후퇴하다
후퇴하다 في 30 ثانية
- 후퇴하다 means to retreat or move back strategically.
- It is commonly used in military, economic, and social contexts.
- The word is more formal than '물러나다' and implies forced or planned movement.
- It comes from Hanja 後 (back) and 退 (withdraw).
The Korean verb 후퇴하다 (hutoehada) is a cornerstone of both historical narrative and modern strategic discussion. At its most basic level, it means 'to retreat' or 'to move backward.' However, its usage is far more nuanced than simply walking in reverse. It is primarily used when an entity—be it an army, a sports team, or even an abstract concept like an economy—moves back from a forward position, often due to pressure, defeat, or strategic necessity. The word is composed of two Hanja characters: 後 (후) meaning 'back' or 'behind,' and 退 (퇴) meaning 'to step back' or 'withdraw.' Together, they form a powerful image of stepping away from the front line.
- Military Context
- In military history, this word is used to describe a tactical withdrawal. It is not always a sign of total defeat; sometimes, a group must 후퇴하다 to regroup and prepare for a stronger counter-attack. In the context of the Korean War, the term '1.4 후퇴' (The January 4th Retreat) is a significant historical event that every Korean student learns about.
- Economic and Social Context
- When the economy shrinks or social progress stalls, journalists often say the country is '후퇴하고 있다' (is retreating/regressing). It implies a loss of ground that was previously gained with great effort.
적군이 강한 공격을 받고 후퇴하기 시작했습니다.
Understanding 후퇴하다 requires recognizing its formal tone. While you might use '물러나다' (mulleonada) in casual conversation to tell someone to step back, 후퇴하다 is reserved for more serious, structured, or large-scale movements. It is a word you will frequently encounter in news broadcasts, history books, and formal debates regarding policy and strategy.
민주주의가 후퇴하고 있다는 비판이 있습니다.
- Strategic Nuance
- In chess or competitive gaming, moving a piece back to a safer position is a form of 후퇴. It suggests a calculated decision rather than a panicked flight.
우리는 더 큰 승리를 위해 잠시 후퇴하기로 했습니다.
In summary, 후퇴하다 is a versatile verb that bridges the gap between physical movement and abstract regression. Whether you are discussing a battlefield, a boardroom, or a political movement, this word captures the essence of stepping back from a challenge or a position previously held.
Using 후퇴하다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and the particles that typically accompany it. As a verb ending in -하다, it follows standard conjugation rules, but its formal nature means it is often found in -습니다 or -어요 forms. The subject is usually a group, an organization, or an abstract noun representing a status or condition.
- The Destination Particle
- When specifying where someone is retreating to, use the particle -로 (to/towards). For example, '기지로 후퇴하다' (to retreat to the base).
군대는 안전한 지역으로 후퇴했다.
When discussing abstract regression, the subject is often marked with -이/가. For instance, '경제가 후퇴하다' (the economy is regressing). Here, the word functions similarly to 'decline' or 'fall back.'
- Conjunctions and Intent
- Commonly paired with -기로 하다 (decide to) or -지 않을 수 없다 (cannot help but). This highlights the decision-making process behind a retreat.
폭풍 때문에 우리는 후퇴하지 않을 수 없었다.
In a causative sense, if you want to say someone 'made' someone else retreat, you would use 후퇴시키다. This is very common in sports commentary when one team's defense forces the other team back.
우리 팀의 수비가 상대 공격수를 후퇴시켰습니다.
Finally, consider the contrastive use. Often, 후퇴하다 is used in a sentence alongside its opposite, 전진하다 (to advance), to show a dynamic situation.
전진할 것인가, 아니면 후퇴할 것인가? 그것이 문제입니다.
- Formal Reporting
- In news reports, the noun form 후퇴 is often used with '하다' omitted in headlines: '경제 성장 후퇴' (Economic growth retreat/regression).
While 후퇴하다 might seem like a word only found in dusty history books, it is surprisingly active in modern Korean life. You will encounter it in several distinct environments, each giving the word a slightly different 'flavor.'
- News and Politics
- This is perhaps the most common place to hear the word. News anchors use it to describe setbacks in negotiations, social policies, or diplomatic relations. If a peace talk fails, they might say '대화가 후퇴했다' (the dialogue has retreated/regressed).
이번 정책은 인권 보호 측면에서 후퇴했다는 평을 듣고 있습니다.
In the world of K-Dramas, particularly historical dramas (Sa-geuk), 후퇴하다 is a staple. Commanders shout it during epic battle scenes. However, in modern office dramas, it might be used metaphorically when a project loses its momentum or a character has to back down from a confrontation with a superior.
- Sports Commentary
- In soccer or martial arts, if a player is forced back by the opponent's pressure, the commentator will shout '후퇴하고 있습니다!' It conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or taking a defensive stance.
