Diese Seite in deiner Sprache

English

فارسی

العربية

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 adjective #7,000 am häufigsten 8 Min. Lesezeit

가역적

gayeokjeok Top 7,000

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps 가역적 in 30 Sekunden

Erklärung 가역적 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '가역적' is a very difficult word that you won't usually need. However, you can think of it as 'going back.' Imagine you have a toy that you can take apart and put back together. That is like '가역적.' In simple Korean, we say '다시 할 수 있어요' (can do again) or '돌아갈 수 있어요' (can go back). You might see this word in a very simple science book for kids. Just remember: it means things can go back to how they were before. For example, if you freeze water into ice, you can melt it back into water. That is a '가역적' change. It's like a two-way street where you can go forward and then turn around and come back to the start. Don't worry about using this word yet, but if you see it, just think 'back to the start is possible!'

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the A2 level, you might start seeing '가역적' in basic science contexts or formal news headlines. It's a technical way to say 'reversible.' You know the word '다시' (again) and '돌아가다' (to go back). '가역적' is the professional version of these ideas. For example, if you are learning about the weather or simple chemistry, a teacher might say that some changes are '가역적.' Think of it like a light switch: you can turn it on, and then you can turn it off to the original state. That is a reversible action. In your studies, you might see it paired with '변화' (change) to make '가역적 변화.' Just focus on recognizing that the '가' means 'can' and '역' means 'reverse.' This will help you understand more complex words later on.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the B1 level, you should be able to recognize '가역적' in newspapers, documentaries, and academic texts. This word is an adjective that describes a process or a state that is not permanent and can be undone. It is very common in medical contexts—for instance, if a doctor says a symptom is '가역적,' it is good news because it means the patient can recover fully. You should also learn its opposite, '비가역적' (irreversible), which is often used in serious discussions about the environment or health. When writing, you can use '가역적' to sound more formal, but remember it's mostly for scientific or logical topics. If you're talking about a mistake in a relationship, stick to '되돌리다.' Use '가역적' when you want to describe the 'nature' of a system or a reaction.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '가역적' correctly in formal writing and understand its nuances in various fields. This is a CEFR B2 level word because it requires an understanding of Sino-Korean roots (Hanja) and is used in specific professional registers. You should understand that '가역적' implies a theoretical or physical possibility of returning to an initial state without leaving a permanent trace. In chemistry, this refers to 'equilibrium' (평형), where reactions happen in both directions. In medicine, it distinguishes between temporary and permanent damage. You should be comfortable using the adverbial form '가역적으로' and the noun form '가역성' (reversibility). Practice using this word in essays when discussing policies, scientific phenomena, or biological processes to demonstrate a sophisticated vocabulary.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep grasp of '가역적' and be able to use it metaphorically or in complex logical arguments. You might encounter it in philosophical texts discussing the 'reversibility of time' or in advanced economic theories regarding 'reversible investments' versus 'sunk costs.' At this level, you should also be aware of related technical terms like '가역 단열 변화' (reversible adiabatic change) in physics or '가역적 억제' (reversible inhibition) in biochemistry. You should be able to debate the '비가역성' (irreversibility) of certain social changes or environmental damages using this vocabulary. Your usage should be precise, distinguishing it from '회복' (recovery) or '수정' (correction). A C1 learner uses '가역적' to describe the fundamental structural property of a system's logic or physical state.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C2 level, '가역적' is a standard part of your academic and professional lexicon. You understand its implications in the most specialized fields, from quantum mechanics (where reversibility is a core concept) to high-level jurisprudence (discussing the reversibility of legal precedents). You can use the word with perfect native-like intuition, knowing exactly when the formal '가역적' is required and when a more poetic or native Korean expression would be more impactful. You can analyze literature or academic papers that use '가역적' to describe the flow of narrative or the structure of an argument. You are also capable of explaining the linguistic evolution of the term and its Hanja components to others. For a C2 speaker, '가역적' is not just a word, but a conceptual tool used to define the boundaries of possibility and change in any given system.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

가역적 in 30 Sekunden

A formal term meaning 'reversible,' used mostly in science, medicine, and academic discussions to describe processes that can be undone.
Derived from Hanja: 'Possible' (가) + 'Reverse' (역). It describes a two-way street for states, reactions, or logical decisions.
Commonly paired with words like '반응' (reaction), '변화' (change), or '손상' (damage) to indicate that a return to the original state is possible.
The antonym is '비가역적' (irreversible), and the more common, less formal alternative is the phrase '되돌릴 수 있는'.

