저하
저하 in 30 Sekunden
- 저하 (Jeoha) is a formal noun meaning 'decline' or 'deterioration,' used for qualities, functions, and capabilities rather than simple numbers.
- It is composed of the Hanja characters 低 (low) and 下 (down), literally meaning a movement to a lower state.
- Commonly paired with '-되다' (to become) or used in compounds like '품질 저하' (quality decline) and '기능 저하' (functional decline).
- It is a crucial word for professional, medical, and academic Korean, distinguishing quality-based drops from numerical ones.
The Korean word 저하 (Jeoha) is a formal noun that translates most accurately to 'decline,' 'deterioration,' 'lowering,' or 'degradation.' At its core, it describes a movement from a higher state of quality, efficiency, power, or standard to a lower one. Unlike simple movement words, 저하 carries a specific nuance of losing value or functionality. It is composed of two Hanja characters: 低 (저) meaning 'low' and 下 (하) meaning 'down.' Together, they create a concept of 'dropping to a lower level.' This word is ubiquitous in professional, academic, and medical contexts in South Korea. When you read a news report about the economy, you might hear about 생산성 저하 (a decline in productivity). When you visit a doctor because you are feeling tired, they might mention 면역력 저하 (a decline in immunity). It is rarely used in casual, slang-heavy conversations between friends unless the topic is somewhat serious, such as discussing one's worsening eyesight or the failing battery life of a smartphone.
- Functional Context
- Used when describing the diminishing capacity of a system or an organ. For example, '기능 저하' (functional decline) is a standard medical term.
- Quality Context
- Used in manufacturing or services when the standard of output drops. '품질 저하' (quality deterioration) is a nightmare for Korean tech companies.
- Efficiency Context
- Commonly used in corporate settings to describe workers or machines not performing at their peak. '효율 저하' (efficiency decline) often leads to restructuring.
Understanding 저하 requires recognizing that it is an abstract noun. You don't usually 'see' a 저하 with your eyes like you see a falling apple; rather, you observe the results of the decline. It is the invisible process of becoming worse. In a society that values high performance and rapid growth, the word 저하 often carries a negative connotation, signaling a problem that needs to be fixed or a trend that needs to be reversed. It is the opposite of 향상 (improvement) or 상승 (rise).
"최근 고령화 사회로 접어들면서 노인들의 인지 기능 저하가 사회적 문제로 대두되고 있습니다."
Furthermore, 저하 is frequently paired with the verb 되다 (to become) to form 저하되다 (to be declined/deteriorated). This passive-like construction is the most common way to express that a decline is occurring. For instance, '시력이 저하되다' means 'one's eyesight is deteriorating.' It can also be paired with 시키다 (to cause to decline) when an external factor causes the drop, such as '스트레스는 면역력을 저하시킨다' (Stress causes immunity to decline). Mastering this word allows you to discuss complex topics like health, economics, and social trends with the precision expected of a B2-level speaker.
"수면 부족은 집중력 저하의 주된 원인입니다."
In summary, 저하 is not just about 'going down.' It is about the loss of vitality or excellence. Whether it is a machine losing its power, a student losing their focus, or a nation losing its competitive edge, 저하 is the precise term used to document that downward trajectory in professional Korean discourse.
Using 저하 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and its transformation into a verb. Because it is a Sino-Korean word (Hanja-based), it follows very predictable patterns. The most fundamental pattern is [Noun] + 저하. This creates a compound noun that specifies exactly what is declining. Common examples include 품질 저하 (quality decline), 성능 저하 (performance decline), and 의욕 저하 (loss of motivation). In these cases, 저하 acts as the head of the phrase, telling us the 'action' or 'state' occurring to the preceding noun.
- The 'Become' Pattern (저하되다)
- This is used to describe a state that is naturally occurring or happening to a subject.
Example: '기온이 떨어지면 배터리 성능이 저하됩니다.' (When the temperature drops, battery performance declines.) - The 'Cause' Pattern (저하를 초래하다/일으키다)
- In formal reports, you often see 저하 as the object of a verb that means 'to cause' or 'to bring about.'
Example: '지나친 규제는 경쟁력 저하를 초래할 수 있습니다.' (Excessive regulation can cause a decline in competitiveness.) - The 'Prevention' Pattern (저하 방지)
- When talking about solutions, you use 저하 with words like '방지' (prevention) or '막다' (to block/prevent).
Example: '피부 탄력 저하를 막기 위해 크림을 바르세요.' (Apply cream to prevent the decline of skin elasticity.)
One nuance to keep in mind is the difference between 저하 and 하락 (Harack). While both mean 'decline,' 하락 is almost exclusively used for numerical values, prices, or rankings (e.g., stock prices, real estate values). 저하, on the other hand, is used for qualities, capabilities, and functions. You would say 가격 하락 (price drop) but 기능 저하 (functional decline). Mixing these up is a common mistake for intermediate learners. If you are talking about someone's grades, you could use 성적 하락 (if referring to the numbers) or 학력 저하 (if referring to their overall academic ability/standard).
