At the A1 level, '고립되다' is a bit difficult. It is better to start with '혼자 있어요' (I am alone). However, you can think of '고립되다' as being 'very alone' because you are stuck. Imagine a cat on a high tree that cannot come down. The cat is '고립되었다.' It has no friends and no way to move. In simple terms: No people + No help + No way out = 고립되다. You might see this word in very simple picture books about a person on a desert island. Just remember: it means you are alone and you cannot leave easily.
For A2 learners, you can use '고립되다' to describe simple physical situations. Think about the weather. If there is a lot of snow (눈) or rain (비), and the bus stops running, you might be stuck at home. In this case, you can say '집에 고립되었어요.' It means you are separated from the rest of the city. You are beginning to learn that this word is more serious than just being alone. It is about a 'barrier' between you and others. You can also use it when you don't understand anyone in a group: '친구들 사이에서 고립된 느낌이에요' (I feel isolated among friends).
At the B1 level, you should use '고립되다' to talk about social issues and specific events. You understand that this word often appears in the news. For example, when a country has no friends in politics, it is '국제적으로 고립되다.' You should also know the difference between '외롭다' (feeling) and '고립되다' (fact/state). B1 students can use the passive form correctly: '섬에 고립된 사람들' (people isolated on an island). You are now able to describe more complex situations, like being isolated because of a different opinion or a lack of technology.
B2 learners should use '고립되다' in academic or professional discussions. You can talk about '사회적 고립' (social isolation) as a serious problem in modern society. You understand that it can be used metaphorically. For example, an idea can be isolated if no one else supports it. You should be comfortable using adverbs like '완전히' (completely) or '심리적으로' (psychologically) to modify the verb. You also know the active form '고립시키다' and can switch between them: '그들은 그를 고립시켰고, 그는 결국 고립되었다' (They isolated him, and he eventually became isolated).
At the C1 level, you recognize the nuance of '고립되다' in literature and high-level journalism. You can discuss the philosophical implications of isolation versus solitude. You understand how the word is used in technical fields, such as '고립된 계통' (an isolated system/grid) in engineering. You can use the word to describe complex geopolitical strategies, like '고립 정책' (isolation policy). Your usage should be precise, distinguishing it from '소외' (alienation) or '단절' (disconnection) based on whether the focus is on the state of the subject or the quality of the bond.
For C2 learners, '고립되다' is a tool for deep analysis. You can use it to describe the 'existential isolation' of humanity in modern philosophy. You are aware of its historical usage in Korean history (e.g., the isolation of certain kingdoms). You can use it in highly formal speeches or complex creative writing to evoke a sense of stark, absolute separation. You understand the word's ability to describe not just a physical or social state, but a state of the soul or a structural failure in a massive organization. You can manipulate the word in various grammatical forms without hesitation.

고립되다 in 30 Sekunden

  • 고립되다 means to be isolated or cut off from others, either due to physical barriers like weather or social barriers like exclusion.
  • It is a formal verb derived from Hanja, focusing on the objective state of being alone rather than just the feeling of loneliness.
  • Commonly used in news reports regarding natural disasters, social issues like elderly isolation, and international politics involving sanctions.
  • It functions as a passive verb (-되다), often paired with causes like '폭설로' (by heavy snow) or '사회적으로' (socially).

The Korean verb 고립되다 (Golip-doeda) is a powerful term that describes the state of being cut off, separated, or isolated from a larger group, society, or physical surroundings. To understand this word deeply, one must look at its Hanja roots: 孤 (고) meaning 'lonely' or 'solitary' and 立 (립) meaning 'to stand.' When combined with the suffix 되다, which indicates a passive state or a process of becoming, it literally means 'to be placed in a state of standing alone.' Unlike the word '외롭다' (to feel lonely), which describes an internal emotion, 고립되다 focuses on the objective condition of being disconnected.

Physical Isolation
This refers to being geographically or physically separated. For instance, a mountain climber trapped by a blizzard or a village cut off by a flood is '고립되었다.' It implies a lack of access to resources, help, or communication.

폭설로 인해 산간 마을이 완전히 고립되었다. (The mountain village was completely isolated due to heavy snow.)

Social and Psychological Isolation
In a modern context, it describes individuals who are alienated from social circles or the digital world. This can be voluntary (seeking solitude) or involuntary (being shunned or lacking social skills). It is often used in news reports discussing the 'lonely death' (고독사) phenomenon or the 'Hikikomori' (un-dun-hyeong oe-tol-i) lifestyle.

Furthermore, the word is frequently used in political and economic spheres. A country that faces international sanctions or refuses to engage in global diplomacy is described as being diplomatically isolated. This highlights that 고립되다 isn't just about individuals; it applies to organizations, nations, and even technical systems that cannot communicate with other parts of a network. The gravity of the word suggests a situation that often requires intervention or a significant change to resolve.

