At the A1 level, you can think of '융통성 있다' as meaning someone is 'nice' or 'not strict' with plans. While the word itself is a bit advanced for absolute beginners, you can understand it as a way to describe a person who says 'it's okay' when things change. Imagine you and a friend plan to meet at 2 PM, but you are late. A friend with '융통성' will say, 'No problem, let's meet at 2:30 instead!' They are not like a robot that only follows one rule. You might use simple sentences like '그는 좋은 사람이에요' (He is a good person) or '괜찮아요' (It's okay) to express similar ideas, but learning this word helps you describe *why* they are easy to be with. It's about being 'flexible' with time and rules.
At the A2 level, you can start using '융통성 있다' to describe people's personalities more specifically. You might know words like '착하다' (to be kind) or '무섭다' (to be scary/strict). '융통성 있다' fits in the middle—it describes a person who is smart about rules. In school or at a part-time job, you might encounter a boss who is '융통성 있는 사람'. This means they understand when you have an emergency and let you change your shift. You can use the form '융통성이 있어요' to describe your friends or teachers. You should also learn the opposite, '융통성이 없어요', to describe someone who is very stiff and never changes their mind, which can be frustrating.
At the B1 level, you should understand that '융통성 있다' is a key professional and social skill in Korea. It's not just about being 'nice'; it's about being 'adaptable'. You can use the adverbial form '융통성 있게' to describe how to solve problems. For example, '일을 융통성 있게 처리하다' (to handle work flexibly). This is the level where you start to distinguish between being physically flexible (유연하다) and mentally flexible (융통성 있다). You will hear this word often in office dramas or in conversations about work-life balance. It implies a level of 'sense' (눈치) where you know when to follow the manual and when to use your judgment to make things go smoother.
At the B2 level, you can use '융통성 있다' to discuss complex social issues or organizational culture. You might talk about whether a government agency has '융통성' when dealing with new types of businesses, or whether the education system lacks '융통성' because it focuses too much on test scores. You should be comfortable using related verbs like '발휘하다' (to display/exhibit) and '발휘하다' (to exercise). You can also use it to describe abstract concepts like '융통성 있는 사고' (flexible thinking). At this level, you understand that '융통성' is a nuanced trait that balances '원칙' (principles) and '현실' (reality). You can argue for or against the need for flexibility in different professional scenarios.
At the C1 level, you can appreciate the philosophical and cultural depths of '융통성'. You might analyze how '융통성' relates to the Korean concept of 'Jeong' (social harmony) versus Western concepts of 'Rule of Law'. You can use the word in formal debates, writing essays about leadership, or analyzing literature. You understand that too much '융통성' can lead to corruption or lack of standards (비리 or 기준 없음), while too little leads to stagnation (정체). You can use sophisticated synonyms like '신축성' (elasticity/flexibility) or '가변성' (variability) and explain the subtle differences between them and '융통성'. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the social 'grease' this word represents in high-context communication.
At the C2 level, your mastery of '융통성 있다' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You can use it with subtle irony, sarcasm, or deep professional insight. You might use it to critique a complex legal framework, suggesting it needs more '융통성' to account for human rights, or conversely, that '융통성' has been used as an excuse to bypass safety regulations. You are comfortable with idiomatic expressions and can weave the word into high-level discourse about sociology, economics, or management theory. You understand the historical evolution of the term and how its value has shifted in the transition from a traditional agrarian society to a high-tech modern one. You can provide nuanced advice to others on exactly how much '융통성' to show in specific, high-stakes cultural negotiations.

융통성 있다 in 30 Sekunden

  • A term describing mental and situational flexibility, essential for navigating Korean social and professional hierarchies smoothly.
  • Used to praise problem-solvers who adapt to change, but can be used negatively (융통성이 없다) for rigid sticklers.
  • Distinct from '유연하다', which refers to physical flexibility; 융통성 is strictly for character, logic, and practical adaptation.
  • Commonly paired with verbs like '처리하다' (to handle) or '발휘하다' (to display) in workplace and daily life contexts.

The Korean expression 융통성 있다 (yung-tong-seong it-da) is a vital descriptor for someone's personality or an approach to a situation. At its core, it refers to the ability to adapt, be versatile, and handle changing circumstances with ease rather than being rigidly stuck to rules or pre-existing plans. The word is composed of '융' (melt/blend), '통' (pass through), and '성' (nature/quality), followed by the verb '있다' (to have/exist). Literally, it suggests a nature that allows things to flow and blend together rather than clashing.

In a social or professional context, being told you have 융통성 is generally a high compliment. It suggests you are a problem-solver who doesn't get flustered when things go wrong. For instance, if a project deadline is moved up, a person with 융통성 doesn't just complain about the schedule; they find a way to reorganize their tasks to meet the new goal. In Korean society, which often values hierarchy and rules, having the 'sense' to know when to bend those rules for the sake of efficiency or harmony is seen as a sign of maturity and high social intelligence.

