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B1 adjective #3,000 más común 8 min de lectura

냉정하다

naengjeonghada Top 3,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 냉정하다 en 30 segundos

Explicación 냉정하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word '냉정하다' (naengjeong-hada) might be a bit difficult because it deals with complex emotions. However, you can think of it as a way to describe a person who is 'not warm.' In basic Korean, you learn '따뜻하다' (to be warm) for both the weather and for nice people. '냉정하다' is like the opposite of a 'warm' person. It is someone who doesn't smile much, doesn't show their feelings, and acts very 'cold' like ice. You might hear it in simple stories about a 'cold' boss or a 'cold' character. At this stage, just remember that '냉정' means 'cold heart.' Do not use it for cold water or cold weather! For water, use '차갑다,' and for weather, use '춥다.' '냉정하다' is only for how people act or feel inside.

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At the A2 level, you can start using '냉정하다' to describe characters in dramas or people you know. You will notice that it has two sides. Sometimes it is bad, like when a friend is '냉정해요' (is cold) and doesn't help you. Other times, it is used for someone who is very calm. For example, if there is a fire and someone doesn't scream but calls the police quietly, they are '냉정하다.' You can practice the sentence pattern: '그 사람은 아주 냉정해요' (That person is very cold/calm). You should also learn the adverb form '냉정하게' (coldly/calmly). For example, '냉정하게 말했어요' (He spoke coldly). This level is about recognizing that this word describes a personality that is controlled and not emotional.

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At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between being 'cool-headed' (positive) and 'cold-hearted' (negative). This is the level where you use '냉정하다' in professional contexts. For example, '냉정한 판단' (cool-headed judgment) is a very important phrase. It means making a decision based on facts, not feelings. You will encounter this word in news articles about the economy or politics. You should also be able to distinguish it from similar words like '침착하다' (to be calm). While '침착하다' is about being peaceful and not panicked, '냉정하다' is about being sharp and detached. You might use it to describe a difficult breakup: '우리는 냉정하게 헤어졌다' (We broke up in a cold/detached way). It implies that there was no crying or begging, just a logical end.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '냉정하다' with sophisticated collocations. You should understand phrases like '냉정을 되찾다' (to regain one's composure) or '냉정한 현실' (cold reality). At this level, you can discuss the social implications of being '냉정' in Korean culture. Korean society values 'Jeong' (warmth/connection), so being '냉정하다' is often a criticism of someone's lack of social responsibility. However, in the modern, fast-paced Korean business world, being '냉정' is also seen as a necessary skill for success. You should be able to write an essay comparing an emotional response to a '냉정한' (rational) response. You should also understand that '냉정하다' can be used to describe an objective, scientific approach to a problem.

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At the C1 level, you can explore the philosophical and psychological depths of '냉정하다.' It is not just about being cold; it is about 'emotional neutrality.' You can use it to describe a stoic philosophy or a character who has achieved a state of '냉정' through meditation or life experience. You should be able to catch the subtle irony in literature where a character's '냉정함' is actually a mask for deep pain. You will also see this word in legal and academic writing, where '냉정한 평가' (an objective/dispassionate evaluation) is required. At this level, you should also be familiar with related Hanja terms like '냉철하다' (cool-headed and wise) and '냉담하다' (cold and indifferent), using them precisely to show different shades of emotional distance.

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At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '냉정하다' and can use it in high-level debates and literary analysis. You understand the historical shift in the word's usage, from a purely negative trait in traditional communal society to a valued professional attribute in the neoliberal era. You can analyze how '냉정함' is portrayed in modern Korean cinema as a trait of the 'anti-hero.' You are comfortable using the word in complex metaphorical senses, such as describing a '냉정한 시대' (a cold/unforgiving era) or the '냉정한 이성' (cold reason) that governs modern science. You can use the word to discuss the tension between human empathy and the necessity of objective detachment in fields like bioethics or international diplomacy, articulating these nuances with perfect grammatical accuracy.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

냉정하다 en 30 segundos

Describes a state of emotional detachment, either as positive cool-headedness or negative cold-heartedness.
Used exclusively for personality and attitudes, never for physical temperature or weather.
Common in business for 'rational judgment' and in dramas for 'cold' characters.
Essential for expressing objectivity and emotional distance in B1+ Korean.

