At the A1 level, the word '상이하다' (sangi-hada) is quite advanced, as it is a formal term. Beginners usually learn the word '다르다' (dareuda) first, which simply means 'to be different.' However, you can think of '상이하다' as a 'fancy' version of '다르다.' Imagine you are looking at two pictures. If one is a cat and one is a dog, they are '다르다.' In a very formal classroom, a teacher might say they are '상이하다.' You won't use this word when talking to your friends or family. You might see it in a very simple news headline or a formal sign. The most important thing for an A1 learner is to recognize that '상이' means 'difference' and '하다' makes it a descriptive word. Just remember: it's a formal way to say things are not the same. You don't need to use it yet, but recognizing it will help you understand formal announcements.
For A2 learners, '상이하다' is a word you might encounter in reading passages or formal announcements. At this level, you are starting to learn that Korean has different levels of formality. '상이하다' is much higher on the formality scale than '다르다.' You should use it when you are writing a formal report or an essay for a class. It is often used with the particle '~와/과' to mean 'different from.' For example, 'A와 B는 상이합니다' (A and B are different). You might also see it in the form '상이한,' which describes a noun, like '상이한 색깔' (different colors). At the A2 level, you should focus on the fact that this word is used for comparing facts and data. If you see it in a test, it's a sign that the text is formal. Try to notice it when you watch the news or read a basic newspaper article. It’s a great word to know to start sounding more professional in your Korean studies.
At the B1 level, you should begin to actively incorporate '상이하다' into your formal writing and presentations. This is the stage where you distinguish between 'everyday Korean' and 'professional Korean.' '상이하다' is a Sino-Korean word (Hanja: 相異), which makes it sound more academic. You will use it to describe discrepancies in data, differing opinions in a debate, or variations in results. For example, '실험 결과가 예상과 상이하게 나타났다' (The experimental results appeared different from the expectations). Notice how it adds a layer of precision. It’s not just that they are 'different'; it’s that there is a 'discrepancy' or 'distinction.' You should also learn common adverbs that go with it, like '조금 상이하다' (slightly different) or '매우 상이하다' (very different). Understanding this word will help you significantly with the TOPIK I and II exams, as it frequently appears in the reading and listening sections to describe graphs and charts.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use '상이하다' naturally in formal contexts. You should understand its nuances compared to other words like '판이하다' (starkly different) or '이질적이다' (heterogeneous). '상이하다' is the standard formal choice for any objective comparison. At this level, you should be comfortable using it in complex sentence structures. For instance, '각 부처의 입장이 상이하여 합의안을 도출하는 데 어려움이 있었다' (Because the positions of each department were different, there was difficulty in reaching a consensus). You should also be aware of its usage in legal or official documents, where it defines specific differences that have consequences. When you write essays, using '상이하다' instead of '다르다' will instantly elevate the quality of your prose. It shows that you have a command of the 'Hanja-eo' (Sino-Korean vocabulary) that is essential for high-level Korean communication. You should also be able to recognize it in fast-paced news broadcasts without hesitation.
For C1 learners, '상이하다' is a basic component of your high-level vocabulary. You should be able to use it to articulate subtle differences in abstract concepts, philosophical theories, or complex data sets. At this level, you should also be familiar with its derivative forms and related technical terms. You might use it in a phrase like '상당히 상이한 양상을 보이다' (to show a considerably different aspect). You should also understand how it functions in the 'written style' (문어체) versus 'spoken style' (구어체). In a C1 level discussion, you might use '상이하다' to point out a contradiction in an opponent's argument or to clarify a distinction between two similar-looking policies. Your focus should be on the perfect placement of this word within a sophisticated sentence structure, ensuring that the surrounding vocabulary matches its formal register. You should also be able to explain the Hanja roots (相 - mutual, 異 - different) to others, showing a deep linguistic understanding of the word.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '상이하다.' You use it effortlessly in professional, academic, and literary contexts. You understand not just the meaning, but the 'weight' the word carries in a sentence. You can use it to create rhythmic and balanced prose in high-level writing. For example, you might use it in a parallel structure: '이론과 실제는 종종 상이하며, 그 간극을 메우는 것이 학문의 역할이다' (Theory and practice are often different, and it is the role of academia to bridge that gap). You are also aware of very rare or archaic variations of the word and can distinguish '상이하다' from even more specific terms like '괴리되다' (to be estranged/divorced from). At this level, '상이하다' is not just a word you 'know'; it is a tool you use with precision to convey exact shades of meaning in the most formal levels of Korean society, from diplomatic negotiations to doctoral dissertations.

상이하다 in 30 Sekunden

  • A formal word for 'different' used in professional and academic settings.
  • Commonly used to describe discrepancies in data, reports, or opinions.
  • Requires the particle '~와/과' when comparing one thing to another.
  • Derived from Hanja 相 (mutual) and 異 (different).