그 나라는 국제 사회에서 점차 고립되고 있다. (That country is gradually becoming isolated in the international community.)

In everyday conversation, you might hear this word when someone feels 'out of the loop' at work or school. If everyone is talking about a topic you know nothing about, or if you are excluded from a group chat, you might say you feel '고립된 기분' (a feeling of being isolated). It captures that specific sting of being on the outside looking in, emphasizing the barrier between the individual and the collective.

Using 고립되다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical nature as a passive-leaning verb. Because it ends in -되다, it usually describes a state that has been reached or a situation that happened to the subject, rather than an action the subject is performing intentionally. Let's look at the different ways to integrate this into your Korean speech and writing.

The Cause-Effect Structure
Typically, you use the particle -에 or the phrase -로 인해 (due to) to specify the cause of the isolation. For example, '섬에 고립되다' (to be isolated on an island) or '편견으로 인해 고립되다' (to be isolated due to prejudice).

홍수로 인해 주민들이 마을에 고립되었습니다. (Residents were isolated in the village due to the flood.)

When talking about social isolation, the subject is often a person or a group, and the environment is the society or a specific community. You might use the adverb 사회적으로 (socially) or 심리적으로 (psychologically) to add depth to the sentence. This helps specify that the isolation isn't physical but rather a lack of connection with others.

현대인들은 SNS 속에서도 종종 고립됨을 느낍니다. (Modern people often feel isolated even within social media.)

Degree and Intensity
Adverbs like 완전히 (completely), 철저히 (thoroughly), or 점차 (gradually) are frequently paired with this verb to show the extent of the isolation. '철저히 고립되다' suggests a very harsh, absolute separation.

In academic or journalistic writing, you will see this word in the context of '고립된 생활' (an isolated life) or '고립된 지역' (an isolated area). Here, the verb is turned into an adjective (modifier) by changing it to 고립된. This is one of the most common ways you'll encounter the word, describing nouns that exist in a state of separation. Whether you are describing a technical glitch in a network or a tragic social situation, the structure remains consistent: Subject + (Cause) + (Adverb) + 고립되다.

You are most likely to encounter 고립되다 in serious, formal, or descriptive contexts rather than in casual banter between friends. It is a staple of the Korean news cycle, documentaries, and literature. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the weight the word carries.

News and Disaster Reporting
When natural disasters strike—like typhoons, heavy snow, or landslides—news anchors use '고립되다' to describe people who are stuck and cannot be reached by rescue teams. It creates a sense of urgency and danger.

기상 악화로 인해 등산객 5명이 산 정상에 고립되었습니다. (Due to worsening weather, five hikers were isolated at the mountain peak.)

Another common area is Sociology and Psychology. Korea has seen a rise in discussions about 'social isolation' among the youth and the elderly. You will hear experts talk about '사회적 고립' (social isolation) as a major public health issue. In documentaries about 'Godos-sa' (lonely deaths), the narration often emphasizes how the individual became '고립된 상태' (in an isolated state) before their passing.

노인들의 사회적 고립 문제를 해결하기 위한 대책이 필요합니다. (Measures are needed to solve the social isolation problem of the elderly.)

In Geopolitical discussions, South Korea is sometimes described as a 'geographical island' because it is cut off from the mainland by North Korea. Political analysts might say South Korea is '고립된 반도' (an isolated peninsula) in terms of land transport. Similarly, when discussing North Korea's foreign policy, the word is used to describe their self-imposed or forced isolation from the global economy.

Workplace and School
While less common than in the news, you might hear this in HR meetings or school counseling. If an employee is being bullied or ignored by their team, they are said to be '직장에서 고립되다.' It is a formal way to describe '왕따' (bullying/exclusion) from a more systemic perspective.

While 고립되다 is straightforward, learners often confuse it with other words that mean 'alone' or 'separated.' Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '외롭다' (To be lonely)
'외롭다' is an adjective describing a feeling. '고립되다' is a verb describing a situation. You can be isolated (고립되다) but not feel lonely, or you can feel lonely (외롭다) in a crowd of people. Do not use '고립되다' to mean you are just feeling a bit sad and alone.

❌ 저는 오늘 고립돼요. (I am isolated today - sounds like you are trapped in a room).
✅ 저는 오늘 외로워요. (I feel lonely today).

Mistake 2: Confusing with '혼자 있다' (To be alone)
'혼자 있다' is neutral. You might be alone because you want to read a book. '고립되다' usually has a negative or serious connotation, implying that you cannot reach others even if you wanted to.
Mistake 3: Active vs. Passive Voice
Learners often forget that '-되다' makes the word passive. If you say '그는 친구를 고립되었다,' it is grammatically wrong because '고립되다' cannot take a direct object. You must use '고립시켰다' (isolated [someone]) if there is an object.

