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A1 noun #700 am häufigsten 10 Min. Lesezeit

생각

saenggak Top 700

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Erklärung 생각 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '생각' is introduced as a simple noun meaning 'thought' or 'idea.' Learners focus on basic sentence structures like '좋은 생각이에요' (It's a good idea) or '생각이 나요' (I remember/An idea came to mind). The goal is to use the word to express simple mental states or to respond to suggestions. At this stage, students should learn the word in its most common collocations, such as with '있다' (to have) and '없다' (to not have). The focus is on immediate, concrete thoughts rather than abstract reasoning. Phrases like '무슨 생각 해요?' (What are you thinking?) are essential for basic social interaction. Learners are encouraged to use '생각' to share their preferences in a very simple way, often substituting it for 'opinion' before they learn more complex terms. Understanding that '생각이 나다' is the standard way to say 'I just remembered' is a key milestone for A1 students, as it differs from the English structure.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use '생각' to express intentions and slightly more complex opinions. The structure '-(으)ㄹ 생각이다' (to intend to) is introduced, allowing students to talk about their future plans in a more nuanced way than just using the future tense. They also start using '생각' with adjectives, such as '어려운 생각' (difficult thought) or '재미있는 생각' (interesting idea). The distinction between '생각을 하다' (active thinking) and '생각이 나다' (spontaneous thought) becomes more important. Students learn to use the word in the context of polite disagreement, such as '제 생각은 좀 달라요' (My thought is a bit different). They also encounter the word in common daily expressions like '밥 생각이 없어요' (I'm not in the mood for food), which helps them understand that '생각' can represent desire or appetite. The focus shifts from just knowing the word to using it as a functional tool for basic conversation and planning.

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At the B1 level, '생각' is used to describe more abstract mental processes and to form complex sentences. Learners use noun-modifying clauses like '-는다는 생각' (the thought that...) to express their inner feelings and motivations. For example, '성공하고 싶다는 생각으로 열심히 공부했어요' (I studied hard with the thought that I want to succeed). The word starts appearing in more idiomatic expressions and fixed phrases, such as '생각이 깊다' (to be thoughtful/considerate) or '생각이 짧다' (to be short-sighted). B1 students are expected to use '생각' to discuss their viewpoints on social issues or personal experiences in more detail. They also learn to distinguish '생각' from similar words like '의견' (opinion) and '기억' (memory) in various contexts. The use of '생각' in the middle of a sentence to provide background information or reason becomes more common, showing a higher level of linguistic fluidity.

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At the B2 level, '생각' is integrated into discussions about philosophy, psychology, and complex social dynamics. Learners use the word to analyze the 'way of thinking' (사고방식) of different cultures or individuals. They encounter the word in literature and news reports where it might represent a collective mindset or a historical ideology. B2 students practice using '생각' in more formal grammatical patterns, such as '생각한 끝에' (after much thought) or '생각지도 못한' (unexpected/not even thought of). The word is used to express subtle nuances of doubt, belief, and conviction. For instance, '그럴 생각은 추호도 없었습니다' (I didn't have the slightest intention of doing that). At this stage, the learner should be comfortable using '생각' to articulate complex arguments and to understand the underlying cultural implications of 'thoughtfulness' and 'consideration' in Korean society. They also begin to explore the Hanja-based synonyms more deeply.

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At the C1 level, '생각' is treated as a sophisticated concept in discourse. Learners explore its role in 'critical thinking' (비판적 사고) and 'creative thinking' (창의적 사고). They can discuss the nuances between '생각' and '사유' (philosophical contemplation) or '성찰' (self-reflection). C1 students use '생각' to construct eloquent and persuasive arguments, often using it to frame their entire perspective: '본인의 생각으로는...' (In my own view...). They are familiar with classical literature or modern essays where '생각' is used to explore the human condition. The word appears in complex proverbs and high-level idioms. Learners can also identify and use the word in various registers, from the highly poetic to the strictly legal or academic. They understand how '생각' functions as a pivot point for expressing empathy and social harmony, and they can navigate the subtle power dynamics involved in sharing one's 'thoughts' in a hierarchical society.

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At the C2 level, the mastery of '생각' involves a near-native understanding of its philosophical and cultural weight. The learner can engage in deep academic debates about the nature of 'thought' itself, using the word in contexts like '생각의 틀' (framework of thought) or '생각의 지평' (horizon of thought). They can appreciate and produce complex wordplay involving '생각' and its various meanings. C2 speakers can use the word to express the most delicate shades of meaning, such as the difference between a fleeting '생각' and a deeply held '신념' (belief). They are capable of writing essays or giving speeches where '생각' is used as a central theme to reflect on societal changes, ethics, or personal growth. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a versatile conceptual tool used to navigate the highest levels of Korean intellectual and cultural life. They can effortlessly switch between '생각' and its many formal synonyms to suit any possible context.

