홍수
홍수 في 30 ثانية
- 홍수 (Hongsu) is the Korean word for flood, describing an overflow of water onto dry land, primarily caused by heavy rainfall or river overflow.
- It is composed of Hanja characters meaning 'vast' (洪) and 'water' (水), and is most commonly used with the verb '나다' (to occur).
- Beyond literal weather contexts, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming abundance, such as a 'flood of information' or 'flood of products.'
- In Korea, it is a critical term during the summer monsoon (Jangma) and is a frequent topic in news, government alerts, and social discussions.
The Korean word 홍수 (Hongsu) is a noun that primarily refers to a natural disaster where a large volume of water overflows onto land that is usually dry. Etymologically, it is derived from the Hanja (Sino-Korean) characters 洪 (Hong), meaning 'vast' or 'large,' and 水 (Su), meaning 'water.' Together, they literally translate to 'vast water.' In a literal sense, this word is most frequently used during the Korean summer monsoon season, known as Jangma, which typically occurs between late June and July. During this period, the peninsula experiences heavy rainfall that can lead to the swelling of rivers like the Han River in Seoul or the Nakdong River in the south, resulting in what Koreans call a 홍수.
- Literal Usage
- Used to describe natural disasters involving excessive rain and overflowing rivers.
- Metaphorical Usage
- Used to describe an overwhelming abundance of something, such as information, products, or people.
Beyond its geographical and meteorological implications, 홍수 has a significant metaphorical presence in modern Korean discourse. Just as in English, where we might speak of a 'flood of emails' or a 'flood of tears,' Koreans use this word to describe any situation where there is an overwhelming surplus. For instance, in the digital age, the phrase 정보의 홍수 (Jeongbo-ui Hongsu), meaning 'a flood of information,' is a common way to describe the difficulty of filtering through the massive amounts of data available online. This versatility makes the word essential not just for discussing the weather, but for expressing a sense of being overwhelmed in daily life.
갑작스러운 폭우로 인해 마을에 홍수가 났습니다.
In historical contexts, 홍수 appears in records dating back centuries. Because Korea is a mountainous peninsula with distinct wet and dry seasons, managing water has always been a central concern for its people. Historical dramas (Sageuk) often depict kings and officials agonizing over 홍수 management, as a major flood could destroy crops and lead to famine. This deep historical connection to the land and its climate explains why the word carries a weight of seriousness and urgency when used in a literal context. Even today, the Korean government operates a sophisticated 'Flood Control Office' (홍수통제소) to monitor water levels and prevent disasters.
요즘은 광고의 홍수 속에서 살고 있는 것 같아요.
To truly master the use of 홍수, one must understand the emotional nuance it conveys. When used metaphorically, it often implies a loss of control or a lack of quality due to excessive quantity. For example, 'talent flood' (인재의 홍수) might sound positive, but it often describes a competitive market where there are so many qualified people that finding the right one is difficult. This nuance is crucial for learners who wish to move beyond basic vocabulary and understand the subtleties of Korean social commentary.
- Common Collocations
- 홍수 경보 (Flood warning), 홍수 피해 (Flood damage), 홍수 대책 (Flood countermeasures).
In summary, 홍수 is a word that bridges the gap between the physical environment and the abstract complexities of modern life. Whether you are watching a news report about the summer rains or discussing the overwhelming nature of social media, this word provides a powerful image of water breaking its banks and covering everything in its path. Its roots in Hanja provide a clear logical link to its meaning, while its varied applications in modern Korean make it a versatile tool for any speaker.
Using 홍수 correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of the verbs that typically accompany it. The most fundamental pattern is 홍수가 나다. Here, '나다' means 'to emerge' or 'to happen,' and it is the standard way to say 'a flood occurred.' For example, '지난밤에 홍수가 났어요' (A flood occurred last night). This is a neutral, descriptive way to state the fact of a flood. Another common verb is '지다,' as in 홍수가 지다, which often implies the state of the flood forming or the water rising significantly.
- Active Verbs
- 나다 (to occur), 지다 (to form), 범람하다 (to overflow), 휩쓸다 (to sweep away).
When discussing the consequences of a flood, you will often use the word 피해 (pihae), which means 'damage.' The phrase 홍수 피해를 입다 means 'to suffer flood damage.' For instance, '농부들이 홍수 피해를 크게 입었습니다' (The farmers suffered great damage from the flood). If you want to talk about preventing a flood, you would use 예방하다 (yebang-hada) or 대비하다 (daebi-hada). Example: '정부는 홍수를 예방하기 위해 댐을 건설했습니다' (The government built a dam to prevent floods).
강물이 불어나서 홍수가 날까 봐 걱정돼요.
In metaphorical sentences, the structure often involves the possessive particle -의. The most common pattern is [Noun] + 의 홍수. For example, '데이터의 홍수' (a flood of data). In these cases, the verb following the phrase is often '속에서' (in the middle of) combined with a verb like '살다' (to live) or '헤매다' (to wander/struggle). For example, '우리는 정보의 홍수 속에서 살고 있다' (We are living in a flood of information). This highlights the feeling of being surrounded or overwhelmed by the sheer volume of something.
