실험 (sil-heom) means 'experiment'. Think of a science class in school. When you mix blue and yellow paint to see green, that is a small '실험'. In A1, you just need to know that it is a noun and you use it with '해요' (do). '실험해요' means 'I do an experiment'. It is a word for learning new things by trying them. You might see it in simple books about science or nature.
At the A2 level, you should know that '실험' is a noun used for testing things. Common phrases include '과학 실험' (science experiment) and '실험실' (laboratory). You can use it to talk about school activities: '어제 학교에서 실험을 했어요' (I did an experiment at school yesterday). You should also distinguish it from '시험' (test/exam). '실험' is for discovery, while '시험' is for checking your knowledge.
For B1 learners, '실험' is a key word for discussing technology, science, and social issues. You should be able to use collocations like '실험 결과' (experiment results) and '실험에 성공하다/실패하다' (to succeed/fail in an experiment). You will see this word in news articles about new medicines or environmental studies. It's also used for 'social experiments' (사회 실험), which are popular on the internet. You should understand that it implies a systematic process.
At B2, you should understand the adjectival form '실험적' (experimental). This is used to describe avant-garde art, innovative business models, or new social policies. You should be able to use '실험' in formal writing, using verbs like '실시하다' (conduct) or '수행하다' (perform). You should also understand related terms like '대조군' (control group) and '실험군' (experimental group) in the context of a '실험'.
C1 learners should be comfortable with '실험' in highly academic and professional contexts. This includes understanding the nuances between '실험' (experiment), '실증' (empirical proof), and '검증' (verification). You should be able to discuss the ethics of '동물 실험' (animal testing) or '임상 실험' (clinical trials) using sophisticated vocabulary. The word '실험' here represents the empirical foundation of the modern scientific method and critical thinking.
At the C2 level, '실험' is used to discuss philosophical concepts of empiricism and the evolution of human knowledge. You can analyze how '실험적 시도' (experimental attempts) drive paradigm shifts in science and society. You should be able to use the word metaphorically in literature or high-level political discourse, discussing the 'grand social experiments' of history. Your mastery includes understanding all derivative forms and their subtle connotations in various professional fields.

실험 en 30 segundos

  • 실험 (sil-heom) is the Korean word for 'experiment,' commonly used in science, technology, and creative fields.
  • It is a noun that pairs with verbs like '하다' (to do) and '실시하다' (to conduct).
  • Do not confuse it with '경험' (experience) or '시험' (exam/test).
  • It can be used metaphorically to describe innovative or avant-garde attempts in art and society.

The Korean word 실험 (Sil-heom) is a fundamental noun that translates directly to 'experiment' or 'test' in English. Etymologically rooted in Hanja, the character 實 (실) represents 'reality,' 'truth,' or 'fruit,' while 驗 (험) signifies 'testing' or 'examining.' Together, they describe the act of testing reality to find the truth. In a scientific context, it refers to the systematic procedure of investigating a hypothesis. However, its usage extends far beyond the laboratory, touching upon social trials, personal attempts at new lifestyles, and technological beta testing.

Scientific Context
A controlled procedure to validate or refute a hypothesis. Example: 화학 실험 (Chemistry experiment).
Social Context
Testing new policies or social behaviors. Example: 사회적 실험 (Social experiment).
Personal Context
Trying something new to see the result. Example: 새로운 요리 실험 (New cooking experiment).

"과학자는 가설을 증명하기 위해 수많은 실험을 반복했다." (The scientist repeated numerous experiments to prove the hypothesis.)

When we look at the word's depth, it implies a sense of uncertainty and the possibility of failure, which is inherent in the process of discovery. Unlike '경험' (experience), which focuses on the accumulation of past events, '실험' focuses on the active, forward-looking process of trial. It is the bridge between a theoretical idea and a proven fact. In modern Korean society, this word is frequently used in the tech industry when discussing 'A/B testing' or 'pilot programs,' often referred to as '실험적 단계' (experimental stage).

"이것은 단순한 제품이 아니라 하나의 실험입니다." (This is not just a product, but an experiment.)

