경쟁력 in 30 Sekunden
- 경쟁력 refers to the 'power to compete,' representing the relative strength or advantage an entity holds over its rivals in a specific environment or market.
- It is a compound of 'competition' (경쟁) and 'power' (력), used to describe everything from personal job skills to a nation's economic standing.
- Commonly paired with 'high' (높다), 'strong' (강하다), or 'strengthen' (강화하다), it is a vital term in business, education, and social discourse in Korea.
- Having competitiveness means possessing unique traits like low cost, high technology, or superior talent that ensure success and survival against others.
The Korean word 경쟁력 (Gyeong-jaeng-nyeok) is a compound noun derived from Hanja that translates literally to 'competition power.' In a broad sense, it describes the inherent or acquired capacity of an entity—be it an individual, a corporation, or a sovereign nation—to perform superiorly compared to its peers within a specific environment. When we speak of 경쟁력, we are not merely discussing the act of competing, but rather the qualitative and quantitative advantages that ensure success, survival, and growth. In the modern globalized economy, this term is ubiquitous, appearing in everything from corporate strategy meetings to self-help books for job seekers.
- Etymological Breakdown
- The word consists of '경쟁' (Competition/競爭) and '력' (Power/力). '경' (競) implies racing or vying, while '쟁' (爭) implies struggling or contending. Together with '력' (力), it forms the 'power to contend and win.'
- Economic Context
- In economics, it refers to the ability of a firm to maintain market share and profitability by offering better value through lower prices or higher quality products.
- Individual Context
- For a person, it refers to their 'employability' or 'skill set' that makes them stand out in the labor market, such as language proficiency or technical expertise.
"우리 회사의 핵심 경쟁력은 혁신적인 기술력과 신속한 고객 서비스에 있습니다." (Our company's core competitiveness lies in innovative technology and rapid customer service.)
Understanding 경쟁력 requires looking at it through the lens of 'comparative advantage.' It is a relative term; you cannot have competitiveness in a vacuum. It only exists in relation to others. For example, a student's 경쟁력 is measured against other students applying for the same university. A country's 경쟁력 might be its infrastructure, tax laws, or the education level of its workforce compared to neighboring nations. This concept is deeply ingrained in the Korean 'Pali-pali' (hurry-hurry) culture and the drive for excellence that fueled the Miracle on the Han River.
"글로벌 시장에서 살아남기 위해서는 가격 경쟁력 확보가 필수적입니다." (Securing price competitiveness is essential to survive in the global market.)
Furthermore, the term is often paired with specific modifiers to indicate the source of the advantage. Common pairings include '기술 경쟁력' (technological competitiveness), '가격 경쟁력' (price competitiveness), and '국가 경쟁력' (national competitiveness). Each of these points to a specific pillar that supports the overall ability to succeed. In a sociological context, scholars often discuss how the intense focus on individual 경쟁력 in South Korea has led to both rapid development and significant social pressure, particularly in the education system.
"개인의 경쟁력을 높이기 위해 끊임없이 자기계발을 해야 합니다." (One must constantly engage in self-development to increase their individual competitiveness.)
"품질이 떨어지면 시장에서의 경쟁력을 잃게 됩니다." (If quality drops, you will lose your competitiveness in the market.)
To conclude, 경쟁력 is a multi-faceted word that encapsulates the drive for superiority and the practical means to achieve it. It is a word of ambition, strategy, and survival. Whether you are talking about a K-pop group's global appeal or a semiconductor company's market share, you are talking about their 경쟁력.
"문화 콘텐츠 산업은 한국의 새로운 국가 경쟁력으로 떠오르고 있습니다." (The cultural content industry is emerging as Korea's new national competitiveness.)
Using 경쟁력 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that describes a quality. It is most frequently used with verbs that describe improvement, maintenance, or decline. Because it is a formal and semi-formal word, you will see it often in professional settings, news reports, and academic writing. However, it is also common in daily life when discussing careers or personal skills. To use it effectively, you should pair it with the right particles and verbs to convey the specific state of the 'power to compete.'