The Korean word 가역적 (Gayeokjeok) is a formal adjective primarily used in scientific, medical, and academic contexts to describe something that can be returned to its original state or a process that can proceed in both directions. Derived from Hanja, the term combines 可 (가 - possible), 逆 (역 - reverse/inverse), and 的 (적 - suffix for adjectives). Literally, it translates to 'having the quality of being able to go backward.' While English speakers might use 'reversible' for a jacket or a car's direction, in Korean, 가역적 is reserved for more technical or abstract scenarios, such as chemical reactions, physiological changes, or logical arguments. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone studying Korean at an intermediate to advanced level, especially those interested in STEM fields or formal literature.

Scientific Context: In chemistry and physics, a reversible process is one where the system and surroundings can be restored to their initial states. For example, the melting and freezing of water is a classic 가역적 과정 (reversible process).

얼음이 녹아 물이 되는 것은 가역적 변화의 대표적인 예입니다. (The melting of ice into water is a representative example of a reversible change.)

Medical Context: Doctors use this word to describe conditions or damage that can be cured or reversed. If a patient has 가역적 손상, it means the tissue can heal back to its healthy state with proper treatment.

Beyond science, the word appears in economics and philosophy to discuss decisions or systems that can be undone. If a policy is 가역적, it implies that the government can roll it back if it proves unsuccessful. However, in casual conversation, Koreans are more likely to use the phrase '되돌릴 수 있는' (able to be turned back) rather than the Sino-Korean technical term 가역적. Using 가역적 in a coffee shop might sound overly stiff, but using it in a presentation will make you sound highly educated and precise.

이 경제 정책은 상황에 따라 가역적으로 운영될 수 있습니다. (This economic policy can be operated reversibly depending on the situation.)

Linguistic Nuance: The suffix -적 (-jeok) turns the noun 가역 (reversibility) into an adjective. This is a very productive pattern in Korean academic vocabulary, similar to '-able' or '-al' in English.

Using 가역적 correctly requires understanding its role as a determiner or a predicate. Most commonly, it precedes a noun to modify it directly, such as 가역적 반응 (reversible reaction) or 가역적 변화 (reversible change). Because it ends in -적, it functions as a 'determiner-noun' that often takes the particle -인 when used as an adjective modifying a noun, or -이다 when used as a predicate. Let's explore how to weave this word into sophisticated Korean sentences across various domains.

과학자들은 그 현상이 가역적인지 확인하기 위해 실험을 반복했다. (Scientists repeated the experiment to confirm whether the phenomenon was reversible.)

Grammatical Pattern 1: [Noun] + 가역적: When modifying a noun, you often use '가역적인'. Example: 가역적인 결합 (A reversible bond). This is the standard way to describe properties of objects or concepts.

단백질과 리간드의 결합은 대개 가역적입니다. (The binding of proteins and ligands is usually reversible.)

Grammatical Pattern 2: 가역적으로 + Verb: Adding -으로 turns the word into an adverb, meaning 'reversibly'. Example: 가역적으로 작용하다 (to act reversibly).

When discussing health, you might say, "다행히 시력 저하는 가역적입니다" (Fortunately, the vision loss is reversible). This provides a sense of relief, indicating that the condition is not permanent. Conversely, in environmental science, many processes are 비가역적 (irreversible), such as the extinction of a species. Using these two words in contrast is a powerful way to argue a point in a Korean essay or debate.

초기 단계의 간 손상은 가역적일 수 있으니 조기 치료가 중요합니다. (Liver damage in the early stages can be reversible, so early treatment is important.)

Common Collocations: 가역적 반응 (Reversible reaction), 가역적 변화 (Reversible change), 가역적 과정 (Reversible process), 가역적 억제제 (Reversible inhibitor).

You are most likely to encounter 가역적 in formal education, news broadcasts, and technical documentaries. If you are watching a Korean news segment about medical breakthroughs, the reporter might explain whether a newly discovered treatment can fix 가역적 brain damage. In a university lecture hall in Korea, a chemistry professor will frequently use 가역적 반응 to describe chemical equilibria. It is not a word you would typically hear in a K-drama romance unless one of the characters is a doctor or a scientist explaining a concept.

