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A2 adjective #7,000 más común 9 min de lectura

만성이다

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 만성이다 en 30 segundos

Explicación 만성이다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '만성이다' frequently, but it's helpful to recognize it in the context of health. Think of it as a word that means 'for a long time.' If you have a cold that doesn't go away, a doctor might use this word. You can understand it as 'long-term sickness.' At this stage, focus on the fact that it's related to health and problems. You might hear it in very simple sentences like '저는 만성 비염이 있어요' (I have chronic rhinitis). Since A1 learners focus on basic needs and personal information, knowing this word helps you describe recurring health issues to a doctor or a friend. It is usually taught alongside other health-related nouns like '감기' (cold) or '두통' (headache). You should know that it is a noun '만성' plus '이다' (to be).

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At the A2 level, you should be able to use '만성이다' to describe common physical conditions. You might use it to explain why you are tired all the time (만성 피로) or why your back hurts. You are moving beyond simple adjectives like '아파요' (it hurts) to more specific descriptions like '허리가 만성적으로 아파요' (My back hurts chronically). You will also start to see this word in basic news articles or social media posts about daily life problems, such as '만성적인 교통 체증' (chronic traffic jams). At this level, you should understand the difference between something that happens once and something that is '만성' (chronic). It's a key word for discussing routines and recurring life events, which is a core part of the A2 curriculum. You should also be comfortable using the form '만성적인' to describe nouns.

At the B1 level, you can use '만성이다' to discuss social and economic issues. You are no longer just talking about yourself; you are talking about the world around you. You can describe a '만성적인 적자' (chronic deficit) in a business or '만성적인 인력 부족' (chronic manpower shortage) in an industry. You understand the nuance that '만성' implies a structural or deep-rooted problem that isn't easily fixed. You can use it in more complex sentence structures, such as '이 문제는 만성이라서 단기간에 해결하기 어렵습니다' (Since this problem is chronic, it is difficult to solve in a short period). You should also be able to compare '만성' with synonyms like '장기적' or '고질적' and choose the most appropriate one for the context. Your vocabulary is becoming more professional and precise.

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At the B2 level, you should use '만성이다' with a high degree of accuracy and nuance. You can use it metaphorically to describe psychological states or complex societal behaviors. You might discuss '만성적인 무력감' (chronic lethargy) or '만성적인 불신' (chronic distrust) in society. You are capable of following academic lectures or news reports where this word is used to describe systemic failures. You understand the Hanja roots (慢 + 性) and how they contribute to the meaning. You can also use the word in formal debates or essays to argue that a certain problem is not just an incident but a '만성적인 현상' (chronic phenomenon). Your ability to use related grammatical forms, like '만성으로 치닫다' (to head towards a chronic state), shows a sophisticated command of the language.

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At the C1 level, you use '만성이다' effortlessly in professional, academic, and literary contexts. You understand the fine distinctions between '만성', '고질', and '상습' and can use them to convey specific rhetorical tones. You might use the word in a legal or medical research paper to describe the progression of conditions or the persistence of certain data trends. You are also sensitive to the cultural weight of the word in Korea, such as its association with the 'overwork culture' (만성 피로). You can analyze literature where '만성' is used as a motif for a character's stagnation or a society's decay. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, and you can explain the nuances of the word to others, including its historical and etymological background.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '만성이다'. You can use it in highly specialized fields such as philosophy, advanced economics, or specialized medicine. You might use it to discuss '만성적인 실존적 위기' (chronic existential crisis) or '만성적인 거시경제적 불균형' (chronic macroeconomic imbalance). You can appreciate and create wordplay or complex metaphors involving the term. You are fully aware of how the word's usage has evolved in modern Korean society and can discuss its implications in a broader sociological context. Your ability to use the word in any register, from slang-infused casual talk to the most formal academic discourse, is perfect. You can also identify and correct subtle misuses of the word by others, providing detailed explanations of why a different term might be more precise.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

만성이다 en 30 segundos

Describes a long-term, persistent, or recurring negative state or medical condition.
Commonly used for 'chronic fatigue' (만성 피로) and 'chronic illness' (만성 질환).
Extends to social/economic issues like 'chronic deficit' or 'chronic shortages'.
Contrasts with 'acute' (급성) and implies a deep-seated, hard-to-fix nature.