Literal Breakdown
융 (Yung): To melt or circulate. 통 (Tong): To pass through or communicate. 성 (Seong): Character or nature. 있다 (Itda): To have. Together: To have a nature that circulates and passes through obstacles.

김 대리님은 정말 융통성 있게 일을 잘 처리하세요. (Assistant Manager Kim handles work very flexibly.)

However, it is important to distinguish this from simply being lazy or ignoring rules. 융통성 is about 'smart' flexibility. It is the grease that keeps the social and professional machinery running smoothly when friction arises. If a restaurant is about to close but a customer just needs one small item, a staff member with 융통성 might serve them, whereas a rigid person would strictly follow the closing time. This 'human touch' is a key component of the word's nuance.

Common Usage Scenario
You will often hear this in office settings when negotiating deadlines or in service industries where customers request special favors that aren't strictly against the rules but aren't standard procedure either.

상황이 바뀌었으니 우리도 좀 융통성을 발휘해 봅시다. (Since the situation has changed, let's exercise some flexibility.)

In summary, 융통성 있다 is about the 'fluidity' of mind. It is the difference between a tree branch that snaps in the wind and the willow that bends and survives. In the fast-paced life of modern Korea (Pali-pali culture), being able to pivot quickly is a highly sought-after trait in both friends and colleagues.

Using 융통성 있다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical forms. Since it is an adjective phrase (noun + existence verb), it functions like other '있다' adjectives such as 재미있다 (interesting) or 맛있다 (delicious). You can use it to describe a person's character, an action, or a specific approach to a problem.

Grammatical Forms
  • 융통성 있다: The base form (to be flexible).
  • 융통성이 있다: Adding the subject marker '이' makes it more grammatically complete and slightly more formal or emphatic.
  • 융통성 있게: The adverbial form (flexibly). Used to describe *how* someone does something.
  • 융통성 있는: The attributive form (flexible [noun]). Used to describe a person or plan.

그는 융통성 있는 지도자입니다. (He is a flexible leader.)

When talking about someone lacking this trait, simply replace 있다 with 없다. 융통성이 없는 사람 (a person without flexibility) is often used to describe someone who is difficult to work with because they follow the manual too literally, even when it doesn't make sense to do so. This is a common trope in Korean workplace dramas, where a protagonist might struggle against a rigid boss.

Another common way to use this word is with the verb '발휘하다' (to display/exhibit). You 'exhibit' flexibility in a moment of crisis. For example, '위기 상황에서 융통성을 발휘했다' (He showed flexibility in a crisis situation). This emphasizes that the flexibility was a skill used to solve a specific problem.

Sentence Patterns
[Person] + 은/는 + 융통성이 + 있다/없다.
[Action] + 를/을 + 융통성 있게 + [Verb].

규정만 따지지 말고 좀 융통성 있게 행동해 봐요. (Don't just stick to the regulations; try to act with some flexibility.)

Finally, keep in mind that the degree of flexibility can be modified with adverbs like '전혀' (not at all), '정말' (really), or '조금' (a little). '융통성이 전혀 없어요' is a very strong criticism, implying someone is like a brick wall.

You will hear 융통성 있다 in a variety of real-life settings in Korea, from the corporate office to the local market. It is a word that bridges the gap between formal evaluation and informal social commentary. Understanding the context where it appears will help you grasp the 'vibe' of the word.

1. The Workplace (The Most Common Arena)
In Korean companies, things change fast. A client might change their mind, or a superior might give a sudden order. In these moments, colleagues will talk about who is '융통성 있는 사람'. It's often used during performance reviews or when venting about a difficult coworker. If someone says, '우리 팀장님은 융통성이 너무 없으셔' (Our team leader has no flexibility), they are likely complaining that the boss is too bureaucratic.

이 문제는 규정대로만 하기보다 융통성 있게 넘어가야 합니다. (This issue needs to be handled flexibly rather than just by the rules.)

2. **Service and Hospitality:** Imagine you are at a hotel and you want a late check-out by just 30 minutes. If the receptionist allows it without charging you, they are showing 융통성. If they refuse because 'the computer says no,' they are lacking it. In this context, it’s about the 'service mind' and knowing when a small exception creates a happy customer.

3. **Education and Parenting:** Teachers and parents often discuss the need for 융통성. A teacher who sees a student is struggling and gives an extension is praised for being flexible. Conversely, a parent might be advised, '아이를 키울 때는 융통성이 필요해요' (When raising a child, flexibility is necessary), suggesting that strict discipline isn't always the answer.

4. Daily Interactions
When making plans with friends. If a friend says, 'I might be 10 minutes late,' and you reply, '괜찮아, 난 융통성 있는 사람이잖아' (It's okay, I'm a flexible person), it adds a lighthearted tone to the conversation, showing you aren't easily annoyed by small changes.

스케줄을 융통성 있게 조정할 수 있을까요? (Could we adjust the schedule flexibly?)

In all these cases, the word carries the weight of emotional intelligence. It’s not just about 'changing plans,' but about the wisdom to know *why* and *how* to change them for the best outcome.