- Common Verb Pairings
- 1. 갖추다 (To possess/be equipped with): 경쟁력을 갖추다 (To have competitiveness).
2. 키우다/높이다 (To raise/increase): 경쟁력을 높이다 (To increase competitiveness).
3. 강화하다 (To strengthen): 경쟁력을 강화하다 (To strengthen competitiveness).
4. 확보하다 (To secure): 경쟁력을 확보하다 (To secure competitiveness).
5. 잃다/상실하다 (To lose): 경쟁력을 잃다 (To lose competitiveness).
"영어 실력은 취업 시장에서 중요한 경쟁력이 됩니다." (English proficiency becomes an important competitive edge in the job market.)
When discussing 경쟁력, it is helpful to specify the field. You can do this by placing another noun before it. For instance, if you want to talk about how cheap a product is, use '가격 경쟁력' (price competitiveness). If you want to talk about how advanced the technology is, use '기술 경쟁력' (technological competitiveness). This allows for precise communication in business contexts. In a sentence, 경쟁력 often acts as the object of the sentence or the subject when describing its current state (e.g., '경쟁력이 높다' - competitiveness is high).
"이 제품은 타사 제품보다 가격 경쟁력이 뛰어납니다." (This product has superior price competitiveness compared to other companies' products.)
In more advanced usage, you might encounter the term '초격차 경쟁력' (super-gap competitiveness), a term popularized by Samsung to describe a level of competitiveness so high that competitors cannot even hope to catch up. This shows how the word can be modified to express intensity. Additionally, in social debates, you might hear about '무한 경쟁력' (infinite competitiveness), often used critically to describe the exhausting nature of modern society where everyone is constantly trying to outdo one another.
"지속 가능한 성장을 위해 차별화된 경쟁력을 찾아야 합니다." (To achieve sustainable growth, we must find differentiated competitiveness.)
Finally, remember that 경쟁력 is almost always positive in its inherent meaning (having 'power'), but the context can be negative if you are 'losing' it. When writing essays or reports, using this word instead of the simpler '실력' (skill/ability) can make your Korean sound more professional and focused on the external environment and market dynamics.
The word 경쟁력 is a staple of Korean public discourse. You will encounter it in several key environments, each emphasizing a different aspect of the word's meaning. From the evening news to the classroom, understanding where this word pops up will help you grasp its cultural weight in South Korea, a country known for its highly competitive social structure.
- 1. Business and Economics News
- This is the most common place. News anchors often discuss '국가 경쟁력 순위' (national competitiveness rankings) or how the '수출 경쟁력' (export competitiveness) of Korean semiconductors is faring against global rivals. You'll hear it during quarterly earnings reports and economic forecasts.
- 2. Corporate Environment
- In office meetings, managers will talk about '핵심 경쟁력' (core competencies). They might say, "우리 팀의 경쟁력을 강화하기 위해 새로운 소프트웨어를 도입합시다" (Let's introduce new software to strengthen our team's competitiveness).
- 3. Education and Job Hunting
- Teachers, parents, and career counselors use this word constantly. They emphasize that students need to build 경쟁력 through certifications (자격증), internships, and language scores to succeed in the '취업 전쟁' (job-seeking war).
"이번 인턴십 경험이 여러분의 취업 경쟁력을 높여줄 것입니다." (This internship experience will increase your competitiveness in getting a job.)
You will also hear it in political speeches. Politicians often promise to '국가 경쟁력을 제고하겠다' (enhance national competitiveness) by investing in R&D or improving infrastructure. In this context, the word carries a sense of national pride and survival. If a country loses its 경쟁력, it is seen as falling behind in the global hierarchy.
"한국 웹툰은 독창적인 스토리로 세계적인 경쟁력을 인정받고 있습니다." (Korean webtoons are recognized for their global competitiveness due to their original stories.)