The nuances of '실험' also include '실험실' (laboratory) and '실험체' (test subject). In literature and film, '실험' often carries a weight of ethical responsibility, especially when discussing human subjects or environmental impacts. The word evokes a sense of curiosity, precision, and rigorous methodology. It is not just about 'trying' (시도); it is about 'testing' with a specific purpose or metric in mind. Whether it's a child mixing colors in a classroom or a physicist smashing atoms in a collider, '실험' is the core engine of human progress.

"우리는 새로운 근무 형태에 대한 실험을 시작했습니다." (We have started an experiment on a new form of working.)

Academic Usage
Used in research papers to describe the methodology section.
Artistic Usage
Used to describe avant-garde or 'experimental' art (실험 예술).

"실험 결과가 예상과 다르게 나왔다." (The experiment results came out differently than expected.)

To master this word, one must understand that it is a 'high-frequency' noun. It appears in news headlines daily, especially regarding medicine, technology, and social policy. It is a neutral word, but its context can make it sound clinical or adventurous. For instance, '실험 정신' (experimental spirit) is a highly positive trait in creative industries, suggesting a willingness to innovate and take risks. In contrast, '위험한 실험' (dangerous experiment) warns of potential negative consequences. Understanding these collocations is key to reaching B1 and B2 proficiency levels in Korean.

"그의 음악은 매우 실험적이다." (His music is very experimental.)

Using 실험 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical partners. As a noun, it most frequently functions as the object of a sentence. The most common verb construction is 실험을 하다 (to do an experiment). For more formal writing, such as in a thesis or a news report, 실험을 실시하다 (to conduct/carry out an experiment) or 실험을 수행하다 (to perform an experiment) are preferred.

Verb Pairings
실험을 설계하다 (to design an experiment), 실험을 중단하다 (to stop an experiment), 실험에 성공하다 (to succeed in an experiment).

When you want to describe something as 'experimental,' you add the suffix -적 to create the adjective 실험적 (sil-heom-jeok). This is used to describe art, music, or new methods. For example, '실험적인 시도' (an experimental attempt). If you want to describe the location where an experiment takes place, you use 실험실 (sil-heom-sil), which literally means 'experiment room' or lab.

"우리는 연구소에서 새로운 실험을 계획하고 있다." (We are planning a new experiment at the research center.)

In terms of particles, 실험을 통해 (through an experiment) is a very common way to introduce the source of information or a discovery. '실험을 통해 밝혀졌다' (It was revealed through an experiment) is a classic phrase in scientific reporting. Another important particle usage is 실험에 참여하다 (to participate in an experiment), used when talking about human subjects or volunteers.

Furthermore, '실험' can be used metaphorically. In a relationship, one might say '우리의 관계는 지금 실험 단계야' (Our relationship is in an experimental stage right now), implying that they are testing the waters. In politics, a new law might be called a '정책 실험' (policy experiment). This versatility makes it a powerful word for expressing the concept of 'trial and error' (시행착오).

"이 약은 아직 실험 단계에 있습니다." (This medicine is still in the experimental stage.)

When discussing the results of an experiment, you use 실험 결과. If the results are consistent, you might say '실험 결과가 일관적이다.' If they are surprising, '실험 결과가 놀랍다.' The word is also central to the 'Scientific Method' (과학적 방법), which is taught early in Korean schools, making the word familiar even to children.

You will encounter 실험 in several distinct environments. The most obvious is the academic and scientific world. In universities (대학교) and research institutes (연구소), this word is the bread and butter of daily conversation. Students will talk about their '실험 보고서' (lab reports) and '실험 수업' (lab classes). Professors will discuss '실험 데이터' (experimental data).

News & Media
Reports on medical breakthroughs, new technology, or social studies often start with "최근 한 실험에 따르면..." (According to a recent experiment...).
Schools
Science textbooks are filled with '탐구 실험' (inquiry experiments).

