ„μ˜ λŠ₯λ ₯을 μΈμ •ν•˜μ§€ μ•Šμ„ 수 μ—†μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.
    μΈμ •ν•˜μ§€ μ•Šμ„ 수 μžˆμ–΄μš”. (intended: 'cannot help')

    Acknowledgment. Translation: I have to acknowledge his ability. Romanization: Geu-bun-ui neungryeog-eul injeong-haji aneul su eopseumnida.

  • κ·Έ μŒμ‹μ„ μ’‹μ•„ν•˜μ§€ μ•Šμ„ 수 μ—†μ–΄μš”.
    μ•ˆ 가지 μ•Šμ„ 수 μ—†μ–΄μš”. (double negative confusion)

    Emotional. Translation: I can't help but like that food. Romanization: Geu eumsig-eul joahaji aneul su eopseoyo.

  • κ°λ™ν•˜μ§€ μ•Šμ„ 수 μ—†λŠ” μ˜ν™”μ˜€μ–΄μš”.
    감동지 μ•Šμ„ 수 μ—†λŠ” μ˜ν™”.

    Modifier. Translation: A movie one can't help but be moved by. Romanization: Gamdong-haji aneul su eopneun yeonghwa-yeosseoyo.

Common mistakes

  • wrong_predicate

    μΈμ •ν•˜μ§€ μ•Šμ„ 수 μžˆμ–΄μš”. (intended: 'cannot help')
    μΈμ •ν•˜μ§€ μ•Šμ„ 수 μ—†μ–΄μš”.

    Use μ—†λ‹€ (impossibility), not μžˆλ‹€.

  • doubled_negation_form

    μ•ˆ 가지 μ•Šμ„ 수 μ—†μ–΄μš”. (double negative confusion)
    가지 μ•Šμ„ 수 μ—†μ–΄μš”. / μ•ˆ 갈 μˆ˜κ°€ μ—†μ–΄μš”.

    Don't stack μ•ˆ + -지 μ•Šλ‹€. Pick one form.

TOPIK 5 / C1Verb usage

-λ‹€(κ°€) λͺ»ν•΄ / -λ‹€ λͺ»ν•΄ (to the point that / so much so that)

-λ‹€(κ°€) λͺ»ν•΄

STEM + -λ‹€(κ°€) λͺ»ν•΄ means 'to the point that ~ couldn't bear ~ / so much so that ~'. Expresses an extreme that EXCEEDS tolerance, often leading to a change. ν™”κ°€ λ‚˜λ‹€ λͺ»ν•΄ μŠ¬νΌμ‘Œμ–΄μš” ('Got so angry I became sad'). 기닀리닀 λͺ»ν•΄ λ– λ‚¬μ–΄μš” ('Couldn't wait any longer and left'). Literary / emphatic.

Key rule

STEM + -λ‹€(κ°€) λͺ»ν•΄ = 'to the extreme point of ~ that one cannot bear β†’ action'. Literary / dramatic. Common with emotion overflow (ν™”κ°€ λ‚˜λ‹€ λͺ»ν•΄, μŠ¬ν”„λ‹€ λͺ»ν•΄) or unbearable patience (기닀리닀 λͺ»ν•΄, μ°Έλ‹€ λͺ»ν•΄). The κ°€ optional.

Examples

  • 기닀리닀 λͺ»ν•΄ λ– λ‚¬μ–΄μš”.
    기닀리 λͺ»ν•΄ λ– λ‚¬μ–΄μš”.

    Unbearable patience. Translation: Couldn't bear waiting and left. Romanization: Gidarida mot-hae tteonasseoyo.

  • μ°Έλ‹€ λͺ»ν•΄ ν™”λ₯Ό λƒˆμ–΄μš”.
    기닀리닀 λͺ» ν•΄ λ– λ‚¬μ–΄μš”.

    Patience overflow. Translation: Couldn't endure and got angry. Romanization: Chamda mot-hae hwa-reul naesseoyo.

  • ν™”κ°€ λ‚˜λ‹€ λͺ»ν•΄ μŠ¬νΌμ‘Œμ–΄μš”.
    (친ꡬ λŒ€ν™”) 기닀리닀 λͺ»ν•΄ κ°”μ–΄.

    Emotion shift. Translation: So angry I became sad. Romanization: Hwa-ga nada mot-hae seulpeo-jyeosseoyo.

Common mistakes

  • missing_da

    기닀리 λͺ»ν•΄ λ– λ‚¬μ–΄μš”.
    기닀리닀 λͺ»ν•΄ λ– λ‚¬μ–΄μš”.

    Need full -λ‹€ form before λͺ»ν•΄.

  • spacing

    기닀리닀 λͺ» ν•΄ λ– λ‚¬μ–΄μš”.
    기닀리닀 λͺ»ν•΄ λ– λ‚¬μ–΄μš”.

    Standard form λͺ»ν•΄ (joined), not λͺ» ν•΄ (separate).

TOPIK 5 / C1Syntax

Advanced relative modifiers / cleft-like structures (것은 ~인 것이닀)

κ³ κΈ‰ κ΄€ν˜• / λΆ„μ—΄ ꡬ문

Korean uses CLEFT-LIKE structures with 것 to emphasize / focus specific elements: λ‚΄κ°€ μ’‹μ•„ν•˜λŠ” 것은 ν•œκ΅­μ–΄μΈ 것이닀 ('What I like IS Korean'). μ€‘μš”ν•œ 것은 ~이닀 ('What's important is ~'). Layered modifier + 것이닀 emphasis (T4 emphatic).

Key rule

Cleft-like structure: [Modifier clause] + 것은 + [focus] + (이)λ‹€ = 'What [modifier] is [focus]'. Used for EMPHASIS / FOCUS in formal writing. Layered modifiers possible. Combine with 것이닀 (T4) for additional emphasis.

Examples

  • λ‚΄κ°€ μ’‹μ•„ν•˜λŠ” 것은 ν•œκ΅­μ–΄μ˜ˆμš”.
    λ‚΄κ°€ μ’‹μ•„ν•˜λŠ” 것 ν•œκ΅­μ–΄μ˜ˆμš”. (missing 은)

    Basic cleft. Translation: What I like is Korean. Romanization: Naega joahaneun geos-eun hangugeo-yeyo.

  • μ€‘μš”ν•œ 것은 λ…Έλ ₯μ΄μ—μš”.
    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ μ–΄λ €μš΄κ²ƒμ€ 발음 λ•Œλ¬Έμ΄μ—μš”. (no space)

    Focus on subject complement. Translation: What's important is effort. Romanization: Jungyohan geos-eun noryeog-iyeyo.

  • κ°€μž₯ 큰 λ¬Έμ œλŠ” μ‹œκ°„μ΄λ‹€.
    λ‚΄κ°€ μ’‹μ•„ν•œ 것은 ν•œκ΅­μ–΄μ˜ˆμš”. (intended present preference)

    ADJ modifier. Translation: The biggest problem is time. Romanization: Gajang keun munje-neun sigan-ida.

Common mistakes

  • missing_topic_marker

    λ‚΄κ°€ μ’‹μ•„ν•˜λŠ” 것 ν•œκ΅­μ–΄μ˜ˆμš”. (missing 은)
    λ‚΄κ°€ μ’‹μ•„ν•˜λŠ” 것은 ν•œκ΅­μ–΄μ˜ˆμš”.

    Topic marker 은/λŠ” essential for cleft.

  • missing_space

    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ μ–΄λ €μš΄κ²ƒμ€ 발음 λ•Œλ¬Έμ΄μ—μš”. (no space)
    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ μ–΄λ €μš΄ 것은 발음 λ•Œλ¬Έμ΄μ—μš”.

    Space before bound noun 것.

TOPIK 5 / B2Syntax

Topic fronting & left dislocation

주제 μ „μΉ˜ / 쒌츑 μ „μΉ˜

Korean allows FRONTING a topic or DISLOCATING an element to the left of a sentence for EMPHASIS / DISCOURSE STRUCTURE. ν•œκ΅­μ–΄λŠ”, 정말 μ–΄λ €μš΄ μ–Έμ–΄μ˜ˆμš” ('Korean β€” it's really a hard language'). κ·Έ μ˜ν™” 말이야, 정말 μž¬λ―Έμžˆμ—ˆμ–΄ ('That movie, you know, was really fun').

Key rule

Korean is TOPIC-prominent. Topic-front with 은/λŠ”. Left-dislocate with comma / pause for casual emphasis. ~ 말이야 = colloquial topic marker. Multi-layer topics allowed (ν•œκ΅­μ–΄λŠ” 발음이 μ–΄λ €μ›Œμš”). Distinct from focus-marking 이/κ°€.

Examples

  • ν•œκ΅­μ–΄λŠ” 정말 μ–΄λ €μš΄ μ–Έμ–΄μ˜ˆμš”.
    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ 정말 μ–΄λ €μš΄ μ–Έμ–΄μ˜ˆμš”. (intended: as for Korean)

    Basic topic. Translation: Korean β€” really a hard language. Romanization: Hangugeo-neun jeongmal eoryeoun eoneo-yeyo.

