예컨대
It is a word used to introduce an example to help explain a point.
Explanation at your level:
You use 예컨대 to show an example. If you talk about food, you can say 'I like fruit, 예컨대 apples.' It is like saying 'for example' in English. It helps people understand you better.
When you want to explain a rule or a fact, use 예컨대. It makes your sentence sound very clear. You can use it at the beginning of a sentence to start your example list. It is very useful for schoolwork.
예컨대 is a formal adverb. Use it when you are writing an essay or speaking to a teacher. It is more formal than '예를 들어'. It helps you organize your thoughts and provide evidence for your claims effectively.
In professional settings, 예컨대 is preferred for its precision. It signals to the listener that a concrete illustration is following. It is often used in debates or formal presentations to provide a specific case study that supports a broader argument.
At this level, you recognize that 예컨대 carries a specific rhetorical weight. It is not just a connector; it is a signal of logical progression. It is frequently found in academic literature where the author needs to bridge abstract theory with empirical data or specific scenarios.
Mastery of 예컨대 involves understanding its nuanced register. It is distinct from '가령' or '이를테면' in its specific focus on 'exemplification' rather than 'hypothetical supposition'. Using it correctly demonstrates a high level of literacy and an ability to navigate formal Korean discourse with native-like precision.
الكلمة في 30 ثانية
- Used to introduce examples.
- Formal register.
- Always at the start of a sentence.
- Equivalent to 'for example'.
Think of 예컨대 as the perfect tool when you need to make your point crystal clear. When you are explaining something complex, simply stating the facts isn't always enough, so you use this word to say, 'Hey, let me show you what I mean with a specific case!'
It is essentially the Korean equivalent of 'for instance' or 'for example.' Using it makes your sentences sound more structured and professional, which is why you will see it often in essays, news articles, and formal presentations.
The word 예컨대 is a contraction of the phrase '예를 컨대' (ye-reul keon-dae). In this context, '예' means 'example' and '컨대' is a shortened form of '건대' (geon-dae), which is a suffix used to express a desire or a hypothetical situation.
Historically, this word evolved to help speakers transition smoothly from a general concept to a concrete example. It has deep roots in Sino-Korean vocabulary, reflecting the formal linguistic traditions of Korean academic writing over the past century.
You should use 예컨대 primarily in formal or written contexts. It is not something you would typically shout to a friend while playing video games; instead, you would use it when writing a report or giving a speech.
It is often paired with specific examples that follow immediately after. For example: '예컨대, 사과는 과일의 한 종류입니다' (For instance, an apple is a type of fruit). It is a high-register word that adds authority to your argument.
While 예컨대 itself is a functional adverb, it is part of a family of 'example-giving' expressions. 1. 예를 들어 (For example) - the most common alternative. 2. 가령 (Supposing/For instance) - a very similar formal synonym. 3. 이를테면 (So to speak/For instance) - used when defining or clarifying a term. 4. 말하자면 (That is to say) - used to rephrase a point. 5. 예컨대 말하자면 (If we were to give an example) - a slightly longer, emphatic version.
Grammatically, 예컨대 acts as a sentence-initial adverb. It does not change based on tense or subject; it simply sits at the start of the clause to set the stage for the example.
Pronunciation is straightforward: [ye-keon-dae]. The 'k' sound in 'keon' should be crisp. It rhymes loosely with words ending in '-dae' like '기대' (expectation) or '시대' (era), though the stress in Korean is generally flat compared to English.
Fun Fact
The '컨대' part is a rare archaic suffix that essentially means 'if I may say' or 'if I were to'.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'ye-keon-dae' with a crisp 'k'.
Similar to UK, keeping the vowels short and distinct.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'k' as a 'g'
- Dropping the final 'e' sound
- Stressing the wrong syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read but formal.
Requires formal structure knowledge.
Requires formal setting.
Common in lectures.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
متقدم
Grammar to Know
Sentence-initial Adverbs
예컨대, 이것이 답이다.
Formal Connectors
따라서, 그러므로, 예컨대
Formal Speech Patterns
하십시오체
Examples by Level
나는 과일을 좋아해, 예컨대 사과.
I like fruit, for example, apples.
Used as a connector.
예컨대, 이것은 아주 중요한 규칙입니다.
그는 많은 취미가 있다, 예컨대 독서.
우리는 여러 나라를 여행했다, 예컨대 한국.
예컨대, 날씨가 좋으면 산책하자.
