At the A1 level, the concept of 불평등 (inequality) is quite advanced, as beginners are usually focusing on basic survival Korean like ordering food, introducing themselves, and asking for directions. However, understanding the core idea in simple terms is possible. Imagine you have two friends, and you give one friend three apples and the other friend only one apple. This situation is not equal. In Korean, the word for 'equal' or 'fair' is 평등 (pyeong-deung). When we add '불' (bul) to the front, it means 'not.' So, 불평등 means 'not equal.' While you might not use this word in your daily conversations at this stage, you might see it in news headlines or hear it in serious movies. For a beginner, it is enough to know that '불' means 'no' or 'not,' and '평등' means 'equal.' Therefore, 불평등 is a big word for when things are not fair between people. You can practice recognizing the '불' prefix, which is very common in Korean to make a word negative, just like 'un-' or 'in-' in English. For example, 가능 (possible) becomes 불가능 (impossible). Similarly, 평등 (equal) becomes 불평등 (unequal). Keep this word in your passive vocabulary for now. As you learn more about Korean society and start reading more complex texts, this word will become very important. For now, just remember: 불 (not) + 평등 (equal) = inequality.
At the A2 level, you are starting to express your opinions and talk about slightly more complex topics beyond just your immediate surroundings. You can understand sentences about daily life, shopping, and basic news. The word 불평등 (inequality) is still a bit formal, but you can start using it to describe unfair situations in society. At this level, you should focus on the adjective form: 불평등하다 (to be unequal). You can use it to describe rules or situations that don't treat everyone the same. For example, if you are talking about how some schools have great computers and others have none, you can say '이것은 불평등해요' (This is unequal). You might also start noticing the word in simple news articles about rich and poor people. The gap between rich and poor is a type of 불평등. You can practice making simple sentences like '사회에 불평등이 있어요' (There is inequality in society). Remember that for small, everyday complaints (like someone getting a bigger piece of cake), it is better to use 불공평하다 (unfair). Save 불평등 for bigger issues involving groups of people, money, or rules. Understanding this word helps you transition from talking only about yourself to talking about the world around you. It shows that you are beginning to grasp the social issues that Koreans care about.
At the B1 level, you are an intermediate learner capable of discussing familiar topics, expressing opinions, and understanding the main points of clear standard input. The word 불평등 becomes highly relevant at this stage. You will encounter it frequently in reading passages about social issues, listening exercises involving news reports, and writing tasks where you are asked to express your opinion on a societal problem. You need to know the common collocations (words that go together). The most important ones are 소득 불평등 (income inequality) and 남녀 불평등 or 성 불평등 (gender inequality). You should also learn the verbs that pair with it. Inequality doesn't just exist; it 'gets worse' (심해지다) or we try to 'reduce' it (줄이다). So, you can write sentences like '요즘 소득 불평등이 심해지고 있습니다' (Income inequality is getting worse these days) or '우리는 불평등을 줄여야 합니다' (We must reduce inequality). At this level, you should be able to write a short paragraph explaining why a certain situation is an example of 불평등. You should also be careful not to confuse it with 차별 (discrimination). Remember, 불평등 is the state of being unequal, while 차별 is the action of treating someone unfairly. Using 불평등 correctly in your TOPIK II writing (Question 53 or 54) will definitely boost your score, as it shows you possess the vocabulary necessary for abstract and social discourse.
At the B2 level, you are an upper-intermediate learner. You can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field. 불평등 is a core B2 vocabulary word. You are expected not only to understand it but to use it actively and accurately in debates, essays, and presentations. At this level, you must master the more formal verbs associated with it: 심화되다 (to deepen/worsen) instead of just 심해지다, and 해소하다 (to resolve) instead of just 줄이다. You should be comfortable discussing '구조적 불평등' (structural inequality) and '자산 불평등' (asset inequality). When reading Korean newspapers (신문) or watching the news (뉴스), you will see this word constantly, especially in political and economic contexts. You should be able to articulate the causes and effects of inequality. For example: '비정규직과 정규직의 임금 격차는 우리 사회의 심각한 불평등을 초래하고 있다' (The wage gap between irregular and regular workers is causing severe inequality in our society). You should also understand its role in compound words, like 불평등 조약 (unequal treaty) in historical contexts. Your ability to use 불평등 with the correct particles, verbs, and collocations demonstrates your readiness to function in a Korean academic or professional environment where complex social issues are discussed.
At the C1 level, you are an advanced learner who can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Your use of 불평등 should be nuanced and sophisticated. You are not just stating that inequality exists; you are analyzing its mechanisms, critiquing policies designed to address it, and discussing its philosophical implications. You should be familiar with terms like '기회의 불평등' (inequality of opportunity) versus '결과의 불평등' (inequality of outcome). You can engage in deep discussions about how '교육 불평등' (educational inequality) leads to the '부의 대물림' (intergenerational transfer of wealth). At this level, you can effortlessly comprehend academic papers, editorials, and high-level debates where 불평등 is the central theme. You should be able to use advanced grammar structures to express complex relationships, such as '불평등이 심화됨에 따라 사회적 갈등이 증폭되고 있다' (As inequality deepens, social conflict is amplifying). You also understand the subtle differences between synonyms like 격차 (gap), 양극화 (polarization), and 편향 (bias), and can choose the exact right word for your specific context. Your vocabulary is rich enough to describe the multifaceted nature of inequality in modern capitalist societies, making your Korean sound highly educated and native-like.
At the C2 level, your mastery of the language is near-native. You can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Your engagement with the word 불평등 transcends mere vocabulary; it involves a deep cultural and sociological understanding of South Korea's specific historical and economic context. You understand how the rapid industrialization (압축 성장) of the past has contributed to the current landscape of 불평등. You can read complex sociological texts that deconstruct the '신자유주의적 불평등' (neoliberal inequality) and discuss it using highly specialized terminology. You can appreciate the literary and cinematic representations of inequality, understanding the subtle subtext in works like 'Parasite' without needing explicit explanations. You can debate the ethical dimensions of inequality, using sophisticated rhetorical devices. You might write a comprehensive thesis or deliver a formal keynote address on the '다차원적 불평등 구조' (multidimensional structure of inequality), seamlessly integrating concepts like '문화 자본' (cultural capital) and '사회적 배제' (social exclusion). At this level, 불평등 is a tool you use to dissect and critique society with the same precision and depth as a highly educated native Korean scholar or intellectual.