In everyday conversation among friends, it might be used slightly more casually but still with a serious undertone. For example, two friends might discuss whether learning a third language like Spanish or Chinese would give them more 경쟁력 in their respective fields. It reflects a mindset where self-improvement is viewed through the lens of being 'better than the average' to ensure security.
"요즘은 코딩 실력이 필수적인 경쟁력인 것 같아." (It seems like coding skills are an essential competitive edge these days.)
Lastly, in sports broadcasting, commentators might talk about a team's 경쟁력 in an international tournament. If a team is 'competitively viable' against world-class opponents, they are said to have '충분한 경쟁력' (sufficient competitiveness). This usage highlights the 'power to hold one's own' in a tough arena.
While 경쟁력 is a straightforward concept, learners often make specific errors in its application, particularly regarding its distinction from related words and its grammatical collocations. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Korean sound more natural and precise.
- 1. Confusing '경쟁' (Competition) with '경쟁력' (Competitiveness)
- This is the most frequent mistake. '경쟁' is the process or the act of competing. '경쟁력' is the ability or power to do so.
Wrong: 경쟁이 높다 (The competition is high - usually meaning 'intense').
Right: 경쟁이 치열하다 (Competition is fierce) OR 경쟁력이 높다 (Competitiveness is high). - 2. Using the Wrong Verbs
- Learners often try to use '하다' (to do) with 경쟁력. You don't 'do' competitiveness; you 'have' it or 'strengthen' it.
Wrong: 경쟁력을 했어요.
Right: 경쟁력을 키웠어요 (I grew/increased my competitiveness).
"그 회사는 경쟁력이 많아요." (Natural-sounding but slightly off. Better: "그 회사는 경쟁력이 뛰어납니다" or "경쟁력을 갖추고 있습니다.")
Another common mistake is using 경쟁력 when you actually mean '실력' (ability/skill). While they are related, '실력' is more about your internal capability, whereas 경쟁력 is about how that capability stacks up against others in a market or field. If you are talking about playing the piano for a hobby, use '실력'. If you are talking about winning a piano competition, you can use 경쟁력.
"우리 팀은 경쟁력을 졌어요." (Wrong: We 'lost' the competitiveness in a game sense).
Right: "우리 팀은 경쟁력에서 밀렸어요" (Our team was pushed back/outmatched in terms of competitiveness).
Furthermore, be careful with the particle usage. When saying 'competitive in [field]', use the particle '-에서'. For example, '시장에서의 경쟁력' (competitiveness in the market). Using '-에' might sound awkward in formal writing. Also, avoid using '경쟁력' to describe people in a derogatory way; it is a neutral to positive professional term. Saying someone 'has no competitiveness' (경쟁력이 없다) in a social setting can sound very cold and calculating, as if you are valuing them only as a commodity.
Lastly, remember that 경쟁력 is a non-count noun in the conceptual sense. You don't have 'many competitivenesses.' You have 'high' (높은), 'strong' (강한), or 'superior' (뛰어난) competitiveness. Stick to these qualitative adjectives for the best results.
To truly master 경쟁력, it is essential to understand the words that surround it. Korean has several terms that overlap with 'competitiveness,' but each carries a unique nuance that dictates when it should be used. Using the right synonym can elevate your speech from basic to sophisticated.
- 1. 실력 (Ability/Skill)
- This is the most common synonym. It refers to the actual skill or talent a person possesses. While 경쟁력 is about how that skill wins in a market, '실력' is about the skill itself. You can have great '실력' but poor 경쟁력 if you don't know how to market yourself.
- 2. 우위 (Superiority/Edge)
- Often used in the phrase '경쟁 우위' (competitive advantage). '우위' means being in a higher or better position. While 경쟁력 is the power, '우위' is the state of being ahead.
- 3. 역량 (Capability/Competency)
- This is a very formal word often used in HR and corporate settings. It refers to the total sum of skills, knowledge, and attitudes required to perform a task. It is more internal and structural than 경쟁력.
