합리적 in 30 Sekunden
- 합리적 means rational or reasonable. It is used for prices, decisions, and logical thinking that avoids emotional bias and focuses on fairness.
- The word comes from Hanja meaning 'joining with reason.' It is a positive attribute in professional, economic, and personal contexts in Korea.
- Commonly used as 합리적인 (adjective) or 합리적으로 (adverb). It is the standard term for 'good value' (합리적인 가격) in Korean shopping culture.
- It differs from 'logical' (internal consistency) by focusing on the 'sensibleness' and 'fairness' of the final outcome in a real-world context.
The term 합리적 (Ham-ni-jeok) is a multifaceted adjective in Korean that translates most directly to 'rational,' 'reasonable,' or 'logical.' Derived from the Hanja characters 合 (합 - to join/fit) and 理 (리 - reason/logic), followed by the adjectival suffix 的 (적), it literally describes something that 'fits with reason.' In the Korean linguistic landscape, this word carries a heavy weight of objectivity. It is used to describe a state where a decision, a price, or a thought process is stripped of unnecessary emotion or bias and is instead grounded in verifiable facts or sound judgment.
- Etymological Root
- The root 'Ri' (理) refers to the fundamental principles of the universe in Neo-Confucian thought, suggesting that being 'rational' is not just about logic, but about aligning with the natural order of things.
- Economic Context
- In a consumerist society, it is most frequently paired with 'price' (가격), indicating a fair market value that benefits both buyer and seller.
- Psychological Context
- It describes a person who remains calm and uses evidence to reach conclusions, rather than acting on impulse (충동적).
"우리는 문제를 해결하기 위해 가장 합리적인 방안을 찾아야 합니다." (We must find the most rational plan to solve the problem.)
When you call someone a '합리적인 사람' (a rational person), you are offering a high compliment regarding their stability and fairness. Unlike '논리적' (logical), which focuses on the structure of an argument, '합리적' encompasses the outcome and the fairness of the situation. It suggests that the conclusion reached is not just sound in its steps, but sensible in its real-world application.
"이 제품은 성능에 비해 가격이 매우 합리적입니다." (This product's price is very reasonable compared to its performance.)
- Social Implication
- A 'rational' society is one where rules are applied consistently and transparently.
- Interpersonal Use
- Used to de-escalate arguments by asking for a 'rational' discussion.
Using 합리적 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as a 'Determiner Noun' (관형사적 명사) that usually takes the suffix '-이다' to become an adjective or '-으로' to become an adverb. Because it is a Hanja-based word, it feels formal and precise. In daily conversation, it is most commonly used in the form 합리적인 (modifying a noun) or 합리적이다 (as a predicate).
- As a Noun Modifier: 합리적인 선택 (A rational choice), 합리적인 가격 (A reasonable price).
- As a Predicate: 그 제안은 매우 합리적입니다 (That proposal is very rational).
- As an Adverb: 문제를 합리적으로 해결하다 (To solve a problem rationally).
When discussing finances, '합리적' is the go-to word for 'value for money.' If you are at a restaurant and the food is excellent but the price is surprisingly low, you would describe the price as '합리적.' It is more sophisticated than saying '싸다' (cheap), which can sometimes imply low quality. '합리적' implies that the quality is high, but the price is fair.
"소비자들은 더 합리적인 소비를 원합니다." (Consumers want more rational consumption.)
In a debate or a workplace conflict, you might use '합리적' to appeal to someone's sense of fairness. Saying "합리적으로 이야기해 봅시다" (Let's talk rationally) is a polite way to ask someone to stop being emotional and look at the facts. It shifts the focus from 'who is right' to 'what is right based on evidence.'
You will encounter 합리적 in several distinct environments in Korea. Understanding these contexts helps you grasp the word's 'flavor' beyond a simple dictionary definition.
- News and Media: News anchors frequently use it when discussing government policies or economic trends. You'll hear phrases like '합리적인 의심' (reasonable doubt) in legal reporting or '합리적인 대안' (rational alternative) in political debates.