  • ν•œκ΅­μ–΄λŠ” 발음이 μ–΄λ €μ›Œμš”.
    κ·Έ μ˜ν™”κ°€, μž¬λ―Έμžˆμ—ˆμ–΄μš”. (left dislocation with 이/κ°€)

    Nested topic-subject. Translation: Korean β€” pronunciation is hard. Romanization: Hangugeo-neun bareum-i eoryeowoyo.

  • ν•œκ΅­ μŒμ‹μ€ κΉ€μΉ˜κ°€ κ°€μž₯ 유λͺ…ν•΄μš”.
    (formal essay) κ·Έ μ˜ν™” 말이야, μž¬λ―Έμžˆμ–΄μš”.

    Nested. Translation: Korean food β€” kimchi is most famous. Romanization: Hanguk eumsig-eun gimchi-ga gajang yumyeong-haeyo.

Common mistakes

  • wrong_particle_for_topic

    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ 정말 μ–΄λ €μš΄ μ–Έμ–΄μ˜ˆμš”. (intended: as for Korean)
    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄λŠ” 정말 μ–΄λ €μš΄ μ–Έμ–΄μ˜ˆμš”.

    Topic uses 은/λŠ”, not 이/κ°€. Subject 이/κ°€ marks focus / new info.

  • wrong_dislocation_particle

    κ·Έ μ˜ν™”κ°€, μž¬λ―Έμžˆμ—ˆμ–΄μš”. (left dislocation with 이/κ°€)
    κ·Έ μ˜ν™”λŠ”, μž¬λ―Έμžˆμ—ˆμ–΄μš”. / κ·Έ μ˜ν™”, μž¬λ―Έμžˆμ—ˆμ–΄μš”.

    Left dislocation typically with 은/λŠ” or no particle.

TOPIK 5 / C1Syntax

Emphatic particles in discourse (μ΄μ•Όλ§λ‘œ, (이)μ•Ό, -μ•„μ•Ό/μ–΄μ•Ό)

κ°•μ‘° 쑰사 (μ‘μš©)

Korean has several EMPHATIC particles / endings for focus: NOUN + μ΄μ•Όλ§λ‘œ ('precisely / exactly this'), NOUN + (이)μ•Ό ('it is ~ that'), -μ•„/μ–΄μ•Ό ('only when / it's only by ~'). μ΄κ²ƒμ΄μ•Όλ§λ‘œ μ§„μ •ν•œ μ‚¬λž‘μž…λ‹ˆλ‹€ ('THIS is true love'). λ„ˆμ•Ό 잘 지내겠지 ('You β€” you'd be fine').

Key rule

μ΄μ•Όλ§λ‘œ (precisely / exactly β€” emphatic): consonant-final + μ΄μ•Όλ§λ‘œ; vowel-final + μ•Όλ§λ‘œ. (이)μ•Ό = emphatic identification ('as for ~'). -μ•„/μ–΄μ•Ό = 'only when / only if'. Used for dramatic / argumentative emphasis. Stack for layered force.

Examples

  • μ΄κ²ƒμ΄μ•Όλ§λ‘œ μ§„μ •ν•œ μ‚¬λž‘μž…λ‹ˆλ‹€.
    μ΄κ²ƒμ•Όλ§λ‘œ μ§„μ •ν•œ μ‚¬λž‘μž…λ‹ˆλ‹€.

    μ΄μ•Όλ§λ‘œ emphatic. Translation: THIS is true love. Romanization: Igeos-iyamalro jinjeonghan sarang-imnida.

  • λ…Έλ ₯μ΄μ•Όλ§λ‘œ μ„±κ³΅μ˜ μ—΄μ‡ μž…λ‹ˆλ‹€.
    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄μ΄μ•Όλ§λ‘œ ν₯λ―Έλ‘œμ›Œμš”.

    Aphoristic. Translation: Effort is the key to success. Romanization: Noryeog-iyamalro seonggong-ui yeolsoe-imnida.

  • ν•œκ΅­μ–΄μ•Όλ§λ‘œ κ°€μž₯ ν₯미둜운 μ–Έμ–΄μ˜ˆμš”.
    λ„ˆμ΄μ•Ό 잘 지내겠지.

    Vowel-final + μ•Όλ§λ‘œ. Translation: Korean is the most interesting language. Romanization: Hangugeo-yamalro gajang heungmiroun eoneo-yeyo.

Common mistakes

  • missing_phonological_i

    μ΄κ²ƒμ•Όλ§λ‘œ μ§„μ •ν•œ μ‚¬λž‘μž…λ‹ˆλ‹€.
    μ΄κ²ƒμ΄μ•Όλ§λ‘œ μ§„μ •ν•œ μ‚¬λž‘μž…λ‹ˆλ‹€.

    Consonant-final 이것 + μ΄μ•Όλ§λ‘œ. Include 이.

  • extra_phonological_i

    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄μ΄μ•Όλ§λ‘œ ν₯λ―Έλ‘œμ›Œμš”.
    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄μ•Όλ§λ‘œ ν₯λ―Έλ‘œμ›Œμš”.

    Vowel-final ν•œκ΅­μ–΄ + μ•Όλ§λ‘œ (no 이).

TOPIK 5 / C1Syntax

-γ„΄λ‹€κ³  해도 / -닀손 μΉ˜λ”λΌλ„ (even supposing β€” advanced concession)

-λ‹€κ³  해도 / -닀손 μΉ˜λ”λΌλ„

Two advanced concession forms: -γ„΄/λŠ”λ‹€κ³  해도 = 'even supposing / even if we say ~'. -닀손 μΉ˜λ”λΌλ„ = 'even granting / even granting it as ~' (more literary). Both express SUPPOSITIONAL concession beyond -μ•„/어도. μ–΄λ ΅λ‹€κ³  해도 ν¬κΈ°ν•˜μ§€ λ§ˆμ„Έμš” ('Even if it's hard, don't give up').

Key rule

VERB + -γ„΄/λŠ”λ‹€κ³  해도; ADJ + -λ‹€κ³  해도; 이닀 + -(이)라고 해도 = 'even supposing ~'. -닀손 μΉ˜λ”λΌλ„ = literary / formal counterpart. PAST -μ•˜/μ—ˆλ‹€κ³  해도. Used in argumentative writing for hypothetical concession.

Examples

  • μ–΄λ ΅λ‹€κ³  해도 ν¬κΈ°ν•˜μ§€ λ§ˆμ„Έμš”.
    μ–΄λ €μš΄λ‹€κ³  해도 ν¬κΈ°ν•˜μ§€ λ§ˆμ„Έμš”. (adjective with -γ„΄/λŠ”λ‹€κ³ )

    Adjective concession. Translation: Even if hard, don't give up. Romanization: Eoryeopdago haedo pogihaji maseyo.

  • λΉ„κ°€ μ˜¨λ‹€κ³  해도 갈 κ±°μ˜ˆμš”.
    λΉ„κ°€ μ˜€λ‹€κ³  해도 갈 κ±°μ˜ˆμš”. (verb without -γ„΄/λŠ”)

    Verb statement. Translation: Even if it rains, I'll go. Romanization: Bi-ga ondago haedo gal geoeyo.

  • 그뢄이 ν•œκ΅­ μ‚¬λžŒμ΄λΌκ³  해도 μ˜μ–΄ μž˜ν•˜μ‹œμž–μ•„μš”.
    그뢄이 ν•œκ΅­ μ‚¬λžŒλ‹€κ³  해도 μ˜μ–΄ μž˜ν•΄μš”.

    Noun. Translation: Even if Korean, speaks English well. Romanization: Geu-bun-i hanguk saram-irago haedo yeong-eo jalha-sijanayo.

Common mistakes

  • wrong_modifier_for_adj

    μ–΄λ €μš΄λ‹€κ³  해도 ν¬κΈ°ν•˜μ§€ λ§ˆμ„Έμš”. (adjective with -γ„΄/λŠ”λ‹€κ³ )
    μ–΄λ ΅λ‹€κ³  해도 ν¬κΈ°ν•˜μ§€ λ§ˆμ„Έμš”.

    Adjective + -λ‹€κ³  (no -γ„΄/λŠ”-).

  • missing_neun_for_verb

    λΉ„κ°€ μ˜€λ‹€κ³  해도 갈 κ±°μ˜ˆμš”. (verb without -γ„΄/λŠ”)
    λΉ„κ°€ μ˜¨λ‹€κ³  해도 갈 κ±°μ˜ˆμš”.

    Verb statement + -γ„΄/λŠ”λ‹€κ³ . Need -γ„΄/λŠ”-.