"장시간 스마트폰 사용은 시력 저하를 유발할 수 있습니다."
When writing, especially in the Topik II exam or professional emails, using 저하 instead of simpler words like '나빠지다' (to get worse) or '줄어들다' (to decrease) will significantly elevate your register. It shows that you are capable of discussing the nature of a problem rather than just the physical symptoms. For example, instead of saying '공부가 안 돼요' (I can't study), saying '집중력이 저하되어 공부가 효율적이지 않습니다' (My concentration has declined, so my studying is not efficient) sounds much more mature and professional.
In South Korea, you will encounter the word 저하 in several distinct environments, each utilizing its specific nuance of 'deterioration.' The first and most common place is in medical and health-related contexts. Health check-up results in Korea are notoriously detailed, and you will often see terms like 간 기능 저하 (liver function decline) or 면역력 저하 (immunity decline). Pharmacists and doctors use this word to explain why a patient is feeling lethargic or why a certain medication is necessary. If you watch Korean health documentaries or talk shows like 'Vitamin' or 'The Secrets of Life,' 저하 is a keyword used every few minutes to describe the aging process or the effects of a poor diet.
"환자분은 현재 심장 기능 저하가 의심되니 정밀 검사가 필요합니다."
The second major arena is the corporate and economic world. Korea's economy is driven by efficiency and manufacturing. Therefore, any drop in productivity is analyzed heavily. You will hear CEOs or news anchors discuss 노동 생산성 저하 (labor productivity decline) or 기업 경쟁력 저하 (decline in corporate competitiveness). In office meetings, if a project is failing, a manager might point to a 팀의 사기 저하 (decline in team morale) as the root cause. It is a word that identifies a systemic failure rather than an individual mistake.
- News Headlines
- '출산율 급감으로 인한 국가 잠재 성장률 저하 우려' (Concerns over the decline in national potential growth rate due to sharp drop in birth rate.)
- Tech Reviews
- 'OS 업데이트 이후 구형 모델의 속도 저하 현상 보고' (Reports of speed decline in older models after the OS update.)
Thirdly, you will hear it in educational contexts. There is a frequent national debate in Korea about 기초 학력 저하 (decline in basic academic ability) among students, often blamed on excessive smartphone use or changes in the curriculum. Teachers and parents use this word when discussing the overall quality of education and the students' ability to solve complex problems. It sounds more clinical and serious than just saying 'students are getting worse at math.'
Lastly, 저하 appears in environmental discussions. Scientists talk about 수질 저하 (water quality deterioration) or 토양 비옥도 저하 (decline in soil fertility). In all these cases, the word acts as a red flag, signaling that a vital resource or system is losing its essential strength. For a learner, hearing 저하 should immediately trigger a sense of 'something is losing its power/quality' in a formal or serious context.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using 저하 is treating it as a synonym for every kind of 'decrease.' While English uses 'decrease' or 'decline' for almost anything that goes down, Korean is much more specific. The most common confusion is between 저하 (Jeoha), 하락 (Harack), and 감소 (Gamso). Understanding the boundaries between these three is crucial for reaching an advanced level of Korean proficiency.
- Mistake 1: Using '저하' for Prices
- 가격 저하 (X) → 가격 하락 (O).
'저하' refers to quality or function. Prices are numbers on a scale, so '하락' (dropping down) is the correct term. Using '저하' for prices sounds like you're saying the 'quality' of the price has worsened, which makes no sense. - Mistake 2: Using '저하' for Quantity
- 인구 저하 (X) → 인구 감소 (O).
'감소' (reduction) is used for countable amounts or quantities. Since population is a count of people, '감소' is used. '인구 저하' would imply that the 'quality' of the population is declining, which is a very different (and potentially offensive) statement. - Mistake 3: Forgetting '-되다' vs '-하다'
- Learners often say '기능이 저하해요' (X). The correct form is '기능이 저하됩니다' (O).
Because '저하' is usually a state that an object enters, the passive/inchoative '-되다' is almost always required when the subject is the thing that is declining.
Another subtle mistake is using 저하 for things that are naturally 'low' rather than 'lowering.' 저하 implies a process of falling. If something is just permanently low, you use the adjective 낮다 (low). For example, you wouldn't say '제 키가 저하예요' (My height is a decline). You would say '제 키가 작아요' (I am short) or '기온이 낮아요' (The temperature is low). 저하 requires a prior state that was higher.
"기억력이 감소됐어요 (X) → 기억력이 저하됐어요 (O)."
Lastly, be careful with 타락 (Tarak). While '타락' also means 'decline,' it specifically refers to moral corruption or falling from grace (like a 'fallen angel'). If you use '타락' when you mean '저하' in a business report, you might accidentally imply that the company's productivity has become sinful or immoral!