While 융통성 있다 is a common and useful phrase, English speakers often run into a few specific pitfalls when using it in Korean. Because the English word 'flexible' covers a wide range of meanings, it's easy to misapply the Korean equivalent.

Mistake 1: Using it for Physical Flexibility
This is the most frequent error. In English, you can say 'My body is flexible' or 'This plastic is flexible.' In Korean, you cannot use 융통성 for this. For physical flexibility, you must use 유연하다 (yuyeon-hada). Saying '제 다리는 융통성이 있어요' would sound like your legs have a personality that likes to negotiate rules!

Correct: 요가를 해서 몸이 유연해요. (I'm flexible because I do yoga.)
Incorrect: 요가를 해서 몸이 융통성 있어요.

Mistake 2: Confusing it with 'Open-minded'. While they are related, 융통성 focus more on the *application* of rules and handling situations. If you want to say someone is open to new ideas or different cultures, 개방적이다 (gaebang-jeok-ida) or 마음이 열려 있다 is more accurate. 융통성 is specifically about the 'slack' in a system or a person's ability to pivot in practical matters.

Mistake 3: Over-applying it to mean 'Indecisive'. Sometimes learners use 융통성 있다 to describe someone who can't make up their mind. However, 융통성 implies a positive trait of adaptation. If someone is just wishy-washy, Koreans use 우유부단하다 (uyu-budan-hada). Having 융통성 means you *can* change, but you still have a goal in mind.

Mistake 4: Particle Confusion
Learners often forget that '융통성' is a noun. You cannot say '융통성해요'. It must be '융통성이 있다' (adjective phrase) or '융통성 있게 행동하다' (adverb + verb). Treat it exactly like 'interest' in 'to be interesting'.

그는 융통성이 부족해요. (He lacks flexibility. - Note the use of '부족하다' to mean 'to be lacking'.)

By avoiding these mistakes, you will sound much more natural. Remember: 융통성 is for the mind and the situation; 유연함 is for the muscles and the materials.

Korean has several words that touch upon the concept of flexibility or adaptability. Depending on whether you are talking about someone's personality, their physical state, or their general easy-going nature, you might choose a different term.

1. 유연하다 (Yu-yeon-hada)
As mentioned before, this is 'flexible' in a physical sense (like a gymnast). However, it can also be used metaphorically for thinking (유연한 사고 - flexible thinking). It is more academic or formal than 융통성 있다.
2. 원만하다 (Won-man-hada)
This describes a personality that is smooth, easy-going, and gets along well with others. If 융통성 is about handling rules, 원만하다 is about handling people. A person with a 원만한 personality rarely has conflicts.
3. 너그럽다 (Neo-geu-reop-da)
This means 'generous' or 'broad-minded'. If someone makes a mistake and you forgive them instead of being strict, you are being 너그럽다. It shares a similar 'softness' with 융통성.

상황에 따라 유연하게 대처하세요. (Cope flexibly/smoothly depending on the situation.)

On the opposite side, we have words for rigidity:

1. 고집스럽다 (Go-jip-seu-reop-da) / 고집이 세다
Stubborn. This is when someone refuses to change their mind even when they are clearly wrong. It is the negative counterpart to 융통성.
2. 까다롭다 (Kka-da-rop-da)
Picky or fastidious. Someone who is 까다롭다 has very specific rules for how they want things done, leaving zero room for 융통성.

Choosing the right word shows your level of Korean proficiency. If you are in a business meeting, using '유연한 대처' sounds professional. If you are complaining to a friend about a strict store clerk, '융통성이 없다' is the perfect choice.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The character 融 (Yung) is the same one used in 'finance' (금융 - geum-yung), because money needs to 'melt and flow' through the economy just like a flexible mind flows through problems.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /juŋ.tʰoŋ.sʌŋ it.t͈a/
US /juŋ.tʰoŋ.sʌŋ it.t͈a/
The primary stress is often on the first syllable '융' and the '있' in '있다'.
Reimt sich auf
가능성 있다 (ganeungseong itda) 전문성 있다 (jeonmunseong itda) 적극성 있다 (jeokgeukseong itda) 일관성 있다 (ilgwanseong itda) 창의성 있다 (chang-uiseong itda) 타당성 있다 (tadangseong itda) 실용성 있다 (siryongseong itda) 안정성 있다 (anjeongseong itda)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing '융' like 'young' (English). It should be 'yung' with a Korean 'u' (ㅜ) sound.
  • Forgetting the aspiration in '통' (sounds like 'dong').
  • Not tensing the 'tt' in '있다'.
  • Merging '성' and '있' too quickly without a slight pause.
  • Pronouncing '성' as 'sung' (English). It's closer to 'seong' (ㅓ).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The word itself is mid-level, but appearing in complex Hanja-based sentences can be tricky.

Schreiben 4/5

Using the adverbial and attributive forms correctly requires a good grasp of grammar.

