At the A1 level, the word '재정' (jaejeong) might be too advanced for daily conversation, but it is good to recognize it as a word related to 'big money.' At this stage, you mostly learn the word '돈' (don), which means money. You use '돈' to buy snacks, pay for a bus, or talk about your allowance. However, you might see '재정' in very simple news headlines or on signs in a bank. Think of '재정' as the 'grown-up' or 'serious' version of money. While '돈' is the cash in your hand, '재정' is the money that a school or a city uses to build buildings or pay teachers. You don't need to use this word yet, but if you see it, just remember: it means 'finance' or 'management of money.' It's like the difference between saying 'I have money' and 'I have a financial plan.' For an A1 learner, focusing on '돈' is more important, but knowing that '재정' exists will help you understand that Korean has different words for money depending on how serious the situation is.
At the A2 level, you are starting to talk about more than just your immediate surroundings. You might talk about your job or your studies. '재정' (jaejeong) starts to become useful when you want to sound more formal. For example, if you are talking about a company's health, using '재정' sounds better than just saying 'money.' You might learn simple phrases like '재정 지원' (jaejeong jiwon), which means 'financial support.' If you are a student, you might hear about '재정 지원' from your university. You should also start to notice that '재정' is used with words like '상태' (state/condition). So, '재정 상태' means 'financial condition.' At this level, you should try to recognize the word when you read a simple article or listen to a formal announcement. You are moving beyond the basic 'I have money' and starting to understand that organizations have 'finances' that need to be managed. It is also a good time to learn that '재' in '재정' is the same '재' in '재산' (property/assets), which helps you build your vocabulary through Hanja roots.
At the B1 level, you are expected to understand and use '재정' (jaejeong) in professional or academic contexts. This is the level where you move from being a 'tourist' in the language to being a 'resident.' You should be able to discuss your '재정 상황' (financial situation) during a job interview or when talking to a bank clerk. You will encounter this word frequently in intermediate reading materials about society, economy, and government. You should understand that '재정' refers to the management of revenue and expenditure. It is the key word for 'public finance.' For instance, you might read about '국가 재정' (national finance) and how it affects taxes. You should also be able to distinguish '재정' from '금융' (banking/finance industry). While '금융' is about the movement of money through markets, '재정' is about the administration of money. Using '재정' correctly shows that you have a good grasp of formal Korean. You should practice using it in sentences like '회사의 재정이 어렵습니다' (The company's finances are difficult) instead of just saying the company has no money.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '재정' (jaejeong) in complex discussions about policy, business strategy, and social issues. You should be familiar with common collocations such as '재정 건전성' (financial soundness), '재정 위기' (financial crisis), and '재정 자립도' (financial independence rate). At this stage, you are likely reading newspapers or watching news reports where '재정' is a central term. You should understand how '재정' interacts with other economic concepts like '인플레이션' (inflation) or '실업률' (unemployment rate). For example, you should be able to explain how '재정 지출' (government spending) can stimulate the economy. Your ability to use '재정' as a modifier (e.g., '재정적 부담' - financial burden) should be natural. You should also be aware of the nuances between '재정' and '예산' (budget). While a budget is a specific plan, '재정' is the overall state of affairs. At B2, you are expected to use these terms accurately to express sophisticated opinions on topics like government welfare programs or corporate restructuring.
At the C1 level, your understanding of '재정' (jaejeong) should be near-native. You should understand its historical context and its role in legal and political frameworks. You can discuss '재정 정책' (fiscal policy) in depth, comparing it with '통화 정책' (monetary policy). You should be able to read academic papers on '재정학' (the study of public finance) and understand the intricacies of '지방 재정' (local government finance) vs. '중앙 재정' (central government finance). At this level, you also recognize the rhetorical use of the word. For instance, a politician might use '재정 건전성' as a buzzword to justify cutting social programs. You should be able to analyze such language critically. Your vocabulary should include advanced terms like '재정 파탄' (financial ruin/bankruptcy of a state), '재정 승수' (fiscal multiplier), and '재정 준칙' (fiscal rules). You can use '재정' in formal debates, writing persuasive essays, or giving professional presentations. You understand that '재정' isn't just about money; it's about the power, ethics, and sustainability of how resources are managed in a modern society.
At the C2 level, '재정' (jaejeong) is a tool you use with total precision and stylistic flair. You understand the most subtle connotations of the word in various registers. You can navigate the most complex legal and economic documents where '재정' is used in highly specialized ways (e.g., '재정 신청' in a legal context, though this uses a different Hanja, a C2 learner would know the distinction). You are familiar with historical '재정' reforms and can discuss them in the context of Korean economic development (like the 'Real-Name Financial Transaction System'). You can use the word in high-level literary or philosophical contexts to discuss the 'economy of life' or the 'finances of the soul' metaphorically. Your command of collocations is exhaustive, and you can create your own nuanced expressions using the word. You can effortlessly switch between discussing 'micro-finances' of a household and the 'macro-fiscal' stability of the eurozone or the East Asian bloc. At this level, '재정' is no longer a 'vocabulary word' to be studied; it is a fundamental concept through which you view and describe the structural reality of the world in Korean.