To truly master 저하, you must see how it fits into the broader family of Korean words that describe 'downward' movement or 'worsening.' Korean has a rich vocabulary for negative changes, and choosing the right synonym depends entirely on the what and the how of the decline. Below is a comparison of 저하 with its closest relatives.
- 저하 (Jeoha) vs. 하락 (Harack)
- 저하: Focuses on quality, capability, or function (e.g., efficiency, immunity).
하락: Focuses on numerical values, prices, or status/rank (e.g., stock prices, exchange rates, popularity rankings). - 저하 (Jeoha) vs. 감소 (Gamso)
- 저하: Deterioration of an abstract quality.
감소: Reduction in a measurable quantity or number (e.g., weight, number of people, amount of water). - 저하 (Jeoha) vs. 악화 (Akhwa)
- 저하: Simply going from high to low.
악화: Specifically means 'becoming bad' or 'worsening' (often used for health conditions or diplomatic relations). While 저하 is a drop in level, 악화 is a transition into a 'bad' state. - 저하 (Jeoha) vs. 감퇴 (Gamtoe)
- 감퇴: A specific type of decline used for senses or natural desires (e.g., 시력 감퇴 - failing eyesight, 식욕 감퇴 - loss of appetite). 저하 is more general than 감퇴.
If you want to sound more casual, you can use phrases like '떨어지다' (to fall/drop) or '나빠지다' (to get bad). For example, '품질이 떨어졌어요' is a more common way to say 'the quality has dropped' in a daily conversation. However, in a written report, '품질 저하' is the standard. Another advanced alternative is '퇴보' (Toebo), which means 'regression' or 'stepping backward,' used when a society or technology loses progress it had previously made.
Synonym Comparison Table
| Word | Best Used For... | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 저하 | Function, Efficiency | 기능 저하 |
| 하락 | Price, Rank | 주가 하락 |
| 감소 | Amount, Quantity | 수출 감소 |
Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the most precise word for the situation. If you are describing a battery that doesn't last as long, use 저하. If you are describing a battery that costs less now, use 하락. If you are describing having fewer batteries than before, use 감소. This level of precision is what separates a B2 learner from a native-like C1/C2 speaker.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The word '저하' is also a homonym for 'Your Highness' (邸下), used to address the Crown Prince in the Joseon Dynasty. However, the Hanja for 'Highness' is different (邸 instead of 低). Context usually makes the meaning clear!
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing '저' like 'joe' (it should be an 'eo' sound, like 'u' in 'up').
- Making the 'h' in '하' silent (it must be clearly aspirated).
- Adding a long vowel sound to '하' (it should be relatively short).
- Pronouncing '저' as a sharp 'ch' (it's a softer, unaspirated sound).
- Confusing the pitch with '저하' (Your Majesty), which is a homonym but used in historical dramas.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Common in news and books, but requires Hanja knowledge to distinguish from homonyms.
Choosing between 저하, 하락, and 감소 requires a good grasp of Korean nuances.
Easy to pronounce, but often replaced by simpler verbs in daily speech.
Often spoken quickly in news broadcasts; can be confused with other '저' or '하' words.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
-되다 (Passive/State formation)
기능이 저하되다.
-시키다 (Causative formation)
면역력을 저하시키다.
-으로 인해 (Due to - formal)
스트레스로 인해 효율이 저하되었다.
-기 마련이다 (Bound to happen)
나이가 들면 기력이 저하되기 마련이다.
-를 초래하다 (To cause/result in)
품질 저하를 초래하다.
Beispiele nach Niveau
시력이 저하됐어요.
My eyesight has declined.
저하 + 되다 (to become) is used to show a change in state.
체력이 저하됐어요.
My physical strength has declined.
체력 means physical stamina or strength.
기능 저하가 있어요.
There is a decline in function.
Noun + 저하 acts as a compound noun.
품질 저하를 조심하세요.
Be careful of quality decline.
-를 조심하다 means to be careful of something.
성능이 저하됐어요.
The performance has declined.
성능 is usually used for machines or electronics.
의욕 저하가 문제예요.
The decline in motivation is the problem.
의욕 means the will or desire to do something.
집중력이 저하됐어요.
My concentration has declined.
집중력 is a very common word paired with 저하.
기억력 저하가 와요.
Memory decline is coming.
오다 (to come) can be used to mean a condition is starting.
추운 날씨는 배터리 성능 저하를 일으킵니다.
Cold weather causes battery performance to decline.
-를 일으키다 means to cause or trigger.
운동을 안 하면 체력이 저하되기 쉬워요.
If you don't exercise, your stamina is likely to decline.
-기 쉽다 means 'it is easy to' or 'it is likely to'.
품질 저하 때문에 손님이 줄었어요.
Because of the decline in quality, customers decreased.
-때문에 indicates a reason or cause.
비타민을 먹으면 면역력 저하를 막을 수 있어요.
If you take vitamins, you can prevent immunity decline.
-를 막다 means to prevent or block.
나이가 들면 인지 기능이 저하됩니다.
As you get older, cognitive function declines.