Sprechen 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, and it's a very useful word for daily life.

Hören 3/5

Common in workplace dialogues and news reports.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

있다 없다 성격 상황 바꾸다

Als Nächstes lernen

유연하다 원칙 대처하다 발휘하다 합리적이다

Fortgeschritten

신축성 가변성 임기응변 타협 관용

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective phrase with 있다/없다

재미있다, 맛있다, 융통성 있다.

Adverbial ending -게

융통성 있게 대처하다.

Attributive ending -는 for '있다'

융통성 있는 사람.

Subject marker -이/가 with '있다'

융통성이 있다.

Noun + 부족하다

융통성이 부족하다.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

제 친구는 융통성이 있어요.

My friend is flexible.

Simple [Subject] + [Adjective] structure.

2

융통성 있는 사람이 좋아요.

I like flexible people.

Attributive form '있는' modifying '사람'.

3

엄마는 융통성이 없어요.

My mom is not flexible.

Opposite form using '없어요'.

4

그 선생님은 융통성이 있어요?

Is that teacher flexible?

Question form ending in '?'.

5

우리 조금만 융통성 있게 해요.

Let's be a little flexible.

Adverbial form '있게' used with '해요'.

6

융통성은 중요해요.

Flexibility is important.

Topic marker '은' attached to the noun.

7

그는 융통성이 아주 많아요.

He has a lot of flexibility.

Using '많아요' (to be many/a lot) instead of just '있어요'.

8

융통성이 있으면 편해요.

If you have flexibility, it's comfortable.

Conditional '-으면' (if).

1

사장님이 융통성이 있어서 다행이에요.

It's a relief that the boss is flexible.

Reasoning connector '-어서' (because/so).

2

융통성 있게 계획을 바꿨어요.

I changed the plan flexibly.

Adverbial '있게' modifying the verb '바꿨어요'.

3

너무 융통성이 없으면 힘들어요.

It's hard if someone is too inflexible.

Using '너무' (too/excessively) for emphasis.

4

융통성 있는 대답을 해주세요.

Please give me a flexible answer.

Request form '-해 주세요'.

5

그는 융통성이 부족한 것 같아요.

I think he lacks flexibility.

Softened opinion '-은 것 같아요'.

6

융통성을 발휘해서 문제를 풀었어요.

I solved the problem by showing flexibility.

Verb '발휘하다' (to display/exhibit).

7

모든 일에 융통성이 필요해요.

Flexibility is needed in everything.

Passive/Necessity structure '필요해요'.

8

융통성 있게 행동하는 법을 배워요.

Learn how to act flexibly.

'-는 법' (how to/the way of).

1

업무를 처리할 때는 어느 정도 융통성이 있어야 합니다.

When handling work, there must be some degree of flexibility.

'-어야 합니다' (must/should).

2

그 직원은 융통성 있게 상황에 대처했어요.

The employee coped with the situation flexibly.

Verb '대처하다' (to cope/deal with).

3

융통성이 없는 규정은 고쳐야 해요.

Regulations that lack flexibility should be fixed.

Relative clause '융통성이 없는' modifying '규정'.

4

상대방의 의견에 따라 융통성 있게 조절합시다.

Let's adjust flexibly according to the other person's opinion.

'-에 따라' (according to).

5

융통성 있는 사고방식이 중요합니다.

A flexible way of thinking is important.

Compound noun '사고방식' (way of thinking).

6

그는 원칙을 지키면서도 융통성이 있어요.

He is flexible while still keeping the principles.

'-면서도' (while/even though).

7

융통성이 부족하면 사회 생활이 힘들 수 있어요.

If you lack flexibility, social life can be difficult.

'-ㄹ 수 있어요' (can/might).

8

이번 일은 융통성을 좀 발휘해 주시겠어요?

Could you please show some flexibility in this matter?

Polite request with '-시겠어요?'.

1

현대 사회에서는 변화에 융통성 있게 대응하는 능력이 필수적이다.

In modern society, the ability to respond flexibly to change is essential.

Formal ending '-다'.

2

융통성 없는 조직은 빠르게 변하는 시장에서 살아남기 어렵다.

Inflexible organizations find it hard to survive in a rapidly changing market.

'-기 어렵다' (difficult to do).

3

법을 집행할 때도 인간적인 융통성이 필요할 때가 있다.

Even when enforcing the law, there are times when human flexibility is needed.

'-ㄹ 때가 있다' (there are times when).

4

그 프로젝트는 융통성 있는 예산 운용 덕분에 성공했다.

The project succeeded thanks to flexible budget management.

'-덕분에' (thanks to).

5

지나친 융통성은 오히려 원칙을 훼손할 우려가 있다.

Excessive flexibility may actually undermine principles.

'-ㄹ 우려가 있다' (there is a concern that).

6

리더는 단호함과 융통성을 동시에 갖추어야 한다.

A leader must possess both decisiveness and flexibility at the same time.

'-와/과 ... 동시에' (simultaneously).