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생각 in 30 Sekunden

생각 is the primary Korean noun for 'thought' or 'idea'.
It is used to express opinions, intentions, and memories.
Commonly paired with '나다' (to remember) and '하다' (to think).
Culturally, it signifies consideration and social decency.

The Korean word 생각 is one of the most fundamental and versatile nouns in the Korean language. At its core, it translates to 'thought' or 'idea' in English, but its semantic range is significantly broader, encompassing concepts such as opinion, intention, memory, consideration, and even desire. Understanding 생각 is essential for any learner because it serves as the building block for expressing what is happening inside one's mind. Whether you are simply having a random idea, pondering a deep philosophical question, or deciding what to eat for dinner, this word will be your primary tool.

Core Concept: The internal mental process of reflecting, imagining, or reasoning about something.
Opinion and Viewpoint: Used to express what someone believes or how they perceive a specific situation, often synonymous with '의견' (opinion) in casual contexts.
Intention and Plan: Refers to what someone intends to do or a plan they have formed in their mind, frequently used in the structure '~ㄹ 생각이다'.

In daily conversation, Koreans use 생각 to soften their statements or to invite others into their mental space. For instance, instead of saying 'This is wrong,' one might say 'My thought is that this is a bit wrong,' which sounds much more polite and less confrontational in Korean culture. This word also appears frequently in emotional contexts, such as when someone is 'lost in thought' (생각에 잠기다) or when a memory 'comes to mind' (생각이 나다). The flexibility of the word allows it to function in both highly formal academic settings and the most informal, intimate conversations.

그 영화에 대해서 어떤 생각이 들어요? (What kind of thought/opinion do you have about that movie?)

Furthermore, 생각 is deeply tied to the Korean concept of mindfulness and consideration for others. When someone is described as having 'deep thoughts' (생각이 깊다), it doesn't just mean they are intelligent; it means they are considerate, prudent, and think carefully before they act. Conversely, someone whose 'thoughts are short' (생각이 짧다) is seen as impulsive or inconsiderate. This cultural nuance makes the word a window into Korean social values. It is not just a cognitive term; it is a moral and social descriptor that evaluates a person's character based on the quality and depth of their mental processes.

좋은 생각이 있어요! (I have a good idea!)

아무 생각 없이 길을 걸었어요. (I walked the street without any thought.)

부모님 생각을 하면 눈물이 나요. (When I think of my parents, tears come out.)

그럴 생각은 전혀 없었어요. (I had absolutely no intention of doing that.)

Using 생각 correctly requires an understanding of how it pairs with various verbs and particles. As a noun, it frequently takes the subject particle -이/가 or the object particle -을/를. One of the most common patterns is 생각이 나다, which literally means 'a thought arises' but is used to mean 'to remember' or 'to have an idea occur to you.' This is distinct from 생각을 하다, which is the active process of 'thinking' or 'contemplating.' When you are actively trying to solve a problem, you are doing 생각을 하다, but when a memory suddenly pops into your head, it is 생각이 나다.

Active Thinking: 생각을 하다 (To think/To meditate). Example: 문제를 해결하려고 생각을 많이 했어요. (I thought a lot to solve the problem.)
Spontaneous Thought: 생각이 나다 (To remember/To come to mind). Example: 갑자기 좋은 생각이 났어요! (Suddenly a good idea came to mind!)
State of Having a Thought: 생각이 있다 (To have a thought/intention). Example: 한국에 갈 생각이 있어요. (I have the intention/plan to go to Korea.)

Another crucial grammatical structure is the use of 생각 with the future prospective modifier -(으)ㄹ. The phrase -(으)ㄹ 생각이다 is a standard way to express one's plans or intentions. It is slightly more formal and deliberate than the common -(으)ㄹ 거예요. For example, '공부할 생각이에요' implies that you have the 'thought' or 'plan' to study, suggesting a level of mental preparation. Furthermore, 생각 can be modified by adjectives or other nouns to specify the type of thought, such as 깊은 생각 (deep thought), 엉뚱한 생각 (erratic/random thought), or 부정적인 생각 (negative thought).

어제 친구와 싸운 일이 자꾸 생각이 나요. (The incident of fighting with my friend yesterday keeps coming to mind.)

In more complex sentences, 생각 can act as the head of a noun clause. For example, using the appositive structure -ㄴ다는 생각 (the thought that...), you can express complex internal states: '그가 나를 싫어한다는 생각에 슬펐어요' (I was sad at the thought that he dislikes me). This allows for high-level expression of emotions and motivations. Additionally, the verb 생각하다 (to think) is derived directly from this noun, and it is used to quote opinions using the -고 생각하다 pattern, which is the equivalent of 'I think that...' in English.