Another interesting way to use 홍수 is in compound words or specific technical terms. For example, 대홍수 (Dae-hongsu) refers to a 'great flood,' often used in religious or historical contexts, such as 'Noa-ui Dae-hongsu' (Noah's Great Flood). In urban planning, you might hear about 홍수 조절 (flood control). Understanding these variations allows you to tailor your speech to the specific context, whether it's a casual conversation about the weather or a more formal discussion about environmental policy.
이번 장마철에는 홍수 조절이 매우 중요합니다.
Furthermore, when you want to describe the intensity of a flood, you can use adjectives like 심각한 (serious) or 엄청난 (enormous). '심각한 홍수가 발생했습니다' (A serious flood occurred). If the flood was sudden, you would use 돌발적인 (sudden/flash). These modifiers add depth to your descriptions and help convey the exact nature of the event you are describing.
- Sentence Patterns
- [Place]에 홍수가 나다: A flood occurs in [Place].
- 홍수로 인해 [Result]: Due to the flood, [Result].
Finally, remember that in Korean culture, discussing the weather is a very common icebreaker. Mentioning the possibility of a 홍수 during the rainy season is a natural way to engage in small talk with neighbors or colleagues. By mastering these sentence patterns, you can participate in these daily interactions with confidence and accuracy.
The word 홍수 is ubiquitous in South Korean society, especially during the summer months. One of the most common places you will hear it is on the 기상 뉴스 (weather news). News anchors and meteorologists frequently use the term when issuing 'Flood Warnings' (홍수 경보) or 'Flood Watches' (홍수 주의보). During the monsoon season, the news is dominated by reports on river levels, particularly the Han River, which runs through the heart of Seoul. You might hear phrases like '한강의 수위가 높아져 홍수 주의보가 발령되었습니다' (The water level of the Han River has risen, and a flood watch has been issued).
- Broadcast Media
- Weather reports, emergency alerts on smartphones, and documentary features on climate change.
Another place you will encounter this word is in emergency alerts sent to mobile phones. The Korean government is very proactive about disaster management, and if you are in an area at risk of flooding, your phone will emit a loud siren sound followed by a text message starting with '[행정안전부]' (Ministry of the Interior and Safety). These messages often contain the word 홍수 and instructions on how to evacuate or stay safe. Hearing this word in such a context is a signal for immediate attention and caution.
[재난문자] 낙동강 유역 홍수 주의보 발령. 인근 주민들은 안전에 유의하시기 바랍니다.
In educational settings and documentaries, 홍수 is used to discuss geography, history, and environmental science. You will hear it when learning about the 'Four Major Rivers Project' (4대강 사업) or when studying the history of agricultural development in Korea. In these contexts, the word is used more analytically, focusing on the causes, effects, and management strategies associated with flooding. It is also a key term in discussions about 기후 변화 (climate change), as extreme weather events become more frequent.
In the world of business and technology, the metaphorical use of 홍수 is incredibly common. You will hear marketing experts talk about '광고의 홍수' (a flood of advertisements) or tech analysts discuss the '빅데이터의 홍수' (a flood of big data). In these professional contexts, the word conveys a sense of saturation. If a manager says, '신제품이 홍수처럼 쏟아지고 있다' (New products are pouring out like a flood), they are highlighting the intense competition and the rapid pace of the market.
인터넷에는 가짜 뉴스가 홍수처럼 넘쳐나고 있습니다.
Finally, you will hear 홍수 in literature and cinema. Whether it's a dramatic scene in a movie where a village is swept away or a poetic description of emotions in a novel, the word is used to evoke powerful imagery of overwhelming force. In Bong Joon-ho's film 'Parasite,' a pivotal scene involves a devastating flood that highlights the class divide, showing how a natural disaster affects people differently based on their social status. This cultural touchstone has made the word even more resonant in modern Korean consciousness.
- Where to Listen
- KBS/MBC News, Disaster Movies, Marketing Podcasts, Environmental Documentaries.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 홍수 is choosing the wrong verb. In English, we simply say 'it flooded' or 'there was a flood.' In Korean, you must use a verb like 나다 (nada) or 발생하다 (balsaeng-hada). Beginners often try to translate 'it flooded' literally, which doesn't work. For example, saying '홍수했어요' is incorrect. You must say 홍수가 났어요. Using the wrong verb can make the sentence sound unnatural or even unintelligible to a native speaker.
- Incorrect Verb Usage
- Mistake: 홍수하다 (X) / Correct: 홍수가 나다 (O)
- Particle Confusion
- Mistake: 홍수를 나다 (X) / Correct: 홍수가 나다 (O)
Another common error involves the confusion between 홍수 and related words like 폭우 (pogu) or 장마 (jangma). While they are all related to heavy rain, they are not interchangeable. 폭우 refers specifically to the 'heavy rain' or 'downpour' itself, while 홍수 is the result of that rain—the 'overflow of water.' 장마 is the specific 'monsoon season' in Korea. Confusing these can lead to imprecise communication. For instance, if you say 'the monsoon occurred yesterday' when you mean 'the flood occurred yesterday,' it will sound odd because the monsoon is a season, not a single event.
비가 많이 와서 홍수가 났어요. (Correct: The flood happened because of heavy rain.)