불평등 في 30 ثانية

  • A noun meaning inequality or disparity.
  • Composed of Hanja: 不 (not) + 平等 (equal).
  • Commonly paired with 소득 (income) and 성 (gender).
  • Used heavily in news, politics, and sociology.
The Korean word 불평등 (bul-pyeong-deung) is a noun that translates to 'inequality' or 'disparity' in English. To truly grasp the depth of this word, we must look at its Hanja (Sino-Korean) roots, which provide a clear and logical breakdown of its meaning. The word is composed of three characters: 不 (불 - bul), meaning 'not' or 'no'; 平 (평 - pyeong), meaning 'flat,' 'even,' or 'peaceful'; and 等 (등 - deung), meaning 'rank,' 'class,' or 'grade.' When combined, these characters literally mean 'not of equal rank' or 'not flat and even.' This literal translation perfectly encapsulates the concept of inequality, describing a state where things are not balanced, where people or groups do not hold the same status, or where resources, rights, and opportunities are distributed unevenly.
Hanja Breakdown
不 (불): Not. 平 (평): Flat/Equal. 等 (등): Rank.
In contemporary Korean society, 불평등 is a highly relevant and frequently discussed topic. South Korea has experienced rapid economic growth over the past few decades, often referred to as the 'Miracle on the Han River.' However, this rapid development has also led to significant social and economic disparities. Therefore, when you hear the word 불평등, it is almost always in the context of these societal challenges.

현대 사회에서 불평등은 심각한 문제입니다.

It is a word that carries weight, often used in academic, political, and journalistic contexts to highlight issues that need addressing. The concept of inequality can be broken down into several specific types, each commonly paired with 불평등. For instance, '소득 불평등' (income inequality) refers to the gap between the rich and the poor. '성 불평등' (gender inequality) discusses the disparities between men and women in the workplace, society, and home. '교육 불평등' (educational inequality) highlights how students from different socioeconomic backgrounds have different access to quality education.
Common Collocation
소득 불평등 (Income inequality)

소득 불평등이 갈수록 심화되고 있습니다.

Understanding these nuances is crucial for any intermediate to advanced Korean learner, as it allows you to participate in deeper, more meaningful conversations about the state of the world. Furthermore, the word is often used with specific verbs. You don't just 'have' inequality; inequality 'deepens' (심화되다), is 'resolved' (해소하다), or is 'experienced' (겪다).