재정 en 30 segundos

  • 재정 (Jaejeong) means 'finance' or 'fiscal affairs,' specifically for governments and large organizations.
  • It is a formal word used to discuss budgets, financial health, and economic policies.
  • It is different from '돈' (daily money) and '금융' (the banking industry).
  • Commonly used in news, business reports, and academic discussions about the economy.

The Korean word 재정 (jaejeong) is a sophisticated noun that primarily translates to 'finance' or 'financial affairs.' While English speakers might use the word 'money' for almost everything, Korean distinguishes between physical cash (돈), the banking industry (금융), and the structural management of large-scale funds (재정). When you hear 재정, think about the machinery of money—how a government collects taxes and spends them, or how a massive corporation balances its multi-billion dollar budget. It is a word rooted in administration and governance, derived from the Hanja 財 (wealth/property) and 政 (government/politics). This combination perfectly encapsulates its meaning: the political or administrative management of wealth.

Scope of Usage
In South Korea, this word is a staple of the evening news. You will hear it when the National Assembly discusses the national budget, when a city is facing bankruptcy, or when a non-profit organization releases its annual transparency report. It is not a word you would typically use to describe the five dollars in your pocket, but you would use it to describe your overall 'financial health' or 'financial stability' if you were speaking in a professional or serious tone.
Formal Contexts
Because of its Hanja roots, 재정 carries an air of authority. It is used in academic papers, business proposals, and legal documents. If a company is undergoing a 'financial crisis,' the term used is 재정 위기. If a student is applying for 'financial support' from a university, they are looking for 재정 지원. Understanding this word is key to moving from intermediate to advanced Korean proficiency, as it allows you to discuss economic and social issues with precision.

정부는 국가 재정을 안정시키기 위해 새로운 정책을 발표했습니다.

Translation: The government announced a new policy to stabilize the national finance.

Beyond government, the word is increasingly used in personal contexts to sound more professional. Instead of saying 'I have no money,' a person might say 'My financial situation is difficult' using 재정 상태가 어렵다. This elevates the conversation from a simple statement of fact to a more analytical observation of one's economic circumstances. In a culture like Korea's, where social status and register (politeness levels) are reflected in vocabulary choices, using 재정 instead of in a business meeting shows that you possess a high level of education and professional decorum. It suggests you are looking at the 'big picture' of resources rather than just the immediate transaction. This word is also foundational for compound words like 재정학 (the study of public finance) and 재정적자 (fiscal deficit), which are essential for anyone reading a Korean newspaper or watching a documentary on the Korean economy.

우리 회사는 현재 재정 자립도가 매우 높습니다.

Translation: Our company currently has a very high level of financial independence.