많은 동물이 있다, 예컨대 개와 고양이.
예컨대, 이 문제는 어렵다.
그는 많은 언어를 안다, 예컨대 영어.
예컨대, 공부는 매일 해야 한다.
예컨대, 환경 보호는 우리 모두의 책임이다.
그는 다양한 악기를 다룬다, 예컨대 피아노.
예컨대, 기술은 우리 삶을 바꿨다.
많은 스포츠가 있다, 예컨대 축구.
예컨대, 이 계획은 수정이 필요하다.
그녀는 여러 도시에서 살았다, 예컨대 서울.
예컨대, 건강한 식단은 중요하다.
예컨대, 이것은 좋은 생각이다.
예컨대, 경제 위기는 많은 기업에 영향을 주었다.
그는 여러 분야의 전문가이다, 예컨대 물리학.
예컨대, 민주주의는 대화가 필요하다.
많은 예술가가 있다, 예컨대 피카소.
예컨대, 이 이론은 과학적으로 증명되었다.
그녀는 많은 책을 썼다, 예컨대 소설.
예컨대, 교육은 미래를 위한 투자다.
예컨대, 이 법안은 논란이 많다.
예컨대, 인공지능의 발전은 윤리적 문제를 야기한다.
그는 복잡한 문제를 해결했다, 예컨대 수학적 난제.
예컨대, 언어는 문화의 거울이다.
많은 철학자가 있다, 예컨대 칸트.
예컨대, 이 현상은 사회적 변화를 반영한다.
그녀는 여러 프로젝트를 이끌었다, 예컨대 연구.
예컨대, 역사는 반복되는 경향이 있다.
예컨대, 이 정책은 장기적인 비전이 필요하다.
예컨대, 양자역학의 원리는 거시 세계와는 다르다.
그는 난해한 고전을 해석했다, 예컨대 논어.
예컨대, 예술은 시대의 산물이다.
많은 문학적 기법이 있다, 예컨대 은유.
예컨대, 이 사회적 구조는 역사적 맥락을 가진다.
그녀는 고대 언어를 연구한다, 예컨대 라틴어.
예컨대, 철학적 사유는 삶의 본질을 탐구한다.
예컨대, 이 건축 양식은 고전주의의 영향을 받았다.
تلازمات شائعة
Idioms & Expressions
"예컨대 말하자면"
To give an example, so to speak.
예컨대 말하자면, 이것은 아주 복잡한 문제이다.
formal"예컨대 예를 들면"
For instance, for example.
예컨대 예를 들면, 이것이 가장 좋은 방법이다.
formal"예컨대 가령"
For instance, supposing.
예컨대 가령 당신이 그곳에 간다면.
formal"예컨대 이를테면"
For instance, so to speak.
예컨대 이를테면, 그는 우리 팀의 핵심이다.
formal"예컨대 한 예로"
For instance, as one example.
예컨대 한 예로, 이것을 들 수 있다.
formal"예컨대 구체적으로"
For instance, specifically.
예컨대 구체적으로 말하자면, 이것은 틀렸다.
formalEasily Confused
Both are formal connectors.
즉 means 'in other words', 예컨대 means 'for example'.
즉, 이것은 틀렸다 vs 예컨대, 이것이 예이다.
Both introduce examples.
가령 is for hypothetical, 예컨대 is for concrete.
가령 비가 온다면 vs 예컨대 사과처럼.
Used at the start of sentences.
사실 means 'in fact', 예컨대 means 'for example'.
사실, 나는 몰랐다 vs 예컨대, 이것이 답이다.
Formal sentence starters.
따라서 means 'therefore', 예컨대 means 'for example'.
따라서 결론은... vs 예컨대, 예시는...
Sentence Patterns
예컨대 + [Noun] + (이)다
예컨대 이것은 사과이다.
예컨대 + [Clause]
예컨대 날씨가 좋으면 가자.
예컨대 + [Noun] + 를 보면
예컨대 결과를 보면 알 수 있다.
예컨대 + [Noun] + 가 있다
예컨대 많은 이유가 있다.
예컨대 + [Noun] + 는 ~이다
예컨대 경제는 복잡한 것이다.
عائلة الكلمة
Nouns
مرتبط
How to Use It
8/10 in formal writing
Formality Scale
أخطاء شائعة
It sounds too stiff for chatting with friends.
It needs to lead into the example.
It serves no purpose without a following example.