The Korean word 상이하다 (相異하다) is a sophisticated adjective that translates primarily to 'to be different' or 'to be distinct.' While the common word 다르다 is used in everyday conversation to describe any kind of difference, 상이하다 is a formal, Sino-Korean term (Hanja-based) used when comparing data, opinions, facts, or systems. It originates from the characters 相 (상), meaning 'each other' or 'mutual,' and 異 (이), meaning 'different' or 'strange.' Therefore, the literal sense is 'mutually different' or 'differing from one another.'

Register and Tone
This word is predominantly found in written documents, news reports, academic papers, and professional presentations. If you use it while grabbing coffee with a friend, it might sound overly stiff or even humorous, similar to saying 'The flavor profiles of these lattes are markedly disparate' instead of 'These taste different.'

In professional contexts, 상이하다 is indispensable. It suggests a level of objective analysis. For instance, in a legal setting, if two witnesses provide accounts that don't match, a lawyer would say their testimonies are '상이하다.' In business, if the projected revenue and the actual revenue don't align, the figures are described as '상이하다.' It implies that a comparison has been made and a distinct gap or contradiction has been identified.

두 보고서의 수치가 서로 상이하여 재검토가 필요합니다. (The figures in the two reports are different, so a re-examination is necessary.)

Semantic Nuance
Unlike '다르다', which can simply mean 'not the same', '상이하다' often carries a nuance of 'discrepancy.' It is frequently used when things that *should* be the same or similar turn out to be different upon investigation.

Furthermore, the word is often paired with the particle ~와/과 (with/and) to specify what something is different from. For example, 'A는 B와 상이하다' (A is different from B). This structure reinforces the comparative nature of the word. It is also common to see it modified by adverbs like '현저히' (significantly) or '약간' (slightly) to indicate the degree of difference.

실제 결과는 예상과 상이할 수 있습니다. (Actual results may differ from expectations.)

Common Collocations
Commonly paired with nouns like '의견' (opinion), '결과' (result), '조건' (condition), and '내용' (content). These pairings highlight its use in logical and descriptive contexts rather than emotional ones.

In summary, 상이하다 is a pillar of formal Korean vocabulary. It allows the speaker or writer to move beyond simple descriptions and into the realm of precise, analytical comparison. Mastering this word is a key step for any learner moving from intermediate to advanced Korean proficiency, as it signals a command over the formal register of the language.

Using 상이하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior and its formal constraints. As an adjective (descriptive verb), it functions much like 다르다 but follows stricter formal rules. The most common sentence pattern involves comparing two subjects or comparing a subject to a standard using particles.

Pattern 1: A와/과 B는 상이하다
This is the standard way to say 'A and B are different.' Example: '한국의 교육 시스템과 미국의 교육 시스템은 상이하다' (The educational systems of Korea and the US are different.)

Because it is an adjective, it cannot take a direct object (marked by 을/를). Instead, it describes the state of the subject. When you want to say something is different *from* something else, you use the particle ~와/과 or ~하고 (though '하고' is less formal and thus less common with this word).

이 제품의 규격은 표준과 상이합니다. (The specifications of this product are different from the standard.)

Pattern 2: Noun-modifying Form (~한)
To describe a noun as being 'different,' use the form 상이한. Example: '상이한 의견을 가진 사람들' (People with differing opinions).

In academic writing, you will often see it used in the conjunctive form ~함에 따라 or ~하여. For instance, '조건이 상이함에 따라 결과도 달라졌다' (As the conditions were different, the results also changed). Note how 상이하다 establishes the condition, while 달라지다 (to become different) describes the resulting change.

Another important aspect is the degree of difference. Adverbs like 현저히 (significantly), 다소 (somewhat), and 근본적으로 (fundamentally) are frequently used with 상이하다 to provide precision in formal reports. This allows the writer to specify exactly how distinct the two compared items are.

두 나라의 문화적 배경은 근본적으로 상이하다. (The cultural backgrounds of the two countries are fundamentally different.)

Negative Usage
While possible, it is rare to see '상이하지 않다'. Instead, formal Korean prefers words like '일치하다' (to coincide) or '동일하다' (to be identical) to express that things are the same.

When practicing, try to construct sentences that involve data or formal concepts. Instead of saying 'My apple is different from yours,' try 'The statistical data from the first quarter is different from the second quarter.' This will help you internalize the register appropriate for this word.

You are unlikely to hear 상이하다 in a bustling marketplace or during a casual dinner with friends. Instead, your primary encounters with this word will be through formal media and professional environments. It is a staple of the 'Standard Korean' used in broadcasting and official documentation.

The Evening News
News anchors use this word daily. Whether they are discussing the differing exit polls during an election or the disparate weather patterns in the north and south, '상이하다' provides the necessary professional distance and objectivity.

