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B2 noun #3,500 am häufigsten 10 Min. Lesezeit

격차

gyeokcha Top 3,500

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Erklärung 격차 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '격차' yourself, but you might see it in very simple contexts related to numbers or scores. Think of it as a 'big difference' between two numbers. For example, if one team has 10 points and another has 2 points, the '격차' is 8 points. It is like the word 'gap' in English. You can remember it by thinking of it as a 'distance' between two things that you are comparing. At this stage, just recognize that it means a difference in level or amount.

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At the A2 level, you can start to understand '격차' in common phrases like '빈부 격차' (the gap between rich and poor) which you might hear in simple news stories or discussions about society. You should know that it is a noun and often comes before verbs like '크다' (is big) or '작다' (is small). If you are talking about a race or a game, you can use '격차' to describe how far ahead the winner is. It's more specific than '차이' (difference) because it usually involves a scale or ranking.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use '격차' in sentences to describe social and economic situations. You should learn common collocations like '격차를 줄이다' (to reduce the gap) and '격차가 벌어지다' (the gap widens). This word is very useful when you want to discuss topics like education, technology, or regional differences in Korea. For example, you can talk about the '정보 격차' (digital divide) between young people and the elderly. You are moving beyond simple descriptions to explaining trends and problems.

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At the B2 level, which is the target level for this word, you should use '격차' fluently in academic and professional contexts. You should understand the nuance between '격차' and its synonyms like '간극' or '괴리.' You should be able to discuss complex issues like '임금 격차' (wage gap) or '수도권과 지방의 격차' (the gap between the capital and provinces) using appropriate formal verbs like '해소하다' (to resolve) or '심화되다' (to intensify). You should also be able to recognize it in high-level listening materials like news broadcasts and documentaries.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the socio-political implications of '격차' in Korean society. You can use it to analyze structural inequalities and propose solutions in formal writing or debates. You should be familiar with related terms like '양극화' (polarization) and how '격차' fits into the broader discourse on social justice and economic policy. Your usage should be precise, distinguishing between '계층 간 격차' (disparity between classes) and '세대 간 격차' (disparity between generations) with ease, using sophisticated grammatical structures.

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At the C2 level, '격차' is a tool for nuanced social commentary. You can use it in highly formal speeches, academic theses, or literary analysis. You understand its historical usage and how it has evolved to describe the specific challenges of the 21st century, such as '기후 격차' (climate disparity). You can use the word metaphorically or ironically in complex rhetorical structures. Your mastery of the word includes an effortless grasp of all its collocations, even the most obscure ones found in legal or highly specialized technical documents.

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격차 in 30 Sekunden

격차 means gap or disparity, focusing on measurable differences in level, wealth, or skill between two groups or entities.
Commonly used in serious contexts like news, economics, and education to highlight social inequalities like the wealth gap (빈부 격차).
Pairs with verbs like 벌어지다 (widen), 좁히다 (narrow), and 해소하다 (resolve) to describe changes in the distance between levels.
Distinct from 차이 (general difference) as it implies a scale or hierarchy, and from 차별 (discrimination) which is the unfair action itself.

The Korean word 격차 (Gyeokcha) is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily to 'gap,' 'disparity,' or 'differential.' While the English word 'difference' can be translated as '차이' (cha-i), '격차' specifically implies a measurable distance or a systemic inequality between two entities, levels, or groups. In the context of modern South Korean society, this word is ubiquitous in news headlines, academic papers, and social critiques because it addresses the growing distance between the 'haves' and 'have-nots.' It is composed of two Hanja characters: 격 (隔) meaning 'to separate' or 'to be distant,' and 차 (差) meaning 'difference' or 'distinction.' Together, they describe a state where things are not just different, but are separated by a significant and often problematic margin.

Economic Disparity (빈부 격차): This is perhaps the most common usage. It refers to the wealth gap between the rich and the poor. When economists discuss the Gini coefficient or wealth distribution, '격차' is the standard term used to describe the widening chasm.

도시와 농촌 간의 소득 격차가 점점 커지고 있습니다. (The income gap between urban and rural areas is gradually increasing.)

Beyond economics, '격차' is used in educational contexts (교육 격차) to describe the difference in academic opportunities and outcomes based on a student's background. It is also used in technology to describe the 'digital divide' (정보 격차), highlighting how access to information technology creates different tiers of social participation. In sports, it describes the skill gap between teams, and in business, it can describe the technological lead one company has over another. Unlike '차이,' which is neutral, '격차' often carries a connotation that the gap is something that needs to be measured, monitored, or bridged.