The Korean adjective 냉정하다 (naengjeong-hada) is a multifaceted term that describes a state of emotional detachment or rationality. At its core, it combines the Hanja characters 냉 (冷 - cold) and 정 (情 - feeling/emotion). When you describe someone as being naengjeong-hada, you are essentially saying their 'emotional temperature' is low. This can manifest in two distinct ways depending on the social context: as a positive trait of being level-headed under pressure, or as a negative trait of being unfeeling and callous toward others.

The Rational Dimension: In professional or high-stress environments, being 냉정하다 is often seen as a virtue. It refers to the ability to suppress personal feelings, panic, or bias to make a logical decision. For example, a surgeon or a judge must remain naengjeong to perform their duties effectively. In this sense, it translates to 'cool-headed' or 'composed.'
The Interpersonal Dimension: Conversely, in personal relationships, the word often carries a sting. If a friend refuses to help you in a time of need or breaks up with you without showing any emotion, they are described as 냉정하다. Here, it translates to 'cold-hearted,' 'stony,' or 'aloof.' It implies a lack of empathy or a refusal to be swayed by human connection.

위기 상황일수록 냉정해야 합니다. (The more critical the situation, the more cool-headed you must be.)

Understanding the nuance requires looking at the surrounding atmosphere. If someone is praised for their naengjeonghan pandan (cool judgment), it is a compliment. If someone is criticized for their naengjeonghan taedo (cold attitude), it is a social rebuke. This word is essential for B1 learners because it moves beyond basic physical descriptions into the realm of human character and psychological states.

그녀는 거절할 때 아주 냉정했다. (She was very cold-hearted when she refused.)

Usage in Media: In Korean dramas, the 'cold-hearted CEO' (냉정한 대표) is a common trope. This character is usually depicted as someone who cares only about results and efficiency, ignoring the feelings of their employees until a protagonist softens their heart. This highlights the word's association with professionalism and lack of warmth.

Using 냉정하다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement as a descriptive verb (adjective). It can modify nouns directly or function as the predicate of a sentence. Because it describes a state of mind or character, it is frequently used with adverbs that intensify the degree of 'coldness' or 'calmness.'

그는 냉정하게 상황을 분석했다. (He analyzed the situation cool-headedly.)

When you want to describe an action taken without emotion, you transform the adjective into an adverb: 냉정하게 (naengjeong-hage). This is extremely common in business and academic contexts where objectivity is prized. It suggests that the person did not let their personal feelings cloud their judgment.

Negative Social Contexts: When used to describe a person's reaction to someone else's suffering, it carries a heavy negative weight. '냉정한 사람' (a cold person) is someone who lacks 'jeong' (affection/warmth), which is a central pillar of Korean social harmony. To call someone 'naengjeong-hada' in a personal argument is a serious accusation of being unfeeling.

아무리 화가 나도 그렇게 냉정할 수 있어요? (No matter how angry you are, can you really be that cold-hearted?)

In formal reports or news broadcasts, you will often see the phrase 냉정한 현실 (naengjeonghan hyeonsil), meaning 'the cold, hard reality.' This refers to a situation that is unforgiving and does not care about one's hopes or dreams. It emphasizes the objective and often harsh nature of the world.

Comparative Usage: Compared to '침착하다' (to be calm/composed), '냉정하다' is sharper. '침착하다' suggests a peaceful state of mind, while '냉정하다' suggests a deliberate distancing from emotion. You might be '침착' during a meditation, but you are '냉정' when deciding to fire an employee or calculating a risk.

In daily Korean life, 냉정하다 appears in diverse settings, from the workplace to the therapist's office. It is a word that bridges the gap between psychological description and social evaluation. You will hear it in various registers, though it tends to appear more in serious or formal conversations than in casual banter among close friends.

그는 냉정함을 잃지 않았다. (He did not lose his composure/cool-headedness.)

In the news, anchors use it to describe the government's stance on international relations or economic policies. A '냉정한 대응' (cool-headed response) suggests that the government is not reacting emotionally to provocations but is following a calculated strategy. This is a highly positive use of the word, implying maturity and stability.

In Romantic Dramas (K-Dramas): Listen for this word during 'breakup scenes.' One character might say, '어떻게 그렇게 냉정하게 돌아서니?' (How can you turn away so coldly?). It highlights the pain felt when someone who was once warm suddenly becomes emotionally distant. It is the ultimate word for describing the 'cold shoulder.'

In sports commentary, you will hear it when a player takes a penalty kick or a final shot. '냉정한 마무리' (a cool-headed finish) describes a player who doesn't let the pressure of the moment affect their technique. It conveys a sense of mastery over one's own nerves.

