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A2 noun 9 min de lectura

조상

josang
Ejemplos 조상 en 30 segundos
Explicación 조상 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should understand '조상' (Josang) as a basic noun meaning 'ancestor' or 'forefather'. Think of it as the people in your family tree who lived a long time ago. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex rituals. Just remember that it refers to the old members of your family like your great-great-grandparents. You might see this word in simple stories or when learning about Korean holidays like Chuseok. It's a useful word to know because family is very important in Korea. When you see the word, just think 'family from the past'. You can use it in simple sentences like 'My ancestors are Korean' (우리 조상은 한국인이에요). Even at this beginner level, knowing this word helps you understand why Koreans talk so much about their roots. It is a fundamental building block for understanding Korean culture. You might also notice that Koreans add '님' (nim) to the end to show respect, making it '조상님'. This is like saying 'Honorable Ancestor'. For now, just focus on the basic meaning: family members from a long time ago.
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At the A2 level, you can begin to use '조상' (Josang) in more descriptive sentences and understand its cultural context. You should know that '조상' is a noun and is often used with possessive words like '우리' (our). You will encounter this word frequently when learning about Korean traditions and holidays. For example, during Chuseok, Koreans honor their '조상' by preparing special food. You can start using '조상' to talk about heritage. For example, '이 물건은 조상님께 받은 거예요' (I received this item from my ancestors). At this level, you should also be aware of the difference between '조상' and '부모님' (parents). While parents are immediate family, '조상' refers to the broader lineage. You might also hear phrases like '조상의 지혜' (wisdom of ancestors). This shows that the word isn't just about people, but also about the things they left behind, like knowledge or traditions. Try to practice using '조상' when talking about your family history or when discussing why certain traditions exist. It's a key word for moving beyond basic survival Korean into cultural understanding.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '조상' (Josang) in various contexts, including social, historical, and ritual settings. You should understand that '조상' is more than just a biological term; it's a concept of continuity and respect. You should be able to discuss the role of ancestors in Korean holidays like Seollal and Chuseok using more complex grammar. For instance, you could explain that '조상님을 위해 차례를 지내요' (We perform rites for our ancestors). You should also notice how '조상' is used in idioms and common expressions. For example, if someone is lucky, people might say '조상님이 도우셨다' (The ancestors helped). This level requires you to understand the honorific system related to ancestors. Using '조상님' with honorific verb endings like '께서' and '시' shows a good grasp of Korean social dynamics. You might also start to see the word in news articles or documentaries about history. You should be able to distinguish between '조상' (general ancestors) and '선조' (more formal/historical ancestors). Practice using the word in discussions about heritage, culture, and family values. It's a word that will frequently appear in intermediate-level reading and listening materials.
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At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '조상' (Josang) and its implications in Korean society. This includes its connection to Confucianism and the concept of 'Hyo' (filial piety). You should be able to use the word in academic or formal discussions about Korean history and sociology. For example, you might discuss how '조상 숭배' (ancestor worship) has shaped modern Korean social structures. You should also be familiar with compound words and academic terms involving '조상', such as '조상 전래의' (passed down from ancestors) or '조상 전래 동화' (traditional folktales). At this level, you can analyze how the word is used in literature to represent a character's roots or burdens. You should be able to explain the significance of the 'Jokbo' (family tree book) and why honoring '조상' is still a major part of the Korean identity even in a rapidly modernizing society. Your ability to use '조상' should reflect an understanding of the subtle shift in register between daily conversation and formal discourse. You should also be able to handle complex sentence structures where '조상' is the subject of honorific actions, ensuring that your verbs and particles match the high level of respect inherent in the word.
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At the C1 level, you should possess a deep, sophisticated understanding of '조상' (Josang), including its philosophical, historical, and linguistic nuances. You should be able to discuss the evolution of ancestral rites from the Joseon Dynasty to the present day, using '조상' as a central theme. You should recognize how the word is used in classical literature and poetry to evoke themes of nostalgia, duty, and the passage of time. You should be comfortable with archaic or highly formal synonyms like '선조' (Seonjo) or '열조' (Yeoljo) and know when to use them for stylistic effect. At this stage, you should also understand the legal and social implications of '조상', such as in discussions about inheritance laws or family lineage disputes. You can use the word to critique or analyze cultural practices, discussing the balance between tradition and modernity. Your usage should be flawless, incorporating advanced honorifics and literary markers. You should also be able to understand and use complex idioms and proverbs involving '조상', such as those that link ancestral virtue to the success of current generations. This level of mastery means you can engage in high-level intellectual discourse about the role of the past in shaping the Korean present.
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At the C2 level, your understanding of '조상' (Josang) is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can navigate the most complex linguistic environments where the word appears, from legal documents and historical research to abstract philosophical treatises. You understand the etymological roots of the word (祖上) and how each character contributes to its meaning in various Hanja-based compounds. You are capable of discussing the fine distinctions between '조상', '선조', '조종', and other related terms used in specific historical contexts, such as royal lineages. You can appreciate and use the word in creative writing to layer meaning, perhaps using it as a metaphor for the weight of history or the persistence of cultural identity. You are also aware of the regional variations and dialectal differences in how ancestral rites and the word '조상' are handled across the Korean peninsula. Your ability to use the word reflects a total immersion in Korean culture, allowing you to discuss the most sensitive topics—such as the changing views on 'Jesa' in modern families—with nuance and empathy. At this level, '조상' is not just a word you know; it is a concept you can manipulate and explore in all its cultural and linguistic depth.
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Ejemplos