Technological Gap (기술 격차): This refers to the difference in technical capabilities between countries or corporations. For example, Korea's semiconductor industry maintains a '기술 격차' with its competitors to stay ahead in the market.

선진국과의 기술 격차를 줄이기 위해 연구 개발에 집중해야 합니다. (We must focus on research and development to reduce the technological gap with developed nations.)

In a sociological sense, the word is often paired with verbs like '벌어지다' (to widen) or '해소하다' (to resolve/narrow). When a Korean person says '격차가 심하다,' they are emphasizing that the disparity is severe or extreme. This could apply to anything from the scores in a soccer match to the quality of life between different generations. It is a word that demands a comparison of two distinct points on a scale.

Educational Gap (교육 격차): This describes the disparity in educational resources and success, often linked to private education (hagwons) and family wealth in Korea.

부모의 소득 수준이 자녀의 교육 격차로 이어지는 것은 큰 문제입니다. (It is a major problem that parents' income levels lead to an educational gap for their children.)

두 팀의 실력 격차가 너무 커서 경기가 일방적이었습니다. (The skill gap between the two teams was so large that the game was one-sided.)

세대 간의 디지털 정보 격차를 줄이기 위한 교육 프로그램이 필요합니다. (Educational programs are needed to reduce the digital information gap between generations.)

Using 격차 correctly requires understanding its common verb pairings. Because it describes a distance, the verbs used often involve movement—opening up, closing, or maintaining a distance. The most frequent verbs you will encounter are 벌어지다 (to widen), 좁히다 (to narrow), 줄이다 (to reduce), and 해소하다 (to resolve). Mastering these combinations will allow you to speak about complex social and economic topics with precision.

Verbs of Widening: When a gap increases, we use '벌어지다' or '커지다.' For example, '격차가 벌어지다' means the gap is widening. This is often used in negative contexts like rising inequality.

빈부 격차가 심하게 벌어지고 있는 상황입니다. (The gap between the rich and the poor is widening severely.)

When you want to express the action of making a gap smaller, you use '좁히다' (to narrow) or '줄이다' (to reduce). If the gap is completely eliminated or the problem is solved, '해소하다' is the preferred academic and formal term. In a competitive setting, like a race or a business rivalry, you might say '격차를 따라잡다' (to catch up with the gap).

Verbs of Narrowing: '좁히다' is used when the distance between two points is being physically or metaphorically decreased. '정부는 빈부 격차를 좁히기 위해 노력하고 있다' (The government is working to narrow the wealth gap).

우리는 경쟁사와의 기술 격차를 좁혀야 합니다. (We must narrow the technological gap with our competitors.)

In formal reports, you will often see '격차' used as the subject of the sentence with adjectives like '심하다' (to be severe) or '뚜렷하다' (to be distinct). For instance, '성별 임금 격차가 뚜렷하게 나타났다' means 'The gender pay gap appeared distinctly.' This structure is very common in journalism and social science. You can also use it to describe points in a game: '점수 격차가 10점이다' (The score gap is 10 points).

Formal Resolution: '해소하다' (to resolve) is the most formal way to talk about fixing a disparity. '지역 간 교육 격차 해소를 위한 정책' (Policies for resolving the educational gap between regions).

디지털 격차 해소는 현대 사회의 중요한 과제입니다. (Resolving the digital divide is an important task for modern society.)

1위와 2위의 점수 격차가 근소합니다. (The score gap between 1st and 2nd place is slight.)

수도권과 지방의 문화적 격차가 큽니다. (The cultural gap between the metropolitan area and the provinces is large.)

If you turn on the Korean news (like KBS, MBC, or SBS), you are almost guaranteed to hear the word 격차 within the first fifteen minutes. It is a staple of economic reporting and political debate. News anchors use it to describe the latest statistics on housing prices, employment rates, and the cost of living. For example, a report might discuss the '자산 격차' (wealth/asset gap) between different age groups or the '임금 격차' (wage gap) between regular and non-regular workers. These are high-stakes topics in Korea, making the word feel very weighty and serious.

News and Media: Reporters use '격차' to highlight social inequalities. It is often used with '심화되다' (to deepen/intensify). '양극화로 인해 계층 간 격차가 심화되고 있습니다' (Class disparities are intensifying due to polarization).