내일은 집에서 쉴 생각입니다. (I intend to rest at home tomorrow.)

혼자만의 생각에 빠져 있었어요. (I was lost in my own thoughts.)

이 문제는 좀 더 생각해 봐야겠어요. (I should think about this problem a bit more.)

You will encounter 생각 everywhere in Korean life, from K-dramas and pop songs to news broadcasts and corporate meetings. In K-dramas, it is a staple in romantic dialogue. Characters often say '네 생각이 났어' (I thought of you/You came to mind) to express affection or longing. It's a softer, more poetic way of saying they missed someone without using the more direct verb '그립다' (to miss). In these contexts, 생각 carries a heavy emotional weight, representing the constant presence of a loved one in one's mind.

In K-Pop Lyrics: Songs often feature phrases like '머릿속이 온통 네 생각뿐이야' (My head is filled with only thoughts of you). It emphasizes obsession or deep love.
In Professional Settings: During meetings, colleagues will ask '다른 생각 있으신 분?' (Does anyone have other thoughts/ideas?). It is the standard way to solicit feedback or alternative proposals.
In Daily Errands: When shopping, a customer might say '좀 더 생각해 볼게요' (I'll think about it more) as a polite way to decline a purchase or to ask for more time to decide.

In the news and academic discourse, 생각 is often replaced by more formal Hanja-based terms like 사고 (thinking/thought) or 견해 (viewpoint), but 생각 remains the foundational term that anchors these concepts. On variety shows, you'll often see captions like '생각 중...' (Thinking...) over a celebrity's head when they are stuck on a quiz or trying to make a funny comment. It is also used in the common exclamation '생각해 봐!' (Think about it!), used when trying to persuade someone or point out something obvious.

자나 깨나 당신 생각뿐입니다. (Whether awake or asleep, I only think of you.)

Interestingly, the word is also used in the context of 'common sense' or 'decency.' If someone acts very rudely, an older person might scold them by saying '생각이 있는 거야 없는 거야?' (Do you have thoughts or not?), which implies 'Are you out of your mind?' or 'Where is your common sense?'. This usage highlights how 생각 is not just about intelligence, but about social awareness and the ability to foresee the consequences of one's actions within the community.

그건 제 생각과 좀 다릅니다. (That is a bit different from my thought/opinion.)

아무 생각 말고 그냥 쉬세요. (Don't think about anything and just rest.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using 생각 as a direct substitute for 'idea' in every context. While 생각 does mean 'idea,' in professional or creative contexts, Koreans often prefer the loanword 아이디어 (idea). For example, if you are brainstorming for a marketing campaign, you would say '좋은 아이디어가 있어요' rather than '좋은 생각이 있어요,' though the latter is still grammatically correct. Using 생각 in these cases can sometimes sound a bit too general or less 'professional' depending on the industry.

Confusion with '의견' (Opinion): While '생각' can mean opinion, '의견' is more formal. In a debate, use '의견'. In a coffee shop, use '생각'.
Overusing '생각하다' for 'I think...': English speakers say 'I think' constantly. In Korean, overusing '~라고 생각해요' can make you sound indecisive or overly Western. Often, a simple declarative sentence is better.
Particle Errors: Confusing '생각이 나다' (to remember) with '생각을 나다' (incorrect). Remember that '나다' is an intransitive verb and takes the subject particle.

Another common pitfall is the phrase '생각이 없다.' As mentioned before, this doesn't just mean 'I don't have a thought.' It is the standard way to say 'I'm not interested' or 'I don't want to eat.' A learner might mistakenly say '생각이 없어요' when they mean 'I can't think of anything right now,' but to a native speaker, it might sound like they are refusing an offer or being blunt. To say 'I can't think of anything,' it is better to say '생각이 안 나요' (The thought isn't coming out) or '잘 모르겠어요' (I don't really know).

❌ 저는 사과를 생각해요. (I think apple - literal translation of 'I'm thinking of an apple' is often awkward.)
✅ 저는 사과를 생각하고 있어요. (I am thinking about an apple.)

Lastly, be careful with the word 고려 (consideration). While 생각 can mean 'considering something,' 고려하다 is much more formal and used for serious decisions, like business contracts or government policies. Using 생각 for these can sound too casual. Conversely, using 고려하다 when deciding which movie to watch sounds overly stiff and robotic. Matching the level of the word to the gravity of the situation is a key skill in mastering Korean.

Korean has a rich vocabulary for mental processes, and while 생각 is the 'umbrella' term, several other words offer more precision depending on the context. Understanding these nuances will elevate your Korean from basic to advanced. The most common synonyms include 의견, 아이디어, and 사고. Each of these carries a specific 'flavor' and is used in distinct social circles.