"그는 뛰어난 업무 역량을 바탕으로 시장에서 경쟁력을 발휘하고 있습니다." (Based on his excellent work capabilities, he is demonstrating competitiveness in the market.)
Another related term is '차별화' (differentiation). To have 경쟁력, one often needs '차별화된 전략' (differentiated strategies). If everyone has the same skills, no one has a unique 경쟁력. Therefore, these two words are often seen together in business texts. There is also '생존력' (viability/survival power), which is a more desperate version of competitiveness—the power just to stay alive in a harsh environment.
"기술적 우위를 점하는 것이 곧 국가 경쟁력입니다." (Occupying a technological edge is precisely national competitiveness.)
In the context of products, you might hear '가성비' (price-performance ratio). A product with high '가성비' has strong '가격 경쟁력.' While '가성비' is a trendy, casual word, 경쟁력 remains the formal term used in analysis. Finally, '저력' (potential/reserve power) refers to a hidden strength that comes out in times of crisis. A company with 경쟁력 usually has a lot of '저력' to fall back on when the market gets tough.
Understanding these distinctions allows you to describe success and ability with much greater precision. Whether you are praising a colleague's '역량' or analyzing a company's '경쟁 우위,' you are using the building blocks of professional Korean communication.
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Nasalization (ㅇ + ㄹ -> ㅇ + ㄴ)
Noun-modifying form (-는/은)
Comparison (-보다)
Purpose (-(으)기 위해)
Resultative (-게 되다)
Beispiele nach Niveau
우리 팀은 경쟁력이 있어요.
Our team has competitiveness (is strong).
Noun + 이/가 있어요 (to have).
이 사과는 경쟁력이 높아요.
This apple has high competitiveness (it's the best).
Adjective '높다' (high) describes the noun.
공부를 하면 경쟁력이 생겨요.
If you study, competitiveness is created (you get stronger).
Verb '생기다' (to be created/to appear).
그 가수는 경쟁력이 아주 커요.
That singer has very big competitiveness.
Adjective '크다' (big) used metaphorically.
삼성은 경쟁력이 있는 회사예요.
Samsung is a competitive company.
Noun-modifying form: 경쟁력 + 있는.
경쟁력을 키우고 싶어요.
I want to grow my competitiveness.
Object marker '를' + verb '키우다' (to grow).
이 게임은 경쟁력이 없어요.
This game has no competitiveness (it's not good).
Noun + 이/가 없어요 (to not have).
친구보다 경쟁력이 높아요.
I have higher competitiveness than my friend.
Comparison: Noun + 보다 (than).
가격 경쟁력이 정말 중요해요.
Price competitiveness is really important.
Compound noun: 가격 (price) + 경쟁력.
자격증을 따면 경쟁력이 높아집니다.
If you get a certificate, your competitiveness increases.
Verb '높아지다' (to become high).
그 식당은 맛으로 경쟁력을 갖췄어요.
That restaurant gained competitiveness through taste.
Particle '으로' (by means of) + 갖추다 (to possess).
우리는 새로운 경쟁력이 필요합니다.
We need new competitiveness.
Adjective '새로운' (new) modifying the noun.
한국어 실력은 저의 큰 경쟁력입니다.
Korean language skill is my great competitive edge.
Copula '입니다' (to be).
디자인 경쟁력을 높여야 해요.
We must increase our design competitiveness.
Verb '높여야 하다' (must increase).
품질이 좋으면 경쟁력이 생깁니다.
If the quality is good, competitiveness arises.
Conditional '-(으)면' (if).
다른 회사와 경쟁력을 비교해 보세요.
Try comparing competitiveness with other companies.
Verb '비교하다' (to compare).
중소기업의 경쟁력을 강화하기 위한 대책이 필요합니다.
Measures are needed to strengthen the competitiveness of small businesses.
Verb '강화하다' (to strengthen) in noun-modifying form.
기술력이 부족하면 시장에서 경쟁력을 잃게 됩니다.
