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A2 noun #1,200 am häufigsten 11 Min. Lesezeit

인생

Top 1,200

At the A1 level, you should recognize '인생' as a basic noun meaning 'life.' You will mostly see it in very simple sentences or as part of common phrases. At this stage, don't worry about the complex Hanja origins. Just remember that when you want to say something like 'Life is good' or 'Life is hard' in a general sense, '인생' is the word to use. You might also hear it in K-pop songs where the singer talks about their life. It is a fundamental building block for talking about yourself and your experiences. Focus on the basic structure: '인생은 [Adjective]이다.' For example, '인생은 아름다워요' (Life is beautiful). This helps you express basic feelings about existence without needing complex grammar. You might also encounter it in the phrase '제 인생' (my life), which is useful when introducing yourself or your background in a very simple way. Even at this early stage, knowing '인생' helps you understand the emotional core of many Korean conversations.

At the A2 level, you can start using '인생' to describe your goals and significant events. You should be able to use it with basic particles like '은/는' (topic), '이/가' (subject), and '의' (possessive). For instance, you can say '제 인생의 목표는 행복입니다' (My life's goal is happiness). You will also begin to notice '인생' in more varied contexts, such as in movies or dramas where characters reflect on their past. You should start to distinguish '인생' from '생활' (daily life). While '생활' is for your routine, '인생' is for your overall journey. A2 learners should also be aware of the popular slang usage where '인생' is used as an adjective to mean 'the best of my life.' For example, '인생 영화' (life movie/best movie ever). This is a very common way to express enthusiasm in casual Korean. By mastering these patterns, you can move beyond simple descriptions and start talking about your values and preferences in a more natural way.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '인생' in more complex sentence structures and understanding its philosophical nuances. You can use it with various verbs like '즐기다' (to enjoy), '낭비하다' (to waste), or '바치다' (to dedicate). For example, '그는 평생을 과학에 인생을 바쳤다' (He dedicated his life to science). You should also be familiar with common idioms and proverbs that use '인생,' such as '인생은 짧고 예술은 길다' (Life is short, art is long). At this level, you can participate in discussions about life choices, career paths, and personal growth. You should be able to explain why a certain event was a 'turning point' (전환점) in your life using the phrase '인생의 전환점.' Additionally, you should be able to use '인생' in the context of social issues, such as '인생의 질' (quality of life). Your ability to use '인생' will allow you to express more abstract thoughts and engage in deeper conversations with native speakers.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '인생' and its synonyms like '삶,' '일생,' and '생애.' You should be able to choose the correct word based on the register and context. For example, you would use '생애' in a formal presentation about a historical figure, but '인생' in a heart-to-heart talk with a friend. You should also be able to understand and use more advanced idiomatic expressions like '인생 역전' (life reversal) or '새옹지마' (life's ups and downs). At this level, you can analyze literature or media that explores the theme of '인생.' You should be able to discuss complex topics like '인생의 허무함' (the futility of life) or '인생의 가치' (the value of life) with relative ease. Your usage of '인생' should reflect a deep understanding of Korean cultural values, such as the importance of perseverance and the long-term view of success. You can also use '인생' in professional settings to discuss career development and long-term planning.

At the C1 level, your use of '인생' should be sophisticated and precise. You can use it to discuss philosophical theories, existential questions, and complex social phenomena. You should be able to understand the subtle differences in tone when '인생' is used in different literary genres. For instance, how a modern novelist might use '인생' compared to a classical poet. You should also be proficient in using '인생' in academic or professional writing, such as in an essay about '인생의 의미' (the meaning of life) or a report on '인생 주기' (life cycle) in sociology. You can use '인생' to create metaphors and analogies in your speech and writing. Furthermore, you should be able to navigate the most subtle nuances of the word, such as its use in irony or sarcasm. Your mastery of '인생' will allow you to express the highest levels of thought and emotion in Korean, making your communication indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

At the C2 level, you have a complete and intuitive grasp of '인생' in all its forms. You can appreciate and use the word in its most archaic, poetic, and highly specialized contexts. You can engage in deep philosophical debates about the nature of existence, using '인생' as a central concept. You understand the historical evolution of the word and how its usage has changed over time in Korean society. You can effortlessly switch between the formal '생애,' the poetic '삶,' and the conceptual '인생' to achieve specific rhetorical effects. Your ability to use '인생' in creative writing, such as poetry or fiction, shows a profound connection to the language and its cultural heritage. You can also interpret and critique complex texts that use '인생' as a thematic anchor. At this level, '인생' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for profound expression and a gateway to the deepest aspects of Korean thought and culture.