-면 (if/when) sets the condition.
수면 부족은 집중력 저하의 원인입니다.
Lack of sleep is the cause of concentration decline.
A의 B means 'A's B' or 'B of A'.
회사 분위기가 나빠서 사기가 저하됐어요.
The office atmosphere is bad, so morale has declined.
사기 refers to morale or spirit.
이 약은 기억력 저하를 치료합니다.
This medicine treats memory decline.
치료하다 means to treat or cure.
과도한 업무는 업무 효율 저하를 초래할 수 있습니다.
Excessive work can lead to a decline in work efficiency.
초래하다 is a formal way to say 'to result in' or 'to bring about'.
최근 학생들의 기초 학력 저하가 심각한 문제입니다.
Recently, the decline in students' basic academic ability is a serious problem.
기초 학력 refers to fundamental academic skills.
환경 오염으로 인해 수질 저하가 발생하고 있습니다.
Due to environmental pollution, water quality deterioration is occurring.
-으로 인해 is a formal way to say 'due to'.
정부는 국가 경쟁력 저하를 막기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.
The government is trying to prevent the decline of national competitiveness.
-기 위해 means 'in order to'.
지나친 다이어트는 면역력 저하를 유발할 수 있습니다.
Excessive dieting can trigger a decline in immunity.
유발하다 means to induce or trigger.
스마트폰 중독은 사회성 저하를 가져올 수 있습니다.
Smartphone addiction can bring about a decline in social skills.
가져오다 (to bring) is often used for consequences.
기계가 오래되면 생산 효율이 저하되기 마련입니다.
When a machine gets old, production efficiency is bound to decline.
-기 마련이다 means it is natural or bound to happen.
고령화는 노동 생산성 저하의 원인이 됩니다.
Aging becomes a cause of labor productivity decline.
노동 생산성 is a common economic term.
원자재 가격 상승은 제품의 품질 저하로 이어질 우려가 있습니다.
Rising raw material prices are feared to lead to a decline in product quality.
-로 이어지다 means 'to lead to' or 'to result in'.
도시의 무분별한 개발은 삶의 질 저하를 야기합니다.
Indiscriminate urban development causes a decline in the quality of life.
야기하다 is a formal synonym for 'to cause'.
신체 활동의 부족은 기초 대사량 저하를 불러옵니다.
Lack of physical activity brings about a decline in basal metabolic rate.
기초 대사량 is the amount of energy the body uses at rest.
장기간의 경기 침체는 소비 심리 저하를 초래했습니다.
The long-term economic recession has brought about a decline in consumer sentiment.
소비 심리 refers to the willingness of consumers to spend.
기술 유출은 기업의 경쟁력 저하를 의미합니다.
Technology leakage means a decline in a company's competitiveness.
의미하다 means 'to mean' or 'to signify'.
교권 저하 현상은 교육 현장의 큰 숙제입니다.
The phenomenon of the decline in teacher authority is a big task for the education sector.
교권 refers to the rights and authority of teachers.
부정확한 정보는 서비스의 신뢰도 저하를 가져옵니다.
Inaccurate information brings about a decline in the reliability of the service.
신뢰도 means reliability or degree of trust.
극심한 스트레스는 판단력 저하를 유발합니다.
Extreme stress triggers a decline in judgment.
판단력 refers to the ability to make decisions.
인구 고령화에 따른 잠재 성장률 저하가 국가 경제의 발목을 잡고 있습니다.
The decline in potential growth rate due to population aging is holding back the national economy.
발목을 잡다 is an idiom meaning to hold someone back or hinder.
디지털 기기에 대한 과의존은 사고력 저하를 넘어 뇌 구조의 변화까지 초래할 수 있습니다.
Over-dependence on digital devices can lead beyond a decline in thinking ability to changes in brain structure.
A를 넘어 B까지 means 'beyond A, even B'.
조직 내 소통 부재는 구성원들의 소속감 저하로 귀결됩니다.
A lack of communication within an organization results in a decline in members' sense of belonging.
귀결되다 means to result in or come to a conclusion.
전통적 가치관의 저하가 현대 사회의 도덕적 혼란을 야기했다는 분석이 있습니다.
There is an analysis that the decline of traditional values has caused moral confusion in modern society.
-했다는 분석이 있다 means 'there is an analysis that...'.
기후 변화로 인한 토양 비옥도 저하는 식량 안보에 직접적인 위협이 됩니다.
The decline in soil fertility due to climate change is a direct threat to food security.
비옥도 refers to the fertility of the soil.
정치적 무관심은 민주주의의 질적 저하를 초래할 위험이 큽니다.
Political indifference has a high risk of causing a qualitative decline in democracy.
질적 저하 means qualitative decline (decline in quality).
브랜드 이미지 저하를 막기 위해 기업들은 막대한 홍보비를 지출합니다.
Companies spend enormous advertising costs to prevent the decline of their brand image.
막대한 means 'huge' or 'enormous'.