시장은 냉정합니다. (The market is cold/unforgiving.)

Finally, in self-help or psychological contexts, people are often advised to '냉정하게 자신을 바라보다' (look at oneself cool-headedly). This means to evaluate one's strengths and weaknesses objectively, without the interference of self-pity or overconfidence. It is a tool for self-improvement.

Learners often struggle with 냉정하다 because it overlaps with several other 'cold' or 'calm' words in Korean. The most common mistake is using it to describe physical temperature. Unlike the English word 'cold,' which can describe both weather and personality, naengjeong-hada is strictly for personality, attitudes, or psychological states.

Mistake 1: Physical Coldness: You cannot say '날씨가 냉정하다' to mean the weather is cold. You must use '춥다' (chupda). Similarly, for a cold drink, you use '차갑다' (chagapda). '냉정하다' is about the 'heart' (정), not the thermometer.
Mistake 2: Confusing with '무관심하다' (Indifferent): While a 'naengjeong' person might seem indifferent, '무관심하다' (mugwansim-hada) specifically means having no interest or concern. A 'naengjeong' person might be very interested and paying close attention, but they are processing that information without emotional bias. They are detached, not necessarily uninterested.

❌ 날씨가 너무 냉정해요. (Incorrect: The weather is too cold-hearted.)
✅ 날씨가 너무 추워요. (Correct: The weather is very cold.)

Another subtle mistake is failing to distinguish between 냉정하다 and 냉담하다 (naengdam-hada). While very similar, '냉담하다' (cold and indifferent) is almost always negative. It describes a lack of response or a lukewarm, chilly reception. '냉정하다' can be positive (rational), whereas '냉담하다' is rarely seen as a virtue.

그는 비판에 냉정하게 대처했다. (He dealt with the criticism cool-headedly.)

Lastly, learners sometimes use '냉정하다' when they mean '조용하다' (quiet). A person can be quiet but very emotional. Conversely, a person can be talking loudly while remaining perfectly 'naengjeong' (calculating and unemotional) in their logic. Do not equate silence with emotional detachment.

To truly master 냉정하다, you must see where it sits in the spectrum of Korean emotional descriptors. Depending on whether you want to emphasize the 'cool' or the 'cold,' several other words might be more appropriate.

침착하다 (Chimchak-hada) - Composed/Calm: This is the best positive alternative. It describes someone who stays calm and doesn't panic. Unlike '냉정하다,' it doesn't imply a lack of feeling, just a mastery over it. It is almost always a compliment. Use this for a student during an exam or a pilot during turbulence.
냉담하다 (Naengdam-hada) - Cold/Indifferent: This is the negative alternative. It suggests a 'chilly' or 'half-hearted' response. If you ask someone for a favor and they barely look at you while saying no, their response is '냉담하다.' It implies a lack of social warmth.
무정하다 (Mujeong-hada) - Heartless: Literally 'without feeling.' This is much stronger than '냉정하다.' It is used in poetic or dramatic contexts to describe someone who has no mercy or human compassion whatsoever. It is often used in old songs to describe a lover who has left.

냉정함과 냉담함의 차이는 종이 한 장 차이다. (The difference between being cool-headed and being cold-hearted is as thin as a sheet of paper.)

In a business setting, you might also hear 객관적이다 (gaekgwanjeok-ida), which means 'objective.' While '냉정하다' describes the emotional state, '객관적이다' describes the nature of the analysis itself. They are often used together: '냉정하고 객관적인 분석' (a cool-headed and objective analysis).

차갑다 (Chagapda) - Chilly/Cold: While '냉정하다' is about the internal decision-making process, '차갑다' is about the 'vibe' or 'aura.' A person might have a '차가운 인상' (a cold impression/look) but actually be very warm once you talk to them. '냉정하다' describes their actual behavior and mindset.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The character '정' (情) is one of the most important concepts in Korean culture, representing deep affection and social bond. By adding '냉' (cold) to it, you are describing a state that is fundamentally at odds with traditional Korean social values.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /nɛŋ.dʑʌŋ.ɦa.da/

US /neŋ.dʒʌŋ.hɑ.dɑ/

Primary stress is usually on the second syllable 'jeong', especially when emphasizing the emotional state.

