The word '정독하다' (jeong-dokhada) means 'to read very carefully.' At this level, you can think of it as 'reading slowly and well.' Usually, we use the word '읽다' (to read). But when a book is very important or hard, you don't just '읽다', you '정독하다.' For example, if you have a letter from a friend and you want to understand every word, you read it '정독.' It is a special word for reading with focus. It is like looking at a picture for a long time to see every small thing. In Korean, we use this word when we talk about textbooks or important rules. It is a bit formal, so you will see it in books more than you hear it in simple talking.
At the A2 level, you should know that '정독하다' is a combination of two parts: '정독' (careful reading) and '하다' (to do). It is a verb used when you need to pay 100% attention to what you are reading. You might use this word when talking about your study habits. For example, 'I read the textbook carefully' is '저는 교과서를 정독해요.' It is different from '속독' (speed reading). In Korea, teachers often tell students to '정독' their questions during a test so they don't make mistakes. It is a useful word to describe a higher level of effort than just casual reading. You will often see it on signs in libraries or in instructions for homework.
As a B1 learner, you can understand '정독하다' as 'intensive reading' or 'reading thoroughly.' This word is essential for discussing academic or professional topics. It implies that you are not just looking at the words, but you are trying to grasp the deep meaning, the logic, and the details. For instance, before signing a contract (계약서), it is vital to '정독하다.' You can also use it to describe your hobbies, like 'I thoroughly read the works of my favorite author.' Notice the Sino-Korean roots: '精' (refined/detailed) and '讀' (to read). This helps you distinguish it from '다독' (reading many books) and '속독' (reading quickly). It usually takes an object with the particle '-을/를'.
At the B2 level, you should recognize the nuanced registers of '정독하다.' It is a formal, academic term that suggests a deliberate, disciplined approach to a text. It is frequently used in the passive or causative forms in professional contexts, such as '정독해 주시기 바랍니다' (We request that you read this thoroughly). You should also be able to compare it with synonyms like '숙독하다' (to read and digest) or '탐독하다' (to read with great interest/passion). Understanding '정독하다' is key to understanding Korean educational values, where the quality of reading is often prioritized over the quantity. You can use it to describe critical analysis of literature or careful review of technical documentation.
For C1 learners, '정독하다' represents a cognitive process of deep semantic decoding. It is a term used in literary criticism, legal analysis, and advanced pedagogy. In a C1 context, you might discuss the '정독의 중요성' (the importance of intensive reading) in an era of digital distraction and 'fragmented reading' (분절적 책 읽기). You should be comfortable using it in complex sentence structures, such as '텍스트를 정독함으로써 저자의 숨은 의도를 파악할 수 있다' (By reading the text thoroughly, one can grasp the author's hidden intent). It is also useful for expressing high praise for a piece of writing, implying that the text possesses enough depth to warrant such rigorous attention.
At the C2 level, '정독하다' is a tool for precise expression in scholarly and philosophical discourse. It describes the hermeneutic act of engaging with a text to the point of complete intellectual assimilation. You might explore the etymological connection of '精' to concepts of 'essence' and 'vitality,' suggesting that '정독' is the act of extracting the very essence of a written work. In professional legal or diplomatic translation, '정독' is the prerequisite for accurate rendering. You should also understand its cultural weight in the history of Korean Confucian scholarship, where '정독' was seen as a path to moral and intellectual self-cultivation. It is the antithesis of the modern 'TL;DR' culture.

정독하다 in 30 Sekunden

  • 정독하다 means to read a text intensively and meticulously, ensuring every detail and nuance is fully understood by the reader.
  • It is a formal Sino-Korean verb commonly used in academic, legal, and professional contexts where total comprehension is required.
  • The word contrasts with '속독하다' (speed reading) and '다독하다' (reading many books), focusing on the quality of the reading experience.
  • Commonly paired with objects like '계약서' (contract), '설명서' (manual), or '교과서' (textbook) to emphasize the need for careful attention.

The Korean verb 정독하다 (精讀--) is a sophisticated term that goes far beyond the simple act of reading. Derived from Sino-Korean roots, it specifically refers to the process of intensive reading—where the reader consumes every word, sentence, and paragraph with meticulous care. Unlike casual reading or skimming, 정독하다 implies a deep cognitive engagement with the text, often with the intent to analyze, memorize, or fully internalize the author's message. In a culture that highly values academic excellence and scholarly pursuits, this word holds a prestigious place in the Korean lexicon.

Etymological Breakdown
The 'Jeong' (精) stands for 'refined' or 'detailed,' while 'Dok' (讀) means 'to read.' Together, they form the concept of 'refined reading.'
Modern Usage Context
You will most commonly encounter this word in academic settings, legal environments, and professional scenarios where accuracy is paramount. For example, a lawyer must 정독하다 a contract to avoid missing fine-print details.

시험을 잘 치르기 위해서는 교과서를 여러 번 정독해야 합니다.

— "To do well on the exam, you must read the textbook thoroughly several times."

In the digital age, where 'skimming' (훑어보다) has become the norm due to the overflow of information, 정독하다 is often used as a prescriptive piece of advice. Teachers often tell students that 'reading many books' (다독) is good, but 'reading deeply' (정독) is essential for developing critical thinking skills. It describes a slow, deliberate pace where the reader might stop to look up a word, ponder a metaphor, or re-read a complex grammatical structure to ensure no nuance is lost.