조상 en 30 segundos

  • 조상 (Josang) means ancestor or forefather.
  • It is a noun used to describe family lineage and heritage.
  • Koreans often use the honorific '조상님' (Josang-nim) to show respect.
  • The word is central to traditional holidays like Chuseok and Seollal.

The Korean word 조상 (Josang) is a profound noun that translates most directly to 'ancestor' or 'forefather' in English. However, in the context of Korean culture, which is deeply rooted in Confucian values, the term carries a weight that transcends a simple biological connection. It refers to the generations of people from whom one is descended, stretching back through history to the founders of a family line or even the nation itself. When a Korean person speaks of their 조상, they are often expressing a sense of duty, gratitude, and continuity. This word is not merely a historical marker; it is a living part of the Korean identity, influencing everything from holiday traditions to modern-day social structures.

Biological Lineage
In its most literal sense, 조상 refers to your direct bloodline. This includes your grandparents, great-grandparents, and all those who came before them. In Korea, maintaining a clear record of this lineage is historically significant, often documented in a family book called a 'Jokbo'. Knowing who your 조상 were is considered essential for understanding your own place in the world.
Spiritual and Ritual Context
The term is central to 'Jesa' (ancestral rites). Koreans believe that the spirits of their 조상 continue to influence the lives of the living. By performing rituals and offering food, descendants show respect and seek the blessings of their ancestors. During major holidays like Chuseok (Harvest Festival) and Seollal (Lunar New Year), families gather specifically to honor their 조상.
Collective Heritage
Beyond individual family lines, 조상 can refer to the collective ancestors of the Korean people. When discussing history, art, or traditional wisdom, Koreans might refer to 'our ancestors' (우리 조상들) to describe the collective genius and resilience of previous generations who shaped the nation's culture.

"우리 조상님들은 지혜로우셨습니다." (Our ancestors were wise.)

— A common sentiment expressing respect for traditional knowledge.

You will hear this word used frequently in formal settings, historical discussions, and during family gatherings. While it is a noun, it is almost always treated with high respect. In conversation, people often add the honorific suffix '-nim' to create 조상님 (Josang-nim), especially when referring to them in a spiritual or ritual context. This acknowledges their status as elders who deserve veneration even after death.

"조상의 묘를 돌보는 것은 자손의 도리이다." (Taking care of the ancestors' graves is the duty of the descendants.)

In modern Korea, while some of the strict ritualistic aspects have faded, the core respect for 조상 remains. It influences how people view their inheritance, their family names, and their sense of belonging to a long, unbroken chain of history. Whether you are visiting a museum or attending a traditional wedding, the concept of 조상 will be ever-present in the background of Korean social interaction.