Metaphorical usage also presents challenges. While 홍수 is very versatile, it usually carries a slightly negative or overwhelming connotation. Using it to describe something positive without careful phrasing might confuse people. For example, '선물의 홍수' (a flood of gifts) might sound like you are complaining about having too many gifts to open, rather than just being happy about receiving many. If you want to convey a purely positive abundance, words like 풍성함 (abundance/richness) might be more appropriate depending on the tone.
A subtle mistake occurs in the use of the word 범람 (beomnam) versus 홍수. 범람 is a more formal and technical term specifically meaning 'overflowing of a river.' While 홍수 can be used in almost any context, 범람 is usually reserved for news reports or academic papers. Using 범람 in a very casual conversation might sound overly stiff or dramatic, like using 'inundation' instead of 'flood' in English.
강이 범람하여 도로가 침수되었습니다. (Formal/Technical: The river overflowed and the road was submerged.)
Finally, remember that 홍수 is a noun. Learners often forget to add the necessary particles or verbs to make it function in a sentence. Always double-check if you've used -가/이 when it's the subject or -를/을 when it's the object. Forgetting these small markers is one of the most common ways learners reveal their non-native status, even if the vocabulary itself is correct.
To broaden your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that are similar to 홍수 but have different nuances. A very common alternative is 물난리 (mullan-ri). This is a more native Korean word (Pure Korean) that literally means 'water disaster' or 'water chaos.' While 홍수 is a bit more formal and scientific, 물난리 is often used in daily conversation to describe the mess and trouble caused by water, such as a pipe bursting in a house or a street becoming impassable due to rain. If your basement floods, you'd likely say '우리 집 지하실에 물난리가 났어!'
- 홍수 vs. 물난리
- 홍수 is more objective and large-scale (flood). 물난리 is more subjective and focuses on the chaos/trouble (water disaster).
Another related term is 침수 (chimsu), which means 'submersion' or 'flooding' in the sense of being covered by water. While 홍수 is the event of the water overflowing, 침수 is the state of the objects or areas being under that water. For example, you would talk about a 'flooded car' as a 침수차 (chimsu-cha). You wouldn't call it a '홍수차.' This distinction is important for precision. If you are reporting damage, you would say '집이 침수되었어요' (My house was submerged/flooded).
지하 주차장이 침수되어 차를 뺄 수 없어요.
For a more formal or academic context, you might use 범람 (beomnam). As mentioned earlier, this specifically refers to a river or body of water breaking its banks. It is often used in news headlines like '낙동강 범람 위기' (Crisis of Nakdong River overflowing). It sounds much more professional and is the standard term in hydrology and disaster management reports. If you are writing a formal essay or report, 범람 is often a better choice than the more general 홍수.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is 가뭄 (gamum), which means 'drought.' Knowing the antonym is just as important as knowing the synonyms, as they are often discussed together in the context of climate and agriculture. In Korea, the transition from a spring 가뭄 to a summer 홍수 is a common seasonal cycle that farmers must navigate. Using these two words together shows a high level of proficiency in discussing environmental topics.
올해는 가뭄 끝에 갑자기 홍수가 찾아왔습니다.
Lastly, consider the word 수해 (suhae), which means 'water damage' or 'flood damage.' This is a very common term in news and government documents. It is often used in phrases like '수해 복구' (recovery from water damage) or '수해 의연금' (donations for flood victims). While 홍수 describes the event, 수해 focuses on the suffering and the aftermath. Learning these variations will help you understand the full scope of how Koreans discuss and deal with the challenges of water-related disasters.
- Comparison Summary
- 홍수: General term for flood. 침수: Submersion of objects. 범람: Technical term for river overflow. 물난리: Casual term for water chaos. 수해: Damage caused by water.
How Formal Is It?
حقيقة ممتعة
In ancient Korea, the ability to predict and control floods was seen as a sign of a king's divine right to rule. King Sejong the Great even invented a rain gauge called 'Chukwugi' to better manage water resources and floods.
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing '홍' as 'heng' or 'hung'.
- Making the 's' in 'su' too sharp like 'sh'.
- Dropping the 'h' sound entirely.
- Vowel length: making the 'u' too long like 'soooooo'.
- Confusing the pitch with '호수' (lake).
مستوى الصعوبة
The word itself is short, but it often appears in complex news articles.
Requires knowledge of specific verbs like '나다' and particles.
Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.
Frequently heard in weather reports and easily recognizable.
ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك
المتطلبات الأساسية
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Noun + -가/이 나다 (Occurrence of an event)
홍수가 났어요. (A flood occurred.) / 사고가 났어요. (An accident occurred.)
Noun + -로 인해 (Due to/Because of - Formal)
홍수로 인해 길이 막혔습니다. (The road is blocked due to the flood.)
Noun + -의 홍수 (Metaphorical abundance)
데이터의 홍수 속에서 살고 있다. (Living in a flood of data.)
Noun + -에 잠기다 (To be submerged in)
마을이 홍수에 잠겼어요. (The village was submerged in the flood.)
Verb + -기 위해 (In order to)
홍수를 막기 위해 댐을 만들어요. (They build dams to prevent floods.)
أمثلة حسب المستوى
여름에 홍수가 났어요.
A flood happened in the summer.
'홍수가 났다' is the past tense of '홍수가 나다'.
홍수는 무서워요.
Floods are scary.
'-는' is the topic marker.
비가 많이 오면 홍수가 나요.