중요한 계약서일수록 한 글자 한 글자 정독하는 습관이 필요하다.

— "The more important the contract, the more necessary the habit of reading it thoroughly word by word."

Furthermore, this word is frequently paired with adverbs like '꼼꼼히' (meticulously) or '주의 깊게' (carefully) to emphasize the intensity of the action. It is a formal verb, so while you might use '읽다' (to read) in casual conversation about a webtoon, you would use 정독하다 when discussing a classic novel, a scientific paper, or a religious scripture. It implies a level of respect for the text itself, suggesting that the content is worthy of one’s full intellectual attention.

Opposite Concepts
Contrast this with '속독하다' (to speed read) or '발췌독하다' (to read excerpts). While those focus on efficiency or specific information retrieval, 정독하다 focuses on total comprehension.

그는 좋아하는 작가의 신작을 밤새워 정독했다.

— "He stayed up all night reading his favorite author's new work thoroughly."

Using 정독하다 correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb that typically takes an object marked by the particles -을/를. Because it is a '하다' verb derived from a noun (정독), it follows standard conjugation patterns but carries a formal tone that influences the surrounding grammar. When you want to express the necessity of thorough reading, you often combine it with the -아/어/여야 하다 (must/should) structure.

Grammar Pattern: Object + 정독하다
This is the most direct way to use the word. You are specifying exactly what is being read with such care.

설명서를 정독한 후에 기계를 작동시키세요.

— "Operate the machine after reading the manual thoroughly."

Another common way to use this verb is in the form of a command or a strong suggestion, particularly in educational or professional settings. Using the honorific -(으)십시오 or the polite -(으)세요 endings makes the request sound professional and serious. It is rarely used in very casual 'Banmal' (informal speech) unless you are jokingly telling a friend to read your long text message carefully.

저는 고전 소설을 한 권씩 정독하는 것을 좋아합니다.

— "I like reading classic novels thoroughly one by one."

In more complex sentences, 정독하다 can be used to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship. For instance, because someone read a text so carefully, they were able to discover a hidden meaning or a mistake. In this case, you might use the -(으)니 or -아서/어서 connectors to link the intensive reading to the resulting realization.

Sentence Structure with Adverbs
'천천히 정독하다' (To read thoroughly and slowly) or '반복해서 정독하다' (To read thoroughly and repeatedly) are common collocations that add extra layers of meaning to the action.

리포트를 제출하기 전에 다시 한번 정독하며 오타를 확인했다.

— "While reading the report thoroughly once more before submitting it, I checked for typos."

In South Korea, 정독하다 is a word that echoes through the halls of educational institutions and the quiet corners of professional life. If you are a student in Korea, you will hear your teachers use this word constantly, especially before a big exam like the CSAT (Suneung). They don't just want you to read the passage; they want you to 정독 it to ensure you understand the underlying logic and the subtle intent of the question writer.

In the Office
In a corporate environment, a manager might send an email with a long attachment and say, "이 기획안을 정독해 주시기 바랍니다" (Please read this proposal thoroughly). It signals that the document contains vital information that shouldn't be missed.
In Legal and Financial Settings
When signing up for a new bank account or insurance policy, the clerk will often point to the terms and conditions and advise, "약관을 정독하신 후 서명해 주세요" (Please sign after reading the terms and conditions thoroughly).

부장님께서 보내신 메일을 서너 번 정독했지만 여전히 이해가 안 가는 부분이 있다.

— "I read the email sent by the department head thoroughly three or four times, but there are still parts I don't understand."

You will also hear this word in the context of self-improvement and hobbies. Book clubs in Korea often distinguish between 'light reading' and 'intensive reading' sessions. A moderator might say, "이번 달 선정 도서는 내용이 깊으니 정독이 필요합니다" (The selected book for this month has deep content, so thorough reading is necessary). It sets an expectation for the level of discussion that will follow.

뉴스를 그냥 훑어보지 말고 기사 내용을 정독하면 세상 돌아가는 이치를 더 잘 알 수 있다.

— "If you don't just skim the news but read the article content thoroughly, you can better understand how the world works."

Finally, in the digital world, you might see this word in the comments section of a long, thought-provoking blog post or a complex forum thread. A user might comment, "글이 너무 좋아서 세 번이나 정독했습니다" (The writing was so good that I read it thoroughly three times). Here, it serves as high praise for the author, suggesting their work is worth the significant time investment required for 정독.

While 정독하다 is a straightforward verb, its specific nuance means it can be easily misused by learners who confuse it with more general terms for 'reading' or related concepts. The most frequent error is using it in contexts where the intensity it implies is socially or logically inappropriate.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '읽다' (To Read)
Learners often use '정독하다' when they simply mean they read something. If you say "만화책을 정독했어요" (I read a comic book thoroughly), it sounds like you were studying the comic book for a thesis. Unless you are an art critic, '읽다' is more natural for casual materials.
Mistake 2: Confusing with '낭독하다' (To Read Aloud)
Because '정' (精) and '낭' (朗) can sound vaguely similar to a beginner's ear, some confuse reading carefully with reading out loud. '낭독하다' is for poetry readings or speeches; '정독하다' is about the internal depth of understanding.

