변명
변명 en 30 segundos
- A noun meaning 'excuse' or 'justification' for a mistake.
- Often implies deflecting blame rather than taking responsibility.
- Commonly paired with verbs like '하다' (to do) or '늘어놓다' (to rattle off).
- More formal than '핑계' but less objective than '해명'.
The Korean word 변명 (Byeon-myeong) is a nuanced noun that translates most directly to 'excuse' or 'justification' in English. However, its usage in Korean society carries a specific weight related to accountability and social harmony. At its core, it refers to the act of explaining one's actions or failures in a way that attempts to deflect blame or minimize fault. While sometimes used neutrally to mean 'explanation,' it frequently carries a negative connotation, implying that the speaker is trying to avoid taking full responsibility for a mistake. Understanding 변명 requires looking at the Hanja roots: 辨 (Byeon) meaning 'to distinguish' or 'to argue,' and 明 (Myeong) meaning 'clear' or 'bright.' Literally, it is the act of 'making one's position clear through argument.'
- Social Nuance
- In Korean culture, offering a 변명 too quickly after a mistake can be seen as rude or insincere, as it prioritizes self-defense over the feelings of the person affected.
- Grammatical Function
- It is primarily used as a noun but frequently combines with the verb 하다 (to do) to form 변명하다 (to make an excuse).
- Intensity
- A 변명 can range from a simple reason for being late to a complex legal defense, though 해명 is preferred for formal clarifications.
늦은 것에 대해 구차한 변명을 늘어놓지 마세요. (Don't rattle off lame excuses for being late.)
When you use 변명, you are often navigating the delicate balance between 'why something happened' and 'why it isn't my fault.' In many contexts, if someone says "변명하지 마" (Don't make excuses), they are signaling that the time for explanation has passed and the time for apology or action has begun. It is distinct from 이유 (reason), which is a neutral statement of cause and effect. If a train is delayed, that is an 이유. If you say you were late because you forgot to set your alarm, that is a 변명.
그의 변명은 전혀 설득력이 없었다. (His excuse was not persuasive at all.)
아무리 변명을 해도 이미 늦었다. (No matter how much you excuse yourself, it's already too late.)
이것은 변명이 아니라 사실입니다. (This is not an excuse, but a fact.)
구구절절한 변명보다는 진심 어린 사과가 필요하다. (A sincere apology is needed rather than a long-winded excuse.)
- Common Modifiers
- 구차한 (lame/pitiful), 어설픈 (clumsy), 그럴듯한 (plausible), 치졸한 (childish/petty).
Using 변명 effectively in Korean requires understanding its common verb pairings and the social hierarchy of the conversation. The most common way to use it is with the verb 하다 (to do), resulting in 변명하다. However, to sound more natural and idiomatic, learners should master phrases like 변명을 늘어놓다 (to list/rattle off excuses) or 변명의 여지가 없다 (to have no room for excuses/no defense).
- Verb: 늘어놓다
- Used when someone gives many excuses one after another, often implying they are being annoying or dishonest.
- Verb: 대다
- A more colloquial way to say 'to give an excuse,' often used as '핑계를 대다' or '변명을 대다'.
- Phrase: 여지가 없다
- A formal way to admit complete fault. '변명의 여지가 없습니다' means 'I have no excuse for my actions.'
그는 잘못을 저지를 때마다 변명을 늘어놓는 습관이 있다. (He has a habit of rattling off excuses whenever he makes a mistake.)
When constructing sentences, 변명 is often preceded by a clause describing the fault using the pattern ~에 대한 변명 (an excuse for...) or ~(ㄴ/는)다는 변명 (the excuse that...). For example, "늦었다는 변명" (the excuse that one was late). In professional settings, if you are the one being accused, you might say "변명처럼 들리겠지만..." (It might sound like an excuse, but...) to soften the impact of your explanation.
