At the A1 level, the word '담보하다' (dambo-hada) might be a bit difficult because it is a professional word. However, you can think of it as 'giving something to get something.' Imagine you want to borrow a toy from a friend. Your friend says, 'Give me your robot first. If you return my toy, I will give your robot back.' That robot is like a '담보' (collateral). At this level, just remember that it is used when borrowing money or things. You might see it in simple stories about people going to a bank. Even though it is a big word, it is just '담보' (the thing you give) + '하다' (to do). Usually, we use '집' (house) or '돈' (money) with this word. It's a very serious way to say you will definitely do something because you are giving something valuable to prove it.
At the A2 level, you should know that '담보하다' is often used with '집' (house) and '대출' (loan). In Korea, many people talk about '주택 담보 대출' (house mortgage loan). This word is a verb. It means you are pledging your property to the bank so they will lend you money. You will hear this in news reports about the economy or in conversations about buying a home. It's important to use the object marker ~을/를. For example, '집을 담보하다' (to mortgage a house). You might also hear it in the form '담보로' which means 'as collateral.' So, '집을 담보로 돈을 빌려요' (I borrow money using the house as collateral). This is a very common sentence pattern for A2 learners who are starting to talk about daily life and adult responsibilities.
At the B1 level, you can start using '담보하다' in more than just financial ways. You can use it metaphorically. This means using a physical word to describe a feeling or a situation. For example, you can say '자신의 명예를 담보하다' (to pledge one's honor). This means you are so sure about something that you would risk your reputation. At this level, you should also understand the difference between '담보하다' and '보증하다' (to guarantee/vouch). '담보하다' always involves a 'thing' or an 'asset' that can be taken away if the promise is broken. '보증하다' is more about your word or the quality of something. B1 learners should be able to read news articles that use this word to talk about business risks and government guarantees for the people.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the passive form '담보되다' (to be secured/guaranteed) and the noun form '담보물' (collateral object). You will see this word in legal contracts or formal business proposals. For example, '이 사업의 성공은 철저한 준비에 의해 담보됩니다' (The success of this project is guaranteed by thorough preparation). Here, '담보되다' is used to mean 'is made certain.' You should also recognize it in political contexts, such as '평화를 담보로 한 협상' (negotiations with peace as collateral/at the cost of peace). This level requires understanding the nuance that '담보' implies a risk—if the main goal fails, the collateral is lost. You should be able to discuss complex economic topics using this term accurately.
At the C1 level, '담보하다' becomes a tool for philosophical and high-level social commentary. You will encounter it in academic papers and editorials. It is often used to discuss the 'trade-offs' in society. For instance, '개인의 자유를 담보로 사회적 안전을 도모하다' (to promote social safety at the expense of individual freedom). Here, freedom is the 'collateral' being given up. C1 learners should understand the historical weight of the word in Korea, especially regarding the 'IMF era' where many people lost their '담보' (homes). You should also be able to use it to describe the reliability of scientific data or the validity of a logical argument, showing that the conclusion is '담보' (secured) by strong evidence.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '담보하다' and all its related legal and archaic forms. You can distinguish between '근저당' (fixed-rate mortgage) and general '담보.' You understand how the word functions in classical literature or high-level legal codes (민법 - Civil Law). You can use the word with perfect nuance in debates, perhaps arguing whether a certain diplomatic move '담보' the nation's sovereignty or puts it at risk. You are aware of the emotional connotations the word carries in Korean society—the fear of '담보' being seized and the security of having a '담보' to offer. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker who has professional experience in finance, law, or sociology.

담보하다 in 30 Sekunden

  • 담보하다 means to provide collateral or a security deposit for a loan or debt, commonly involving houses or cars.
  • It is a formal 'Hada' verb used frequently in banking, legal documents, and serious news reports regarding the economy.
  • Beyond finance, it metaphorically means to guarantee a result, often implying a trade-off where something is risked for a goal.
  • Commonly confused with '보증하다' (to vouch), but 담보하다 specifically requires a physical or abstract asset as a pledge.

