At the A1 level, learners should recognize '무료' as a basic label. It is often seen on signs or menus. At this stage, you just need to know that '무료' means you don't have to pay money. You will most likely see it in simple sentences like '커피는 무료입니다' (Coffee is free). It is a vital survival word for tourists who need to know if they are being charged for something.
At the A2 level, you begin to use '무료' in more complex ways, such as '무료로' (for free) to describe actions. You can understand phrases like '무료 배송' (free shipping) when shopping online. You should be able to ask if something is free using the polite form: '이것은 무료인가요?' (Is this free?). You also start to see the contrast between '무료' and '유료' (paid).
By B1, you can understand '무료' in the context of terms and conditions. For example, '30일 무료 체험' (30-day free trial). You can explain why something is free or discuss the benefits of free public services. You are also aware of the nuance between '무료' and '공짜', using '무료' in more formal writing and '공짜' when talking with friends.
At the B2 level, you encounter '무료' in news articles and social issues. You might read about '무료 급식소' (free soup kitchens) or '무료 법률 상담' (free legal counseling). You can use the word in debates about whether certain public services should remain free. You understand the economic implications of '무료' services and how they are funded through taxes or advertisements.
At the C1 level, you understand the academic and legal nuances of '무료' versus '무상'. You can analyze texts about '무상 복지' (free welfare) and the political discourse surrounding it. You recognize how '무료' is used in marketing psychology to influence consumer behavior. Your vocabulary includes related idioms and formal expressions where '무료' might be replaced by more specific terms like '희사' (donation) or '기부' (contribution).
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word and its implications. You can discuss the 'Zero Price Effect' in behavioral economics using Korean. You understand historical contexts where the concept of '무료' evolved in Korean society. You can use the word in high-level literary or philosophical contexts, perhaps exploring the concept of 'nothingness' (無) within the word itself in a poetic or analytical way.

무료 in 30 Sekunden

  • 무료 (Muryo) means 'free of charge' and is used for products or services with zero cost.
  • It is a Sino-Korean word (無 + 料) often seen in formal signs and advertisements.
  • Commonly used with the particle '-로' (무료로) to mean 'for free' as an adverb.
  • Must be distinguished from '자유' (liberty) and '공짜' (casual 'free').

The word 무료 (Muryo) is a Sino-Korean noun that literally translates to 'no fee.' It is composed of two Hanja characters: 無 (무), meaning 'nothing' or 'none,' and 料 (료), meaning 'fee' or 'material.' When combined, they describe anything that is provided without charge. This is one of the most essential words for anyone living in or visiting Korea, as it appears on signs, advertisements, and digital platforms constantly.

Etymology
Derived from Middle Chinese 'mju ljew'. The concept of 'no fee' is central to modern consumer culture and public welfare in Korea.
Grammatical Usage
It functions as a noun but often acts like an adjective when followed by the particle '-의' or when placed directly before another noun (e.g., 무료 입장).

이 공원은 무료로 개방됩니다. (This park is open to the public for free.)

Understanding '무료' is crucial because it distinguishes between paid services (유료) and those that are complimentary. In a cultural context, Koreans value '서비스' (service), which often implies a free addition to a purchase, but '무료' is the formal term for the lack of cost. Whether you are looking for free Wi-Fi (무료 와이파이) or a free sample (무료 샘플), this word is your primary keyword.

박물관은 매주 월요일에 무료입니다. (The museum is free every Monday.)

Using 무료 correctly involves understanding its relationship with particles. Most commonly, you will see it paired with -로 (as/by way of) to form 무료로, which functions as an adverb meaning 'for free.' For example, '무료로 주다' (to give for free).

Common Patterns
[Noun] + 무료: 무료 주차 (Free parking), 무료 배송 (Free shipping).
Sentence Ending
무료입니다 (It is free), 무료예요 (It's free - polite).

In marketing, '무료' is often used to attract customers. You might see '1+1 무료' (Buy one get one free) or '무료 시식' (Free tasting). It is important to distinguish this from '공짜', which is more colloquial and sometimes carries a nuance of 'getting something for nothing' in a slightly less formal way.