이번 일은 제 실수이며, 변명의 여지가 없습니다. (This matter is my mistake, and there is no room for excuse.)
In interpersonal relationships, 변명 is a high-frequency word during arguments. If a partner or friend says "또 변명이야?" (Another excuse?), it indicates a breakdown in trust. To navigate this, one might say "변명하려는 게 아니라 상황을 설명하려는 거야" (I'm not trying to make an excuse, I'm trying to explain the situation). This distinction is crucial for maintaining relationships while still providing context for one's actions.
You will encounter 변명 in a variety of settings, from the high-stakes world of politics to the everyday drama of family life. In the media, particularly in news reports or political debates, 변명 is used to criticize public figures who fail to take responsibility for scandals or policy failures. A headline might read, "정부의 구차한 변명에 국민들 분노" (Citizens angry at the government's pitiful excuses).
- In K-Dramas
- Characters often scream "변명하지 마!" (Don't make excuses!) during emotional confrontations, usually when a betrayal is discovered.
- In the Workplace
- Managers use it to dismiss poor performance. "실적 부진에 대한 변명은 필요 없습니다." (No excuses for the poor performance are needed.)
- In Legal Contexts
- While 'defense' is '변호', a defendant's statement might be dismissed by a judge as a mere '변명'.
드라마에서 주인공이 "이건 변명이 아니라 해명이야!"라고 소리쳤다. (In the drama, the protagonist shouted, "This isn't an excuse, it's a clarification!")
In educational settings, teachers use it with students who haven't done their homework. "숙제를 안 가져온 것에 대해 어떤 변명을 할 거니?" (What excuse are you going to make for not bringing your homework?). It's also common in sports commentary when a team loses and the coach points to injuries or weather conditions; the commentators might label these as 변명 if they feel the team simply played poorly.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 변명 (Byeon-myeong) with 해명 (Hae-myeong). While both involve explaining a situation, 해명 is neutral or positive, focusing on clearing up a misunderstanding or providing facts. 변명 is usually defensive and implies a desire to escape blame. Using 변명 when you mean to offer a professional clarification can make you sound like you are admitting guilt while trying to hide it.
- Mistake 1: Confusing with '핑계'
- '핑계' is even more informal and often implies a flat-out lie or a very weak reason. '변명' is slightly more formal but still defensive.
- Mistake 2: Incorrect Particles
- Learners often say '변명을 위해' (for the sake of an excuse), but it's more natural to say '변명으로' (as an excuse) or '~에 대한 변명' (excuse for...).
❌ 오해를 변명하고 싶습니다. (I want to 'excuse' the misunderstanding.)
✅ 오해를 해명하고 싶습니다. (I want to 'clarify' the misunderstanding.)
Another common error is the over-reliance on 변명하다 in situations where a simple apology is more appropriate. In Korean culture, the 'why' is often less important than the 'I am sorry.' If you lead with a 변명, you might be perceived as lacking 반성 (reflection/remorse). Additionally, don't confuse 변명 with 변호 (legal defense). While they share the '변' root, 변호 is a professional legal act, whereas 변명 is a personal act of justification.
To truly master 변명, you must understand the spectrum of words used to explain actions in Korean. These range from the purely factual to the purely deceptive. Understanding these synonyms and near-synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right level of formality and intent.
- 핑계 (Ping-gye)
- The most common synonym. It is more colloquial and often implies a flimsy or made-up excuse. Used frequently with children or between close friends.
- 해명 (Hae-myeong)
- A formal clarification. Used in business, politics, or when clearing up a serious misunderstanding. It lacks the negative 'blame-avoiding' nuance of 변명.
- 사유 (Sa-yu)
- A formal, administrative word for 'reason' or 'cause.' You see this on forms (e.g., 결석 사유 - reason for absence).
- 이유 (I-yu)
- The general, neutral word for 'reason.' It is the safest word to use if you aren't sure of the nuance.