In the corporate world, 상이하다 is the language of the boardroom. During a performance review or a project update, if a manager notices that the budget and the actual spending don't match, they might say, '지출 내역이 계획과 상이합니다' (The expenditure details are different from the plan). This sounds much more professional and less accusatory than using simpler terms.

방송 안내: "지역에 따라 강수량이 상이하오니 시설물 관리에 유의하시기 바랍니다." (Announcement: "Precipitation varies by region, so please be careful with facility management.")

Academic lectures and research presentations are another common venue. Professors use this word to contrast theories or experimental results. In a psychology lecture, one might hear about how '인식의 과정은 개인마다 상이할 수 있다' (The process of perception can differ for each individual). Here, it elevates the discussion from a simple observation to a scientific statement.

Legal and governmental documents are perhaps the most frequent 'home' for this word. Contracts often include clauses like '본 계약서의 내용이 구두 약속과 상이할 경우...' (In case the contents of this contract are different from verbal promises...). In this context, the word carries legal weight, defining discrepancies that could lead to disputes.

공문서: "제출된 서류의 정보가 사실과 상이할 경우 불이익을 받을 수 있습니다." (Official Document: "If the information in the submitted documents differs from the facts, you may be penalized.")

Lastly, in high-level listening tests like the TOPIK II, '상이하다' is a favorite for distractors or key information in the listening passages. Being able to recognize it instantly amidst a fast-paced formal dialogue is a hallmark of an advanced learner. It signals that you are tuned into the 'official' frequency of the Korean language.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 상이하다 is using it in the wrong 'register' or social context. Because it is a high-level formal word, using it in casual conversation can make you sound like a textbook or a robot. For example, telling a friend '우리의 입맛이 상이하네' (Our tastes are disparate) instead of '우리 입맛이 다르네' (Our tastes are different) creates an awkward social distance.

Register Mismatch
Mistake: Using '상이하다' in daily texts or casual speech. Correction: Stick to '다르다' for everyday life and save '상이하다' for reports, essays, and presentations.

Another common error is confusing 상이하다 with 다르다 in the sense of 'other.' In English, 'different' can mean both 'not the same' and 'another.' In Korean, '다르다' can also span these meanings (e.g., '다른 곳' - another place/different place). However, 상이하다 only means 'not the same.' You cannot say '상이한 곳' to mean 'another place.'

❌ 상이한 사람에게 물어보세요. (Ask a different/another person.)
✅ 다른 사람에게 물어보세요.

Grammatically, learners sometimes forget the necessary particles. Since 상이하다 implies a comparison, it almost always requires a reference point. If you say '이것은 상이하다' (This is different), the listener will immediately ask 'Different from what?'. Always ensure the context or the sentence itself provides the point of comparison, usually using ~와/과.

There is also a risk of confusing 상이하다 with similar-sounding words like 상당하다 (to be considerable) or 상세하다 (to be detailed). While they all start with '상' (a common Hanja prefix), their meanings are entirely unrelated. '상이' specifically refers to 'difference' (異).

❌ 가격이 상이하게 비싸요. (The price is 'differently' expensive - incorrect usage of the adverbial form).
✅ 가격이 상당히 비싸요. (The price is considerably expensive.)

Finally, avoid overusing it. Even in formal writing, if you use 상이하다 in every sentence, your prose will become dense and difficult to read. Balance it with other expressions like '차이가 있다' (there is a difference) or '별개이다' (to be separate) to keep your writing fluid and engaging.

To truly master 상이하다, you must understand where it sits in the spectrum of Korean words meaning 'different.' Korean has several ways to express this concept, each with a specific nuance and register.

다르다 vs. 상이하다
다르다: The general, all-purpose word. Used for everything from colors to personalities.
상이하다: Formal and objective. Used for data, facts, and formal comparisons.

Another powerful alternative is 판이하다 (判異하다). This word is used when the difference is not just there, but is 'stark' or 'completely different.' If '상이하다' is a 5 on the difference scale, '판이하다' is a 10. It implies a total lack of similarity.

두 사람의 성격은 판이하게 다르다. (The personalities of the two people are starkly different.)

이질적이다 (異質的이다)
This word means 'heterogeneous' or 'alien.' It is used when things are different in *nature* or *quality*, often suggesting they don't mix well together. For example, '이질적인 문화' (a foreign/alien culture).

For a more descriptive approach, you can use the phrase 차이가 나다 (to have a difference). This is very common in both neutral and formal speech. It focuses on the 'gap' (차이) between two things. '두 제품은 성능에서 큰 차이가 난다' (There is a big difference in performance between the two products).

In some contexts, 어긋나다 (to be out of alignment/disagree) might be a better fit, especially if the 'difference' is a mistake or a failure to meet a standard. For instance, '계획이 실제와 어긋났다' (The plan was out of alignment with reality).