If it rains a lot, a flood happens.
'-면' means 'if' or 'when'.
홍수 때문에 학교에 안 가요.
I don't go to school because of the flood.
'때문에' means 'because of'.
어제 홍수가 있었어요.
There was a flood yesterday.
'있었어요' is the past tense of '있어요' (to be/exist).
홍수 조심하세요.
Please be careful of floods.
'-하세요' is a polite command/request.
우리 동네에 홍수가 났어요.
A flood happened in our neighborhood.
'우리 동네' means 'our neighborhood'.
홍수가 나면 물이 많아요.
When a flood happens, there is a lot of water.
'많아요' means 'there is a lot'.
갑자기 홍수가 나서 길이 다 막혔어요.
A flood suddenly happened, so all the roads are blocked.
'-아서/어서' shows cause and effect.
홍수 피해가 없기를 바랍니다.
I hope there is no flood damage.
'-기를 바라다' means 'to hope that...'.
뉴스를 보니까 홍수 주의보가 내렸대요.
I heard on the news that a flood watch was issued.
'-대요' is a shortened form of indirect speech.
홍수가 나면 높은 곳으로 가야 해요.
If a flood occurs, you must go to a high place.
'-아야/어야 해요' means 'must' or 'have to'.
이번 장마는 홍수 없이 지나갔으면 좋겠어요.
I hope this monsoon season passes without a flood.
'-았/었으면 좋겠다' expresses a wish.
홍수 때문에 지하철이 멈췄어요.
The subway stopped because of the flood.
'멈췄어요' is the past tense of '멈추다' (to stop).
강물이 넘쳐서 홍수가 날 것 같아요.
The river is overflowing, so it looks like a flood will happen.
'-ㄹ 것 같다' means 'it looks like' or 'it seems'.
홍수가 나면 깨끗한 물이 부족해요.
When a flood happens, clean water is scarce.
'부족해요' means 'is lacking/scarce'.
우리는 지금 정보의 홍수 시대에 살고 있습니다.
We are now living in an era of a flood of information.
'-고 있다' indicates a continuing state or action.
정부는 홍수 피해를 줄이기 위해 노력하고 있어요.
The government is working to reduce flood damage.
'-기 위해' means 'in order to'.
홍수가 나면 전기가 끊길 수도 있으니 조심하세요.
Be careful, as the electricity might be cut off if a flood occurs.
'-ㄹ 수도 있다' means 'might' or 'could'.
그 영화는 대홍수 속에서 살아남은 가족의 이야기예요.
That movie is a story about a family that survived a great flood.
'살아남은' is the past participle of '살아남다' (to survive).
갑작스러운 홍수로 인해 농작물이 큰 피해를 입었습니다.
The crops suffered great damage due to a sudden flood.
'-로 인해' is a formal way to say 'due to'.
홍수 경보가 발령되면 즉시 대피해야 합니다.
If a flood warning is issued, you must evacuate immediately.
'-면' followed by '해야 합니다' creates a conditional obligation.
인터넷에는 광고의 홍수가 넘쳐나서 불편해요.
It's inconvenient because there is a flood of advertisements on the internet.
'넘쳐나다' means 'to overflow/teem'.
홍수가 지나간 자리에 쓰레기가 가득해요.
There is trash everywhere in the place where the flood passed.
'지나간 자리' means 'the place where [something] passed'.
기후 변화로 인해 홍수의 빈도와 강도가 높아지고 있습니다.
The frequency and intensity of floods are increasing due to climate change.
'-아/어지다' indicates a change in state.
도시의 불투명한 지표면은 홍수 위험을 가중시킵니다.
The impermeable surfaces of the city increase the risk of flooding.
'가중시키다' means 'to aggravate' or 'to increase'.
홍수 조절을 위한 댐 건설에 대해 찬반 논란이 뜨겁습니다.
There is a heated debate for and against building dams for flood control.
'찬반 논란' means 'controversy over pros and cons'.
그의 머릿속은 복잡한 생각의 홍수로 가득 찼습니다.
His mind was filled with a flood of complex thoughts.
'가득 차다' means 'to be full'.
홍수 피해 복구를 위해 많은 자원봉사자들이 모였습니다.
Many volunteers gathered to recover from flood damage.
'-기 위해' is used with the noun '복구' (recovery).
제방이 무너지면서 마을 전체가 홍수에 잠겼습니다.
As the levee collapsed, the entire village was submerged in the flood.
'-면서' indicates simultaneous actions.
전문가들은 이번 홍수를 100년 만의 기록적인 폭우라고 합니다.
Experts say this flood is a record-breaking downpour seen once in 100 years.
'-라고 하다' is used for reporting what others say.
홍수 예보 시스템의 정확도를 높이는 것이 시급한 과제입니다.
Increasing the accuracy of the flood forecasting system is an urgent task.
'-는 것' turns a verb phrase into a noun.
조선 시대에도 홍수 관리를 위한 다양한 노력이 있었습니다.
Even during the Joseon Dynasty, there were various efforts for flood management.
'-에도' means 'even in/at'.
무분별한 개발이 홍수의 피해를 키웠다는 지적이 나오고 있습니다.
Points are being made that reckless development increased the damage from the flood.
'-는 지적이 나오다' means 'criticism is emerging'.