회원가입을 하시면 무료 쿠폰을 드립니다. (If you sign up, we will give you a free coupon.)

You will encounter 무료 in various everyday scenarios in Korea. At restaurants, '반찬 리필은 무료입니다' (Side dish refills are free) is a common phrase. In public transportation, certain age groups (like seniors over 65) enjoy '지하철 무료 이용' (Free subway use).

이 앱은 무료 버전과 유료 버전이 있습니다. (This app has a free version and a paid version.)

In the digital world, '무료 와이파이' (Free Wi-Fi) is sought after in cafes and public spaces. On television or YouTube, you might hear about '무료 나눔' (Free sharing/giving away), which is a popular trend on second-hand markets like Karrot Market (당근마켓).

A frequent mistake for English speakers is confusing 'free' (no cost) with 'free' (liberty). In Korean, 'liberty' is 자유 (Jayu). You cannot use '무료' to say 'I am free today' or 'Free speech.' For 'I am free today,' use '시간이 있어요' (I have time).

Incorrect
오늘 나는 무료예요 (X) -> 오늘 나는 한가해요 / 시간이 있어요 (O)

Another mistake is overusing '공짜' in formal settings. While '공짜' means the same thing, '무료' is much more professional and appropriate for business or writing.

Comparing 무료 with its synonyms helps clarify its usage boundaries.

공짜 (Gongjja)
Colloquial, used in casual conversation. '공짜로 얻었다' (Got it for free).
무상 (Musang)
Very formal, often used in legal or governmental contexts like '무상 교육' (Free education).
서비스 (Service)
In a restaurant, if the owner gives you a free drink, they call it '서비스'.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

-ㄹ 수 있다

-아/어 주다

Noun + 입니다

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

커피는 무료입니다.

Coffee is free.

Noun + 입니다 (is)

2

이것은 무료예요?

Is this free?

Polite question ending

3

무료 와이파이 있어요?

Is there free Wi-Fi?

Noun + 있어요 (is there)

4

물은 무료입니다.

Water is free.

Topic marker -은

5

무료 주차.

Free parking.

Compound noun

6

무료 선물.

Free gift.

Direct noun modification

7

입장은 무료입니다.

Entrance is free.

Subject -은

8

무료 샘플이에요.

It's a free sample.

Polite ending -이에요

1

무료로 드립니다.

We give it for free.

-로 (adverbial particle)

2

이 앱은 무료로 다운로드할 수 있어요.

You can download this app for free.

-ㄹ 수 있다 (can)

3

무료 배송 상품입니다.

It is a free shipping product.

Noun modification

4

아이들은 무료로 입장해요.

Children enter for free.

Present tense

5

무료 쿠폰을 받았어요.

I received a free coupon.

Past tense

6

주말에는 주차가 무료예요.

Parking is free on weekends.

Time marker -에는

7

무료 체험을 해보세요.

Please try the free trial.

-아/어 보세요 (try doing)

8

회원은 무료입니다.

It is free for members.

Topic marker

1

한 달 동안 무료로 이용할 수 있습니다.

You can use it for free for one month.

Duration + 동안

2

무료 서비스를 제공하고 있습니다.

We are providing free service.

-고 있다 (progressive)

3

이것은 무료가 아니라 유료입니다.

This is not free, it is paid.

-가 아니라 (not A but B)

4

무료로 상담을 받을 수 있는 곳이 있나요?

Is there a place where I can get free counseling?

Relative clause

5

무료 배송을 받으려면 더 사야 해요.

To get free shipping, you need to buy more.

-려면 (if you want to)

6

무료 가입 이벤트에 참여하세요.

Participate in the free sign-up event.

Imperative

7

그 영화는 무료로 볼 수 있어요.

You can watch that movie for free.

Object marker

8

무료 잡지를 읽고 있어요.

I am reading a free magazine.

Progressive

1

정부는 무료 급식을 확대하기로 했습니다.

The government decided to expand free meals.