의견 (Opinion): More formal than '생각'. Used in debates, meetings, or when giving a formal critique. Example: 당신의 의견을 듣고 싶습니다. (I would like to hear your opinion.)
사고 (Thinking/Reasoning): Used in academic or psychological contexts to describe the logical process of thought. Example: 비판적 사고 (Critical thinking).
아이디어 (Idea): Used specifically for creative sparks or solutions to problems, especially in modern work environments.
염두 (Mind/Attention): Often used in the phrase '염두에 두다' (to keep in mind). It's more about focus and awareness than just a random thought.

When comparing 생각 to 기억 (memory), remember that 기억 is the faculty of retaining information. You 'have a memory' (기억이 있다), but you 'think of a memory' (기억을 생각하다 - though usually just '생각나다'). Another interesting alternative is 상상 (imagination). While 생각 can involve imagination, 상상 specifically refers to picturing things that are not present or real. If you are 'thinking' about a dragon, you are 상상-ing.

그의 생각은 매우 혁신적입니다. (His thought/idea is very innovative.)
그의 아이디어는 매우 혁신적입니다. (His idea is very innovative - sounds more modern.)

For those looking to express deep contemplation, the word 사색 (contemplation/meditation) is a beautiful alternative. It implies a quiet, profound period of thinking, often about life or nature. You might '사색에 잠기다' (be lost in contemplation) while walking in a forest. This is much more specific and evocative than just '생각에 잠기다.' By choosing these specific alternatives, you can convey much more precise meaning and emotion in your Korean speech.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

In older Korean, '생각' was sometimes used to mean 'love' or 'longing,' which is why '생각이 나다' still carries a strong emotional connotation of missing someone today.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /sɛŋ.ɡak/

US /seŋ.ɡak/

The stress is equal on both syllables, as is typical in Korean, though the first syllable might feel slightly higher in pitch.

Reimt sich auf

조각 (piece) 심각 (seriousness) 합격 (passing - near rhyme) 자격 (qualification) 시각 (sight/time) 감각 (sense) 성격 (personality) 충격 (shock)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the final 'k' with a puff of air (aspirated).
Making the 's' sound like 'sh'.
Over-emphasizing the 'g' in the middle.
Pronouncing the 'ng' as a full 'n' and 'g' separately.
Stressing the second syllable too much.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize in text.

Schreiben 2/5

Spelling is simple, but using it in complex noun clauses requires grammar knowledge.

Sprechen 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but natural usage involves many collocations.

Hören 1/5

Very high frequency word, easily heard in most conversations.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

나 (I) 하다 (to do) 있다 (to have) 없다 (to not have) 좋다 (to be good)

Als Nächstes lernen

의견 (opinion) 기억 (memory) 결정 (decision) 고민 (worry) 상상 (imagination)

Fortgeschritten

사고방식 (way of thinking) 가치관 (values) 철학 (philosophy) 논리 (logic) 관점 (perspective)

Wichtige Grammatik

-(으)ㄹ 생각이다

내일 공부할 생각이에요. (I intend to study tomorrow.)

-ㄴ다는 생각

이겼다는 생각에 기뻤어요. (I was happy at the thought that I won.)

-라고 생각하다

그가 친절하다고 생각해요. (I think that he is kind.)

생각보다 + Adjective

생각보다 비싸요. (It is more expensive than I thought.)

생각하기 나름이다

행복은 생각하기 나름이에요. (Happiness depends on how you think.)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

좋은 생각이에요.

It is a good idea.

좋은 (good) + 생각 (idea) + 이예요 (is).

무슨 생각 해요?

What are you thinking?

무슨 (what kind of) + 생각 (thought) + 해요 (do).

생각이 안 나요.

I can't remember. / It doesn't come to mind.

생각 (thought) + 이 (subject particle) + 안 (not) + 나요 (comes out).

제 생각이에요.

It's my thought/opinion.

제 (my) + 생각 (thought) + 이에요 (is).

엄마 생각이 나요.

I think of my mother. / I miss my mother.

엄마 (mother) + 생각 (thought) + 이 (subject particle) + 나요 (comes out).

아무 생각 없어요.

I have no thoughts. / I'm not thinking of anything.

아무 (any) + 생각 (thought) + 없어요 (don't have).

이 생각 어때요?

How is this idea?

이 (this) + 생각 (idea) + 어때요 (how is it).

생각을 많이 했어요.

I thought a lot.

생각 (thought) + 을 (object particle) + 많이 (a lot) + 했어요 (did).

한국에 갈 생각이에요.

I intend to go to Korea.

갈 (to go - future) + 생각 (intention) + 이에요 (is).

커피 마실 생각 있어요?

Do you want to drink coffee? / Do you have the thought of drinking coffee?

마실 (to drink - future) + 생각 (thought/desire) + 있어요 (have).

그건 제 생각과 달라요.

That is different from my thought.