"우리는 조상으로부터 물려받은 이 땅을 소중히 여겨야 합니다." (We must cherish this land inherited from our ancestors.)

Using 조상 (Josang) correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the cultural nuances of honorifics. Because it refers to people of higher status (elders and predecessors), the way you construct sentences around it often requires polite or formal verb endings.

As a Subject
When 조상 is the subject, especially in a respectful context, the particle '께서' (honorific subject marker) is often used instead of '이/가'. Example: "조상님께서 도와주셨어요" (Our ancestors helped us).
With Possessives
It is common to use '우리의' (our) or '나의' (my) before 조상. Interestingly, in Korean, people often say '우리 조상' (our ancestors) even when speaking individually, reflecting the collective nature of Korean family identity.
Indicating Inheritance
The word is frequently paired with verbs like '물려받다' (to inherit). For example: "조상으로부터 물려받은 유산" (Heritage inherited from ancestors).

"그는 조상의 이름을 더럽히지 않으려고 노력했다." (He tried not to bring shame to the name of his ancestors.)

When writing or speaking about 조상, pay attention to the level of formality. In a textbook or news report, it appears as a standard noun. In a family setting, especially during a ritual, it almost always becomes 조상님. Using the plain form '조상' when referring to your own family in a formal ritual could be seen as slightly disrespectful.

"우리는 조상의 은혜에 감사해야 합니다." (We must be thankful for the grace of our ancestors.)

In historical contexts, you might see it combined with other nouns to form compound words like 조상 숭배 (ancestor worship) or 조상 전래 (handed down from ancestors). These phrases are common in academic writing and documentaries. When learning to build sentences, start with simple possessive structures and gradually move toward using honorifics and complex verbs related to legacy and tradition.

"이 풍습은 우리 조상 때부터 내려온 것이다." (This custom has been passed down since the time of our ancestors.)

In South Korea, you don't have to look far to hear the word 조상 (Josang). It is deeply embedded in the daily linguistic landscape, particularly during specific times of the year and in various media formats. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word in the wild.

National Holidays (Seollal and Chuseok)
During the Lunar New Year and the Harvest Festival, the word is everywhere. You'll hear it on the news in reports about traffic jams (people traveling to their hometowns to honor their 조상), in commercials for ritual food sets, and within family conversations about performing 'Charye' (the holiday rite).
Historical Dramas (Sageuk)
Sageuks are a staple of Korean TV. Characters frequently discuss their lineage, family honor, and the actions of their 조상. Phrases like 'protecting the honor of the ancestors' or 'shaming the ancestors' are common plot drivers in these period pieces.
Museums and Cultural Sites
When visiting palaces like Gyeongbokgung or folk villages, the audio guides and plaques will repeatedly use 조상 to explain how ancient Koreans lived, what they built, and the philosophies they followed.

"조상의 덕으로 성공했다는 말이 있습니다." (There is a saying that one succeeded thanks to the virtue of their ancestors.)

You might also encounter the word in modern idioms or everyday expressions of luck. If someone is particularly lucky or narrowly avoids a disaster, a friend might jokingly say, "조상님이 도우셨네!" (The ancestors must have helped you!). This shows how the concept remains a part of the modern Korean psyche, even in a lighthearted or secular context.

"이번 추석에도 조상님께 차례를 지내러 고향에 갑니다." (This Chuseok, I'm going to my hometown to perform rites for the ancestors.)

In educational settings, teachers use the word to instill a sense of pride in Korean history. Students learn about the 조상들의 슬기 (wisdom of ancestors) in science and social studies classes, referring to inventions like the Hangeul alphabet or the turtle ship. Thus, the word is linked to both personal family history and the broader national narrative.

"조상 대대로 내려오는 비법입니다." (This is a secret method passed down through generations of ancestors.)

While 조상 (Josang) is a straightforward noun, learners often make subtle errors in usage, formality, and distinction from related terms. Avoiding these will make your Korean sound much more natural and culturally aware.