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

인생 in 30 Sekunden

인생 (In-saeng) means 'life' as a whole journey from birth to death.
It is used for philosophical reflections, life goals, and major turning points.
In slang, it means 'the best of a lifetime' (e.g., 인생 맛집).
It differs from 'daily life' (생활) and 'biological life' (생명).

The Korean word 인생 (In-saeng) is a profound and multi-layered noun that translates most directly to 'life' in English. However, unlike the English word 'life' which can refer to biological existence, daily activities, or the state of being alive, 인생 specifically refers to the span of a human's journey from birth to death. It is derived from the Hanja characters 人 (인 - person) and 生 (생 - life/birth), literally meaning 'a person's life.' This word is used when discussing one's biography, the philosophical nature of living, major life milestones, or the overall quality and direction of one's existence. You will encounter this word in deep conversations, literature, K-dramas, and motivational speeches. It carries a weight of reflection and gravity that simpler words for life do not possess.

Philosophical Context: When Koreans discuss the meaning of life or the lessons learned through experience, they almost exclusively use 인생. It suggests a narrative arc, encompassing the ups and downs, the struggles, and the triumphs of a human being.

그의 인생은 한 편의 영화와 같았다.

Translation: His life was like a movie.

Furthermore, 인생 is used to describe things that are the 'best of a lifetime.' For example, if you eat the best pasta you have ever had, you might call it 인생 파스타 (In-saeng pasta). This slang-adjacent usage has become incredibly popular among younger generations to denote the absolute peak of an experience. It implies that in your entire life journey, this specific thing stands out as the ultimate version. This versatility—from the deeply philosophical to the enthusiastically superlative—makes 인생 one of the most essential nouns for any Korean learner to master. It is not just about breathing; it is about the story you are writing with your time on Earth.

Slang Usage: In modern social media culture, adding '인생' before a noun (e.g., 인생샷 - life shot/best photo) indicates that the item is the best you have ever encountered in your life.

이곳에서 인생 사진을 찍었어요.

Translation: I took the best photo of my life here.

The word also appears frequently in proverbs and set phrases. Because Korean culture values perseverance and the long-term view of success, 인생 is often the subject of discussions regarding fate, hard work, and the passage of time. It is a word that connects the individual to the broader human experience, making it a bridge between personal feelings and universal truths. Whether you are reading a classic novel or watching a variety show where a celebrity reflects on their career, 인생 provides the conceptual framework for understanding the human condition in the Korean language.

인생은 짧고 예술은 길다.

Translation: Life is short, art is long.

Grammar Note: As a noun, '인생' is often followed by the topic marker '은' to make general statements about life, or the possessive marker '의' to describe 'life's' something (e.g., 인생의 진리 - the truth of life).

Using 인생 correctly requires understanding its role as a broad, conceptual noun. In sentences, it often acts as the subject when making grand observations or as a modifier when describing life-changing events. For beginners, the most common pattern is [Noun]은/는 내 인생의 [Noun]이다, which means '[Noun] is the [Noun] of my life.' This is used to express deep appreciation for something or someone. For example, '그는 내 인생의 동반자이다' (He is my life partner). This structure highlights how 인생 frames the speaker's entire timeline.

Subjective Use: When '인생' is the subject, it often takes the particle '은/는' to discuss life in general terms or '이/가' when focusing on a specific person's life in a narrative.

인생은 속도가 아니라 방향이다.

Translation: Life is not about speed, but direction.

Another frequent usage involves the verb 살다 (to live). While you can say '삶을 살다,' it is very common to say 인생을 살다 when referring to the manner in which one conducts their life. For instance, '보람찬 인생을 살고 싶어요' (I want to live a fruitful life). Here, 인생 functions as the object of the verb, representing the totality of the experience being lived. It can also be paired with adjectives like 힘든 (difficult), 행복한 (happy), or 화려한 (splendid) to describe the character of that life journey.

Descriptive Phrases: You can use '인생의' (life's) to modify other nouns. Common pairings include '인생의 목표' (life goal), '인생의 전환점' (turning point in life), and '인생의 교훈' (life lesson).

그 사고는 제 인생의 큰 전환점이 되었습니다.

Translation: That accident became a major turning point in my life.

In more advanced contexts, 인생 is used to discuss social mobility or destiny. Phrases like 인생 역전 (In-saeng yeok-jeon) refer to a 'life reversal,' such as someone going from rags to riches. This is a very popular term in the context of the lottery or sudden success. By using 인생, the speaker emphasizes that the change isn't just a temporary stroke of luck, but a fundamental shift in the entire trajectory of their existence. Understanding these nuances allows you to express complex emotions and life states with just a few words.

복권 당첨으로 인생 역전에 성공했어요.

Translation: I succeeded in a life reversal by winning the lottery.