The Korean verb 담보하다 (dambo-hada) is a sophisticated yet essential term that bridges the gap between everyday financial transactions and high-level abstract guarantees. At its core, it means 'to mortgage' or 'to provide as security,' but its applications extend far beyond the walls of a bank. When you use this word, you are talking about the act of offering something valuable—whether a physical asset like a house or a conceptual asset like one's reputation—to ensure that a promise or a debt will be honored. In the modern Korean economy, understanding this word is crucial because it appears in almost every discussion involving loans, real estate, and legal contracts.

Financial Security
In a literal sense, 담보하다 is used when a borrower provides collateral to a lender. For example, if you want to buy a new car but don't have the full amount, you might '담보하다' your existing property to secure the loan. This gives the bank the legal right to seize the property if you fail to pay back the money.
Abstract Guarantees
Metaphorically, the word is used to describe situations where one thing is sacrificed or pledged to achieve another. Politicians often speak of '담보하다' when discussing national security or the future of the youth. For instance, '국민의 안전을 담보로 정치적 이익을 챙기다' means 'to take political advantage at the expense (using as collateral) of the people's safety.'

은행은 대출을 승인하기 전에 아파트를 담보하다라고 요구했습니다. (The bank requested to secure the apartment as collateral before approving the loan.)

The word consists of two parts: '담보' (security/collateral) and the verb-forming suffix '하다' (to do). In Korean culture, where real estate is the primary form of wealth for most families, '담보' is a word loaded with weight and responsibility. To '담보하다' something is to put it at risk for the sake of a greater goal, making it a term of serious commitment. You will hear it in news reports about the housing market, in legal dramas during intense courtroom negotiations, and in business meetings when discussing risk management.

그는 자신의 명예를 담보하여 결백을 주장했습니다. (He pledged his honor to assert his innocence.)

Furthermore, the word is often used in the passive form '담보되다' (to be secured/guaranteed). In academic or political contexts, you might hear that 'freedom cannot be guaranteed (담보될 수 없다) without sacrifice.' This highlights that 담보하다 is not just for bankers; it is a word for anyone discussing the fundamental trade-offs of life and society. Whether you are signing a mortgage or making a life-altering promise, 담보하다 is the verb that defines what you are willing to lose to gain something more.

Using 담보하다 correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature. Since it is an action performed on an object, you will almost always see it paired with the object marker ~을/를. The structure typically follows: [Subject] + [Object (Collateral)] + [을/를] + 담보하다. However, in more natural conversation, Koreans often use the construction [Object] + [을/를] + 담보로 + [Action], such as '집을 담보로 대출을 받다' (to get a loan with the house as collateral).

Direct Usage
When you are the one performing the act of pledging. '나는 이 땅을 담보하여 사업 자금을 마련했다' (I secured this land as collateral to raise business funds). Here, the land is the direct object of the action.
Metaphorical Usage
When talking about abstract concepts. '미래를 담보하는 투자가 필요하다' (An investment that guarantees the future is necessary). In this case, the 'future' is treated as the valuable asset being secured.

회사는 새로운 기술력을 담보하여 투자를 유치했습니다. (The company attracted investment by pledging its new technological capabilities.)

It is important to note the formality of the word. While you might use it in a bank, you wouldn't typically use it when lending a friend ten dollars. For casual promises, words like '약속하다' (to promise) or '맡기다' (to entrust/leave something) are more appropriate. 담보하다 carries a legal or heavy ethical weight. If you tell someone '제 목숨을 담보하겠습니다' (I will pledge my life), you are making an extremely dramatic and serious vow, often seen in historical dramas (사극).

어떤 자산을 담보하실 예정입니까? (What assets do you plan to provide as collateral?)

When writing, especially in business emails or reports, 담보하다 is often paired with words like '확보하다' (to secure/acquire) to emphasize the stability of a project. For example, '수익성을 담보하기 위해...' (In order to guarantee profitability...). This usage is very common in the Korean corporate world (chaebol culture) where every project must be backed by data or assets that '담보' its success.