Confusing with '부모' (Parents) or '할아버지' (Grandfather)
Learners sometimes use '조상' when they really mean their immediate elders. '조상' generally refers to generations further back than your living grandparents. If you are talking about your living grandfather, use '할아버지'. If you are talking about the family line in general, use '조상'.
Omitting the Honorific '-님' (-nim)
As mentioned before, failing to use '조상님' when referring to ancestors in a ritual or respectful family context can sound cold or overly clinical. While '조상' is technically correct, '조상님' is the socially expected form in most spoken situations involving one's own family.
Using the Wrong Subject Marker
Because ancestors are highly respected, using the standard markers '이' or '가' can sometimes feel informal. Try to use '께서' when the ancestors are performing an action (e.g., protecting the family).

Incorrect: "우리 조상가 밥을 먹는다." Correct: "우리 조상님께서 진지를 드신다."

— Note the use of honorific vocabulary (진지 instead of 밥, 드시다 instead of 먹다).

Another common mistake is confusing 조상 (Josang) with 선조 (Seonjo). While they are often interchangeable, '선조' is slightly more formal and is frequently used in historical or literary contexts to refer to the ancestors of a nation or a royal line. For your own family, '조상' is the standard choice.

"조상을 모시는 것은 부끄러운 일이 아니다." (Honoring ancestors is not something to be ashamed of.)

Lastly, be careful with the word 후손 (Huson), which means 'descendant'. It is the opposite of 조상. Some learners mix these up when trying to describe the relationship between generations. Remember: 조상 is who you come from, and 후손 is who comes after you.

Korean has several words that relate to the concept of ancestors, each with its own nuance and register. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about family, history, or a specific person.

선조 (Seonjo)
This is a more formal and literary synonym for 조상. It is often used in history books or when referring to the ancestors of a whole country. You might say '우리 선조들의 투쟁' (the struggle of our ancestors) when talking about national history.
조부모 (Jobumo)
This specifically means 'grandparents'. While they are technically ancestors, this term is much more limited in scope. Use '조부모' when specifically talking about your parents' parents.
윗대 (Witdae)
Literal translation: 'upper generation'. This is a more casual way to refer to the generations above you. It's often used when discussing family history or inheritance in a more matter-of-fact way.

"우리 선조들은 이 땅을 지키기 위해 싸웠다." (Our ancestors fought to protect this land.)

When comparing 조상 and 선조, think of the difference between 'ancestors' and 'forefathers' in English. 'Ancestors' (조상) is the standard term, while 'forefathers' (선조) feels slightly more epic or formal. In everyday life, 99% of the time, '조상' or '조상님' will be the correct choice.

"윗대부터 내려온 가업을 잇고 있습니다." (I am continuing the family business passed down from the upper generations.)

Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate different social and academic contexts. If you are writing a history paper, use '선조'. If you are talking to your Korean mother-in-law about the family's history, use '조상님'. If you are looking at a family tree, '조상' is perfect.

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Ejemplos por nivel

1

우리 조상은 한국 사람입니다.

My ancestors are Korean.

Simple subject-predicate structure with '은/는'.

2

조상님은 할아버지의 할아버지입니다.

Ancestors are my grandfather's grandfather.

Using '은' to define a relationship.

3

조상의 사진을 봐요.

I look at a photo of my ancestors.

Possessive marker '의' linking ancestors to a photo.

4

조상은 어디에서 왔어요?

Where did the ancestors come from?

Past tense question about origin.

5

우리 조상은 농부였어요.

Our ancestors were farmers.

Past tense of '이다' (to be) for a noun.

6

조상님께 인사해요.

I greet my ancestors.

Dative particle '께' (honorific for '에게').

7

조상은 아주 옛날 사람이에요.

Ancestors are people from a very long time ago.

Adverb '아주' modifying the adjective '옛날'.

8

조상의 이름을 알아요?

Do you know the names of your ancestors?

Object marker '를' used with '알다'.

1

추석에는 조상님께 음식을 드려요.

On Chuseok, we offer food to our ancestors.

Honorific verb '드리다' (to give).

2

이 집은 우리 조상님이 사셨던 곳이에요.

This house is where my ancestors used to live.

Retrospective marker '-던' modifying a noun.