In the technology and startup sector, '실험' is used to describe the iterative process of product development. You'll hear developers talk about '실험적인 기능' (experimental features) that are being tested in a beta version. This is often linked to the concept of 'innovation' (혁신).

"유튜브는 새로운 UI를 실험 중입니다." (YouTube is experimenting with a new UI.)

Another common place is documentaries and educational TV shows. Shows like '호기심 천국' (Curiosity Heaven) or various science channels on YouTube frequently use the word as they conduct '사회 실험' (social experiments) to see how people react to certain situations in public. These social experiments are a huge trend in Korean digital media.

Lastly, you'll hear it in the arts and fashion. When a designer tries a radical new style that hasn't been seen before, critics will call it '실험적인 패션' (experimental fashion). In this context, it carries a connotation of being 'avant-garde' or 'boundary-pushing.' It suggests that the creator is not afraid of the '실패' (failure) that might come with such a bold '실험'.

The most frequent mistake learners make is confusing 실험 (sil-heom) with 경험 (gyeong-heom). While they look and sound similar, their meanings are distinct. '경험' refers to 'experience'—the things you have lived through or the skills you have gained over time. '실험' is a 'test' or 'experiment'—a specific action taken to see what happens.

Wrong
나는 외국에서 사는 실험을 했다. (I did an experiment of living abroad.) - Unless you were a scientist studying yourself!
Right
나는 외국에서 사는 경험을 했다. (I had the experience of living abroad.)

Another mistake is using the wrong verb. While '실험을 만들다' (to make an experiment) might be understood, it is not natural. You should use '실험을 설계하다' (to design) or '실험을 준비하다' (to prepare). Similarly, '실험을 듣다' (to hear/take an experiment) is incorrect; for a lab class, you would say '실험 수업을 듣다'.

"실험을 하다" (Correct) vs "실험을 시도하다" (Also correct, but means 'to attempt an experiment').

Learners also sometimes confuse 시험 (si-heom) and 실험 (sil-heom). '시험' usually means an 'exam' or 'test' that a student takes to get a grade, or a 'test' of one's ability. '실험' is a scientific or exploratory test. If you say "내일 과학 실험이 있어요," it means you have a lab. If you say "내일 과학 시험이 있어요," it means you have a science exam.

Finally, be careful with the word 실습 (sil-seup). This means 'practical training' or 'internship.' While it involves doing things practically like an experiment, '실습' is about learning a known skill (like a nursing student in a hospital), whereas '실험' is about discovering something new or testing a theory.

To truly understand 실험, it helps to compare it with its linguistic cousins. These words often appear in the same contexts but carry different shades of meaning.

연구 (Yeon-gu) - Research
This is a broader term. An experiment (실험) is often a part of research (연구). Research involves reading, analyzing, and experimenting.
조사 (Jo-sa) - Investigation/Survey
This usually involves gathering existing data or asking people questions. You 'investigate' a crime scene or 'survey' public opinion.
검사 (Geom-sa) - Inspection/Examination/Test
This is used for medical tests (blood test) or checking if a machine works correctly. It's about checking the status of something rather than testing a new hypothesis.

"그는 암 연구를 위해 새로운 실험을 시작했다." (He started a new experiment for cancer research.)

Another related word is 시도 (Si-do), which means 'attempt' or 'try.' While an experiment is a type of attempt, '시도' is much more general. You can '시도' to climb a mountain, but you wouldn't call it a '실험' unless you were testing a new climbing technique or equipment.

Lastly, consider 검증 (Geom-jeung), which means 'verification.' This is the step that happens after or through an experiment. You conduct an experiment to '검증' (verify) whether your theory is correct. In the news, you might hear about '교차 검증' (cross-verification), which often involves repeating an experiment to ensure the results are reliable.

How Formal Is It?

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

~을 통해 (Through...)

~기 위해 (In order to...)

~적 (Suffix for making adjectives)

~실 (Suffix for rooms/places)

~다가 (Interruption of action)

Ejemplos por nivel

1

학교에서 과학 실험을 해요.

I do a science experiment at school.

Noun + 을/를 + 해요 (Object marker + do)

2

이 실험은 재미있어요.