❌ 어제 친구의 짧은 문자를 정독했어요.

✅ 어제 친구의 짧은 문자를 읽었어요.

— "I 'thoroughly read' my friend's short text message yesterday" (Sounds too intense/weird).

Another common mistake involves the misuse of particles. Since 정독 is a noun, you can say '정독을 하다' or '정독하다'. However, beginners sometimes try to use '정독' as an adverb (like '정독하게 읽다'), which is grammatically incorrect. You should use the verb form '정독하다' or an actual adverb like '꼼꼼히' with '읽다'.

❌ 신문을 빨리 정독하세요.

✅ 신문을 꼼꼼히 읽으세요.

— "Please read the newspaper thoroughly fast" (Oxymoron).

Finally, be careful not to confuse '정독하다' with '숙독하다' (熟讀--). While they are very similar, '숙독' implies reading so many times that you have practically digested and mastered the material. Using '정독' is usually safer for general 'careful reading,' while '숙독' is reserved for even deeper levels of scholarly immersion.

To truly master the concept of 정독하다, it is helpful to compare it with other Korean words related to reading. The Korean language has a rich set of vocabulary to describe different ways of reading, reflecting a culture that has long centered on literacy and education.

정독 (Jeong-dok) vs. 다독 (Da-dok)
다독 (多讀) means 'reading a lot' or 'extensive reading.' While 정독 focuses on quality and depth, 다독 focuses on quantity and breadth. Educators often debate which is better for children: reading one book deeply or reading a hundred books widely.
정독 (Jeong-dok) vs. 속독 (Sok-dok)
속독 (速讀) is 'speed reading.' This is the literal opposite of 정독. 속독 is a skill used to quickly grasp the main idea of a text, whereas 정독 is used to understand every detail.
정독 (Jeong-dok) vs. 통독 (Tong-dok)
통독 (通讀) means 'reading through' from beginning to end. It doesn't necessarily imply the same level of micro-level scrutiny as 정독; it just means you didn't skip any chapters.

지식을 넓히려면 다독이 좋고, 깊이를 더하려면 정독이 좋다.

— "To broaden knowledge, extensive reading is good; to add depth, intensive reading is good."

시간이 없어서 논문을 정독하지 못하고 발췌독만 했다.

— "Because I didn't have time, I couldn't read the thesis thoroughly and only read excerpts."

In everyday conversation, if 정독하다 feels too formal, you can use the phrase '꼼꼼히 읽다' (to read meticulously). This conveys the same meaning but is much more common in spoken Korean between friends or colleagues. Another alternative is '자세히 읽다' (to read in detail). Use these when you want to sound less like a professor and more like a regular person!

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The character 精 (Jeong) also appears in '정성' (sincerity/devotion), suggesting that '정독' is reading with a devoted and sincere heart.

Aussprachehilfe

UK [t͡ɕʌ̹ŋ.do.kʰa.da̠]
US [t͡ɕʌ̹ŋ.do.kʰa.da̠]
Stress is generally even across syllables in Korean, but a slight emphasis on the first syllable '정' can occur in formal speech.
Reimt sich auf
구독하다 (to subscribe) 낭독하다 (to read aloud) 해독하다 (to decode/detox) 습득하다 (to acquire) 중독하다 (to be addicted - as a verb root) 설득하다 (to persuade) 납득하다 (to understand/accept) 상독하다 (to read constantly)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing '독' and '하' separately without the aspiration (k+h=kh). It should be [정도카다], not [정독-하다].
  • Making the 'j' in 'Jeong' too hard like an English 'Z'.
  • Confusing the vowel 'ㅓ' in 'Jeong' with 'ㅗ' (Joong).
  • Failing to pronounce the final 'k' (ㄱ) in 'dok' correctly before the 'h'.
  • Shortening the word to '정독다' which is grammatically incorrect.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts, but requires understanding Hanja roots to distinguish from similar words.

Schreiben 4/5

Using it correctly requires knowing the right level of formality and appropriate objects.

Sprechen 4/5

Pronunciation involves aspiration (k+h), which can be tricky for beginners.

Hören 3/5

Common in news and lectures, so it's a high-frequency word for intermediate listeners.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

읽다 (to read) 책 (book) 공부하다 (to study) 자세히 (in detail) 내용 (content)

Als Nächstes lernen

숙독하다 (to read and digest) 탐독하다 (to read with passion) 발췌하다 (to excerpt) 비판적 사고 (critical thinking) 문해력 (literacy)

Fortgeschritten

해독 (deciphering) 문맥 (context) 함축적 의미 (implicit meaning) 행간 (between the lines) 서평 (book review)

Wichtige Grammatik

Object Particle -을/를

책을 정독하다.

Obligation -아/어/여야 하다

중요한 서류는 정독해야 한다.

Simultaneous Action -(으)면서 / -며

메모를 하면서 정독하다.

Sequence -(으)ㄴ 후 / -(으)ㄴ 뒤

정독한 후 서명하세요.

Honorific Imperative -(으)십시오 / -(으)세요

이 글을 정독하십시오.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

책을 정독해요.

I read the book carefully.

Basic Subject + Object + Verb structure.

2

편지를 정독했어요.

I read the letter thoroughly.

Past tense of 정독하다.