Rima con

인정하다 (injeong-hada) 다정하다 (dajeong-hada) 공정하다 (gongjeong-hada) 열중하다 (yeoljung-hada) 결정하다 (gyeoljeong-hada) 동정하다 (dongjeong-hada) 부정하다 (bujeong-hada) 수정하다 (sujeong-hada)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'naeng' like 'nang' (rhyming with 'bang'). It should be closer to 'neigh' with an 'ng'.
Over-emphasizing the 'h' in 'hada'. In natural speech, it is very light.
Confusing the 'j' in 'jeong' with a hard 'z' sound.
Making the 'eo' in 'jeong' sound like 'oh'. It is an open 'o' sound.
Shortening the vowels too much. Korean vowels in adjectives are usually of medium length.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Easy to recognize in text, but nuance depends on context.

Escritura 4/5

Requires careful use to avoid sounding unintentionally rude.

Expresión oral 3/5

Commonly used in serious conversations; pronunciation is straightforward.

Escucha 3/5

Frequently heard in dramas and news reports.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

차갑다 (Cold) 마음 (Heart/Mind) 생각하다 (To think) 사람 (Person) 정 (Affection)

Aprende después

냉담하다 (Indifferent) 냉철하다 (Sharp/Clear-headed) 침착하다 (Calm) 객관적이다 (Objective) 이성적이다 (Rational)

Avanzado

평정심 (Equanimity) 무심결 (Inadvertently/Unintentionally) 냉대 (Cold treatment) 초연하다 (To be detached/aloof)

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective to Adverb (-하게)

냉정하다 -> 냉정하게 (Coldly/Calmly)

Adjective to Noun (-함)

냉정하다 -> 냉정함 (Coldness/Composure)

State of Becoming (-해지다)

냉정해지다 (To become cold/calm)

Noun Modification (-ㄴ/은)

냉정한 사람 (A cold person)

Contrastive Connector (-지만)

슬펐지만 냉정하게 행동했다.

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Ejemplos por nivel

그 사람은 냉정해요.

That person is cold/unfeeling.

Basic adjective use: Subject + Adjective.

냉정한 사람이 싫어요.

I don't like cold people.

냉정한 modifies the noun '사람'.

선생님은 조금 냉정해요.

The teacher is a little cold.

Using '조금' (a little) to soften the description.

그는 나에게 냉정했다.

He was cold to me.

Past tense: 냉정했다.

너무 냉정하게 말하지 마세요.

Don't speak so coldly.

Adverb form: 냉정하게.

우리 아빠는 냉정해요.

My dad is cold/strict.

Common family description.

그녀는 냉정한 여자예요.

She is a cold woman.

Adjective + Noun + 이다.

마음이 냉정해요.

The heart is cold.

Describing an internal state.

화가 났지만 냉정하게 행동했어요.

I was angry, but I acted calmly/cool-headedly.

-지만 (but) connects two opposing states.

그 배우는 냉정한 역할을 잘 해요.

That actor is good at playing cold roles.

냉정한 역할 = cold role/character.

냉정하게 생각하면 그게 맞아요.

If you think about it cool-headedly, that is right.

-(으)면 (if) condition.

의사는 냉정해야 합니다.

A doctor must be cool-headed.

-아/어야 하다 (must/should).

그는 친구의 부탁을 냉정하게 거절했다.

He coldly refused his friend's request.

Adverb modifying the verb '거절했다' (refused).

성격이 냉정해서 친구가 별로 없어요.

Because his personality is cold, he doesn't have many friends.

-아/어서 (because/so) showing cause and effect.

냉정하게 판단하는 것이 중요해요.

Judging cool-headedly is important.

-는 것 (making a verb into a noun phrase).

그녀의 태도는 매우 냉정했다.

Her attitude was very cold.

Subject + 태도 (attitude) + Adjective.

비즈니스에서는 냉정한 판단이 필요합니다.

In business, cool-headed judgment is necessary.

Professional context usage.

그는 위기 속에서도 냉정함을 유지했다.

He maintained his composure even in a crisis.

냉정함 (noun form) + 유지하다 (maintain).

현실은 생각보다 냉정합니다.

Reality is colder/harsher than you think.

-보다 (than) comparison.

감정에 치우치지 말고 냉정해지세요.

Don't be swayed by emotions; be cool-headed.

-지 말고 (don't do X, but do Y).

그는 냉정한 어조로 이별을 통보했다.

He announced the breakup in a cold tone of voice.

냉정한 어조 = cold tone.

성공하려면 때로는 냉정해질 필요가 있다.

To succeed, sometimes you need to become cold/rational.

-아/어질 필요가 있다 (need to become...).

그녀의 냉정한 반응에 상처를 받았다.

I was hurt by her cold reaction.