정부는 불평등을 해소하기 위해 노력해야 합니다.

When you use 불평등, you are signaling a level of fluency that goes beyond everyday survival Korean. You are stepping into the realm of abstract thought and critical analysis. It is a word that invites discussion, debate, and reflection.
Related Concept
평등 (Equality) - The exact opposite.

우리는 불평등 없는 세상을 원합니다.

In conclusion, 불평등 is more than just a vocabulary word; it is a lens through which you can understand the complexities of modern Korean society and articulate your own observations about fairness and justice in the world.

교육의 불평등은 아이들의 미래를 바꿉니다.

Mastering this word will significantly elevate your Korean proficiency and allow you to engage with native speakers on a much more profound level.
Using 불평등 correctly involves understanding its grammatical role and the specific vocabulary that naturally accompanies it. As a noun, it functions like any other noun in Korean, taking standard particles such as 이/가 (subject), 을/를 (object), 은/는 (topic), and 에/에서 (location/context). However, because it represents an abstract, often systemic concept, the verbs and adjectives it pairs with are quite specific.
Subject Particle
불평등이 (Inequality is...)
One of the most common ways to use 불평등 is to describe its state or progression. If inequality is getting worse, you use the verb 심화되다 (to deepen, to worsen).

경제적 불평등이 심화되고 있다.

This is a very formal and academic way to express that the gap is widening. If you want to say that inequality is severe, you use the adjective 심각하다 (to be severe, serious).

한국 사회의 불평등 문제는 매우 심각합니다.

Conversely, when discussing solutions, the most frequent verb is 해소하다 (to resolve, to relieve). Governments and organizations strive to '해소하다' inequality.
Object Particle
불평등을 (To do something to inequality)

정부는 불평등을 해소하기 위한 정책을 발표했다.

Another common verb is 줄이다 (to reduce). While less formal than 해소하다, it is widely used in both spoken and written Korean.

우리는 소득 불평등을 줄여야 합니다.

You will also frequently encounter 불평등 used as a modifier for other nouns, often connected by the possessive particle 의, though it is frequently omitted in compound nouns. For example, 불평등 문제 (the problem of inequality), 불평등 구조 (the structure of inequality), and 불평등 사회 (an unequal society).
Compound Noun
불평등 조약 (Unequal treaty)
In historical contexts, you might hear about a 불평등 조약 (unequal treaty), referring to treaties forced upon a weaker nation by a stronger one. It is also important to note how to express that someone is experiencing inequality. The verb 겪다 (to experience, to suffer) is used here.

많은 사람들이 일상에서 불평등을 겪고 있습니다.

When writing essays or giving presentations (which is the typical B2/C1 level task where this word shines), you should aim to use these precise collocations. Avoid using simple verbs like '나쁘다' (bad) or '크다' (big) with 불평등. Instead of saying '불평등이 커요' (Inequality is big), say '불평등이 심화되고 있어요' (Inequality is deepening). This instantly elevates your Korean and demonstrates a firm grasp of academic vocabulary. Mastering the use of 불평등 means mastering the discourse of social justice and economics in Korean.
The word 불평등 is not something you will typically hear when ordering food at a restaurant or chatting about weekend plans with friends. It belongs to a specific register of the Korean language—one that is formal, analytical, and socially conscious. You will most frequently encounter this word in news broadcasts, newspaper articles, political debates, academic lectures, and social documentaries.
News Context
Economy and Society sections.
If you turn on KBS, MBC, or SBS news, especially during segments discussing the economy, housing prices, or employment rates, the word 불평등 will almost certainly make an appearance.

오늘 뉴스에서는 자산 불평등에 대해 다루었습니다.

Reporters use it to describe the growing gap between different socioeconomic classes. For example, '자산 불평등' (wealth/asset inequality) is a massive topic in South Korea today, particularly concerning real estate. In the political arena, candidates often build their platforms around promising to fix 불평등. You will hear them say things like, 'We must break the chain of inequality' (불평등의 고리를 끊어야 합니다).

후보자는 불평등 해소를 최우선 과제로 삼았습니다.

It is a powerful rhetorical tool used to rally voters who feel marginalized by the current economic system. In academic settings, particularly in sociology, economics, and political science classes, 불평등 is a foundational concept.
Academic Context
Sociology and Economics.
Professors will assign readings about '구조적 불평등' (structural inequality) and ask students to write essays analyzing its causes and effects.