7

융통성 있게 일정을 조정하여 모든 참석자를 배려했다.

By adjusting the schedule flexibly, all participants were considered.

'-여' (and/by doing so - literary/formal).

8

상황의 특수성을 고려해 융통성을 발휘하기로 결정했다.

It was decided to show flexibility considering the specificity of the situation.

'-기로 결정했다' (decided to).

1

관료주의적 폐해를 극복하기 위해서는 행정의 융통성이 제고되어야 한다.

To overcome bureaucratic evils, administrative flexibility must be enhanced.

High-level vocabulary: '폐해' (evil/harm), '제고되다' (to be enhanced).

2

융통성 있는 사고는 창의적 문제 해결의 핵심 동력이다.

Flexible thinking is the core driving force of creative problem solving.

Metaphorical use of '동력' (power/engine).

3

그 정책은 현실과의 괴리를 좁히기 위해 융통성 있게 수정되었다.

The policy was flexibly revised to narrow the gap with reality.

'괴리' (gap/estrangement).

4

원칙과 융통성 사이의 절묘한 균형을 잡는 것이 정치의 묘미다.

Striking an exquisite balance between principles and flexibility is the beauty of politics.

'묘미' (the beauty/charm of something).

5

디지털 시대의 교육은 학습자의 개별성을 존중하는 융통성을 지녀야 한다.

Education in the digital age must possess the flexibility to respect the individuality of learners.

'지녀야 한다' (must possess/carry).

6

그는 상황의 맥락을 짚어내는 융통성이 탁월한 인물이다.

He is a person with excellent flexibility in grasping the context of a situation.

'탁월하다' (to be excellent/outstanding).

7

무조건적인 원칙 고수는 때로 융통성 결여로 비춰질 수 있다.

Unconditional adherence to principles can sometimes be seen as a lack of flexibility.

'결여' (lack/deficiency).

8

계약 조항에 융통성을 두어 예기치 못한 변수에 대비했다.

Flexibility was included in the contract clauses to prepare for unexpected variables.

'변수' (variable).

1

형식 논리에 함몰되지 않고 실질적 정의를 구현하기 위한 융통성이 요구된다.

Flexibility is required to realize substantive justice without being submerged in formal logic.

Abstract academic terminology: '함몰되다' (to be submerged/sunken).

2

융통성은 단순한 타협이 아니라, 고차원적인 상황 인식의 발로이다.

Flexibility is not simple compromise, but an expression of high-level situational awareness.

'발로' (manifestation/expression).

3

조직의 경직성을 타파하기 위해 융통성을 제도화하려는 시도가 이어지고 있다.

Attempts to institutionalize flexibility to break down organizational rigidity are continuing.

'타파하다' (to break down/overthrow).

4

철학적 관점에서 융통성은 진리에 도달하기 위한 유동적 방편으로 해석될 수 있다.

From a philosophical perspective, flexibility can be interpreted as a fluid means to reach the truth.

'방편' (means/expedient).

5

기술 혁신의 속도를 법 제도가 융통성 있게 따라가지 못하는 법 지체 현상이 발생한다.

A phenomenon of legal lag occurs where the legal system cannot flexibly keep up with the speed of technological innovation.

'법 지체 현상' (cultural/legal lag).

6

글로벌 리더십의 핵심은 문화적 상이함을 포용하는 융통성 있는 태도에 있다.

The core of global leadership lies in a flexible attitude that embraces cultural differences.

'상이함' (difference/dissimilarity).

7

융통성이 결여된 도덕주의는 종종 독선과 배타성으로 흐르기 쉽다.

Moralism lacking flexibility often tends to flow into self-righteousness and exclusivity.

'배타성' (exclusivity).

8

예술적 창작 과정에서의 융통성은 우연을 필연으로 승화시키는 힘이 된다.

Flexibility in the artistic creation process becomes the power to sublimate chance into necessity.

'승화시키다' (to sublimate).

Häufige Kollokationen

융통성을 발휘하다
융통성 있게 처리하다
융통성이 부족하다
융통성 있는 사고
융통성을 두다
융통성이 전혀 없다
융통성을 보이다
융통성 있게 대처하다
인간적인 융통성
융통성을 잃다

Häufige Phrasen

융통성 있게 해 주세요

— Please handle this flexibly. Often used when asking for a small favor.

이번 한 번만 융통성 있게 해 주세요.

융통성이 없어서 그래요

— It's because they lack flexibility. Used to explain someone's rigid behavior.

그 사람은 원래 융통성이 없어서 그래요.

융통성을 발휘할 때입니다

— It is time to show some flexibility. Used to encourage adaptation.

지금은 우리가 융통성을 발휘할 때입니다.

융통성 있는 사람

— A flexible person. A common way to describe a desirable coworker.

저는 융통성 있는 사람과 일하고 싶어요.

융통성이 필요해요

— Flexibility is needed. Used when a situation is too rigid.

이 계획에는 좀 더 융통성이 필요해요.