❌ 정부는 그 도시를 고립되었다. (Wrong)
✅ 정부는 그 도시를 고립시켰다. (The government isolated the city.)

Lastly, be careful with the word '격리되다' (to be quarantined/segregated). While similar, '격리되다' is specifically used for medical reasons (like COVID-19) or legal reasons (prison). '고립되다' is broader and can be accidental, such as being stuck in an elevator or a remote forest.

To expand your vocabulary, it is essential to know the synonyms and related terms for 고립되다. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning depending on the context of the separation.

단절되다 (Danjeol-doeda) - To be cut off/disconnected
This focuses on the connection itself being broken. It is often used for communication, electricity, or relationships. While '고립되다' describes the state of the person, '단절되다' describes the state of the link.

외부와의 연락이 완전히 단절되었다. (Communication with the outside was completely cut off.)

소외되다 (So-oe-doeda) - To be alienated/excluded
This is strictly social. It describes being left out of a group or society. It carries a stronger emotional weight of being ignored or marginalized. You are '소외되다' from a conversation or a community benefit.
격리되다 (Gyeok-ri-doeda) - To be quarantined/isolated
As mentioned, this is often forced and for a specific purpose, like preventing the spread of a virus. It is a more clinical and structured form of isolation.

If you want to describe a positive state of being alone, you should use '호젓하다' (to be quietly secluded) or '독처하다' (to live alone/stay alone). These words lack the 'trapped' or 'excluded' feeling of 고립되다. Choosing the right word depends on whether the isolation is a tragedy, a medical necessity, or a peaceful choice.

사회적으로 소외된 계층을 도와야 합니다. (We must help the socially alienated classes.)

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The character 孤 (Go) originally depicted a child (子) who is alone, emphasizing the vulnerability inherent in isolation. In ancient texts, it was often used to describe orphans or kings who felt they had no one to trust.

Aussprachehilfe

UK ko.ɾip.twø.da
US go.lip.dwe.da
The stress is equal across all syllables, typical of Korean, but the 'rip' syllable is slightly clipped due to the batchim (final consonant).
Reimt sich auf
조립되다 (to be assembled) 성립되다 (to be established) 적립되다 (to be accumulated) 독립되다 (to be independent) 대립되다 (to be opposed) 확립되다 (to be settled) 양립되다 (to be compatible) 국립 (national)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing '고' like 'go' with too much breath (aspirated).
  • Failing to stop the breath on the 'p' in 'rip'.
  • Pronouncing '되' as two separate vowels instead of a diphthong.
  • Confusing '고립' with '고급' (luxury).
  • Adding an English 'r' sound instead of the Korean flap 'r'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Common in news and books, but requires knowing Hanja-based vocabulary.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires correct use of passive voice and appropriate particles like '에' or '로부터'.

Sprechen 3/5

Used in serious stories; pronunciation is straightforward but must be clear.

Hören 3/5

Frequent in news broadcasts; easy to recognize once the 'Golip' sound is learned.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

혼자 (alone) 되다 (to become) 산 (mountain) 섬 (island) 막히다 (to be blocked)

Als Nächstes lernen

소외되다 (to be alienated) 단절되다 (to be cut off) 격리하다 (to quarantine) 고독 (solitude) 유대감 (sense of bonding)

Fortgeschritten

파편화 (fragmentation) 익명성 (anonymity) 상호작용 (interaction) 공동체 (community)

Wichtige Grammatik

Passive Suffix -되다

고립시키다 (Active) -> 고립되다 (Passive)

Reason Particle -로 인해

폭설로 인해 마을이 고립되었습니다.

Adjective Modifier -ㄴ/은

고립된 (isolated) + 지역 (area) = 고립된 지역

State of Being -어 있다

그는 며칠째 고립되어 있다. (He has been in a state of isolation for days.)

Contrastive Particle -지만

고립되었지만 포기하지 않았다. (I was isolated but didn't give up.)

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

그는 섬에 고립되었어요.

He was isolated on the island.

The particle '에' indicates the location of isolation.

2

산에 고립된 고양이가 있어요.

There is a cat isolated on the mountain.

'고립된' is the adjective form modifying '고양이'.

3

눈 때문에 고립되었어요.

I was isolated because of the snow.

'때문에' explains the reason for the isolation.

4

우리는 여기 고립됐어.

We are isolated here.

'고립됐어' is the informal contraction of '고립되었어'.

5

배가 없어서 고립되었어요.

I was isolated because there was no boat.

'어서' connects the reason (no boat) to the result (isolated).

6

혼자 고립되면 무서워요.

It is scary if you become isolated alone.

'-면' means 'if' or 'when'.

7

마을이 고립되었어요.

The village was isolated.