TOPIK 5 / C1Syntax

-λŠ” λ“―ν•˜λ‹€ / -λŠ” 듯이 (as if / it seems β€” advanced)

-λŠ” λ“―ν•˜λ‹€ / -λŠ” 듯이

STEM + MODIFIER + λ“―ν•˜λ‹€ = 'it seems / appears' (similar to -것 κ°™λ‹€ but more literary). STEM + MODIFIER + 듯이 = 'as if / like ~' (adverbial 'as if'). μΉœκ΅¬κ°€ κ°€λŠ” λ“―ν•΄μš” ('Friend seems to be going'). μžλŠ” 듯이 λˆ„μ›Œ μžˆμ–΄μš” ('Lies as if sleeping').

Key rule

Modifier + λ“―ν•˜λ‹€ = 'seems / appears' (literary -것 κ°™λ‹€). Modifier + 듯이 = 'as if / like' (adverbial). VERB present -λŠ” λ“―, past -(으)γ„΄ λ“―, future -(으)γ„Ή λ“―; ADJ -(으)γ„΄ λ“―; NOUN -인 λ“―. Formal / literary register.

Examples

  • μΉœκ΅¬κ°€ κ°€λŠ” λ“―ν•΄μš”.
    μΉœκ΅¬κ°€ κ°€λ‹€ λ“―ν•΄μš”.

    Predicative -λŠ” λ“―ν•˜λ‹€. Translation: Friend seems to be going. Romanization: Chingu-ga ganeun deutaeyo.

  • 그뢄이 ν•œκ΅­ μ‚¬λžŒμΈ λ“―ν•΄μš”.
    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ μ–΄λ ΅λŠ” λ“―ν•΄μš”.

    Noun + 인 λ“―ν•˜λ‹€. Translation: Seems Korean. Romanization: Geu-bun-i hanguk saram-in deutaeyo.

  • λΉ„κ°€ 올 λ“―ν•΄μš”.
    그뢄이 ν•œκ΅­ μ‚¬λžŒ λ“―ν•΄μš”.

    Future -(으)γ„Ή λ“―ν•˜λ‹€. Translation: Looks like it'll rain. Romanization: Bi-ga ol deutaeyo.

Common mistakes

  • wrong_modifier

    μΉœκ΅¬κ°€ κ°€λ‹€ λ“―ν•΄μš”.
    μΉœκ΅¬κ°€ κ°€λŠ” λ“―ν•΄μš”.

    Need present-modifier -λŠ” (verb).

  • wrong_modifier_for_adj

    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ μ–΄λ ΅λŠ” λ“―ν•΄μš”.
    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ μ–΄λ €μš΄ λ“―ν•΄μš”.

    Adjective + -(으)γ„΄, not -λŠ”.

TOPIK 5 / C1Syntax

-μ•˜/μ—ˆλ”λΌλ©΄ -(으)γ„Ή 텐데 (counterfactual pairing)

-μ•˜/μ—ˆλ”λΌλ©΄ -(으)γ„Ή 텐데

Two-clause counterfactual structure: -μ•˜/μ—ˆλ”λΌλ©΄ [counterfactual past condition] + -μ•˜/μ—ˆμ„ 텐데 [counterfactual outcome]. 일찍 일어났더라면 λŠ¦μ§€ μ•Šμ•˜μ„ 텐데 ('If I had gotten up early, I wouldn't have been late'). The canonical 'if I had ~, I would have ~' Korean form.

Key rule

Counterfactual pair: [STEM + -μ•˜/μ—ˆλ”λΌλ©΄] (PROTASIS, 'if had ~') + [STEM + -μ•˜/μ—ˆμ„ 텐데] (APODOSIS, 'would have ~'). Both must be PAST counterfactual. -μ•˜/μ—ˆμœΌλ©΄ (basic) also possible. Used for REGRET / what-if / advice.

Examples

  • 일찍 일어났더라면 λŠ¦μ§€ μ•Šμ•˜μ„ 텐데.
    일찍 μΌμ–΄λ‚˜λ”λΌλ©΄ λŠ¦μ§€ μ•Šμ•˜μ„ 텐데.

    Standard regret pair. Translation: If I had gotten up early, I wouldn't have been late. Romanization: Iljjik ireonatdeoramyeon neutji anasseul tende.

  • ν•œκ΅­μ–΄λ₯Ό 일찍 μ‹œμž‘ν–ˆλ”λΌλ©΄ 더 μž˜ν–ˆμ„ 텐데.
    일찍 일어났더라면 λŠ¦μ§€ μ•Šμ•„μš”.

    Self-improvement regret. Translation: If I had started Korean earlier, I'd be better. Romanization: Hangugeo-reul iljjik sijakhaetdeoramyeon deo jalhaesseul tende.

  • λΉ„κ°€ μ•ˆ 왔더라면 μ‚°μ±…ν–ˆμ„ 텐데.
    곡뢀λ₯Ό ν–ˆμœΌλ©΄ μ‹œν—˜μ„ 잘 λ³Έλ‹€.

    Negative protasis. Translation: If it hadn't rained, I would have walked. Romanization: Bi-ga an watdeoramyeon sanchaek-haesseul tende.

Common mistakes

  • missing_past_protasis

    일찍 μΌμ–΄λ‚˜λ”λΌλ©΄ λŠ¦μ§€ μ•Šμ•˜μ„ 텐데.
    일찍 일어났더라면 λŠ¦μ§€ μ•Šμ•˜μ„ 텐데.

    PROTASIS must be PAST: -μ•˜/μ—ˆλ”λΌλ©΄.

  • non_counterfactual_apodosis

    일찍 일어났더라면 λŠ¦μ§€ μ•Šμ•„μš”.
    일찍 일어났더라면 λŠ¦μ§€ μ•Šμ•˜μ„ 텐데.

    APODOSIS must also be PAST counterfactual.

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TOPIK 5 / B1Connectors

-(으)λ‚˜ (but / while β€” formal contrast / concession)

-(으)λ‚˜

STEM + -(으)λ‚˜ = formal 'but / while / however'. Connects two contrasting clauses in writing. ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ μ–΄λ €μš°λ‚˜ μž¬λ―Έμžˆλ‹€ ('Korean is hard but fun'). More formal than -μ§€λ§Œ (T2); common in essays / news.

Key rule

Vowel/γ„Ή-stem + -λ‚˜; consonant-stem + -μœΌλ‚˜ = formal 'but / while'. γ„Ή-drop before -λ‚˜ (λ§Œλ“€λ‹€ β†’ λ§Œλ“œλ‚˜). Past -μ•˜/μ—ˆμœΌλ‚˜. More formal than -μ§€λ§Œ; common in essays / news. Don't confuse with 'or' particle (이)λ‚˜.

Examples

  • ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ μ–΄λ €μš°λ‚˜ μž¬λ―Έμžˆλ‹€.
    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ μ–΄λ ΅μœΌλ‚˜ μž¬λ―Έμžˆλ‹€.

    γ…‚-irreg + μœΌλ‚˜. Translation: Korean is hard but fun. Romanization: Hangugeo-ga eoryeouna jaemiitda.

  • λΉ„κ°€ μ˜€λ‚˜ μΆœκ·Όν–ˆλ‹€.
    λΉ„κ°€ μ˜€μœΌλ‚˜ μΆœκ·Όν–ˆλ‹€.

    Vowel stem + λ‚˜. Translation: It rained but I went to work. Romanization: Bi-ga ona chulgeun-haetda.

  • μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ—†μœΌλ‚˜ μ΅œμ„ μ„ λ‹€ν–ˆλ‹€.
    케이크λ₯Ό λ§Œλ“€μœΌλ‚˜ μ‹œκ°„μ΄ κ±Έλ Έλ‹€.

    Consonant + μœΌλ‚˜. Translation: No time but did my best. Romanization: Sigan-i eopseuna choeseon-eul dahaetda.

Common mistakes

  • missing_b_irregular

    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ μ–΄λ ΅μœΌλ‚˜ μž¬λ―Έμžˆλ‹€.
    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄κ°€ μ–΄λ €μš°λ‚˜ μž¬λ―Έμžˆλ‹€.

    γ…‚-irreg: μ–΄λ ΅ β†’ μ–΄λ €μš° + λ‚˜ = μ–΄λ €μš°λ‚˜.

  • wrong_eu_insertion

    λΉ„κ°€ μ˜€μœΌλ‚˜ μΆœκ·Όν–ˆλ‹€.
    λΉ„κ°€ μ˜€λ‚˜ μΆœκ·Όν–ˆλ‹€.

    Vowel-final stem + -λ‚˜ (no 으).