Common Verb Pairings: 인생을 즐기다 (to enjoy life), 인생을 낭비하다 (to waste life), 인생을 바치다 (to dedicate one's life).

You will hear 인생 everywhere in Korean media and daily life, but the context dictates its meaning. In K-dramas, it is a staple of the 'melodrama' genre. Characters often reflect on their 인생 during pivotal moments of heartbreak or realization. For instance, a character might say, '내 인생에서 가장 행복한 순간이었어' (It was the happiest moment in my life). This adds a layer of nostalgia and significance to the scene. It is also frequently used in the titles of dramas and movies, such as '인생은 아름다워' (Life is Beautiful), signaling that the story will deal with the broad themes of human existence.

K-Pop Lyrics: Many K-pop songs use '인생' to talk about the struggles of youth or the journey of following one's dreams. It often appears in lyrics that encourage listeners to take control of their own lives.

한 번뿐인 인생, 후회 없이 살고 싶어.

Translation: I want to live my one and only life without regrets.

In variety shows and interviews, you will hear celebrities talk about their 인생 캐릭터 (In-saeng character). This refers to the role that defined their career or the one they are most proud of. Similarly, fans might comment that a certain performance was an 인생 무대 (In-saeng stage), meaning it was the best performance that artist has ever given. This usage has moved from professional critiques into everyday slang, where people use it to describe their favorite food, movies, or travel destinations. If you go to a famous restaurant in Seoul, you might hear someone say, '여기 진짜 인생 맛집이다!' (This is truly a life-level delicious restaurant!).

Daily Conversations: While '인생' sounds grand, it is used casually to express that something is the best ever. '인생 영화' (life movie) means your all-time favorite movie.

그 영화는 제 인생 영화예요.

Translation: That movie is the movie of my life (my favorite movie).

In educational or professional settings, 인생 is used in a more serious tone. A mentor might talk about 인생의 지혜 (wisdom of life) or 인생의 선배 (a senior in life). The latter is a respectful way to refer to someone who has more life experience than you, regardless of their professional rank. This reflects the Confucian influence on the Korean language, where age and life experience are highly valued. Whether you are listening to a podcast about philosophy or just chatting with friends about their favorite ramen, 인생 is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the meaningful.

인생 선배로서 조언 하나 할게요.

Translation: As your senior in life, I'll give you one piece of advice.

Social Media Hashtags: Common hashtags include #인생샷 (life shot), #인생맛집 (life restaurant), and #인생템 (life item/must-have product).

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning 인생 is using it in contexts where other words for 'life' are more appropriate. In English, 'life' is a catch-all term, but Korean distinguishes between the span of life (인생), daily living (생활), and biological life (생명). For example, if you want to say 'I have a busy life,' using 인생 would sound very strange, as if your entire 80-year journey is busy. Instead, you should use 생활 (Saeng-hwal), which refers to your day-to-day activities and lifestyle.

인생 vs. 생활: Use '인생' for the big picture (destiny, biography). Use '생활' for daily routines (school life, work life, city life).

학교 생활이 어때요? (Correct)

Translation: How is school life? (Not '학교 인생')

Another common error is confusing 인생 with 생명 (Saeng-myeong). 생명 refers to the biological force of life or 'life' as an entity. If you are talking about saving a life in a hospital or the life of a plant, 인생 is incorrect because plants and animals do not have an '인생' (which specifically requires the '인' for person). You must use 생명. Saying '식물의 인생' (a plant's life) would be personifying the plant in a very poetic or humorous way, rather than stating a biological fact.

인생 vs. 생명: Use '인생' for human life stories. Use '생명' for biological life, vital force, or saving lives.

의사가 그의 생명을 구했다. (Correct)

Translation: The doctor saved his life.

Finally, learners often struggle with the nuance between 인생 and 삶 (Salm). While they are often interchangeable, 삶 is a native Korean word and is often used in more poetic, emotional, or grounded contexts. 인생, being a Hanja word, can sometimes feel more detached or analytical. A common mistake is using 인생 in a context that requires a more visceral, felt sense of 'living.' For example, 'the life of the poor' is often '가난한 사람들의 삶' rather than '인생,' though both are technically possible. Understanding these subtle boundaries will help you sound more like a native speaker.

우리는 더 나은 삶을 위해 노력한다.

Translation: We strive for a better life.

Summary of Distinctions: 1. 인생: Human life span/story. 2. 생활: Daily routine/lifestyle. 3. 생명: Biological life/vitality. 4. 삶: Poetic/general living.

To truly master the concept of 'life' in Korean, you must understand the synonyms and related terms that occupy the same semantic space as 인생. Each word has a specific 'register' and 'flavor' that makes it suitable for different situations. The most direct synonym is 삶 (Salm). As mentioned previously, 삶 is native Korean. It is used extensively in literature and poetry because it feels more intimate. While 인생 is like looking at a map of a journey, 삶 is like the feeling of walking the path itself.