The subject '마을' is followed by the subject marker '이'.

8

그는 친구가 없어서 고립되었어요.

He was isolated because he had no friends.

Simple cause-and-effect structure.

1

폭설로 도로가 끊겨서 마을이 고립되었습니다.

The village was isolated because the road was cut off by heavy snow.

'-로' shows the means/cause; '끊겨서' means 'being cut off'.

2

엘리베이터 안에 고립되었을 때 정말 당황했어요.

I was really flustered when I was isolated inside the elevator.

'-을 때' means 'when'.

3

그 섬은 육지에서 멀리 고립되어 있습니다.

The island is isolated far from the mainland.

'-어 있다' describes a continuing state.

4

전화가 안 돼서 완전히 고립된 기분이었어요.

I felt completely isolated because the phone wasn't working.

'완전히' is an adverb meaning 'completely'.

5

비가 너무 많이 와서 집이 고립됐어요.

The house was isolated because it rained too much.

Casual past tense '고립됐어'.

6

그 아이는 학교에서 고립된 것처럼 보여요.

That child looks like they are isolated at school.

'-처럼 보여요' means 'looks like'.

7

우리는 숲속에서 길을 잃고 고립되었습니다.

We lost our way in the forest and became isolated.

'-고' connects two sequential actions/states.

8

도움 없이 혼자 고립되는 것은 위험합니다.

Being isolated alone without help is dangerous.

'-는 것' turns the verb into a noun phrase (the act of being isolated).

1

그는 자신의 고집 때문에 동료들로부터 고립되었다.

He was isolated from his colleagues because of his stubbornness.

'-로부터' means 'from' (a group or person).

2

기술이 없는 노인들은 디지털 사회에서 고립되기 쉽습니다.

Elderly people without technology are easy to become isolated in a digital society.

'-기 쉽다' means 'is easy to/likely to'.

3

그 나라는 핵 실험으로 인해 국제 사회에서 고립되었습니다.

The country was isolated from the international community due to nuclear tests.

'-로 인해' is a formal way to say 'due to'.

4

홍수로 다리가 무너져서 주민들이 며칠째 고립되어 있다.

The bridge collapsed due to the flood, so residents have been isolated for days.

'-째' indicates a continuous duration of time.

5

사고방식이 너무 달라서 대화에서 고립된 느낌을 받았다.

I felt isolated in the conversation because our ways of thinking were so different.

'느낌을 받다' means 'to receive/get a feeling'.

6

인터넷이 끊기면 현대인은 사회적으로 고립될 수밖에 없다.

If the internet is cut off, modern people have no choice but to be socially isolated.

'-을 수밖에 없다' means 'to have no choice but to'.

7

그는 사회와 단절된 채 방 안에서만 고립되어 지냈다.

He lived isolated only in his room, cut off from society.

'-인 채' means 'in the state of'.

8

고립된 상황에서도 희망을 잃지 않는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important not to lose hope even in an isolated situation.

'-아/어도' means 'even if/even though'.

1

경제 제재는 그 국가를 철저히 고립시키는 결과를 초래했다.

Economic sanctions resulted in thoroughly isolating that nation.

'고립시키는' is the active-causative participle form; '초래하다' means 'to bring about'.

2

심리적 고립은 우울증을 유발하는 주요 원인 중 하나입니다.

Psychological isolation is one of the main causes that trigger depression.

'유발하다' means 'to trigger/induce'.

3

그 정치가는 극단적인 발언으로 인해 당 내에서 고립되었다.

The politician became isolated within the party due to extreme remarks.

'당 내' means 'inside the party'.

4

정보의 불균형은 특정 계층을 정보로부터 고립시킬 위험이 있다.

Imbalance of information risks isolating certain classes from information.

'-을 위험이 있다' means 'there is a risk of'.

5

그는 천재적인 재능 때문에 오히려 주변 사람들과 고립되었다.

He was actually isolated from those around him because of his genius talent.

'오히려' means 'on the contrary' or 'actually'.

6

도시화가 진행될수록 개인은 이웃으로부터 고립되기 마련이다.

As urbanization progresses, individuals are bound to be isolated from their neighbors.

'-기 마련이다' means 'it is bound to happen'.

7

재난 발생 시 고립된 지역에 구호 물자를 전달하는 것이 최우선이다.

In the event of a disaster, delivering relief supplies to isolated areas is the top priority.

'최우선' means 'top priority'.

8

그는 자신의 신념을 지키려다 결국 조직에서 고립되고 말았다.

He tried to keep his beliefs but ended up being isolated from the organization.

'-고 말았다' expresses an unfortunate or unintended result.

1

학계의 주류 이론과 상충되는 그의 주장은 그를 학문적으로 고립시켰다.

His argument, which conflicted with the mainstream theory of academia, isolated him academically.