이 논문은 교육 불평등의 원인을 분석합니다.

You will also find this word heavily featured in civic organization campaigns and NGO reports. Groups fighting for women's rights, labor rights, and disability rights frequently use 불평등 to describe the conditions they are trying to change. Furthermore, in modern Korean literature and cinema, the theme of 불평등 is pervasive. Think of internationally acclaimed works like the movie 'Parasite' (기생충) or the drama 'Squid Game' (오징어 게임). While the characters might not always use the word 불평등 in their dialogue, the entire narrative is a commentary on it.

영화 기생충은 자본주의 사회의 불평등을 보여줍니다.

When critics and audiences discuss these works, 불평등 is the central keyword.
Pop Culture
Reviews and critiques of social thriller media.

많은 드라마가 우리 사회의 불평등을 고발하고 있다.

Therefore, if you are consuming Korean media that aims to reflect reality or provoke thought, you must be highly attuned to this word. It is the key to unlocking the deeper social commentary embedded in Korean public discourse.
When learners first encounter the word 불평등, they often make a few predictable mistakes, usually stemming from confusing it with similar but distinct concepts, or using it in inappropriate contexts. The most common mistake is confusing 불평등 (inequality) with 차별 (discrimination). While they are closely related and often occur together, they are not synonyms.
Mistake 1
Confusing with 차별 (Discrimination).
불평등 refers to the *state* of imbalance or disparity, whereas 차별 refers to the *act* of treating someone unfairly based on their characteristics. For example, if women are paid less than men, that state of affairs is 성 불평등 (gender inequality). If a boss actively refuses to hire a woman because of her gender, that act is 성차별 (gender discrimination).

성차별은 결국 성 불평등을 초래합니다.

Using them interchangeably can make your argument sound imprecise. Another frequent error is confusing 불평등 with 불공정 (unfairness). 불공정 is about the process not being fair or following the rules, while 불평등 is about the outcome or status not being equal.
Mistake 2
Confusing with 불공정 (Unfairness).
For instance, a rigged game is 불공정하다 (unfair), but the fact that one person starts the game with ten times more money than the other is 불평등 (inequality).

과정은 공정해야 하고, 결과의 불평등은 줄여야 합니다.

Learners also sometimes try to use 불평등 as an adjective by simply attaching 하다 (불평등하다). While 불평등하다 is a valid adjective meaning 'to be unequal,' learners often overuse it in places where a noun phrase would be more natural in Korean.

이 제도는 매우 불평등합니다. (Correct but simple)

Instead of saying '사회가 불평등해요' (Society is unequal), native speakers often prefer '사회에 불평등이 심해요' (Inequality is severe in society). Finally, a minor but common mistake is using 불평등 for trivial matters. You wouldn't use 불평등 to complain that your sibling got a slightly bigger piece of cake.
Mistake 3
Using it for trivial, everyday unfairness.

형이 케이크를 더 많이 먹는 것은 불평등이 아니라 불공평입니다.

For everyday unfairness, the word 불공평 (unfairness) is much more appropriate. 불평등 is reserved for systemic, societal, or significant structural disparities.

우리는 구조적인 불평등에 맞서 싸워야 합니다.

By understanding these distinctions, you can use 불평등 with the precision and gravity it requires.
To build a robust vocabulary around social issues, it is essential to understand the words that are similar to 불평등, as well as their subtle differences. We have already discussed 차별 (discrimination) and 불공정 (unfairness), but there are several other key terms you should know. One of the most common synonyms is 격차 (gap, disparity).
Synonym 1
격차 (Gap, Disparity)
격차 is often used interchangeably with 불평등, especially in economic contexts. You will frequently hear 빈부 격차 (the gap between rich and poor) or 임금 격차 (wage gap).

빈부 격차는 곧 경제적 불평등을 의미합니다.

While 불평등 emphasizes the lack of equality, 격차 emphasizes the physical or metaphorical distance between two groups. Another related word is 양극화 (polarization). This word describes the process by which a society divides into two extreme, opposing groups, usually the very rich and the very poor, with the middle class shrinking.
Synonym 2
양극화 (Polarization)
양극화 is the dynamic process that leads to severe 불평등.

사회의 양극화 현상이 불평등을 더욱 악화시키고 있다.

You might also encounter the word 편향 (bias, inclination). While not a direct synonym, 편향 contributes to inequality. A system that has a 편향 (bias) towards a certain group will inevitably produce 불평등 (inequality).