뉴스 리포터: "이번 연구 결과는 치매의 일부 증상이 가역적일 수 있음을 시사합니다." (News Reporter: "The results of this study suggest that some symptoms of dementia may be reversible.")

Educational Context: In Korean high school textbooks, students learn about '가역 반응' (reversible reactions) vs '비가역 반응' (irreversible reactions) in the science curriculum. It's a foundational term for anyone pursuing a degree in science or engineering in Korea.

In the business world, 가역적 might be used during strategic planning. A CEO might ask, "Is this investment 가역적?" meaning, can we get our money back or pivot if it fails? This usage highlights the word's versatility in high-stakes decision-making. You might also find it in legal documents discussing the 'reversibility' of certain court decisions or administrative actions. While the average person might not use it daily, knowing it signals a high level of literacy and professional competence.

교수님: "열역학 제2법칙에 따르면 모든 실제 과정은 사실 비가역적입니다." (Professor: "According to the second law of thermodynamics, all real processes are actually irreversible.")

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 가역적 is using it in too casual a context. For example, if you spill coffee and want to say it's not reversible, saying "이 얼룩은 가역적이지 않아요" (This stain is not reversible) sounds like you are writing a scientific paper about the coffee stain. In daily life, it's much more natural to say "안 지워져요" (It doesn't come out) or "되돌릴 수 없어요" (It can't be undone). Using 가역적 for mundane chores can sound humorous or overly dramatic.

잘못된 예: "어제 산 옷을 환불하는 것은 가역적인 행동입니다." (Incorrect: "Refunding the clothes I bought yesterday is a reversible action.")

Confusing with '역동적' (Dynamic): Because both words contain '역' and '적', beginners sometimes confuse '가역적' (reversible) with '역동적' (dynamic). Remember that '가역적' is about directionality, while '역동적' is about energy and movement.

Another mistake is failing to distinguish between 가역적 and 복구 가능하다 (restorable). While they are related, 가역적 refers to the nature of the process itself, whereas 복구 가능하다 refers to the ability to fix something that was broken. For example, a deleted file might be '복구 가능하다' (recoverable), but the act of deleting it isn't necessarily described as '가역적' in technical Korean IT terms; rather, you'd use '실행 취소' (undo).

비교: "이 손상은 가역적입니다." (Nature of the damage) vs "이 시스템은 복구 가능합니다." (Action of fixing).

Pronunciation Pitfall: The 'ㄱ' in '역' followed by 'ㅈ' in '적' creates a tense 'ㅉ' sound. It is pronounced [가역쩍] (ga-yeok-jjeok). Forgetting the reinforcement of the 'ㅈ' sound makes the word sound unnatural.

Depending on the level of formality and the specific context, you might want to swap 가역적 for a different term. The most common alternative is the native Korean phrase 되돌릴 수 있는. This is the go-to phrase for everyday situations. If you're talking about a decision that can be changed, you might use 번복 가능한 (revocable/overturnable). Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker who chooses the right tool for the right job.

가역적 vs. 되돌릴 수 있는: Use 가역적 in a lab report or a medical diagnosis. Use 되돌릴 수 있는 when talking to a friend about a mistake or a life choice.

"시간은 비가역적입니다." (Time is irreversible - Philosophical/Formal) vs "지나간 시간은 되돌릴 수 없어요." (Passed time cannot be turned back - Natural/Poetic).

가역적 vs. 상호적인 (Mutual/Reciprocal): Sometimes people confuse reversibility with reciprocity. 상호적인 refers to two parties acting on each other, whereas 가역적 refers to a state being able to return to its origin.

In political or legal contexts, the word 철회 가능한 (withdrawable) is often used for promises or orders. While 가역적 describes the property of the situation, 철회 가능한 focuses on the human action of taking something back. Choosing between these words depends on whether you want to sound like a scientist observing a phenomenon or a lawyer discussing an agreement.

그 결정은 가역적이지 않으니 신중해야 합니다. (That decision is not reversible, so you must be careful.)

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The character '逆' (역) is also used in the word for 'rebel' (역도) because a rebel goes against the established order. In '가역적', it's the friendly version of going against—just going back to where you started!

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ka.jʌk.t͈ɕʌk/

US /ɡɑ.jʌk.tʃʌk/

The primary stress is on the second syllable 'yeok', with a slight secondary stress on the first syllable.