수면의 질 저하는 단순한 피로를 넘어 우울증의 전조 증상이 될 수 있습니다.
A decline in sleep quality can be more than simple fatigue; it can be a precursor to depression.
전조 증상 means a precursor or early symptom.
공교육의 내실화가 이루어지지 않는다면 학생들의 전반적인 수학 능력 저하는 피할 수 없는 수순입니다.
If the substance of public education is not strengthened, the overall decline in students' mathematical ability is an inevitable step.
피할 수 없는 수순 means an 'inevitable sequence' or 'unavoidable step'.
해당 약물의 장기 복용은 간 효소 수치의 변동과 더불어 해독 기능의 저하를 수반할 수 있습니다.
Long-term use of the drug may involve a decline in detoxification function along with fluctuations in liver enzyme levels.
수반하다 means to accompany or involve.
대중 매체의 상업화는 문화 콘텐츠의 다양성 결여와 질적 저하를 가속화하고 있습니다.
The commercialization of mass media is accelerating the lack of diversity and qualitative decline of cultural content.
가속화하다 means to accelerate.
신자유주의 경제 체제 하에서 공공 서비스의 질 저하는 필연적인 결과라는 비판이 제기됩니다.
Criticism is raised that the decline in the quality of public services is an inevitable result under the neoliberal economic system.
필연적인 means 'inevitable' or 'necessary'.
기술의 인간 소외 현상은 인간의 주체적 사고 능력 저하라는 부작용을 낳고 있습니다.
The phenomenon of human alienation by technology is producing a side effect called the decline of human subjective thinking ability.
낳다 (to give birth) is used metaphorically to mean 'to produce' a result.
생태계의 종 다양성 저하는 지구의 자정 능력을 심각하게 훼손하는 요인입니다.
The decline in species diversity in the ecosystem is a factor that seriously damages the Earth's self-purifying capacity.
자정 능력 refers to self-purification ability.
사법부에 대한 국민적 신뢰 저하는 법치주의의 근간을 흔들 수 있는 중대한 사안입니다.
The decline in public trust in the judiciary is a grave matter that can shake the foundation of the rule of law.
근간을 흔들다 means to shake the foundation.
도시 중심부의 슬럼화는 거주 환경의 급격한 저하와 범죄율 상승을 동반합니다.
The slumification of city centers is accompanied by a sharp decline in the living environment and an increase in crime rates.
동반하다 means to accompany.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— To bring about or cause a decline. Used in formal writing.
환경 오염은 수질 저하를 초래한다.
— To prevent a decline. Used when discussing solutions.
피부 탄력 저하를 막는 화장품.
— A decline is appearing/manifesting. Used to describe symptoms.
기억력 저하가 나타나기 시작했다.
— To be concerned about a decline. Common in news.
전문가들은 학력 저하를 우려하고 있다.
— To trigger a decline. Used for cause-and-effect.
음주는 간 기능 저하를 유발한다.
— To show a decline. Used for observations or test results.
환자는 인지 기능 저하를 보였다.
— A sharp or rapid decline. Used for sudden changes.
기온의 급격한 저하.
— A continuous or steady decline. Used for trends.
생산성의 지속적인 저하.
— An overall or general decline. Used for widespread issues.
사회의 전반적인 도덕성 저하.
— The decline is serious. Used to emphasize a problem.
기초 학력 저하가 매우 심각하다.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Used for numbers, prices, or ranks. '저하' is for quality/function.
Used for countable amounts/quantities. '저하' is for abstract qualities.
Used when a situation becomes 'bad'. '저하' is just the 'lowering' of a level.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— A noticeable or visible decline. Something that is obvious.
최근 그의 실력이 눈에 띄는 저하를 보였다.
Neutral— A decline that hits rock bottom. (Informal/Metaphorical)
팀의 사기가 바닥을 치는 저하를 겪고 있다.
Informal— A decline that one is helpless to stop.
노화로 인한 기능 저하는 속수무책이다.
Formal— A decline at a serious level.
수질이 심각한 수준의 저하를 보이고 있다.
Formal— An uncontrollable or unstoppable decline.
회사의 경쟁력이 걷잡을 수 없는 저하에 빠졌다.
Formal— To fall into a swamp of decline (to be stuck in a downward trend).
경제 성장이 저하의 늪에 빠졌다.
Literary— To fan the flames of decline (to make a decline worse).
잘못된 정책이 품질 저하를 부채질했다.
Formal— To walk the path of decline (to be continuously declining).
그 산업은 이제 저하의 일로를 걷고 있다.
Literary— To not be able to avoid a decline.
관리 소홀로 품질 저하를 면치 못했다.
Formal— For a decline to become visible or apparent.
경기 침체로 인한 매출 저하가 가시화되었다.
FormalLeicht verwechselbar
Homonym (same sound).
저하 (邸下) means 'Your Highness' (used for a prince). 저하 (低下) means 'decline'.
세자 저하, 강녕하시옵니까? (Your Highness the Crown Prince, are you well?)