상대 선수의 압박에 우리 선수가 잠시 후퇴하며 기회를 엿보고 있습니다.
In Business and Finance, the word describes market trends. If stock prices fall significantly after a period of growth, it might be termed a '후퇴' (retreat/pullback). It sounds more professional and analytical than just saying the price 'dropped.'
시장이 과열되자 투자자들이 후퇴하는 모습을 보였습니다.
- Video Games
- In strategy games like StarCraft or League of Legends, players often use the command '후퇴!' to tell their teammates to pull back from a fight they cannot win.
While 후퇴하다 is a useful word, learners often trip over its specific usage boundaries. The most common error is using it in place of other 'backward movement' words that have different nuances.
- Mistake 1: 후퇴하다 vs. 후진하다
- As mentioned before, 후진하다 is for vehicles. If you tell a driver to '후퇴하세요,' they might understand you, but it sounds like you're commanding a military tank rather than a sedan. Use 후진 when parking a car.
❌ 차를 후퇴해 주세요. (Wrong)
✅ 차를 후진해 주세요. (Correct)
Another common pitfall is using 후퇴하다 for simple physical movements, like stepping back to let someone pass. In these cases, 물러나다 (mulleonada) or 뒤로 가다 (dwiro gada) is much more natural. 후퇴하다 implies a larger strategic or forced movement.
- Mistake 2: Using it for 'Regret'
- Because '후' (hu) sounds like the beginning of 후회하다 (huhoehada - to regret), beginners sometimes mix them up. Remember: 후퇴 is about movement/regression, 후회 is about emotions.
❌ 저는 그 결정을 후퇴해요. (I retreat that decision - Nonsense)
✅ 저는 그 결정을 후회해요. (I regret that decision.)
Learners also sometimes forget that 후퇴하다 is an intransitive verb in its base form. You don't 'retreat something'; you just 'retreat.' If you want to say you 'pushed something back,' you must use the causative 후퇴시키다.
- Mistake 3: Formality Mismatch
- Using 후퇴하다 in a very casual setting, like playing tag with a child, is technically possible but sounds overly dramatic or 'bookish.' In casual play, stick to '뒤로 도망가!' (Run away to the back!) or '비켜!' (Move!).
아이들이 놀이터에서 후퇴하며 놀았다. (Sounds like a military documentary about kids.)
To truly master 후퇴하다, you should understand how it compares to its synonyms and near-synonyms. Korean has many ways to describe 'moving back,' and choosing the right one depends on the register and context.
- 물러나다 (Mulleonada)
- This is the most common and versatile synonym. It can mean to step back physically, to resign from a position (사퇴하다), or to withdraw. It is less formal than 후퇴하다 and more common in daily speech.
- 철수하다 (Cheolsuhada)
- Specifically used for 'withdrawing' troops, businesses, or equipment from a location. While 후퇴 is the act of moving back during a struggle, 철수 is the organized act of leaving a place entirely. Example: '미군이 철수했다' (The US army withdrew/evacuated).
기업이 해외 시장에서 철수하기로 결정했습니다.
- 퇴보하다 (Toebohada)
- This is the direct opposite of 'progress' (발전하다). It is used for abstract concepts like technology, skills, or civilization. If 후퇴하다 is a 'retreat' in space or status, 퇴보하다 is a 'regression' in quality or development.
관리를 안 하면 실력이 퇴보할 수 있습니다.
In a casual setting, you might simply use 뒤로 가다 (to go back). This is the simplest way to describe physical movement without any of the heavy connotations of war or economic failure.
- Summary Table
-
- 후퇴하다: Strategic/Formal (Battle, Economy)
- 물러나다: General/Versatile (Step back, Resign)
- 철수하다: Organized exit (Troops, Business)
- 퇴보하다: Quality regression (Skills, Technology)
- 후진하다: Mechanical (Cars, Machines)
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing 'toe' like English 'toe' (rhymes with go). In Korean, it is 't' + 'we' (as in wet).
- Making the 'h' too strong like a German 'ch'.
- Confusin
أمثلة حسب المستوى
군인이 뒤로 후퇴해요.
The soldier retreats to the back.
Simple present tense with -해요.
우리는 후퇴했어요.
We retreated.
Past tense -했어요.
후퇴하지 마세요!
Don't retreat!
-지 마세요 (prohibition).
적이 후퇴합니까?
Is the enemy retreating?
Question form -합니까?
빨리 후퇴하세요.
Please retreat quickly.
Imperative -하세요.
강아지가 후퇴해요.
The puppy is backing away.
Subject + verb.
팀이 후퇴해요.
The team retreats.
Group noun as subject.
여기서 후퇴해요.
Retreat from here.
-에서 (from) location particle.
비가 와서 군대가 후퇴했습니다.
The army retreated because it rained.
-아서/어서 (reason).