그는 아프다는 핑계를 대고 파티에 오지 않았다. (He used being sick as an excuse and didn't come to the party.)
There is also 자기합리화 (Jagi-hamni-hwa), which means 'self-rationalization.' This is a more psychological term for making excuses to oneself to feel better about a failure. While 변명 is usually directed at others, 자기합리화 is an internal process. Finally, 구실 (Gusil) refers to a pretext or a 'handle' used to start something or avoid something, often with a hidden motive.
How Formal Is It?
Nivel de dificultad
Gramática que debes saber
~기 위한 (In order to)
~ㄹ 여지가 없다 (No room for...)
~에 불과하다 (Nothing more than...)
~ㄴ/는다는 (The fact that...)
~기 바쁘다 (To be busy doing...)
Ejemplos por nivel
변명하지 마세요.
Don't make excuses.
Noun + -하지 마세요 (prohibition)
그것은 변명입니다.
That is an excuse.
Noun + -입니다 (polite ending)
변명이 많아요.
There are many excuses.
Noun + -이/가 많다
변명은 싫어요.
I hate excuses.
Noun + -은/는 싫다
이건 변명이에요?
Is this an excuse?
Noun + -이에요? (question)
작은 변명을 해요.
I make a small excuse.
Adjective + Noun + -을/를 하다
변명은 안 돼요.
Excuses are not allowed.
Noun + -은/는 안 된다
친구의 변명을 들어요.
I listen to my friend's excuse.
Possessive -의 + Noun
늦어서 변명을 했어요.
I was late, so I made an excuse.
-아서/어서 (reason/cause)
그의 변명은 이상해요.
His excuse is strange.
Noun + -은/는 + Adjective
변명할 시간이 없어요.
There is no time to make an excuse.
Verb-ㄹ/을 + Noun (future modifier)
어떤 변명도 하지 마.
Don't make any kind of excuse.
어떤 + Noun + -도 (any... even)
변명을 듣고 싶지 않아.
I don't want to hear excuses.
-고 싶지 않다 (don't want to)
숙제를 안 한 변명이에요.
It's an excuse for not doing homework.
Verb-ㄴ/은 (past modifier)
변명은 이제 그만하세요.
Stop with the excuses now.
이제 그만 (stop now)
그녀는 항상 변명을 대요.
She always gives excuses.
항상 (always) + 변명을 대다
변명처럼 들리겠지만 사실이에요.
It might sound like an excuse, but it's the truth.
-처럼 들리다 (sound like)
구차한 변명은 하지 않겠습니다.
I will not make pitiful excuses.
구차한 (pitiful) + -지 않겠습니다
그는 잘못을 변명으로 덮으려 했다.
He tried to cover up his mistake with an excuse.
-(으)려 하다 (intend to)
변명할 기회를 주시겠어요?
Would you give me a chance to explain/excuse myself?
Noun + -ㄹ 기회 (chance to...)
이것은 단순한 변명이 아닙니다.
This is not a simple excuse.
단순한 (simple) + -이/가 아니다
변명보다는 사과가 먼저입니다.
An apology comes before an excuse.
Noun + -보다는 (rather than)
그럴듯한 변명을 생각해 냈어요.
I thought of a plausible excuse.
그럴듯한 (plausible) + 생각해 내다
변명을 늘어놓는 것은 좋지 않아요.
Rattling off excuses is not good.
Noun + -는 것은 좋지 않다
이번 일에 대해서는 변명의 여지가 없습니다.
There is no room for excuse regarding this matter.
변명의 여지가 없다 (idiom)
그의 변명은 오히려 화를 돋우었다.
His excuse actually made [me] angrier.
오히려 (rather/on the contrary)
변명으로 일관하는 태도는 실망스럽다.
An attitude of consistently making excuses is disappointing.
-으로 일관하다 (to be consistent with)
치졸한 변명으로 책임을 회피하지 마세요.
Don't evade responsibility with petty excuses.