제도의 편향성이 불평등을 낳습니다.

For a more everyday term, as mentioned before, there is 불공평 (unfairness).
Synonym 3
불공평 (Unfairness)
This is the word you use when a teacher grades unfairly, or when chores are not divided equally at home. It lacks the systemic, societal weight of 불평등.

이 게임의 규칙은 불공평하지만, 사회적 불평등만큼 심각하지는 않다.

Finally, understanding the antonym is crucial: 평등 (equality). This is the ideal state that policies aiming to resolve 불평등 are trying to achieve.

우리는 불평등을 넘어 평등한 사회로 나아가야 합니다.

By mastering this cluster of words—불평등, 격차, 양극화, 차별, 불공정, 불공평, and 평등—you equip yourself with a highly sophisticated toolkit for discussing sociology, politics, and economics in Korean. You will be able to articulate exactly what kind of unfairness you are observing, whether it is a widening gap, a biased system, an unfair process, or a fundamental lack of equal status.

How Formal Is It?

مستوى الصعوبة

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Prefix 불- (Not/Un-): Used to negate Sino-Korean nouns.

-기 위해 (In order to): Often used with resolving inequality (불평등을 해소하기 위해).

-에 따라 (As/According to): Used to show correlation (불평등이 심화됨에 따라).

Noun + 의 (Possessive): Used in compound phrases (소득의 불평등).

-은/는 반면(에) (While/On the other hand): Used to contrast rich and poor.

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

이것은 불평등해요.

This is unequal.

불평등하다 (to be unequal) used in the polite present tense (해요).

2

불평등은 나빠요.

Inequality is bad.

은 (topic particle) + 나쁘다 (to be bad).

3

불평등이 있어요.

There is inequality.

이 (subject particle) + 있다 (to exist).

4

그것은 불평등입니다.

That is inequality.

입니다 (formal polite 'to be').

5

우리는 불평등을 싫어해요.

We hate inequality.

을 (object particle) + 싫어하다 (to hate).

6

불평등은 문제가 많아요.

Inequality has many problems.

문제가 많다 (to have many problems).

7

여기에 불평등이 없어요.

There is no inequality here.

없다 (to not exist).

8

불평등이라는 단어를 알아요?

Do you know the word inequality?

(이)라는 (called) + 단어 (word).

1

사회에 불평등이 많습니다.

There is a lot of inequality in society.

사회에 (in society) + 많다 (to be many/much).

2

남녀 불평등은 큰 문제입니다.

Gender inequality is a big problem.

남녀 (men and women) used as a compound with 불평등.

3

불평등을 줄이고 싶어요.

I want to reduce inequality.

줄이다 (to reduce) + 고 싶다 (want to).

4

경제적인 불평등이 심해요.

Economic inequality is severe.

경제적인 (economic) + 심하다 (to be severe).

5

뉴스에서 불평등에 대해 들었어요.

I heard about inequality on the news.

에 대해 (about) + 듣다 (to hear).

6

불평등한 규칙을 바꿔야 합니다.

We must change unequal rules.

불평등한 (unequal - adjective modifying noun) + 규칙 (rule).

7

사람들은 불평등 때문에 화가 났어요.

People are angry because of inequality.

때문에 (because of).

8

교육 불평등이 아이들을 힘들게 해요.

Educational inequality makes things hard for children.

게 하다 (to make someone do/be).

1

최근 소득 불평등이 더욱 심해지고 있습니다.

Recently, income inequality is getting even worse.

심해지다 (to become severe) + 고 있다 (present progressive).

2

정부는 불평등을 해소하기 위해 노력해야 합니다.

The government must make an effort to resolve inequality.

기 위해 (in order to) + 노력하다 (to make an effort).

3

성 불평등 문제는 아직 완전히 해결되지 않았습니다.

The issue of gender inequality has not yet been completely resolved.

해결되다 (to be resolved) + 지 않다 (negative).

4

부의 불평등은 사회적 갈등의 주요 원인입니다.

Wealth inequality is a major cause of social conflict.

부의 (of wealth) + 주요 원인 (major cause).

5

교육 기회의 불평등을 줄이는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to reduce the inequality of educational opportunities.

기회의 (of opportunity) + 는 것 (gerund).

6

많은 사람들이 불평등한 사회 구조에 불만을 가지고 있습니다.

Many people have complaints about the unequal social structure.

불만을 가지다 (to have complaints).