The term 만성이다 (man-seong-i-da) is a fundamental Korean expression used to describe conditions, habits, or situations that have persisted for a long time and show no signs of immediate resolution. Etymologically rooted in Hanja, the word consists of 慢 (man), meaning slow or lingering, and 性 (seong), meaning nature or character. Together, they describe a state that is 'slow-natured' or 'lingering by nature.' While most commonly encountered in medical contexts to describe chronic illnesses, its usage extends far beyond the doctor's office into the realms of social issues, economic trends, and personal behavioral patterns.

Medical Context: In a clinical setting, doctors use this word to distinguish long-term conditions from acute (급성) ones. If you have had a cough for three days, it is acute; if you have had it for three years, it is 만성. It implies a condition that requires management rather than a quick cure.
Social and Economic Usage: Sociologists and economists use this term to describe systemic problems. For example, 'chronic unemployment' or 'chronic traffic congestion' suggests that these are not temporary glitches but deep-seated issues integrated into the structure of the system.
Personal Habits: On a personal level, it describes ingrained behaviors. A 'chronic latecomer' (만성적인 지각생) is someone for whom being late has become a defining trait rather than an occasional accident.

이 병은 이미 만성이다 보니 꾸준한 관리가 필요합니다. (Since this illness is already chronic, consistent management is necessary.)

Understanding the nuance of this word requires recognizing that it often carries a heavy, somewhat pessimistic tone. When something becomes 'chronic,' there is an underlying implication that it is difficult to eradicate completely. It suggests a state of endurance. In Korean culture, where 'Pali-Pali' (hurry-hurry) culture is prevalent, the concept of a 'slow-natured' problem is particularly frustrating, making this word common in complaints about bureaucracy or health.

우리 회사는 인력 부족이 만성이다. (Our company has a chronic shortage of manpower.)

Furthermore, the word is often paired with specific body parts or conditions. '만성 피로' (chronic fatigue) is perhaps one of the most frequently used phrases in modern Korea, reflecting the high-stress, work-intensive lifestyle. If you tell a Korean friend you have 'manseong piro,' they will immediately understand the deep, unshakeable exhaustion you are feeling that a single night's sleep won't fix.

현대인들은 만성적인 스트레스에 시달리고 있다. (Modern people are suffering from chronic stress.)

Using 만성이다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a predicate. Since it is a noun followed by the copula '이다', it functions much like an adjective in English sentences (e.g., 'It is chronic'). However, in Korean, the way you connect it to other words changes depending on whether you are describing a noun or ending a statement.

As a Predicate (Ending a Sentence): To say 'Something is chronic,' use the form [Noun] + [Subject Particle] + 만성이다. For example: '통증이 만성이다' (The pain is chronic). In polite speech, this becomes '만성이에요' or '만성입니다'.
As a Modifier (Describing a Noun): To describe a noun, you typically use the form 만성적인. For example: '만성적인 두통' (A chronic headache) or '만성적인 불황' (A chronic recession). This is the most common way to use the concept in formal writing and news reports.
With Adverbs: You can emphasize the degree of chronicity using adverbs like '이미' (already) or '거의' (almost). '이미 만성이 된 상태' means 'a state that has already become chronic.'

그의 게으름은 이제 만성이다. (His laziness is now chronic.)

In medical contexts, you will often see it paired with the particle '-으로' to indicate a transition into a chronic state. '급성 질환이 만성으로 진행되었다' (The acute disease progressed into a chronic one). This is a crucial distinction for intermediate learners: '만성이다' is the state, while '만성으로 되다' is the process of becoming chronic.

이 지역의 교통 체증은 만성적인 문제입니다. (Traffic congestion in this area is a chronic problem.)

When writing, especially in professional or academic contexts, the form '만성적' is preferred over '만성이다' when used as an adjective. If you are writing a report on economic issues, you would say '만성적 적자' (chronic deficit) rather than '적자가 만성이다' to sound more objective and formal. However, in conversation, '만성이에요' is perfectly natural when discussing your health or recurring problems.

치료 시기를 놓치면 병이 만성이 될 수 있습니다. (If you miss the treatment period, the illness can become chronic.)

You will encounter 만성이다 in several distinct environments, each providing a different shade of meaning. From clinical settings to the evening news, understanding these contexts will help you grasp the word's versatility.