그 작가는 인간의 욕망을 홍수에 비유하여 표현했습니다.
The author expressed human desire by comparing it to a flood.
'비유하여' means 'by metaphorizing/comparing'.
홍수 통제소는 24시간 내내 하천 수위를 모니터링합니다.
The flood control center monitors river levels 24 hours a day.
'내내' means 'throughout' or 'continuously'.
디지털 시대에 우리는 가짜 뉴스의 홍수 속에서 진실을 찾아야 합니다.
In the digital age, we must find the truth amidst a flood of fake news.
'-아야 합니다' expresses a strong necessity.
홍수로 인한 침수차는 중고차 시장에서 큰 문제가 됩니다.
Cars flooded due to a flood become a big problem in the used car market.
'침수차' is a compound noun meaning 'submerged car'.
정치인들의 공약 홍수 속에서 실현 가능한 것을 골라내기 어렵습니다.
It is difficult to pick out feasible ones from the flood of politicians' promises.
'골라내다' means 'to pick out/sort out'.
생태계는 홍수와 같은 자연재해를 통해 스스로를 정화하기도 합니다.
Ecosystems sometimes purify themselves through natural disasters like floods.
'-하기도 하다' means 'sometimes [verb] as well'.
홍수의 파괴적인 힘은 인간 문명의 나약함을 여실히 보여줍니다.
The destructive power of a flood clearly demonstrates the frailty of human civilization.
'여실히' is an adverb meaning 'clearly' or 'vividly'.
그 철학자는 현대 사회의 물신주의를 영혼의 홍수라고 비판했습니다.
The philosopher criticized the materialism of modern society as a flood of the soul.
'-라고 비판하다' means 'to criticize [something] as [something]'.
대홍수 신화는 전 세계 여러 문화권에서 공통적으로 발견됩니다.
Great flood myths are commonly found in many cultures around the world.
'공통적으로' means 'commonly' or 'in common'.
지속 가능한 수자원 관리는 홍수와 가뭄이라는 양면성을 모두 고려해야 합니다.
Sustainable water resource management must consider the duality of both floods and droughts.
'양면성' means 'double-sidedness' or 'duality'.
그의 연설은 감정의 홍수를 불러일으켜 청중들을 감동시켰습니다.
His speech stirred a flood of emotions and moved the audience.
'불러일으키다' means 'to arouse' or 'to stir up'.
기술의 홍수 속에서 인간 소외 현상이 심화되고 있다는 우려가 큽니다.
There is great concern that the phenomenon of human alienation is deepening amidst a flood of technology.
'-고 있다는 우려' means 'concern that [state] is happening'.
홍수 조절을 위한 인공지능 알고리즘이 실시간으로 데이터를 분석합니다.
Artificial intelligence algorithms for flood control analyze data in real-time.
'실시간으로' means 'in real-time'.
역사적으로 홍수는 인류에게 시련인 동시에 비옥한 토지를 제공하는 기회이기도 했습니다.
Historically, floods have been both an ordeal for humanity and an opportunity to provide fertile land.
'동시에' means 'at the same time'.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— A flood occurred. This is the past tense and the most common way to report a flood.
어젯밤에 강원도에 홍수가 났대요.
— Be careful of the flood. Used as a warning to friends or family.
비가 너무 많이 오니까 홍수 조심해.
— A flood of information. Used to describe the overwhelming amount of data in modern life.
우리는 정보의 홍수 시대에 살고 있다.
— To suffer damage from a flood.
많은 농민들이 홍수 피해를 입었습니다.
— To prevent or stop a flood.
둑을 쌓아서 홍수를 막아야 합니다.
— To pour out like a flood. Used for rain, products, or compliments.
신제품이 홍수처럼 쏟아지고 있어요.
— A flood passes. Used when the water recedes and the event ends.
홍수가 지나간 후 마을을 청소했습니다.
— Issuance of a flood warning. A formal phrase seen in news.
전국에 홍수 경보 발령이 내려졌습니다.
— Risk of flooding.
이 지역은 홍수 위험이 높습니다.
— Evacuation from a flood.
홍수 대피 훈련을 실시했습니다.
يُخلط عادةً مع
Means 'lake'. The pronunciation is very similar, but '홍수' has an 'ng' sound at the end of the first syllable.
Means 'heavy rain'. While heavy rain causes a flood, they are different things. '폭우' is the rain itself.
Means 'tsunami' or 'tidal wave'. This is caused by underwater earthquakes or storms, not just rain.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— An overwhelming amount of information that is hard to process.
정보의 홍수 속에서 진짜 뉴스를 찾기 힘들다.
Modern/Common— Being constantly bombarded by too many advertisements.
유튜브는 광고의 홍수라고 해도 과언이 아니다.
Modern/Common— A situation where there are too many talented people, often making competition fierce.
요즘 취업 시장은 인재의 홍수다.
Business/Modern— Suddenly and violently, like a flood breaking through a dam.
그녀는 참았던 눈물을 홍수 터지듯 쏟아냈다.
Literary/Emotional— Talking too much or having too many empty words.
정치인들의 말의 홍수 속에 진실이 없다.
Critical/Journalistic— Receiving a massive amount of gifts at once.
생일에 선물의 홍수를 맞이했다.
Casual— The massive scale of data generated in the digital world.