오늘 뉴스에서는 대기업과 중소기업의 임금 격차를 다루었습니다. (Today's news covered the wage gap between large corporations and small-to-medium enterprises.)

In a business environment, you will hear managers and executives use '격차' when discussing competition. They might talk about the '기술 격차' (technology gap) they have over their rivals or the '시장 점유율 격차' (market share gap). In these contexts, '격차' is often something to be maintained if it is in your favor, or overcome if you are behind. It sounds much more professional and data-driven than simply saying 'we are better' or 'they are bigger.'

Academic and Educational Settings: Teachers and professors use '격차' to discuss student performance. '학력 격차' (academic ability gap) is a major topic of concern in Korean education policy.

온라인 수업이 장기화되면서 학생들 사이의 학력 격차가 우려됩니다. (As online classes are prolonged, there are concerns about the academic gap between students.)

Lastly, you might hear this in casual conversations when people talk about their lives in a comparative way, though it still retains a slightly formal or serious tone. If someone says, '친구들과 나의 생활 수준 격차를 느꼈어' (I felt the gap in living standards between my friends and me), they are expressing a profound sense of difference in their economic or social status. It's a word that conveys a sense of hierarchy or distance that is structural rather than just personal.

두 후보의 지지율 격차가 오차 범위 내로 좁혀졌습니다. (The gap in approval ratings between the two candidates has narrowed to within the margin of error.)

수출과 수입의 격차가 줄어들어 무역 수지가 개선되었습니다. (The gap between exports and imports has decreased, improving the trade balance.)

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when learning 격차 is using it interchangeably with 차이 (cha-i). While both mean 'difference,' they are not synonyms in every context. '차이' is a general term for any difference—like the difference between an apple and an orange, or the difference between two people's opinions. '격차' is specifically for gaps in level, quantity, or quality that can be placed on a scale. You wouldn't say 'the 격차 between red and blue' because there's no inherent hierarchy or scale being measured there.

Mistake: Using 격차 for preferences: Incorrect: 취향 격차 (Preference gap). Correct: 취향 차이 (Difference in taste). Preferences aren't usually measured on a vertical gap scale.

생각의 차이를 인정해야 합니다. (We must acknowledge the difference in thoughts. - Use '차이' here, not '격차'.)

Another mistake is confusing 격차 with 차별 (cha-byeol), which means 'discrimination.' While a '격차' (gap) can be the result of '차별' (discrimination), they are different concepts. '격차' is the statistical or observable distance, while '차별' is the unfair treatment itself. For example, the '임금 격차' (wage gap) might be caused by '성차별' (gender discrimination). Using the wrong word can change your meaning from describing a phenomenon to accusing someone of a behavior.

Mistake: Confusing with 차별: Incorrect: 인종 격차 (Racial gap - sounds like a biological distance). Correct: 인종 차별 (Racial discrimination). However, you could say '인종 간 소득 격차' (Income gap between races).

이것은 단순한 차이가 아니라 구조적인 격차입니다. (This is not just a simple difference, but a structural gap.)

Lastly, learners sometimes use the wrong verbs. You don't 'make' a gap using '만들다' in a natural way; you usually '벌리다' (widen/open up) or the gap '벌어지다' (widens on its own). Similarly, you don't 'fix' a gap with '고치다'; you '해소하다' (resolve) or '줄이다' (reduce) it. Using these specific collocations will make your Korean sound much more natural and advanced.

실력 격차를 줄이기 위해 매일 연습해요. (I practice every day to reduce the skill gap.)

가격 격차가 커서 비싼 것은 못 사겠어요. (The price gap is so large that I can't buy the expensive one.)

To truly master 격차, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different nuance that changes the tone of your sentence. The most common alternatives are 차이 (difference), 간극 (gap/crevice), 불균형 (imbalance), and 괴리 (estrangement/gap). Understanding when to use which will elevate your Korean from intermediate to advanced.

격차 vs. 차이: '차이' is the general word for 'difference.' '격차' is a 'gap' in levels. Use '차이' for 'the difference between A and B' in a general sense. Use '격차' for 'the disparity between A and B' in a quantitative sense.

문화적 차이 (Cultural difference) vs. 소득 격차 (Income gap).

Then there is 간극 (Gangeuk). This word literally means a physical gap or a crevice, but it is often used metaphorically to describe a psychological or conceptual gap between people. While '격차' feels statistical, '간극' feels more emotional or abstract. For example, the '간극' between an ideal and reality. 괴리 (Goeri) is even stronger, suggesting a total disconnection or estrangement between two things that should be related, like '현실과의 괴리' (disconnection from reality).