At the Hospital (병원의 진료실): This is the primary domain of the word. A doctor might say, '이건 단순한 감기가 아니라 만성 비염입니다' (This isn't just a simple cold; it's chronic rhinitis). Patients also use it when describing their symptoms: '허리 통증이 만성이에요' (My back pain is chronic).
In Economic News (경제 뉴스): News anchors frequently use the term '만성적 적자' (chronic deficit) when discussing a country's trade balance or a company's financial state. It signals that the financial loss is not a one-time event but a long-term structural failure.
Office Culture (직장 생활): In the workplace, you'll hear '만성 피로' (chronic fatigue) and '만성 스트레스' (chronic stress). Colleagues might complain, '우리 팀은 만성적인 야근에 시달려요' (Our team suffers from chronic overtime work).

의사: "이 증상은 이미 만성입니다. 장기적인 치료가 필요해요." (Doctor: "This symptom is already chronic. Long-term treatment is needed.")

In television dramas (K-Dramas), the word is often used to describe a character's persistent bad luck or a family's 'chronic poverty' (만성적인 가난). It adds a layer of depth to the struggle, suggesting that the character is fighting against something that has been part of their life for a very long time. It creates a sense of weariness and resilience.

뉴스: "정부는 만성적인 실업 문제를 해결하기 위해 새로운 정책을 발표했습니다." (News: "The government has announced new policies to solve the chronic unemployment problem.")

Lastly, in educational settings, teachers might use it to describe a student's 'chronic habit' of not doing homework. Here, it is less about health and more about a behavioral pattern that has become a 'nature' (the '성' in '만성'). If a teacher says your habit is '만성이다', it's a serious warning that you need to change your ways fundamentally.

While 만성이다 is a straightforward term, English speakers often make nuanced errors when applying it in Korean. Avoiding these will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

Confusing with '오래되다' (To be old/long-standing): While '오래된' means something has existed for a long time, '만성적인' specifically implies a recurring or persistent problem or medical condition. You can have an '오래된 친구' (old friend), but you cannot have a '만성적인 친구' (chronic friend). Use '만성' only for negative or problematic states.
Overusing it for positive things: In English, 'persistent' can sometimes be positive (e.g., persistent effort). In Korean, '만성' is almost exclusively negative. If you want to say someone is persistently hardworking, use '끈기 있다' (to have persistence) or '성실하다' (to be diligent) instead.
Incorrect Particle Usage: Learners often forget that '만성' is a noun. Saying '병이 만성해요' is incorrect because '만성' does not take the '하다' ending in this context. It must be '만성이다' (is chronic) or '만성적이다' (is chronic-natured).

Wrong: 제 행복은 만성입니다. (My happiness is chronic.)
Right: 저는 항상 행복합니다. (I am always happy.)

Another common mistake is confusing '만성' with '심각하다' (to be serious). While chronic conditions are often serious, they are not synonyms. A '만성' condition might be mild but never-ending (like a minor allergy), whereas a '심각한' (serious) condition could be acute and short-term (like a sudden severe injury). Make sure you are describing the duration and recurrence, not just the intensity.

그 회사의 적자는 만성적이라 해결하기 어렵습니다. (The company's deficit is chronic, so it is difficult to solve.)

Finally, be careful with the word '급성' (acute). Learners sometimes use '만성' when they mean 'sudden and severe.' Remember: Acute (급성) = Sudden/Short-term; Chronic (만성) = Long-term/Recurring. If you go to the ER for a sudden pain, it is '급성'; if you go to the physical therapist every week for years, it is '만성'.

To truly master Korean, you need to know when to use 만성이다 and when a synonym might be more appropriate. Here are the most common alternatives and how they differ.

고질적이다 (Gojil-jeok-ida): This word is very similar to '만성적이다' but carries a stronger negative connotation. It literally means 'of an old disease' and is used for deep-seated evils, bad habits, or problems that are extremely hard to fix. Comparison: '만성적' is clinical and objective; '고질적' is critical and emphasizes the difficulty of reform.
장기적이다 (Janggi-jeok-ida): Meaning 'long-term,' this is a neutral word. While '만성' implies a recurring problem, '장기적' simply describes the duration. You can have a '장기적인 계획' (long-term plan), but you wouldn't say '만성적인 계획'.
지속적이다 (Jisok-jeok-ida): Meaning 'continuous' or 'sustained.' This is often used for positive things, like '지속적인 성장' (continuous growth). '만성' is used when that continuity is a burden or a sickness.

이 문제는 고질적인 사회 악입니다. (This problem is a deep-seated social evil.)