Reimt sich auf

직접 (jik-jeop) 학적 (hak-jeok) 목적 (mok-jeok) 국적 (guk-jeok) 적극적 (jeok-geuk-jeok) 창의적 (chang-ui-jeok) 현실적 (hyeon-sil-jeok) 사회적 (sa-hoe-jeok)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'jeok' as a soft 'j' instead of a tense 'jj'. It should be [가역쩍].
Slurring the 'yeok' so it sounds like 'yeo'. The final 'k' (ㄱ) must be clearly stopped.
Over-emphasizing the 'ga' like 'KAH'. It should be a more neutral, mid-pitch 'ga'.
Confusing it with 'gayeok' (area/zone) which has a different Hanja.
Mixing up the vowels 'eo' (ㅓ) and 'o' (ㅗ) in 'yeok' and 'jeok'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 4/5

Requires knowledge of Hanja-based academic vocabulary. Often found in dense texts.

Schreiben 5/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding too clinical or overly formal.

Sprechen 4/5

Pronunciation of the tense 'jj' sound in 'jeok' can be tricky for learners.

Hören 3/5

Recognizable once you know the 'jeok' suffix pattern, but context is key.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

가능하다 (To be possible) 변화 (Change) 반응 (Reaction) 반대 (Opposite) 다시 (Again)

Als Nächstes lernen

비가역적 (Irreversible) 상호작용 (Interaction) 평형 (Equilibrium) 일시적 (Temporary) 영구적 (Permanent)

Fortgeschritten

열역학 (Thermodynamics) 엔트로피 (Entropy) 매커니즘 (Mechanism) 가소성 (Plasticity) 회복력 (Resilience)

Wichtige Grammatik

The suffix -적 (的)

경제 (Economy) -> 경제적 (Economic)

Noun + 인 to modify nouns

가역적인 반응 (Reversible reaction)

Noun + 으로 to form adverbs

가역적으로 변하다 (To change reversibly)

Negative form -지 않다

가역적이지 않다 (Is not reversible)

The prefix 비- (非) for negation

비가역적 (Irreversible)

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Beispiele nach Niveau

이 변화는 가역적입니다.

This change is reversible.

가역적 + 입니다 (to be) creates a polite formal statement.

물은 가역적으로 변해요.

Water changes reversibly.

가역적으로 is the adverb form meaning 'reversibly'.

그것은 가역적입니까?

Is that reversible?

The question form of the verb 'to be'.

가역적인 과정을 배워요.

I learn about reversible processes.

가역적인 modifies the noun 과정 (process).

얼음은 가역적이에요.

Ice is reversible (in its state).

Standard polite ending -이에요.

이것은 가역적이지 않아요.

This is not reversible.

-지 않아요 is the negative ending.

가역적 변화가 좋아요.

I like reversible changes.

가역적 modifies the noun directly in a compound-like structure.

다시 돌아오니 가역적이에요.

It comes back, so it is reversible.

-니 expresses a reason (because).

과학 시간에는 가역적 반응을 공부합니다.

In science class, we study reversible reactions.

가역적 반응 is a common scientific term.

이 약의 효과는 가역적입니다.

The effect of this medicine is reversible.

Formal sentence structure using -입니다.

상태 변화는 대부분 가역적이에요.

Most changes in state are reversible.

대부분 (most) adds quantification.

가역적인 현상을 찾아보세요.

Please look for a reversible phenomenon.

-세요 is a polite command/request.

그 손상은 다행히 가역적이었어요.

Fortunately, that damage was reversible.

Past tense form -적이었어요.

가역적으로 생각하면 쉬워요.

It's easy if you think reversibly (backwards).

-면 (if) creates a conditional sentence.

이것은 비가역적이 아니라 가역적입니다.

This is not irreversible but reversible.

A 아니라 B (Not A but B) structure.

가역적 반응은 양방향으로 일어납니다.

Reversible reactions occur in both directions.

양방향 (both directions) is a key concept of reversibility.

화학 평형 상태에서는 가역적 반응이 계속됩니다.

In a state of chemical equilibrium, reversible reactions continue.

화학 평형 (chemical equilibrium) is a common context for this word.

초기 증상은 가역적이어서 치료가 가능합니다.

The early symptoms are reversible, so treatment is possible.

-어서 (because/so) connects two related clauses.

이 정책이 가역적인지 검토해야 합니다.

We must review whether this policy is reversible.

-는지 (whether) is used for uncertainty or checking.

가역적 손상은 시간이 지나면 회복됩니다.

Reversible damage recovers as time passes.