Both mean 'decline' or 'fall'.
Use '하락' for things you can put on a graph with numbers (money, percent). Use '저하' for things like 'how good' or 'how strong' something is.
환율 하락 (Exchange rate fall) vs. 품질 저하 (Quality decline)
Both mean 'lessening'.
Use '감소' when you have fewer items. Use '저하' when the items you have are just working worse.
판매량 감소 (Sales volume decrease) vs. 효율 저하 (Efficiency decline)
Both mean 'weakening'.
'감퇴' is specifically for natural human functions like senses or appetite. '저하' is more general and can apply to machines or abstract concepts.
식욕 감퇴 (Loss of appetite) vs. 성능 저하 (Performance decline)
Both mean 'going backwards'.
'퇴보' is used for progress or development (stepping back). '저하' is used for the level of a current state.
문명의 퇴보 (Regression of civilization) vs. 학력 저하 (Decline in academic ability)
Satzmuster
N이/가 저하되다
시력이 저하됐어요.
N 저하를 막다/방지하다
품질 저하를 막아야 합니다.
N 저하의 원인
집중력 저하의 원인은 스트레스입니다.
N 저하를 초래하다
기술 부족은 경쟁력 저하를 초래합니다.
N 저하를 유발하다
수면 부족은 기억력 저하를 유발해요.
N 저하로 이어지다
사기 저하는 생산성 저하로 이어집니다.
N 저하가 심화되다
학력 저하 현상이 심화되고 있습니다.
N 저하를 면치 못하다
관리 부실로 품질 저하를 면치 못했다.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
High in written/professional Korean; Medium-High in spoken Korean.
-
Using '저하' for price decreases.
→
가격 하락
Prices are numbers, so they 'fall' (하락). They don't have a 'quality' that deteriorates.
-
Using '저하' for population or amount.
→
인구 감소
Amounts and numbers 'decrease' (감소). '저하' is for abstract capabilities.
-
Saying '기능이 저하해요'.
→
기능이 저하됩니다.
Since a decline is usually a state that occurs, the passive form '-되다' is much more natural.
-
Using '저하' to mean 'bad'.
→
나쁘다 / 저질
'저하' is the *process* of getting lower. If something is just 'low quality' as a fact, use '저질' (low quality) or '품질이 낮다'.
-
Using '저하' for physical height.
→
키가 작다 / 키가 줄어들다
Height is a physical measurement. If you get shorter, your height 'shortens' (줄어들다), it doesn't 'decline' in quality.
Tipps
Hanja Power
Remember the '저' (Low) in '저하'. You also see it in '저렴하다' (to be cheap/low price) and '저체온' (hypothermia/low body temperature).
Quality vs Quantity
If you can count it, use '감소'. If it's about 'how well' it works, use '저하'. This is the golden rule for this word.
Topik Tip
In the Topik II writing section, use '저하를 초래하다' to explain the negative results of a social phenomenon. It's a high-scoring phrase.
Medical Reports
If you see '저하' in your medical results, don't panic, but it means that specific function is below the normal range.
Professionalism
Using '저하' in a business presentation instead of '나빠지다' will immediately make you sound more professional and authoritative.
Noun Compounds
You don't need a particle between the noun and '저하'. Just put them together like '품질 저하' or '기능 저하'.
News Keywords
When you hear '저하' on the news, listen for the word '우려' (concern) right after it. They usually go together.
Not for Prices
Never say '가격 저하'. Always use '가격 하락'. Prices are numerical scales, not functional qualities.
Work Morale
To describe a team that has lost its spirit, use '사기 저하'. It's a very common phrase in HR and management.
The Low-Down
Associate '저하' with the English phrase 'the low-down', but in the sense of things going down to a low level.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of a **JO**ystick (저) being pushed **HA**rd (하) **down**. When you push it down, the character's 'health' or 'speed' in the game goes into a **decline**.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a red arrow pointing diagonally down on a chart, but instead of a dollar sign, it's pointing away from a heart (health) or a lightbulb (intelligence).
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to find one news article today in a Korean newspaper (like Naver News) that uses the word '저하'. Write down the noun that comes right before it.
Wortherkunft
Sino-Korean word composed of two Hanja characters.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: 低 (저) means 'low' or 'to lower.' 下 (하) means 'below' or 'down.' Together, they literally mean 'to lower down.'
Korean (Sino-Korean roots)Kultureller Kontext
When using '저하' regarding people (e.g., '지능 저하' - decline in intelligence), it can be very clinical or even offensive if not used in a medical context. Avoid using it to describe people's personal traits in casual conversation.
English speakers often use 'drop' or 'fall' casually. In Korean, '저하' is strictly formal. You wouldn't say your 'mood dropped' using '저하' unless you were a psychologist writing a report.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Medical Check-up
- 기능 저하가 의심됩니다.
- 면역력이 저하되었습니다.
- 시력 저하를 방지해야 합니다.