In a medical context, you might also hear 고질병 (go-jil-byeong), which refers to a chronic illness that is particularly stubborn and hasn't responded well to treatment. While '만성 질환' (chronic disease) is the standard medical term, '고질병' is more commonly used in daily conversation to express frustration with a recurring ailment.

그는 장기적인 안목으로 투자를 결정했습니다. (He decided on the investment with a long-term perspective.)

Finally, consider 상습적이다 (sangseup-jeok-ida). This word specifically refers to 'habitual' actions, usually illegal or immoral ones, like '상습범' (habitual offender). While '만성' describes the state of the problem, '상습' describes the repetitive nature of the person's actions. If someone habitually lies, they are '상습적으로 거짓말을 하는 사람'.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The 'man' (慢) in manseong is the same character used in 'man-man-hada' (to be easy/negligible), implying that the condition has slowed down enough to be part of one's nature.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /man.sʌŋ.i.da/

US /mɑn.sʌŋ.i.da/

Stress is generally even across syllables in Korean, but a slight emphasis on 'man' is natural.

Rima con

반성이다 (ban-seong-i-da - to be reflection) 함성이다 (ham-seong-i-da - to be a shout) 행성이다 (haeng-seong-i-da - to be a planet) 정성이다 (jeong-seong-i-da - to be sincerity) 성성이다 (seong-seong-i-da) 음성이다 (eum-seong-i-da) 탄성이다 (tan-seong-i-da) 본성이다 (bon-seong-i-da)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'man' like the English word 'man' (with an 'ae' sound). It should be 'mahn'.
Failing to connect 'manseong' and 'ida' smoothly.
Pronouncing the 'eo' in 'seong' as 'o'.
Over-emphasizing the 'ng' sound.
Stressing the final syllable 'da' too much.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts, especially in health and news sections.

Escritura 4/5

Requires understanding of when to use '만성이다' vs '만성적인'.

Expresión oral 3/5

Natural in conversation when discussing health or recurring issues.

Escucha 3/5

Commonly heard in media and medical contexts.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

병 (Illness) 오래 (Long time) 피로 (Fatigue) 이다 (To be) 문제 (Problem)

Aprende después

급성 (Acute) 질환 (Disease/Ailment) 증상 (Symptom) 치료 (Treatment) 완화 (Relief/Mitigation)

Avanzado

고착화 (Fixation) 타성 (Inertia/Habit) 병폐 (Malady/Evil) 적자 (Deficit) 구조적 (Structural)

Gramática que debes saber

Noun + 이다 (Copula)

이것은 만성이다.

Noun + 적이다 (Relational Adjective)

만성적인 문제.

Noun + 으로 (Direction/State change)

만성으로 변하다.

Noun + 때문에 (Because of)

만성 피로 때문에.

Noun + 에 시달리다 (To suffer from)

만성 통증에 시달리다.

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Ejemplos por nivel

저는 만성 비염이 있어요.

I have chronic rhinitis.

Noun '만성' + Noun '비염'.

이 병은 만성이에요.

This illness is chronic.

만성 + polite copula -이에요.

만성 피로는 힘들어요.

Chronic fatigue is hard.

만성 used as a modifier for '피로'.

제 두통은 만성입니다.

My headache is chronic.

Formal ending -입니다.

이건 만성적인 문제예요.

This is a chronic problem.

Adjective form '만성적인'.

만성 질환을 조심하세요.

Be careful of chronic diseases.

Imperative form -세요.

그는 만성 위염이 있습니다.

He has chronic gastritis.

Honorific '그' + '있습니다'.

만성이 되면 고치기 어려워요.

If it becomes chronic, it's hard to fix.

Conditional -면.

이 도시는 교통 체증이 만성이다.

This city has chronic traffic congestion.

Plain form ending -다.

만성 피로 때문에 매일 졸려요.

I'm sleepy every day because of chronic fatigue.

Reasoning particle '때문에'.

그의 지각은 이미 만성입니다.

His lateness is already chronic.

Adverb '이미' (already).

만성적인 허리 통증으로 고생하고 있어요.

I am suffering from chronic back pain.

Present progressive '-고 있다'.

관리를 안 하면 만성이 될 수 있어요.

If you don't manage it, it can become chronic.

Potential form '-ㄹ 수 있다'.

우리 동네는 주차난이 만성이에요.

Our neighborhood has a chronic parking shortage.

Noun phrase '주차난' (parking difficulty).