7

이 영화는 자본주의 사회의 불평등을 잘 보여줍니다.

This movie shows the inequality of capitalist society well.

자본주의 (capitalism) + 보여주다 (to show).

8

지역 간의 불평등을 해결하기 위한 정책이 필요합니다.

Policies are needed to solve the inequality between regions.

지역 간의 (between regions) + 정책 (policy).

1

경제 성장에도 불구하고 자산 불평등은 오히려 심화되었습니다.

Despite economic growth, asset inequality has actually deepened.

에도 불구하고 (despite) + 심화되다 (to deepen).

2

디지털 소외 계층의 증가는 새로운 형태의 정보 불평등을 낳고 있다.

The increase in the digitally marginalized class is giving rise to a new form of information inequality.

소외 계층 (marginalized class) + 낳다 (to give birth to / to cause).

3

노동 시장의 이중 구조가 소득 불평등의 근본적인 원인으로 지목된다.

The dual structure of the labor market is pointed out as the fundamental cause of income inequality.

이중 구조 (dual structure) + 지목되다 (to be pointed out).

4

기후 변화는 개발도상국에 더 큰 피해를 주어 글로벌 불평등을 가중시킨다.

Climate change causes more damage to developing countries, aggravating global inequality.

가중시키다 (to aggravate/add weight to).

5

불평등을 해소하기 위해서는 조세 제도의 전면적인 개편이 불가피하다.

In order to resolve inequality, a comprehensive reform of the tax system is inevitable.

전면적인 개편 (comprehensive reform) + 불가피하다 (inevitable).

6

결과의 평등보다는 기회의 불평등을 시정하는 데 초점을 맞추어야 한다.

Focus should be placed on correcting the inequality of opportunity rather than equality of outcome.

보다는 (rather than) + 시정하다 (to correct).

7

역사적으로 불평등 조약은 강대국이 약소국을 착취하는 수단이었다.

Historically, unequal treaties were a means for powerful nations to exploit weaker ones.

강대국 (powerful nation) + 착취하다 (to exploit).

8

의료 서비스의 지역적 불평등은 국민의 건강권 침해로 이어진다.

Regional inequality in medical services leads to the infringement of citizens' right to health.

침해 (infringement) + 로 이어지다 (to lead to).

1

신자유주의 경제 정책의 도입은 필연적으로 구조적 불평등의 고착화를 초래했다.

The introduction of neoliberal economic policies inevitably led to the fixation of structural inequality.

필연적으로 (inevitably) + 고착화 (fixation/entrenchment).

2

문화 자본의 대물림 현상은 교육 불평등을 재생산하는 핵심 기제로 작용한다.

The intergenerational transmission of cultural capital acts as a core mechanism reproducing educational inequality.

대물림 (passing down) + 기제 (mechanism).

3

사회적 배제는 단순한 경제적 빈곤을 넘어 다차원적인 불평등을 야기하는 심각한 병리 현상이다.

Social exclusion is a serious pathological phenomenon that causes multidimensional inequality beyond simple economic poverty.

다차원적인 (multidimensional) + 야기하다 (to cause/bring about).

4

플랫폼 노동의 확산은 노동권의 사각지대를 형성하며 새로운 노사 간 불평등 지형을 만들어내고 있다.

The spread of platform labor is forming blind spots in labor rights and creating a new landscape of inequality between labor and management.

사각지대 (blind spot) + 지형 (landscape/topography).

5

이 연구는 공간적 불평등이 거주민의 심리적 웰빙에 미치는 영향을 실증적으로 분석하고자 한다.

This study aims to empirically analyze the impact of spatial inequality on the psychological well-being of residents.

실증적으로 (empirically) + 분석하다 (to analyze).

6

조세 형평성 제고를 통한 부의 재분배만이 극단적인 자산 불평등을 완화할 수 있는 유일한 해법이다.

Only the redistribution of wealth through the enhancement of tax equity is the sole solution that can alleviate extreme asset inequality.

제고 (enhancement) + 완화하다 (to alleviate).

7

글로벌 가치사슬 내에서의 불평등한 교환 구조는 선진국과 주변국 간의 격차를 영구화한다.

The unequal exchange structure within the global value chain perpetuates the gap between developed and peripheral countries.

가치사슬 (value chain) + 영구화하다 (to perpetuate).

8

인공지능 기술의 독점은 미래 사회의 인지적, 경제적 불평등을 기하급수적으로 증폭시킬 우려가 있다.

