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B2 noun 10 دقيقة للقراءة

상상

sangsang

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح 상상 في 30 ثانية

الشرح 상상 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '상상' (imagination) is a slightly advanced word, but you can understand it as 'making a picture in your mind.' You might see it in very simple sentences like 'I imagine a cat.' The most important thing to know is that it means thinking about something that is not here right now. You can use it when you dream or when you play. For example, '상상해요' means 'I imagine.' It is a noun, but usually, we use '상상해요' (the verb form) more often at this level. Just think of it as 'mental pictures.'

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the A2 level, you can start using '상상' to talk about your wishes or simple 'what if' situations. You can say '상상해 보세요' (Please imagine) when you want to show someone something in your mind. You will also learn that '상상' is a noun and '상상하다' is the verb. You might use it to describe a story you are reading. For example, '이 책은 상상이 재미있어요' (The imagination in this book is fun). You can also use it with '못 해요' to say 'I can't imagine,' like '상상 못 해요.'

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '상상' in various grammatical patterns. You can use it to talk about creative hobbies like writing or drawing. You will learn the word '상상력' (imagination power), which is very common. You can say things like '상상력을 키워요' (I grow my imagination). You can also use it to express surprise: '상상도 못 했던 일이에요' (It was something I couldn't even imagine). This level involves connecting '상상' to feelings and future plans, moving beyond just simple mental pictures.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B2 level, '상상' is used to discuss abstract concepts and professional ideas. You should understand the difference between '상상' (imagination), '공상' (daydream), and '환상' (fantasy). You can use it in formal settings to talk about 'creative thinking' (창의적 상상). You will use complex structures like '상상에 맡기다' (leave it to the imagination) or '상상 그 이상' (beyond imagination). You can also use it to discuss social issues, like 'imagining a better world.' Your usage should be precise and nuanced, reflecting the mental effort involved.

At the C1 level, '상상' becomes a tool for philosophical and academic discussion. You use it to analyze literature, where '상상' is the core of the human experience. You might discuss 'sociological imagination' (사회학적 상상력) or the 'limits of imagination.' You can use it to describe complex psychological states. You understand how '상상' functions in metaphors and idioms deeply. Your sentences will be sophisticated, often using '상상' as a subject in complex clauses, such as '상상이 현실을 압도하는 순간' (The moment when imagination overwhelms reality).

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, you master the absolute nuances of '상상.' You can discuss the etymology and the subtle differences between various Hanja-based synonyms. You use '상상' in high-level literary criticism or scientific theorizing (e.g., 'scientific imagination' in quantum physics). You can use the word to express irony, sarcasm, or profound existential thoughts. You are aware of how '상상' has been used in Korean history and modern pop culture. You can fluidly switch between registers, using '상상' in everything from a casual joke to a formal dissertation.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

상상 في 30 ثانية

상상 is a noun meaning 'imagination,' referring to the mental creation of images or scenarios not currently present in reality.
It is most commonly used in the verb form 상상하다 (to imagine) and the noun form 상상력 (imagination/creative power).
The word is generally positive or neutral, used in creative, speculative, and empathetic contexts across all levels of Korean speech.
Common idioms include '상상도 못 하다' (cannot even imagine) and '상상 그 이상' (beyond imagination), highlighting its role in expressing surprise.

The Korean word 상상 (Sangsang) is a profound and versatile noun that translates most directly to 'imagination' or 'fancy' in English. Rooted in the Hanja characters 想 (think/meditate) and 象 (image/shape), it literally describes the act of forming images within the mind. In the hierarchy of Korean cognitive terms, 상상 occupies a space beyond mere 'thinking' (생각); it implies a creative, speculative, or even visionary process where one constructs scenarios that do not currently exist in reality.

Creative Context: In the arts, literature, and design, 상상 is the engine of creation. It refers to the artist's ability to envision something new. For example, a novelist relies on their 'imagination' to build worlds.
Speculative Context: In daily life, it is used when pondering 'what if' scenarios. This can range from hopeful daydreaming about winning the lottery to anxious worrying about potential negative outcomes.

아이들의 상상력은 정말 끝이 없어요. (Children's power of imagination is truly endless.)