인생 vs. 삶

인생 (In-saeng): Hanja-based, formal, conceptual, biographical. Often used in idioms and formal speeches.

삶 (Salm): Native, poetic, emotional, grounded. Used when discussing the experience of living.

그녀의 삶은 고난의 연속이었다.

Translation: Her life was a series of hardships.

Another important alternative is 일생 (Il-saeng). This word specifically emphasizes the 'entirety' or 'whole' of a life from start to finish. It is often used with the word 평생 (Pyeong-saeng), which means 'one's whole life' or 'lifetime.' While 인생 can be used to discuss life as a concept, 일생 is more about the duration. For example, '일생 동안' means 'throughout one's entire life.' If you are writing a biography, you might use 일생 to mark the chronological stages of the person's existence.

인생 vs. 일생

인생: Focuses on the content and quality of the journey.

일생: Focuses on the chronological span from birth to death.

그것은 제 일생일대의 기회였습니다.

Translation: That was the opportunity of a lifetime.

For more formal or academic contexts, you might encounter 생애 (Saeng-ae). This word is often used in historical contexts or when discussing the 'career' or 'works' of a famous person. For example, '베토벤의 생애' (The life of Beethoven). It sounds very dignified and is rarely used in casual conversation. Finally, 생활 (Saeng-hwal) is the word for 'daily life' or 'lifestyle.' If you are talking about living in Korea, you say '한국 생활' (Korean life/living in Korea), not '한국 인생.' Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the exact right word for the context, showing a high level of Korean proficiency.

Quick Comparison Table

Word	Best For...
인생	General human journey, idioms, 'best ever' slang.
삶	Poetic, emotional, or philosophical descriptions.
일생	Chronological span, 'entire life.'
생애	Formal biographies, historical figures.
생활	Daily routine, specific environments (school, work).

How Formal Is It?

Formell

"인생의 참된 가치는 무엇입니까?"

Neutral

"인생은 정말 알 수 없어요."

Informell

"내 인생 진짜 최고야!"

Child friendly

"인생은 아주 긴 여행이에요."

Umgangssprache

"이 떡볶이 진짜 인생 맛집이다!"

Wusstest du?

The character 生 (생) originally depicted a plant growing out of the ground, symbolizing the vital force of life and growth.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /in.sɛŋ/

US /in.sɛŋ/

The stress is equal on both syllables, which is typical for Korean words.

Reimt sich auf

학생 (hak-saeng) 선생 (seon-saeng) 발생 (bal-saeng) 동생 (dong-saeng) 탄생 (tan-saeng) 재생 (jae-saeng) 상생 (sang-saeng) 야생 (ya-saeng)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'saeng' like 'sing'.
Making the 'n' in 'in' too soft.
Pronouncing 'ae' like a pure 'e' (it should be slightly more open).
Over-stressing the first syllable.
Adding a vowel sound after the final 'ng'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The word itself is easy to read, but it appears in complex philosophical texts.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires understanding of Hanja-based compounds for advanced writing.

Sprechen 2/5

Easy to pronounce and very useful in daily conversation.

Hören 2/5

Frequently heard in media; context usually makes the meaning clear.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

사람 (person) 살다 (to live) 태어나다 (to be born) 죽다 (to die) 시간 (time)

Als Nächstes lernen

생활 (daily life) 생명 (biological life) 일생 (lifetime) 가치 (value) 목표 (goal)

Fortgeschritten

실존주의 (existentialism) 무상함 (transience) 철학 (philosophy) 운명 (destiny) 숙명 (fate)

Wichtige Grammatik

Noun + 은/는 (Topic Marker)

인생은 짧아요. (Life is short.)

Noun + 의 (Possessive Marker)

인생의 목표 (Life's goal)

Noun + 에서 (Location/Context Marker)

제 인생에서 가장 중요한 것 (The most important thing in my life)

Noun + 을/를 (Object Marker)

인생을 즐기세요. (Enjoy life.)

Noun + 이/가 되다 (To become)

그것이 인생의 전환점이 되었다. (That became a turning point in life.)

Beispiele nach Niveau

인생은 아름다워요.

Life is beautiful.

인생 (life) + 은 (topic marker) + 아름다워요 (is beautiful).

제 인생은 행복해요.

My life is happy.

제 (my) + 인생 (life) + 은 (topic marker) + 행복해요 (is happy).

인생은 짧아요.

Life is short.

인생 (life) + 은 (topic marker) + 짧아요 (is short).

이것은 제 인생 영화예요.

This is my favorite movie of all time.