If you live in Korea or watch Korean media, you will encounter 담보하다 in three main arenas: the bank, the news, and high-stakes dramas. It is a word that signals that something of value is on the line. In a culture that has seen rapid economic development and several financial crises (like the 1997 IMF crisis), the concept of '담보' is deeply ingrained in the public consciousness as both a tool for growth and a potential trap.

At the Bank (은행)
The most literal use. You will hear bank tellers ask about '담보물' (the collateral object) and whether you can '담보하다' your property. Terms like '주택담보대출' (mortgage loan) are household words in Korea, as everyone dreams of owning an apartment in Seoul.
In News and Politics (뉴스와 정치)
News anchors frequently use 담보하다 when discussing government policies. You might hear: '이번 정책이 서민의 삶을 담보할 수 있을지 의문입니다' (It is questionable whether this policy can guarantee the lives of ordinary people). Here, it means to provide a safety net or a guarantee of success.

드라마에서 빚쟁이가 '집을 담보해서 돈을 갚아!'라고 소리칩니다. (In a drama, a debt collector shouts, 'Mortgage your house and pay back the money!')

In Korean TV dramas (K-Dramas), '담보' often serves as a major plot device. A character might secretly '담보하다' the family home to start a business, leading to inevitable conflict when the business fails. There is even a famous 2020 movie titled 'Pawn' (Korean title: 담보), where a child is taken as 'collateral' for a debt, showing the extreme and emotional ways this word can be used in storytelling. It evokes feelings of pressure, risk, and sometimes desperation.

정부는 국가의 신용을 담보하여 채권을 발행했습니다. (The government issued bonds by pledging the nation's credit.)

Finally, in academic or legal writing, you will see it used to describe rights. '기본권을 담보하는 법적 장치' (A legal mechanism that guarantees basic rights). In this high-level context, it is synonymous with 'guaranteeing' or 'ensuring' that something remains safe and protected. Understanding these different layers—from the gritty reality of debt to the lofty ideals of human rights—will help you master the word 담보하다.

While 담보하다 is a powerful word, it is often misused by learners who confuse it with other verbs that mean 'to guarantee' or 'to promise.' Because '담보' specifically refers to collateral, using it without an underlying 'asset' or 'security' can sound strange in certain contexts. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Confusing with 보증하다 (Bojeung-hada)
This is the biggest mistake. '보증하다' means to guarantee or vouch for someone's character or the quality of a product. You '보증' a friend's identity, but you '담보' your house. If you say you '담보' a friend, it sounds like you are literally offering them as a slave or a physical asset to a bank!
Using it for Simple Promises
Don't use 담보하다 for everyday plans. Saying '내일 만날 것을 담보할게' (I pledge meeting tomorrow as collateral) is way too heavy. Use '약속할게' (I promise) instead. 담보하다 implies that if the promise is broken, the '담보' will be lost.

❌ 내가 너를 담보할게. (I will mortgage you - WRONG)
✅ 내가 너를 보증할게. (I will vouch for you - CORRECT)

Another mistake is the incorrect use of particles. Many learners forget that 담보하다 is a verb and try to use it like a noun without the '하다'. While '담보' is a noun, you need the full '담보하다' to express the action. Also, be careful with '담보로 하다' versus '담보하다'. '담보로 하다' means 'to use [something] as collateral,' while '담보하다' means 'to mortgage [something].' They are often interchangeable, but '담보로 하다' is slightly more common in spoken language.

❌ 돈을 빌리기 위해 시계를 보장했다. (Wrong context for 'guarantee')
✅ 돈을 빌리기 위해 시계를 담보했다. (Correct: Mortgaged/Pledged the watch)

Finally, avoid using it in the passive sense without the correct marker. If something is being used as collateral, use '담보되다' (to be secured). For example, '이 대출은 건물에 의해 담보됩니다' (This loan is secured by the building). Mastering these distinctions will make your Korean sound much more natural and professional, especially in business or legal settings.