TOPIK 5 / C1Honorifics register

Academic writing conventions (-(으)ㅁ-이 보인닀, -(으)γ„Ή 수 μžˆλ‹€, -(으)둜 μ‚¬λ£Œλœλ‹€)

ν•™μˆ μ  κΈ€μ“°κΈ°

Korean ACADEMIC writing uses hedged / formal / nominalized expressions: -(으)ㅁ + 이 보인닀 ('it appears that ~'), -(으)γ„Ή 수 μžˆλ‹€ ('can be ~'), -(으)둜 μ‚¬λ£Œλœλ‹€ ('it is thought / considered that ~'), -(으)γ„΄ κ²ƒμœΌλ‘œ λ‚˜νƒ€λ‚¬λ‹€ ('it was found that ~'). Hapsho 합쇼체 or plain ν•œλ‹€μ²΄.

Key rule

Academic Korean: -(으)둜 μ‚¬λ£Œλœλ‹€ / -(으)둜 보인닀 / -(으)γ„Ή 수 μžˆλ‹€ / -(으)γ„Ή κ°€λŠ₯성이 μžˆλ‹€ = hedged conclusions. ν•œλ‹€μ²΄ / 합쇼체 endings. SK vocabulary dominant. Passive (-λœλ‹€ / -μ•„/어진닀). Long subordinate clauses, embedded -λ‹€λŠ” + N. Citations with -에 λ”°λ₯΄λ©΄.

Examples

  • 이 κ²°κ³ΌλŠ” ν•œκ΅­ μ‚¬νšŒμ˜ λ³€ν™”λ₯Ό 보여 μ£ΌλŠ” κ²ƒμœΌλ‘œ μ‚¬λ£Œλœλ‹€.
    이 κ²°κ³ΌλŠ” ν•œκ΅­ μ‚¬νšŒμ˜ λ³€ν™”λ₯Ό 보여 μ€˜μš”. (academic essay)

    Academic hedge. Translation: This result is thought to show the change in Korean society. Romanization: I gyeolgwa-neun hanguk sahoe-ui byeonhwa-reul boyeo juneun geos-euro saryodoenda.

  • 연ꡬ κ²°κ³Ό 인ꡬ가 κ°μ†Œν•˜λŠ” κ²ƒμœΌλ‘œ λ‚˜νƒ€λ‚¬λ‹€.
    연ꡬ가 보여 쀬어. (essay)

    Found that. Translation: Research showed that population is decreasing. Romanization: Yeon-gu gyeolgwa in-gu-ga gamsohaneun geos-euro natananda.

  • μ΄λŠ” μ‚¬νšŒμ  영ν–₯을 μ˜λ―Έν•  수 μžˆλ‹€.
    ν•œκ΅­ μ‚¬νšŒκ°€ λ³€ν•˜λ‹€. (intended assertion in essay)

    Modal hedge. Translation: This may mean social impact. Romanization: Ineun sahoejeog yeonghyang-eul uimi-hal su itda.

Common mistakes

  • register_too_casual_for_academic

    이 κ²°κ³ΌλŠ” ν•œκ΅­ μ‚¬νšŒμ˜ λ³€ν™”λ₯Ό 보여 μ€˜μš”. (academic essay)
    이 κ²°κ³ΌλŠ” ν•œκ΅­ μ‚¬νšŒμ˜ λ³€ν™”λ₯Ό 보여 μ£ΌλŠ” κ²ƒμœΌλ‘œ μ‚¬λ£Œλœλ‹€.

    Academic essay uses hedged / formal endings. 보여 μ€˜μš” (ν•΄μš”μ²΄) too casual.

  • register_mismatch

    연ꡬ가 보여 쀬어. (essay)
    연ꡬ가 ~둜 λ‚˜νƒ€λ‚¬λ‹€ / ~을 보여 μ£Όμ—ˆλ‹€.

    Use ν•œλ‹€μ²΄ in essays.

TOPIK 5 / C1Honorifics register

Journalistic register & press conventions (λ°ν˜”λ‹€, μ „ν–ˆλ‹€, λΆ„μ„λœλ‹€)

μ‹ λ¬Έ 문체

Korean NEWS / journalism uses signature verbs and structures: λ°ν˜”λ‹€ ('revealed / stated'), μ „ν–ˆλ‹€ ('conveyed / reported'), λΆ„μ„λœλ‹€ ('is analyzed'), μ•Œλ €μ‘Œλ‹€ ('became known'), -(으)γ„΄ κ²ƒμœΌλ‘œ μ•Œλ €μ‘Œλ‹€ ('it was made known that ~'). ν•œλ‹€μ²΄ endings throughout. Citation-heavy.

Key rule

Korean news: signature verbs (λ°ν˜”λ‹€ / μ „ν–ˆλ‹€ / λ°œν‘œν–ˆλ‹€ / μ•Œλ €μ‘Œλ‹€) + passive evidentials (-(으)γ„΄ κ²ƒμœΌλ‘œ μ•Œλ €μ‘Œλ‹€ / λ‚˜νƒ€λ‚¬λ‹€). Citations with -에 λ”°λ₯΄λ©΄. ν•œλ‹€μ²΄ endings. Past for events, present for analysis. Institutional sources prominent.

Examples

  • μ •λΆ€λŠ” μ–΄μ œ μƒˆλ‘œμš΄ 정책을 λ°œν‘œν–ˆλ‹€.
    μ •λΆ€κ°€ μ–΄μ œ μƒˆ 정책을 λ°œν‘œν•΄μš”. (news article)

    Standard news lead. Translation: Government announced a new policy yesterday. Romanization: Jeongbu-neun eoje saeroun jeongchaeg-eul balpyo-haetda.

  • ν•œκ΅­μ€ν–‰μ€ 금리λ₯Ό μΈμƒν•œλ‹€κ³  λ°ν˜”λ‹€.
    κ΄€κ³„μžκ°€ ν˜‘μƒ 진행 쀑이라고 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.

    Citation + λ°ν˜”λ‹€. Translation: BOK revealed that interest rates will be raised. Romanization: Hanguk-eunhaeng-eun geumri-reul insanghandago balhyeotda.

  • 톡계청은 인ꡬ κ°μ†Œμ„Έλ₯Ό λ°œν‘œν–ˆλ‹€.
    ν•œκ΅­μ€ν–‰μ΄ 금리λ₯Ό μ˜¬λ¦°λ‹€κ³  λ§ν–ˆλ‹€.

    Institutional source. Translation: Statistics Korea announced declining population trend. Romanization: Tonggyecheong-eun in-gu gamso-se-reul balpyo-haetda.

Common mistakes

  • register_too_casual

    μ •λΆ€κ°€ μ–΄μ œ μƒˆ 정책을 λ°œν‘œν•΄μš”. (news article)
    μ •λΆ€λŠ” μ–΄μ œ μƒˆλ‘œμš΄ 정책을 λ°œν‘œν–ˆλ‹€.

    News uses ν•œλ‹€μ²΄ (-μ•˜/μ—ˆλ‹€). ν•΄μš”μ²΄ too casual.

  • missing_passive_evidential

    κ΄€κ³„μžκ°€ ν˜‘μƒ 진행 쀑이라고 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
    κ΄€κ³„μžμ— λ”°λ₯΄λ©΄ ν˜‘μƒμ΄ 진행 쀑인 κ²ƒμœΌλ‘œ μ•Œλ €μ‘Œλ‹€.

    Anonymous source needs -에 λ”°λ₯΄λ©΄ + passive evidential μ•Œλ €μ‘Œλ‹€.

TOPIK 5 / C1Honorifics register

Formal business letters (layout, opening, closing β€” μ‚Όκ°€ μ•Œλ €λ“œλ¦½λ‹ˆλ‹€)

곡식 λΉ„μ¦ˆλ‹ˆμŠ€ μ„œμ‹ 

Korean formal business LETTERS follow strict layout: (1) ADDRESS (Recipient + κ·€ν•˜ / λ‹˜κ»˜), (2) OPENING (μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ‹­λ‹ˆκΉŒ + ν‰μ†Œ 도움에 κ°μ‚¬λ“œλ¦½λ‹ˆλ‹€), (3) BODY using 합쇼체 + humble verbs (μ‚Όκ°€ μ•Œλ €λ“œλ¦½λ‹ˆλ‹€, μ•ˆλ‚΄λ“œλ¦½λ‹ˆλ‹€), (4) CLOSING (κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€ + signature λ“œλ¦Ό / 올림). Hyper-formal.

Key rule

Formal business letter = ADDRESS (NAME + κ·€ν•˜ / λ‹˜κ»˜) β†’ OPENING (μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ‹­λ‹ˆκΉŒ + ν‰μ†Œ ~ κ°μ‚¬λ“œλ¦½λ‹ˆλ‹€) β†’ BODY (닀름이 μ•„λ‹ˆμ˜€λΌ ~ + μ‚Όκ°€ μ•Œλ €λ“œλ¦½λ‹ˆλ‹€ / μ•ˆλ‚΄λ“œλ¦½λ‹ˆλ‹€) β†’ CLOSING (μ‹œκ°„ λ‚΄μ–΄ μ£Όμ…”μ„œ κ°μ‚¬λ“œλ¦½λ‹ˆλ‹€) β†’ SIGN-OFF ([Name] λ“œλ¦Ό / 올림).