The monopoly of AI technology raises concerns about exponentially amplifying cognitive and economic inequality in future society.

독점 (monopoly) + 기하급수적으로 (exponentially).

1

능력주의의 허상은 성공을 개인의 온전한 성취로 포장함으로써 구조적 불평등을 은폐하는 이데올로기적 기능을 수행한다.

The illusion of meritocracy performs an ideological function of concealing structural inequality by packaging success as a purely individual achievement.

허상 (illusion) + 은폐하다 (to conceal).

2

생태적 불평등은 자본 축적 과정에서 발생하는 환경 비용을 사회적 약자에게 전가하는 자본주의의 내재적 모순을 방증한다.

Ecological inequality corroborates the inherent contradiction of capitalism, which shifts the environmental costs incurred during capital accumulation onto the socially vulnerable.

전가하다 (to shift/pass on) + 방증하다 (to corroborate/prove indirectly).

3

푸코의 권력 담론을 빌리자면, 현대 사회의 불평등은 미시적 규율 권력을 통해 주체의 신체에 각인되고 내면화된다.

Borrowing Foucault's discourse on power, inequality in modern society is inscribed and internalized in the subject's body through micro-disciplinary power.

담론 (discourse) + 각인되다 (to be inscribed).

4

금융 자본주의의 고도화는 실물 경제와의 괴리를 심화시키며, 지대 추구 행위를 통한 불로소득의 팽창이 불평등의 임계점을 돌파하게 만들었다.

The advancement of financial capitalism deepens the disconnect from the real economy, and the expansion of unearned income through rent-seeking behavior has caused inequality to breach its critical point.

괴리 (disconnect/gap) + 임계점 (critical point).

5

교차성 이론에 입각하여 볼 때, 젠더, 계급, 인종의 불평등은 독립적으로 존재하는 것이 아니라 상호 교차하며 복합적인 억압 기제를 형성한다.

Based on intersectionality theory, inequalities of gender, class, and race do not exist independently but intersect to form a complex mechanism of oppression.

교차성 (intersectionality) + 입각하다 (to be based on).

6

복지 국가의 재편 과정에서 나타나는 이중화 현상은 내부자와 외부자 간의 불평등을 제도화하여 사회 연대의 기반을 잠식하고 있다.

The dualization phenomenon emerging in the restructuring process of the welfare state institutionalizes inequality between insiders and outsiders, eroding the foundation of social solidarity.

이중화 (dualization) + 잠식하다 (to erode/encroach upon).

7

데이터 자본주의 하에서 알고리즘적 편향성은 기존의 사회적 불평등을 데이터의 외피를 쓴 객관성으로 위장하여 자동화하고 영속화한다.

Under data capitalism, algorithmic bias automates and perpetuates existing social inequalities by disguising them as objectivity wrapped in the guise of data.

외피 (guise/outer shell) + 영속화하다 (to perpetuate).

8

포스트휴먼 시대의 도래는 생명 공학적 강화에 대한 접근성 차이로 인해 인류 종 자체의 생물학적 불평등이라는 전대미문의 윤리적 난제를 제기한다.

The advent of the posthuman era raises an unprecedented ethical dilemma of biological inequality of the human species itself due to differences in access to biotechnological enhancement.

전대미문의 (unprecedented) + 난제 (dilemma/difficult problem).

المرادفات

불공평 편파 차별

الأضداد

تلازمات شائعة

소득 불평등
성 불평등
교육 불평등
자산 불평등
경제적 불평등
사회적 불평등
불평등을 해소하다
불평등이 심화되다
불평등을 겪다
불평등 조약

العبارات الشائعة

불평등의 심화
불평등 해소 방안
구조적 불평등
불평등을 줄이다
불평등 문제
불평등한 사회
기회의 불평등
결과의 불평등
불평등에 맞서다
건강 불평등

يُخلط عادةً مع

불평등 vs 차별 (Discrimination) - Action vs. State

불평등 vs 불공정 (Unfairness) - Process vs. Outcome

불평등 vs 불공평 (Unfairness) - Everyday vs. Systemic

سهل الخلط

불평등 vs

불평등 vs

불평등 vs

불평등 vs

불평등 vs

أنماط الجُمل

كيفية الاستخدام

nuance

Carries a heavy, systemic, and structural nuance. It implies a societal flaw rather than a personal grievance.

frequency

High in formal contexts (news, academia), low in casual daily chatter.

colloquial usage

Rarely used colloquially unless discussing news or deep social issues.