Understanding 상상 requires distinguishing it from related concepts like 공상 (gongsang), which often carries a nuance of 'daydreaming' or 'fantasy' that is perhaps less grounded in reality, and 망상 (mangsang), which refers to 'delusions' or irrational fixed beliefs. 상상 is generally neutral or positive, suggesting a healthy mental faculty. It is frequently paired with the suffix -력 (power/ability) to form 상상력 (imagination power), highlighting it as a skill or capacity one can develop.

그것은 상상도 못 할 만큼 힘든 일이었어요. (It was an ordeal so difficult I couldn't even imagine it.)

Culturally, Koreans value 상상 as a bridge to innovation. In modern discourse, especially in the tech and entertainment sectors (K-Pop, K-Dramas), 'creative imagination' is cited as a key national strength. It is not just about idle thoughts; it is about the 'vision' required to manifest the future. Whether you are reading a science fiction novel or planning your dream vacation, you are engaging in 상상. It is the mental workshop where the future is first constructed before it becomes reality.

Psychological Depth: Psychologically, 상상 is viewed as a cognitive tool for empathy. By 'imagining' someone else's situation, one develops understanding. This is often expressed through the phrase '상상해 봐' (try to imagine).

미래의 도시를 상상하며 그림을 그렸습니다. (I drew a picture while imagining the city of the future.)

Using 상상 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and how it transforms into a verb. As a noun, it often serves as the object of a sentence or as part of a compound noun. The most common verb construction is 상상하다 (to imagine). Because this is a B2-level word, you should focus on using it in complex grammatical structures that express possibility, impossibility, or hypothetical conditions.

As a Direct Object: When using 상상 as a noun, it often takes the particle 을/를. Example: '현실과 상상을 구분하다' (To distinguish between reality and imagination).
The Negative Construction: A very frequent pattern is '상상도 못 하다' (Cannot even imagine). This emphasizes that something is beyond one's wildest thoughts.

그의 성공은 정말 상상 이상이었습니다. (His success was truly beyond imagination.)

When transforming it into a verb, 상상하다, you can use various endings to convey nuance. For instance, 상상해 보세요 is a polite command or suggestion ('Please imagine'), while 상상하면 sets up a condition ('If you imagine...'). It is also common to see it used with the potential form 상상할 수 있다/없다 (Can/Cannot imagine). This is particularly useful in descriptive writing to paint a picture for the reader.

우리는 자유로운 상상을 통해 문제를 해결할 수 있습니다. (We can solve problems through free imagination.)

In academic or professional settings, you might encounter 상상 in the context of 'sociological imagination' (사회학적 상상력) or 'scientific imagination' (과학적 상상력). Here, it is not just about whimsy; it is about the cognitive ability to see patterns and possibilities that are not immediately obvious. Using the word in these contexts demonstrates a high level of Korean proficiency, as it moves beyond the basic 'dreaming' definition into the realm of 'critical thinking' and 'visionary planning.'

Compound Usage: 상상 + 임신 (Pregnancy) = 상상임신 (Pseudocyesis/False pregnancy). This shows how the mind can affect the body.

네가 없는 세상은 상상하기조차 싫어. (I hate even imagining a world without you.)

You will encounter 상상 in a wide variety of contexts in modern Korea, from the lyrics of a K-Pop ballad to the headlines of a business journal. It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the extraordinary. In everyday conversation, it is most frequently used to express surprise or to encourage someone to empathize with a situation. If a friend tells you a shocking story, you might respond with, "와, 정말 상상도 못 했어!" (Wow, I really couldn't have imagined that!).

Media and Entertainment: Variety shows often use captions like '상상 그 이상의 맛' (A taste beyond imagination) when describing delicious food. In K-Dramas, characters might talk about their '상상 속의 연인' (imaginary lover).
Education and Parenting: Teachers and parents constantly emphasize '상상력' (imagination) as a vital skill for children. You will see books titled '상상을 키우는 법' (How to grow your imagination).

영화 제작자들은 상상을 현실로 만드는 사람들입니다. (Film producers are people who turn imagination into reality.)

In the business world, 상상 is linked to innovation. Companies like Samsung or LG often use slogans that involve 'imagining the future.' You might hear a CEO say, "우리의 상상이 세상을 바꿉니다" (Our imagination changes the world). It conveys a sense of forward-thinking and limitless potential. Furthermore, in psychological counseling or self-help contexts, '상상 치유' (imagination healing/visualization) is a term used for mental wellness practices.

그의 이야기는 어디까지가 진실이고 어디까지가 상상인지 알 수 없다. (It's impossible to tell how much of his story is truth and how much is imagination.)