This experiment is fun.

Subject marker -은/는

3

실험실은 어디에 있어요?

Where is the laboratory?

실험실 (실험 + 실/room)

4

우리는 오늘 실험을 합니다.

We are doing an experiment today.

Formal ending -합니다

5

실험이 끝났어요.

The experiment is finished.

Past tense -았/었어요

6

선생님이 실험을 보여줘요.

The teacher shows an experiment.

보여주다 (to show)

7

실험은 어려워요?

Is the experiment difficult?

Question form

8

작은 실험을 시작해요.

Start a small experiment.

Adjective + Noun

1

어제 화학 실험을 하다가 실수했어요.

I made a mistake while doing a chemistry experiment yesterday.

-다가 (while doing something and then...)

2

실험 결과를 기다리고 있어요.

I am waiting for the experiment results.

-고 있다 (progressive)

3

이것은 아주 중요한 실험이에요.

This is a very important experiment.

중요한 (important)

4

실험실에서는 조심해야 해요.

You must be careful in the laboratory.

-아야/어야 하다 (must)

5

새로운 요리 실험을 해봤어요.

I tried a new cooking experiment.

-아/어 보다 (to try doing)

6

실험 보고서를 써야 합니다.

I have to write a lab report.

보고서 (report)

7

실험이 성공해서 기뻐요.

I'm happy because the experiment was successful.

-아서/어서 (because)

8

동물 실험에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?

What do you think about animal testing?

~에 대해 (about)

1

과학자들은 새로운 백신을 개발하기 위해 실험을 반복했다.

Scientists repeated experiments to develop a new vaccine.

-기 위해 (in order to)

2

이 가설은 실험을 통해 증명되었습니다.

This hypothesis was proven through an experiment.

~을 통해 (through)

3

그 영화는 매우 실험적인 기법을 사용했다.

That movie used very experimental techniques.

실험적인 (experimental)

4

사회 실험을 통해 사람들의 심리를 분석합니다.

We analyze people's psychology through social experiments.

분석하다 (to analyze)

5

실험 데이터가 정확하지 않으면 의미가 없어요.

If the experimental data is not accurate, it's meaningless.

-면 (if)

6

우리는 환경 보호를 위한 새로운 실험을 시작했다.

We started a new experiment for environmental protection.

보호 (protection)

7

실험에 참여할 자원봉사자를 모집합니다.

We are recruiting volunteers to participate in the experiment.

모집하다 (to recruit)

8

그의 주장은 실험적으로 검증되지 않았다.

His claim has not been experimentally verified.

검증되다 (to be verified)

1

정부는 새로운 교육 정책을 일부 지역에서 실험적으로 시행하기로 했다.

The government decided to implement the new education policy experimentally in some regions.

시행하다 (to implement)

2

실험군과 대조군의 차이를 명확하게 분석해야 합니다.

The difference between the experimental group and the control group must be clearly analyzed.

실험군 (experimental group) vs 대조군 (control group)

3

이 연구는 실험 설계 단계에서부터 오류가 있었다.

This research had errors from the experiment design stage.

~에서부터 (from...)

4

현대 미술은 전통적인 틀을 깨는 실험적 시도를 지속해 왔다.

Modern art has continued experimental attempts to break traditional frameworks.

지속해 오다 (to have continued)

5

임상 실험의 결과가 긍정적으로 나타나고 있습니다.

The results of the clinical trials are appearing positive.

임상 실험 (clinical trial)

6

실험 과정에서 발생할 수 있는 변수를 통제하는 것이 중요하다.

It is important to control variables that may occur during the experiment process.

변수 (variable), 통제하다 (to control)

7

그 작가는 언어에 대한 실험을 통해 독특한 문체를 완성했다.

The author completed a unique writing style through experiments with language.

문체 (writing style)

8

실험의 객관성을 유지하기 위해 이중 맹검법을 사용했다.

A double-blind method was used to maintain the objectivity of the experiment.