융통성 있게 생각해요

— Think flexibly. Used to suggest looking at a problem differently.

너무 어렵게만 보지 말고 융통성 있게 생각해요.

융통성이 꽝이다

— To have zero flexibility (slangy/informal).

우리 부장님은 융통성이 진짜 꽝이야.

융통성 있게 넘어가다

— To let something slide or overlook it flexibly.

작은 실수는 융통성 있게 넘어갑시다.

융통성을 발휘해 봅시다

— Let's try to be flexible. Used in a group setting.

다 같이 융통성을 발휘해 봅시다.

융통성 있게 조절하다

— To adjust something flexibly.

양을 융통성 있게 조절해 주세요.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

융통성 있다 vs 유연하다

English speakers use 'flexible' for both, but Korean uses 유연하다 for physical or very formal mental contexts, and 융통성 for social/practical ones.

융통성 있다 vs 우유부단하다

융통성 is positive (adaptable); 우유부단하다 is negative (indecisive).

융통성 있다 vs 변덕스럽다

융통성 is smart change; 변덕스럽다 is fickle, annoying change.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"귀에 걸면 귀걸이 코에 걸면 코걸이"

— It depends on how you look at it / Interpreting things to suit one's needs. Related to extreme (sometimes negative) flexibility.

그 법은 귀에 걸면 귀걸이 코에 걸면 코걸이라 융통성이 너무 심해요.

Idiomatic
"물에 술 탄 듯 술에 물 탄 듯"

— Being lukewarm or wishy-washy. Sometimes confused with being flexible, but more negative.

융통성이 있는 건 좋지만 물에 술 탄 듯 행동하면 안 돼요.

Idiomatic
"대쪽 같다"

— To be like a split bamboo (very rigid and principled). The opposite of having 융통성.

그분은 성품이 대쪽 같아서 융통성을 기대하기 어렵다.

Literary
"벽창호"

— A stubborn, inflexible person who doesn't listen to reason.

말이 안 통하는 걸 보니 정말 벽창호로구나.

Informal
"가물에 콩 나듯"

— Very rare (like beans growing in a drought). Used to describe how rare 융통성 can be in some organizations.

그 부서에서 융통성을 찾기란 가물에 콩 나듯 어렵다.

Idiomatic
"손바닥 뒤집듯"

— Changing one's mind too easily (like flipping a palm). Negative extreme of flexibility.

말을 손바닥 뒤집듯 바꾸는 건 융통성이 아니라 변덕이다.

Informal
"바늘구멍 하나 들어갈 틈이 없다"

— Not even a needle hole's worth of space. Describes someone with zero 융통성.

그 규정은 바늘구멍 하나 들어갈 틈 없이 빽빽하다.

Idiomatic
"말이 안 통하다"

— Unable to communicate/reason with. Often used when someone lacks 융통성.

융통성이 없으니 도무지 말이 안 통해요.

Informal
"한 우물을 파다"

— To dig one well (to focus on one thing). Sometimes contrasts with being flexible and trying many things.

융통성 있게 여러 일을 하기보다 한 우물을 파는 게 나을 때도 있다.

Idiomatic
"천 리 길도 한 걸음부터"

— A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Used to encourage starting to be more flexible.

융통성을 기르는 것도 천 리 길도 한 걸음부터입니다.

Idiomatic

Leicht verwechselbar

융통성 있다 vs 유연하다

Both translate to 'flexible'.

유연하다 is physical (yoga) or abstract (flexible mind). 융통성 is strictly situational/social.

몸이 유연하다 (Correct) / 몸이 융통성 있다 (Incorrect).

융통성 있다 vs 개방적이다

Both involve being 'open'.

개방적이다 is 'open-minded' to new ideas. 융통성 is 'adaptable' to changes in plans/rules.

그는 외국 문화에 개방적이다.

융통성 있다 vs 원만하다

Both describe positive social traits.

원만하다 is about having no 'sharp edges' in personality. 융통성 is about handling rules.

성격이 원만해서 적이 없다.

융통성 있다 vs 너그럽다

Both involve being 'soft' on rules.

너그럽다 is generosity/forgiveness. 융통성 is practical efficiency.

실수를 너그럽게 봐주다.

융통성 있다 vs 임기응변

Both involve reacting to change.

임기응변 is 'ad-libbing' or 'improvising' on the spot. 융통성 is a character trait.

그는 임기응변에 강하다.

Satzmuster

A1

[Person]은/는 융통성이 있어요.

민수는 융통성이 있어요.

A2

융통성 있게 [Verb].

융통성 있게 바꿔요.

B1

융통성이 있는 [Noun].

융통성 있는 계획이 필요해요.

B2

융통성을 발휘하다.

그는 위기에서 융통성을 발휘했다.

C1

융통성 결여.

이 시스템의 문제는 융통성 결여입니다.

C2

원칙과 융통성의 조화.

리더십의 핵심은 원칙과 융통성의 조화에 있다.

B1

융통성이 부족하다.

저는 융통성이 부족한 편이에요.