Socially, the word is also used in the phrase '상상 연애' (imaginary dating), which jokingly refers to having a crush on someone (often a celebrity) and imagining a relationship with them. This highlights the word's flexibility—it can be used for profound philosophical discussions or lighthearted social banter. In essence, whenever a Korean speaker wants to discuss something that exists in the mind's eye rather than the physical world, 상상 is the go-to term.

Legal and Formal Contexts: While rare, in legal discussions, '상상적 경합' refers to a situation where a single act constitutes multiple different crimes—an 'imaginary' overlap of legal definitions.

이 소설은 작가의 풍부한 상상력을 바탕으로 쓰였습니다. (This novel was written based on the author's rich imagination.)

While 상상 is a relatively straightforward word, learners often confuse it with other terms that share similar semantic space. The most common error is using 상상 when 생각 (thought) would be more appropriate. 생각 is a broad term for any mental activity, whereas 상상 specifically requires the creation of an image or scenario that isn't present. If you say "I'm imagining what to eat for lunch," it sounds overly dramatic in Korean; you should use 생각.

Confusion with 'Fantasy' (공상/환상): Learners often use 상상 when they mean '환상' (fantasy/illusion). While 상상 is the act of imagining, 환상 is often the 'result' or a 'dream-like' state that might be deceptive.
Incorrect Particle Usage: Using '상상을 하다' vs '상상하다'. While both are grammatically correct, '상상하다' is more natural as a verb. Using the particle 을/를 too much can make your speech sound like a translated textbook.

[Wrong] 내 상상에는 비가 올 것 같아. (In my imagination, it looks like it will rain.) -> [Correct] 내 생각에는 비가 올 것 같아. (In my opinion/thought...)

Another mistake involves the nuance of 'negative imagination.' In English, we might say "I can't imagine how she felt," which implies sympathy. In Korean, 상상하다 can be used this way, but learners sometimes forget to add the 'power' suffix 력 when talking about the ability itself. Saying "He has good imagination" as "그는 상상이 좋다" is incorrect; it must be "그는 상상력이 풍부하다" (His imagination-power is rich).

[Natural] 그 일은 상상조차 할 수 없었어요. (I couldn't even imagine that event.)

Finally, be careful with the word 망상 (delusion). If you tell someone "너의 상상이야" (It's your imagination), it's a bit dismissive. If you say "너의 망상이야" (It's your delusion), it's an insult suggesting they are mentally unwell. Choosing the right level of 'imagination' word is crucial for maintaining the intended tone in social interactions. Remember, 상상 is the neutral, creative baseline.

Grammatical Collocation: Mistaking '상상으로' for '상상 속에'. '상상으로' means 'by means of imagination,' while '상상 속에' means 'inside the imagination.' Use '상상 속의 세계' for 'imaginary world.'

[Mistake] 상상을 먹다 (To eat imagination) -> [Correction] 상상을 현실로 만들다 (To turn imagination into reality).

To truly master 상상, you must be able to distinguish it from its synonyms and related terms. Each word in the 'thinking/imagining' family has a specific 'flavor' or register that dictates its use. While 상상 is the most general and positive term, others provide more nuance regarding the validity or the nature of the mental image being formed.

상상 (Imagination) vs. 공상 (Daydream/Fantasy): 상상 is often constructive or empathetic. 공상 (空想 - 'empty thought') usually refers to idle daydreaming or unrealistic fantasies. Science Fiction is called '공상 과학' (SF), implying things that aren't real yet.
상상 (Imagination) vs. 환상 (Illusion/Vision): 환상 (幻想) focuses on the 'visionary' or 'magical' aspect. It can mean a beautiful illusion or a dream-like quality. '환상적인' means 'fantastic' or 'wonderful.'
상상 (Imagination) vs. 망상 (Delusion): 망상 (妄想) is a negative term. It refers to thoughts that are completely detached from reality and often harmful or paranoid. '피해망상' means 'persecution complex.'

그것은 단순한 상상이 아니라 구체적인 계획입니다. (That is not just a simple imagination, but a concrete plan.)

In more formal or literary contexts, you might see 착상 (conception/idea) or 구상 (plan/design). 착상 is the moment an idea 'lands' in your mind, while 구상 is the organized mental effort to structure that idea. For instance, a writer 'imagines' (상상) a story, 'conceives' (착상) a specific plot point, and then 'designs' (구상) the structure of the book. Understanding these distinctions allows you to describe the creative process with precision.