생각 (thought) + 과 (with/from) + 달라요 (is different).

갑자기 좋은 생각이 났어요.

Suddenly a good idea came to mind.

갑자기 (suddenly) + 생각 (idea) + 이 (subject particle) + 났어요 (came out).

지금은 밥 생각이 없어요.

I'm not in the mood for food right now.

밥 (food/rice) + 생각 (thought/appetite) + 이 (subject particle) + 없어요 (don't have).

좀 더 생각해 볼게요.

I will think about it a bit more.

생각해 (think) + 볼게요 (will try/see).

친구 생각을 하고 있었어요.

I was thinking about my friend.

생각 (thought) + 을 (object particle) + 하고 있었어요 (was doing).

어려운 생각은 하지 마세요.

Don't have difficult thoughts. / Don't overthink.

어려운 (difficult) + 생각 (thought) + 하지 마세요 (don't do).

그가 올 거라는 생각은 못 했어요.

I didn't think that he would come.

올 거라는 (that he will come) + 생각 (thought) + 은 (topic particle) + 못 했어요 (couldn't do).

생각이 깊은 사람을 좋아해요.

I like people who are thoughtful.

생각 (thought) + 이 (subject particle) + 깊은 (deep) + 사람 (person).

혼자만의 생각에 잠겨 있었어요.

I was lost in my own thoughts.

생각 (thought) + 에 (in) + 잠겨 (submerged/lost) + 있었어요 (was).

다시 생각해도 그건 아니에요.

Even thinking about it again, that's not right.

다시 (again) + 생각해도 (even if I think) + 아니에요 (is not).

돈을 벌 생각으로 일을 시작했어요.

I started the job with the intention of making money.

벌 (to earn) + 생각 (intention) + 으로 (with/by).

생각보다 날씨가 춥네요.

The weather is colder than I thought.

생각 (thought) + 보다 (than) + 춥네요 (is cold).

그때 생각이 나서 웃음이 났어요.

I laughed because I remembered that time.

그때 (that time) + 생각 (memory) + 이 (subject particle) + 나서 (because it came out).

무슨 생각을 그렇게 골똘히 하세요?

What are you thinking about so intently?

생각 (thought) + 을 (object particle) + 골똘히 (intently) + 하세요 (do).

생각한 끝에 사직서를 냈습니다.

After much thought, I submitted my resignation.

생각한 (thought) + 끝에 (at the end of/after).

생각지도 못한 선물을 받았어요.

I received an unexpected gift.

생각지도 못한 (not even thought of/unexpected).

그의 생각은 시대를 앞서갔어요.

His thoughts were ahead of his time.

생각 (thought) + 은 (topic particle) + 시대를 앞서갔어요 (went ahead of the era).

고정 관념에서 벗어날 생각입니다.

I intend to break free from stereotypes.

벗어날 (to escape) + 생각 (intention) + 입니다 (is).

생각의 차이를 좁히기가 어렵네요.

It's difficult to narrow the difference in thoughts/opinions.

생각 (thought) + 의 (possessive) + 차이 (difference).

어떻게 그런 생각을 다 했어요?

How did you ever come up with such a thought/idea?

그런 (such) + 생각 (thought) + 을 (object particle) + 다 (all/ever).

생각하기 나름인 것 같아요.

I think it depends on how you think about it.

생각하기 (thinking) + 나름 (depending on).

그럴 생각은 추호도 없었습니다.

I didn't have the slightest intention of doing that.

그럴 (to do so) + 생각 (intention) + 은 (topic particle) + 추호도 (not a bit).

인간은 생각하는 갈대이다.

Man is a thinking reed.

생각하는 (thinking) + 갈대 (reed) + 이다 (is).

생각의 지평을 넓히는 계기가 되었어요.

It became an opportunity to broaden the horizon of my thoughts.

생각 (thought) + 의 (possessive) + 지평 (horizon).

그의 철학적 생각에 깊이 공감합니다.

I deeply empathize with his philosophical thoughts.

철학적 (philosophical) + 생각 (thought) + 에 (to/with).

생각이 꼬리에 꼬리를 물고 이어졌어요.

Thoughts followed one after another in a continuous chain.

꼬리에 꼬리를 물고 (biting the tail - idiom for continuous).

창의적인 생각은 자유로운 분위기에서 나옵니다.

Creative thoughts come from a free atmosphere.

창의적인 (creative) + 생각 (thought).

자신의 생각을 논리적으로 서술하세요.

Describe your thoughts logically.

자신 (oneself) + 의 (possessive) + 생각 (thought) + 논리적으로 (logically).

생각을 정리할 시간이 필요합니다.

I need time to organize my thoughts.

생각 (thought) + 을 (object particle) + 정리할 (to organize).

그것은 단지 기우에 불과한 생각이었습니다.