3

이 글을 정독하세요.

Please read this text carefully.

Polite imperative form -(으)세요.

4

천천히 정독해요.

Read carefully and slowly.

Adverb '천천히' (slowly) modifying the verb.

5

교과서를 정독합니다.

I read the textbook thoroughly.

Formal polite ending -(스)ㅂ니다.

6

정독이 좋아요.

Thorough reading is good.

Noun form '정독' used with the subject particle -이.

7

친구의 글을 정독해요.

I read my friend's writing carefully.

Possessive particle -의.

8

매일 정독해요.

I read thoroughly every day.

Adverb '매일' (every day).

1

시험 문제를 정독하세요.

Please read the exam questions thoroughly.

Object '시험 문제' (exam questions).

2

저는 책 읽을 때 항상 정독해요.

I always read thoroughly when I read a book.

Temporal clause -을 때 (when).

3

중요한 내용은 정독해야 해요.

You must read important content thoroughly.

Obligation form -아/어/여야 하다.

4

정독하면 더 잘 이해할 수 있어요.

If you read thoroughly, you can understand better.

Conditional -면 (if).

5

설명서를 정독하고 시작하세요.

Read the manual thoroughly and then start.

Sequential connector -고 (and then).

6

어려운 책은 정독하기 힘들어요.

Difficult books are hard to read thoroughly.

Noun-making suffix -기 + adjective '힘들다'.

7

그는 신문을 정독하고 있어요.

He is reading the newspaper thoroughly.

Present progressive -고 있다.

8

아이들에게 정독하는 습관을 가르쳐요.

Teach children the habit of reading thoroughly.

Noun-modifying form -는 + noun '습관' (habit).

1

계약서를 정독하지 않으면 나중에 문제가 생길 수 있습니다.

If you don't read the contract thoroughly, problems can arise later.

Negative conditional -지 않으면.

2

이 소설은 문장이 아름다워서 정독할 가치가 있어요.

This novel is worth reading thoroughly because the sentences are beautiful.

Causative -아서 + phrase '-을 가치가 있다' (be worth doing).

3

부장님께서 보고서를 정독해 보라고 하셨어요.

The manager told me to try reading the report thoroughly.

Indirect speech -라고 하다 + auxiliary verb -아/어 보다 (try doing).

4

꼼꼼히 정독한 덕분에 숨겨진 오류를 찾아냈습니다.

Thanks to reading thoroughly and meticulously, I found a hidden error.

Noun phrase '정독한 덕분에' (thanks to having read thoroughly).

5

전문 서적을 정독하는 것은 시간이 많이 걸리는 일입니다.

Reading technical books thoroughly is a time-consuming task.

Gerund construction -는 것은... 일이다.

6

그는 좋아하는 시인의 시집을 수십 번 정독했다.

He read the collection of poems by his favorite poet thoroughly dozens of times.

Adverbial count '수십 번' (dozens of times).

7

기사 내용을 정독한 후에 댓글을 달아 주세요.

Please leave a comment after reading the article content thoroughly.

Sequence -(으)ㄴ 후에 (after).

8

정독하는 습관은 비판적 사고력을 길러 줍니다.

The habit of reading thoroughly helps develop critical thinking skills.

Benefactive auxiliary verb -어 주다.

1

복잡한 법률 용어가 많아서 일반인이 정독하기에는 무리가 있다.

There are many complex legal terms, so it's too much for an average person to read thoroughly.

Phrase '-기에는 무리가 있다' (be too much/unreasonable to do).

2

작가의 의도를 파악하기 위해 작품을 몇 번이고 정독했다.

In order to grasp the author's intent, I read the work thoroughly over and over.

Purpose -기 위해 + emphasis '몇 번이고' (over and over).

3

사용 설명서를 정독했음에도 불구하고 기계 작동법을 모르겠다.

Despite having read the user manual thoroughly, I don't know how to operate the machine.

Concessive '-음에도 불구하고' (despite/in spite of).

4

논문의 각주까지 정독하는 치밀함을 보였다.

He showed meticulousness by reading even the footnotes of the thesis thoroughly.

Noun '치밀함' (meticulousness) modified by the preceding clause.

5

고전 문학은 한 문장 한 문장 정독할 때 그 진가가 드러난다.

The true value of classic literature is revealed when you read it thoroughly sentence by sentence.

Iterative '한 문장 한 문장' (sentence by sentence).

6

정보의 홍수 속에서 정독의 중요성은 더욱 강조되고 있다.

In the flood of information, the importance of thorough reading is being emphasized even more.

Passive voice '강조되고 있다' (is being emphasized).

7

그 보고서는 데이터의 정확성을 확인하기 위해 정독을 요한다.

That report requires thorough reading to verify the accuracy of the data.

Verb '요하다' (to require).

8

글을 대충 훑어보는 습관 대신 정독하는 습관을 들여야 한다.

Instead of the habit of skimming through writing, you must develop the habit of reading thoroughly.

Contrast '대신' (instead of) + '습관을 들이다' (to form a habit).

1

철학적 텍스트는 정독을 통해서만 비로소 그 심오한 의미를 체득할 수 있다.

Philosophical texts can only be truly internalized and understood in their profound meaning through thorough reading.

Emphasis '-를 통해서만' (only through) + '비로소' (at last/finally).