만성 비염 환자는 봄이 싫어요.

Chronic rhinitis patients hate spring.

Subject '환자' (patient).

이 문제는 만성이라서 시간이 걸려요.

Since this problem is chronic, it takes time.

Causal connective '-이라서'.

회사의 만성적인 적자가 큰 문제입니다.

The company's chronic deficit is a big problem.

Economic term '적자' (deficit).

그 나라는 만성적인 식량 부족에 시달린다.

The country suffers from chronic food shortages.

Verb '시달리다' (to suffer from).

만성적인 스트레스는 만병의 근원입니다.

Chronic stress is the root of all diseases.

Proverbial expression '만병의 근원'.

그의 게으름은 만성이라 고치기 힘들다.

His laziness is chronic, so it's hard to fix.

Connective '-라' (shortened '-라서').

만성 질환은 꾸준한 운동이 필수적이다.

For chronic diseases, steady exercise is essential.

Adjective '필수적이다' (essential).

우리 사회의 만성적인 불신을 해소해야 합니다.

We must resolve the chronic distrust in our society.

Verb '해소하다' (to resolve/relieve).

만성적인 소화불량으로 병원을 찾았습니다.

I visited the hospital due to chronic indigestion.

Medical term '소화불량' (indigestion).

그 팀은 만성적인 인력 부족 상태입니다.

The team is in a state of chronic manpower shortage.

Noun '상태' (state/condition).

만성적인 불황이 소비 심리를 위축시켰다.

The chronic recession has dampened consumer sentiment.

Causative/Past '위축시켰다'.

이것은 단순한 실수가 아니라 만성적인 태만이다.

This is not a simple mistake but chronic negligence.

Structure 'A가 아니라 B이다'.

만성적인 피로 증후군을 앓고 있는 사람들이 많다.

There are many people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Verb '앓다' (to suffer from illness).

그 정권은 만성적인 부패로 인해 몰락했다.

The regime collapsed due to chronic corruption.

Particle phrase '-로 인해' (due to).

만성적인 물 부족 문제를 해결하기 위해 댐을 건설했다.

A dam was built to solve the chronic water shortage problem.

Purpose clause '-기 위해'.

그의 증상은 이미 만성으로 굳어진 듯하다.

His symptoms seem to have already hardened into a chronic state.

Conjecture '-ㄴ 듯하다'.

만성적인 수면 부족은 뇌 기능을 저하시킨다.

Chronic sleep deprivation degrades brain function.

Verb '저하시키다' (to degrade/lower).

이 지역의 가난은 만성적이라 지원이 절실하다.

Poverty in this region is chronic, so support is desperate.

Adjective '절실하다' (desperate/urgent).

만성적인 무력감은 자아 정체성을 훼손할 수 있다.

Chronic helplessness can damage one's self-identity.

Abstract nouns '무력감', '정체성'.

현대 사회의 만성적인 소외 현상을 분석해 보았다.

I analyzed the phenomenon of chronic alienation in modern society.

Auxiliary verb '-어 보다' (to try doing).

그의 문체에는 만성적인 우울함이 배어 있다.

A chronic melancholy permeates his writing style.

Verb '배어 있다' (to be permeated/saturated).

정치권의 만성적인 파행은 국민들의 정치 혐오를 부추긴다.

The chronic paralysis of the political sphere fuels the public's political loathing.

Verb '부추기다' (to incite/fuel).

만성적인 인플레이션은 화폐 가치를 폭락시킨다.

Chronic inflation causes the value of currency to plummet.

Verb '폭락시키다' (to cause to plummet).

이 질환은 만성으로 이행될 확률이 매우 높습니다.

This disease has a very high probability of transitioning to chronic.

Noun '이행' (transition/implementation).

만성적인 고독은 신체적 건강에도 악영향을 미친다.

Chronic loneliness also has a bad influence on physical health.

Idiom '악영향을 미치다' (to have a bad influence).

작가는 만성적인 가난 속에서도 예술혼을 불태웠다.

The writer kept their artistic spirit burning despite chronic poverty.

Structure '-ㄴ 속에서도' (even amidst).

구조적인 모순이 만성적으로 고착화된 상태이다.

Structural contradictions have reached a state of chronic fixation.

Noun '고착화' (fixation/solidification).

인간 존재의 만성적인 불안을 철학적으로 고찰하다.

To philosophically contemplate the chronic anxiety of human existence.

Verb '고찰하다' (to contemplate/examine).