-면 (when/if) indicates a condition for recovery.

모든 물리 법칙이 가역적인 것은 아닙니다.

Not all laws of physics are reversible.

-는 것은 아닙니다 is a partial negation (not all...).

가역적으로 반응하는 물질을 사용하세요.

Use substances that react reversibly.

가역적으로 is used here as an adverb for the verb 반응하다.

그의 결정은 가역적이라서 다행입니다.

It's a relief that his decision is reversible.

-라서 (because) is used with nouns/adjectives ending in -적.

우리는 가역적인 변화의 원인을 분석했습니다.

We analyzed the cause of the reversible change.

분석하다 (to analyze) is a high-level B1 verb.

효소의 억제 작용이 가역적인지 확인하는 것이 필수적이다.

It is essential to check if the enzyme inhibition is reversible.

The plain form -다 is used in formal reports and academic writing.

이 시스템은 가역적 과정을 통해 에너지를 보존한다.

This system conserves energy through a reversible process.

-를 통해 (through) indicates the method or means.

환경 오염이 비가역적인 단계에 도달하기 전에 대책을 세워야 한다.

We must take measures before environmental pollution reaches an irreversible stage.

Contrasting 비가역적 with 가역적 is common at this level.

가역적 결합은 신호 전달 체계에서 중요한 역할을 한다.

Reversible binding plays an important role in signal transduction systems.

중요한 역할을 하다 (to play an important role) is a set phrase.

그 현상은 열역학적으로 가역적이라고 볼 수 있다.

The phenomenon can be seen as thermodynamically reversible.

-라고 볼 수 있다 (can be seen as) expresses a considered opinion.

가역적인 반응 경로를 선택하여 효율을 높였다.

Efficiency was increased by selecting a reversible reaction path.

-아/어/여 (by doing) connects the method to the result.

뇌의 가소성은 어느 정도 가역적인 특성을 지닌다.

Brain plasticity possesses somewhat reversible characteristics.

특성을 지니다 (to possess a characteristic) is formal and sophisticated.

가역적 억제제는 농도에 따라 효과가 달라집니다.

Reversible inhibitors vary in effect depending on concentration.

-에 따라 (depending on) shows correlation.

정보의 손실이 없는 가역적 컴퓨팅 기술이 연구되고 있다.

Reversible computing technology with no information loss is being researched.

가역적 컴퓨팅 is a specialized technical term.

역사적 흐름이 가역적이라고 믿는 것은 위험한 발상이다.

It is a dangerous idea to believe that the flow of history is reversible.

-라고 믿는 것은 (the act of believing that...) is a complex noun phrase.

이 논문은 가역적 논리의 한계를 명확히 규명하고 있다.

This paper clearly identifies the limits of reversible logic.

규명하다 (to investigate/identify) is a high-level academic verb.

가역적 과정에서 엔트로피의 변화는 0이 된다.

In a reversible process, the change in entropy becomes zero.

This sentence reflects expert knowledge of physics.

사회적 합의가 비가역적인 변화를 이끌어낼 수 있다.

Social consensus can lead to irreversible changes.

Using the antonym to emphasize the power of social change.

가역적 매커니즘을 통해 시스템의 안정성을 확보했다.

Stability of the system was secured through a reversible mechanism.

확보하다 (to secure/ensure) is a professional term.

그의 주장은 가역적 사고의 전형적인 예시라고 할 수 있다.

His argument can be said to be a typical example of reversible thinking.

-라고 할 수 있다 (it can be said that) is used for academic claims.

가역적인 반응 속도 상수를 계산하는 실험을 수행했다.

An experiment was performed to calculate the reversible reaction rate constant.

수행하다 (to carry out/perform) is the formal version of 'do'.

미시적 수준에서의 물리 법칙은 근본적으로 가역적이다.

Physical laws at the microscopic level are fundamentally reversible.

근본적으로 (fundamentally) adds a layer of philosophical depth.

가역적 단열 과정에서 계의 엔트로피는 일정하게 유지된다.

In a reversible adiabatic process, the entropy of the system remains constant.

Highly technical terminology used in advanced engineering.

언어의 변화는 비가역적인 성격을 띠지만, 일부 어휘는 가역적으로 부활하기도 한다.

Language change is irreversible, but some vocabulary may be reversibly revived.

성격을 띠다 (to take on a character) is a sophisticated idiomatic expression.