2

그 평론가는 신인 작가의 작품을 정독한 뒤 날카로운 분석을 내놓았다.

After reading the rookie author's work thoroughly, the critic provided a sharp analysis.

Sequence -(으)ㄴ 뒤 (after) + figurative adjective '날카로운' (sharp).

3

방대한 분량의 사료를 정독하며 역사의 진실을 규명하고자 노력했다.

While reading vast amounts of historical records thoroughly, he strove to investigate the truth of history.

Simultaneous action -며 + intention -고자 노력하다 (strive to).

4

성경이나 불경 같은 경전은 일생에 걸쳐 정독하고 묵상해야 하는 대상이다.

Scriptures like the Bible or Buddhist sutras are objects that should be read thoroughly and meditated upon throughout one's life.

Duration '-에 걸쳐' (over/throughout) + '대상' (object/target).

5

그는 상대방의 제안서를 정독하며 행간의 의미를 읽어내려 애썼다.

He read the other party's proposal thoroughly and tried to read between the lines.

Idiom '행간의 의미를 읽다' (read between the lines).

6

문학 교육의 본질은 학생들에게 정독의 즐거움을 깨닫게 하는 데 있다.

The essence of literary education lies in making students realize the joy of thorough reading.

Causative -게 하다 + phrase '-는 데 있다' (lies in/consists of).

7

디지털 매체에 익숙한 세대에게 정독은 인내심을 요하는 고된 작업일 수 있다.

For a generation accustomed to digital media, thorough reading can be a taxing task that requires patience.

Dative '-에게' + noun-modifying '요하는' (requiring).

8

비판적 정독은 텍스트에 내재된 이데올로기를 해체하는 첫걸음이다.

Critical thorough reading is the first step in deconstructing the ideologies inherent in a text.

Abstract noun '해체' (deconstruction) + '첫걸음' (first step).

1

텍스트의 다층적인 의미 구조를 해명하기 위해서는 치밀한 정독이 선행되어야 한다.

In order to elucidate the multi-layered semantic structure of a text, meticulous thorough reading must be a prerequisite.

Academic term '해명' (elucidation) + '선행되다' (to precede/be a prerequisite).

2

그 학자는 칸트의 순수이성비판을 평생에 걸쳐 정독하며 자신의 철학 체계를 세웠다.

The scholar established his own philosophical system while reading Kant's 'Critique of Pure Reason' thoroughly throughout his life.

Proper noun '순수이성비판' + '체계를 세우다' (establish a system).

3

번역가는 원문의 뉘앙스를 완벽히 살리기 위해 텍스트를 정독하고 또 정독한다.

A translator reads the text thoroughly and again to perfectly preserve the nuances of the original source.

Repetition '정독하고 또 정독한다' for extreme emphasis.

4

현대 사회의 정보 과잉은 역설적으로 정독의 가치를 더욱 고양시키고 있다.

Paradoxically, the information overload of modern society is further elevating the value of intensive reading.

Adverb '역설적으로' (paradoxically) + '고양시키다' (to enhance/elevate).

5

정독은 단순히 텍스트를 수동적으로 수용하는 것이 아니라 저자와의 역동적인 대화이다.

Intensive reading is not merely passively accepting a text, but a dynamic dialogue with the author.

Negative construction 'A가 아니라 B이다' (not A but B).

6

법관은 판결을 내리기 전 모든 증거 기록을 정독하며 정의의 실현을 고민한다.

Before delivering a verdict, a judge reads all evidence records thoroughly and ponders the realization of justice.

Professional context '판결을 내리다' (deliver a verdict).

7

고전의 정독은 시공간을 초월하여 위대한 지성과 조우하는 신비로운 경험이다.

The intensive reading of classics is a mystical experience of encountering great intellects across time and space.

Literary term '조우하다' (to encounter).

8

문학적 정독을 통해 우리는 타자의 삶에 깊이 공감하고 인간 이해의 지평을 넓힌다.

Through literary intensive reading, we deeply empathize with the lives of others and broaden the horizon of human understanding.

Metaphorical phrase '지평을 넓히다' (broaden the horizon).

Synonyme

자세히 읽다 세밀히 읽다 깊이 읽다 숙독하다 통독하다

Gegenteile

속독하다 훑어보다 대충 읽다

Häufige Kollokationen

계약서를 정독하다
교과서를 정독하다
설명서를 정독하다
수차례 정독하다
꼼꼼하게 정독하다
원문을 정독하다
약관을 정독하다
반복해서 정독하다
정독할 가치가 있다
정독을 권하다

Häufige Phrasen

정독 습관

— The habit of intensive reading. It refers to a disciplined approach to consuming texts.

어릴 때부터 정독 습관을 기르는 것이 중요하다.

정독 도서관

— Jeongdok Public Library. A famous library in Seoul named after the concept of thorough reading.

주말에 정독 도서관에 가서 공부하기로 했다.

다독과 정독

— Extensive reading and intensive reading. Often discussed together as two pillars of literacy.

다독과 정독을 병행하는 것이 가장 효과적인 독서법이다.

정독실

— A quiet reading room or intensive study room, often found in libraries or schools.

정독실에서는 절대 정숙해야 합니다.

정독법

— Methods or techniques for intensive reading.