3

조상님들의 지혜를 배우고 싶어요.

I want to learn the wisdom of the ancestors.

Plural marker '들' and '고 싶다' (want to).

4

조상님께 감사하는 마음을 가져야 해요.

We must have a heart of gratitude toward our ancestors.

Necessity marker '-아야/어야 하다'.

5

우리 조상은 이 마을을 만들었어요.

Our ancestors built this village.

Simple past tense verb '만들었어요'.

6

조상님의 묘는 산에 있어요.

The ancestors' grave is on the mountain.

Location particle '에' with the verb '있다'.

7

조상으로부터 물려받은 전통이에요.

It is a tradition inherited from ancestors.

Particle '으로부터' (from) and past participle '-은'.

8

조상님의 성함이 무엇입니까?

What is the name of your ancestor?

Honorific noun '성함' instead of '이름'.

1

조상님께 차례를 지내는 것은 한국의 중요한 풍습입니다.

Performing rites for ancestors is an important Korean custom.

Gerund form '-는 것' used as a subject.

2

우리 조상들은 자연을 사랑하며 살았습니다.

Our ancestors lived while loving nature.

Connective '-하며' indicating simultaneous action.

3

어려운 일이 있을 때 조상님이 도와주신 것 같아요.

It feels like the ancestors helped when there was a difficult matter.

Conjecture '-ㄴ 것 같다' with honorific '주시다'.

4

조상의 업적을 기리기 위해 박물관을 방문했습니다.

I visited the museum to honor the achievements of the ancestors.

Purpose marker '-기 위해'.

5

이 가구는 조상 대대로 전해 내려온 유물입니다.

This furniture is an artifact passed down through generations of ancestors.

Compound phrase '대대로' (generation after generation).

6

우리는 조상의 얼을 이어받아야 합니다.

We must inherit the spirit of our ancestors.

Abstract noun '얼' (spirit/soul).

7

조상님께서 꿈에 나타나셔서 좋은 소식을 전해주셨어요.

An ancestor appeared in my dream and gave me good news.

Honorific subject marker '께서' and cause/reason '-아서/어서'.

8

조상의 지혜가 담긴 전통 한옥을 구경했어요.

I toured a traditional Hanok filled with the wisdom of the ancestors.

Relative clause '지혜가 담긴' modifying '한옥'.

1

조상 숭배 사상은 한국 사회의 근간을 이루고 있습니다.

The ideology of ancestor worship forms the foundation of Korean society.

Noun phrase '조상 숭배 사상' as a complex subject.

2

조상으로부터 물려받은 문화유산을 보존하는 것이 우리의 책임입니다.

It is our responsibility to preserve the cultural heritage inherited from our ancestors.

Nominalized phrase used with '우리의 책임입니다'.

3

그는 조상의 명예를 지키기 위해 자신의 이익을 포기했습니다.

He gave up his own interests to protect the honor of his ancestors.

Purpose marker '-기 위해' with a complex object.

4

조상들의 삶의 방식을 연구하면 당시의 사회를 이해할 수 있습니다.

By studying the ancestors' way of life, we can understand the society of that time.

Conditional '-면' with potential '-ㄹ 수 있다'.

5

조상님께 올리는 제사는 정성이 가장 중요합니다.

In the ritual offered to ancestors, sincerity is the most important thing.

Modifier '-는' with the honorific verb '올리다'.

6

이 풍습은 조상들의 창의성을 잘 보여주는 사례입니다.

This custom is an example that well demonstrates the creativity of our ancestors.

Present participle '-는' modifying '사례'.

7

조상의 뿌리를 찾는 과정에서 많은 것을 깨달았습니다.

I realized many things in the process of searching for my ancestral roots.

Temporal marker '-는 과정에서' (in the process of).

8

조상들이 남긴 문헌을 통해 역사를 재조명할 수 있습니다.

We can re-examine history through the documents left by our ancestors.

Instrumental particle '를 통해' (through).

1

조상의 얼이 깃든 이 땅을 후손들에게 온전히 물려주어야 한다.

We must pass down this land, where the spirit of our ancestors dwells, intact to our descendants.