객관성 (objectivity), 이중 맹검법 (double-blind method)

1

과학적 지식의 진보는 끊임없는 가설 설정과 실험적 검증의 산물이다.

The progress of scientific knowledge is the product of constant hypothesis setting and experimental verification.

산물 (product/result)

2

윤리적 가이드라인을 준수하지 않은 실험은 학계에서 인정받을 수 없다.

Experiments that do not comply with ethical guidelines cannot be recognized in academia.

준수하다 (to comply), 인정받다 (to be recognized)

3

이 논문은 기존의 실험 방식을 획기적으로 개선한 사례로 평가받는다.

This paper is evaluated as a case that drastically improved existing experimental methods.

획기적으로 (drastically/groundbreakingly)

4

사회적 대타협을 위한 실험적 모델이 성공적으로 안착했다.

The experimental model for social grand compromise has successfully taken root.

안착하다 (to settle/take root)

5

양자 역학의 기묘한 현상들은 정밀한 실험을 통해 하나씩 밝혀지고 있다.

The strange phenomena of quantum mechanics are being revealed one by one through precise experiments.

정밀한 (precise)

6

연구진은 실험 오차를 최소화하기 위해 첨단 장비를 도입했다.

The research team introduced advanced equipment to minimize experimental errors.

오차 (error), 최소화하다 (to minimize)

7

실험 데이터의 조작은 과학계에서 가장 심각한 범죄로 간주된다.

Manipulation of experimental data is considered the most serious crime in the scientific community.

조작 (manipulation), 간주되다 (to be considered)

8

그 철학자는 사고 실험을 통해 도덕적 딜레마를 탐구했다.

The philosopher explored moral dilemmas through thought experiments.

사고 실험 (thought experiment)

1

인류 역사는 끊임없는 시행착오와 거대한 사회적 실험의 연속이라 할 수 있다.

Human history can be said to be a succession of constant trial and error and massive social experiments.

연속 (succession/continuity)

2

실험적 방법론의 한계를 인식하는 것이야말로 진정한 과학적 태도의 시작이다.

Recognizing the limitations of experimental methodology is the very beginning of a true scientific attitude.

방법론 (methodology), ~이야말로 (precisely/truly)

3

이 실험은 패러다임의 전환을 예고하는 결정적인 증거를 제시했다.

This experiment presented decisive evidence foretelling a paradigm shift.

패러다임의 전환 (paradigm shift)

4

예술적 실험이 보편적 공감을 얻기 위해서는 시대적 맥락과의 조화가 필요하다.

For artistic experiments to gain universal sympathy, harmony with the context of the times is necessary.

보편적 공감 (universal sympathy)

5

유전자 편집 기술의 실험적 적용은 인류에게 전례 없는 윤리적 난제를 던져주었다.

The experimental application of gene-editing technology has posed unprecedented ethical dilemmas for humanity.

전례 없는 (unprecedented)

6

실험실 내부의 통제된 환경과 복잡다단한 현실 세계 사이의 괴리를 좁히는 것이 과제다.

The task is to narrow the gap between the controlled environment inside the lab and the complex real world.

괴리 (gap/discrepancy)

7

그의 연구는 실험 심리학의 지평을 넓혔다는 찬사를 받았다.

His research received praise for broadening the horizons of experimental psychology.

지평을 넓히다 (to broaden horizons)

8

데이터의 통계적 유의미성을 확보하기 위한 실험 설계의 정밀함이 돋보인다.

The precision of the experiment design to secure the statistical significance of the data stands out.

유의미성 (significance), 돋보이다 (to stand out)

Sinónimos

Colocaciones comunes

실험을 하다 (To do an experiment)
실험을 실시하다 (To conduct an experiment)
실험 결과 (Experiment results)
실험 데이터 (Experimental data)
실험 보고서 (Lab report)
실험실 (Laboratory)
실험 대상 (Test subject)
실험 도구 (Experimental tools)
실험 단계 (Experimental stage)
실험 성공 (Experimental success)

Se confunde a menudo con

실험 vs 경험 (Experience)

실험 vs 시험 (Exam/Test)

실험 vs 실습 (Practical training)

Fácil de confundir

실험 vs

실험 vs

실험 vs

실험 vs

실험 vs

Patrones de oraciones

Cómo usarlo

nuance

실험 implies a controlled, purposeful test, unlike 시도 which is just a try.

formality

Highly versatile, used from kindergarten to PhD level.