인생 영화 (life movie) is a common slang for 'best movie ever'.

인생은 재미있어요.

Life is fun.

인생 (life) + 은 (topic marker) + 재미있어요 (is fun).

그녀의 인생은 슬퍼요.

Her life is sad.

그녀의 (her) + 인생 (life) + 은 (topic marker) + 슬퍼요 (is sad).

인생은 여행이에요.

Life is a journey.

인생 (life) + 은 (topic marker) + 여행 (journey) + 이에요 (is).

인생은 정말 힘들어요.

Life is really hard.

정말 (really) + 힘들어요 (is hard/difficult).

인생의 목표가 무엇입니까?

What is your life goal?

인생의 (life's) + 목표 (goal) + 가 (subject marker).

저는 보람찬 인생을 살고 싶어요.

I want to live a fruitful life.

보람찬 (fruitful/rewarding) + 인생을 (life - object) + 살고 싶어요 (want to live).

이곳에서 인생 사진을 찍었어요.

I took the best photo of my life here.

인생 사진 (life photo) means the best photo ever taken.

인생은 도전의 연속입니다.

Life is a series of challenges.

도전 (challenge) + 의 (of) + 연속 (series/continuation).

제 인생에서 가장 중요한 것은 가족입니다.

The most important thing in my life is family.

제 인생에서 (in my life) + 가장 (most) + 중요한 것 (important thing).

인생은 한 번뿐입니다.

You only live once (Life is only once).

한 번 (one time) + 뿐 (only) + 입니다 (is).

그는 제 인생의 멘토입니다.

He is my life mentor.

인생의 멘토 (life's mentor).

인생은 배움의 과정입니다.

Life is a process of learning.

배움 (learning) + 의 (of) + 과정 (process).

인생은 속도가 아니라 방향이 중요합니다.

In life, direction is more important than speed.

속도 (speed) + 가 아니라 (not but) + 방향 (direction).

그 사고는 제 인생의 큰 전환점이 되었습니다.

That accident became a major turning point in my life.

전환점 (turning point) + 이 되다 (to become).

인생을 낭비하지 마세요.

Don't waste your life.

인생을 (life - object) + 낭비하다 (to waste) + 지 마세요 (don't).

그는 자신의 인생을 예술에 바쳤습니다.

He dedicated his life to art.

바치다 (to dedicate/devote).

인생의 쓴맛과 단맛을 다 보았습니다.

I have experienced both the bitter and sweet tastes of life.

쓴맛 (bitter taste) + 단맛 (sweet taste) + 보다 (to see/experience).

누구나 인생에서 실수를 할 수 있습니다.

Anyone can make mistakes in life.

누구나 (anyone) + 실수 (mistake) + 할 수 있다 (can do).

인생은 스스로 개척하는 것입니다.

Life is something you carve out for yourself.

스스로 (by oneself) + 개척하다 (to pioneer/carve out).

인생의 참된 의미를 찾고 싶어요.

I want to find the true meaning of life.

참된 (true/genuine) + 의미 (meaning).

인생은 새옹지마라고들 합니다.

They say life is like 'Sae-ong-ji-ma' (full of ups and downs).

새옹지마 (Sae-ong-ji-ma) is a famous idiom about the unpredictability of life.

그는 복권 당첨으로 인생 역전에 성공했습니다.

He succeeded in a life reversal by winning the lottery.

인생 역전 (life reversal) refers to a dramatic change in fortune.

인생의 황혼기에 접어든 노부부를 보았습니다.

I saw an elderly couple who have entered the twilight of their lives.

황혼기 (twilight years/old age).

인생은 선택의 연속이라는 말이 있습니다.

There is a saying that life is a series of choices.

선택 (choice) + 의 (of) + 연속 (series).

그녀는 인생의 굴곡을 잘 극복해 냈습니다.

She overcame the ups and downs (curves) of life well.

굴곡 (curves/ups and downs) + 극복하다 (to overcome).

인생을 어떻게 살 것인가에 대해 고민 중입니다.

I am contemplating how to live my life.

어떻게 (how) + 살 것인가 (will live) + 고민 중 (contemplating).

인생의 가치는 소유가 아니라 존재에 있습니다.

The value of life lies in being, not in possessing.

소유 (possession) + 존재 (existence/being).

인생 선배로서 진심 어린 조언을 해 주었습니다.

As a senior in life, they gave sincere advice.

인생 선배 (life senior) + 진심 어린 (sincere).

인생의 무상함을 느끼게 하는 계절입니다.

It is a season that makes one feel the transience of life.

무상함 (transience/futility).

그의 소설은 인생의 심연을 날카롭게 파헤칩니다.

His novel sharply delves into the abyss of life.