효율적인 정독법을 배우면 학습 능력이 향상된다.

정독의 중요성

— The importance of reading thoroughly.

이번 강연의 주제는 정독의 중요성입니다.

정독을 요함

— Requires thorough reading. Often seen as a note on complex documents.

이 문서는 내용이 복잡하므로 정독을 요함.

정독 후 서명

— Sign after thorough reading. A standard instruction on legal papers.

모든 서류는 정독 후 서명해 주시기 바랍니다.

정독의 힘

— The power of intensive reading. Often used in motivational contexts.

정독의 힘은 지식의 깊이에서 나온다.

정독 시간

— Time set aside for thorough reading.

매일 아침 30분씩 정독 시간을 갖는다.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

정독하다 vs 낭독하다

Means to read aloud. '정독' is about depth of understanding, not volume of voice.

정독하다 vs 구독하다

Means to subscribe to a magazine or channel. Sounds similar but totally different meaning.

정독하다 vs 해독하다

Means to decode or decipher. Often used for codes or poisons.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"한 글자 한 글자 정독하다"

— To read every single character/letter thoroughly. Emphasizes extreme care.

그는 연애편지를 한 글자 한 글자 정독했다.

Common
"눈을 떼지 않고 정독하다"

— To read thoroughly without taking one's eyes off the text.

그녀는 흥미진진한 추리 소설을 눈을 떼지 않고 정독했다.

Common
"구절구절 정독하다"

— To read every single phrase or passage thoroughly.

성경의 구절구절을 정독하며 마음의 평화를 찾았다.

Literary
"뼈에 새기듯 정독하다"

— To read so thoroughly as if carving the words into one's bones (metaphor for deep internalization).

스승님의 가르침을 뼈에 새기듯 정독했다.

Literary/Formal
"토씨 하나 빼놓지 않고 정독하다"

— To read thoroughly without missing a single particle (the smallest unit of Korean grammar).

변호사는 판결문을 토씨 하나 빼놓지 않고 정독했다.

Formal/Legal
"밤을 새워 정독하다"

— To stay up all night reading something thoroughly.

내일 시험이라 전공 서적을 밤을 새워 정독했다.

Common
"숨을 죽이고 정독하다"

— To read thoroughly while holding one's breath (due to tension or focus).

모두가 숨을 죽이고 합격자 명단을 정독했다.

Common
"머릿속에 그리며 정독하다"

— To read thoroughly while visualizing the content in one's head.

소설의 배경을 머릿속에 그리며 정독하니 더 재미있었다.

Neutral
"줄을 그어가며 정독하다"

— To read thoroughly while underlining or highlighting.

중요한 부분은 줄을 그어가며 정독하는 것이 좋다.

Neutral
"사전을 찾아가며 정독하다"

— To read thoroughly while looking up words in a dictionary.

외국어 원서를 사전을 찾아가며 정독하느라 시간이 오래 걸렸다.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

정독하다 vs 숙독하다

Both mean reading carefully.

정독 is focusing on the process of careful reading. 숙독 implies that you have successfully 'digested' and mastered the material through that reading.

책을 정독한 끝에 그 내용을 숙독하게 되었다.

정독하다 vs 다독하다

Both are related to reading habits.

정독 is quality/depth. 다독 is quantity/breadth.

다독도 좋지만 한 권을 읽더라도 정독하는 것이 중요하다.

정독하다 vs 통독하다

Both involve reading a whole text.

통독 is reading from cover to cover without skipping. 정독 is reading every word with high focus.

시간이 없어서 통독만 하고 정독은 못 했다.

정독하다 vs 속독하다

Opposite concepts often paired together.

속독 is speed reading. 정독 is slow, intensive reading.

속독은 정보를 찾을 때 좋고, 정독은 공부할 때 좋다.

정독하다 vs 탐독하다

Both imply reading deeply.

탐독 adds a layer of 'passion' or 'addiction' to the reading. You 'tam-dok' something you love.

그는 무협 소설을 탐독하느라 밤을 새웠다.

Satzmuster

A1

[Noun]을 정독해요.

책을 정독해요.

A2

[Noun]을 정독하세요.

설명서를 정독하세요.

B1

[Noun]을 정독해야 해요.

계약서를 정독해야 해요.

B1

[Noun]을 정독한 후 [Verb].

정독한 후 질문하세요.

B2

[Noun]을 정독할 필요가 있다.

이 논문은 정독할 필요가 있다.

B2

[Noun]을 정독하기 시작하다.

그는 고전을 정독하기 시작했다.

C1

[Noun]을 정독함으로써 [Result].

정독함으로써 진실을 알게 되었다.

C2

[Noun]의 정독을 요하다.

이 문서는 정독을 요한다.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

정독 (Intensive reading)
정독자 (An intensive reader)
정독실 (Intensive reading room)
정독법 (Reading method)

Verben

정독하다 (To read intensively/thoroughly)
정독되다 (To be read intensively - passive)

Adjektive

정독할만한 (Worth reading thoroughly)

Verwandt

다독 (Extensive reading)
속독 (Speed reading)
통독 (Reading through)
발췌독 (Reading excerpts)
숙독 (Deep reading/digestion)

So verwendest du es

frequency

High in written/academic contexts; Moderate in spoken Korean.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using '정독하다' for watching TV. 집중해서 보다 (To watch with focus).