책임을 회피하다 (evade responsibility)
그녀의 변명은 논리적으로 맞지 않는다.
Her excuse does not make logical sense.
논리적으로 (logically)
변명할 바를 모르겠습니다.
I don't know what excuse to make / I am at a loss for words.
-ㄹ 바를 모르다 (not know what to...)
상황을 모면하기 위한 변명일 뿐이다.
It's just an excuse to escape the situation.
-기 위한 (in order to) + -일 뿐이다
그는 자신의 실수를 변명하기 바빴다.
He was busy making excuses for his mistake.
-하기 바쁘다 (be busy doing)
그의 발언은 구차한 변명에 지나지 않는다.
His remarks are nothing more than a pitiful excuse.
-에 지나지 않는다 (nothing more than)
변명의 여지조차 주어지지 않은 채 해고되었다.
He was fired without even being given a chance to explain.
-조차 (even) + -ㄴ 채 (while/in the state of)
자기합리화를 위한 변명은 성장을 방해한다.
Excuses for self-rationalization hinder growth.
방해하다 (hinder/interfere)
그는 변명 대신 묵묵히 책임을 졌다.
Instead of making excuses, he silently took responsibility.
Noun + 대신 (instead of)
어설픈 변명은 불신을 키울 뿐이다.
Clumsy excuses only increase distrust.
불신 (distrust) + 키우다 (grow/increase)
이것은 변명이 아니라 정당한 사유의 제시입니다.
This is not an excuse, but the presentation of a legitimate reason.
정당한 사유 (legitimate reason)
변명으로 점철된 그의 인생은 초라했다.
His life, riddled with excuses, was pathetic.
-으로 점철되다 (be riddled/studded with)
그 어떤 변명도 그의 잘못을 씻을 수 없다.
No excuse can wash away his wrongdoing.
씻을 수 없다 (cannot wash away/atone)
피고인의 변명은 법리적으로 타당성을 결여하고 있다.
The defendant's justification lacks legal validity.
법리적으로 (legally/juridically) + 결여하다 (lack)
역사의 심판 앞에서 변명은 무의미할 뿐이다.
Before the judgment of history, excuses are merely meaningless.
역사의 심판 (judgment of history)
그는 변명의 수사학 뒤에 진실을 숨겼다.
He hid the truth behind the rhetoric of excuses.
수사학 (rhetoric)
변명은 나약한 인간이 선택하는 가장 쉬운 도피처다.
Excuses are the easiest refuge chosen by weak humans.
도피처 (refuge/escape)
그의 사과는 변명으로 오염되어 진정성을 잃었다.
His apology was contaminated by excuses and lost its sincerity.
오염되다 (be contaminated)
변명할 여지가 전무한 상황에서 그는 침묵을 택했다.
In a situation with absolutely no room for excuse, he chose silence.
전무하다 (to be non-existent)
국가적 재난 앞에 정부의 변명은 공허한 메아리였다.
In the face of a national disaster, the government's excuses were hollow echoes.
공허한 메아리 (hollow echo)
인간은 변명을 통해 자신의 실존적 불안을 잠재우려 한다.
Humans try to calm their existential anxiety through excuses.
실존적 불안 (existential anxiety)
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Neutral/Positive clarification vs. Negative/Defensive excuse.
Informal/Childish vs. General/Slightly more formal.
Legal defense vs. Personal excuse.
Modismos y expresiones
Fácil de confundir
Patrones de oraciones
Cómo usarlo
Is the reason valid? If yes, use '이유'. Is it defensive? Use '변명'. Is it formal? Use '해명'.
Lower status people should avoid '변명' when talking to higher status people.
- Using '변명' when you should use '해명' in a professional setting.
- Saying '변명을 위해' instead of '변명으로' or '변명하려고'.
- Forgetting to add '하다' when using it as a verb.
- Using '변명' to describe a positive reason for success.
- Assuming '변명' and '핑계' are exactly the same (핑계 is more informal).