가역적 겔화 현상을 이용하여 새로운 소재를 개발하였다.

A new material was developed using the phenomenon of reversible gelation.

가역적 겔화 (reversible gelation) is a specific chemical process.

이 모델은 모든 변수가 가역적으로 상호작용한다고 가정한다.

This model assumes that all variables interact reversibly.

가정하다 (to assume/hypothesize) is core to scientific modeling.

가역적 행정 처분의 법적 효력에 관한 논쟁이 뜨겁다.

The debate over the legal effect of reversible administrative actions is heated.

Legal context usage for administrative law.

인간의 인지 과정이 온전히 가역적인지는 여전히 의문이다.

Whether human cognitive processes are fully reversible remains a question.

-는지 여부 (whether or not) is implied by '의문이다'.

가역적 자기 기록 기술의 발전은 데이터 저장의 혁신을 가져왔다.

The development of reversible magnetic recording technology brought innovation to data storage.

혁신을 가져오다 (to bring about innovation) is a powerful collocation.

Synonyme

되돌릴 수 있는 회복 가능한

Gegenteile

불가역적

Häufige Kollokationen

가역적 반응

가역적 변화

가역적 손상

가역적 억제제

가역적 과정

가역적 결합

가역적 겔화

가역적 치매

가역적 사고

가역적 행정

Häufige Phrasen

가역적인 성질

— Reversible property. Used to describe the inherent nature of a substance or system.

이 고무는 가역적인 성질을 가지고 있습니다.

가역적으로 작용하다

— To act reversibly. Used to describe how a mechanism or chemical works.

이 스위치는 가역적으로 작용하여 안전합니다.

가역적이라고 판단되다

— To be judged as reversible. Used in professional assessments.

검사 결과, 상태는 가역적이라고 판단되었습니다.

비가역적 손실

— Irreversible loss. Often used in contrast to highlight the seriousness of a situation.

환경 파괴는 비가역적 손실을 초래합니다.

가역적 평형

— Reversible equilibrium. A specific state in chemistry or physics.

시스템은 가역적 평형 상태에 도달했다.

가역적인 단계

— Reversible stage. A point in a process where one can still turn back.

아직은 가역적인 단계이니 걱정 마세요.

가역적 억제

— Reversible inhibition. When a process is stopped but can be restarted.

효소 활동의 가역적 억제가 일어났다.

가역적 매커니즘

— Reversible mechanism. A system designed to work in two ways.

이 기계는 가역적 매커니즘을 채택했다.

가역적인 태도

— A reversible (flexible) attitude. (Metaphorical usage).

그는 가역적인 태도로 협상에 임했다.

가역적 변화를 겪다

— To undergo a reversible change.

금속은 열에 의해 가역적 변화를 겪는다.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

가역적 vs 가격적

Sounds similar but means 'related to price'. '가역' has 'eo' while '가격' has 'a'.

가역적 vs 역동적

Means 'dynamic'. Learners confuse them because of the '역' character.

가역적 vs 가공적

Means 'imaginary' or 'fictional'. Similar sound, totally different meaning.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"엎질러진 물"

— Spilled water. This is the ultimate '비가역적' (irreversible) idiom in Korean, meaning what's done is done.

이미 엎질러진 물이니 후회해도 소용없어.

Common

"되돌릴 수 없는 강을 건너다"

— To cross a river that cannot be turned back. Similar to 'crossing the Rubicon.'

우리는 이미 되돌릴 수 없는 강을 건넜다.

Literary

"낙장불입"

— Once a card is played, it cannot be taken back. Used in games but applied to life decisions.

인생은 낙장불입이야, 신중하게 결정해.

Casual/Idiomatic

"화살은 시위를 떠났다"

— The arrow has left the bow string. It's too late to stop it.

이미 화살은 시위를 떠났으니 결과를 기다리자.

Literary

"주워 담을 수 없다"

— Cannot pick it back up (usually referring to words spoken).

말은 한 번 뱉으면 주워 담을 수 없다.

Common

"버스 떠난 뒤 손 흔들기"

— Waving your hand after the bus has left. Doing something when it's already too late.

지금 사과하는 건 버스 떠난 뒤 손 흔드는 격이야.

Common

"이미 늦었다"

— It's already late. Simple way to express irreversibility.

후회해도 이미 늦었다.

Common

"돌이킬 수 없는"

— Unable to be turned back. Very common adjective phrase.

돌이킬 수 없는 실수를 저질렀다.