To truly master 담보하다, you should understand its relationship with other Korean words that deal with security, guarantees, and promises. Depending on whether you are in a bank, a court, or a coffee shop, you might choose a different word to express a similar idea.

보증하다 (Bojeung-hada) vs. 담보하다
As mentioned, 담보하다 involves a physical or abstract 'asset' (collateral). 보증하다 is about 'assurance' or 'vouching.' If you buy a refrigerator, the company '보증' the quality. If you take a loan, you '담보' your house.
저당 잡히다 (Jeodang Jap-hida)
This is a more colloquial and often negative way to say 'to be mortgaged' or 'to be put up as collateral.' '저당' is a mortgage. '잡히다' means to be caught/held. People use this when they feel like they are losing control of their property due to debt.
보장하다 (Bojang-hada)
This means 'to guarantee' or 'to ensure.' It is often used for rights, safety, or results. '성공을 보장하다' (To guarantee success). While 담보하다 can be used metaphorically for this, 보장하다 is the standard word for general guarantees.

그는 시계를 전당포에 맡기고 돈을 빌렸다. (He left his watch at the pawnshop and borrowed money - '맡기다' is simpler than '담보하다').

In a legal context, you might also encounter 확약하다 (Hwakyak-hada), which means 'to give a firm commitment' or 'to make a definite promise.' This is even more formal than 담보하다 and is used in high-level diplomatic or corporate treaties. If you are just starting out, focus on the difference between '보장하다' (guaranteeing a result) and '담보하다' (pledging an asset).

정부는 일자리를 보장하겠다고 약속했습니다. (The government promised to guarantee jobs.)

By learning these alternatives, you can tailor your speech to the situation. Use '담보하다' when things get serious and assets are involved, '보장하다' when you want to reassure someone about a result, and '약속하다' for everything else. This nuance is what separates a beginner from a fluent speaker.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

그는 집을 담보해요.

He mortgages the house.

Simple subject-object-verb structure.

2

돈을 위해 시계를 담보해요.

I mortgage my watch for money.

'~을 위해' means 'for the sake of'.

3

은행에서 무엇을 담보해요?

What do you mortgage at the bank?

Interrogative '무엇을' (what).

4

나는 내 차를 담보해요.

I mortgage my car.

'내' is the possessive form of '나'.

5

아버지는 집을 담보했어요.

Father mortgaged the house.

Past tense '담보했어요'.

6

담보할 것이 없어요.

There is nothing to mortgage.

'~할 것' is the future noun-modifying form.

7

이것을 담보할 수 있어요?

Can you mortgage this?

'~수 있어요' expresses ability.

8

우리는 땅을 담보해요.

We mortgage the land.

Plural subject '우리'.

1

은행에 집을 담보하고 돈을 빌렸어요.

I mortgaged my house to the bank and borrowed money.

'~고' connects two sequential actions.

2

어떤 물건을 담보해야 하나요?

What kind of item do I have to mortgage?

'~해야 하다' means 'must' or 'have to'.

3

그는 차를 담보로 대출을 받았어요.

He got a loan with his car as collateral.

'담보로' means 'as collateral'.

4

담보할 자산이 있으면 좋겠어요.

I wish I had assets to mortgage.

'~으면 좋겠어요' expresses a wish.

5

집을 담보하면 이자가 낮아져요.

If you mortgage your house, the interest rate goes down.

'~하면' means 'if'.

6

그는 시계를 담보하여 돈을 마련했다.

He raised money by mortgaging his watch.

'~하여' is a formal way to connect clauses.

7

담보 없이 돈을 빌릴 수 없어요.

You cannot borrow money without collateral.

'~없이' means 'without'.

8

은행은 아파트를 담보하라고 했어요.

The bank told me to mortgage the apartment.

'~라고 하다' is indirect speech for a command.

1

회사는 신기술을 담보하여 투자를 유치했다.