-기로 하다 (decide to)

2

무료로 배포되는 소프트웨어를 주의하세요.

Be careful with software distributed for free.

Passive relative clause

3

무료라는 말에 속지 마세요.

Don't be fooled by the word 'free'.

-라는 (called/that says)

4

그 박물관은 특정 요일에만 무료입니다.

The museum is free only on specific days.

-만 (only)

5

무료 교육의 기회를 제공해야 합니다.

Opportunities for free education must be provided.

-해야 하다 (must)

6

무료로 제공되는 정보의 질을 확인하세요.

Check the quality of the information provided for free.

Noun modification

7

그는 무료 변론을 맡기로 했습니다.

He decided to take on the free defense (pro bono).

Professional context

8

무료 와이파이의 보안 문제를 고려해야 합니다.

Security issues of free Wi-Fi must be considered.

Complex noun phrase

1

무상 복지와 무료 서비스의 차이점을 논하시오.

Discuss the difference between free welfare and free services.

Academic command

2

무료 마케팅 전략은 소비자 심리를 이용합니다.

Free marketing strategies utilize consumer psychology.

Abstract subject

3

무료로 공개된 논문들을 참고했습니다.

I referred to papers published for free (open access).

Academic context

4

사회적 약자를 위한 무료 법률 지원이 절실합니다.

Free legal support for the socially vulnerable is desperate.

Formal advocacy

5

무료라는 명목 하에 개인 정보가 수집됩니다.

Personal information is collected under the guise of being free.

-라는 명목 하에 (under the name of)

6

이 서비스는 한시적으로 무료로 전환되었습니다.

This service has been temporarily converted to free.

Business formal

7

무료 이용권의 유효 기간을 확인하십시오.

Please check the validity period of the free pass.

Formal instruction

8

무료로 배포된 전단지가 길거리에 가득합니다.

The streets are full of flyers distributed for free.

Descriptive formal

1

무료 경제 모델의 지속 가능성에 대한 의문이 제기됩니다.

Questions are raised about the sustainability of free economic models.

High-level discourse

2

무료 보편적 복지의 실현 가능성을 검토해야 합니다.

The feasibility of realizing free universal welfare must be reviewed.

Political terminology

3

무료라는 환상이 가져오는 시장 왜곡을 분석했습니다.

Analyzed the market distortion caused by the illusion of 'free'.

Economic analysis

4

디지털 콘텐츠의 무료화 경향이 가속화되고 있습니다.

The trend of digital content becoming free is accelerating.

-화 (suffix for -ization)

5

무료 봉사 활동은 공동체 의식을 함양하는 데 기여합니다.

Free volunteer activities contribute to fostering a sense of community.

Sociological context

6

그의 무료 변론은 법조계에 큰 반향을 일으켰습니다.

His pro bono defense caused a great sensation in the legal world.

Idiomatic '반향을 일으키다'

7

무료 배포의 이면에는 정교한 광고 전략이 숨어 있습니다.

Behind free distribution lies a sophisticated advertising strategy.

Metaphorical '이면'

8

무료로 제공되는 공공재의 가치를 재평가해야 합니다.

The value of public goods provided for free must be re-evaluated.

Philosophical/Economic

Häufige Kollokationen

무료 입장
무료 배송
무료 주차
무료 서비스
무료 체험
무료 쿠폰
무료 상담
무료 교육
무료 급식
무료 와이파이

Häufige Phrasen

무료로 주다
무료로 이용하다
무료로 배포하다
무료로 제공하다
무료로 공개하다
무료로 전환하다
무료로 개방하다
무료로 가입하다
무료로 다운로드하다
무료로 시청하다

Wird oft verwechselt mit

무료 vs 자유 (Freedom)

무료 vs 한가하다 (To be free/idle)

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"공짜라면 양물도 마신다"
"세상에 공짜는 없다"
"공짜가 비지떡"
"무료 봉사"
"무료 나눔"
"무료 티켓"
"무료 강연"
"무료 검진"
"무료 진료"
"무료 법률 상담"

Leicht verwechselbar

무료 vs

무료 vs

무료 vs

Satzmuster

Wortfamilie

Verwandt

유료 (paid)
요금 (fee)
재료 (material)
급료 (salary)

So verwendest du es

nuance

무료 is formal; 공짜 is casual.