우리는 산으로 후퇴하기로 했어요.
We decided to retreat to the mountain.
-기로 하다 (decide to).
상대방이 너무 강해서 후퇴했어요.
The opponent was too strong, so we retreated.
-아서/어서 (reason).
후퇴하는 것은 나쁜 게 아니에요.
Retreating is not a bad thing.
-는 것 (nominalization).
그들은 밤에 몰래 후퇴했습니다.
They retreated secretly at night.
Adverb '몰래' (secretly).
언제 후퇴해야 합니까?
When should we retreat?
-해야 하다 (must/should).
안전한 곳으로 후퇴합시다.
Let's retreat to a safe place.
-읍시다 (let's).
그는 후퇴하고 싶지 않았어요.
He didn't want to retreat.
-고 싶지 않다 (don't want to).
경제 지표가 지난달보다 후퇴했습니다.
Economic indicators retreated compared to last month.
-보다 (comparison).
우리는 더 큰 승리를 위해 잠시 후퇴했다.
We retreated for a moment for a greater victory.
-을 위해 (for the sake of).
적군은 강가로 후퇴할 수밖에 없었다.
The enemy had no choice but to retreat to the river.
-을 수밖에 없다 (no choice but to).
정치적 상황이 과거로 후퇴하고 있다.
The political situation is retreating to the past.
-고 있다 (progressive).
후퇴하기 전에 짐을 모두 챙기세요.
Pack all your bags before retreating.
-기 전에 (before).
후퇴하면 모든 것을 잃게 됩니다.
If you retreat, you will end up losing everything.
-게 되다 (become/end up).
그들은 후퇴할 기회를 엿보고 있다.
They are looking for an opportunity to retreat.
Idiom '기회를 엿보다'.
명령 없이 후퇴해서는 안 됩니다.
You must not retreat without an order.
-어서는 안 된다 (must not).
정부는 비판 여론에 밀려 정책을 후퇴시켰다.
The government, pushed by critical public opinion, scaled back (retreated) its policy.
Causative -시키다.
이번 결정은 민주주의의 가치를 후퇴시켰다는 평가를 받는다.
This decision is evaluated as having regressed the values of democracy.
-했다는 평가를 받다.
기업들은 불황이 닥치자 투자를 후퇴시키기 시작했다.
As the recession hit, companies began to scale back their investments.
-자 (as soon as/when).
적의 포위망을 뚫지 못하면 후퇴하는 것이 상책이다.
If you cannot break through the enemy's encirclement, retreating is the best policy.
상책이다 (is the best way).
그의 건강 상태가 급격히 후퇴하고 있어 걱정이다.
I am worried because his health is rapidly declining (retreating).
Abstract usage for health.
후퇴할 곳이 없는 상황에서 그는 최선을 다했다.
In a situation where there was no place to retreat, he did his best.
-ㄹ 곳이 없다.
기술적인 한계로 인해 프로젝트가 잠시 후퇴했다.
Due to technical limitations, the project retreated momentarily.
-로 인해 (due to).
우리는 후퇴를 부끄러워할 필요가 없습니다.
We don't need to be ashamed of retreating.
-ㄹ 필요가 없다.
역사는 때때로 진보가 아닌 후퇴를 거듭하기도 한다.
History sometimes repeats retreats rather than progress.
-기도 하다 (sometimes does).
전략적 후퇴는 때로는 전진보다 더 큰 용기를 필요로 한다.
Strategic retreat sometimes requires more courage than advancing.
Comparison of abstract qualities.
빙하가 지구 온난화로 인해 매년 수 미터씩 후퇴하고 있다.
Glaciers are retreating several meters every year due to global warming.
Scientific context.
사회적 합의가 도출되지 못하면서 논의가 다시 원점으로 후퇴했다.
As social consensus could not be reached, the discussion retreated back to the starting point.
Abstract logical retreat.
권위주의 정권의 등장으로 언론의 자유가 크게 후퇴했다.
With the emergence of an authoritarian regime, freedom of the press has retreated significantly.
Political regression.
그는 자신의 주장이 틀렸음을 인정하고 한 걸음 후퇴했다.
He admitted his argument was wrong and stepped back one pace.
Metaphorical step back.
후퇴의 기미가 보이자마자 적들은 추격을 시작했다.
As soon as a sign of retreat appeared, the enemies began the pursuit.
-자마자 (as soon as).
시장의 불확실성이 커지자 소비 심리가 급격히 후퇴했다.
As market uncertainty grew, consumer sentiment retreated sharply.
Economic psychology.
인류 문명이 도덕적 후퇴를 겪고 있다는 우려가 제기되고 있다.
Concerns are being raised that human civilization is undergoing a moral retreat.
High-level philosophical concern.
이 조약의 파기는 국제 협력의 역사에서 명백한 후퇴이다.
The termination of this treaty is a clear retreat in the history of international cooperation.