Examples

  • κΉ€λ―Όμˆ˜ λΆ€μž₯λ‹˜κ»˜, μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ‹­λ‹ˆκΉŒ.
    κΉ€λ―Όμˆ˜μ—κ²Œ, μ•ˆλ…•!

    Address + opening. Translation: Dear Manager Kim, Hello (formal). Romanization: Kim Minsu bujangnim-kke, Annyeong-hasimnikka.

  • μ €λŠ” ABC νšŒμ‚¬ λ§ˆμΌ€νŒ…νŒ€μ˜ κΉ€μ˜ν¬μž…λ‹ˆλ‹€.
    μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ„Έμš”. μ € κΉ€μ˜ν¬μ˜ˆμš”.

    Self-intro. Translation: I am Kim Yeonghui from ABC marketing team. Romanization: Jeo-neun ABC hoesa maketing-tim-ui Kim Yeonghui-imnida.

  • ν‰μ†Œ 저희 νšŒμ‚¬μ— 보내 μ£Όμ‹  관심에 κ°μ‚¬λ“œλ¦½λ‹ˆλ‹€.
    닀름이 μ•„λ‹ˆλΌ μ•Œλ €λ“œλ €μš”.

    Opening courtesy. Translation: Thank you for your continued interest. Romanization: Pyeongso jeohui hoesa-e bonae jusin gwansim-e gamsa-deurimnida.

Common mistakes

  • register_too_casual

    κΉ€λ―Όμˆ˜μ—κ²Œ, μ•ˆλ…•!
    κΉ€λ―Όμˆ˜ λΆ€μž₯λ‹˜κ»˜, μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ‹­λ‹ˆκΉŒ.

    Use formal address + 합쇼체 opening.

  • register_too_casual

    μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ„Έμš”. μ € κΉ€μ˜ν¬μ˜ˆμš”.
    μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ‹­λ‹ˆκΉŒ. μ €λŠ” ABC νšŒμ‚¬μ˜ κΉ€μ˜ν¬μž…λ‹ˆλ‹€.

    Use 합쇼체 + full company + μž…λ‹ˆλ‹€.

TOPIK 5 / C1Honorifics register

Irony, sarcasm, understatement (λ°˜μ–΄λ²• / 완곑어법)

λ°˜μ–΄μ™€ 완곑어법

Korean uses IRONY (λ°˜μ–΄λ²•) and UNDERSTATEMENT (완곑어법) for indirect / polite / sarcastic communication. Common devices: rhetorical questions ('그게 κ°€λŠ₯ν•΄μš”?' = 'Is that even possible?'), litotes (μ•ˆ μ’‹λ‹€ = not good = bad), and tone-shifted compliments ('λŒ€λ‹¨ν•˜μ‹œλ„€μš”' sarcastically).

Key rule

λ°˜μ–΄λ²• (irony) = saying opposite (often as rhetorical Q). 완곑어법 (understatement) = softer phrasing. Litotes (μ•ˆ μ’‹λ‹€ = bad, 멀지 μ•Šλ‹€ = close). Hedges: λ³„λ‘œ / μ’€ / λ‹€μ†Œ / μ•½κ°„ / νŽΈμ΄λ‹€. Polite criticism: -것 κ°™μ§€λŠ” μ•Šλ‹€, λ‹€μ†Œ ~ ν•„μš”ν•˜λ‹€.

Examples

  • 그게 κ°€λŠ₯ν•΄μš”? (sarcastic)
    (critique) κ²°κ³Όκ°€ λ‚˜λΉ μš”.

    Rhetorical irony. Translation: Is that even possible? (= no way). Romanization: Geuge ganeunghaeyo?

  • 정말 λŒ€λ‹¨ν•˜μ‹œλ„€μš”. (sarcastic context)
    이거 μ•ˆ μ’‹μ•„μš”. (intended polite negative)

    Tone-shifted. Translation: Really impressive. (sarcastic). Romanization: Jeongmal daedan-hasineyo.

  • 이 일은 λ³„λ‘œ 쒋지 μ•Šμ•„μš”.
    정말 λŒ€λ‹¨ν•˜μ‹œλ„€μš”. (sincere context)

    Understatement = bad. Translation: This work is not particularly good. Romanization: I ir-eun byeollo jochi anayo.

Common mistakes

  • missing_understatement

    (critique) κ²°κ³Όκ°€ λ‚˜λΉ μš”.
    (polite critique) κ²°κ³Όκ°€ λ‹€μ†Œ μ•„μ‰½μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€. / κ²°κ³Όκ°€ 쒋지 μ•Šμ€ 것 κ°™μŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€.

    Blunt criticism sounds harsh. Use understatement / hedge.

  • missing_hedge_adverb

    이거 μ•ˆ μ’‹μ•„μš”. (intended polite negative)
    이거 λ³„λ‘œ 쒋지 μ•Šμ•„μš”. / μ’€ μ•„μ‰½λ„€μš”.

    Add λ³„λ‘œ / μ’€ / λ‹€μ†Œ for softer tone.

TOPIK 5 / C1Honorifics register

Use of passive in formal writing (-λœλ‹€, -μ§€κ²Œ λ˜λ‹€)

피동 ν‘œν˜„ (격식)

Korean FORMAL writing (academic, news, business) uses PASSIVE constructions to depersonalize / objectify. Common: SK + λ˜λ‹€ (λΆ„μ„λœλ‹€, λ³΄κ³ λœλ‹€, λ°œν‘œλœλ‹€), -μ•„/어지닀 (λ§Œλ“€μ–΄μ§„λ‹€, μ•Œλ €μ§„λ‹€), and event-passives -게 λ˜λ‹€. Reduces agency, sounds objective.

Key rule

Formal Korean writing uses passive: SK + λ˜λ‹€ (λΆ„μ„λœλ‹€ / λ°œν‘œλœλ‹€ / μ§„ν–‰λœλ‹€), -μ•„/어지닀 (μ•Œλ €μ§€λ‹€ / λ§Œλ“€μ–΄μ§€λ‹€), -게 λ˜λ‹€ (come to be). Passive evidentials -(으)γ„΄ κ²ƒμœΌλ‘œ μ•Œλ €μ‘Œλ‹€ / λ‚˜νƒ€λ‚¬λ‹€ / λΆ„μ„λœλ‹€. Reduces agent prominence, sounds objective.

Examples

  • 이 정책은 λ‹€μŒ 주에 λ°œν‘œλœλ‹€.
    μ •λΆ€κ°€ 이 정책을 λ°œν‘œν•΄μš”. (academic)

    Formal passive λ˜λ‹€. Translation: This policy will be announced next week. Romanization: I jeongchaeg-eun daeum jue balpyodoenda.

  • νšŒμ˜λŠ” μ˜€ν›„ 3μ‹œμ— κ°œμ΅œλœλ‹€.
    μ‚¬λžŒλ“€μ΄ κ·Έ 사싀을 μ•Œμ•„μš”.

    Formal scheduling. Translation: Meeting will be held at 3pm. Romanization: Hoeui-neun ohu sesi-e gaechoedoeenda.

  • 이 ν˜„μƒμ€ ν•œκ΅­ μ‚¬νšŒ 전체에 영ν–₯을 λ―ΈμΉ˜λŠ” κ²ƒμœΌλ‘œ λΆ„μ„λœλ‹€.
    이 ν˜„μƒμ΄ 영ν–₯을 λ―ΈμΉœλ‹€κ³  λΆ„μ„ν•΄μš”.

    Academic passive. Translation: This phenomenon is analyzed as affecting all of Korean society. Romanization: I hyeonsang-eun hanguk sahoe jeonche-e yeonghyang-eul michineun geos-euro bunseokdoeenda.

Common mistakes

  • agent_focus_in_formal

    μ •λΆ€κ°€ 이 정책을 λ°œν‘œν•΄μš”. (academic)
    이 정책은 λ‹€μŒ 주에 λ°œν‘œλœλ‹€.

    Academic / formal prefers passive; depersonalize the agent.

  • active_in_formal

    μ‚¬λžŒλ“€μ΄ κ·Έ 사싀을 μ•Œμ•„μš”.
    κ·Έ 사싀은 이미 μ•Œλ €μ Έ μžˆλ‹€.

    Use passive μ•Œλ €μ§€λ‹€ to depersonalize.

TOPIK 5 / B2Honorifics register

-λ‹€ style (ν•œλ‹€μ²΄ / 해라체) β€” academic / diary / newspaper

ν•œλ‹€μ²΄

ν•œλ‹€μ²΄ (also called 해라체 or ν•œλ‹€ style) is the WRITTEN / IMPERSONAL register: -γ„΄/λŠ”λ‹€ (verbs), -λ‹€ (adjectives), -이닀 (copula), -자 (let's), -μ•„/어라 (commands). Used in essays, news articles, novels, diaries, encyclopedias. Distinct from 합쇼체 (-γ…‚λ‹ˆλ‹€) and ν•΄μš”μ²΄ (-μ•„/μ–΄μš”).