심연 (abyss) + 파헤치다 (to delve into/dig up).

인생은 유한하기에 더욱 소중한 것입니다.

Life is more precious because it is finite.

유한하다 (to be finite) + 기에 (because).

그는 인생의 온갖 풍파를 다 겪으며 살아왔습니다.

He has lived through all kinds of storms (hardships) in life.

풍파 (wind and waves/hardships).

인생의 진리는 멀리 있지 않고 우리 곁에 있습니다.

The truth of life is not far away, but right beside us.

진리 (truth) + 곁에 (beside).

인생은 짧고 예술은 길다는 격언을 되새겨 봅니다.

I reflect on the maxim that life is short and art is long.

격언 (maxim/proverb) + 되새기다 (to reflect/ruminate).

인생의 덧없음을 노래한 시들이 많습니다.

There are many poems that sing of the fleeting nature of life.

덧없음 (fleetingness/vanity).

인생을 관조하는 자세가 필요할 때가 있습니다.

There are times when a contemplative attitude toward life is necessary.

관조하다 (to contemplate/observe calmly).

인생의 본질에 대한 실존주의적 고찰이 필요합니다.

An existentialist consideration of the essence of life is needed.

본질 (essence) + 실존주의적 (existentialist) + 고찰 (consideration/study).

인생의 희로애락을 한 편의 시에 담아냈습니다.

The joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure of life were captured in a single poem.

희로애락 (joy, anger, sorrow, pleasure) is a four-character idiom for human emotions.

인생은 찰나의 순간들이 모여 영원을 이룹니다.

Life is composed of momentary flashes that form eternity.

찰나 (moment/instant) + 영원 (eternity).

그의 인생 궤적은 한국 근현대사와 궤를 같이합니다.

The trajectory of his life aligns with modern Korean history.

궤적 (trajectory) + 궤를 같이하다 (to be in line with).

인생의 허무를 극복하는 유일한 길은 사랑입니다.

The only way to overcome the futility of life is love.

허무 (futility/emptiness).

인생은 끊임없는 자기 부정과 긍정의 변증법적 과정입니다.

Life is a dialectical process of constant self-denial and affirmation.

변증법적 (dialectical) + 과정 (process).

인생의 비극은 죽음이 아니라 꿈의 상실에 있습니다.

The tragedy of life lies not in death, but in the loss of dreams.

비극 (tragedy) + 상실 (loss).

인생의 심오한 이치를 깨닫는 것은 쉽지 않습니다.

It is not easy to realize the profound logic (reason) of life.

심오한 (profound) + 이치 (logic/reason/truth).

Häufige Kollokationen

인생을 살다

인생의 목표

인생의 전환점

인생을 즐기다

인생을 낭비하다

제2의 인생

인생의 진리

인생의 동반자

인생 경험

인생의 쓴맛

Häufige Phrasen

인생 뭐 있어?

인생은 한 번뿐

인생은 짧다

인생의 선배

인생 역전

인생 샷

인생 맛집

인생 영화

인생 템

인생 공부

Wird oft verwechselt mit

인생 vs 생활

Confused because both mean 'life.' Use '생활' for daily routines and '인생' for the whole journey.

인생 vs 생명

Confused because both mean 'life.' Use '생명' for biological life and '인생' for human stories.

인생 vs 삶

Confused because they are synonyms. '삶' is native/poetic, '인생' is Hanja/conceptual.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"인생은 새옹지마"

Life is unpredictable; bad luck may turn into good luck and vice versa.

실패했다고 너무 슬퍼하지 마세요. 인생은 새옹지마니까요.

Neutral/Literary

"인생은 짧고 예술은 길다"

Life is short, but art (or the impact of one's work) lasts forever.

인생은 짧고 예술은 길다는 말을 실감합니다.

Formal/Literary

"인생의 단맛 쓴맛 다 보다"

To have experienced all the ups and downs (sweet and bitter) of life.

그는 인생의 단맛 쓴맛 다 본 베테랑이다.

Neutral

"인생을 걸다"

To bet or risk one's entire life on something.

그는 이 프로젝트에 자신의 인생을 걸었다.

Neutral

"인생은 연극이다"

Life is like a play (everyone has a role to play).

인생은 연극과 같아서 누구나 자기 역할이 있다.

Literary

"인생의 황금기"

The golden age or prime of one's life.

지금이 제 인생의 황금기인 것 같아요.

Neutral

"인생의 낙"

The pleasure or joy of life.

퇴근 후 맥주 한 잔이 제 인생의 낙이에요.

Informal

"인생을 허비하다"

To waste or squander one's life.

술로 인생을 허비해서는 안 된다.

Neutral

"인생의 동반자"

A life partner (usually a spouse).