데이터의 홍수를 관리하는 기술이 필요하다.
Tech/Professional— Crying excessively.
슬픈 영화를 보고 눈물의 홍수를 이뤘다.
Expressive— Coming in massive waves or quantities.
팬들이 홍수 밀려오듯 공연장으로 들어왔다.
Descriptive— Having too many thoughts at once, causing confusion.
밤마다 생각의 홍수 때문에 잠을 못 잔다.
Personal/Reflectiveسهل الخلط
Both involve water covering things.
Hongsu is the event of overflowing; Chimsu is the state of being underwater. You can have Chimsu (like a pipe break) without a Hongsu (river overflow).
홍수로 인해 집이 침수되었습니다.
Both mean flooding.
Beomnam is specifically about a river or lake overflowing its banks. Hongsu is a more general term for the resulting disaster.
한강이 범람하여 주변이 홍수 상태가 되었습니다.
Both relate to flood disasters.
Suhae focuses on the damage and human suffering (water damage). Hongsu focuses on the water event itself.
이번 홍수로 인한 수해가 심각합니다.
They always happen together.
Jangma is the name of the rainy season. Hongsu is a specific event that can happen during that season.
장마철에는 홍수를 조심해야 합니다.
Cause and effect confusion.
Pogu is the heavy rain falling from the sky. Hongsu is the water collecting and overflowing on the ground.
폭우가 쏟아지더니 결국 홍수가 났어요.
أنماط الجُمل
[Place]에 홍수가 났어요.
서울에 홍수가 났어요.
비가 많이 와서 [Result].
비가 많이 와서 홍수가 났어요.
[Noun]의 홍수 속에서 [Action].
정보의 홍수 속에서 진실을 찾아요.
[Cause]로 인해 홍수 피해를 입다.
태풍으로 인해 홍수 피해를 입었습니다.
홍수 조절을 위해 [Action]이 시급하다.
홍수 조절을 위해 댐 건설이 시급하다.
홍수는 [A]인 동시에 [B]이기도 하다.
홍수는 시련인 동시에 기회이기도 하다.
홍수가 날까 봐 걱정돼요.
강물이 불어나서 홍수가 날까 봐 걱정돼요.
홍수 주의보가 발령되었습니다.
오후 2시에 홍수 주의보가 발령되었습니다.
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
مرتبط
كيفية الاستخدام
Extremely high during the summer months (June-August), moderate for metaphorical use year-round.
-
홍수를 났어요.
→
홍수가 났어요.
The verb '나다' takes the subject particle '-가/-이', not the object particle '-를/-을'.
-
홍수했어요.
→
홍수가 났어요.
You cannot turn the noun '홍수' into a verb by adding '-하다'. You must use a supporting verb.
-
어제 홍수 시즌이 시작됐어요.
→
어제 장마가 시작됐어요.
In Korea, the rainy season is called '장마', not '홍수 시즌'. '홍수' is the disaster itself.
-
집에 홍수가 났어요.
→
집에 물난리가 났어요 / 집이 침수됐어요.
'홍수' usually refers to large-scale outdoor events. For domestic water issues, '물난리' or '침수' is better.
-
호수가 났어요.
→
홍수가 났어요.
Confusing '호수' (lake) with '홍수' (flood) due to similar pronunciation. Lacks the 'ng' sound.
نصائح
Use the right particle
Always use '홍수가' when it is the subject of the verb '나다'. Using '홍수를' with '나다' is a common mistake for beginners.
Learn the Hanja
Knowing that '수' (水) means water will help you understand dozens of other Korean words like '호수' (lake), '생수' (bottled water), and '수영' (swimming).
Watch the news in July
If you are in Korea during the summer, you will hear '홍수' every day on the news. This is the best time to practice listening for the word in a real-world context.
Use it figuratively
Don't be afraid to use '홍수' to describe a busy day. Saying '일의 홍수 때문에 바빠요' (I'm busy because of a flood of work) is a very natural and advanced expression.
Know your alerts
In Korea, emergency texts are common. If you see '홍수' in a red-bannered message on your phone, take it seriously and check your surroundings.
Formal vs. Informal
In an essay, use '홍수가 발생하다'. In a text message to a friend, '홍수 났대' is much more natural.
The 'ng' sound
Make sure to pronounce the 'ng' at the end of '홍' (Hong). If you miss it, people might think you are saying '호수' (lake).
Context clues
If you hear words like '비' (rain), '강' (river), or '피해' (damage), the 'hong-su' you hear is definitely 'flood'.
Expressing worry
Use the pattern '홍수가 날까 봐 걱정돼요' to express concern about the weather. This is a very common structure in Korean conversation.
Flood vs. Submersion
Remember: '홍수' is the water coming, '침수' is the car or house being covered. Use '침수' when talking about specific property damage.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of 'Hong' as 'Huge' and 'Su' as 'Super water'. HUGE SUPER WATER = FLOOD.
ربط بصري
Imagine the 'H' in Hong looking like a bridge over a river, and the 'S' in Su looking like a winding stream that is overflowing.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to find three news articles this week that use the word '홍수' and write down the verb that follows it in each case.
أصل الكلمة
The word '홍수' originates from Middle Chinese 洪水 (hóng shuǐ). It was adopted into the Korean language during the period when Hanja (Chinese characters) became the primary writing system for the elite and for official records.