That was just a thought amounting to groundless anxiety.

기우 (groundless fear) + 에 불과한 (nothing more than).

생각의 틀을 깨는 혁신이 필요합니다.

Innovation that breaks the framework of thought is needed.

생각 (thought) + 의 (possessive) + 틀 (frame/mold).

무의식적인 생각이 행동을 지배하기도 합니다.

Unconscious thoughts sometimes dominate behavior.

무의식적인 (unconscious) + 생각 (thought).

생각의 주체로서 인간의 존엄성을 논하다.

Discussing human dignity as a subject of thought.

생각 (thought) + 의 (possessive) + 주체 (subject/agent).

생각이 행동으로 옮겨질 때 가치가 있습니다.

Thoughts have value when they are translated into action.

생각 (thought) + 이 (subject particle) + 행동으로 (into action).

비판적 사고는 민주주의의 근간입니다.

Critical thinking is the foundation of democracy.

비판적 사고 (critical thinking - synonym for 생각).

생각의 깊이가 곧 인격의 깊이입니다.

The depth of one's thoughts is the depth of one's character.

생각 (thought) + 의 (possessive) + 깊이 (depth).

언어는 생각의 감옥이라는 견해도 있습니다.

There is also a view that language is the prison of thought.

언어 (language) + 는 (topic) + 생각 (thought) + 의 (possessive) + 감옥 (prison).

생각을 멈추고 현존의 상태에 머무르십시오.

Stop your thoughts and stay in the state of presence.

생각 (thought) + 을 (object particle) + 멈추고 (stop and).

Häufige Kollokationen

생각이 나다

생각을 하다

생각이 들다

생각에 잠기다

생각을 바꾸다

생각이 짧다

생각이 깊다

생각을 정리하다

생각을 나누다

생각이 없다

Häufige Phrasen

좋은 생각이에요

— That is a good idea. Used to agree with a suggestion.

A: 산책 갈까요? B: 좋은 생각이에요.

무슨 생각 해?

— What are you thinking? A common way to check on someone's mood.

멍하니 앉아서 무슨 생각 해?

생각해 볼게요

— I'll think about it. Often used as a polite 'maybe' or 'no'.

제안은 감사하지만 좀 더 생각해 볼게요.

내 생각에는

— In my opinion / I think. Used to introduce one's viewpoint.

내 생각에는 이게 더 나은 것 같아.

생각보다

— Than I thought. Used to express surprise or comparison.

시험이 생각보다 쉬웠어요.

생각도 못 했다

— I couldn't even imagine/think of it. Used for surprises.

네가 올 줄은 생각도 못 했어.

다시 생각해 봐

— Think about it again. Used to urge reconsideration.

위험하니까 다시 생각해 봐.

생각이 나다

— To remember or to have an idea occur.

그 사람 이름이 생각이 안 나요.

생각 좀 해

— Think a bit. Can be a suggestion or a mild scolding.

말하기 전에 생각 좀 해.

딴 생각

— Other thoughts / Distraction.

수업 시간에 딴 생각 하지 마세요.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

생각 vs 기억

기억 is the stored memory itself; 생각 is the act of thinking or a thought occurring in the present.

생각 vs 의견

의견 is a formal opinion or stance; 생각 is a more general term for any mental activity.

생각 vs 아이디어

아이디어 is specifically for creative sparks; 생각 is broader and can include worries, memories, and intentions.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"생각이 꿀뚝같다"

— To really want to do something (like smoke rising from a chimney).

쉬고 싶은 생각이 꿀뚝같지만 일이 많아요.

Informal/Idiomatic

"생각지도 못하다"

— To be completely unexpected or beyond imagination.

생각지도 못한 행운이 찾아왔어요.

Neutral

"생각이 꼬리에 꼬리를 물다"

— Thoughts are endless and keep following one after another.

걱정 때문에 생각이 꼬리에 꼬리를 물어서 잠을 못 잤어요.

Neutral/Literary

"생각이 짧다"

— To be thoughtless, impulsive, or short-sighted.

제 생각이 짧아서 실수를 했습니다.

Neutral/Apologetic

"생각이 깊다"

— To be very considerate, wise, or prudent.

그는 생각이 깊어서 남을 잘 배려해요.

Neutral/Complimentary

"생각에 잠기다"

— To be lost in thought or deeply contemplating.

그녀는 창밖을 보며 생각에 잠겼다.

Neutral/Literary

"생각을 고쳐먹다"

— To change one's mind or attitude (often for the better).

나쁜 짓을 하려다 생각을 고쳐먹었어요.

Neutral/Idiomatic

"생각만 해도"

— Just thinking about it (makes me feel a certain way).

치과에 가는 건 생각만 해도 무서워요.

Neutral

"생각이 나다"

— To remember something suddenly.