상처를 받다 (to be hurt emotionally).

그는 일에 있어서는 아주 냉정하다.

When it comes to work, he is very cold/rational.

-에 있어서는 (when it comes to / in terms of).

심판은 경기 내내 냉정한 태도를 보였다.

The referee showed a cool-headed attitude throughout the match.

내내 (throughout) + 보였다 (showed).

우리는 현재 상황을 냉정하게 분석해야 합니다.

We must analyze the current situation cool-headedly.

Formal suggestion/requirement.

그의 냉정한 비판은 뼈아팠지만 도움이 되었다.

His cold criticism was painful but helpful.

뼈아프다 (bitterly painful/regretful).

사회는 약자에게 가끔 너무 냉정하다.

Society is sometimes too cold to the weak.

Social commentary context.

그는 흥분한 군중 사이에서 혼자 냉정했다.

He alone was calm among the excited crowd.

Contrast between '흥분한' (excited) and '냉정한'.

냉정함을 잃는 순간 실수를 하게 됩니다.

The moment you lose your composure, you make mistakes.

-는 순간 (the moment...).

그녀는 냉정한 이성의 소유자다.

She is a person of cold/sharp reason.

소유자 (owner/possessor) of a trait.

시장의 냉정한 법칙을 이해해야 한다.

One must understand the cold laws of the market.

Abstract concept application.

작가는 인간의 본성을 냉정한 시선으로 묘사했다.

The author described human nature with a cold/dispassionate gaze.

Literary analysis context.

정치적 이해관계 앞에서 그는 매우 냉정했다.

He was very cold/calculating in the face of political interests.

이해관계 (interests/stake).

냉정하게 말해서, 이번 프로젝트는 실패다.

To speak cool-headedly/frankly, this project is a failure.

냉정하게 말해서 (to be frank/objective).

그의 냉정함 뒤에는 깊은 슬픔이 숨겨져 있었다.

Behind his coldness, a deep sadness was hidden.

Psychological depth.

법은 누구에게나 냉정하고 공정해야 한다.

The law must be cold (impersonal) and fair to everyone.

Legal/Ethical principle.

그는 자신의 과오를 냉정하게 인정했다.

He cool-headedly admitted his own mistakes.

과오 (error/fault).

냉정한 머리와 따뜻한 가슴을 가져야 한다.

One must have a cool head and a warm heart.

Classic philosophical idiom.

그의 태도가 냉담을 넘어 냉정하기까지 했다.

His attitude went beyond indifference to the point of being cold-hearted.

-기까지 하다 (to even go as far as...).

현대 사회의 냉정한 메커니즘을 비판하는 논문이다.

This is a thesis criticizing the cold mechanisms of modern society.

Academic/Sociological usage.

그녀는 냉정하리만치 침착하게 대응했다.

She responded with a composure that was almost cold.

-하리만치 (to the extent that...).

역사는 승자의 기록이라는 냉정한 사실을 잊지 마라.

Do not forget the cold fact that history is the record of the victors.

Historical/Philosophical truth.

그의 문체는 냉정하고도 건조하다.

His writing style is cold and dry.

Literary criticism: 건조하다 (dry/plain).

인간 소외를 부추기는 냉정한 자본주의의 단면.

A facet of cold capitalism that encourages human alienation.

Complex noun phrases.

그는 죽음 앞에서도 냉정함을 잃지 않는 기개를 보였다.

He showed the spirit of not losing his composure even in the face of death.

기개 (spirit/mettle).

냉정한 관찰자로서의 입장을 고수했다.

He adhered to his position as a cold/objective observer.

고수하다 (to adhere to/stick to).

감정의 과잉을 배제한 냉정한 서사 구조.

A cold narrative structure that excludes the excess of emotion.

Narrative theory terminology.

Colocaciones comunes

냉정한 판단

냉정한 현실

냉정한 태도

냉정함을 잃다

냉정함을 유지하다

냉정하게 분석하다

냉정하게 거절하다

냉정하게 말하다

냉정한 비판

냉정하게 대처하다

Frases Comunes

냉정하게 생각해 봐

— Think about it cool-headedly/rationally. Used when giving advice.

감정적으로 굴지 말고 냉정하게 생각해 봐.

냉정을 되찾다

— To regain one's composure. Used after a moment of panic or anger.

그는 심호흡을 하며 냉정을 되찾았다.

냉정하기 짝이 없다

— To be incomparably cold. Used to emphasize extreme coldness.

그의 반응은 냉정하기 짝이 없었다.