별개이다 (別個이다)
This means 'to be a separate matter.' Use this when you want to say that two things are not just different, but entirely unrelated. '그것은 이것과는 별개의 문제다' (That is a separate issue from this one.)

Understanding these synonyms allows you to choose the exact 'flavor' of difference you want to convey. As you progress, try replacing the basic '다르다' with these more specific terms to add precision and sophistication to your Korean.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The character 異 (이) is also found in the word '이상하다' (isang-hada), which means 'to be strange.' So, '상이하다' literally implies a state where things are mutually strange or non-matching to each other.

Aussprachehilfe

UK saŋ.i.ɦa.da
US saŋ.i.ɦa.da
The stress is balanced across syllables, but a slight emphasis often falls on the first syllable '상' and the '하' in formal speech.
Reimt sich auf
판이하다 (pan-i-hada) 특이하다 (teuk-i-hada) 동일하다 (dong-il-hada) 유사하다 (yu-sa-hada) 공평하다 (gong-pyeong-hada) 당연하다 (dang-yeon-hada) 안전하다 (an-jeon-hada) 간편하다 (gan-pyeon-hada)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing '상' as 'sang' (like the past tense of sing). It should be 'sahng'.
  • Dropping the 'h' in 'hada', making it sound like 'sang-i-ada'.
  • Pronouncing 'i' as a short 'ih' sound instead of a long 'ee'.
  • Running the syllables together too quickly, losing the formal clarity.
  • Misplacing the stress on 'da' at the end.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 4/5

Common in news and books, but requires Hanja knowledge for deep understanding.

Schreiben 5/5

Difficult to use naturally without sounding overly stiff.

Sprechen 5/5

Rarely used in speech, making it hard to find the right time to say it.

Hören 4/5

Must be recognized in formal contexts like news or lectures.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

다르다 같다 차이 비교 서로

Als Nächstes lernen

판이하다 이질적이다 일치하다 동일하다 대조적이다

Fortgeschritten

괴리 불일치 상충되다 양립하다 차별화

Wichtige Grammatik

~와/과 (Comparison particle)

이것은 저것과 상이하다.

~ㄴ/은 (Adjective modifying form)

상이한 의견이 존재한다.

~게 (Adverbial form)

결과가 상이하게 나타났다.

~음 (Nominalization)

내용이 상이함에도 불구하고...

~어서/아서 (Reasoning)

조건이 상이해서 결과가 달라졌다.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

이것과 저것은 상이해요.

This and that are different.

Simple polite ending -아/어/여요.

2

그의 생각은 저와 상이합니다.

His thoughts are different from mine.

Formal polite ending -습니다.

3

두 그림은 상이해요.

The two pictures are different.

Subject '두 그림' (two pictures).

4

색깔이 상이합니다.

The colors are different.

Subject '색깔' (color).

5

모양이 상이해요.

The shapes are different.

Subject '모양' (shape).

6

이름이 상이합니다.

The names are different.

Subject '이름' (name).

7

가격이 상이해요.

The prices are different.

Subject '가격' (price).

8

맛이 상이합니다.

The tastes are different.

Subject '맛' (taste).

1

두 보고서의 내용은 상이합니다.

The contents of the two reports are different.

Noun modification with '의'.

2

실제와 상이한 정보입니다.

This is information different from reality.

Noun-modifying form '상이한'.

3

결과가 처음과 상이해요.

The result is different from the beginning.

Particle '~와/과' for comparison.

4

방법이 서로 상이합니다.

The methods are mutually different.

Adverb '서로' (each other).

5

조건이 상이한 경우입니다.

This is a case where the conditions are different.

Noun-modifying form '상이한'.

6

계획과 상이하게 진행되었습니다.

It proceeded differently from the plan.

Adverbial form '상이하게'.

7

두 나라는 문화가 상이합니다.

The two countries have different cultures.

Topic marker '는' and subject '문화'.

8

의견이 상이해서 결정하지 못했어요.

Because the opinions were different, we couldn't decide.

Reasoning connector '-어서/아서'.

1

조사 결과가 예상과 상이하게 나타났습니다.

The survey results appeared different from expectations.

Adverbial '상이하게' with '나타나다'.

2

개인마다 상이한 기준을 가지고 있습니다.

Each individual has different standards.

Noun-modifying '상이한' before '기준'.

3

이 두 제품은 성능 면에서 상이합니다.

These two products are different in terms of performance.

Expression '면에서' (in terms of).

4

지역별로 상이한 기후를 보입니다.

It shows different climates by region.

Suffix '-별' (by/per).

5

제출한 서류와 사실이 상이할 경우 취소됩니다.

If the submitted documents and facts are different, it will be canceled.

Conditional ending '-을 경우'.

6

두 학설은 근본적으로 상이합니다.

The two theories are fundamentally different.

Adverb '근본적으로' (fundamentally).

7

연령대에 따라 상이한 반응을 보였습니다.

They showed different reactions according to age group.