'상충되는' means 'conflicting'; '주류' means 'mainstream'.

2

현대 철학에서 고립된 주체는 타자와의 관계 맺기에 어려움을 겪는다.

In modern philosophy, the isolated subject experiences difficulty in forming relationships with 'the other'.

'타자' refers to 'the other' in a philosophical sense.

3

전력망이 고립되면 외부로부터 에너지를 공급받을 수 없어 블랙아웃이 발생한다.

If the power grid is isolated, a blackout occurs because energy cannot be supplied from the outside.

Technical usage of '고립되다' in engineering.

4

그 소설은 사회로부터 고립된 인간의 내면 심리를 치밀하게 묘사하고 있다.

The novel meticulously describes the inner psychology of a human isolated from society.

'치밀하게' means 'meticulously/densely'.

5

외교적 고립을 탈피하기 위해 정부는 다각적인 노력을 기울이고 있다.

The government is making multi-faceted efforts to escape diplomatic isolation.

'탈피하기 위해' means 'in order to shed/escape'.

6

언어적 장벽은 이민자들이 새로운 사회에서 고립되는 결정적인 요인이 된다.

Language barriers become a decisive factor in immigrants being isolated in a new society.

'결정적인 요인' means 'decisive factor'.

7

자발적 고립을 선택한 예술가들은 창작에 몰두하기 위해 세속과 거리를 둔다.

Artists who choose voluntary isolation distance themselves from the world to immerse themselves in creation.

'자발적' means 'voluntary'; '세속' means 'the secular world'.

8

데이터가 고립되어 활용되지 못하는 현상을 '데이터 사일로'라고 부른다.

The phenomenon where data is isolated and cannot be utilized is called a 'data silo'.

Metaphorical usage in data science.

1

실존적 고립은 인간 존재의 근원적인 고독을 직면하게 한다.

Existential isolation forces one to confront the fundamental solitude of human existence.

'근원적인' means 'fundamental/root'.

2

권력의 정점에 서 있는 지도자는 종종 진실로부터 고립되는 역설에 빠진다.

A leader at the pinnacle of power often falls into the paradox of being isolated from the truth.

'역설' means 'paradox'.

3

그 섬의 생태계는 수만 년 동안 고립된 채 독자적인 진화를 거듭해 왔다.

The island's ecosystem has undergone independent evolution while remaining isolated for tens of thousands of years.

'독자적인' means 'independent/unique'.

4

파편화된 정보의 홍수 속에서 인간은 오히려 지적으로 고립될 위험이 농후하다.

In a flood of fragmented information, there is a strong risk that humans will actually become intellectually isolated.

'농후하다' means 'thick/strong' (referring to probability).

5

그는 문명의 이기를 거부하고 자연 속으로 들어가 스스로를 고립시켰다.

He rejected the conveniences of civilization and isolated himself by going into nature.

'문명의 이기' refers to the 'conveniences/benefits of civilization'.

6

구조적인 모순으로 인해 특정 집단이 사회 시스템 내에서 고립되는 현상을 경계해야 한다.

We must be wary of the phenomenon where certain groups become isolated within the social system due to structural contradictions.

'경계해야 한다' means 'must be wary of/on guard against'.

7

그의 철학은 시대적 배경과 고립되어 이해될 수 없는 성질의 것이다.

His philosophy is of a nature that cannot be understood in isolation from its historical background.

'성질의 것' means 'a thing of [such] nature'.

8

기술적 고립주의는 장기적으로 국가 경쟁력을 약화시키는 부메랑이 될 수 있다.

Technological isolationism can become a boomerang that weakens national competitiveness in the long run.

'부메랑이 되다' is an idiom meaning 'to backfire'.

Synonyme

Gegenteile

통합되다 소통하다 연결되다

Häufige Kollokationen

완전히 고립되다
사회적으로 고립되다
국제적으로 고립되다
심리적 고립
섬에 고립되다
철저히 고립되다
고립된 생활
정보로부터 고립되다
자발적 고립
고립을 피하다

Häufige Phrasen

고립무원 (孤立無援)

— Being alone and without any help. A four-character idiom (Saja-seong-eo).

그는 고립무원의 처지에 놓였다.

고립된 지역

— A remote or cut-off area. Used in logistics and disaster management.

고립된 지역에 헬기를 보냈다.

사회적 고립감

— The feeling of social isolation. Common in psychological contexts.

사회적 고립감을 해소해야 한다.

고립을 자초하다

— To bring isolation upon oneself. Used for foolish or stubborn actions.

그는 고립을 자초하고 있다.

고립에서 벗어나다

— To escape from isolation. Used when help arrives or social ties mend.

드디어 고립에서 벗어났다.

고립된 섬

— An isolated island. Often used metaphorically for a lonely person.

그는 고립된 섬처럼 보였다.