냉정한 눈빛

— A cold/unfeeling gaze. Used in descriptions of people.

그녀는 냉정한 눈빛으로 나를 보았다.

냉정하게 돌아서다

— To turn away coldly. Often used in breakup contexts.

그녀는 아무 말 없이 냉정하게 돌아섰다.

냉정한 머리와 따뜻한 가슴

— A cool head and a warm heart. A famous ideal for human character.

진정한 리더는 냉정한 머리와 따뜻한 가슴이 필요하다.

냉정하게 평가하다

— To evaluate objectively/coldly. Used in professional reviews.

자신의 실력을 냉정하게 평가해야 한다.

냉정이 흐르다

— Coldness flows (the atmosphere is cold). Used for social settings.

방 안에는 차가운 냉정이 흐르고 있었다.

냉정한 승부사

— A cool-headed gambler/competitor. Used for sports or business.

그는 포커판에서 냉정한 승부사로 통한다.

냉정하게 대하다

— To treat someone coldly. Used for interpersonal friction.

그는 왜 나를 그렇게 냉정하게 대할까?

Se confunde a menudo con

냉정하다 vs 차갑다

Physical coldness or a 'chilly' vibe. 냉정하다 is more about the internal mind and logic.

냉정하다 vs 침착하다

Calmness. 침착하다 is purely positive, while 냉정하다 can be negative (cold-hearted).

냉정하다 vs 냉담하다

Indifference. 냉담하다 is almost always negative and implies a lack of response.

Modismos y expresiones

"피도 눈물도 없다"

— To have neither blood nor tears. Describes someone extremely cold and heartless.

그 사장은 피도 눈물도 없는 냉정한 사람이다.

Informal/Strong

"칼 같다"

— To be like a knife. Refers to someone being very sharp, precise, and unemotional.

그는 일 처리가 냉정하고 칼 같다.

Informal

"얼음장 같다"

— To be like a sheet of ice. Describes a very cold attitude or atmosphere.

그녀의 목소리는 얼음장 같이 냉정했다.

Metaphorical

"찬바람이 불다"

— A cold wind blows. Used when a person's attitude is very cold.

그녀의 태도에는 찬바람이 불 정도로 냉정했다.

Idiomatic

"돌부처 같다"

— To be like a stone Buddha. Describes someone who shows no emotion whatsoever.

그는 어떤 욕을 들어도 돌부처처럼 냉정했다.

Cultural

"강 건너 불구경하듯"

— Like watching a fire from across the river. To be coldly indifferent to others' troubles.

그는 친구의 불행을 강 건너 불구경하듯 냉정하게 보았다.

Proverbial

"눈 하나 깜짝 안 하다"

— To not even bat an eye. To remain perfectly calm and cold in a shocking situation.

그는 총소리에도 눈 하나 깜짝 안 하고 냉정했다.

Common

"냉가슴을 앓다"

— To suffer in silence with a 'cold chest.' While '냉정' is about being cold to others, this is about keeping pain inside.

그녀는 겉으로는 냉정해 보였지만 속으로는 냉가슴을 앓았다.

Psychological

"낯가림을 하다"

— To be shy around strangers (can be mistaken for being naengjeong).

그는 냉정한 게 아니라 단지 낯가림을 하는 것이다.

Common

"손을 떼다"

— To take one's hands off. To coldly stop being involved in something.

그는 그 사업에서 냉정하게 손을 뗐다.

Business

Fácil de confundir

냉정하다 vs 냉철하다

Both start with '냉' and mean cool-headed.

냉철하다 emphasizes 'clear' (철) insight and wisdom. It is more positive and intellectual than 냉정하다.

그는 냉철한 이성으로 문제를 해결했다.

냉정하다 vs 무관심하다

A cold person often seems indifferent.

무관심하다 means 'no interest.' A 냉정 person might be very interested but remains unemotional.

그는 내 일에 무관심하다.

냉정하다 vs 냉대하다

Sounds similar and relates to being cold.

냉대하다 is a verb meaning 'to treat someone coldly/poorly.' 냉정하다 is an adjective describing a state.

그들은 이방인을 냉대했다.

냉정하다 vs 엄격하다

Strict people are often seen as cold.

엄격하다 means 'strict' regarding rules. A 냉정 person might not care about rules, just logic.

우리 선생님은 매우 엄격하시다.

냉정하다 vs 평온하다

Both describe a lack of agitation.

평온하다 is 'peaceful' like a calm sea. 냉정하다 is 'cold' like a sharp winter wind.