- Shopping and Marketing: This is perhaps the most common place for learners to see the word. Advertisements for everything from insurance to groceries use '합리적인 가격' to attract customers who pride themselves on being smart shoppers.
- Corporate Culture: During meetings, a manager might ask for a '합리적인 근거' (rational basis) for a new project proposal. It signals that the company values data over intuition.
- Academic and Legal Settings: In textbooks and courtrooms, '합리적' is used to define the 'reasonable person' standard—how a typical, sensible person would act in a given situation.
"법원은 그의 행동이 합리적이었다고 판단했습니다." (The court judged that his actions were rational.)
If you watch K-Dramas, especially those involving lawyers (like 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo') or corporate power struggles, pay attention to how characters use this word to justify their actions or challenge their opponents' logic.
While 합리적 is a versatile word, learners often confuse it with similar-sounding or similar-meaning terms. Here are the most common pitfalls:
- Confusing with '논리적' (Logical)
- '논리적' refers to the internal consistency of an argument (A leads to B). '합리적' refers to the overall sensibleness and fairness of a conclusion in the real world. You can be logical but irrational if your starting premise is crazy.
- Confusing with '효율적' (Efficient)
- '효율적' is about doing things with the least amount of waste. While a rational choice is often efficient, '합리적' focuses more on the 'why' and the 'fairness' rather than just the 'speed' or 'cost-saving.'
- Using it for 'Common Sense' (상식적)
- While related, '상식적' refers to what most people know or believe. '합리적' refers to what is supported by reason. Sometimes the 'rational' choice goes against 'common sense' if the common sense is based on old myths.
Another mistake is using the word '합리적' to describe a person's personality as 'cold.' While a rational person might seem less emotional, '합리적' itself is a positive or neutral attribute. If you want to say someone is cold or lacks emotion, '냉정하다' or '차갑다' are better choices.
To truly master 합리적, you should know its neighbors in the Korean vocabulary. These words share a semantic field but have distinct nuances.
- 이성적 (I-seong-jeok): 'Reasonable' or 'Intellectual.' This is more focused on the human faculty of reason (the brain) versus the heart. Use this when talking about staying calm under pressure.
- 타당하다 (Ta-dang-ha-da): 'Valid' or 'Appropriate.' This is often used for arguments or research results. It means something is well-grounded and fits the circumstances.
- 정당하다 (Jeong-dang-ha-da): 'Just' or 'Rightful.' This has a stronger moral or legal connotation. A rational (합리적) price is fair, but a just (정당한) punishment is about ethics.
- 실용적 (Sil-yong-jeok): 'Practical.' While a rational choice is often practical, '실용적' focuses specifically on the utility and usefulness of an object or idea.
"그의 주장은 매우 타당하며, 해결책은 합리적입니다." (His argument is very valid, and the solution is rational.)
By choosing between these words, you can express much more specific thoughts. For example, if you want to emphasize that a price is fair, use '합리적.' If you want to emphasize that a plan is useful, use '실용적.' If you want to emphasize that a person is not being emotional, use '이성적.'
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
-적 (Suffix creating adjectives from nouns)
-으로 (Adverbial particle)
-에 비해 (Compared to - used with prices)
-기 때문에 (Because - used to give rational reasons)
-어야 하다 (Must - used for rational obligations)
Beispiele nach Niveau
가격이 참 합리적이에요.
The price is very reasonable.
합리적 + -이에요 (to be)
합리적인 가격의 옷을 사요.
I buy clothes with a reasonable price.
합리적인 (adjective form) + noun
이 식당은 합리적입니다.
This restaurant is reasonable (in price/service).
Formal polite ending -입니다
합리적인 생각이에요.
That's a rational thought.
Noun modification
정말 합리적이에요!
It's really reasonable!
Exclamatory use
합리적인 세일이에요.
It's a reasonable sale.
Simple noun phrase
그것은 합리적이지 않아요.
That is not rational.
-지 않아요 (negative)
합리적인 선택을 하세요.
Make a rational choice.
Imperative -세요
우리는 합리적인 결정을 해야 합니다.