격차 vs. 불균형: '불균형' (Bulgyunhyeong) means 'imbalance.' While a '격차' is the distance itself, '불균형' describes the state of not being equal or balanced. They are often used together in economic discussions.

성장과 분배의 불균형이 격차를 키웠습니다. (The imbalance between growth and distribution increased the gap.)

격차 vs. 거리: '거리' (Geori) literally means 'distance.' It can be used metaphorically like '격차,' but '거리' usually implies a horizontal distance or a feeling of being far apart, whereas '격차' implies a vertical or hierarchical disparity.

두 사람 사이의 마음의 거리가 느껴집니다. (I feel the distance between the two people's hearts.)

이론과 실제의 괴리를 줄여야 합니다. (We must reduce the gap between theory and practice.)

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The character '격' (隔) is the same one used in '격리' (isolation/quarantine), emphasizing the sense of being 'cut off' or 'separated' by the gap.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ɡjʌk.tɕʰa/

US /ɡjʌk.tɕʰa/

In Korean, stress is generally even, but the first syllable '격' may have a slightly higher pitch.

Reimt sich auf

역차 (yeokcha) 적차 (jeokcha) 학차 (hakcha) 도차 (docha) 오차 (ocha) 시차 (sicha) 주차 (jucha) 열차 (yeolcha)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'eo' (ㅓ) like 'oh' (ㅗ). It should be more open.
Failing to aspirate the 'ch' in 'cha' (차).
Pronouncing the final 'k' in 'gyeok' too strongly; it should be a sharp stop.
Mixing it up with 'geok-cha' (not a word).
Over-stressing the second syllable.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 4/5

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

Schreiben 4/5

Requires knowing formal collocations like '해소' and '심화'.

Sprechen 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but used mainly in serious conversations.

Hören 4/5

Found frequently in fast-paced news broadcasts.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

차이 (Difference) 크다 (Big) 작다 (Small) 문제 (Problem) 사이 (Between)

Als Nächstes lernen

불평등 (Inequality) 양극화 (Polarization) 해소 (Resolution) 심화 (Intensification) 구조적 (Structural)

Fortgeschritten

천양지차 (Heaven and earth difference) 괴리 (Estrangement) 간극 (Gap) 차등 (Differentiation)

Wichtige Grammatik

A와 B 간의 (Between A and B)

도시와 농촌 간의 격차.

-에 따른 (According to...)

지역에 따른 소득 격차.

-을/를 해소하다 (To resolve something)

격차를 해소하다.

-이/가 벌어지다 (Something widens/opens)

격차가 벌어지다.

-기 위한 (In order to...)

격차를 줄이기 위한 노력.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

점수 격차가 커요.

The score gap is big.

격차 + 가 (subject particle) + 커요 (is big).

나이 격차가 있어요.

There is an age gap.

격차 + 가 (subject particle) + 있어요 (there is).

키 격차가 심해요.

The height gap is severe.

격차 + 가 (subject particle) + 심해요 (is severe).

두 사람의 격차.

The gap between two people.

의 (possessive particle) indicates the gap belongs to/is between the two people.

격차가 작아요.

The gap is small.

작아요 is the opposite of 커요.

실력 격차.

Skill gap.

Noun compounding: 실력 (skill) + 격차 (gap).

시간 격차.

Time gap.

Commonly used for time differences in a race.

격차를 봐요.

Look at the gap.

격차 + 를 (object particle) + 봐요 (look).

빈부 격차가 문제예요.

The wealth gap is a problem.

빈부 (rich and poor) is a common prefix for 격차.

팀 사이의 격차.

The gap between teams.

사이 (between) is used to show where the gap exists.

격차가 벌어졌어요.

The gap has widened.

벌어지다 (to widen) in past tense.

가격 격차가 커요.

The price gap is big.

가격 (price) + 격차.

격차를 줄이고 싶어요.

I want to reduce the gap.

-고 싶어요 expresses a desire.

성적 격차가 있어요.

There is a gap in grades.

성적 (grades/results) + 격차.

지역 격차가 심해요.

The regional gap is severe.

지역 (region/area) + 격차.

격차를 느껴요.

I feel the gap.

느끼다 (to feel) + -어요.

교육 격차를 해소해야 합니다.

We must resolve the educational gap.

-해야 합니다 (must/should) expresses necessity.

세대 간의 정보 격차.