أخطاء شائعة
  • Saying 불평등을 하다 (to do inequality) instead of 불평등이 있다 (there is inequality) or 불평등을 겪다 (to experience inequality).
  • Using 불평등 for small, everyday unfairness like a referee's bad call (use 불공정 instead).
  • Confusing it with 불평 (complaint) because they look and sound similar.
  • Translating 'discrimination' directly as 불평등 instead of 차별.
  • Saying 불평등이 커지다 (inequality gets bigger) instead of the more natural/formal 불평등이 심화되다 (inequality deepens).

نصائح

Use with 심화되다

To sound advanced, don't just say inequality is 'big' (크다). Say it is 'deepening' (심화되다).

Learn the Prefix

Mastering the '불' prefix will help you guess the meaning of dozens of other words (e.g., 불가능, 불만, 불안).

TOPIK Writing

Use '불평등을 해소하다' in your TOPIK essay conclusions when discussing social problems.

News Keywords

When listening to the news, listen for '소득' (income) or '자산' (asset) right before 불평등.

Formal Debates

Use this word to elevate your speaking register during university classes or formal debates.

Systemic vs. Personal

Remember that 불평등 implies a systemic issue, not a personal slight.

Compound Nouns

Koreans often drop the '의' (of) and just stick nouns together: 교육 불평등 (Education inequality).

Vary Your Vocab

If you use 불평등 once in an essay, use 격차 (gap) or 양극화 (polarization) the next time to show range.

Spoon Theory

Understand that the slang '흙수저' (dirt spoon) is the cultural manifestation of economic 불평등.

Aspirated P

Make sure the '평' has a strong puff of air, otherwise it might sound mumbled.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Imagine a BULL (불) charging into a peaceful, flat (평) field, ruining the equal ranks (등) of the crops. The bull creates INEQUALITY.

أصل الكلمة

Sino-Korean

السياق الثقافي

Not a taboo word, but discussing specific inequalities (like gender or wealth) can lead to heated arguments.

Neutral, formal noun. Appropriate for all levels of speech, though usually used in formal or serious contexts.

금수저/흙수저 (Gold spoon/dirt spoon) are slang terms that describe the *reality* of inequality.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

بدايات محادثة

"한국 사회에서 가장 심각한 불평등은 무엇이라고 생각하나요?"

"소득 불평등을 줄이기 위해 정부는 어떤 노력을 해야 할까요?"

"교육 불평등이 아이들의 미래에 미치는 영향에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"남녀 불평등 문제는 과거에 비해 많이 나아졌다고 보시나요?"

"자본주의 사회에서 불평등은 피할 수 없는 결과일까요?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Describe a time when you witnessed or experienced inequality (불평등).

Write an essay on the causes of educational inequality in your country.

Do you think absolute equality is possible, or is some level of inequality inevitable?

Analyze the theme of inequality in a Korean movie or drama you have watched.

Propose three policies to resolve asset inequality.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No, it is better to use 불공평하다 (bul-gong-pyeong-ha-da) or 불공정하다 (bul-gong-jeong-ha-da) for a game. 불평등 is for large-scale social or economic inequality.

불평등 (inequality) is the state of things being unbalanced, like a wage gap. 차별 (discrimination) is the act of treating someone unfairly, like refusing to hire someone based on their race.

The standard term is 소득 불평등 (so-deuk bul-pyeong-deung). You will hear this constantly in Korean economic news.

The most common and natural formal verb is 해소하다 (hae-so-ha-da). So, 불평등을 해소하다 means 'to resolve inequality'.

Yes, it describes a negative state of affairs in society. It is a problem that needs to be fixed.

Yes, by adding 하다. 불평등하다 means 'to be unequal.' For example, 불평등한 조약 (an unequal treaty).

The Hanja prefix 불 (不) means 'not' or 'no'. It is used to create antonyms, similar to 'un-' or 'in-' in English.

It is commonly referred to as 성 불평등 (seong bul-pyeong-deung) or 남녀 불평등 (nam-nyeo bul-pyeong-deung).

While you can say 부의 불평등 (wealth inequality), a more common specific phrase is 빈부 격차 (bin-bu gyeok-cha).

Absolutely. It is a crucial vocabulary word for TOPIK II (levels 3-6), especially for the reading and writing sections dealing with social issues.

اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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