The company attracted investment by pledging its new technology.

Metaphorical use of 담보하다.

2

자신의 명예를 담보할 만큼 중요한 일입니다.

It is an important matter, enough to pledge one's honor.

'~할 만큼' means 'to the extent of'.

3

그는 미래를 담보로 위험한 도전을 시작했다.

He started a dangerous challenge with his future as collateral.

Abstract concept as collateral.

4

대출을 받으려면 부동산을 담보해야 합니다.

To get a loan, you must mortgage real estate.

'~으려면' means 'if you intend to'.

5

정부는 국민의 안전을 담보하는 정책을 세웠다.

The government established a policy that guarantees the people's safety.

Noun-modifying form '담보하는'.

6

친구에게 돈을 빌려주며 무엇을 담보했나요?

What did you take as collateral while lending money to your friend?

'~하며' means 'while doing'.

7

이 계약은 수익성을 담보하지 않습니다.

This contract does not guarantee profitability.

Negative form '담보하지 않습니다'.

8

그는 자신의 전 재산을 담보하여 사업을 키웠다.

He grew his business by mortgaging all his assets.

Emphasis with '전' (all/whole).

1

국가 안보를 담보로 한 협상은 위험할 수 있습니다.

Negotiations based on pledging national security can be dangerous.

Complex noun phrase '담보로 한'.

2

성공이 담보되지 않은 일에 투자하는 것은 무모하다.

Investing in something where success is not guaranteed is reckless.

Passive form '담보되지 않은'.

3

은행은 채무자의 신용 상태를 담보하여 대출을 승인했다.

The bank approved the loan by securing the debtor's credit status.

Formal vocabulary like '채무자' and '승인'.

4

어떠한 대가도 없이 평화가 담보될 수는 없다.

Peace cannot be guaranteed without any price.

Passive potential '담보될 수 없다'.

5

그는 결백을 담보하기 위해 모든 증거를 제출했다.

He submitted all evidence to guarantee his innocence.

'~하기 위해' means 'in order to'.

6

자유는 투쟁을 통해서만 담보될 수 있는 가치이다.

Freedom is a value that can only be secured through struggle.

'~를 통해서만' means 'only through'.

7

기업은 투명성을 담보하여 주주들의 신뢰를 얻었다.

The company gained shareholders' trust by ensuring transparency.

Abstract corporate usage.

8

이 조약이 지역의 안정을 담보할 것으로 기대됩니다.

This treaty is expected to guarantee regional stability.

'~할 것으로 기대되다' means 'is expected to'.

1

현대 사회에서 정보 보안은 국가 경쟁력을 담보하는 핵심 요소다.

In modern society, information security is a key element that secures national competitiveness.

Complex academic sentence structure.

2

법치주의는 시민의 기본권을 담보하기 위한 최소한의 장치이다.

The rule of law is the minimum mechanism to guarantee the basic rights of citizens.

Political/Legal terminology.

3

단기적인 이익을 담보로 환경을 파괴해서는 안 된다.

We must not destroy the environment at the expense of short-term profits.

Ethical 'trade-off' usage.

4

실험 결과의 재현성이 담보되어야 과학적 사실로 인정받는다.

The reproducibility of experimental results must be secured to be recognized as a scientific fact.

Scientific/Academic context.

5

그의 주장은 논리적 일관성을 담보하지 못해 비판을 받았다.

His argument was criticized because it failed to secure logical consistency.

Logical/Rhetorical usage.

6

민주주의의 공정성은 투표의 비밀 보장에 의해 담보된다.

The fairness of democracy is guaranteed by the assurance of ballot secrecy.

Passive construction with '에 의해'.

7

예산 확보가 담보되지 않은 사업은 시작조차 할 수 없다.

A project for which budget acquisition is not secured cannot even be started.

Double negative nuance.

8

교육의 질을 담보하기 위한 교사 양성 프로그램이 시급하다.

Teacher training programs to guarantee the quality of education are urgent.