Diplomatic analysis.
학계에서는 이 이론이 과학적 방법론에서 후퇴했다고 비판한다.
Academia criticizes that this theory has retreated from scientific methodology.
Academic critique.
진보와 후퇴의 변증법적 과정을 통해 사회는 성숙해진다.
Society matures through the dialectical process of progress and retreat.
Philosophical terminology (dialectical).
그의 문학적 성취는 후기작으로 갈수록 오히려 후퇴하는 양상을 보였다.
His literary achievement showed a pattern of retreating as he moved toward his later works.
Literary criticism.
국가 권력의 비대화는 개인의 자유를 후퇴시키는 결과를 초래한다.
The enlargement of state power brings about the result of regressing individual freedom.
Causal link in political theory.
전선이 후퇴함에 따라 피난민들의 행렬은 더욱 길어졌다.
As the front line retreated, the procession of refugees grew even longer.
-함에 따라 (as/along with).
그 정책의 철회는 개혁 의지의 후퇴로 해석될 여지가 충분하다.
The withdrawal of that policy has plenty of room to be interpreted as a retreat of the will for reform.
Nuanced political interpretation.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— There is no retreat (showing determination).
우리에게 후퇴는 없다, 오직 전진뿐이다.
— To retreat backward (redundant but common).
무서워서 뒤로 후퇴했다.
— To take one step back (often metaphorical).
타협을 위해 한 걸음 후퇴했다.
— To retreat without end.
가치가 끝없이 후퇴하고 있다.
— To choose to retreat.
그는 싸움 대신 후퇴를 선택했다.
— Retreat is inevitable.
상황상 후퇴가 불가피했다.
— The path of retreat.
후퇴의 길은 험난했다.
— A signal to retreat.
후퇴 신호를 보고 모두 도망갔다.
— To refuse to retreat.
병사들은 후퇴를 거부하고 끝까지 싸웠다.
— A retreat operation.
후퇴 작전이 성공적으로 끝났다.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— One step back, two steps forward (retreating now to advance more later).
지금의 실패는 일보 후퇴, 이보 전진을 위한 것이다.
Neutral— To fight with one's back to the river (having no place to retreat).
우리는 배수진을 치고 이 경기에 임해야 한다.
Formal— To move backward or shy away from a task.
어려운 일이라고 뒷걸음질치지 마라.
Neutral— The path of retreat is blocked.
퇴로가 막혀서 항복할 수밖에 없었다.
Formal— To lower one's tail (to retreat in fear or submission).
그는 강한 상대 앞에서 꼬리를 내리고 후퇴했다.
Informal— To have nowhere to retreat to.
이제 더 이상 물러날 곳이 없다.
Neutral— To pull one's foot out (to withdraw from a situation/business).
그는 그 사업에서 발을 빼고 후퇴했다.
Informal— To be an expert at running away/retreating.
그는 불리하면 후퇴하는 데는 선수다.
Slang/Informal— Advance or death (no retreat allowed).
전쟁터에서 그들에게는 전진 아니면 죽음뿐이었다.
Formal— A person who doesn't know (how to) retreat.
그는 목표를 향해 후퇴를 모르는 사람이다.
NeutralSummary
The word <span class='font-bold'>후퇴하다</span> is essential for discussing setbacks and strategic withdrawals. Example: '적군이 후퇴했다' (The enemy retreated). It distinguishes itself from casual 'going back' by its formal and often serious tone.
- 후퇴하다 means to retreat or move back strategically.
- It is commonly used in military, economic, and social contexts.
- The word is more formal than '물러나다' and implies forced or planned movement.
- It comes from Hanja 後 (back) and 退 (withdraw).
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات military
진격하다
A1التقدم بطريقة حازمة، خاصة في المعركة.
공군
A2القوات الجوية؛ فرع القوات المسلحة الذي يشن الحرب الجوية.
경보
A2إشارة أو صوت يحذر من الخطر؛ إنذار.
갑옷
A1غطاء واقٍ يلبس للدفاع عن الجسم في المعركة؛ درع. كان الدرع ثقيلاً جداً على الجندي الصغير.
육군
A2القوات البرية التابعة للقوات المسلحة الوطنية؛ الجيش. في كوريا الجنوبية، هو الفرع الأكبر.
공격
A1عمل من أعمال الاعتداء أو شن هجوم ضد عدو. يمكن أن يكون جسدياً أو لفظياً أو استراتيجياً.
공격하다
A1شن هجوم أو هجوم ضد عدو.
피하다
A1تجنب أو تفادي شيء ما أو شخص ما.
전쟁터
B1ساحة معركة؛ المكان الذي تُخاض فيه المعركة. يُستخدم أيضاً لوصف الأماكن المزدحمة أو التنافسية.
국경
B1الحدود هي خط يفصل بين دولتين.