Key rule

ν•œλ‹€μ²΄ = WRITTEN / IMPERSONAL register. Verb -γ„΄/λŠ”λ‹€ (vowel/γ„Ή / consonant), past -μ•˜/μ—ˆλ‹€, future -(으)γ„Ή 것이닀. Adjective -λ‹€ / -μ•˜/μ—ˆλ‹€. 이닀 β†’ -이닀. Question -(으)γ„΄κ°€ / -λŠ”κ°€. NOT for direct address β€” for narration / essays / news.

Examples

  • ν•œκ΅­ μ‚¬νšŒκ°€ λ³€ν•˜κ³  μžˆλ‹€.
    (essay) ν•œκ΅­ μ‚¬νšŒκ°€ λ³€ν•˜κ³  μžˆμ–΄μš”.

    Present essay. Translation: Korean society is changing. Romanization: Hanguk sahoe-ga byeonhago itda.

  • μ •λΆ€λŠ” μ–΄μ œ μƒˆλ‘œμš΄ 정책을 λ°œν‘œν–ˆλ‹€.
    (news) μ •λΆ€κ°€ 정책을 λ°œν‘œν–ˆμ–΄μš”.

    News past. Translation: Govt announced policy yesterday. Romanization: Jeongbu-neun eoje saeroun jeongchaeg-eul balpyo-haetda.

  • 이 κ²°κ³ΌλŠ” 맀우 μ€‘μš”ν•˜λ‹€.
    ν•œκ΅­μ–΄λŠ” ν₯미둜운 μ–Έμ–΄λ‹€. (consonant-final 이닀 β†’ noun directly)

    Adjective. Translation: This result is very important. Romanization: I gyeolgwa-neun maeu jungyo-hada.

Common mistakes

  • register_too_casual

    (essay) ν•œκ΅­ μ‚¬νšŒκ°€ λ³€ν•˜κ³  μžˆμ–΄μš”.
    ν•œκ΅­ μ‚¬νšŒκ°€ λ³€ν•˜κ³  μžˆλ‹€.

    Essays use ν•œλ‹€μ²΄ (-μžˆλ‹€), not ν•΄μš”μ²΄ (-μžˆμ–΄μš”).

  • register_mismatch

    (news) μ •λΆ€κ°€ 정책을 λ°œν‘œν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
    μ •λΆ€λŠ” μ–΄μ œ μƒˆλ‘œμš΄ 정책을 λ°œν‘œν–ˆλ‹€.

    News uses ν•œλ‹€μ²΄ + ν•œλ‹€μ²΄ sentence structure.

TOPIK 5 / C1Vocabulary usage

Advanced idioms (κ΄€μš© ν‘œν˜„ μ‘μš©)

κ³ κΈ‰ κ΄€μš© ν‘œν˜„

T3 introduced body-part idioms; T4 emotion-state idioms. T5 adds ADVANCED idioms with abstract / situational meanings: 가뭄에 콩 λ‚˜λ“― (very rare), 그림의 λ–‘ (pie in the sky), λˆ„μ›Œμ„œ μΉ¨ 뱉기 (spit while lying = self-harm), μ‹œμΉ˜λ―Έλ₯Ό λ–Όλ‹€ (play dumb).

Key rule

T5 advanced idioms are fixed multi-word expressions with abstract meanings. Memorize as units: 가뭄에 콩 λ‚˜λ“― (rare), 그림의 λ–‘ (unattainable), λˆ„μ›Œμ„œ μΉ¨ 뱉기 (self-harm), μ‹œμΉ˜λ―Έλ₯Ό λ–Όλ‹€ (play dumb), λ°œλ“±μ— 뢈 (urgent), κΉ€μΉ«κ΅­λΆ€ν„° λ§ˆμ‹œλ‹€ (premature confidence), ν•œ μš°λ¬Όμ„ νŒŒλ‹€ (focus).

Examples

  • κ·ΈλΆ„μ—κ²Œμ„œ 연락이 가뭄에 콩 λ‚˜λ“― μ™€μš”.
    κ°€λ­„μ˜ 콩 λ‚˜λ“―.

    Rarity idiom. Translation: Contact from him comes only rarely. Romanization: Geu-bun-egeseo yeollag-i gamum-e kong nadeuteut wayo.

  • κ·Έ μ°¨λŠ” μ €μ—κ²ŒλŠ” 그림의 λ–‘μ΄μ—μš”.
    그림이 λ–‘.

    Unattainable. Translation: That car is out of reach for me. Romanization: Geu cha-neun jeo-egeneun geurim-ui tteog-iyeyo.

  • νšŒμ‚¬λ₯Ό 곡개적으둜 λΉ„νŒν•˜λŠ” 건 λˆ„μ›Œμ„œ μΉ¨ λ±‰κΈ°μ˜ˆμš”.
    μ‹œμΉ˜λ―Έ λ–Όλ‹€.

    Self-defeating. Translation: Publicly criticizing your company is self-harm. Romanization: Hoesa-reul gonggaejeog-euro bipan-haneun geon nuwoseo chim baetgi-yeyo.

Common mistakes

  • wrong_particle

    κ°€λ­„μ˜ 콩 λ‚˜λ“―.
    가뭄에 콩 λ‚˜λ“―.

    Use 에 (location particle), not 의.

  • wrong_particle

    그림이 λ–‘.
    그림의 λ–‘.

    Use 의 (genitive 'picture's rice cake').

TOPIK 5 / C1Vocabulary usage

Advanced proverbs (속담 μ‘μš© β€” 10 high-frequency T5 proverbs)

속담 (μ‘μš©)

T5 expands proverb knowledge with 10 more high-frequency 속담: ν˜Έλž‘μ΄λ„ 제 말 ν•˜λ©΄ μ˜¨λ‹€ (T3 also), 사곡이 많으면 λ°°κ°€ μ‚°μœΌλ‘œ κ°„λ‹€, μ²œλ¦¬κΈΈλ„ ν•œ κ±ΈμŒλΆ€ν„°, λ“±μž” 밑이 μ–΄λ‘‘λ‹€, μ˜› 우물 더디닀, etc. Used in editorials, essays, formal speeches.

Key rule

T5 proverbs (advanced): 사곡이 많으면 λ°°κ°€ μ‚°μœΌλ‘œ κ°„λ‹€ (too many cooks), 옷이 λ‚ κ°œλ‹€ (clothes make man), 우물 μ•ˆ 개ꡬ리 (narrow-minded), λ‹­ μž‘μ•„λ¨Ήκ³  였리 발 λ‚΄λ―Όλ‹€ (covering up), etc. Use in editorials / essays / formal speech.

Examples

  • 사곡이 많으면 λ°°κ°€ μ‚°μœΌλ‘œ κ°„λ‹€κ³  λ„ˆλ¬΄ 많이 κ²°μ •ν•˜μ§€ λ§ˆμ„Έμš”.
    사곡이 많으면 λ°°κ°€ 산에 κ°€μš”.

    Advice. Translation: Too many cooks spoil the broth β€” don't decide too much. Romanization: Sagong-i manmyeon bae-ga san-euro gandago neomu mani gyeoljeong-haji maseyo.

  • 옷이 λ‚ κ°œλΌλ”λ‹ˆ 정말 λ©‹μžˆλ„€μš”.
    옷이 λ‚ κ°œμ—μš”.

    Compliment via proverb. Translation: Clothes make the man β€” really stylish. Romanization: Os-i nalgae-radeoni jeongmal meosit-neyo.

  • 그뢄은 우물 μ•ˆ 개ꡬ리 같은 μ‹œκ°μ„ 가지고 μžˆμ–΄μš”.
    우물 μ•ˆ κ°œκ΅¬λ¦¬μ˜ˆμš”. (used about expensive thing)

    Critique. Translation: He has a narrow / frog-in-well perspective. Romanization: Geu-bun-eun umul an gaeguri gateun sigag-eul gajigo isseoyo.

Common mistakes

  • wrong_particle_and_register

    사곡이 많으면 λ°°κ°€ 산에 κ°€μš”.
    사곡이 많으면 λ°°κ°€ μ‚°μœΌλ‘œ κ°„λ‹€.

    Use 으둜 (direction) and ν•œλ‹€μ²΄ form.

  • form_register

    옷이 λ‚ κ°œμ—μš”.
    옷이 λ‚ κ°œλ‹€. / 옷이 λ‚ κ°œλΌλŠ” 말이 μžˆμ–΄μš”.

    Standard form λ‚ κ°œλ‹€ (or quoted λ‚ κ°œλΌ).