Literary verb '깃들다' (to dwell/permeate) and adverb '온전히'.

2

선비들은 조상의 가르침을 실천하는 것을 최고의 덕목으로 삼았다.

Scholars considered practicing the teachings of their ancestors as the highest virtue.

Structure 'A를 B로 삼다' (to consider A as B).

3

현대 사회에서도 조상에 대한 예우는 여전히 중요한 가치로 남아 있다.

Even in modern society, courtesy toward ancestors remains an important value.

Particle '에 대한' (toward/regarding) and state '남아 있다'.

4

조상들의 투쟁이 없었더라면 오늘날의 자유는 존재하지 않았을 것이다.

If it hadn't been for the struggle of our ancestors, today's freedom would not exist.

Counterfactual conditional '-었더라면 ... -었을 것이다'.

5

조상의 묘소를 이장하는 문제는 집안의 큰 중대사였다.

The issue of relocating the ancestors' burial ground was a major family matter.

Specific noun '묘소' (burial ground) and '중대사' (important matter).

6

조상 전래의 비방을 현대적으로 재해석하여 신제품을 개발했다.

A new product was developed by modernly reinterpreting a secret method passed down from ancestors.

Adverbial form '현대적으로' and passive-style '개발했다'.

7

조상의 숨결이 느껴지는 고궁의 정취에 흠뻑 취했다.

I was deeply moved by the atmosphere of the ancient palace where the breath of the ancestors can be felt.

Metaphorical '숨결' (breath) and expressive '흠뻑 취하다' (to be fully immersed/intoxicated).

8

조상의 위업을 계승하여 국가 발전에 이바지하고자 한다.

I intend to contribute to national development by inheriting the great achievements of the ancestors.

Formal intent '-고자 한다' and formal verb '이바지하다'.

1

조상의 가호를 빌며 가문의 번영을 기원하는 축문을 낭독했다.

He read aloud a congratulatory address praying for the family's prosperity while asking for the ancestors' protection.

Hanja-heavy vocabulary like '가호' (protection), '번영' (prosperity), and '낭독' (reading aloud).

2

조상 대대로 이어져 온 장인 정신이 이 작품의 핵심이다.

The craftsmanship passed down through generations of ancestors is the core of this work.

Complex modifier '이어져 온' and abstract noun '장인 정신'.

3

조상의 묘역을 정비하며 후손으로서의 도리를 다했다.

By maintaining the ancestral burial grounds, he fulfilled his duty as a descendant.

Formal noun '묘역' (burial area) and '도리' (duty/path).

4

조상의 유지를 받들어 정의로운 사회를 구현하고자 노력하고 있다.

We are striving to realize a righteous society, upholding the last wishes of our ancestors.

Idiomatic '유지를 받들다' (to uphold the will/wishes).

5

조상의 지혜가 응축된 고전 문헌에서 해답을 찾고자 했다.

He sought answers in classical literature where the wisdom of the ancestors is condensed.

Sophisticated verb '응축되다' (to be condensed/concentrated).

6

조상의 덕택으로 오늘날 우리가 누리는 풍요로움이 가능해졌다.

The abundance we enjoy today became possible thanks to the virtue of our ancestors.

Noun '덕택' (grace/benefit) used to show cause.

7

조상의 발자취를 따라가며 민족의 정체성을 재확인하는 계기가 되었다.

It served as an opportunity to reaffirm the national identity while following the footsteps of the ancestors.

Metaphorical '발자취' (footsteps) and '계기' (opportunity/turning point).

8

조상의 위패를 모신 사당에서 경건한 마음으로 묵념을 올렸다.

In the shrine where the ancestral tablets were enshrined, he offered a silent prayer with a reverent heart.

Specific ritual terms '위패' (tablet), '사당' (shrine), and '경건한' (reverent).

Colocaciones comunes

조상을 모시다
조상의 지혜
조상 대대로
조상의 덕
조상의 이름
조상의 묘
조상의 얼
조상으로부터 물려받다
조상을 숭배하다
조상님께 빌
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Esta palabra en otros idiomas

ancestors Inglés 祖先 Chino
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