Information gap between generations.

간 (between) + 의 (possessive).

소득 격차가 점점 커지고 있다.

The income gap is gradually becoming larger.

-고 있다 expresses a continuing state or action.

기술 격차를 좁히기 위해 노력해요.

Effort is made to narrow the technology gap.

-기 위해 (in order to).

두 나라의 경제적 격차.

The economic gap between the two countries.

경제적 (economic) is an adjective form.

임금 격차가 줄어들지 않아요.

The wage gap is not decreasing.

-지 않다 (negation).

생활 수준의 격차를 줄여야 해요.

We need to reduce the gap in living standards.

수준 (level/standard) + 의 (possessive).

격차가 눈에 띄게 나타나요.

The gap appears noticeably.

눈에 띄게 (noticeably/remarkably).

도농 간의 의료 서비스 격차가 심각합니다.

The gap in medical services between urban and rural areas is serious.

도농 (urban and rural) is a contraction of 도시 and 농촌.

대기업과 중소기업의 임금 격차가 벌어지고 있습니다.

The wage gap between large corporations and SMEs is widening.

중소기업 (Small and Medium Enterprises).

디지털 격차는 사회적 소외를 야기할 수 있다.

The digital divide can cause social exclusion.

야기하다 (to cause/bring about) is a formal verb.

부모의 배경이 자녀의 교육 격차로 이어진다.

Parents' backgrounds lead to an educational gap for their children.

-로 이어지다 (to lead to/result in).

선진국과의 기술 격차를 유지하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to maintain the technological gap with developed countries.

유지하다 (to maintain).

성별에 따른 임금 격차를 조사했습니다.

We investigated the wage gap according to gender.

-에 따른 (according to/depending on).

문화적 향유 기회의 격차가 존재합니다.

A gap in opportunities for cultural enjoyment exists.

향유 (enjoyment/possession) is a formal noun.

격차를 해소하기 위한 정책적 대안이 필요하다.

Policy alternatives to resolve the gap are needed.

정책적 (policy-wise/strategic).

자산 격차의 심화는 계층 이동의 사다리를 걷어차는 결과를 초래한다.

The deepening of the wealth gap results in kicking away the ladder of social mobility.

초래하다 (to bring about/incur) is highly formal.

수도권 집중 현상이 지역 간 격차를 더욱 고착화시키고 있다.

The phenomenon of concentration in the capital area is further solidifying regional disparities.

고착화시키다 (to solidify/fixate).

학력 격차는 단순히 개인의 노력이 아닌 구조적 문제에서 기인한다.

The academic gap originates from structural problems, not just individual effort.

-에서 기인하다 (to originate from/be caused by).

정보 격차를 방치할 경우 정보 빈곤층이 발생할 우려가 있다.

If the digital divide is neglected, there is a concern that an information-poor class will emerge.

방치하다 (to neglect/leave alone).

임금 격차의 원인을 다각도로 분석할 필요가 있습니다.

It is necessary to analyze the causes of the wage gap from various angles.

다각도로 (from various angles/perspectives).

세대 간 가치관의 격차를 좁히기 위한 소통의 장이 마련되어야 한다.

A forum for communication must be established to narrow the gap in values between generations.

소통의 장 (a place/forum for communication).

기후 변화에 대응하는 능력에서도 국가 간 격차가 뚜렷하다.

The gap between countries in their ability to respond to climate change is distinct.

대응하다 (to respond/cope).

주거 격차는 삶의 질에 결정적인 영향을 미치는 요소이다.

The housing gap is a factor that has a decisive impact on the quality of life.

영향을 미치다 (to influence/affect).

신자유주의 경제 체제 하에서 소득 격차의 확대는 필연적인 귀결로 여겨지기도 한다.

Under a neoliberal economic system, the widening of the income gap is sometimes seen as an inevitable consequence.

귀결 (conclusion/consequence) is extremely formal.

지식 격차 가설에 따르면 정보의 유입은 오히려 지식의 불평등을 심화시킬 수 있다.

According to the knowledge gap hypothesis, the influx of information can actually intensify knowledge inequality.

가설 (hypothesis).

노동 시장의 이중 구조가 임금 격차를 구조적으로 고착시키는 핵심 기제로 작용한다.

The dual structure of the labor market acts as a key mechanism that structurally solidifies the wage gap.

기제 (mechanism).

디지털 전환 과정에서 발생하는 역량 격차를 선제적으로 대응해야 한다.