갑자기 숙제 생각이 났어요.

Neutral

"생각을 비우다"

— To clear one's mind.

여행을 가서 생각을 좀 비우고 싶어요.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

생각 vs 고민

Both involve thinking.

고민 is specifically about worrying or struggling with a choice. 생각 is neutral.

결혼 문제로 고민이 많아요. (I have many worries about marriage.)

생각 vs 상상

Both happen in the mind.

상상 is imagination (not real). 생각 can be about real things, plans, or memories.

우주 여행을 상상해 보세요. (Imagine space travel.)

생각 vs 사고

Both mean 'thought'.

사고 (思考) is the logical process. 사고 (事故) also means 'accident'. 생각 is the general noun.

비판적 사고력을 길러야 합니다. (We must develop critical thinking skills.)

생각 vs 의도

Both can mean 'intention'.

의도 is a more formal and specific 'purpose' or 'intent'. 생각 is more casual.

그의 의도를 모르겠어요. (I don't know his intention.)

생각 vs 염두

Both relate to the mind.

염두 is used almost exclusively in the phrase '염두에 두다' (keep in mind).

항상 안전을 염두에 두세요. (Always keep safety in mind.)

Satzmuster

좋은 생각이에요.

그거 좋은 생각이에요.

V-(으)ㄹ 생각이에요.

이사할 생각이에요.

생각보다 A/V-아/어/여요.

생각보다 멀어요.

N 생각이 나다.

고향 생각이 나요.

V-ㄴ다는 생각에...

포기하고 싶다는 생각에 울었어요.

생각의 틀을 깨다.

우리는 생각의 틀을 깨야 합니다.

무슨 생각 해요?

지금 무슨 생각 해요?

생각이 안 나요.

비밀번호가 생각이 안 나요.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

생각 (thought)

사고 (thinking/reasoning)

사색 (contemplation)

Verben

생각하다 (to think)

생각나다 (to remember)

생각해내다 (to come up with)

Adjektive

생각 깊은 (thoughtful)

생각 없는 (thoughtless)

Verwandt

기억 (memory)

의견 (opinion)

아이디어 (idea)

고민 (worry)

상상 (imagination)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high. It is among the top 500 most used nouns in the Korean language.

Häufige Fehler

Using '생각을 나다' instead of '생각이 나다'. → 생각이 나다
'나다' is an intransitive verb meaning 'to emerge' or 'to arise'. Therefore, the thought is the subject that arises, not an object you are doing.
Using '생각' for 'memory' in all cases. → 기억
If you are talking about the capacity to remember or a specific stored fact, use '기억'. Use '생각' for the act of thinking about that memory.
Saying '저는 사과를 생각해요' for 'I am thinking about an apple'. → 저는 사과를 생각하고 있어요.
In Korean, the progressive form '-고 있다' is usually needed to express that you are currently in the middle of a mental process.
Using '생각' when '의견' (opinion) is more appropriate in a formal debate. → 의견
While '생각' is okay, '의견' sounds more professional and structured in a formal setting like a business meeting or a school debate.
Confusing '생각이 없다' with 'I can't think of anything'. → 생각이 안 나요 / 잘 모르겠어요
'생각이 없다' usually means 'I don't want to' or 'I have no intention'. To say you can't come up with an idea, use '생각이 안 나요'.

Tipps

Use with Particles

Always remember that '생각이 나다' uses the subject particle '이', while '생각을 하다' uses the object particle '을'. This is a common point of confusion for beginners.

Soften Your Speech

When you want to disagree with someone, start with '제 생각에는...' (In my opinion...). This makes you sound much more polite and considerate in Korean.

Intention Pattern

Master the '-(으)ㄹ 생각이다' pattern early. it is one of the most natural ways to talk about your plans and intentions in both casual and formal settings.

Organizing Thoughts

Use '생각을 정리하다' when you want to say you are trying to make sense of something or clear your head. It's a very common and useful phrase in journals.

Surprise Comparison

Use '생각보다' (than I thought) to add nuance to your descriptions. For example, '생각보다 맛있어요' (It's tastier than I thought) is a great compliment.

Remembering Names

If you forget a name, say '이름이 생각이 안 나요'. It sounds much more natural than saying 'I forgot the name'.

Deep vs Short

Describe people as '생각이 깊은 사람' to compliment their wisdom and maturity. It is a high level of praise in Korea.

Slang Alert

In texting, you might see '생각 1도 없음' which means 'I don't have even 1 percent of a thought/interest in that'.

Asking for Input

In a group, ask '다른 생각 있어요?' to politely invite others to share their ideas. It shows you value their input.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Seng-gak' as 'Sing-a-song' in your head. A thought is like a song playing in your mind.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a lightbulb (idea) inside a brain (thought). The lightbulb is the '생각'.