Neutral

"한 번 해병은 영원한 해병"

— Once a Marine, always a Marine. Expresses a permanent (irreversible) identity.

그는 '한 번 해병은 영원한 해병'이라는 자부심이 있다.

Social

"판을 뒤집다"

— To flip the board. To completely reverse a situation.

그는 마지막 순간에 판을 뒤집었다.

Casual

Leicht verwechselbar

가역적 vs 가역 (Reversible)

Sound similarity with other '가' words.

가역 means reversible, whereas '가공' is fictional and '가속' is acceleration.

가역 반응 vs 가속도.

가역적 vs 비가역 (Irreversible)

Antonym sounds similar.

Always check for the '비' prefix which means 'not'.

이것은 비가역적입니다.

가역적 vs 불가역 (Irrevocable)

Synonym with '비가역'.

불가역 is even more formal and often used in diplomacy (cannot be changed by any power).

불가역적인 폐기.

가역적 vs 역전 (Reversal)

Shares the '역' Hanja.

역전 is a noun meaning a comeback or sudden turn, while 가역적 is an adjective for a property.

경기 역전 vs 가역적 변화.

가역적 vs 회복 (Recovery)

Related concept.

Recovery is the act of getting better; reversibility is the property that allows it.

회복이 빠르다 vs 가역적 손상.

Satzmuster

이것은 ~적입니다.

이것은 가역적입니다.

~은/는 가역적인 ~입니다.

물은 가역적인 물질입니다.

~이/가 가역적이라서 ~할 수 있다.

손상이 가역적이라서 치료할 수 있다.

~이/가 가역적인지 확인하는 것이 중요하다.

반응이 가역적인지 확인하는 것이 중요하다.

~의 가역성에 대한 논의가 필요하다.

시간의 가역성에 대한 논의가 필요하다.

미시적 관점에서 ~은 본질적으로 가역적이다.

미시적 관점에서 물리 법칙은 본질적으로 가역적이다.

~을 가역적으로 변화시키다.

상태를 가역적으로 변화시키다.

비가역적인 결과가 초래될 수 있다.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

가역 (可逆) Reversibility

가역성 (可逆性) The property or quality of being reversible

Verben

가역하다 To reverse (rarely used as a standalone verb, usually '가역적이다')

Adjektive

가역적인 Reversible (modifying form)

Verwandt

비가역적 (Irreversible)

역행 (Retrogression)

역전 (Reversal/Comeback)

가능 (Possibility)

변화 (Change)

Registriere dich kostenlos, um alle Beispiele zu sehen

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in textbooks and news; rare in daily casual speech.

Häufige Fehler

이 옷은 가역적이에요. → 이 옷은 양면이에요.
Don't use '가역적' for physical objects like clothes. Use '양면' for reversible items.
가역적 반응이 일어나요. → 가역적인 반응이 일어나요. (or 가역 반응)
When used as an adjective, '가역적인' is more grammatically complete, though '가역 반응' is a common compound noun.
시간은 가역적이에요. → 시간은 비가역적이에요.
Scientifically and philosophically, time is considered irreversible.
가역적을 공부해요. → 가역성을 공부해요.
Use the noun form '가역성' (reversibility) when it's the object of the verb 'to study'.
그는 가역적인 사람이에요. → 그는 마음이 잘 변하는 사람이에요.
We don't usually describe people as '가역적'. Use other adjectives for personality.

Tipps

Think Science

Whenever you're in a lab or reading a science book, look for '가역적'. It's the standard term for reversible reactions.

Use -인

Remember to add '인' when you put '가역적' before a noun in a sentence: '가역적인 변화'.

Listen for 'jj'

If you hear 'ga-yeok-jjeok', you know it's this word. The tense ending is a big clue.

Sound Smart

Use '가역적' in a debate or presentation to show you have a high level of Korean literacy.

U-Turn

Visualize a U-turn on a chemical arrow. That's '가역적'.

Learn the Roots

Learning '가' (possible) and '역' (reverse) will help you learn dozens of other words.

Compare with '비'

Always learn '비가역적' at the same time. They are two sides of the same coin.

Medical Hope

In medicine, '가역적' means there is hope for recovery. It's a positive word in a hospital.

Keep it Formal

Don't use this word with your friends while playing games; it's too stiff!