Häufige Fehler
  • Don't use 무료 for personal availability.

  • Don't use 자유 (freedom) for price.

  • Use 무료 for formal signs.

  • Don't use -로 when modifying a noun directly.

  • While correct, 무료예요 is more natural.

Tipps

Learn the Hanja

Knowing 無 (No) and 料 (Fee) helps you learn other words like 유료 (Paid) and 요금 (Fee).

Banchan is Free

Don't hesitate to ask for more side dishes; they are almost always 무료.

Look for 1+1

1+1 signs mean one is 무료 when you buy one.

Free Wi-Fi

Most public places in Korea offer 무료 와이파이.

Adverbial Form

Remember to add -로 to make it 'for free' (무료로).

Politeness

Always use 무료입니다 with strangers.

Ads

You will hear '무료' constantly in Korean YouTube ads.

Formal Reports

Always use 무료 or 무상 in academic or business writing.

Signs

Look for the characters 無料 in old signs or traditional contexts.

Gifts

When giving a gift, don't call it 무료; call it a 선물 (gift).

Einprägen

Wortherkunft

Sino-Korean

Kultureller Kontext

Water in restaurants is typically 무료 and self-service.

Seniors over 65 travel 무료.

Refills are almost always 무료 in Korea.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"이거 무료예요?"

"무료 주차장이 어디에 있어요?"

"무료 체험 기간이 언제까지예요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

오늘 무료로 얻은 것이 있나요?

무료 서비스가 왜 중요하다고 생각하세요?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

무료 is formal and Sino-Korean, while 공짜 is native and casual. Use 무료 in writing and formal speech.

No, for that use '시간이 있어요' or '한가해요'.

It is a noun that can function like an adjective when modifying other nouns.

The opposite is 유료 (Yuryo), which means 'paid'.

Use '무료로' (Muryo-ro).

No, liberty is '자유' (Jayu).

In a restaurant context, yes, it usually means a free gift from the owner.

It means 'Free Shipping'.

No, it only applies to costs and fees.

Yes, it is a standard word in both North and South Korea.

Teste dich selbst 190 Fragen

writing

Write 'Coffee is free' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Is this free?' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Free parking' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'I got it for free' using 무료로.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Free shipping' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Children are free' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Free Wi-Fi' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Free trial' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Free coupon' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Entrance is free' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Free counseling' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Free education' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Free meals' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Free lecture' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Free gift' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Free app' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Free magazine' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Free ticket' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Free sample' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'Free download' in Korean.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'It is free' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask 'Is this free?' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free parking' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I gave it for free' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free shipping' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free Wi-Fi' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free sample' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free trial' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free gift' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Entrance is free' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free counseling' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free education' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free meals' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free lecture' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free ticket' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free app' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free magazine' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free download' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free check-up' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Free volunteer' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: '무료 주차 가능합니다.' What is possible?

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

Listen: '입장은 무료입니다.' What is free?

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

Listen: '무료 와이파이를 사용하세요.' What should you use?

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

Listen: '무료 배송 상품입니다.' What kind of product is it?

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

Listen: '무료 체험을 해보세요.' What should you try?

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

Listen: '무료 쿠폰을 드립니다.' What is being given?

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

Listen: '무료 상담을 받으세요.' What should you get?

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

Listen: '무료 급식 시간입니다.' What time is it?

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

Listen: '무료 강연이 열립니다.' What is being held?

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

Listen: '무료 진료를 안내합니다.' What are they announcing?

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

Listen: '무료 나눔 이벤트.' What event is it?

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

Listen: '무료 교육을 신청하세요.' What should you apply for?

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

Listen: '무료 잡지를 보세요.' What should you look at?

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

Listen: '무료 앱을 설치하세요.' What should you install?

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

Listen: '무료 입장권입니다.' What is this?

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

/ 190 correct

Perfect score!

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