We must make a rational decision.
-해야 합니다 (must)
합리적으로 돈을 쓰세요.
Spend money rationally.
합리적으로 (adverb)
이 방법이 더 합리적이에요.
This method is more rational.
Comparative '더'
합리적인 이유가 있어요?
Is there a rational reason?
Question form
그의 설명은 합리적이었어요.
His explanation was rational.
Past tense -었어
합리적인 소비자가 됩시다.
Let's become rational consumers.
-읍시다 (let's)
가장 합리적인 길을 찾아요.
Find the most rational way.
Superlative '가장'
합리적인 비판은 도움이 됩니다.
Rational criticism is helpful.
Subject marker -은
감정적으로 행동하지 말고 합리적으로 생각하세요.
Don't act emotionally; think rationally.
-지 말고 (don't do X, but...)
이 제안은 경제적으로 매우 합리적입니다.
This proposal is very rational economically.
Adverb '경제적으로'
합리적인 근거를 제시해 주세요.
Please provide a rational basis/evidence.
제시하다 (to present/provide)
그 가격은 시장 상황에 비추어 볼 때 합리적입니다.
That price is rational considering the market situation.
-에 비추어 볼 때 (considering...)
합리적인 의심이 드는 상황입니다.
It's a situation where reasonable doubt arises.
의심이 들다 (to have a doubt)
우리는 합리적인 타협점을 찾아야 합니다.
We need to find a rational compromise.
타협점 (point of compromise)
합리적인 사람이라면 그렇게 하지 않았을 거예요.
A rational person wouldn't have done that.
-라면 (if it were...)
이것은 합리적인 추론의 결과입니다.
This is the result of rational inference.
추론 (inference)
정부는 합리적인 에너지 정책을 수립해야 한다.
The government must establish a rational energy policy.
수립하다 (to establish/found)
그의 주장은 논리적이지만 합리적이지는 않다.
His argument is logical, but not necessarily rational.
Contrast between 논리적 and 합리적
합리적인 수준에서 비용을 절감합시다.
Let's reduce costs at a rational level.
수준 (level)
모든 인간이 항상 합리적으로 행동하는 것은 아니다.
Not all humans act rationally all the time.
Partial negation -는 것은 아니다
합리적인 사고방식을 갖는 것이 중요합니다.
It is important to have a rational way of thinking.
사고방식 (way of thinking)
그들은 합리적인 절차를 거쳐 결정을 내렸다.
They made a decision through rational procedures.
절차를 거치다 (to go through procedures)
이것은 합리적인 기대를 바탕으로 한 투자입니다.
This is an investment based on rational expectations.
바탕으로 한 (based on)
합리적인 비판을 수용하는 자세가 필요하다.
An attitude of accepting rational criticism is necessary.
수용하다 (to accept/embrace)
자본주의 사회에서 합리적 선택은 필수적이다.
In a capitalist society, rational choice is essential.
자본주의 (capitalism)
그 정책의 합리성에 대해 의문이 제기되고 있다.
Questions are being raised about the rationality of that policy.
합리성 (rationality/reasonableness)
합리적인 의심의 여지가 없을 정도로 증거가 확실하다.
The evidence is so clear that there is no room for reasonable doubt.
의심의 여지 (room for doubt)
인간의 행동을 단순히 합리적 선택 이론으로만 설명할 수는 없다.
Human behavior cannot be explained simply by rational choice theory.
이론 (theory)
그는 자신의 행동을 합리화하기 위해 변명을 늘어놓았다.
He made excuses to rationalize his actions.
합리화 (rationalization)
법치주의의 핵심은 합리적인 법 집행에 있다.
The core of the rule of law lies in rational law enforcement.
법 집행 (law enforcement)
조직의 효율성을 높이기 위해 합리적인 구조 조정이 필요하다.
Rational restructuring is needed to increase organizational efficiency.
구조 조정 (restructuring)
합리적인 담론을 통해 사회적 합의를 도출해야 한다.
A social consensus must be derived through rational discourse.