المعنى الأصلي: The first character 洪 (홍) means 'big', 'vast', or 'great'. The second character 水 (수) means 'water'. Thus, the original and literal meaning is 'great water'.
Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).السياق الثقافي
When discussing floods in Korea, be sensitive as they often cause loss of life and property, especially for those living in 'ban-jiha' (semi-basement) apartments.
English speakers often use 'flood' for both the event and the state (e.g., 'the house is flooded'). In Korean, '홍수' is usually the event, while '침수' describes the state of the house.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
Weather Forecast
- 홍수 주의보
- 수위가 높다
- 범람 위험
- 폭우 대비
News Report
- 피해 복구
- 이재민 발생
- 특별재난지역
- 복구 작업
Social Media/Daily Life
- 정보의 홍수
- 광고의 홍수
- 댓글 홍수
- 할 일의 홍수
Geography Class
- 하천 지형
- 퇴적 작용
- 자연 제방
- 범람원
Emergency Evacuation
- 대피소로 이동
- 비상식량 준비
- 전원 차단
- 가스 밸브 확인
بدايات محادثة
"이번 여름에 홍수 피해가 없었으면 좋겠어요. (I hope there is no flood damage this summer.)"
"요즘 정보의 홍수 속에서 어떻게 진짜 정보를 찾으세요? (How do you find real information in this flood of information?)"
"작년에 우리 동네에 홍수가 났을 때 정말 무서웠어요. (It was really scary when a flood happened in our neighborhood last year.)"
"홍수 예방을 위해서 정부가 무엇을 더 해야 할까요? (What more should the government do for flood prevention?)"
"갑자기 홍수가 나면 어디로 대피해야 하는지 아세요? (Do you know where to evacuate if a flood suddenly happens?)"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
만약 우리 동네에 큰 홍수가 난다면 가장 먼저 무엇을 챙길 것인가요? (If a big flood happened in your neighborhood, what would you pack first?)
정보의 홍수 속에서 스트레스를 받은 경험이 있나요? 어떻게 해결했나요? (Have you ever felt stressed in a flood of information? How did you handle it?)
기후 변화로 인해 홍수가 잦아지는 것에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요? (What are your thoughts on floods becoming more frequent due to climate change?)
영화나 책에서 본 인상 깊은 홍수 장면이 있나요? (Is there a memorable flood scene from a movie or book?)
자연재해인 홍수가 인간에게 주는 교훈은 무엇일까요? (What lesson do you think floods, as a natural disaster, give to humanity?)
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةThe most common verb is '나다' (to occur). You say '홍수가 났어요' (A flood occurred). You can also use '지다', as in '홍수가 졌어요', which is slightly more descriptive of the process of flooding.
Technically, '홍수' is for large-scale natural events. For a house pipe breaking, it's better to use '물난리' (water disaster/chaos) or '침수' (submersion). '우리 집이 물바다가 됐어요' (My house became a sea of water) is also a common expression.
It translates to 'a flood of information.' It's a metaphor used to describe how modern people are overwhelmed by too much news, data, and social media content, making it hard to find what's important.
Yes. '주의보' (Watch/Advisory) is a lower-level warning indicating that a flood is possible. '경보' (Warning) is a higher-level alert indicating that a flood is imminent or already occurring and that immediate action is needed.
You can say '홍수 피해' (Hongsu Pihae). For example, '홍수 피해가 심해요' means 'The flood damage is severe.'
The Hanja is 洪水. 洪 (홍) means 'vast' or 'great,' and 水 (수) means 'water.' This literal meaning 'great water' perfectly describes a flood.
Absolutely. Korean history is full of records of '홍수'. Managing floods was one of the most important duties of Korean kings, as it affected the rice harvest, which was the backbone of the economy.
Try to remember 'Hong' as 'Huge' and 'Su' as 'Sewer' or 'Water'. A Huge Water event is a '홍수'. Also, notice that many water-related words end in '수', like '호수' (lake) and '약수' (spring water).
No, '홍수' is strictly a noun. To express the action of flooding, you must add a verb like '나다' (to occur) or '발생하다' (to happen).
The most common opposite is '가뭄' (gamum), which means 'drought.' In Korea, the weather often fluctuates between these two extremes during the year.
اختبر نفسك 200 أسئلة
Write a sentence using '홍수' and '나다'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The road is blocked because of the flood.'
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Translate: 'We live in a flood of information.'
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Write a sentence about flood prevention.
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Translate: 'Please be careful of floods during the rainy season.'
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Write a formal sentence about climate change and floods.
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Translate: 'A flood warning was issued.'
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Write a sentence using the word '침수'.
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Translate: 'The crops were damaged by the flood.'
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Write a sentence about your feelings during a flood.
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Translate: 'There are many advertisements on the internet like a flood.'
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Write a sentence using '홍수' in a historical context.
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Translate: 'Where should we evacuate if a flood occurs?'
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Write a sentence about recovering from a flood.
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Translate: 'The water level of the river is rising.'
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Write a sentence using '대홍수'.
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Translate: 'The bridge was washed away by the flood.'
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Write a sentence about the importance of flood control.
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Translate: 'Many volunteers gathered to help flood victims.'
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Write a sentence using '정보의 홍수'.
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Explain what '홍수' means in your own words.