Using 재정 correctly requires understanding its role as a formal noun. It rarely appears alone in casual conversation; instead, it is usually the subject or object of a sentence involving management, stability, or crisis. It often pairs with verbs like 확보하다 (to secure), 운영하다 (to manage/operate), and 악화되다 (to worsen). For instance, if a project is cancelled because there isn't enough money, you wouldn't say the 'money' is bad; you would say the 재정 상황 (financial situation) is the problem.

As a Subject
When 재정 is the subject, it usually describes a state. 재정이 튼튼하다 (The finances are strong/sound) or 재정이 바닥나다 (The finances have run dry). Notice how these expressions sound more formal than saying 'I have a lot of money' or 'I am broke.'
With Adjectives
Common adjectives include 건전한 (healthy/sound), 취약한 (weak/vulnerable), and 투명한 (transparent). A 'transparent financial system' (투명한 재정 시스템) is a frequent topic in Korean corporate governance discussions.

회사의 재정 상태를 점검해야 합니다.

Translation: We need to check the company's financial status.

In more complex sentences, 재정 acts as a modifier. For example, 재정적 지원 (financial support) uses the suffix '-적' to turn the noun into an adjective. This is how you would describe scholarships, government bailouts, or family help in a formal context. If you are writing a report or a formal email, using these structures is vital. For example, 'I need financial help' becomes 'I require financial support' (재정적인 도움이 필요합니다). Furthermore, in the context of government, 재정 is often linked to the word 지출 (expenditure). 재정 지출을 줄이다 means to reduce government spending, a phrase common in political debates about austerity. By mastering these patterns, you can discuss complex economic concepts that are part of the daily discourse in Korea, from the 'fiscal cliff' to 'budget surpluses.'

그 나라는 심각한 재정 위기에 처해 있습니다.

Translation: That country is facing a serious financial crisis.

If you turn on the news in Seoul, you are guaranteed to hear 재정 within the first fifteen minutes. It is the language of the state. News anchors use it to describe the 국가 재정 (national finance) when discussing tax hikes or welfare programs. In the business section of the newspaper (like the Maeil Business Newspaper or Korea Economic Daily), 재정 is used to analyze the health of chaebols (large conglomerates like Samsung or Hyundai). When a company is doing well, they talk about 재정 건전성 (financial soundness). When a company is struggling, they talk about 재정 악화 (financial deterioration).

The Workplace
In a Korean office, particularly in the accounting (회계) or planning (기획) departments, 재정 is a daily word. Managers will ask for a 재정 보고서 (financial report) or discuss the 재정 계획 (financial plan) for the next quarter. It sounds much more professional than just asking 'how much money do we have?'
Education and Non-Profits
Universities and NGOs often use this word to describe their funding. A university might struggle with 재정난 (financial difficulties) due to a decreasing student population. An NGO will emphasize their 재정 투명성 (financial transparency) to attract donors.

정부는 교육 재정을 확충하기로 했습니다.

Translation: The government decided to expand education finances.

You will also encounter this word in documentaries and podcasts focusing on history or social issues. For example, historians might discuss the 재정 개혁 (financial reform) of the Joseon Dynasty. In modern social discourse, people discuss 지방 재정 (local/provincial finance) and how it affects the quality of life in rural areas compared to Seoul. Even in dramas, especially those set in the corporate world (like 'Misaeng' or 'Search: WWW'), characters will use this word during high-stakes board meetings to discuss the viability of a new project. It is a word that signals seriousness, scale, and systematic thinking. While you might not use it while buying coffee at a convenience store, you will definitely need it to understand the forces that shape Korean society and the global economy.

이번 사업은 재정상의 이유로 중단되었습니다.

Translation: This project was suspended for financial reasons.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Korean is overusing the general word for money, , in formal contexts where 재정 would be much more appropriate. Conversely, some learners try to sound 'smart' by using 재정 in casual situations where it sounds bizarrely stiff. For example, telling a friend 'I have a financial crisis' (나에게 재정 위기가 왔어) sounds like you are a small country or a corporation, rather than just a person who forgot their wallet. In that case, you should just say 돈이 없어 (I don't have money).