Consejos
Apology First
In Korea, always apologize before giving a '변명'. If you give the excuse first, people will think you aren't really sorry. Start with '죄송합니다' (I'm sorry) and then use '사실은...' (Actually...) to explain. This makes your explanation sound more like a 'haemyeong' (clarification) than a 'byeonmyeong' (excuse).
Learn the Collocations
Don't just learn '변명'. Learn it with '늘어놓다' (rattle off) or '여지가 없다' (no room). These pairings make you sound much more like a native speaker. Native speakers rarely use '변명' in isolation. They use these specific patterns to convey emotion and intensity.
Particle Choice
Use '변명으로' when you want to say 'as an excuse'. For example, '그는 아프다는 것을 변명으로 학교에 안 갔다' (He used being sick as an excuse not to go to school). This is a common way to show the purpose of the excuse. It's a more advanced structure than just using '변명하다'.
Tone Matters
Listen to the speaker's tone when they say '변명'. If it's high-pitched and fast, they are likely making an excuse. If it's low and slow, they might be accusing someone else. Tone provides the context that the word itself might not fully convey in a fast conversation.
Formal Reports
In business reports, avoid '변명'. Use '사유' (reason) or '원인 분석' (cause analysis). '변명' sounds too personal and defensive for a professional document. If you must explain a failure, focus on the facts and the steps you will take to fix it, rather than the 'excuse'.
Softening the Blow
If you need to explain yourself, start with '변명처럼 들리겠지만...' (It might sound like an excuse, but...). This shows that you are self-aware and know how you might be perceived. It's a polite way to ask for the listener's patience while you explain your side of the story.
Don't Overuse It
If you use the word '변명' too often to describe your own actions, you will sound like someone who never takes responsibility. Use '이유' (reason) for your own actions and '변명' only when you are being very humble or when describing someone else's defensive behavior. Balance is key to sounding natural.
Hanja Insights
Remember the Hanja: 辨 (distinguish) + 明 (clear). It's about trying to 'clear' your name. If you keep this in mind, you'll understand why it's used in situations where someone's reputation or guilt is at stake. It's more than just a 'reason'; it's a 'defense' of one's character.
TOPIK Tip
'변명' often appears in the listening and reading sections of the TOPIK II exam. It's usually in dialogues where two people are arguing or in essays about social responsibility. Recognizing the negative nuance of the word can help you quickly identify the speaker's attitude or the main theme of the text.
Excuses vs. Reasons
Always ask yourself: 'Is this a fact everyone agrees on?' If yes, it's an '이유'. 'Is this my personal attempt to not get in trouble?' If yes, it's a '변명'. Making this distinction in your head will help you choose the right word every time and avoid social awkwardness in Korea.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine someone in a 'BYEON' (van) trying to 'MYEONG' (make clear) why they hit a pole. They are making a 'BYEON-MYEONG' (excuse).
Origen de la palabra
Sino-Korean (Hanja)
Contexto cultural
News outlets use '변명' to criticize politicians, signaling to the public that the official is lying.
The term '내로남불' (If I do it, it's romance; if you do it, it's an affair) is often used when someone's '변명' is hypocritical.
Koreans often prefer a silent bow or a simple '죄송합니다' over a detailed '변명'.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Inicios de conversación
"왜 늦었는지 변명이라도 해봐."
"그 사람의 변명을 믿으세요?"
"변명 없이 사과하는 게 그렇게 어렵나요?"
"가장 어이없었던 변명은 뭐였어요?"
"변명과 해명의 차이가 뭐라고 생각하세요?"
Temas para diario
오늘 내가 했던 변명에 대해 써보세요.
누군가의 변명을 듣고 화가 났던 경험이 있나요?
변명하지 않고 책임을 졌던 순간을 기록하세요.
내가 자주 대는 핑계나 변명은 무엇인가요?