TOPIK 5 / B2Vocabulary usage

Four-character idioms (μ‚¬μžμ„±μ–΄ κΈ°λ³Έ: 일석이쑰, μœ λΉ„λ¬΄ν™˜, 동고동락)

μ‚¬μžμ„±μ–΄ (κΈ°λ³Έ)

μ‚¬μžμ„±μ–΄ (ε››ε­—ζˆθͺž) = 4-character Chinese-derived idioms condensing classical wisdom. Common: 일석이쑰 (one stone two birds), μœ λΉ„λ¬΄ν™˜ (preparation prevents disaster), 동고동락 (share joy and sorrow), μžμ—…μžλ“ (one reaps what one sows). Used in formal speech / writing.

Key rule

μ‚¬μžμ„±μ–΄ = 4-character Sino-Korean classical idioms condensing wisdom. Memorize as units: 일석이쑰 (2 birds 1 stone), μœ λΉ„λ¬΄ν™˜ (prep prevents disaster), 동고동락 (share joy/sorrow), μžμ—…μžλ“ (reap what sow), μƒˆμ˜Ήμ§€λ§ˆ (unpredictable fortune), μž‘μ‹¬μ‚ΌμΌ (resolutions fade), λΆ€μ „μžμ „ (like father), 어뢀지리 (third-party gain), ν‘œλ¦¬λΆ€λ™ (two-faced).

Examples

  • μš΄λ™κ³Ό 사ꡐ, μΌμ„μ΄μ‘°λ„€μš”.
    μΌμ„μ΄μ‘°ν•΄μš”. (used as verb)

    Idiomatic. Translation: Exercise and socializing β€” two birds with one stone. Romanization: Undong-gwa sagyo, ilseogijo-neyo.

  • μœ λΉ„λ¬΄ν™˜μ˜ μžμ„Έλ‘œ μ€€λΉ„ν•©μ‹œλ‹€.
    μœ λΉ„λ¬΄ν™˜μ΄ μžμ„Έ.

    Motto. Translation: Let's prepare with the spirit of 'prep prevents disaster'. Romanization: Yubimuhwan-ui jase-ro junbi-hapsida.

  • μΉœκ΅¬ν•˜κ³  10λ…„ λ™μ•ˆ λ™κ³ λ™λ½ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
    동고동락 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.

    Friendship. Translation: Shared joy and sorrow with friend for 10 years. Romanization: Chingu-hago sip-nyeon dongan donggodongnak-haesseoyo.

Common mistakes

  • wrong_form

    μΌμ„μ΄μ‘°ν•΄μš”. (used as verb)
    μΌμ„μ΄μ‘°λ„€μš”. / μΌμ„μ΄μ‘°μ˜ νš¨κ³Όμ˜ˆμš”.

    μ‚¬μžμ„±μ–΄ functions as a NOUN, not directly as verb. Use predicate forms.

  • missing_genitive

    μœ λΉ„λ¬΄ν™˜μ΄ μžμ„Έ.
    μœ λΉ„λ¬΄ν™˜μ˜ μžμ„Έ / μœ λΉ„λ¬΄ν™˜μ˜ μ •μ‹ .

    Use 의 (genitive) before μžμ„Έ / μ •μ‹ .

TOPIK 5 / B2Vocabulary usage

Advanced Sino-Korean Compounds

κ³ κΈ‰ ν•œμžμ–΄ ν•©μ„±μ–΄

Advanced Sino-Korean (ν•œμžμ–΄) compounds use suffixes like -적(ηš„), -μ„±(性), -ν™”(εŒ–), -감(ζ„Ÿ), -λ ₯(εŠ›), -λ₯ (ηŽ‡), -ꢌ(權), -λ‘ (θ«–) to form abstract nouns and adjectives ('μ •μΉ˜μ ' political, 'μ‚¬νšŒμ„±' sociability, '합리화' rationalization). Recognize these productive patterns to expand vocabulary rapidly.

Key rule

ν•œμžμ–΄ root + productive suffix = predictable abstract noun/adjective: -적(of/-tic) β†’ modifier, -μ„±(-ity)/-감(sense of)/-λ ₯(power)/-λ₯ (rate)/-ꢌ(right) β†’ noun, -ν™”(-ization) β†’ noun+λ˜λ‹€/ν•˜λ‹€ verb, -주의(-ism)/-λ‘ (-theory) β†’ ideology noun.

Examples

  • 이 정책은 μ‚¬νšŒμ , 경제적 νš¨κ³Όκ°€ 크닀.
    μ‚¬νšŒμ μœΌλ‘œ problem

    English: This policy has great social and economic effects. Literal: This policy-TOP social-적, economic-적 effect-NOM is-big. Focus: -적 forming adjectival nouns Romanization: I jeongchaegeun sahoejeok, gyeongjejeok hyogwaga keuda.

  • 성곡 κ°€λŠ₯성이 λ†’λ‹€.
    κ°€λŠ₯ν•˜μ„±

    English: The possibility of success is high. Literal: Success possibility-μ„±-NOM is-high. Focus: -μ„± forming abstract nouns Romanization: Seonggong ganeungseongi nopta.

  • μ„Έκ³„ν™”λ‘œ 인해 λ¬Έν™”κ°€ λΉ λ₯΄κ²Œ λ³€ν•˜κ³  μžˆλ‹€.
    μ„Έκ³„ν™”ν•˜λ‹€

    English: Due to globalization, culture is changing rapidly. Literal: Globalization-ν™”-by reason-of culture-NOM quickly is-changing. Focus: -ν™” forming transformation nouns Romanization: Segyehwaro inhae munhwaga ppareuge byeonhago itda.

Common mistakes

  • μ‚¬νšŒμ μœΌλ‘œ problem

    μ‚¬νšŒμ μœΌλ‘œ problem
    μ‚¬νšŒμ  문제 (sahoejeok munje) / μ‚¬νšŒμ μœΌλ‘œ 큰 문제

    -적 modifies a noun directly: 'μ‚¬νšŒμ  문제' (social problem). With 으둜 it's adverbial: 'μ‚¬νšŒμ μœΌλ‘œ 큰 문제' (a problem socially large).

  • κ°€λŠ₯ν•˜μ„±

    κ°€λŠ₯ν•˜μ„±
    κ°€λŠ₯μ„± (ganeungseong)

    -μ„± attaches to the bare ν•œμžμ–΄ root, not the verb form. κ°€λŠ₯ + μ„± = κ°€λŠ₯μ„±, not κ°€λŠ₯ν•˜ + μ„±.

TOPIK 5 / B2Vocabulary usage

Advanced Synonyms & Register Selection

κ³ κΈ‰ μœ μ˜μ–΄μ™€ 격식 선택

Advanced learners distinguish near-synonyms by register, nuance, and collocation: μƒκ°ν•˜λ‹€/μ‚¬κ³ ν•˜λ‹€/μˆ™κ³ ν•˜λ‹€, λ§ν•˜λ‹€/μ΄μ•ΌκΈ°ν•˜λ‹€/μ–ΈκΈ‰ν•˜λ‹€/μ§„μˆ ν•˜λ‹€, μ’‹λ‹€/ν›Œλ₯­ν•˜λ‹€/λ›°μ–΄λ‚˜λ‹€/νƒμ›”ν•˜λ‹€, 보닀/κ΄€μ°°ν•˜λ‹€/μ£Όμ‹œν•˜λ‹€. Native Korean = casual/concrete; Sino-Korean = formal/abstract.

Key rule

Native Korean = casual/conversational/concrete; Sino-Korean + ν•˜λ‹€ = formal/written/abstract/technical. Choose by text type (essay β†’ μ–ΈκΈ‰ν•˜λ‹€, conversation β†’ λ§ν•˜λ‹€) and nuance (general β†’ μƒκ°ν•˜λ‹€, deliberate β†’ μˆ™κ³ ν•˜λ‹€).

Examples

  • κ·ΈλŠ” 이 λ¬Έμ œμ— λŒ€ν•΄ μ˜€λž«λ™μ•ˆ μˆ™κ³ ν–ˆλ‹€.
    λŒ€ν†΅λ Ήμ΄ μ–΄μ œ λ§ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. (in news)

    English: He deliberated on this problem for a long time. Literal: He-TOP this problem-about long-time deliberated. Focus: μˆ™κ³ ν•˜λ‹€ (academic) vs μƒκ°ν•˜λ‹€ Romanization: Geuneun i munjee daehae oraettongan sukgohaetda.

  • λŒ€ν†΅λ Ήμ€ μƒˆ 정책을 λ°œν‘œν–ˆλ‹€.
    할아버지가 μ£½μ—ˆμ–΄μš”

    English: The president announced a new policy. Literal: President-TOP new policy-ACC announced. Focus: λ°œν‘œν•˜λ‹€ (formal) vs λ§ν•˜λ‹€ Romanization: Daetongnyeongeun sae jeongchaegeul balpyohaetda.