그는 평생을 함께할 인생의 동반자를 만났다.

Neutral

"인생 2막"

The second act of life (usually after retirement or a major change).

그는 귀농하여 인생 2막을 열었다.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

인생 vs 생활 (Saeng-hwal)

Both are translated as 'life' in English.

생활 refers to the activities and patterns of daily living (e.g., school life, city life). 인생 refers to the entire span of a person's existence.

기숙사 생활 (Dorm life) vs. 인생의 목표 (Life goal)

인생 vs 생명 (Saeng-myeong)

Both refer to the concept of 'life.'

생명 is biological life or the vital force. It applies to animals and plants. 인생 is specifically for the human experience and biography.

생명을 구하다 (Save a life) vs. 인생을 즐기다 (Enjoy life)

인생 vs 일생 (Il-saeng)

Both refer to the duration of life.

일생 focuses on the chronological entirety (from birth to death). 인생 focuses on the content, quality, and philosophy of that journey.

일생 동안 (Throughout one's life) vs. 인생은 아름다워 (Life is beautiful)

인생 vs 평생 (Pyeong-saeng)

Both mean 'lifetime.'

평생 is often used as an adverbial noun meaning 'for one's whole life' or 'forever.' 인생 is a more formal noun for the concept of life.

평생 사랑할게 (I will love you forever) vs. 인생의 의미 (Meaning of life)

인생 vs 생애 (Saeng-ae)

Both are formal words for 'life.'

생애 is very formal and often used in historical or academic contexts to describe a person's career or works. 인생 is more versatile.

작가의 생애 (The author's life/career) vs. 나의 인생 (My life)

Satzmuster

인생은 [Adjective]이다.

인생은 아름답다.

제 인생의 [Noun]은/는 [Noun]입니다.

제 인생의 목표는 행복입니다.

[Noun]은/는 인생의 전환점이 되었다.

그 사고는 인생의 전환점이 되었다.

인생을 [Adverb] 살고 싶다.

인생을 보람차게 살고 싶다.

인생의 [Abstract Noun]을/를 느끼다.

인생의 무상함을 느끼다.

인생은 [Noun]의 연속이다.

인생은 선택의 연속이다.

Slang

인생 [Noun]

인생 샷

Proverb

인생은 [Noun]이다.

인생은 새옹지마이다.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Korean.

Häufige Fehler

Using '인생' for daily routines. → 생활
Saying '학교 인생' is incorrect. You should say '학교 생활' (school life). '인생' is too broad for specific environments.
Using '인생' for animals or plants. → 생명 / 일생
'인생' literally means 'human life.' Use '생명' for biological life or '일생' for the life span of a non-human.
Translating 'I have no life' literally as '인생이 없어요'. → 생활이 재미없어요 / 바빠요
'인생이 없어요' sounds like you are dead or don't exist. Use other phrases to describe your social life or schedule.
Confusing '인생' with '생신'. → 생일 / 생신
'생신' is the honorific word for 'birthday.' '인생' is the concept of life. They both have '생' but different meanings.
Using '인생' when '목숨' (physical life) is needed. → 목숨
If you are talking about risking your life in a dangerous situation, use '목숨을 걸다,' not '인생을 걸다' (unless it's a metaphorical risk).

Tipps

Big Picture Only

Always use '인생' when you are talking about the 'big picture' of someone's existence. If you are talking about what they did yesterday, use '생활' or just the verb '살다'.

The 'Best Ever' Hack

To express that something is the best you've ever experienced, just put '인생' in front of the noun. '인생 피자' (best pizza ever), '인생 노래' (best song ever).

Particle Choice

Use '인생은' for general truths (Life is...) and '인생이' when 'life' is the specific subject of an action or state in a story.

Respect Experience

Calling someone an '인생 선배' is a great way to show respect for their experience and wisdom, even if they aren't your boss or teacher.

Learn the Hanja

Knowing that '인' means person and '생' means life helps you understand dozens of other words like '인간' (human) and '생일' (birthday).

Drama Keywords

In dramas, when a character says '내 인생에서...' (In my life...), pay close attention. A major confession or realization usually follows.

Avoid Literal Translations

Don't say '인생을 가져요' for 'Get a life.' It doesn't make sense in Korean. Use '정신 차려요' (Get your act together) or '자기 일이나 하세요' (Mind your own business).

Formal Nuance

In formal writing, '인생' is perfectly fine, but using '생애' when discussing a historical figure's biography will make your writing look more professional.

In-Saeng Rhyme

Rhyme '인생' (In-saeng) with 'Main-sang' (main song). Your life is your main song. It's a simple way to remember the pronunciation and meaning.