Word Web

머리 (head) 마음 (heart/mind) 아이디어 (idea) 기억 (memory) 의견 (opinion) 고민 (worry) 상상 (imagination) 꿈 (dream)

Herausforderung

Try to use '생각이 나다' instead of 'remember' three times today in your Korean practice.

Wortherkunft

Native Korean word. Unlike many Korean nouns, it does not have a direct Hanja (Chinese character) origin, although the verb '생각하다' is often associated with the Hanja '思考' (사고) in meaning.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The act of the mind moving or pondering.

Koreanic

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when saying '생각이 없어요' to an elder, as it might sound like you are being dismissive or rude if not used in the context of food or a specific offer.

English speakers often use 'I think' as a filler. In Korean, using '생각해요' too much can sound like you are unsure of yourself. Koreans often use more direct endings unless they specifically want to emphasize it's just an opinion.

The Thinker (생각하는 사람) by Rodin. The famous quote 'I think, therefore I am' (나는 생각한다, 고로 존재한다) by Descartes. Numerous K-Pop songs titled '생각나' (Thinking of you).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Brainstorming

좋은 생각 있어요.
다른 생각은요?
아이디어를 내봐요.
생각을 모아봅시다.

Remembering

갑자기 생각났어요.
이름이 생각이 안 나요.
그때 생각이 나네요.
잘 생각해 보세요.

Expressing Opinion

제 생각은 달라요.
어떻게 생각하세요?
내 생각에는 그래요.
별 생각 없어요.

Planning

그럴 생각이에요.
할 생각이 없어요.
무슨 생각으로 그랬어?
생각 중이에요.

Emotional States

네 생각이 났어.
생각만 해도 슬퍼요.
깊은 생각에 빠졌어요.
아무 생각 하기 싫어.

Gesprächseinstiege

"요즘 무슨 생각 많이 하세요? (What have you been thinking about a lot lately?)"

"이 문제에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about this issue?)"

"갑자기 좋은 생각이 났는데 들어보실래요? (I suddenly had a good idea, do you want to hear it?)"

"한국 여행 갈 생각 있어요? (Do you have any intention of traveling to Korea?)"

"어릴 때 가장 많이 나는 생각은 뭐예요? (What is the memory/thought that comes to mind most from your childhood?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

오늘 하루 중 가장 많이 했던 생각은 무엇인가요? (What was the thought you had most often today?)

미래에 대해 어떤 생각을 가지고 있나요? (What kind of thoughts/plans do you have for the future?)

생각이 깊은 사람이 되기 위해 무엇을 해야 할까요? (What should one do to become a thoughtful person?)

최근에 생각지도 못한 기쁜 일이 있었나요? (Was there a recent joyful event that you hadn't even thought of/expected?)

자신의 생각을 글로 정리하는 것이 왜 중요할까요? (Why is it important to organize one's thoughts in writing?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, '생각' itself is a noun. However, it is very frequently combined with the verb '하다' (to do) to form '생각하다' (to think), which functions as a verb. In many sentences, you will see it used as part of this verb form.

'생각이 나다' is used when a thought or memory spontaneously pops into your head (e.g., 'Oh, I just remembered!'). '기억하다' is the more active process of keeping something in your memory or consciously recalling it. For example, 'I remember your name' would be '이름을 기억해요'.

Yes, in certain contexts. '밥 생각이 없어요' literally means 'I have no thought of food,' but it effectively means 'I don't want to eat' or 'I'm not hungry.' Similarly, '~ㄹ 생각이다' expresses a desire or intention to do something.

'생각' is a neutral word. However, using it to frame your opinions (e.g., '제 생각에는...') is considered polite because it makes your statement sound less like an absolute fact and more like a personal perspective, which is valued in Korean social etiquette.

You can say '생각이 바뀌었어요' (My thought changed) or '생각을 바꿨어요' (I changed my thought). Both are very common and natural.

It literally means 'thoughts are short.' It is used to describe someone who didn't think through the consequences of their actions or who acted selfishly/impulsively. It is often used in apologies: '제 생각이 짧았습니다' (I was short-sighted/thoughtless).

Indirectly, yes. If someone says '생각이 많아요,' it often implies they are overthinking or have many worries on their mind. However, for specific worries, the word '고민' or '걱정' is more accurate.

You can say '생각 그만해' (Stop that thinking) or '생각하지 마' (Don't think). In a more meditative context, you might hear '생각을 비워라' (Empty your thoughts).

In modern Korean business culture, '아이디어' is very common for creative or innovative suggestions. However, '생각' is still perfectly fine and used frequently to ask for someone's general input or opinion.

'딴' means 'other' or 'different.' So '딴생각' means 'other thoughts' or 'distracted thoughts.' Teachers often say '딴생각 하지 마!' to students who aren't paying attention in class.

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