  • 이 ν•™μƒμ˜ 성적은 맀우 μš°μˆ˜ν•˜λ‹€.
    λ‚΄ 동생이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ ν›Œλ₯­ν•΄μš”

    English: This student's grades are very excellent. Literal: This student-GEN grades-TOP very excellent. Focus: μš°μˆ˜ν•˜λ‹€ (academic) vs μ’‹λ‹€ Romanization: I haksaengui seongjeogeun maeu usuhada.

Common mistakes

  • λŒ€ν†΅λ Ήμ΄ μ–΄μ œ λ§ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. (in news)

    λŒ€ν†΅λ Ήμ΄ μ–΄μ œ λ§ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. (in news)
    λŒ€ν†΅λ Ήμ΄ μ–΄μ œ λ°œν‘œν–ˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€ / μ–ΈκΈ‰ν–ˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€

    News and formal writing require Sino-Korean verbs (λ°œν‘œν•˜λ‹€, μ–ΈκΈ‰ν•˜λ‹€, μ§„μˆ ν•˜λ‹€) β€” λ§ν•˜λ‹€ is too casual.

  • 할아버지가 μ£½μ—ˆμ–΄μš”

    할아버지가 μ£½μ—ˆμ–΄μš”
    ν• μ•„λ²„μ§€κ»˜μ„œ λŒμ•„κ°€μ…¨μ–΄μš”

    μ£½λ‹€ is blunt/informal and inappropriate for elders/respected persons. Use λŒμ•„κ°€μ‹œλ‹€ (honorific 'pass away') with -κ»˜μ„œ.

TOPIK 5 / B2Vocabulary usage

Neologisms & Internet Slang (Recognition)

신쑰어와 인터넷 μš©μ–΄ (이해)

Modern Korean media, SNS, and youth speech are full of neologisms (μ‹ μ‘°μ–΄): abbreviations (κ°‘λΆ„μ‹Έ, 인싸, μ•„μ‹Έ), borrowings (κΏ€μžΌ/λ…ΈμžΌ, 츀데레), and trends (-린이, -μ‘±, -러, 단톑). Advanced learners RECOGNIZE these to read news/social media but use them sparingly and ONLY in casual contexts.

Key rule

RECOGNIZE neologisms (abbreviations, -린이/-쑱/-러 suffixes, English-Korean blends) in modern media; USE only in casual chat with peers. NEVER in formal writing, business, or honorific contexts. Patterns date within 2-3 years.

Examples

  • λΆ„μœ„κΈ°κ°€ κ°‘λΆ„μ‹Έμ˜€μ–΄. (κ°‘μžκΈ° λΆ„μœ„κΈ° μ‹ΈλŠ˜)
    κ΅μˆ˜λ‹˜κ»˜ '였늘 κ°•μ˜ κΏ€μžΌμ΄μ—ˆμ–΄μš”'

    English: The mood suddenly got awkward. Literal: Atmosphere-NOM suddenly-mood-chilly-became. Focus: κ°‘λΆ„μ‹Έ phrase abbreviation Romanization: Bunwigiga gapbunssayeosseo.

  • κ·Έ μ˜ν™” μ§„μ§œ κΏ€μžΌμ΄μ•Ό!
    TOPIK essay: ν•œκ΅­μ€ μ›ŒλΌλ°Έμ„ μ€‘μ‹œν•˜λŠ” 인싸 μ‚¬νšŒμž…λ‹ˆλ‹€.

    English: That movie is super fun! Literal: That movie really honey-fun-COP. Focus: κΏ€μžΌ (κΏ€+재미) blend Romanization: Geu yeonghwa jinjja kkuljaemiya!

  • 우리 ν˜•μ€ νšŒμ‚¬μ—μ„œ 인싸야.
    주린이 (assuming it means 'small investor')

    English: My older brother is the popular one at his company. Literal: Our older-brother-TOP company-LOC insider-COP. Focus: 인싸 (insider) Romanization: Uri hyeongeun hoesaeseo inssaya.

Common mistakes

  • κ΅μˆ˜λ‹˜κ»˜ '였늘 κ°•μ˜ κΏ€μžΌμ΄μ—ˆμ–΄μš”'

    κ΅μˆ˜λ‹˜κ»˜ '였늘 κ°•μ˜ κΏ€μžΌμ΄μ—ˆμ–΄μš”'
    κ΅μˆ˜λ‹˜κ»˜ '였늘 κ°•μ˜κ°€ 정말 μž¬λ―Έμžˆμ—ˆμŠ΅λ‹ˆλ‹€'

    NEVER use κΏ€μžΌ/λ…ΈμžΌ/λ©˜λΆ•/κ°‘λΆ„μ‹Έ with professors, elders, or in business. They are casual peer-only slang.

  • TOPIK essay: ν•œκ΅­μ€ μ›ŒλΌλ°Έμ„ μ€‘μ‹œν•˜λŠ” 인싸 μ‚¬νšŒμž…λ‹ˆλ‹€.

    TOPIK essay: ν•œκ΅­μ€ μ›ŒλΌλ°Έμ„ μ€‘μ‹œν•˜λŠ” 인싸 μ‚¬νšŒμž…λ‹ˆλ‹€.
    ν•œκ΅­μ€ 일과 μ‚Άμ˜ κ· ν˜•μ„ μ€‘μ‹œν•˜λŠ” μ‚¬νšŒμž…λ‹ˆλ‹€.

    TOPIK writing rejects slang. Expand abbreviations and use formal Sino-Korean (일과 μ‚Άμ˜ κ· ν˜•, μ‚¬νšŒμ  μΉœν™”λ ₯).

TOPIK 5 / B2Vocabulary usage

Regional Dialects (Advanced Recognition)

지역 λ°©μ–Έ (κ³ κΈ‰ 이해)

Major Korean dialects (λ°©μ–Έ/μ‚¬νˆ¬λ¦¬) differ in vocabulary, sentence endings, and intonation: 경상도 (Gyeongsang, southeast β€” λ¨ΈκΌ¬?/-λ…Έ/-λ‚˜), 전라도 (Jeolla, southwest β€” -μž‰/-λ‹Ήκ»˜), 좩청도 (Chungcheong, central β€” slow drawl, -유/-μ—¬), μ œμ£Όλ„ (Jeju, almost separate language). Advanced learners recognize these in dramas, films, and travel; standard ν‘œμ€€μ–΄ remains the writing/TOPIK norm.

Key rule

RECOGNIZE major dialects (경상/전라/μΆ©μ²­/제주) by their signature endings (-λ…Έ/-λ‚˜, -μž‰/-λ‹Ήκ»˜, -유/-μ—¬) and vocabulary; PRODUCE only ν‘œμ€€μ–΄ in writing, formal speech, and TOPIK. Dialects mark regional identity and are common in media/casual speech but inappropriate in official contexts.

Examples

  • [경상] λ‹ˆ λ¨ΈκΌ¬? (ν‘œμ€€: λ„ˆ 뭐야?)
    Using λ¨ΈκΌ¬/κ±°μ‹œκΈ°/κ·Έλ₯˜ in TOPIK writing

    English: What are you?/What's with you? (informal challenge) Literal: [Gyeongsang dialect for 'you what-COP?'] = standard λ„ˆ 뭐야? Focus: 경상도 λ¨ΈκΌ¬ Romanization: [Gyeongsang] Ni meokko?

  • [경상] 와 그라노? (ν‘œμ€€: μ™œ 그래?)
    Assuming all Koreans speak the same way

    English: Why are you like that? Literal: [Gyeongsang] Why-do-그라-NO? = standard μ™œ 그래? Focus: 경상 -λ…Έ question ending Romanization: [Gyeongsang] Wa geurano?

  • [전라] κ±°μ‹œκΈ° μ–΄λ”” κ°”λ‹Ήκ»˜. (ν‘œμ€€: 그게 μ–΄λ”” κ°”λ‹€λ‹ˆκΉŒ.)
    Imitating dialect with foreign accent

    English: That whatchamacallit went somewhere, I'm telling you. Literal: [Jeolla] Whatchamacallit-NOM where went-λ‹Ήκ»˜ = standard 그게 μ–΄λ”” κ°”λ‹€λ‹ˆκΉŒ. Focus: 전라 κ±°μ‹œκΈ° + -λ‹Ήκ»˜ Romanization: [Jeolla] Geosigi eodi gattangkke.

Common mistakes

  • Using λ¨ΈκΌ¬/κ±°μ‹œκΈ°/κ·Έλ₯˜ in TOPIK writing

    Using λ¨ΈκΌ¬/κ±°μ‹œκΈ°/κ·Έλ₯˜ in TOPIK writing
    Always use ν‘œμ€€μ–΄: 뭐야/그것/κ·Έλž˜μš”

    TOPIK and formal writing require Seoul standard ν‘œμ€€μ–΄. Dialect = automatic register error in official contexts.

  • Assuming all Koreans speak the same way

    Assuming all Koreans speak the same way
    Recognize regional variation in dramas/films

    Drama characters often signal background via dialect (Busan gangster films, Jeolla rural settings). Recognizing dialect = cultural literacy.

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