B2

융통성을 두다.

규정에 약간의 융통성을 둡시다.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

융통 (yung-tong) - circulation/versatility
융통성 (yung-tong-seong) - flexibility/adaptability

Verben

융통하다 (yung-tong-hada) - to circulate/to lend/to adapt
융통시키다 (yung-tong-sikida) - to make something circulate

Adjektive

융통성 있다 (yung-tong-seong itda) - to be flexible
융통성 없다 (yung-tong-seong eopda) - to be inflexible

Verwandt

유연함 (yuyeon-ham) - flexibility/softness
적응력 (jeogeung-ryeok) - adaptability
대처 (daecheo) - coping/response
변통 (byeontong) - shift/expedient
수완 (suwan) - skill/ability

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in professional and social settings.

Häufige Fehler
  • 제 팔은 융통성이 있어요. 제 팔은 유연해요.

    You used the word for mental flexibility to describe physical flexibility.

  • 그는 매우 융통성해요. 그는 매우 융통성이 있어요.

    융통성 is a noun, so you must use '있다' (to have/exist), not '하다'.

  • 융통성게 행동하세요. 융통성 있게 행동하세요.

    The adverbial form requires '있게' after the noun 융통성.

  • 융통성을 하세요. 융통성을 발휘하세요.

    You 'display' or 'exercise' (발휘하다) flexibility, you don't 'do' it.

  • 융통성 있는 다리. 유연한 다리.

    Again, physical objects/body parts use '유연한' or '탄력 있는'.

Tipps

Adverbial Priority

You will use '융통성 있게' much more often than the noun form. Memorize it as a set phrase with '처리하다' (handle).

Smart vs. Fickle

융통성 implies wisdom. Don't use it for someone who just changes their mind because they are confused.

The 'Jeong' Connection

In Korea, showing 융통성 often means you are prioritizing the human relationship over a cold rule.

Interview Tip

In a job interview, saying '저는 융통성 있는 사람입니다' is a great way to describe your problem-solving skills.

Particle Drop

In casual speech, '이' is often dropped: '융통성 있어' instead of '융통성이 있어'.

Physical vs. Mental

Always double-check: if it's about muscles, use '유연하다'. If it's about rules, use '융통성'.

Bureaucracy

This word is the 'antidote' to bureaucracy. Use it when you want to bypass red tape.

B1 Mastery

Mastering this word moves you from basic descriptions to nuanced personality evaluation.

Flowing Water

Visualize water flowing around a stone. That is the essence of 융통성.

Negative Context

Be careful: calling a boss '융통성 없다' behind their back is common, but saying it to their face is very bold.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Yung' as 'Young' and 'Tong' as 'Tongue'. A young tongue is flexible and can learn many languages. 융통성 is that flexibility!

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a piece of metal melting (융) and flowing through a pipe (통). It doesn't get stuck; it adapts to the shape of the pipe.

Word Web

융통성 유연함 적응 변화 센스 (Sense) 대처 원칙 조화

Herausforderung

Try to use '융통성 있게' in a sentence today when you ask someone to change a plan or when you describe how you handled a busy day.

Wortherkunft

Derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters). 융 (融) + 통 (通) + 성 (性).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: 融 (Yung) means to melt, blend, or circulate. 通 (Tong) means to pass through, communicate, or succeed. 性 (Seong) means nature or character.

Sino-Korean

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful not to imply that 융통성 means breaking the law. It's about 'bending' minor rules or schedules, not ethical violations.

In English, 'flexible' is used for both people and objects. In Korean, 융통성 is strictly for the mental/social realm.

The drama 'Misaeng' (Incomplete Life) frequently explores the tension between corporate rules and 융통성. The movie 'Parasite' shows characters using extreme (and deceptive) 융통성 to adapt to their surroundings. Korean variety shows often praise guests who are '융통성 있다' during unpredictable games.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Office/Workplace

  • 융통성 있게 업무를 처리하다
  • 융통성을 발휘해 주십시오
  • 융통성 없는 상사
  • 일정에 융통성을 두다

Service/Customer Support

  • 융통성 있게 환불해 주다
  • 규정상 어렵지만 융통성을 보이다
  • 고객의 편의를 위해 융통성 있게
  • 융통성 있는 서비스

Daily Social Life

  • 융통성 있는 성격
  • 융통성 있게 약속 시간을 정하다
  • 친구 사이에 융통성이 필요하다
  • 융통성 있게 넘어가다

Government/Legal

  • 법 집행의 융통성
  • 행정적 융통성 제고
  • 융통성 있는 정책 운용
  • 규제 완화와 융통성

Education/Learning

  • 융통성 있는 사고방식
  • 창의성과 융통성
  • 교육 과정의 융통성
  • 선생님의 융통성 있는 지도

Gesprächseinstiege

"한국 직장 문화에서 융통성이 얼마나 중요하다고 생각하세요?"

"당신은 스스로 융통성 있는 사람이라고 생각하나요?"