정치적 고립

— Political isolation. Used when a politician loses support.

그는 정치적 고립을 겪고 있다.

고립을 시키다

— To isolate (someone else). The active form of the verb.

적군을 산으로 고립시켰다.

철저한 고립

— Thorough isolation. Emphasizes the absolute nature of the state.

철저한 고립 속에서 살았다.

고립의 공포

— The fear of isolation. A common human psychological theme.

고립의 공포를 극복했다.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

고립되다 vs 외롭다

Emotional loneliness vs. situational isolation.

고립되다 vs 소외되다

Being excluded from a group vs. being cut off from everyone.

고립되다 vs 격리되다

Quarantine/medical isolation vs. general isolation.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"고립무원 (孤立無援)"

— Standing alone without any help or reinforcements. Extremely common in literature.

적진 한가운데서 고립무원이 되었다.

Formal/Literary
"섬처럼 떠 있다"

— To float like an island. Used when someone is among people but doesn't belong.

그는 파티에서 섬처럼 떠 있었다.

Literary/Metaphorical
"낙동강 오리알"

— An egg of a Nakdong River duck. Idiom for someone who is left behind or isolated.

계획이 바뀌면서 나만 낙동강 오리알이 됐다.

Informal/Idiomatic
"외딴 섬"

— A lonely, distant island. Used to describe an isolated person or place.

그의 집은 외딴 섬처럼 떨어져 있다.

Neutral
"벽을 쌓다"

— To build a wall. To isolate oneself from others by choice.

그는 세상과 벽을 쌓고 산다.

Neutral
"끈 떨어진 갓"

— A traditional hat with broken strings. Someone who has lost their support or power and is isolated.

퇴직 후 그는 끈 떨어진 갓 신세가 되었다.

Old-fashioned/Idiomatic
"사면초가 (四面楚歌)"

— Surrounded by enemies on all sides. A state of being totally isolated and under attack.

회사가 부도 위기에 처해 사면초가 상태다.

Formal/Literary
"뒷방 늙은이"

— An old person in the back room. Someone who is pushed aside and isolated from family decisions.

나를 뒷방 늙은이 취급하지 마라.

Informal/Derogatory
"왕따를 당하다"

— To be bullied or isolated by a group. Very common slang/informal term.

그는 반에서 왕따를 당하고 있다.

Slang/Informal
"끈이 끊기다"

— To have one's strings cut. To lose connections and become isolated.

후원자와 끈이 끊겨 고립되었다.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

고립되다 vs 고독하다

Both mean being alone.

'고독하다' is an adjective for solitude, often poetic. '고립되다' is a verb for being cut off, often negative.

그는 고독한 예술가다 (He is a solitary artist) vs. 그는 섬에 고립되었다 (He was isolated on the island).

고립되다 vs 단절되다

Both involve being cut off.

'단절되다' focuses on the broken link (phone, power). '고립되다' focuses on the person/place being alone.

연결이 단절되었다 (The connection was cut) vs. 마을이 고립되었다 (The village was isolated).

고립되다 vs 분리되다

Both involve separation.

'분리되다' is neutral separation of parts. '고립되다' is being left alone in a negative/difficult state.

기름이 물에서 분리되었다 (Oil separated from water) vs. 그는 무리에서 고립되었다 (He was isolated from the group).

고립되다 vs 방치되다

Both involve being left alone.

'방치되다' means being neglected or left without care. '고립되다' means being cut off from access/help.

쓰레기가 길에 방치되었다 (Trash was neglected on the street) vs. 사람이 산에 고립되었다 (A person was isolated on the mountain).

고립되다 vs 독립하다

Both involve being separate.

'독립하다' is positive independence. '고립되다' is negative isolation.

그는 부모님으로부터 독립했다 (He became independent from his parents) vs. 그는 사회에서 고립되었다 (He was isolated from society).

Satzmuster

A2

[Place]에 고립되다

섬에 고립되었어요.

B1

[Reason] 때문에 고립되다

비 때문에 집에 고립되었어요.

B1

사회적으로 고립되다

그는 사회적으로 고립된 사람이다.

B2

[Group]으로부터 고립되다

그는 친구들로부터 고립되었습니다.

B2

철저히 고립되다

마을이 철저히 고립되었습니다.

C1

외교적으로 고립되다

그 나라는 외교적으로 고립되었다.

C1

자발적으로 고립되다

그는 자발적으로 고립을 선택했다.

C2

실존적으로 고립되다

인간은 실존적으로 고립된 존재인가?