그의 상상 속에서는 무엇이든 가능했습니다. (In his imagination, anything was possible.)

Finally, consider 가상 (virtual/hypothetical). While 상상 is the internal process, 가상 is the state of being 'non-real' or 'simulated.' '가상 현실' is 'Virtual Reality' (VR). You 'imagine' (상상) a world, and then you build it in 'virtual' (가상) space. By learning these related terms, you can navigate discussions about technology, art, and psychology with the nuance of a native speaker.

Register Comparison: 상상 (Standard) | 공상 (Casual/Whimsical) | 구상 (Professional/Artistic) | 망상 (Clinical/Negative).

우리는 상상의 나래를 펼쳐야 합니다. (We must spread the wings of imagination.)

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The character 象 (상) originally depicted an elephant. Because elephants were rare in ancient China, people had to 'imagine' what they looked like based on descriptions, leading to the character's use in the word for imagination.

دليل النطق

UK sʰaŋ.sʰaŋ

US sʰaŋ.sʰaŋ

In Korean, stress is generally equal across syllables, but the first syllable might have a slightly higher pitch in '상상'.

يتقافى مع

항상 (Always) 증상 (Symptom) 정상 (Normal/Top) 책상 (Desk) 세상 (World) 대상 (Target) 현상 (Phenomenon) 영상 (Video/Image)

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing the 's' (ㅅ) as a heavy 'sh' sound.
Dropping the final 'ng' (ㅇ) sound.
Adding an extra vowel sound between the 's' and 'a'.
Pronouncing it like 'sang-san' (changing 'ng' to 'n').
Over-emphasizing the second syllable.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 3/5

The word is common in literature and news, but requires understanding Hanja roots for deep meaning.

الكتابة 4/5

Using the '상상도 못 하다' pattern correctly requires B2 level grammar mastery.

التحدث 3/5

The pronunciation is simple, and it's used frequently in emotional expressions.

الاستماع 3/5

Easily recognizable due to its distinct 'sang-sang' sound.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

생각 (Thought) 그림 (Picture) 머리 (Head/Mind) 만들다 (To make) 현실 (Reality)

تعلّم لاحقاً

창의력 (Creativity) 영감 (Inspiration) 예술 (Art) 추상적 (Abstract) 구체적 (Concrete)

متقدم

관념 (Idea/Notion) 형이상학 (Metaphysics) 잠재의식 (Subconscious) 투영 (Projection) 매개 (Mediation)

قواعد يجب معرفتها

-도 못 하다 (Cannot even...)

상상도 못 했어요. (I couldn't even imagine.)

-력 (Suffix for power/ability)

상상력 (Imagination power), 집중력 (Concentration power).

-해 보다 (Try doing something)

상상해 보세요. (Try imagining.)

Noun + 속 (Inside...)

상상 속의 세계. (The world inside imagination.)

-에 불과하다 (To be nothing more than)

그것은 상상에 불과합니다. (That is nothing more than imagination.)

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

나는 하늘을 나는 상상을 해요.

I imagine flying in the sky.

상상을 해요 (Object + Verb) is the basic way to say 'I imagine'.

상상해 보세요.

Please imagine.

-해 보세요 is a polite suggestion.

이것은 내 상상이에요.

This is my imagination.

-이에요 is the 'to be' verb.

상상이 아주 재미있어요.

The imagination is very fun.

상상 (noun) as the subject.

그녀는 상상을 좋아해요.

She likes imagination.

좋아해요 takes the object particle 를.

우리 같이 상상해요.

Let's imagine together.

Let's (청유형) form.

상상은 공짜예요.

Imagination is free.

Simple noun + adjective sentence.

바다를 상상해요.

I imagine the sea.

Direct object.

미래의 집을 상상해 봐요.

Try imagining a future house.

-해 봐요 suggests trying an action.

상상도 못 했던 선물이에요.

It's a gift I couldn't even imagine.

상상도 못 하다 is a common idiom.

상상력이 좋은 아이예요.

He is a child with a good imagination.

상상력 (imagination power) is used for 'an imagination'.

현실이 상상과 달라요.

Reality is different from imagination.

-과 다르다 means 'different from'.

상상 속의 친구가 있어요.

I have an imaginary friend.

상상 속의 (in imagination) acts as an adjective.