만성적인 무역 수지 불균형이 거시 경제의 불안을 초래했다.

Chronic trade balance imbalance led to macroeconomic instability.

Noun '무역 수지' (trade balance).

그의 시는 만성적인 상실감을 서정적으로 풀어냈다.

His poetry lyrically expressed a chronic sense of loss.

Adverb '서정적으로' (lyrically).

만성적인 도덕적 해이가 조직의 근간을 흔들고 있다.

Chronic moral hazard is shaking the very foundations of the organization.

Noun '도덕적 해이' (moral hazard).

역사적으로 만성적인 전쟁은 문명의 퇴보를 가져왔다.

Historically, chronic warfare has brought about the regression of civilization.

Noun '퇴보' (regression/setback).

만성적인 정보 과부하는 현대인의 판단력을 흐리게 한다.

Chronic information overload clouds the judgment of modern people.

Structure '-게 하다' (to make/cause).

이 사안은 만성적인 논쟁 거리로 남아 있다.

This issue remains a chronic subject of debate.

Noun '논쟁 거리' (subject of debate).

Colocaciones comunes

만성 피로

만성 질환

만성 적자

만성 통증

만성 비염

만성적인 부족

만성적인 정체

만성 위염

만성으로 진행되다

만성적인 스트레스

Frases Comunes

만성이 되다

— To become chronic. Used when a temporary problem turns into a long-term one.

그의 거짓말은 이제 만성이 되었다.

만성적으로 앓다

— To suffer from something chronically. Usually used with illnesses.

그녀는 만성적으로 두통을 앓고 있다.

만성에 시달리다

— To be plagued by a chronic condition. Emphasizes the suffering.

많은 직장인들이 만성 피로에 시달린다.

만성으로 굳어지다

— To harden into a chronic state. Implies it is now permanent and unchangeable.

잘못된 습관이 만성으로 굳어지기 전에 고쳐야 한다.

만성 질환자

— A person with a chronic disease.

만성 질환자는 정기적인 검진이 필요하다.

만성적인 불황

— A chronic recession or economic downturn.

만성적인 불황으로 소비가 줄었다.

만성적인 지각

— Chronic lateness; being late as a habit.

그의 만성적인 지각은 동료들을 화나게 했다.

만성 소화불량

— Chronic indigestion.

만성 소화불량에는 가벼운 산책이 좋다.

만성 기관지염

— Chronic bronchitis.

미세먼지는 만성 기관지염을 악화시킨다.

만성적인 현상

— A chronic phenomenon; something that happens regularly in society.

청년 실업은 이제 만성적인 현상이 되었다.

Se confunde a menudo con

만성이다 vs 오래되다

Used for age of things/time; '만성' is for recurring problems/health.

만성이다 vs 심하다

Means 'severe'; something can be chronic (만성) but not severe (심하다).

만성이다 vs 자주

Means 'often'; '만성' implies it's a deep-seated nature, not just frequency.

Modismos y expresiones

"만성이 박히다"

— To have a chronic habit firmly embedded. Similar to 'dyed-in-the-wool'.

그는 게으름이 만성이 박힌 사람이다.

Colloquial

"만성 피로를 달고 살다"

— To live with chronic fatigue 'attached' to oneself. Means to be constantly tired.

요즘 현대인들은 만성 피로를 달고 산다.

Informal

"만성이 되어서 무뎌지다"

— To become dull or desensitized because something has become chronic.

계속되는 비난에 만성이 되어서 이제는 무뎌졌다.

Neutral

"만성적인 꼬리표"

— A chronic 'tag' or label. A reputation that sticks for a long time.

그 기업에는 '만성 적자'라는 꼬리표가 붙어 있다.

Journalistic

"만성으로 흐르다"

— To flow into a chronic state. Used for situations gradually becoming worse.

갈등이 해결되지 않고 만성으로 흐르고 있다.

Formal

"만성적인 갈증"

— Chronic thirst. Often used metaphorically for a longing for something (e.g., affection).

그는 애정에 대한 만성적인 갈증을 느낀다.

Literary

"만성병 환자 취급하다"

— To treat someone like a chronic patient. To treat someone as if they are permanently flawed.

나를 만성병 환자 취급하지 마세요.

Informal

"만성적인 그늘"

— A chronic shadow. A persistent dark or negative influence.

전쟁의 만성적인 그늘이 그 지역을 덮고 있다.