담론 (discourse)
근대성은 도구적 합리성의 팽창으로 특징지어진다.
Modernity is characterized by the expansion of instrumental rationality.
도구적 합리성 (instrumental rationality)
합리적 의사결정 모델의 한계를 인식하는 것이 중요하다.
It is important to recognize the limits of rational decision-making models.
의사결정 (decision-making)
그의 철학은 합리주의와 경험주의의 조화를 꾀한다.
His philosophy seeks a harmony between rationalism and empiricism.
합리주의 (rationalism)
사회 시스템의 합리화 과정에서 소외되는 개인들이 발생한다.
In the process of rationalizing social systems, individuals become alienated.
소외 (alienation)
합리적 행위자 가설은 경제학의 근간을 이룬다.
The rational actor hypothesis forms the basis of economics.
가설 (hypothesis)
그 판결은 합리적인 법 해석의 전형을 보여준다.
The ruling shows a classic example of rational legal interpretation.
전형 (epitome/classic example)
관료제의 합리성은 때로 비인간적인 결과를 초래하기도 한다.
The rationality of bureaucracy sometimes leads to inhumane results.
관료제 (bureaucracy)
우리는 가치 합리성과 목적 합리성을 구분하여 고찰해야 한다.
We must consider value rationality and goal rationality separately.
고찰하다 (to consider/examine deeply)
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Logical (internal structure) vs Rational (practical/fair outcome).
Intellectual/Calm (human trait) vs Rational (quality of an idea/price).
Morally right/Just vs Reasonably grounded.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
So verwendest du es
Focuses on the 'fit' between reason and reality.
Can be negative if it implies a lack of human empathy (too cold).
Usually positive, implying smartness and fairness.
- Saying '합리한' instead of '합리적인'.
- Using it to mean 'cheap' (it means 'fair').
- Confusing it with '논리적' in a debate.
- Using it for emotional situations where '이성적' is better.
- Mispronouncing it as [합리적] instead of [함니적].
Tipps
Smart Shopping
Use '합리적인 가격' when you want to praise a good deal without calling it 'cheap'.
Adverb Form
Remember to use '합리적으로' when describing *how* someone acts or thinks.
Hanja Power
Learning 'Ri' (理) will help you understand other words like '이유' (reason) and '논리' (logic).
Conflict Resolution
Saying '합리적으로 대화해요' can help calm down a heated argument.
Workplace Korean
Always provide a '합리적인 근거' (rational basis) for your ideas in meetings.
Reading News
Look for this word in headlines about government spending or policy changes.
Korean Values
Understand that 'rationality' is a key part of the 'Ppalli-ppalli' (hurry-hurry) culture's efficiency.
Rational vs Logical
Think of 'Logical' as the math and 'Rational' as the common sense application.
Psychology
Be careful with '합리화' (rationalization) as it often has a negative 'excuse-making' nuance.
Nasalization
Don't forget the sound change: Hap-ri becomes Ham-ni.
Einprägen
Wortherkunft
Sino-Korean word used to translate Western concepts of 'rationality' during the modernization period.
Kultureller Kontext
Korean law uses '합리적' to define the boundaries of acceptable behavior.
Korean companies value 'rational' data, but hierarchy still plays a role.
The term 'Gaseongbi' (cost-performance) is the slang cousin of '합리적'.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"이 물건 가격이 합리적이라고 생각하세요? (Do you think this item's price is reasonable?)"
"가장 합리적인 해결책이 무엇일까요? (What would be the most rational solution?)"
"우리는 더 합리적으로 소비해야 해요. (We need to consume more rationally.)"
"그 사람의 행동이 합리적이었다고 보세요? (Do you see that person's actions as having been rational?)"
"합리적인 근거가 있다면 찬성하겠습니다. (If there is a rational basis, I will agree.)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
오늘 내가 한 가장 합리적인 선택은 무엇인가? (What was the most rational choice I made today?)
합리적인 가격이란 무엇이라고 생각하는가? (What do you think a 'reasonable price' is?)