    The character '독' (讀) specifically means reading text. You cannot 'read' a movie in Korean unless you are reading the subtitles.

  • Saying '빨리 정독하세요' (Read thoroughly fast). 꼼꼼히 읽으세요 (Read meticulously).

    This is an oxymoron. '정독' implies a slow, careful pace. If you want someone to be fast but careful, use '꼼꼼히'.

  • Confusing '정독' with '낭독' (Reading aloud). 정독 (Intensive reading), 낭독 (Reading aloud).

    They sound similar but '낭독' is about the voice, while '정독' is about the mind.

  • Using '정독' for casual reading (e.g., a comic book). 읽다 (To read).

    Using '정독' for a comic book sounds like you are analyzing it for a university degree. It's too formal for casual contexts.

  • Grammar: '정독하게 읽다'. 정독하다.

    '정독' is not an adverb. It is a noun that becomes a verb with '하다'. You shouldn't try to use it to modify another verb like '읽다'.

Tipps

Use a Highlighter

When you '정독하다', use a highlighter to mark parts you don't understand. This physical action helps maintain the high level of focus required for intensive reading.

Contract Review

Always tell your clients '계약서를 정독해 주세요' (Please read the contract thoroughly). It shows you are professional and want them to be fully informed.

Aspiration Rule

Remember the pronunciation [정도카다]. The 'k' sound at the end of 'dok' and the 'h' at the start of 'hada' combine to sound like 'kha'. Practice this to sound more native.

Academic Essays

In TOPIK essays, use '정독' when discussing education or literacy. It is a high-level vocabulary word that will impress the examiners.

Root Learning

Memorize the root '독' (read). You will see it in '독서' (reading), '독자' (reader), and '필독서' (must-read book). This makes learning '정독' easier.

Set a Timer

Intensive reading is tiring. Set a timer for 25 minutes of '정독', then take a 5-minute break. This 'Pomodoro' style works well with deep reading.

Visit Jeongdok Library

If you are in Seoul, visit the Jeongdok Public Library. The atmosphere there is perfect for practicing your own '정독' skills.

Clarification

If someone gives you a document and you need time, say '정독한 후에 다시 말씀드릴게요' (I will tell you again after I read it thoroughly). It's a very polite way to ask for time.

Podcast Tip

When listening to Korean podcasts, '정독' the transcript afterwards. This bridge between listening and intensive reading is the fastest way to B2/C1 levels.

Mindfulness

Treat '정독' as a form of meditation. Focus only on the words and your breath. It reduces stress and increases comprehension.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Jeong' as 'Just right' and 'Dok' as 'Document'. You read the document 'Just right'—meaning with perfect detail.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person using a magnifying glass to look at a book. Every word is being checked carefully.

Word Web

Read Careful Detail Study Contract Textbook Focus Understand

Herausforderung

Try to '정독하다' one Korean news article today. Look up every word you don't know and try to explain the meaning of each sentence.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Hanja (Sino-Korean) characters 精 (정 - refined, detailed, essence) and 讀 (독 - read).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To read a text so that its refined essence is understood.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-eo)

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities. It is a very safe and formal word.

In English-speaking cultures, 'close reading' is a similar academic term, but we don't have a single common verb like '정독하다' used in everyday life. We usually say 'read carefully.'

Jeongdok Public Library (정독도서관) in Seoul. The 'Jeong-dok' method is often cited by famous Korean scholars and CEOs as their secret to success. Korean 'Reading Management' (독서경영) books often have chapters dedicated to the power of 'Jeong-dok'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Academic Study

  • 교과서를 정독하다
  • 참고서를 정독하다
  • 논문을 정독하다
  • 시험 범위를 정독하다

Legal/Business

  • 계약서를 정독하다
  • 약관을 정독하다
  • 공문서를 정독하다
  • 보고서를 정독하다

Daily Instructions

  • 설명서를 정독하다
  • 레시피를 정독하다
  • 안내문을 정독하다
  • 주의사항을 정독하다

Literary Appreciation

  • 소설을 정독하다
  • 시를 정독하다
  • 고전을 정독하다
  • 수필을 정독하다

Communication

  • 이메일을 정독하다
  • 편지를 정독하다
  • 메시지를 정독하다
  • 공지사항을 정독하다

Gesprächseinstiege

"최근에 정독한 책 중에서 가장 기억에 남는 책은 무엇인가요?"

"평소에 책을 읽을 때 속독하는 편인가요, 아니면 정독하는 편인가요?"

"정독을 하기에 가장 좋은 장소는 어디라고 생각하세요?"

"계약서를 정독하지 않아서 곤란했던 적이 있나요?"

"아이들에게 정독 습관을 길러주려면 어떻게 해야 할까요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

오늘 정독한 글이나 기사에 대해 느낀 점을 적어보세요. (Write about your feelings regarding a text or article you read thoroughly today.)

나만의 정독 비법이나 집중하는 방법에 대해 써보세요. (Write about your own secret to thorough reading or how you focus.)

정독과 다독 중 본인에게 더 중요하다고 생각하는 것은 무엇인지 논하세요. (Discuss which you think is more important for you: intensive reading or extensive reading.)