Life vs. Living

Remember: '인생' is the noun for life, but '살다' is the verb for living. You '살다' an '인생'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'In' as 'Individual' and 'Saeng' as 'Song.' Every individual has a life song to sing. In-saeng = Life.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a long, winding road (the journey) with a person (인) walking on it, and flowers blooming (생) along the way.

Word Web

목표 (goal) 경험 (experience) 행복 (happiness) 도전 (challenge) 가치 (value) 시간 (time) 추억 (memory) 성공 (success)

Herausforderung

Try to use '인생' in three different ways today: once to describe a goal, once to describe a favorite thing (slang), and once to describe a lesson you learned.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Hanja (Sino-Korean) characters 人 (인) and 生 (생).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: 人 means 'person' or 'human,' and 生 means 'life,' 'birth,' or 'to live.' Together, they literally mean 'a human's life.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when discussing someone's '인생' if they have experienced tragedy; it can be a very heavy topic.

English speakers often use 'life' for everything, but must learn to switch to '생활' for daily routines in Korean.

인생은 아름다워 (Life is Beautiful - famous movie/drama title) BTS lyrics often explore themes of '인생' and self-love. The book '인생의 기술' (The Art of Life) is a popular translated title.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Reflecting on the past

제 인생을 돌아보면...
그때가 제 인생의 황금기였어요.
인생에서 가장 힘들었던 때였죠.
후회 없는 인생을 살았어요.

Setting future goals

인생의 목표를 세우다.
멋진 인생을 살고 싶어요.
인생의 계획이 어떻게 되나요?
제2의 인생을 준비 중입니다.

Giving advice

인생은 한 번뿐이에요.
인생을 낭비하지 마세요.
인생 선배로서 하는 말이에요.
인생은 속도가 아니라 방향이에요.

Talking about favorites (Slang)

인생 영화를 만났어요.
여기가 제 인생 맛집이에요.
이건 제 인생 템이에요.
인생 샷 건졌어요!

Philosophical discussion

인생의 의미가 무엇일까요?
인생은 고해라고도 하죠.
인생의 진리를 찾아서.
인생은 짧고 예술은 길다.

Gesprächseinstiege

"당신의 인생 영화는 무엇인가요? (What is your life movie/favorite movie?)"

"인생에서 가장 행복했던 순간은 언제였나요? (When was the happiest moment in your life?)"

"인생의 목표가 무엇인지 물어봐도 될까요? (May I ask what your life goal is?)"

"인생에서 가장 큰 전환점은 무엇이었나요? (What was the biggest turning point in your life?)"

"인생 선배로서 저에게 해주고 싶은 조언이 있나요? (As a life senior, is there any advice you want to give me?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

오늘 하루가 내 인생 전체에서 어떤 의미가 있었는지 써 보세요. (Write about what meaning today had in the context of your whole life.)

내가 꿈꾸는 '인생의 황금기'는 어떤 모습인가요? (What does the 'golden age of life' you dream of look like?)

인생에서 가장 중요하게 생각하는 가치 세 가지는 무엇인가요? (What are the three most important values in your life?)

지금까지의 내 인생을 한 문장으로 표현한다면? (If you could express your life so far in one sentence, what would it be?)

10년 후의 내 인생은 어떤 모습일지 상상해 보세요. (Imagine what your life will look like 10 years from now.)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Generally, no. '인생' (人生) contains the character for 'person' (人). For animals, you would use '생명' (life) or '일생' (lifetime). However, you might use '인생' poetically if you are personifying an animal.

'인생' is a Hanja word and feels more conceptual or formal. '삶' is a native Korean word and feels more poetic, emotional, or grounded. They are often interchangeable, but '삶' is more common in literature.

Don't translate it literally. If you mean you are bored or have no social life, say '생활이 단조로워요' (My life is monotonous) or '재미없게 살아요' (I live boringly).

No, it is slang. It is very popular on social media and in casual conversation, but you wouldn't use it in a formal essay or a business meeting.

Use '일생' when you want to emphasize the time span from birth to death, especially in phrases like '일생 동안' (during one's whole life) or '일생일대의' (once-in-a-lifetime).

It can imply destiny in certain contexts, but the specific word for destiny is '운명.' '인생' is the journey itself, while '운명' is the force that shapes it.

It literally means 'life reversal.' It's used when someone's life situation changes dramatically, usually from being poor or unsuccessful to being rich or famous.

Yes, very often! It's used to talk about the struggles of growing up, chasing dreams, and the preciousness of time. Songs by BTS, IU, and many others use this word.

No, for specific periods or environments, use '생활.' For example, '학교 생활' (school life), '군 생활' (military life), '회사 생활' (work life).

It means 'second life.' It's a common phrase for starting a new chapter, such as after retirement, moving to a new country, or making a major career change.