We must proactively respond to the competency gap that arises during the digital transformation process.

선제적으로 (proactively).

계층 간 문화 자본의 격차는 사회적 지위의 대물림을 정당화하는 수단이 되기도 한다.

The gap in cultural capital between classes sometimes serves as a means of justifying the inheritance of social status.

대물림 (passing down/inheritance).

지역 격차 해소를 위한 균형 발전 전략이 실효성을 거두지 못하고 있다.

Balanced development strategies to resolve regional disparities are failing to achieve effectiveness.

실효성을 거두다 (to achieve effectiveness).

기술적 우위와 격차를 유지하기 위한 국가 차원의 전략적 투자가 시급하다.

Strategic investment at the national level to maintain technological superiority and the gap is urgent.

시급하다 (to be urgent).

글로벌 공급망 재편 과정에서 국가 간 경제적 격차가 재조정될 가능성이 크다.

There is a high possibility that economic gaps between countries will be readjusted during the reorganization of global supply chains.

재조정되다 (to be readjusted).

Synonyme

차이 간격 불균형 괴리

Gegenteile

평등 균형 일치

Häufige Kollokationen

격차가 벌어지다

격차를 좁히다

격차를 해소하다

격차가 심하다

격차를 줄이다

빈부 격차

정보 격차

기술 격차

임금 격차

세대 격차

Häufige Phrasen

격차가 나다

— For a gap to occur or exist. Used to state that a difference is present.

두 후보 사이에 지지율 격차가 나기 시작했다.

격차를 벌리다

— To actively widen the gap. Often used in sports or business competition.

1위 선수가 2위와의 격차를 벌리며 달리고 있다.

격차를 느끼다

— To feel or perceive a disparity. Often used emotionally or socially.

부유한 친구를 보며 생활 수준의 격차를 느꼈다.

격차를 극복하다

— To overcome a gap. To succeed despite being at a lower level.

그는 실력 격차를 극복하고 우승을 차지했다.

격차가 뚜렷하다

— For a gap to be distinct or clear. Used in analysis.

지역별 소득 격차가 뚜렷하게 나타났다.

격차가 근소하다

— For a gap to be slight or narrow. Used for close competitions.

두 팀의 점수 격차가 근소해서 끝까지 긴장됐다.

격차를 방치하다

— To neglect a gap. To let a disparity continue without fixing it.

교육 격차를 방치하면 사회적 갈등이 커진다.

격차를 유지하다

— To maintain a gap. Often used when one is in the lead.

기술적 격차를 유지하는 것이 생존 전략이다.

격차를 확인하다

— To confirm or check the gap. Used in data analysis.

통계 자료를 통해 격차를 확인했습니다.

격차에 시달리다

— To suffer from a gap. Used when a disparity causes hardship.

많은 이들이 정보 격차에 시달리고 있다.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

격차 vs 차이

General difference. '격차' is a specific 'gap' in level or amount.

격차 vs 차별

Discrimination. '격차' is the result or the state of disparity, not the act of unfair treatment.

격차 vs 거리

Distance. '격차' is usually vertical/hierarchical, '거리' is horizontal/physical.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"하늘과 땅 차이"

— A difference as big as heaven and earth. While it uses '차이', it describes an extreme '격차'.

그 두 사람의 실력은 하늘과 땅 차이다.

Informal/Common

"넘을 수 없는 4차원의 벽"

— An insurmountable 4th-dimensional wall. Slang for an unbridgeable skill or status gap.

그의 천재성은 넘을 수 없는 4차원의 벽 같았다.

Slang/Internet

"천양지차 (天壤之差)"

— A difference as great as between heaven and earth. The formal hanja version of '하늘과 땅 차이'.

수도권과 지방의 인프라는 천양지차다.

Formal/Literary

"격세지감 (隔世之感)"

— The feeling of a huge gap between generations or eras. Feeling like the world has changed completely.

옛날 사진을 보니 격세지감이 느껴진다.

Formal/Idiom

"부익부 빈익빈"

— The rich get richer, the poor get poorer. Describes the widening '격차'.

부익부 빈익빈 현상으로 격차가 심해지고 있다.

Formal/Socio-economic

"금수저 흙수저"

— Gold spoon, dirt spoon. Describes the inherited class '격차'.

수저 계급론은 한국 사회의 격차를 반영한다.

Slang/Social

"따라잡을 수 없는 거리"

— An uncatchable distance. Describes a gap that cannot be closed.

이미 격차는 따라잡을 수 없는 거리가 되었다.