변명이 필요한 상황과 필요 없는 상황을 비교해 보세요.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIn most cases, yes. It implies you are trying to avoid blame. However, it can be neutral in technical or legal contexts where a 'justification' is required. Generally, if you want to be positive, use '해명' (clarification). If you are talking about yourself, use '이유' (reason) to sound more objective.
'핑계' is much more informal and often implies the excuse is a lie or very weak. '변명' is the standard word for an excuse and can be used in formal settings. You would use '핑계' with friends or children, but '변명' in a workplace or a serious discussion.
The most natural and formal way is '변명의 여지가 없습니다.' This is a very useful phrase for business or formal apologies. It shows that you take full responsibility for your actions. Using this phrase can actually improve your image because it shows humility.
No, '변명' is specifically for explaining a mistake or failure. If you have a good reason for a success, you should use '이유' (reason) or '비결' (secret to success). Using '변명' for something positive would sound very strange to a native speaker.
Yes, it is very common. You will hear it in dramas, news, and daily life. It is the standard way to say 'to make an excuse.' It follows all the normal rules for '하다' verbs. It is a B1 level word, meaning it's essential for intermediate learners.
This is a strong command. The best response is usually to stop explaining and simply apologize. You might say '죄송합니다. 제 잘못입니다' (I'm sorry. It's my fault). Trying to explain further after being told this will usually make the situation worse.
'구차한' means pitiful, lame, or miserable. So a '구차한 변명' is an excuse that is so weak or pathetic that it makes the person giving it look bad. It's a common collocation used to criticize someone who won't admit their mistakes.
Yes, but the lawyer's work is called '변호' (defense). The defendant's own explanation might be called a '변명' if the judge or prosecutor thinks they are just making things up. In a legal context, '소명' is often used for a formal explanation of facts.
'변명을 하다' is the general term. '변명을 대다' is slightly more colloquial and often implies that the person is 'providing' or 'pointing to' an excuse. They are mostly interchangeable, but '대다' feels a bit more like 'using' an excuse.
At the B1 level, you are moving beyond simple facts and starting to describe social interactions and feelings. '변명' is a key word for describing conflict, responsibility, and social nuances in Korean. It helps you understand the 'why' behind people's actions in more complex stories.
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Summary
While '변명' translates to 'excuse,' using it in Korean culture requires caution; leading with an excuse rather than an apology can be perceived as insincere. Master the phrase '변명의 여지가 없다' for high-level formal apologies.
- A noun meaning 'excuse' or 'justification' for a mistake.
- Often implies deflecting blame rather than taking responsibility.
- Commonly paired with verbs like '하다' (to do) or '늘어놓다' (to rattle off).
- More formal than '핑계' but less objective than '해명'.
Apology First
In Korea, always apologize before giving a '변명'. If you give the excuse first, people will think you aren't really sorry. Start with '죄송합니다' (I'm sorry) and then use '사실은...' (Actually...) to explain. This makes your explanation sound more like a 'haemyeong' (clarification) than a 'byeonmyeong' (excuse).
Learn the Collocations
Don't just learn '변명'. Learn it with '늘어놓다' (rattle off) or '여지가 없다' (no room). These pairings make you sound much more like a native speaker. Native speakers rarely use '변명' in isolation. They use these specific patterns to convey emotion and intensity.
Particle Choice
Use '변명으로' when you want to say 'as an excuse'. For example, '그는 아프다는 것을 변명으로 학교에 안 갔다' (He used being sick as an excuse not to go to school). This is a common way to show the purpose of the excuse. It's a more advanced structure than just using '변명하다'.
Tone Matters
Listen to the speaker's tone when they say '변명'. If it's high-pitched and fast, they are likely making an excuse. If it's low and slow, they might be accusing someone else. Tone provides the context that the word itself might not fully convey in a fast conversation.
Ejemplo
늦은 것에 대해 변명할 게 없어요.
Contenido relacionado
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
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살갑다
B22