그것을 상상하면 행복해요.

If I imagine that, I am happy.

-하면 means 'if' or 'when'.

상상만 하지 말고 해 보세요.

Don't just imagine, try it.

-지 말고 means 'don't... but...'.

어떤 상상을 하고 있어요?

What kind of imagination are you having?

-고 있다 is the progressive form.

풍부한 상상력은 작가에게 필수적입니다.

A rich imagination is essential for a writer.

풍부한 (rich/abundant) often collocates with 상상력.

결과가 상상 이상으로 좋았어요.

The result was better than imagined.

상상 이상 (beyond imagination) is a frequent phrase.

그의 이야기는 상상에 불과해요.

His story is nothing more than imagination.

-에 불과하다 means 'nothing more than'.

우리는 상상을 통해 새로운 세상을 봅니다.

We see a new world through imagination.

-를 통해 means 'through' or 'via'.

상상만으로도 가슴이 뜁니다.

My heart beats just by imagining it.

-만으로도 means 'just by... alone'.

이 영화는 상상력이 돋보이는 작품이에요.

This movie is a work where imagination stands out.

돋보이다 means 'to stand out'.

상상을 현실로 바꾸는 노력이 필요해요.

Effort to turn imagination into reality is needed.

A로 바꾸다 means 'change into A'.

그녀의 상상은 끝이 없어요.

Her imagination has no end.

끝이 없다 means 'endless'.

과학적 상상은 인류의 발전을 이끌어 왔습니다.

Scientific imagination has led the progress of humanity.

이끌어 오다 (has led) shows a continuing action from the past.

그 사고는 상상조차 하기 싫은 비극이었어요.

That accident was a tragedy I don't even want to imagine.

-조차 means 'even' (usually in negative contexts).

상상과 현실 사이의 벽을 허물어야 합니다.

We must break down the wall between imagination and reality.

허물다 means 'to demolish' or 'to break down'.

작가는 독자의 상상력을 자극하는 글을 써야 해요.

A writer must write text that stimulates the reader's imagination.

자극하다 means 'to stimulate'.

상상 속에서는 무엇이든 가능하지만 현실은 달라요.

Anything is possible in imagination, but reality is different.

-지만 is used for contrast.

그의 성공은 우리의 상상을 훨씬 뛰어넘었습니다.

His success far exceeded our imagination.

뛰어넘다 means 'to exceed' or 'to leap over'.

상상임신은 마음이 몸에 미치는 영향을 보여줍니다.

Pseudocyesis shows the influence the mind has on the body.

미치는 영향 means 'the influence/effect exerted'.

예술은 상상의 구체적인 표현입니다.

Art is a concrete expression of imagination.

구체적인 (concrete) is the opposite of abstract.

창의적 상상력은 4차 산업혁명의 핵심 역량입니다.

Creative imagination is a core competency of the 4th Industrial Revolution.

핵심 역량 means 'core competency'.

상상은 부재하는 대상을 현전하게 하는 능력이다.

Imagination is the ability to make absent objects present.

부재하는 (absent) and 현전하게 (making present) are academic terms.

그의 소설은 역사적 사실과 문학적 상상이 절묘하게 조화되어 있다.

His novel exquisitely harmonizes historical facts and literary imagination.

절묘하게 조화되다 means 'exquisitely harmonized'.

상상에 맡긴 결말이 오히려 더 깊은 여운을 남겼다.

The ending left to the imagination actually left a deeper lingering impression.

여운을 남기다 means 'to leave a lingering impression'.

사회학적 상상력은 개인의 문제를 사회적 구조와 연결해 준다.

Sociological imagination connects individual problems with social structures.

사회학적 상상력 is a specific academic term by C. Wright Mills.

인간은 상상을 통해 시공간의 제약을 초월한다.

Humans transcend the constraints of time and space through imagination.

시공간의 제약 (constraints of time and space).

그의 주장은 논리적 근거가 없는 상상일 뿐이다.

His claim is merely an imagination without logical basis.

-일 뿐이다 means 'is merely'.

상상의 자유는 민주주의 사회의 근간을 이룬다.

Freedom of imagination forms the basis of a democratic society.

근간을 이루다 means 'to form the foundation/basis'.

상상은 칸트 철학에서 감성과 오성을 매개하는 핵심적인 기능이다.

In Kantian philosophy, imagination is a key function that mediates sensibility and understanding.