Metaphorical

"한 끗 차이"

— A difference of a single point/stroke. Describes a very small '격차'.

우승과 준우승은 한 끗 차이였다.

Common

"도토리 키 재기"

— Acorns measuring their heights. Comparing things with a negligible '격차'.

그들의 싸움은 도토리 키 재기 수준이다.

Common/Idiom

"발끝에도 못 미치다"

— Can't even reach the tips of the toes. Describes an immense skill '격차'.

내 실력은 그의 발끝에도 못 미친다.

Common/Idiom

Leicht verwechselbar

격차 vs 차이

Both mean difference.

차이 is neutral and general. 격차 is quantitative and implies a gap between higher and lower levels.

생각의 차이 (difference of opinion) vs. 소득 격차 (income gap).

격차 vs 차별

Both relate to inequality.

차별 is the action of treating someone unfairly. 격차 is the statistical gap that exists.

남녀 차별 (gender discrimination) vs. 남녀 임금 격차 (gender wage gap).

격차 vs 간극

Both mean gap.

간극 is often used for psychological or conceptual gaps. 격차 is used for measurable, social, or economic gaps.

마음의 간극 (gap of hearts) vs. 기술 격차 (tech gap).

격차 vs 괴리

Both mean a gap between two things.

괴리 implies a disconnection or mismatch where things should be aligned. 격차 implies a distance on a scale.

현실과 이상 사이의 괴리 (gap between reality and ideal).

격차 vs 불균형

Both describe inequality.

불균형 is the state of lack of balance. 격차 is the distance between the two points that are unbalanced.

무역 불균형 (trade imbalance) vs. 소득 격차 (income gap).

Satzmuster

A와 B의 격차가 커요.

부자와 가난한 사람의 격차가 커요.

격차를 줄여야 해요.

우리는 실력 격차를 줄여야 해요.

격차가 점점 벌어지고 있다.

지역 간의 격차가 점점 벌어지고 있다.

격차를 해소하기 위한 노력이 필요하다.

정보 격차를 해소하기 위한 노력이 필요하다.

A에 따른 격차가 뚜렷하게 나타난다.

성별에 따른 임금 격차가 뚜렷하게 나타난다.

격차의 심화는 사회적 갈등을 야기한다.

자산 격차의 심화는 사회적 갈등을 야기한다.

A와 B 간의 격차는 구조적 문제에서 기인한다.

계층 간의 교육 격차는 구조적 문제에서 기인한다.

격차를 고착화시키는 기제를 분석해야 한다.

임금 격차를 고착화시키는 기제를 분석해야 한다.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

격차 (gap)

격차사회 (gap society/unequal society)

격차해소 (resolving the gap)

Verben

격차를 벌리다 (to widen the gap)

격차가 벌어지다 (gap widens)

격차를 좁히다 (to narrow the gap)

Adjektive

격차 있는 (having a gap)

격차 없는 (without a gap)

Verwandt

차이 (difference)

불평등 (inequality)

양극화 (polarization)

거리 (distance)

차별 (discrimination)

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frequency

High in news, academic writing, and formal discussions.

Häufige Fehler

취향 격차 → 취향 차이
Preferences (tastes) don't have a hierarchical gap; they are just different. Use '차이'.
격차를 고치다 → 격차를 줄이다 / 해소하다
You don't 'repair' (고치다) a gap; you reduce or resolve it.
인종 격차 → 인종 차별 / 인종 간 격차
'인종 격차' sounds like a biological distance. Use '차별' for discrimination or specify what the gap is in (e.g., income).
격차가 낮다 → 격차가 작다 / 줄어들다
Gaps are usually described as big (크다) or small (작다), not high/low.
두 색깔의 격차 → 두 색깔의 차이
Colors are different kinds, not different levels on a scale. Use '차이'.

Tipps

Use in Essays

When writing a TOPIK essay about social problems, always use '격차' to describe inequalities. It will significantly increase your vocabulary score compared to using '차이'.

The Widen/Narrow Pair

Memorize '격차가 벌어지다' and '격차를 좁히다' as a set. They are the most common ways to describe changes in a gap.

Socio-Economic Focus

Remember that '격차' is the 'go-to' word for the wealth gap (빈부 격차). This is its most frequent use in Korean society.

Subject vs Object

Use '격차가 벌어지다' (The gap widens - passive/intransitive) and '격차를 벌리다' (To widen the gap - active/transitive).