Expression '~에 따라' (according to).

8

서로 상이한 입장을 확인했습니다.

We confirmed the mutually different positions.

Direct object '입장을'.

1

양측의 주장이 현저히 상이하여 합의가 어렵습니다.

The claims of both sides are significantly different, so agreement is difficult.

Adverb '현저히' (significantly).

2

통계 자료가 실제 상황과 상이하다는 지적이 있습니다.

There is a point that the statistical data is different from the actual situation.

Quoted clause '~다는 지적'.

3

동일한 사건에 대해 상이한 해석이 존재합니다.

Different interpretations exist for the same incident.

Expression '~에 대해' (about/regarding).

4

법률의 적용 범위가 국가마다 상이합니다.

The scope of application of the law differs by country.

Noun '적용 범위' (scope of application).

5

제품의 사양이 웹사이트의 설명과 상이합니다.

The product specifications are different from the description on the website.

Noun '사양' (specifications).

6

상이한 배경을 가진 인재들을 채용하고 있습니다.

We are hiring talented people with different backgrounds.

Noun '배경' (background).

7

이전 모델과는 상이한 디자인을 채택했습니다.

It adopted a design different from the previous model.

Verb '채택하다' (to adopt).

8

각자의 가치관이 상이함을 인정해야 합니다.

We must acknowledge that each person's values are different.

Nominalized form '상이함'.

1

본 논문은 기존의 연구와 상이한 접근 방식을 취한다.

This thesis takes an approach different from existing research.

Academic 'plain' style ending '-ㄴ다'.

2

수요와 공급의 논리는 시장 상황에 따라 상이하게 작용한다.

The logic of supply and demand acts differently depending on market conditions.

Verb '작용하다' (to act/function).

3

언어의 구조는 문화적 특성과 밀접하게 연관되어 상이하게 발전해 왔다.

The structure of language has developed differently in close connection with cultural characteristics.

Present perfect continuous '발전해 왔다'.

4

재판부는 피고인의 진술이 객관적 증거와 상이하다고 판단했다.

The court judged that the defendant's statement was different from the objective evidence.

Indirect quotation '~다고 판단하다'.

5

서로 상이한 이해관계가 충돌하는 지점을 찾아야 합니다.

We need to find the point where mutually different interests collide.

Noun '이해관계' (interests/stakeholders).

6

예술적 표현 방식은 시대의 흐름에 따라 상이하게 나타난다.

Artistic expression methods appear differently according to the flow of the times.

Noun '표현 방식' (expression method).

7

두 집단의 유전적 형질은 지리적 격리로 인해 상이해졌다.

The genetic traits of the two groups became different due to geographical isolation.

Resultative form '상이해졌다' (became different).

8

데이터의 출처가 상이하여 분석 결과의 신뢰도가 떨어진다.

Because the sources of data are different, the reliability of the analysis results drops.

Noun '신뢰도' (reliability).

1

인간의 존엄성에 대한 철학적 고찰은 시대와 학파에 따라 극명하게 상이하다.

Philosophical considerations of human dignity are starkly different according to eras and schools of thought.

Adverb '극명하게' (starkly/clearly).

2

거시 경제 지표와 미시 경제의 체감 경기는 종종 상이한 양상을 띤다.

Macroeconomic indicators and the perceived economy of the microeconomy often take on different aspects.

Idiomatic expression '양상을 띠다' (to take on an aspect).

3

번역에 있어서 원문의 뉘앙스를 살리는 방식은 번역가마다 상이할 수밖에 없다.

In translation, the method of preserving the nuances of the original text cannot help but be different for each translator.

Expression '~을 수밖에 없다' (cannot help but).

4

법적 해석의 미묘한 차이가 판결의 결과를 상이하게 만들 수 있음을 유의해야 한다.

One must note that subtle differences in legal interpretation can make the outcome of a judgment different.

Object clause '~임을 유의해야 한다'.

5

역사적 사실을 기록하는 관점은 기록 주체에 따라 현격히 상이하게 기술된다.

The perspective of recording historical facts is described markedly differently depending on the subject of the recording.

Passive verb '기술된다' (is described/recorded).

6

도시의 공간 구조는 사회적 계층의 분포와 상이하게 얽혀 있다.

The spatial structure of a city is differently intertwined with the distribution of social classes.

Compound verb '얽혀 있다' (to be intertwined).

7

인지 과학적 관점에서 볼 때, 개별 주체의 지각 경험은 물리적 자극과 상이할 수 있다.

From a cognitive science perspective, an individual subject's perceptual experience can be different from physical stimuli.

Technical term '지각 경험' (perceptual experience).

8

정치적 이데올로기의 상이함은 사회적 갈등의 근원적인 원인이 되기도 한다.

The difference in political ideologies also becomes a fundamental cause of social conflict.

Nominalized subject '상이함'.