Wortfamilie

Substantive

고립 (isolation)
고립감 (feeling of isolation)
고립주의 (isolationism)
고립지 (isolated area)

Verben

고립시키다 (to isolate someone/something)
고립되다 (to be isolated)

Adjektive

고립된 (isolated - past participle form used as adjective)

Verwandt

고독 (solitude)
외로움 (loneliness)
단절 (disconnection)
소외 (alienation)
격리 (quarantine)

So verwendest du es

frequency

High in news, medium in daily life.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using it for simple loneliness. 외롭다

    If you just feel a bit sad because your friends are busy, use '외롭다'. '고립되다' is for when you are actually cut off or trapped.

  • 그는 친구를 고립되었다. 그는 친구를 고립시켰다.

    Because '고립되다' is passive, it cannot take an object (친구를). You must use the active form '고립시키다'.

  • 고립하는 마을 고립된 마을

    A village doesn't isolate itself; it IS isolated. So use the past participle '고립된'.

  • Confusing '고립' with '격리' in medical contexts. 격리되다

    While '고립' can be used, '격리' is the standard term for medical quarantine (e.g., COVID-19).

  • Pronouncing '고립' as '고리'. 고립 (Go-rip)

    You must pronounce the final 'p' (batchim) by closing your lips. '고리' means a ring or a loop.

Tipps

Passive vs. Active

Remember that '고립되다' is passive. If you want to say someone is isolating you, use '고립시키다'. For example: '그들이 나를 고립시켰어' (They isolated me).

Pair with Adverbs

To sound more natural, pair '고립되다' with adverbs like '완전히' (completely) or '사회적으로' (socially). This is how native speakers use it most often.

News Keyword

If you are watching the Korean news and hear '고립,' pay attention! There's likely a story about a natural disaster or a geopolitical conflict.

Expressing Feelings

Use '고립감' (sense of isolation) when talking about mental health. It sounds much more professional and precise than just saying 'lonely'.

Learn the Root '립'

The root '立' (Rip/Lip) means to stand. You see it in '독립' (independence - standing alone/free) and '국립' (national - standing for the nation). Knowing this helps you guess the meaning of many words!

Use in Essays

This is a high-scoring word for TOPIK writing. Use it when discussing social problems like the digital divide or the aging population.

Contraction Tip

In fast speech, '고립되었다' often becomes '고립됐다'. Both are correct, but '고립됐다' is much more common in conversation.

The 'Hon-ja' Culture

Korea has a rising 'Hon-ja' (alone) culture. While '고립' is usually negative, being '혼자' is becoming more socially acceptable. Don't confuse the two!

Listen for '에'

When you hear '고립,' listen for the particle '에' right before it. It will tell you WHERE the person is trapped (e.g., '엘리베이터에').

Emergency Use

In an emergency, if you are trapped, you can shout '여기 고립됐어요! 도와주세요!' (I'm isolated/trapped here! Please help!).

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'Go' (고) board where one stone is 'Rip' (립 - ripped) away from the others and stands alone. It's now 'Golip-doeda' (isolated).

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a single red lighthouse (standing alone = 립) on a tiny rock in the middle of a vast, dark ocean (lonely = 고).

Word Web

孤 (Lonely) 立 (Stand) 되다 (Become) Weather (폭설) Geography (섬) Society (왕따) Politics (제재) Psychology (우울증)

Herausforderung

Try to use '고립되다' in a sentence about a time you felt left out of a conversation, then in a sentence about a natural disaster.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Hanja 孤立 (고립). 孤 (Go) means 'lonely, orphan, or solitary'. 立 (Rip) means 'to stand'. Together, they describe the act of standing alone without support.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To stand alone without any help or companions.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-eo)

Kultureller Kontext

Be sensitive when using this word regarding the elderly or mental health, as it carries a heavy, often tragic connotation in Korea.

While English speakers use 'isolated' for both physical and emotional states, Korean speakers are more likely to use '외롭다' for the feeling and '고립되다' for the objective situation.

The movie '#Alive' (#살아있다) depicts extreme urban isolation during a zombie outbreak. The novel 'The Vegetarian' by Han Kang explores the psychological isolation of a woman who stops eating meat. The term 'Galapagos Syndrome' is used in Korean business to describe a market that is isolated from global standards.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Natural Disasters

  • 폭설로 고립되다
  • 홍수로 마을이 고립되다
  • 구조 대원을 기다리다
  • 연락이 두절되다

Social Exclusion

  • 친구들 사이에서 고립되다
  • 직장에서 고립된 느낌
  • 사회적 고립 문제
  • 소외 계층

International Politics

  • 외교적 고립
  • 경제 제재로 고립되다
  • 국제 사회의 일원
  • 고립 정책을 펴다

Psychology

  • 심리적인 고립감
  • 내면의 고독
  • 자발적인 고립
  • 우울증과 고립

Technology/Systems

  • 네트워크 고립
  • 데이터 고립 현상
  • 시스템 간의 단절
  • 독립된 서버

Gesprächseinstiege

"혼자 있는 것과 고립되는 것의 차이가 뭐라고 생각하세요? (What do you think is the difference between being alone and being isolated?)"