Not Just Different

Use '격차' when the difference is about 'how much' or 'what level,' not 'what kind.' Kind is '차이'.

Formal Resolution

In formal writing, use '해소' (resolution) instead of '해결' (solution) when talking about fixing a gap.

News Keywords

If you hear '격차' on the news, the reporter is likely talking about a social problem that needs fixing.

Related Hanja

The '격' in 격차 is the same as in '격리' (quarantine). Thinking of it as a 'separation' helps remember the meaning.

Sports Talk

Use '점수 격차' when talking about a game score to sound like a real sports fan.

Social Mobility

In Korea, discussions about '격차' are often linked to '기회의 평등' (equality of opportunity).

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Gyeok' as 'Gap' and 'Cha' as 'Change' or 'Difference'. A Gyeok-Cha is a Gap-Difference.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a tall ladder where some rungs are missing. That missing space is the '격차' between where you are and where you want to be.

Word Web

소득 (Income) 교육 (Education) 기술 (Technology) 해소 (Resolution) 심화 (Intensification) 벌어지다 (Widen) 좁히다 (Narrow) 사회 (Society)

Herausforderung

Try to find one news article today that uses the word '격차' and write down the context (e.g., wealth, health, or education).

Wortherkunft

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja). The word has been used in academic and administrative texts for centuries to describe distances and differences.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A distance or separation in level or rank.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using '격차' to describe people's abilities in their presence, as it can sound insulting or overly hierarchical. It is best used for abstract groups or data.

In English, we often use 'gap' (e.g., the generation gap, the wealth gap). Korean uses '격차' in almost all the same contexts, making it a direct conceptual parallel.

The movie 'Parasite' (기생충) visually explores the '주거 격차' (housing gap) between semi-basements and luxury mansions. The term '디지털 격차' is a major government focus in Korea to help the elderly use kiosks and smartphones. Economic reports often cite the '임금 격차' between the 10% and the 90%.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Economics

빈부 격차
소득 격차
자산 격차
경제적 격차

Education

교육 격차
학력 격차
기회 격차
성적 격차

Technology

기술 격차
정보 격차
디지털 격차
혁신 격차

Sports/Competition

실력 격차
점수 격차
순위 격차
기량 격차

Society

세대 격차
지역 격차
성별 격차
문화 격차

Gesprächseinstiege

"한국 사회에서 가장 심각한 격차는 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"

"부모의 소득이 자녀의 교육 격차에 얼마나 영향을 미친다고 보시나요?"

"디지털 정보 격차를 줄이기 위해 정부가 무엇을 해야 할까요?"

"최근에 친구와 생활 수준의 격차를 느낀 적이 있나요?"

"두 나라 사이의 기술 격차를 좁히는 것이 가능할까요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

내가 느꼈던 가장 큰 실력 격차에 대해 쓰고, 그것을 어떻게 극복했는지 설명해 보세요.

우리나라의 지역 격차 문제와 그 해결 방안에 대해 자신의 생각을 써 보세요.

세대 간의 정보 격차가 사회에 미치는 영향에 대해 논해 보세요.

빈부 격차가 없는 세상은 가능할까요? 자신의 의견을 적어 보세요.

임금 격차 해소를 위해 가장 필요한 조치는 무엇이라고 생각하는지 쓰세요.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, but you must specify it with '근소한' (slight). However, '격차' usually implies a significant or noteworthy gap. For very small differences, '차이' is more common.

Not necessarily, but it often is in social contexts. In business, a '기술 격차' (tech gap) is positive for the company that is ahead. In sports, a '점수 격차' is just a statement of fact.

'빈부 격차' is the standard, more professional term. '빈부 차이' is understandable but sounds less precise and less like a social issue.

No, '성격 차이' (personality difference) is the correct term. '성격 격차' would sound like one person has 'more' personality than the other on a scale, which is strange.

It is '정보 격차' (information gap) or '디지털 격차' (digital gap).

It is common in formal situations, news, and when discussing serious topics. It's not usually used for trivial things like choosing a movie.

벌어지다 (widen), 좁히다 (narrow), 줄이다 (reduce), 해소하다 (resolve), 심화되다 (intensify).

No, for a physical gap like that, use '틈' or '구멍'. '격차' is for abstract or statistical gaps.

Yes, it is a standard Korean word derived from Hanja, used in both the North and South, though the social contexts of its use differ.

No, it is only a noun. You must add a verb like '나다' (to occur) or '벌어지다' to describe an action.

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