If technological power is lacking, you will lose competitiveness in the market.
Verb '잃게 되다' (to end up losing).
그는 자신만의 독특한 경쟁력을 확보했습니다.
He secured his own unique competitiveness.
Verb '확보하다' (to secure/acquire).
글로벌 시대에는 영어뿐만 아니라 제2외국어도 경쟁력입니다.
In the global era, not only English but also a second foreign language is a competitive edge.
Structure 'A뿐만 아니라 B도' (Not only A but also B).
이 제품은 타사 제품에 비해 가격 경쟁력이 뛰어납니다.
This product has superior price competitiveness compared to other companies' products.
Structure 'Noun + 에 비해' (Compared to).
회사는 인재를 채용하여 경쟁력을 높이려고 합니다.
The company intends to increase its competitiveness by hiring talented people.
Intention '-(으)려고 하다'.
지속적인 혁신만이 기업의 경쟁력을 유지해 줍니다.
Only continuous innovation maintains a company's competitiveness.
Particle '만이' (only).
개인의 경쟁력을 높이기 위해 끊임없이 노력해야 합니다.
One must constantly strive to increase their individual competitiveness.
Purpose '-(으)기 위해' (in order to).
한국의 반도체 산업은 세계적인 경쟁력을 자랑합니다.
Korea's semiconductor industry boasts world-class competitiveness.
Verb '자랑하다' (to boast/be proud of).
수출 경쟁력을 제고하기 위해 환율 안정이 시급합니다.
To enhance export competitiveness, exchange rate stability is urgent.
Formal verb '제고하다' (to enhance/improve).
브랜드 이미지는 현대 시장에서 핵심적인 경쟁력 요소입니다.
Brand image is a core competitive factor in the modern market.
Noun '요소' (element/factor).
창의적인 사고는 인공지능 시대에 인간이 가질 수 있는 경쟁력입니다.
Creative thinking is the competitiveness humans can have in the AI era.
Relative clause '가질 수 있는' (that can be had).
정부는 국가 경쟁력 순위를 높이기 위해 규제를 완화했습니다.
The government eased regulations to raise the national competitiveness ranking.
Verb '완화하다' (to ease/relax).
품질 관리 시스템의 도입으로 제조 경쟁력이 크게 향상되었습니다.
With the introduction of a quality control system, manufacturing competitiveness has greatly improved.
Passive/Resultative '향상되다' (to be improved).
경쟁력을 상실한 기업들은 시장에서 도태될 수밖에 없습니다.
Companies that have lost their competitiveness have no choice but to be marginalized in the market.
Structure '-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다' (have no choice but to).
차별화된 서비스가 우리 호텔의 가장 큰 경쟁력입니다.
Differentiated service is our hotel's greatest competitive edge.
Past participle '차별화된' (differentiated).
지식 기반 경제에서는 인적 자원의 질이 곧 국가 경쟁력의 척도가 됩니다.
In a knowledge-based economy, the quality of human resources is the yardstick of national competitiveness.
Noun '척도' (yardstick/measure).
기업은 초격차 경쟁력을 확보하기 위해 R&D 투자를 아끼지 않고 있습니다.
Companies are not sparing R&D investment to secure super-gap competitiveness.
Idiomatic expression '투자를 아끼지 않다' (to not spare investment).
무한 경쟁 사회에서 개인의 경쟁력만을 강조하는 것은 위험할 수 있습니다.
Emphasizing only individual competitiveness in an infinitely competitive society can be dangerous.
Gerund '-는 것' (the act of...).
문화 콘텐츠의 경쟁력은 독창성과 보편적 공감대에서 나옵니다.
The competitiveness of cultural content comes from originality and universal empathy.
Noun '공감대' (consensus/empathy).
전통 제조업에 ICT 기술을 융합하여 새로운 경쟁력을 창출해야 합니다.
We must create new competitiveness by merging ICT technology with traditional manufacturing.
Verb '창출하다' (to create/generate).