"폭설이나 홍수로 고립되어 본 적이 있나요? (Have you ever been isolated due to heavy snow or flooding?)"

"현대 사회에서 사람들이 왜 더 고립된다고 느낄까요? (Why do you think people feel more isolated in modern society?)"

"고립된 섬에서 한 달 동안 살아야 한다면 무엇을 가져가시겠어요? (If you had to live on an isolated island for a month, what would you take?)"

"사회적으로 고립된 사람들을 돕기 위해 우리는 무엇을 할 수 있을까요? (What can we do to help socially isolated people?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

내가 단체 생활 속에서 고립되었다고 느꼈던 순간에 대해 써보세요. (Write about a moment when you felt isolated within a group.)

자발적 고립이 창의성에 도움이 된다고 생각하는지 논해보세요. (Discuss whether you think voluntary isolation helps creativity.)

기술의 발전이 인간을 고립시키는지 아니면 더 연결시키는지에 대한 생각. (Thoughts on whether technology isolates humans or connects them more.)

만약 내가 며칠 동안 산속에 고립된다면 어떻게 살아남을지 상상해 보세요. (Imagine how you would survive if you were isolated in the mountains for a few days.)

고립된 사람들에게 가장 필요한 것은 무엇일지 정의해 보세요. (Define what might be the most necessary thing for isolated people.)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Not exactly. If you say '저는 고립됐어요,' people will think you are physically trapped somewhere, like in a locked room. Use '외로워요' for feeling lonely.

Usually, yes. It implies a lack of help or connection. However, terms like '자발적 고립' (voluntary isolation) are used for people who choose to be alone for peace or art.

'고립' is about being cut off from everything. '소외' is about being left out by a specific group of people you are supposed to be with.

You should say '고립감을 느껴요' (I feel a sense of isolation) or '고립된 기분이에요' (I feel like I'm isolated).

Yes! For example, '산불로 인해 동물들이 고립되었습니다' (Animals were isolated due to the forest fire).

Yes, to describe a department that doesn't communicate with others or a company that is losing its partners.

It is 孤 (Go - lonely) and 立 (Rip - stand). It literally means 'standing lonely'.

It's a 'batchim' (final consonant). You don't release the air. Your lips just close and stop. 'Go-rip'.

Yes, if a computer is not connected to the internet or a network, you can say it is '고립된 시스템'.

It's less common than '혼자 있다' in casual talk, but very common when describing serious situations or news.

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Translate: 'The village was isolated due to heavy snow.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I felt isolated among my friends.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '사회적 고립'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'He was isolated on a desert island.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The country is becoming isolated internationally.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '고립시키다' in a sentence.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'We were isolated in the elevator for an hour.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Elderly people often feel isolated.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The road is blocked, so the house is isolated.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Voluntary isolation is sometimes necessary for artists.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Don't let yourself be isolated from society.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '철저히 고립되다'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The survivors were isolated for three days.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Digital isolation is a new problem.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I don't want to be isolated anymore.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The mountain hikers were isolated by the storm.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The island has been isolated for thousands of years.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'He chose an isolated life in the forest.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The power grid was isolated from the main network.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Being isolated without help is a nightmare.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce correctly: 고립되었습니다.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I am isolated' in formal Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain '고립되다' using simple Korean words.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Tell a story: 'I was trapped in an elevator.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'social isolation' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce: 고립무원.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask: 'Are you isolated?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Completely isolated.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe an isolated village.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Due to snow, I was isolated.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'International isolation.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Psychological isolation.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Escaping from isolation.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'He was isolated from his friends.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Digital isolation is serious.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Voluntary isolation.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The road is cut off, so we are isolated.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Don't be isolated.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Isolated state.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Isolated island.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write the word: [Audio: 고립]

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

Listen and write the verb: [Audio: 고립되다]

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

Listen and write the phrase: [Audio: 완전히 고립되었습니다]

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

Listen and choose the meaning: [Audio: 섬에 고립된 사람들]

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

Listen and write the cause: [Audio: 폭설로 인해 고립되었습니다]

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

Listen and write: [Audio: 사회적 고립]

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

Listen and identify the tense: [Audio: 고립될 것입니다]

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

Listen and write: [Audio: 고립무원]

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

Listen and write: [Audio: 고립시키다]

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

Listen and choose the location: [Audio: 산 정상에 고립되었습니다]

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

Listen and write: [Audio: 심리적 고립감]

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

Listen and write: [Audio: 고립에서 벗어나다]

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

Listen and write: [Audio: 고립된 지역]

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

Listen and write: [Audio: 자발적 고립]

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

Listen and identify the subject: [Audio: 마을이 고립되었습니다]

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

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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