"융통성이 없어서 곤란했던 경험이 있나요?"

"규칙을 지키는 것과 융통성을 발휘하는 것 중 무엇이 더 중요할까요?"

"상대방에게 융통성을 부탁할 때 어떤 표현을 쓰면 좋을까요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

오늘 하루 중 내가 가장 융통성 있게 행동했던 순간에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about a moment today when you acted most flexibly.)

내가 만난 사람 중 가장 융통성이 없었던 사람에 대해 묘사해 보세요. (Describe the most inflexible person you have ever met.)

융통성이 필요한 구체적인 상황 세 가지를 들어 보세요. (Give three specific situations where flexibility is needed.)

융통성과 원칙 사이에서 갈등했던 경험이 있나요? (Have you ever experienced a conflict between flexibility and principles?)

더 융통성 있는 사람이 되기 위해 무엇을 할 수 있을까요? (What can you do to become a more flexible person?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No. For a rubber band or physical objects, use '탄력 있다' (elastic) or '잘 늘어나다' (stretches well). 융통성 is only for behavior and thinking.

Usually, yes. It implies being smart and helpful. However, if someone uses it to mean they are ignoring important laws, it can be negative. But '융통성이 없다' is almost always a criticism.

You can say '조금만 더 융통성 있게 해 주실 수 있을까요?' (Could you please do it a bit more flexibly?).

They are close. '센스' is broader—it's having good intuition. 융통성 is specifically about adapting to rules and situations.

Yes, it comes from 融 (melt) + 通 (pass) + 性 (nature).

No. You must say '융통성 있어요' or '융통성이 있어요'.

They are like a robot. They follow the manual 100% even if it makes things slower or worse for everyone.

Yes! '시간을 융통성 있게 쓰다' means to use your time flexibly.

Very often, especially when talking about government policies or economic changes.

It can involve compromise (타협), but it's more about the *ability* to adapt than the act of giving in.

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

writing

Translate to Korean: 'He is a flexible person.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Please handle it flexibly.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I lack flexibility.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Flexibility is important.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Let's show some flexibility.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a '융통성 없는' person in one Korean sentence.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '융통성 있게' to describe changing a plan.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'The boss was not flexible at all.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '융통성 있는 사고'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'We need to adjust the schedule flexibly.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '융통성' in a sentence about a restaurant service.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Don't be so rigid.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about why flexibility is good at work.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Is there any room for flexibility?'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I like people who are flexible.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a short dialogue using '융통성'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'A flexible mind is the key to success.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'We adjusted the budget flexibly.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '융통성 부족' in a sentence about a system.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'He displayed great flexibility in the crisis.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

How do you say 'I am a flexible person' in polite Korean?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

How do you ask a boss to be flexible politely?

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Express frustration about an inflexible coworker.

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Suggest changing a meeting time flexibly.

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Say 'Let's show some flexibility' to your team.

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Describe a friend who is very flexible.

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How do you say 'Think flexibly' to a younger sibling?

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Explain that a plan needs flexibility.

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Say 'I handled it flexibly.'

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Ask 'Is there no flexibility?' in a formal way.

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Say 'He lacks flexibility.'

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Say 'Don't be so strict, be flexible.'

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Say 'Flexibility is my strength.'

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Say 'We adjusted the budget flexibly.'

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Say 'I think you need some flexibility.'

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Say 'A flexible mind is important.'

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Say 'Let's handle it flexibly this time.'

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Say 'There was no flexibility in that rule.'

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Say 'He is a very flexible leader.'

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speaking

Say 'I will try to be more flexible.'

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listening

Listen to the dialogue: 'A: 규정대로 하면 안 돼요. B: 좀 융통성 있게 해 주시면 안 될까요?' What is B asking for?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '우리 선생님은 융통성이 진짜 없어.' Is the teacher flexible?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '융통성 있게 일정을 잡았으니까 걱정 마세요.' Should the listener worry about the schedule?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '그는 융통성을 발휘해서 위기를 넘겼다.' How did he get past the crisis?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '융통성 부족이 이 사업의 실패 원인입니다.' Why did the business fail?

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listening

Listen: '상황이 바뀌었으니 융통성 있게 대처해야지.' What should they do since the situation changed?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '융통성 있는 사고가 창의력의 기초다.' What is the basis of creativity?

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listening

Listen: '그는 융통성이 전혀 없는 원칙주의자다.' What kind of person is he?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '융통성 있게 봐주셔서 감사합니다.' Why is the speaker thanking the listener?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '이 계획은 융통성이 있어서 좋아요.' Why does the speaker like the plan?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '융통성을 두지 않으면 문제가 커질 거야.' What will happen if they don't allow for flexibility?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '그녀는 융통성 있게 문제를 잘 해결해요.' Is she good at solving problems?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '융통성을 발휘할 때가 왔습니다.' What time is it?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '융통성이 없어서 정말 답답하네요.' How does the speaker feel?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '융통성 있는 태도가 필요합니다.' What is needed?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

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