환경 규제가 강화되면서 친환경 기술이 기업의 생존 경쟁력이 되었습니다.
As environmental regulations strengthen, eco-friendly technology has become a company's survival competitiveness.
Conjunctive '-면서' (while/as).
단기적인 이익보다는 장기적인 경쟁력 강화에 집중하는 전략이 필요합니다.
A strategy focusing on strengthening long-term competitiveness rather than short-term profit is needed.
Comparison 'A보다는 B' (B rather than A).
노사 간의 협력은 기업의 대외 경쟁력을 높이는 중요한 기반입니다.
Cooperation between labor and management is an important foundation for increasing a company's external competitiveness.
Noun '기반' (foundation/basis).
국가 경쟁력의 핵심은 단순한 경제 지표를 넘어 사회적 자본의 확충에 있습니다.
The core of national competitiveness lies beyond simple economic indicators in the expansion of social capital.
Structure 'A를 넘어 B에 있다' (Lies in B, beyond A).
디지털 전환의 가속화는 기존 산업의 경쟁력 구도를 근본적으로 재편하고 있습니다.
The acceleration of digital transformation is fundamentally reorganizing the competitiveness structure of existing industries.
Verb '재편하다' (to reorganize/restructure).
경쟁력 제고를 위한 구조조정은 불가피하지만 그 과정에서의 사회적 안전망 확보가 선행되어야 합니다.
Restructuring to enhance competitiveness is inevitable, but securing a social safety net in the process must come first.
Verb '선행되다' (to precede/come first).
지정학적 리스크는 국가의 공급망 경쟁력에 심대한 타격을 줄 수 있습니다.
Geopolitical risks can deal a profound blow to a nation's supply chain competitiveness.
Adjective '심대하다' (profound/huge).
혁신 생태계의 조성은 국가 경쟁력을 지속 가능하게 만드는 원동력입니다.
Creating an innovation ecosystem is the driving force that makes national competitiveness sustainable.
Noun '원동력' (driving force).
무형 자산의 비중이 커짐에 따라 지식 재산권 보호가 경쟁력의 핵심으로 부상했습니다.
As the proportion of intangible assets grows, the protection of intellectual property rights has emerged as the core of competitiveness.
Verb '부상하다' (to emerge/rise).
글로벌 가치 사슬 내에서의 경쟁력 확보는 국가 경제 성장의 필수 요건입니다.
Securing competitiveness within the global value chain is a prerequisite for national economic growth.
Noun '요건' (requirement/prerequisite).
경쟁력이라는 미명 하에 자행되는 과도한 노동 착취는 장기적으로 국가의 저력을 갉아먹습니다.
Excessive labor exploitation carried out under the guise of competitiveness erodes the nation's potential in the long run.
Expression '미명 하에' (under the guise of).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
Wortfamilie
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
It is a neutral term, but in social contexts, it can feel cold.
Semi-formal to Formal.
Very high in professional and media contexts.
- Saying '경쟁력을 하다' instead of '경쟁력이 있다' or '경쟁력을 갖추다'.
- Pronouncing it as [경쟁력] instead of [경쟁녁].
- Confusing '경쟁' (the act) with '경쟁력' (the power).
- Using it for physical strength (use '체력' instead).
- Using '많다' (many) instead of '높다' (high) to describe it.
Tipps
The Nasalization Rule
Remember that '경쟁력' is pronounced as [경쟁녁]. The 'ㄹ' becomes 'ㄴ' because of the preceding 'ㅇ'. This is a common rule in Korean phonology. Mastering this will make your Korean sound much more authentic.
Pair with '핵심'
Use '핵심 경쟁력' to mean 'core competency.' This is a very common business term. It describes the one thing you or your company does better than anyone else. It's a great phrase for resumes and interviews.
Business vs. Personal
While used in business, don't be afraid to use it for yourself. When talking about your strengths, call them your '경쟁력.' It shows you are aware of your value in a competitive environment. It sounds more confident than just saying 'I'm good at this.'