Synonyme

다르다 차이가 나다 별개이다

Häufige Kollokationen

의견이 상이하다
결과가 상이하다
내용이 상이하다
조건이 상이하다
수치가 상이하다
입장이 상이하다
방법이 상이하다
기준이 상이하다
해석이 상이하다
배경이 상이하다

Häufige Phrasen

사실과 상이하다

— To be different from the facts. Often used in legal warnings.

진술 내용이 사실과 상이할 경우 처벌받을 수 있습니다.

예상과 상이하다

— To be different from expectations. Used in business and science.

올해 매출이 예상과 상이하게 저조합니다.

현저히 상이하다

— To be significantly or remarkably different.

두 제품의 가격은 현저히 상이하다.

근본적으로 상이하다

— To be fundamentally different.

우리는 근본적으로 상이한 가치관을 가지고 있다.

서로 상이하다

— To be mutually different.

두 사람의 기억이 서로 상이하다.

다소 상이하다

— To be somewhat or slightly different.

규정이 작년과 다소 상이해졌습니다.

부분적으로 상이하다

— To be partially different.

두 계획은 부분적으로 상이한 점이 있다.

전혀 상이하다

— To be completely/entirely different.

그의 말은 어제와 전혀 상이하다.

입장에 따라 상이하다

— To differ depending on one's position or stance.

평가는 각자의 입장에 따라 상이할 수 있습니다.

내용상 상이하다

— To be different in terms of content.

두 서류는 형식은 같으나 내용상 상이하다.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

상이하다 vs 틀리다

Commonly used by natives to mean 'different', but it actually means 'incorrect'. Never use '상이하다' to mean 'wrong'.

상이하다 vs 상당하다

Means 'considerable' or 'substantial'. Sounds similar but unrelated.

상이하다 vs 상세하다

Means 'to be detailed'. Often used in the same formal documents, so don't mix them up.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"하늘과 땅 차이"

— A difference as big as the sky and the earth. Used when things are extremely '상이하다'.

실력 차이가 하늘과 땅 차이입니다.

Informal/Idiomatic
"동문서답"

— East question, West answer. Used when an answer is so '상이하다' from the question that it makes no sense.

자꾸 동문서답만 하지 말고 질문에 답하세요.

Neutral/Idiomatic
"동상이몽"

— Same bed, different dreams. Used when people in the same situation have completely '상이한' goals.

두 회사는 합작을 했지만 동상이몽을 꾸고 있다.

Formal/Idiomatic
"천차만별"

— Thousands of differences and ten thousand distinctions. Used when things are incredibly varied.

사람들의 취향은 천차만별이다.

Neutral/Idiomatic
"각양각색"

— Each style and each color. Used for a variety of different things.

각양각색의 옷들이 진열되어 있다.

Neutral/Idiomatic
"피차일반"

— The same for both sides. The opposite of being '상이하다'.

잘못하기는 피차일반이다.

Neutral/Idiomatic
"유유상종"

— Birds of a feather flock together. Used when people who are NOT '상이하다' gather.

유유상종이라더니 비슷한 사람들끼리 노는구나.

Neutral/Idiomatic
"격세지감"

— A sense of a different generation. Used when the present is so '상이하다' from the past.

발전된 도시를 보니 격세지감이 느껴진다.

Formal/Idiomatic
"오십보백보"

— Fifty steps or a hundred steps. Used when the difference is so small it doesn't matter if they are '상이하다'.

두 사람의 실력은 오십보백보다.

Neutral/Idiomatic
"군계일학"

— A crane among chickens. Used for someone who is '상이하게' superior to others.

그는 많은 후보자들 중 군계일학이었다.

Formal/Idiomatic

Leicht verwechselbar

상이하다 vs 판이하다

Both mean 'different' and are formal.

'상이하다' is a general formal term for difference. '판이하다' is used when the difference is huge or stark.

성격이 상이하다 (Different) vs 성격이 판이하다 (Completely different).

상이하다 vs 특이하다

Both have the '이' character meaning different/strange.

'특이하다' means 'unique' or 'unusual'. '상이하다' means 'different from something else'.

그는 특이한 옷을 입는다 (Unique clothes).

상이하다 vs 이질적이다

Both describe being different.

'이질적이다' refers to differences in essence or quality (heterogeneous). '상이하다' is more general.

이질적인 집단 (A heterogeneous group).

상이하다 vs 변이하다

Sounds technical.

'변이하다' means 'to mutate' or 'to vary' (verb). '상이하다' is a state (adjective).

바이러스가 변이하다 (The virus mutates).

상이하다 vs 차이

Related concept.

'차이' is a noun (difference). '상이하다' is the adjective (to be different).

큰 차이가 있다 (There is a big difference).

Satzmuster

A2

A와 B는 상이합니다.

이 사과와 저 사과는 상이합니다.

B1

A는 B와 상이하게 나타났다.