바다가 아주 평온하다.

Patrones de oraciones

그는 아주 [냉정하다].

그는 아주 냉정하다.

[냉정하게] 생각해 보세요.

냉정하게 생각해 보세요.

[냉정한] [Noun]이/가 필요하다.

냉정한 판단이 필요하다.

[냉정함]을 유지하는 것이 중요하다.

냉정함을 유지하는 것이 중요하다.

[냉정하게] 거절당했다.

그는 그녀에게 냉정하게 거절당했다.

[냉정하게] 말해서, [Clause].

냉정하게 말해서, 우리는 가망이 없다.

[냉정하리만치] [Adjective].

그녀는 냉정하리만치 조용했다.

[냉정함] 뒤에 숨겨진 [Noun].

냉정함 뒤에 숨겨진 그의 진심.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

냉정 (Naengjeong) - Composure/Coldness

냉정함 (Naengjeong-ham) - The quality of being cold/cool-headed

냉정기 (Naengjeong-gi) - A period of cooling off (e.g., in a relationship)

Verbos

냉정해지다 (Naengjeong-haejida) - To become cold/cool-headed

Adjetivos

냉정하다 (Naengjeong-hada) - To be cold/cool-headed

Relacionado

냉담 (Cold indifference)

냉철 (Cool-headedness/Insight)

정 (Affection/Feeling)

무정 (Heartlessness)

감정 (Emotion)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Highly common in both written and spoken Korean, especially in media and professional life.

Errores comunes

날씨가 냉정해요. → 날씨가 추워요.
냉정하다 is for personality/attitude, not weather. 춥다 is for weather.
커피가 냉정합니다. → 커피가 차갑습니다.
냉정하다 is for people/situations, not objects. 차갑다 is for physical temperature.
그는 냉정하게 사람이에요. → 그는 냉정한 사람이에요.
You must use the adjective form (냉정한) to modify a noun, not the adverb form (냉정하게).
나는 냉정을 했어요. → 나는 냉정했어요.
냉정하다 is an adjective, so you don't 'do' it (하다 as a separate verb). You just use the adjective form.
그는 나를 냉정하게 했어요. → 그는 나에게 냉정하게 굴었어요.
To say someone 'acted' coldly toward you, use '굴다' (to act/behave) or '대하다' (to treat).

Consejos

Adverbial transformation

Always remember that '냉정하게' is the adverb. Use it when describing *how* someone spoke, looked, or decided. '그는 냉정하게 말했다' is more common than '그는 냉정했다' in narrative storytelling.

The Jeong Factor

In Korea, being 'naengjeong' is often seen as the opposite of having 'Jeong' (warmth). If you want to be a well-liked person in Korea, you should avoid being described as '냉정하다' in social settings.

Professionalism

In a resume or interview, you can describe yourself as someone who can make '냉정한 판단' under pressure. This shows you are a reliable professional who doesn't panic.

Adjective vs. Verb

Remember it's a descriptive verb (adjective). You don't '냉정한다'. You just '냉정하다'. In the present tense formal, it's '냉정합니다'.

Hanja Power

Knowing that '냉' means cold (as in 냉면 - cold noodles) and '정' means feeling (as in 우정 - friendship) will help you remember this word forever.

Tone of voice

When you hear this word in a drama, look at the other person's face. Usually, they look hurt. This helps you identify the negative 'cold-hearted' meaning.

Objective Reality

Use the phrase '냉정한 현실' when writing about social issues. It adds a serious, mature tone to your Korean writing.

Softening the Blow

If you must tell someone they are being cold, use '조금 냉정하신 것 같아요' (I think you are being a bit cold). The '-ㄴ 것 같아요' ending makes it more polite.

Ice Cube Brain

Picture an ice cube inside a head. It's cold, it doesn't move, and it's very solid. That's a 'naengjeong' person.

Not for Coffee

Never use '냉정하다' for your iced Americano. If you do, people will think you are joking that the coffee has no feelings!

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Cold (냉) Heart (정)'. If someone has a cold heart, they don't get excited or sad easily—they stay 'naengjeong-hada'.

Asociación visual

Imagine a brain made of blue ice. It's not red and hot with anger; it's blue and cold with logic. That is the 'naengjeong' state.

Word Web

냉 (Cold) 정 (Emotion) 판단 (Judgment) 현실 (Reality) 침착 (Calm) 이성 (Reason) 거절 (Refusal) 태도 (Attitude)

Desafío

Try to describe a situation where you had to be 'naengjeong-hada' instead of 'emotional.' Write three sentences using the word in three different forms (adjective, adverb, and noun).