Verb Choice Matters
Use '갖추다' for possessing a quality and '강화하다' for making it stronger. '갖추다' implies you have all the necessary parts. '강화하다' implies you are building on what you already have. Both are high-level, useful verbs.
Understand the Culture
Realize that '경쟁력' is a heavy word in Korea. It's tied to the history of rapid development. When Koreans talk about it, they are often talking about survival and success. It's a word of high ambition.
Use '우위' for Comparison
If you want to say you are 'ahead' of someone, use '경쟁 우위' (competitive advantage). It's a more specific way to say you have the edge. It's very common in strategic discussions.
Formal Reports
In formal writing, use '제고하다' instead of '높이다.' '제고' (提高) is a Hanja word that specifically means to enhance or lift up a level. It is the standard word for 'improving competitiveness' in news and reports.
News Keywords
When you hear '경쟁력' on the news, listen for the words '수출' (export) and '성장' (growth). They are almost always mentioned together. This will help you understand the broader economic context of the report.
Price vs. Quality
Always distinguish between '가격 경쟁력' (price) and '품질 경쟁력' (quality). A product usually wins on one of these two. Being able to specify which one makes your analysis much more professional.
Analyze Your Skills
Try writing a list of your '경쟁력' in Korean. For example: '나의 경쟁력은 성실함과 외국어 능력이다.' This is a great way to practice the word while reflecting on your own strengths.
Einprägen
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a runner with a battery pack on their back labeled '력' (Power). The battery gives them the power to win the race (경쟁).
Wortherkunft
Kultureller Kontext
Large conglomerates like Samsung focus on 'super-gap' competitiveness to stay ahead of global rivals.
The 'hurry-hurry' culture is a source of speed-based competitiveness.
The 'education fever' is driven by the desire for individual competitiveness.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"당신만의 특별한 경쟁력은 무엇인가요? (What is your own special competitive edge?)"
"한국 제품의 가장 큰 경쟁력은 무엇이라고 생각하세요? (What do you think is the greatest competitiveness of Korean products?)"
"요즘 취업 시장에서 가장 중요한 경쟁력은 무엇일까요? (What is the most important competitiveness in the job market these days?)"
"회사의 경쟁력을 높이기 위해 무엇을 해야 할까요? (What should we do to increase the company's competitiveness?)"
"어떻게 하면 영어 실력을 경쟁력으로 만들 수 있을까요? (How can I make my English skills a competitive edge?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
나의 핵심 경쟁력 세 가지를 적어보세요. (Write down three of your core competencies.)
경쟁력이 너무 강조되는 사회의 문제점에 대해 써보세요. (Write about the problems of a society where competitiveness is overemphasized.)
10년 후 나의 경쟁력을 위해 지금 무엇을 준비하고 있나요? (What are you preparing now for your competitiveness 10 years later?)
내가 생각하는 '진정한 경쟁력'이란 무엇인가요? (What is 'true competitiveness' in your opinion?)
우리나라의 국가 경쟁력을 높이는 방법은 무엇일까요? (What are the ways to increase our country's national competitiveness?)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it is used for individuals, products, and nations. For an individual, it means your unique skills that make you a better candidate for a job. For a product, it might be its price or quality. For a nation, it's the overall economic and social strength. It is a very versatile word.
The pronunciation is [경쟁녁]. This is because of a rule in Korean where the 'ㄹ' sound changes to 'ㄴ' after a nasal sound like 'ㅇ'. It might sound like 'Gyeong-jaeng-nyeok.' Practicing this nasalization is key to sounding natural.
'실력' is your actual ability or skill in something. '경쟁력' is how that skill helps you win against others. You can have great piano '실력,' but if you don't have '경쟁력,' you might not win a competition. '경쟁력' always implies a comparison.
Yes, but it sounds a bit serious. You might use it when talking about your career or a new gadget you bought. For example, '이 폰은 디자인이 경쟁력이야' (This phone's design is its competitive edge). It's common among adults.