매개하다 (to mediate) and 오성 (understanding) are high-level philosophical terms.

상상의 나래를 펴는 것이야말로 예술적 창조의 시발점이다.

Spreading the wings of imagination is indeed the starting point of artistic creation.

시발점 means 'starting point' or 'point of departure'.

그 작가의 상상은 종종 그로테스크한 미학으로 발현된다.

The author's imagination is often manifested through a grotesque aesthetic.

발현되다 (to be manifested) and 미학 (aesthetic).

현대 과학은 상상의 산물을 현실로 검증해 나가는 과정이다.

Modern science is the process of verifying the products of imagination into reality.

산물 (product/outcome) and 검증하다 (to verify).

상상의 빈곤은 곧 공감의 결여로 이어진다.

Poverty of imagination leads directly to a lack of empathy.

빈곤 (poverty/dearth) and 결여 (lack/deficiency).

상상 속의 유토피아는 현실의 부조리를 비추는 거울이다.

The utopia in imagination is a mirror reflecting the absurdity of reality.

부조리 (absurdity/irrationality).

상상은 가시적인 세계를 넘어 비가시적인 진실을 탐구하게 한다.

Imagination allows us to go beyond the visible world and explore invisible truths.

가시적 (visible) vs 비가시적 (invisible).

포스트모더니즘에서 상상은 실재를 대체하는 시뮬라크르로 기능하기도 한다.

In postmodernism, imagination sometimes functions as a simulacrum that replaces reality.

시뮬라크르 (simulacrum) is a niche philosophical concept.

تلازمات شائعة

상상력이 풍부하다

상상도 못 하다

상상에 맡기다

상상을 초월하다

상상 속의

상상을 현실로

자유로운 상상

상상에 빠지다

상상력을 자극하다

상상 그 이상

العبارات الشائعة

상상은 자유다

— Imagination is free. Used to say anyone can think what they want.

니가 나를 좋아한다고? 뭐, 상상은 자유니까.

상상만으로도 행복하다

— Happy just by imagining. Expresses great anticipation.

여행 갈 생각을 하니 상상만으로도 행복해.

상상의 나래를 펴다

— To spread the wings of imagination. To imagine freely and wildly.

아이들은 구름을 보며 상상의 나래를 폈다.

상상도 할 수 없는

— Unimaginable. Used to describe something extreme.

그곳은 상상도 할 수 없는 추위가 찾아온다.

상상 속을 헤매다

— To wander in imagination. To be lost in thought.

그는 하루 종일 상상 속을 헤매고 있다.

상상의 산물

— Product of imagination. Something created by the mind.

이 괴물은 인간의 상상의 산물이다.

상상력을 발휘하다

— To exercise/display one's imagination.

이번 프로젝트에서 여러분의 상상력을 발휘해 주세요.

상상에 그치다

— To stop at imagination. To not become reality.

그의 계획은 결국 상상에 그치고 말았다.

상상을 뒤엎다

— To overturn imagination. To be completely different from expected.

영화의 반전은 나의 상상을 뒤엎었다.

상상 연애

— Imaginary dating. Having a crush and imagining a relationship.

연예인과의 상상 연애는 재미있어.

يُخلط عادةً مع

상상 vs 생각

생각 is general 'thinking'; 상상 is specifically creating mental images.

상상 vs 공상

공상 is often 'idle' or 'unrealistic' daydreaming.

상상 vs 환상

환상 is 'fantasy' or 'illusion,' often more magical or deceptive.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"상상도 못 하다"

— To be completely beyond one's expectation or thought.

그가 범인일 줄은 상상도 못 했다.

Everyday

"상상의 나래를 펴다"

— To give free rein to one's imagination.

시인은 상상의 나래를 펴서 시를 썼다.

Literary

"상상 그 이상"

— Better or more than what one could have imagined.

오늘 저녁 식사는 상상 그 이상이었어요.

Everyday/Marketing

"상상을 초월하다"

— To go beyond the limits of imagination.

우주의 크기는 상상을 초월한다.

Formal/Scientific

"상상에 맡기다"

— To leave something to be imagined by others rather than explaining.

나머지 이야기는 여러분의 상상에 맡길게요.

Formal/Neutral

"상상 속의 동물"

— An imaginary/mythical animal.

용은 상상 속의 동물입니다.

General

"상상임신"

— A false pregnancy caused by psychological factors.