They have different logical functions.
Repetition makes writing boring.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Ye' (Example) 'Keon' (Can) 'Dae' (Do) - 'Yes, I can do an example!'
When Native Speakers Use It
When presenting a strong argument in a report.
Cultural Insight
It reflects the Korean value of logical, structured communication.
Grammar Shortcut
Think of it as a 'start-of-sentence' flag.
Say It Right
Keep the three syllables distinct.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use it to mean 'therefore'.
Did You Know?
It is a contraction of a longer, older phrase.
Study Smart
Write five sentences using it today.
Writing Tip
Use it to introduce evidence.
Speaking Tip
Use it to pause and gather thoughts.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Ye-keon-dae' as 'Yeah, can't wait to give an example!'
Visual Association
A teacher pointing at a blackboard with an arrow.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Write one paragraph about your favorite food using '예컨대'.
أصل الكلمة
Korean
Original meaning: A contraction of '예를 컨대' (if one were to give an example).
السياق الثقافي
None, it is a neutral, highly useful academic word.
Directly maps to 'for example' or 'for instance' in formal English essays.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Academic Writing
- 예컨대, 본 연구는...
- 예컨대, 데이터에 따르면...
- 예컨대, 이론적 배경은...
Formal Speech
- 예컨대, 여러분...
- 예컨대, 이 점을 고려하면...
- 예컨대, 결론적으로...
News Editorial
- 예컨대, 이번 사건은...
- 예컨대, 사회적 파장은...
- 예컨대, 정부의 대응은...
Business Report
- 예컨대, 매출 현황은...
- 예컨대, 시장 분석은...
- 예컨대, 전략적 제안은...
Conversation Starters
"예컨대, 당신의 가장 좋아하는 취미는 무엇인가요?"
"예컨대, 한국 문화의 매력은 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"
"예컨대, 미래의 기술은 우리 삶을 어떻게 바꿀까요?"
"예컨대, 성공을 정의한다면 무엇인가요?"
"예컨대, 여행지에서 가장 중요한 것은 무엇인가요?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you had to explain a complex idea using an example.
Describe your favorite hobby using '예컨대'.
Explain a societal issue using '예컨대' to provide evidence.
Discuss your goals for the year using '예컨대' to list specific steps.
الأسئلة الشائعة
8 أسئلةIt is usually too formal, but you can if you are being sarcastic or very serious.
Yes, but '예컨대' is more formal.
Always at the very beginning.
A comma is optional but often used for clarity.
Yes, in speeches or formal presentations.
That is better suited for '가령'.
It is an adverb.
No, it is an indeclinable adverb.
اختبر نفسك
나는 과일을 좋아한다. ___ 사과.
It introduces an example.
What does '예컨대' mean?
It is a synonym for 'for example'.
Is '예컨대' used in casual texting?
It is formal.
Word
المعنى
Matching synonyms.
Adverb goes first.
___, 이 이론은 논란이 많다.
It introduces a case.
Which word is most similar in register?
Both are formal.
Can '예컨대' replace '즉'?
They have different meanings.
Standard formal structure.
___, 그들은 고대 언어를 연구한다.
It introduces an example.
النتيجة: /10
Summary
예컨대 is your go-to word to sound smart and structured when giving examples in formal Korean.
- Used to introduce examples.
- Formal register.
- Always at the start of a sentence.
- Equivalent to 'for example'.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Ye' (Example) 'Keon' (Can) 'Dae' (Do) - 'Yes, I can do an example!'
When Native Speakers Use It
When presenting a strong argument in a report.
Cultural Insight
It reflects the Korean value of logical, structured communication.
Grammar Shortcut
Think of it as a 'start-of-sentence' flag.
Related Content
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات academic
입체적
B2Having a three-dimensional effect or examining something from multiple perspectives rather than a single flat view. It implies a comprehensive and detailed analysis.
~에 관해
B1About, concerning.
~에 대하여
A2Concerning or regarding a particular subject; about.
~대해
A2About; concerning; regarding.
~에 관하여
A2Regarding, concerning, about (a topic).
~에 대해(서)
A1Indicates the topic or subject of discussion, meaning 'about' or 'regarding'.
무엇보다
A2More than anything else; above all.
결석생
A2A student who is absent from class.
추상화하다
B2To consider something theoretically or separately from its physical reality. It involves extracting general principles from specific examples.
추상
A2Abstraction; the quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.