TOPIK Prep

This is a great word to use in the TOPIK II writing section to get a high score.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'GA' as 'Go' and 'YEOK' as 'Yoke' (pulling back). 'JEOCK' is just the adjective tail. GA-YEOK = Go and Pull Back. Reversible!

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a U-turn sign on a chemical reaction arrow. The sign says 'GA-YEOK-JEOK' because you can always turn around and go back to the start.

Word Web

가역 (Reversibility) 가능 (Possible) 역전 (Turnaround) 역류 (Reflux) 변화 (Change) 반응 (Reaction) 손상 (Damage) 비가역 (Irreversibility)

Herausforderung

Try to find three things in your room that are '가역적' (like a foldable chair) and three things that are '비가역적' (like a half-eaten apple). Say the words out loud as you point to them.

Wortherkunft

가역적 (可逆的) is composed of three Hanja characters. '可' (가) means 'possible' or 'can.' '逆' (역) means 'to go against,' 'reverse,' or 'inverse.' '的' (적) is a suffix that turns nouns into adjectives, meaning 'having the quality of.' Together, it literally means 'having the quality of being able to go in reverse.'

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The term originated from classical Chinese scientific translations to describe physical processes that can return to their starting point.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Kultureller Kontext

There are no major sensitivities, but using this word to describe human mistakes can sometimes sound cold or overly clinical.

English speakers might use 'reversible' for clothing (reversible jacket), but Koreans use '양면' (two-sided) for clothes. '가역적' is strictly for processes and states.

CVID (Irreversible Dismantlement) in North Korean diplomacy. The Second Law of Thermodynamics (Entropy always increases in an irreversible process). Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development (Reversibility in children's logic).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Chemistry Lab

가역 반응입니다.
평형에 도달했습니다.
역반응이 일어납니다.
가역적으로 변합니다.

Doctor's Office

가역적인 손상입니다.
회복 가능합니다.
일시적인 증상입니다.
가역적 치매입니다.

Business Meeting

가역적인 투자입니다.
철회 가능합니다.
리스크가 적습니다.
가역적으로 운영합시다.

Philosophy Lecture

시간의 가역성.
가역적 사고방식.
논리적 가역성.
세상은 비가역적입니다.

Engineering Site

가역적 매커니즘.
수정 가능합니다.
부품 교체가 쉽습니다.
가역적 설계를 합시다.

Gesprächseinstiege

"과학적으로 가역적인 현상에는 무엇이 있을까요?"

"당신의 인생에서 가역적이었으면 하는 순간이 있나요?"

"이 결정이 정말 가역적이라고 생각하시나요?"

"치매 중에도 가역적인 종류가 있다는 걸 아셨나요?"

"컴퓨터 파일 삭제가 완벽하게 가역적일 수 있을까요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

오늘 내가 한 행동 중 가역적인 것과 비가역적인 것을 리스트로 만들어 보세요.

만약 시간이 가역적이라면, 당신은 과거로 돌아가 무엇을 바꾸고 싶나요?

가역적 손상과 비가역적 손상의 차이에 대해 에세이를 써 보세요.

우리 사회의 변화 중 가역적인 것은 무엇이고, 절대 돌아갈 수 없는 것은 무엇일까요?

과학 기술의 발전이 비가역적인 환경 파괴를 막을 수 있을지에 대해 서술하세요.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, that would sound very strange. For a jacket that can be worn inside out, use '양면' (two-sided). '가역적' is for scientific or abstract processes.

The most natural way is '되돌릴 수 있는' (able to be turned back). For example, '되돌릴 수 없는 실수' (an irreversible mistake).

Yes, it is considered a B2/C1 level word. It is a technical term used in academic and professional settings.

It is pronounced as [쩍] with a tense 'jj' sound. This happens because of the 'k' sound in the previous syllable '역'.

Rarely. You might say '가역적인 감정' in a psychological paper, but in real life, emotions are usually described as '변하기 쉬운' (easy to change).

In news and politics, '비가역적' is actually more frequent because it emphasizes that a change is permanent and cannot be undone.

It comes from the Hanja '可', which means 'possible' or 'can.' You see it in words like '가능' (possibility).

It comes from the Hanja '逆', which means 'reverse' or 'opposite.' You see it in '역전' (reversal).

Technically '가역하다' exists, but it is almost never used. People say '가역적이다' or '가역적으로 반응하다'.

'불가역적' is even more formal and absolute. It's often used in legal or international treaty contexts.

Registriere dich kostenlos für Tipps & Notizen