그녀는 간절한 바람 때문에 상상임신을 했다.

Medical/General

"상상의 산물"

— Something that is merely a result of imagination.

그 유령 이야기는 공포가 만든 상상의 산물이다.

Literary/Formal

"상상력의 빈곤"

— Lack of creative ideas or empathy.

현대 사회의 문제는 상상력의 빈곤에서 온다.

Academic/Critical

"상상 연애"

— Fantasizing about a relationship with someone.

그는 아이돌과 상상 연애 중이다.

Slang/Casual

سهل الخلط

상상 vs 망상

Both involve non-real thoughts.

상상 is healthy and creative; 망상 is a clinical or negative delusion.

피해망상에 시달리다. (Suffering from persecution complex.)

상상 vs 가상

Both deal with things that aren't real.

상상 is the mental process; 가상 is the state of being simulated/hypothetical.

가상 현실 게임. (Virtual reality game.)

상상 vs 착각

Both involve thoughts that don't match reality.

상상 is intentional or creative; 착각 is an accidental misunderstanding/illusion.

너는 지금 착각하고 있어. (You are mistaken right now.)

상상 vs 추측

Both involve thinking about the unknown.

상상 is visual/creative; 추측 is logical deduction based on evidence.

범인이 누구인지 추측해 보세요. (Guess who the culprit is.)

상상 vs 몽상

Very similar to 상상 and 공상.

몽상 (Dreamy thought) is more poetic and often refers to impractical dreams.

그는 몽상가에 불과하다. (He is nothing but a dreamer.)

أنماط الجُمل

N을/를 상상해요.

바다를 상상해요.

상상해 보세요.

미래를 상상해 보세요.

상상도 못 했어요.

결과를 상상도 못 했어요.

상상 그 이상이에요.

맛이 상상 그 이상이에요.

상상에 맡기겠습니다.

나머지는 여러분의 상상에 맡기겠습니다.

상상의 나래를 펴다.

작가는 상상의 나래를 폈다.

상상의 빈곤.

그의 글에는 상상의 빈곤이 느껴진다.

상상을 현실로 만들다.

우리는 상상을 현실로 만듭니다.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

상상력 (Imagination power)

상상도 (Imaginary map/drawing)

상상계 (The Imaginary - Lacanian term)

الأفعال

상상하다 (To imagine)

상상되다 (To be imagined)

الصفات

상상적 (Imaginary/Imaginal)

상상 가능하다 (Imaginable)

مرتبط

생각 (Thought)

공상 (Daydream)

환상 (Fantasy)

망상 (Delusion)

가상 (Virtual)

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

High in both written and spoken Korean.

أخطاء شائعة

Using 상상 when meaning 'thought' (생각). → 생각
If you are just thinking about what to wear, use 생각. 상상 is for creating a scenario that isn't real.
Saying '상상이 좋다' (Imagination is good). → 상상력이 풍부하다
In Korean, we say imagination is 'rich' (풍부하다), and we usually use the word '상상력' (imagination power).
Using 망상 (delusion) to mean imagination. → 상상
망상 is a negative word often associated with mental illness or paranoia. Use 상상 for creativity.
Using '상상 과학' for Science Fiction. → 공상 과학
The fixed term for the SF genre is '공상 과학' (Empty-thought Science).
Confusing '상상으로' and '상상 속에'. → Context-dependent
Use '상상으로' to mean 'by means of imagination' and '상상 속에' to mean 'inside the imagination.'

نصائح

Verb vs. Noun

Always remember that 상상 is a noun. If you want to say 'I am imagining,' you must say '상상하고 있어요.' Using just '상상해요' is also common for 'I imagine.'

The Power of -력

If you want to compliment someone's creativity, always use '상상력이 풍부하시네요' (Your imagination is rich). This sounds much more natural than saying their 'imagination is good.'

Beyond Reality

Koreans use '상상도 못 했다' very frequently to show humble surprise. It's a great polite reaction when someone achieves something great.

SF Genre

Remember that Science Fiction in Korean is '공상 과학' (Gongsang Gwahak), not '상상 과학.' This is a fixed term.

Imagination is Free

If someone is making wild guesses, you can jokingly say '상상은 자유니까' (Imagination is free), meaning 'You can think what you want, but it doesn't make it true.'

Descriptive Writing

Use '상상 속의' to describe non-existent settings in your stories. It adds a magical or speculative tone to your writing.