Social policy context.

1

헌법적 가치를 담보하는 사법부의 독립성은 민주주의의 보루이다.

The independence of the judiciary, which secures constitutional values, is the bulwark of democracy.

High-level legal/political discourse.

2

시장 경제의 효율성은 사유 재산권의 보호가 담보될 때 극대화된다.

The efficiency of a market economy is maximized when the protection of private property rights is secured.

Economic theory usage.

3

지속 가능한 발전을 담보하기 위해 자원 배분의 최적화가 요구된다.

Optimization of resource allocation is required to guarantee sustainable development.

Environmental/Economic policy.

4

논문의 학술적 가치는 엄격한 피어 리뷰 과정을 통해 담보된다.

The academic value of a paper is secured through a rigorous peer-review process.

Academic institutional usage.

5

국가 간의 신뢰는 조약의 이행이 담보될 때에만 비로소 형성된다.

Trust between nations is only formed when the implementation of treaties is guaranteed.

'비로소' emphasizes 'only then'.

6

인간의 존엄성은 어떠한 정치적 목적을 위해서도 담보로 제공될 수 없다.

Human dignity cannot be offered as collateral for any political purpose.

Ethical/Philosophical absolute.

7

금융 시스템의 안정성을 담보하기 위한 선제적 리스크 관리가 필요하다.

Preemptive risk management is needed to guarantee the stability of the financial system.

Macroeconomic terminology.

8

역사적 진실의 규명은 미래 세대의 올바른 가치관 형성을 담보한다.

The investigation of historical truth guarantees the formation of correct values for future generations.

Historical/Educational philosophy.

Häufige Kollokationen

집을 담보하다
미래를 담보하다
수익성을 담보하다
안전을 담보하다
명예를 담보하다
담보로 대출받다
신용을 담보하다
권리를 담보하다
담보 대출
담보물 제공

Häufige Phrasen

담보를 잡다

— To take something as collateral. Usually said by the lender.

은행은 내 아파트를 담보로 잡았다.

담보를 넣다

— To put something up as collateral. Usually said by the borrower.

부족한 자금을 위해 추가 담보를 넣었다.

담보가 확실하다

— To have solid collateral. Used to describe a safe investment.

이 거래는 담보가 확실해서 걱정 없다.

무담보 대출

— A loan without collateral (unsecured loan).

무담보 대출은 이자가 매우 높다.

담보 가치

— The value of the collateral object.

집값이 떨어져서 담보 가치가 하락했다.

담보 범위

— The scope or limit of what is covered by the collateral.

담보 범위를 명확히 설정해야 한다.

담보 설정

— The legal act of setting up a mortgage or pledge.

근저당권 담보 설정을 완료했다.

담보 해지

— Releasing the collateral after the debt is cleared.

빚을 다 갚고 담보 해지를 신청했다.

담보 능력이 없다

— To lack the ability or assets to provide collateral.

그는 담보 능력이 없어 대출이 거절되었다.

담보를 요구하다

— To request collateral for a deal.

상대방이 너무 큰 담보를 요구했다.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"목숨을 담보로 하다"

— To risk one's life as if it were collateral for a promise or action.

그는 목숨을 담보로 왕에게 진실을 말했다.

Dramatic/Literary
"미래를 담보로 잡히다"

— To sacrifice one's future prospects for an immediate gain.

빚을 내서 노는 것은 미래를 담보로 잡히는 짓이다.

Warning/Sermon-like
"평화를 담보하다"

— To ensure peace through a specific strength or agreement.

강력한 국방력만이 평화를 담보한다.

Political/Journalistic
"제 살 깎아먹기식 담보"

— Providing collateral that eventually destroys oneself (self-cannibalizing).

그 사업은 제 살 깎아먹기식 담보로 유지되고 있다.

Critical/Economic
"자유를 담보로 한 안전"

— Trading individual freedom for collective security.

우리는 자유를 담보로 한 안전을 원하는가?

Philosophical
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