감정과 이성 중 무엇이 더 합리적인 결과를 만드는가? (Which creates more rational results: emotion or reason?)
내가 최근에 비합리적으로 행동했던 적은? (When was a time I acted irrationally recently?)
우리 사회에서 가장 합리적이지 못한 부분은? (What is the least rational part of our society?)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it means 'fair.' A luxury car can have a 'rational price' if its quality justifies the high cost.
Yes, '합리적인 사람' is a person who thinks and acts based on reason.
The most direct opposite is '비합리적' (irrational).
Yes, it is a formal Hanja-based word, but very common in daily life.
Use '합리화하다.' It often means making excuses for oneself.
Usually no. It is the opposite of emotional (감정적).
Close, but 'logical' is '논리적.' Logic is about the process; rationality is about the sense of the conclusion.
Yes, '합리적인 의심' is the legal term for 'reasonable doubt.'
You can use it for the price of food, but not the taste.
Very. You will see it every day in Korea on ads and in news.
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Summary
합리적 is the essential Korean word for 'making sense.' Whether you are justifying a business expense, choosing a restaurant, or resolving a conflict, this word signals that your approach is grounded in objective reality and fairness rather than fleeting impulses.
- 합리적 means rational or reasonable. It is used for prices, decisions, and logical thinking that avoids emotional bias and focuses on fairness.
- The word comes from Hanja meaning 'joining with reason.' It is a positive attribute in professional, economic, and personal contexts in Korea.
- Commonly used as 합리적인 (adjective) or 합리적으로 (adverb). It is the standard term for 'good value' (합리적인 가격) in Korean shopping culture.
- It differs from 'logical' (internal consistency) by focusing on the 'sensibleness' and 'fairness' of the final outcome in a real-world context.
Smart Shopping
Use '합리적인 가격' when you want to praise a good deal without calling it 'cheap'.
Adverb Form
Remember to use '합리적으로' when describing *how* someone acts or thinks.
Hanja Power
Learning 'Ri' (理) will help you understand other words like '이유' (reason) and '논리' (logic).
Conflict Resolution
Saying '합리적으로 대화해요' can help calm down a heated argument.
Beispiel
소비자들은 품질과 가격을 고려하여 합리적인 선택을 한다.
Verwandte Inhalte
Ähnliche Regeln
Mehr philosophy Wörter
추상적
B2Nicht gegenständlich; auf Ideen oder Konzepte bezogen statt auf konkrete Instanzen.
지향하다
B2Nach etwas streben oder ein Ziel verfolgen. Wir streben eine friedliche Lösung des Konflikts an.
논증
B1Der Prozess des logischen Denkens oder der Erbringung eines logischen Beweises zur Unterstützung einer bestimmten Behauptung.
진정성
B2Die Qualität, aufrichtig, echt oder authentisch zu sein. Es bezieht sich auf den Zustand, in dem die Handlungen und Worte einer Person mit ihren wahren Absichten oder Gefühlen übereinstimmen.
우연성
B2Die Eigenschaft, dass etwas zufällig oder unvorhergesehen geschieht.
귀결
B1Der Endzustand, das Ergebnis oder die Schlussfolgerung, die eine Diskussion oder Logik schließlich erreicht. Alle Argumente liefen auf diesen einen Punkt hinaus.
모순되다
B2Widersprüchlich sein oder im Widerspruch stehen. Seine Aussage widerspricht den Fakten.
비판하다
B2Kritisieren (im analytischen Sinne). 'Der Kritiker kritisierte den Film scharf.' / 'Wir müssen das System objektiv kritisieren.'
이분법적
B21. Gekennzeichnet durch eine Teilung in zwei getrennte, oft gegensätzliche Gruppen, ohne Zwischenraum. 2. Beschreibt eine Denkweise, die die Welt nur in 'Schwarz oder Weiß' sieht.
이분법
B2Dichotomie bezeichnet eine Zweiteilung oder einen Gegensatz. Im Koreanischen wird das Wort oft verwendet, um Schwarz-Weiß-Denken zu kritisieren.