Literary

"만성적인 늪"

— A chronic swamp. A situation that is hard to get out of because it lasts so long.

우리 경제는 만성적인 저성장의 늪에 빠졌다.

Economic

"만성적인 진통"

— Chronic labor pains/throes. Used for persistent difficulties during a process of change.

개혁 과정에서 만성적인 진통이 따르고 있다.

Political

Fácil de confundir

만성이다 vs 급성 (Acute)

Opposite meanings regarding duration.

Acute is sudden and short; Chronic is long-term and recurring.

급성 맹장염 vs 만성 위염.

만성이다 vs 상습 (Habitual)

Both imply repetition.

Sangseup is usually for actions/crimes; Manseong is for states/conditions.

상습 절도 vs 만성 피로.

만성이다 vs 고질 (Deep-seated)

Very similar meanings.

Gojil is more colloquial and emphasizes 'hard to cure' or 'evil'.

고질병 vs 만성 질환.

만성이다 vs 장기 (Long-term)

Both involve long time.

Janggi is neutral duration; Manseong is specifically for recurring problems.

장기 계획 vs 만성 적자.

만성이다 vs 영구 (Permanent)

Both imply long duration.

Yeonggu means forever; Manseong means persistent/recurring but not necessarily forever.

영구 삭제 vs 만성 두통.

Patrones de oraciones

[Body Part] 통증이 만성이에요.

허리 통증이 만성이에요.

저는 만성 [Illness]이/가 있어요.

저는 만성 비염이 있어요.

이 문제는 만성이라서 [Negative Result].

이 문제는 만성이라서 고치기 힘들어요.

만성적인 [Noun]에 시달리고 있다.

만성적인 적자에 시달리고 있다.

[Cause] 때문에 만성으로 발전했다.

스트레스 때문에 만성으로 발전했다.

만성적인 [Abstract Noun]을/를 해소하다.

만성적인 불신을 해소하다.

[Subject]은/는 만성적인 [Phenomenon]의 결과이다.

가난은 만성적인 실업의 결과이다.

만성적으로 고착화된 [Systemic Issue].

만성적으로 고착화된 관료주의.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

만성 (Chronic state)

만성성 (Chronicity)

만성병 (Chronic disease)

만성기 (Chronic phase)

Verbos

만성화되다 (To become chronic)

만성화시키다 (To make something chronic)

Adjetivos

만성적 (Chronic-natured)

만성적인 (Chronic - used as modifier)

Relacionado

급성 (Acute)

고질 (Long-standing illness/evil)

장기 (Long-term)

지속 (Continuity)

내성 (Tolerance/Resistance)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in medical, social, and economic contexts.

Errores comunes

제 차는 만성이에요. → 제 차는 오래됐어요.
You cannot use '만성' for physical objects like cars. Use '오래되다' (to be old).
만성해요. → 만성이에요.
'만성' is a noun. It needs the copula '이다', not '하다'.
만성적인 기쁨. → 지속적인 기쁨.
'만성' is almost always negative. For positive things, use '지속적' (continuous).
급성 통증이 만성이에요. → 통증이 만성이 되었어요.
'급성' (acute) and '만성' (chronic) are opposites. You can't be both at the same time.
만성 친구. → 오래된 친구.
You can't have a 'chronic friend'. Use '오래된' for long-term relationships.

Consejos

Medical Accuracy

When talking to a doctor in Korea, use '만성' to describe symptoms that have lasted more than 3 months. It helps them diagnose correctly.

Economic Context

If you read the word '적자' (deficit), look for '만성적' nearby. It's a very common pairing in business news.

Adjective Form

Remember to add '-ㄴ' or '-인' when using '만성' as an adjective. '만성적인 문제' is the correct way to modify a noun.

The Fatigue Culture

Saying '만성 피로예요' is a great way to bond with Korean office workers. It's a shared cultural experience of being overworked.

Soft 'Ng'

The 'ng' in 'manseong' should be nasal and soft, not a hard 'g' sound. Practice saying it like the end of 'song'.

Formal Essays

In TOPIK essays, use '만성적 현상' to describe long-standing social issues like the low birth rate or unemployment.

Empathy

When a friend tells you about a recurring problem, responding with '그게 만성이 됐나 봐요' shows you understand the depth of their struggle.

Hanja Link

Link 'Man' (慢) to 'Slow' and 'Seong' (性) to 'Personality'. A slow-changing personality of a disease.