It means 'price competitiveness.' It refers to a product being attractive to buyers because it is cheaper than other similar products. This is a very common term in shopping and business news. If something is too expensive, we say it has 'low price competitiveness.'
Generally, yes. Having competitiveness is a good thing. However, some people use it critically to talk about how stressful society is. They might say '무한 경쟁력' (infinite competitiveness) to complain about the pressure to always be better than everyone else.
You can say '경쟁력을 잃다' or more formally '경쟁력을 상실하다.' If you want to say you are falling behind, you can say '경쟁력에서 밀리다.' These are all common ways to describe a decline in power.
The most common are '높이다' (to raise), '강화하다' (to strengthen), '갖추다' (to possess), and '확보하다' (to secure). These are used to describe the action of making yourself or your company stronger in the market.
It means 'national competitiveness.' It's a measure of how well a country can compete in the global economy. It includes things like education, technology, infrastructure, and government efficiency. Korea often cares a lot about its ranking in this.
Yes! You can say a team has '경쟁력' if they are strong enough to play against top teams. For example, '우리 팀은 세계 무대에서도 경쟁력이 있다' (Our team is competitive even on the world stage).
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Summary
경쟁력 is more than just 'skill'; it is 'marketable strength.' It implies a comparative context where your abilities are measured against others to determine success. In Korea's fast-paced society, building and maintaining this 'power' is seen as a lifelong necessity for both individuals and organizations.
- 경쟁력 refers to the 'power to compete,' representing the relative strength or advantage an entity holds over its rivals in a specific environment or market.
- It is a compound of 'competition' (경쟁) and 'power' (력), used to describe everything from personal job skills to a nation's economic standing.
- Commonly paired with 'high' (높다), 'strong' (강하다), or 'strengthen' (강화하다), it is a vital term in business, education, and social discourse in Korea.
- Having competitiveness means possessing unique traits like low cost, high technology, or superior talent that ensure success and survival against others.
The Nasalization Rule
Remember that '경쟁력' is pronounced as [경쟁녁]. The 'ㄹ' becomes 'ㄴ' because of the preceding 'ㅇ'. This is a common rule in Korean phonology. Mastering this will make your Korean sound much more authentic.
Pair with '핵심'
Use '핵심 경쟁력' to mean 'core competency.' This is a very common business term. It describes the one thing you or your company does better than anyone else. It's a great phrase for resumes and interviews.
Business vs. Personal
While used in business, don't be afraid to use it for yourself. When talking about your strengths, call them your '경쟁력.' It shows you are aware of your value in a competitive environment. It sounds more confident than just saying 'I'm good at this.'
Verb Choice Matters
Use '갖추다' for possessing a quality and '강화하다' for making it stronger. '갖추다' implies you have all the necessary parts. '강화하다' implies you are building on what you already have. Both are high-level, useful verbs.
Beispiel
기업은 글로벌 시장에서 경쟁력을 확보하기 위해 기술 개발에 매진하고 있습니다.
Verwandte Inhalte
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예산
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자본주의
B2Kapitalismus ist eine Wirtschafts- und Gesellschaftsordnung, die auf Privateigentum an den Produktionsmitteln beruht. Er wird durch den freien Markt und Wettbewerb gesteuert.
보완재
B2Ein Komplementärgut ist ein Produkt, das zusammen mit einem anderen verwendet wird.
소비주의
B1Konsumismus ist die Ideologie, die den Erwerb von Gütern fördert.
하락세
B2Ein Abwärtstrend oder eine fallende Tendenz.
견인하다
B2To pull or tow something; metaphorically, to lead or drive forward a certain phenomenon, economic growth, or trend.
상회하다
B1Übersteigen oder über einem bestimmten Wert, Niveau oder Standard liegen.
교환
B1Der Akt des Austauschens von etwas gegen etwas anderes der gleichen Art.
확장하다
B1Das Unternehmen plant, sein Geschäft auf den asiatischen Markt auszudehnen.