결과는 예상과 상이하게 나타났다.

B1

상이한 Noun

상이한 의견을 들었다.

B2

A와 B가 상이함에 따라...

가격이 상이함에 따라 선택이 달라진다.

B2

현저히 상이하다

두 제품의 성능은 현저히 상이하다.

C1

상이한 양상을 띠다

문화마다 상이한 양상을 띤다.

C1

A가 B와 상이하다고 판단되다

정보가 사실과 상이하다고 판단된다.

C2

A와 B의 상이함은 ~에서 기인한다

두 이론의 상이함은 근본적인 관점 차이에서 기인한다.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

상이 (相異) Difference/disparity.
상이점 (相異點) A point of difference.

Verben

상이하다 (相異하다) To be different (adjective/descriptive verb).

Adjektive

상이한 Differing/distinct (modifying form).

Verwandt

차이 (difference)
다르다 (to be different)
판이하다 (to be starkly different)
이질적 (heterogeneous)
변이 (variation)

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in written media, business, and law. Rare in spoken vernacular.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using '상이하다' in casual speech. 다르다

    '상이하다' is too formal for daily life. It sounds like saying 'disparate' instead of 'different' in English.

  • Using '상이한' to mean 'another'. 다른

    '상이한' only means 'differing.' It cannot be used for 'another' as in 'another place' (다른 곳).

  • Forgetting the comparison particle '~와/과'. A는 B와 상이하다.

    Since it's a comparative adjective, it needs a reference point marked by '와/과'.

  • Confusing '상이하다' with '틀리다'. 다르다 / 상이하다

    '틀리다' means 'wrong'. While some Koreans use it casually to mean 'different,' it is never used that way in formal contexts where '상이하다' is appropriate.

  • Confusing '상이하다' with '상당하다'. 상이하다

    They sound similar but '상당하다' means 'considerable' or 'substantial'.

Tipps

Formal Writing

Always choose '상이하다' over '다르다' when writing a business email or an academic paper to sound more professional.

Particle Match

Remember to use the particle '~와/과' when comparing two things. 'A는 B와 상이하다'.

Hanja Power

Memorize the character 異 (이). You will see it in many words like '이상' (strange), '차이' (difference), and '이견' (different opinion).

Office Talk

Use it when discussing discrepancies in the budget or project results to impress your Korean colleagues with your vocabulary.

Avoid Casual Overuse

Don't use it with friends. It sounds like you're reading from a manual and can make the atmosphere stiff.

News Alerts

When you hear '상이' on the news, pay attention to what follows; it's usually an important distinction or a warning.

Presentation Hook

Start a comparison in a presentation by saying '두 가지 측면에서 상이한 점이 있습니다' (There are different points in two aspects).

Chart Analysis

In TOPIK reading, if a sentence says 'A와 B가 상이하다', look for a graph where the two lines or bars are at different levels.

Nuance Check

If the difference is small, use '다소 상이하다'. If it's huge, use '현저히 상이하다' or '판이하다'.

TOPIK Success

Mastering this word is essential for reaching Level 5 or 6 on the TOPIK exam.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Sang' as 'Same' (but it's NOT) and 'I' as 'Individual'. When 'Sang' and 'I' meet, they are '상이하다' (different). Or, associate 'Sang' with 'Status' and 'I' with 'Inconsistent'.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine two gears that don't mesh because their teeth are '상이하다'. Or a bar graph where the two bars are at completely different heights.

Word Web

다르다 (Different) 데이터 (Data) 보고서 (Report) 의견 (Opinion) 공식적 (Official) 한자 (Hanja) 비교 (Comparison) 차이 (Gap)

Herausforderung

Try to find one news article today in Korean and look for the word '상이'. If you find it, write down the two things being compared.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Sino-Korean characters 相 (상) and 異 (이).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: 相 means 'each other' or 'mutual', and 異 means 'different' or 'strange'. Together, they mean 'mutually different'.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-eo).

Kultureller Kontext

There are no major sensitivities, but using it in an informal setting might make you seem arrogant or socially distant.

English speakers often use 'different' for everything. Learning '상이하다' is like learning the difference between 'different' and 'disparate' or 'divergent'.

Commonly heard in the 'KBS News 9' reporting on economic statistics. Used in Korean legal dramas like 'Stranger' (비밀의 숲) when discussing conflicting testimonies. Frequent in TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) academic reading passages.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Customer Service

  • 받으신 물건이 사진과 상이한가요?
  • 설명과 상이할 경우 환불이 가능합니다.
  • 수량이 주문서와 상이합니다.
  • 색상이 실제와 상이할 수 있습니다.

Academic Research

  • 두 그룹의 반응은 상이했다.
  • 기존 연구와 상이한 결과를 얻었다.
  • 변수에 따라 데이터가 상이하게 나타난다.
  • 이론적 배경이 상이하다.