- 기억력 저하가 걱정돼요.
Business Meeting
- 업무 효율 저하가 문제입니다.
- 품질 저하를 막아야 합니다.
- 경쟁력 저하가 우려됩니다.
- 생산성 저하의 원인을 찾으세요.
Electronics/Tech Review
- 배터리 성능 저하 현상.
- 속도 저하가 느껴집니다.
- 화질 저하 없이 전송 가능합니다.
- 성능 저하를 최소화했습니다.
Educational Setting
- 기초 학력 저하가 심각합니다.
- 집중력 저하를 유발합니다.
- 학습 의욕 저하가 보입니다.
- 독해력 저하의 원인.
Environmental Discussion
- 수질 저하가 심각합니다.
- 토양 비옥도 저하.
- 대기 질 저하.
- 생태계 다양성 저하.
Gesprächseinstiege
"요즘 들어 기억력이 저하된 것 같아서 걱정이에요. 좋은 방법이 있을까요?"
"회사에서 업무 효율 저하를 막기 위해 어떤 노력을 하고 있나요?"
"스마트폰 사용이 아이들의 집중력 저하를 유발한다고 생각하시나요?"
"노화로 인한 신체 기능 저하를 늦추기 위해 가장 중요한 것은 무엇일까요?"
"최근 한국의 국가 경쟁력 저하에 대한 뉴스를 보신 적 있나요?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
내가 최근에 느끼는 '의욕 저하'의 원인은 무엇이며, 이를 어떻게 극복할 수 있을까?
기술의 발전이 인간의 사고력 저하를 가져온다는 의견에 대해 어떻게 생각하는가?
나의 건강 상태 중에서 기능 저하가 우려되는 부분이 있다면 무엇인가?
우리 사회에서 가장 심각한 '질적 저하'는 어떤 분야에서 일어나고 있는가?
집중력 저하를 막기 위해 내가 실천하고 있는 습관들에 대해 써보자.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but it depends on the context. If you mean your actual scores (the numbers) went down, '성적 하락' is better. If you mean your overall academic ability or the quality of your learning has declined, '학력 저하' is the correct term. In a daily conversation, most people just say '성적이 떨어졌어요'.
Yes, almost always. Since it describes a decline in quality, efficiency, or function, it implies that something is no longer as good as it used to be. You wouldn't use it to describe a 'decline in stress' (which would be positive); instead, you would use '감소' or '완화' (relief/easing).
'저하되다' is the passive/intransitive form, meaning 'to be declined' or 'to decline' (e.g., 'The quality declined'). '저하시키다' is the causative form, meaning 'to make something decline' (e.g., 'The heat caused the quality to decline').
It is used for '사기' (morale) or '의욕' (motivation), but not for basic emotions like 'sadness' or 'happiness'. You wouldn't say '행복 저하'. You would say '행복감 감소' (decrease in the feeling of happiness).
It is used when the topic is somewhat serious, like health or work. For very casual talk, Koreans prefer '떨어지다' (to drop) or '나빠지다' (to get worse). For example, '시력이 저하됐어' sounds more like a doctor's diagnosis, while '눈이 나빠졌어' is what you'd tell a friend.
You can say '배터리 성능이 저하되었어요' (Battery performance has declined) or '배터리 수명이 줄어들었어요' (Battery life has shortened). Using '저하' sounds more technical.
It is 低 (저 - low) and 下 (하 - down). Knowing these two characters will help you understand many other words, like '저속' (low speed) and '지하' (underground).
No, that is incorrect. Since population is a countable number, you must use '인구 감소' (population decrease). '인구 저하' would sound like you are saying the people themselves are of lower quality, which is incorrect and rude.
The most direct opposites are '향상' (improvement) for quality and '상승' (rise) for levels. For example, '품질 향상' (quality improvement) and '기능 강화' (functional strengthening).
No. For speed, you use '감속' (deceleration) or '속도가 떨어지다'. You could use '저하' for the car's 'performance' (성능 저하), but not for the physical speed at a specific moment.
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Write a sentence using '품질 저하' and '때문에'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '면역력 저하' and '막다'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'My concentration has declined due to lack of sleep.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about 'battery performance' using '저하되다'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Excessive stress causes a decline in work efficiency.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about 'eyesight' (시력) using '저하'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'We are concerned about the decline in students' academic ability.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal sentence about 'national competitiveness' (국가 경쟁력).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The quality of life has declined.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '기억력 저하' and '예방하다' (to prevent).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The machine's performance has significantly declined.'
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Write a sentence about 'team morale' (사기) using '저하'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Water quality deterioration is a serious environmental problem.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '의욕 저하' and '극복하다' (to overcome).
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Translate: 'The decline in reliability led to a decrease in customers.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about 'aging' (노화) and '기능 저하'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'This medicine prevents the decline of liver function.'
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Write a sentence using '집중력 저하' and '유발하다'.
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Translate: 'The overall decline in quality was expected.'