Errores comunes
  • Using '실험' when you mean '경험' (experience).
  • Using '실험' when you mean '시험' (exam).
  • Saying '실험을 만들다' instead of '실험을 설계하다'.
  • Confusing '실험' with '실습' (practical training).
  • Mispronouncing it as '시럼' or '시험'.

Consejos

Lab Vocabulary

Learn words like 비커 (beaker), 현미경 (microscope), and 가운 (lab coat) along with 실험.

Adjective Form

Add -적 to nouns like 실험 to make them adjectives (실험적). This is a common pattern in Korean.

Pronunciation

Practice the transition between '실' and '험'. The 'h' sound should be light but audible.

Science Fairs

Korea has many science fairs. Knowing '실험' will help you understand posters and presentations.

Metaphor

Use '실험' to describe your journey of learning Korean—it's an experiment in communication!

Formal Reports

Use '실시하다' (conduct) for a more professional tone in academic writing.

News Keywords

When you hear '실험', listen for '결과' (result) and '발표' (announcement) nearby.

Hanja Root

Remember 實 (Real). Many words starting with '실' relate to reality or practice.

YouTube Trends

Search for '사회 실험' on Korean YouTube to see the word used in real-life contexts.

Debate

The phrase '동물 실험 반대' (against animal testing) is a good one for intermediate debates.

Memorízalo

Origen de la palabra

Sino-Korean word. 'Sil' means fruit/reality/truth, and 'Heom' means to test or examine. Literally: 'Testing for the truth/reality.'

Contexto cultural

Social experiments are a popular genre of variety shows and digital content.

Increasing awareness of ethical standards in medical and cosmetic experiments.

Science labs are a staple of the Korean curriculum from elementary school.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"가장 기억에 남는 과학 실험이 뭐예요? (What is your most memorable science experiment?)"

"사회 실험 영상을 본 적이 있어요? (Have you seen social experiment videos?)"

"새로운 것을 배울 때 실험적인 방법을 좋아하세요? (Do you like experimental methods when learning something new?)"

"동물 실험에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about animal testing?)"

"요리할 때 실험을 자주 하는 편인가요? (Do you often experiment when cooking?)"

Temas para diario

오늘 내가 한 작은 실험에 대해 써보세요. (Write about a small experiment you did today.)

만약 내가 과학자라면 어떤 실험을 하고 싶은가요? (If you were a scientist, what experiment would you want to do?)

실험적인 삶이란 무엇이라고 생각하나요? (What do you think an experimental life is?)

실패했던 실험에서 배운 점은 무엇인가요? (What did you learn from an experiment that failed?)

우리 사회에 필요한 사회 실험은 무엇일까요? (What social experiment is needed in our society?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

실험 is a scientific experiment or trial to discover something. 시험 is an exam or test to measure ability or knowledge. You do an experiment (실험을 하다) but take an exam (시험을 보다).

Yes, if you are trying a new, unproven method or mixing strange ingredients, you can call it a '요리 실험' (cooking experiment).

Yes, it is very common. It is the verb form of 'experiment' (to experiment).

It means 'experimental.' It is used as an adjective to describe things that are new, innovative, or not yet established.

The most common word is '실험실' (sil-heom-sil). For a larger research institute, '연구소' (yeon-gu-so) is used.

It exists, but like in many countries, there is significant public debate and increasing regulation against '동물 실험'.

It is called '사회 실험' (sa-hoe sil-heom). It's a popular term for videos testing people's reactions.

Yes, a pilot program can be described as an '실험적 프로그램' or '시범 운영'.

It is '임상 실험' (im-sang sil-heom), often used in the context of medicine and vaccines.

You say '실험 결과' (sil-heom gyeol-gwa).

Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

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