Legal Matters

  • 진술이 사실과 상이함이 밝혀졌다.
  • 계약 내용이 상이하여 분쟁이 발생했다.
  • 법적 해석이 판사마다 상이하다.
  • 제출 서류가 원본과 상이하다.

Weather Forecasts

  • 지역마다 강수량이 상이하겠습니다.
  • 기온 차이가 지역별로 상이합니다.
  • 예보와 실제 날씨가 상이할 수 있습니다.
  • 계절에 따라 상이한 양상을 보입니다.

Corporate Meetings

  • 팀별로 목표치가 상이합니다.
  • 부서 간의 입장이 상이합니다.
  • 계획과 상이한 지출이 발생했습니다.
  • 고객의 요구가 상이하여 조율이 필요합니다.

Gesprächseinstiege

"두 보고서의 수치가 왜 이렇게 상이한지 설명해 주시겠어요?"

"우리의 의견이 상이한 부분에 대해 다시 논의해 봅시다."

"실제 사용 후기가 광고와 상이하다는 의견이 많습니다."

"지역별로 가격이 상이한 이유가 무엇인가요?"

"결과가 예상과 상이하게 나왔을 때 어떻게 대처해야 할까요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

나의 가치관이 부모님의 가치관과 상이한 부분에 대해 서술해 보세요.

어린 시절 꿈꾸던 미래와 현재의 모습이 상이한 점은 무엇인가요?

한국 문화와 내 모국의 문화가 가장 상이하다고 느껴지는 점을 적어 보세요.

뉴스에서 보도하는 내용이 나의 실제 경험과 상이했던 적이 있나요?

서로 상이한 의견을 가진 사람들을 어떻게 설득할 수 있을지 고민해 보세요.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No. In English, 'different' can mean 'another,' but in Korean, '상이한 사람' would mean 'a person who is different/distinct.' To say 'another person,' you must use '다른 사람'.

Yes, but usually in office or legal settings. You'll hear a boss or a lawyer use it when discussing reports or evidence. You won't hear it in a romantic scene unless they are talking about their 'disparate' backgrounds.

It is 相 (상 - mutual) and 異 (이 - different). Knowing this helps you remember it means 'mutually different' or 'differing from each other'.

It's a regular '하다' adjective. Present: 상이하다/상이해요/상이합니다. Past: 상이했다/상이했어요/상이했습니다. Future: 상이할 것이다.

Much more common in writing. It is a staple of '문어체' (written style). In speaking, it is reserved for formal presentations or news.

Yes, but only in a formal context (e.g., a psychological report). In a conversation with friends, use '성격이 달라요'.

Not inherently, but it is often used to point out discrepancies or errors in data, which can carry a negative tone depending on the situation.

'다르다' is for general use. '상이하다' is for formal, objective comparisons. For example, 'My clothes are different' (다르다) vs 'The data is different' (상이하다).

Grammatically yes, but it sounds very awkward. In formal Korean, use '일치하다' (to match) or '동일하다' (to be identical) to express that things are the same.

Yes, it is very common in TOPIK II (Intermediate/Advanced) in the reading and listening sections, especially when describing charts or formal opinions.

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence in formal Korean: 'The data is different from the plan.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The two reports are different.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Different opinions exist.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The result was different from expectations.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '현저히' and '상이하다' in a sentence about prices.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'If the facts are different, please tell me.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'Each person has different standards.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The two countries have different cultures.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The methods are mutually different.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The content of the contract is different.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about 'different backgrounds' using '상이한'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The actual situation is different.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The prices are different by region.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Because the opinions were different, we couldn't decide.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The two theories are fundamentally different.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The specifications are different.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The results appeared differently.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The two pictures are distinct.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'There are different points.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The interpretation is different for each person.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce: 상이하다

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The opinions are different.' (Formal)

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'It is different from the facts.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The results are different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Each region is different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The contents are different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'It is significantly different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The two are different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Different backgrounds.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The plans are different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The information is different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The prices are different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The methods are different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The criteria are different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The interpretations are different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'It is fundamentally different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The two reports are different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The values are different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The positions are different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The data is different.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '의견이 상이합니다.' What is different?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '사실과 상이할 수 있습니다.' Is it definitely true?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '현저히 상이한 결과.' How different is it?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '지역별로 가격이 상이합니다.' What varies by region?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '두 학설은 상이하다.' How many theories?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '상이한 배경을 가진 사람들.' What is different about the people?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '계획과 상이하게 진행되었다.' Did it go as planned?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '내용이 상이함을 확인했다.' What was confirmed?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '입장이 상이합니다.' What is different?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '조건이 상이하다.' What is different?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '수치가 상이합니다.' What is different?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '사양이 상이하다.' What is different?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '예상과 상이하다.' Different from what?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '근본적으로 상이하다.' How deep is the difference?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '방법이 상이하다.' What is different?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 180 correct

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