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Write a sentence using '저하' in a business report context.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
How would you say 'My eyesight has declined' in a formal way?
Read this aloud:
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Tell a doctor that you feel your immunity has declined.
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Explain why the company's productivity dropped in a meeting.
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Ask a friend if they think smartphones cause concentration decline.
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How do you say 'quality decline' in Korean?
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Say 'I am concerned about the decline in academic standards' formally.
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Explain that cold weather affects battery performance.
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Say 'Lack of exercise leads to a decline in stamina' in Korean.
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Tell your boss that the team's morale is low.
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Say 'We must prevent the decline in competitiveness' in a formal speech.
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How would you say 'Memory decline is natural as we age'?
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Express that a certain medicine caused your vision to blur/decline.
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Say 'The machine is old, so its efficiency has declined'.
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Ask: 'Is there any way to prevent the decline in skin elasticity?'
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Say 'The decline in reliability is a big problem' formally.
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Explain that stress makes you lose focus.
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Say 'The decline in water quality is worrying'.
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Tell your teacher your motivation has dropped recently.
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Say 'The product quality has dropped compared to before'.
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Say 'Cognitive function decline is a symptom of aging'.
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Listen and identify the noun: '기억력 저하'.
Listen and identify the noun: '품질 저하'.
Listen and identify the noun: '면역력 저하'.
Listen and identify the noun: '경쟁력 저하'.
Listen and identify the noun: '생산성 저하'.
Listen and identify the verb: '저하되었습니다'.
Listen and identify the verb: '저하시킵니다'.
Listen to the sentence: '시력이 급격히 저하됐어요.' What happened to the eyesight?
Listen to the sentence: '효율 저하가 우려됩니다.' What is the feeling of the speaker?
Listen and identify the noun: '신뢰도 저하'.
Listen and identify the noun: '의욕 저하'.
Listen to the sentence: '품질 저하를 막아야 합니다.' What must be done?
Listen and identify the noun: '학력 저하'.
Listen and identify the noun: '수질 저하'.
Listen and identify the noun: '사기 저하'.
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word <span class='font-bold'>저하</span> is your go-to term for describing a 'loss of quality or power.' Unlike '감소' (quantity) or '하락' (price), it focuses on the internal strength or standard of something. Example: <span class='italic italic'>'면역력 저하' (A decline in immunity)</span> is what happens when your body gets weak, not just when you have fewer cells.
- 저하 (Jeoha) is a formal noun meaning 'decline' or 'deterioration,' used for qualities, functions, and capabilities rather than simple numbers.
- It is composed of the Hanja characters 低 (low) and 下 (down), literally meaning a movement to a lower state.
- Commonly paired with '-되다' (to become) or used in compounds like '품질 저하' (quality decline) and '기능 저하' (functional decline).
- It is a crucial word for professional, medical, and academic Korean, distinguishing quality-based drops from numerical ones.
Hanja Power
Remember the '저' (Low) in '저하'. You also see it in '저렴하다' (to be cheap/low price) and '저체온' (hypothermia/low body temperature).
Quality vs Quantity
If you can count it, use '감소'. If it's about 'how well' it works, use '저하'. This is the golden rule for this word.
Topik Tip
In the Topik II writing section, use '저하를 초래하다' to explain the negative results of a social phenomenon. It's a high-scoring phrase.
Medical Reports
If you see '저하' in your medical results, don't panic, but it means that specific function is below the normal range.
Beispiel
수면 부족은 집중력 저하를 유발한다.
Verwandte Inhalte
Ähnliche Regeln
Mehr health Wörter
비정상적이다
B1Abweichend von dem, was normal oder üblich ist; abnormal.
비정상이다
A2Abnormal oder unnormal sein. Es beschreibt Zustände, die vom Standard oder der gesunden Norm abweichen.
에 대해서
A2Gibt das Thema oder den Gegenstand an; über, betreffend. Wird verwendet, um den Fokus einer Handlung oder eines Gedankens zu definieren.
누적되다
B1To be accumulated or added up over a period of time. It is frequently used to describe the buildup of fatigue, debt, or environmental damage.
몸살
A2Allgemeine Gliederschmerzen und Erschöpfung, oft als Folge von Überarbeitung oder Anzeichen einer Grippe.
몸살나다
A2To suffer from body aches and fatigue, often due to a cold.
쑤시다
B1Einen stechenden oder pochenden Schmerz haben; schmerzen. Es wird oft verwendet, wenn Gelenke bei Regenwetter wehtun.
에취
A2Das Geräusch, das man beim Niesen auf Koreanisch macht. Es entspricht dem deutschen 'Hatschi!'.
급성적이다
A2Beschreibt einen plötzlichen und intensiven Beginn, typischerweise in medizinischen Kontexten für Krankheiten oder Symptome, die sich schnell entwickeln. (z.B. eine akute Krankheit).
급성이다
A2Bezeichnet eine Krankheit mit schnellem Beginn und kurzem Verlauf; akut sein.