최근에 정독했던 설명서나 계약서가 있었나요? 어떤 내용이었는지 기록해 보세요. (Was there a manual or contract you read thoroughly recently? Record what the content was.)

내가 작가라면 독자들이 내 글을 어떻게 정독해 주길 바라는지 상상해 보세요. (Imagine if you were an author, how you would want readers to read your work thoroughly.)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, generally '정독하다' implies a slower pace because you are paying attention to every detail. However, the focus is not on the speed itself but on the 'thoroughness' of the comprehension. You can't really '정독' something quickly because the cognitive effort required takes time.

No, '정독하다' specifically refers to 'reading' (讀). For watching a movie carefully, you would use '정시하다' (rare) or more commonly '집중해서 보다' (watch with focus) or '자세히 보다' (watch in detail).

It can be both. '정독' is the noun (thorough reading), and '정독하다' is the verb (to read thoroughly). You can say '정독이 필요하다' (thorough reading is needed) or '책을 정독하다' (to read a book thoroughly).

It is more formal than '읽다', but very common when talking about serious reading tasks like contracts, manuals, or studying. If you use it for casual texts, it might sound a bit dramatic or humorous.

'정독' is a Sino-Korean word (Hanja-eo) and sounds more formal and academic. '꼼꼼히 읽기' uses a native Korean adverb and sounds more natural in everyday spoken conversation. They mean the same thing.

Choose a short paragraph in Korean. Read it once for the main idea. Then read it again, looking up every grammar point and vocabulary word. Finally, read it a third time to see how the sentences connect. That is '정독'.

Yes, you can '정독' a short poem or a single sentence in a contract if it is very important. The length of the text doesn't matter; the intensity of the reading does.

The Jeongdok Public Library in Seoul was built on the site of a former elite high school. Its name was chosen to encourage citizens to pursue deep and thorough learning, reflecting traditional Korean values.

Yes, they share the character '精' (Jeong), which means refined or essence. Reading with '정독' implies you are putting your '정성' (sincerity/devotion) into the act of reading.

No, that would mean 'to be read thoroughly' in a passive sense that sounds like the book is suffering. Instead, use '정독되다' if you want to say a book 'is being read thoroughly' by many people.

Teste dich selbst 192 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence using '정독하다' and '계약서' (contract).

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I read the textbook thoroughly for the exam.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a short paragraph about your reading habits using '정독' and '다독'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Give advice to a student about reading test questions using '정독하다'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe the difference between '정독' and '속독' in one sentence.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Please read the instructions carefully before starting.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '정독할 가치가 있다' in a sentence about a book you like.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '정독' as a noun.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Thanks to reading the email thoroughly, I didn't miss the meeting.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a formal request for someone to read a document thoroughly.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a time you should have read something more carefully.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about reading a poem using '정독'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Intensive reading helps with critical thinking.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use the pattern '정독한 후' in a sentence.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about 'Jeongdok Library'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I stayed up all night reading the novel thoroughly.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about the importance of thorough reading in the digital age.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'You must read the safety rules thoroughly.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '정독하며' to describe two simultaneous actions.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about a judge reading evidence.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce [정독하다] clearly.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Please read the contract thoroughly' in formal Korean.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain what '정독' means in Korean to a friend.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Answer: '책을 읽을 때 정독하는 편인가요?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I read the manual, but I don't understand.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask a librarian where the 'Jeongdok' room is.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Thorough reading is more important than fast reading.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe your study method using '정독'.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Tell someone to read the instructions before starting a game.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I spent all day reading this thesis thoroughly.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce [정독실] correctly.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I want to develop a habit of intensive reading.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'This book is worth reading thoroughly.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask: 'Did you read the email I sent thoroughly?'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I found a mistake while reading thoroughly.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Please sign after you finish reading thoroughly.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain why 'Jeong-dok' is hard.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I read the poem character by character.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Recommend a book for 'Jeong-dok'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I prefer intensive reading to extensive reading.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify: '정독' vs '낭독'. (Audio would play one).

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

Identify the object: '계약서를 정독하세요.'

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

Listen to the instruction: '설명서를 정독한 후 기계를 켜세요.' What should you do first?

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

Listen to the advice: '시험 문제를 정독해야 실수를 안 해요.' What is the benefit of reading thoroughly?

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

Listen to the news snippet: '정독 도서관이 오늘 휴관합니다.' Is the library open?

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

Listen and choose the meaning: '이 글은 정독이 필요합니다.'

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

Identify the speaker's tone: '이걸 정독이라고 한 거야?'

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

Listen: '그는 보고서를 정독하며 고개를 끄덕였다.' What did he do with his head?

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

Listen: '다독도 좋지만 정독이 더 중요해요.' Which is more important?

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

Listen: '정독 습관을 기릅시다.' What habit is being suggested?

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

Listen: '밤새워 정독하느라 눈이 충혈됐어요.' Why are the eyes red?

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

Listen: '이 부분은 반드시 정독하십시오.' Is this part optional?

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

Listen: '정독을 마친 분은 손을 들어주세요.' Who should raise their hand?

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

Listen: '사전을 찾아가며 정독했어요.' How did they read?

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

Listen: '정독의 가치는 아무리 강조해도 지나치지 않습니다.' Is 'Jeong-dok' valuable?

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

/ 192 correct

Perfect score!

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