Engaging Others

Start a hypothetical question with '상상해 보세요...' to immediately grab the listener's attention and invite them into your thought process.

Catching Surprise

When you hear '상상도 못 했어,' pay attention to the context—it usually follows a surprising revelation or a shocking news item.

Mental Health

In counseling contexts, '상상' is used for visualization techniques. '상상 치유' is a real term used for mental wellness.

Wings of Imagination

The phrase '상상의 나래를 펴다' is very poetic. Use it when talking about children's books or artistic inspiration.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'Sang' as 'Singing' and 'Sang' as 'Song'. You are singing a song in your mind that no one else can hear yet—that's your Sang-Sang (imagination).

ربط بصري

Imagine an 'Elephant' (the Hanja 象) wearing a thinking cap. Since people had to imagine elephants in the past, the elephant is the symbol of your 상상.

Word Web

상상력 (Power) 상상하다 (Verb) 상상 속 (Inside) 상상 이상 (Beyond) 상상도 (Drawing) 상상 임신 (Medical) 공상 (Daydream) 현실 (Reality)

تحدٍّ

Try to write three sentences about what you would do if you were a billionaire, using '상상하다' in each sentence.

أصل الكلمة

Derived from Hanja characters: 想 (상) meaning 'to think, meditate, or desire' and 象 (상) meaning 'image, elephant, or shape'.

المعنى الأصلي: The original Hanja combination suggests 'forming a shape in the mind' or 'meditating on an image'.

Sino-Korean (Hanja).

السياق الثقافي

Be careful not to confuse '상상' with '망상' (delusion), as the latter implies mental illness.

While English speakers use 'imagine' for both 'suppose' and 'fantasize,' Koreans use '상상' more specifically for the creative/visual act and '생각' for general thinking.

KT&G Sangsang Madang (A major art center in Hongdae, Seoul). The song '상상' (Imagination) by various K-Pop artists like Bol4. The concept of '사회학적 상상력' (Sociological Imagination) taught in all Korean universities.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Art and Literature

풍부한 상상력
상상의 나래
상상 속의 인물
상상을 자극하다

Daily Surprise

상상도 못 했어
상상 이상이야
상상해 봐
상상도 안 가

Business/Innovation

창의적 상상
상상을 현실로
미래를 상상하다
발상의 전환

Psychology

상상 임신
상상 치유
상상 속의 공포
사회학적 상상력

Children/Education

상상을 키우다
상상 놀이
자유로운 상상
상상화 그리기

بدايات محادثة

"복권에 당첨된다면 어떤 일을 할지 상상해 본 적 있어요?"

"가장 상상력이 풍부하다고 생각하는 영화는 무엇인가요?"

"어릴 때 상상 속의 친구가 있었나요?"

"상상만으로도 기분이 좋아지는 장소가 어디예요?"

"상상도 못 했던 놀라운 소식을 들은 적이 있나요?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

내가 상상하는 10년 후의 나의 모습에 대해 써 보세요.

상상력이 우리 삶에서 왜 중요한지 자신의 생각을 정리해 보세요.

만약 내가 초능력을 가질 수 있다면 어떤 능력을 가질지 상상해서 써 보세요.

현실과 상상의 경계가 무너지는 순간에 대해 이야기해 보세요.

상상 속의 완벽한 하루를 구체적으로 묘사해 보세요.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No, '상상' is a noun. To use it as a verb, you must add '하다' to form '상상하다' (to imagine).

'상상' is the act or the content of imagination, while '상상력' specifically refers to the *ability* or *power* of a person to imagine things.

Generally, yes, it's neutral or positive. However, it can be negative if someone is 'imagining things' that aren't true in a paranoid way, though '망상' is better for that.

The most common way is '상상도 못 하겠어요' or '상상이 안 돼요'.

Not really. For 'I suppose so,' use '그런 것 같아요.' '상상' is more about mental visualization.

It means 'Beyond imagination.' It's a very common marketing phrase used to describe something surprisingly good.

Yes, it is (想 + 象). Knowing the Hanja helps understand its connection to 'thinking' and 'images'.

Use '공상' when the thoughts are particularly unrealistic, like living on Mars or having superpowers, or when referring to Science Fiction (공상 과학).

It is '상상 속의 친구' (A friend inside imagination).

Yes, it is often used in the context of innovation and 'imagining' future products or solutions.

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