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Sino-Korean (Hanja) roots '냉' (冷) and '정' (情). '냉' means cold, chilly, or indifferent. '정' means feeling, emotion, or heart. Together, they literally mean 'cold heart' or 'cold feelings.'

Significado original: A state where the heart or emotions have cooled down, leading to a lack of warmth or passion.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Contexto cultural

Be careful when calling someone '냉정하다' to their face. Unless you are praising their work performance, it can be taken as a serious insult regarding their lack of empathy.

English speakers might use 'cool' to mean 'awesome,' but in Korean, '냉정' never means 'awesome.' It only means 'cool' in the sense of 'composed' or 'unfeeling.'

The movie 'Cold Eyes' (감시자들) features characters who must remain 냉정 while tracking criminals. The phrase '냉정과 열정 사이' (Between Calmness and Passion) is a very famous book/movie title in Korea. Many K-Drama 'Tsundere' characters start as 냉정한 people who eventually show their warm side.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Emergency Situations

냉정하게 대처하세요.
냉정함을 잃지 마세요.
냉정한 판단이 필요합니다.
가장 냉정한 사람이 리더가 됩니다.

Relationship Conflicts

왜 그렇게 냉정해?
냉정하게 돌아서지 마.
그녀는 너무 냉정하게 말했어.
우리는 냉정하게 대화해야 해.

Business and Finance

시장은 냉정합니다.
냉정한 분석을 토대로 결정했습니다.
비즈니스 관계는 냉정해야 합니다.
냉정한 현실을 받아들여야 합니다.

Sports and Competition

그는 냉정한 승부사입니다.
냉정하게 경기를 운영하세요.
마지막까지 냉정함을 유지했습니다.
냉정한 슛이 골로 연결되었습니다.

Self-Reflection

자신에게 냉정해지세요.
냉정하게 나를 돌아봤다.
냉정한 평가가 성장을 돕는다.
내 실력을 냉정하게 알고 싶다.

Inicios de conversación

"위기 상황에서 어떻게 냉정함을 유지하시나요?"

"당신은 감정적인 편인가요, 아니면 냉정한 편인가요?"

"살면서 가장 냉정한 거절을 당해본 적이 있나요?"

"냉정한 머리와 따뜻한 가슴 중 무엇이 더 중요할까요?"

"친구 사이에서도 냉정한 판단이 필요할 때가 있을까요?"

Temas para diario

내가 감정적으로 행동해서 후회했던 일과, 그때 냉정했다면 어땠을지 써보세요.

우리 사회가 너무 냉정하다고 느껴질 때는 언제인가요?

내가 아는 가장 냉정한 사람은 누구이며, 그 이유는 무엇인가요?

냉정한 현실 속에서 따뜻한 마음을 유지하는 방법은 무엇일까요?

최근에 냉정하게 내린 결정이 있다면 그것에 대해 설명해 보세요.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No. For physical temperature of objects like water or coffee, you must use '차갑다' (chagapda). '냉정하다' is strictly for people's personalities, attitudes, or situations.

It depends. If you are praising a doctor or a pilot for being '냉정' during a crisis, it is a compliment. If you are describing a friend who ignores your feelings, it is a negative criticism.

'침착하다' means to be calm and not flustered. It's always positive. '냉정하다' means to be emotionally detached or cold. It can be positive (rational) or negative (unfeeling).

You can say '너무 냉정하게 굴지 마세요' (Don't act so coldly) or '너무 냉정해요' (You are too cold).

Yes, very frequently. Phrases like '냉정한 판단' (cool-headed judgment) and '냉정한 분석' (objective analysis) are essential in professional Korean.

Yes. It can describe a '냉정한 서사' (cold narrative) or a '냉정한 시선' (cold perspective/gaze) that an author uses to describe society without sentimentality.

It means 'to regain one's composure.' It is used when someone was angry, panicked, or crying but has now calmed down to a rational state.

There isn't a direct slang word, but people might use '갑분싸' (sudden cold atmosphere) or describe someone as having an '얼음 공주/왕자' (ice princess/prince) personality.

Because it's perfect for conflict! A '냉정한' lead character who eventually melts is a classic trope that creates a lot of emotional tension.

No. For weather, use '춥다' (chupda). Using '냉정하다' for weather would sound like you are personifying the weather as being mean or unfeeling.

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