Professionalism

Avoid using '만성' for simple mistakes. Using it for serious systemic issues makes you sound more professional.

Quick Contrast

Always keep '급성' (acute) in mind as the pair to '만성'. It helps solidify the meaning of both.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'MAN' who stays for a 'LONG' time in a 'SONG' (seong). He won't leave. He is chronic.

Asociación visual

Imagine a clock where the hands move extremely slowly, or a weed with very deep roots that keeps growing back in the same spot.

Word Web

만성 피로 만성 질환 만성 적자 만성 비염 만성 위염 만성 통증 만성 스트레스 만성적인

Desafío

Try to identify one habit you have that is '만성이다' and write a sentence about how you will fix it. Then, find a news headline about a '만성' problem in your country.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Hanja characters 慢性. 慢 (man) means slow, sluggish, or neglectful. 性 (seong) means nature, character, or quality.

Significado original: A quality or nature that is slow to change or move; hence, a lingering state.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when calling a person's behavior '만성이다' as it can sound like you are calling them diseased or fundamentally broken. Use it for the habit, not the person's soul.

In English, 'chronic' is often used for medical issues or slang (e.g., 'chronic' for marijuana), but in Korean, '만성' is strictly formal/medical or used for systemic issues. It doesn't have the slang connotations.

The term '만성 피로' is frequently used in Korean health supplement commercials (e.g., Ursa). K-Dramas often feature protagonists struggling with '만성적인 가난' (chronic poverty) to build sympathy. Korean news reports on '만성적인 저출산' (chronic low birth rate) as a national crisis.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Medical Diagnosis

만성 질환입니다.
만성으로 진행되었습니다.
만성 비염 약이에요.
만성 통증이 심해요.

Office/Work

만성 피로에 시달려요.
업무 과다가 만성적이에요.
만성적인 인력 부족입니다.
야근이 만성이에요.

Economic Reports

만성적인 무역 적자.
만성적인 자금난.
만성적인 불황.
만성적인 실업률.

Personal Habits

지각이 만성이다.
거짓말이 만성이다.
게으름이 만성이다.
만성이 된 습관.

Social Issues

만성적인 교통 체증.
만성적인 주택 부족.
만성적인 물가 상승.
사회적 만성 질환.

Inicios de conversación

"요즘 만성 피로 때문에 너무 힘들지 않아요?"

"제 비염은 만성이라서 봄마다 고생이에요."

"이 회사는 만성적인 인력 부족 문제를 어떻게 해결할까요?"

"당신의 나쁜 습관 중에 만성이 된 게 있나요?"

"만성 질환을 예방하려면 어떤 노력이 필요할까요?"

Temas para diario

내가 겪고 있는 만성적인 고민이나 스트레스는 무엇인가요?

우리 사회에서 가장 심각한 만성적인 문제는 무엇이라고 생각하나요?

만성 피로를 극복하기 위해 내가 할 수 있는 일들을 적어보세요.

과거에는 급성 문제였지만 지금은 만성이 된 일이 있나요?

만성적인 나쁜 습관을 고치기 위한 30일 계획을 세워보세요.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Generally, no. In Korean, '만성' is almost exclusively used for illnesses, bad habits, or societal problems. For positive long-term things, use '지속적' (continuous) or '장기적' (long-term).

'만성' is a noun, and '만성적' is its adjective form. You use '만성이다' at the end of a sentence and '만성적인' to describe a noun (e.g., 만성적인 문제).

It is '만성 피로' (man-seong pi-ro). This is a very common phrase in Korea used to describe feeling tired all the time due to work or stress.

No, it is also widely used in economics (chronic deficit), society (chronic traffic), and personal behavior (chronic lateness).

The opposite is '급성' (geup-seong), which means acute. It refers to something that happens suddenly and lasts for a short time.

No. '만성' is a noun, so you must use '만성이다' or '만성적이다'. '만성하다' is not a standard verb form.

They are similar, but '만성 질환' is a more formal medical term, while '고질병' is often used in daily life to complain about a stubborn, long-standing illness.

It describes structural problems like a trade deficit that happens every year, indicating that the economy has a 'chronic' weakness.

You can say '습관이 만성이 되었어요' (The habit has become chronic) or describe someone as having a '만성적인 습관'.

Yes, it comes from 慢性 (Slow + Nature). Understanding the characters helps you remember that it refers to the 'slow-natured' or 'lingering' quality of a problem.

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