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What is '정보의 홍수'?
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Tell me about a time you saw a flood on the news.
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What should people do when a flood warning is issued?
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How can we prevent floods?
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Why is the monsoon season dangerous in Korea?
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What is the difference between '홍수' and '침수'?
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Describe the scene after a flood.
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Do you think climate change is related to floods?
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What would you do if your house started to flood?
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Have you heard the word '물난리'? When do people use it?
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What is '홍수 주의보'?
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Why is 'Jamsu-gyo' bridge famous in Seoul?
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How do farmers feel about floods?
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What is a 'Great Flood' in Korean?
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Can you use '홍수' in a sentence about technology?
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Is '홍수' a positive or negative word generally?
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What are some synonyms for '홍수'?
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How does the Korean government alert people about floods?
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What is the Hanja for 'Hong'?
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Listen and identify the word: '기상청에서 홍수 경보를 내렸습니다.'
Listen and answer: '비가 너무 많이 와서 강물이 넘쳤어요. 홍수가 났어요.' What happened?
Listen and answer: '정보의 홍수 속에서 길을 잃지 마세요.' What is the speaker talking about?
Listen and answer: '내일은 홍수 피해 복구 작업을 하러 갑니다.' What will they do tomorrow?
Listen and identify the verb: '홍수가 날까 봐 걱정돼요.'
Listen and answer: '이번 장마는 홍수 없이 조용히 지나갔으면 좋겠네요.' What is the speaker's wish?
Listen and answer: '침수차를 사지 않도록 조심해야 합니다.' What should you be careful not to buy?
Listen and answer: '강의 수위가 홍수 경보 기준을 넘었습니다.' Has it passed the warning level?
Listen and identify: '대홍수'.
Listen and answer: '갑작스러운 폭우로 마을에 물난리가 났어요.' What word is used instead of '홍수'?
Listen and answer: '홍수 예방을 위한 댐 건설 계획이 발표되었습니다.' What plan was announced?
Listen and answer: '이곳은 홍수 위험 지역입니다.' Is this place safe?
Listen and identify: '수해 복구'.
Listen and answer: '작년 홍수 때 다리가 무너졌던 거 기억나?' What collapsed last year?
Listen and answer: '광고의 홍수 때문에 TV 보기가 싫어요.' Why does the speaker dislike TV?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word '홍수' is essential for discussing natural disasters and the feeling of being overwhelmed. For example, '홍수가 나서 길이 막혔어요' (The road is blocked because of a flood). Remember that it is a noun and usually pairs with '나다' for events.
- 홍수 (Hongsu) is the Korean word for flood, describing an overflow of water onto dry land, primarily caused by heavy rainfall or river overflow.
- It is composed of Hanja characters meaning 'vast' (洪) and 'water' (水), and is most commonly used with the verb '나다' (to occur).
- Beyond literal weather contexts, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming abundance, such as a 'flood of information' or 'flood of products.'
- In Korea, it is a critical term during the summer monsoon (Jangma) and is a frequent topic in news, government alerts, and social discussions.
Use the right particle
Always use '홍수가' when it is the subject of the verb '나다'. Using '홍수를' with '나다' is a common mistake for beginners.
Learn the Hanja
Knowing that '수' (水) means water will help you understand dozens of other Korean words like '호수' (lake), '생수' (bottled water), and '수영' (swimming).
Watch the news in July
If you are in Korea during the summer, you will hear '홍수' every day on the news. This is the best time to practice listening for the word in a real-world context.
Use it figuratively
Don't be afraid to use '홍수' to describe a busy day. Saying '일의 홍수 때문에 바빠요' (I'm busy because of a flood of work) is a very natural and advanced expression.
مثال
갑작스러운 폭우로 도시 전체에 홍수가 났다.
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات nature
~에 대한
A2تعبير قواعدي يعني 'عن' أو 'بخصوص'.
~게
A2لاحقة تحول الصفات إلى ظروف، مشابهة لـ 'بـ' أو 'بشكل' في العربية.
공기
A1الهواء الذي نتنفسه. 'هواء الجبل نقي جداً.'
몽땅
B1몽땅 تعني "كل شيء" أو "بالكامل". تُستخدم عندما يتم استهلاك شيء ما بالكامل أو ذهابه أو تورطه. تؤكد على الشمولية.
온갖
B1كل أنواع، شتى أنواع. يستخدم قبل الاسم للإشارة إلى مجموعة متنوعة كبيرة.
~을/를 따라서
A2يشير إلى حركة أو فعل يتم على طول شيء ما أو اتباعًا لنموذج معين. 'المشي على طول النهر' أو 'اتباع التعليمات'.
동물
A1كائن حي يتحرك ويشعر، وهو ليس نباتاً. كلمة '동물' تستخدم لوصف جميع أنواع الحيوانات في كوريا.
개미
A1حشرة صغيرة شائعة تعيش في مجموعات كبيرة تسمى مستعمرات. تشتهر بكونها مشغولة ومجتهدة للغاية.
주위에
A2هناك العديد من المتنزهات حول منزلي. (주위에)
그대로
A2كما هو؛ بدون تغيير. يستخدم للإشارة إلى أن الشيء يبقى في حالته الأصلية أو أن الفعل يتبع نمطًا بالضبط.