Confusing 재정 (Finance) with 재산 (Assets/Property)
재정 refers to the flow and management of money (income and expenditure), while 재산 refers to what you own (houses, cars, land, stocks). You have 'assets' (재산), but a government manages 'finances' (재정).
Confusing 재정 (Finance) with 금융 (Banking/Financial Industry)
금융 is about the circulation of money through banks and markets (loans, interest, stock trading). 재정 is more about the administrative side of money, particularly in the public sector or the structural health of an organization. You go to a 금융 기관 (financial institution/bank), but the government creates a 재정 정책 (fiscal policy).

Incorrect: 제 재정은 서울에 있는 아파트입니다. (My finance is an apartment in Seoul.)
Correct: 제 재산은 서울에 있는 아파트입니다. (My asset is an apartment in Seoul.)

Another mistake is the misapplication of particles. Since 재정 is an abstract noun, it usually takes the subject particle -이/가 when describing a state (e.g., 재정이 어렵다) or the object particle -을/를 when an action is being performed on it (e.g., 재정을 관리하다). Learners sometimes use -의 (possessive) incorrectly. For example, saying 'the government's finance' as 정부의 재정 is correct, but saying 'my pocket's finance' is unnatural. Lastly, be careful with the word 재정 (Jaeseong) vs 제정 (Jeseong). 제정 (with 'e') means 'enactment' (as in enacting a law). A one-vowel difference changes the meaning from 'money management' to 'making a law.' Always double-check your spelling in formal writing!

Incorrect: 국가는 새로운 법을 재정했습니다. (The state 'financed' a new law - meaning unclear.)
Correct: 국가는 새로운 법을 제정했습니다. (The state enacted a new law.)

To truly master 재정, you must see where it sits in the family of Korean economic terms. It is often used interchangeably with other words by beginners, but each has a specific 'flavor' and context. By choosing the right synonym, you show your listener that you understand the nuances of the situation.

재정 (Jaejeong) vs. 예산 (Yesan)
재정 is the broad concept of financial affairs and state, while 예산 specifically refers to a 'budget'—a planned amount of money for a specific period or project. You manage 재정, but you set an 예산.
재정 (Jaejeong) vs. 자금 (Jageum)
자금 refers to 'funds' or 'capital' intended for a specific purpose. For example, 운영 자금 (operating funds) or 투자 자금 (investment funds). 재정 is the system; 자금 is the actual money being moved.
재정 (Jaejeong) vs. 경리 (Gyeongni)
경리 refers to bookkeeping or clerical accounting work. It is more about the day-to-day recording of transactions. 재정 is more about high-level policy and overall health.

예산: 프로젝트를 위해 1억 원의 예산을 책정했다. (We set a budget of 100 million won for the project.)
재정: 회사의 재정 상태가 좋아져서 예산을 늘릴 수 있었다. (Because the company's financial state improved, we could increase the budget.)

In summary, use 재정 when you are talking about the 'big picture' of an organization's or government's money. Use 금융 when talking about banks and markets. Use 예산 when talking about a specific plan. Use 자금 when talking about the specific pot of money you need to buy something or start a business. And finally, use when you are talking to your friends about the price of lunch. Understanding these distinctions is the hallmark of a fluent speaker who can navigate both the streets of Myeongdong and the boardrooms of Gangnam.

정부는 재정 적자를 줄이기 위해 긴축 정책을 펴고 있습니다.

Translation: The government is implementing austerity policies to reduce the fiscal deficit.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In the Joseon Dynasty, the 'Hojo' (호조) was the ministry responsible for '재정'. Today, that role is filled by the 'Ministry of Economy and Finance' (기획재정부).

Guía de pronunciación

UK t͡ɕɛ.d͡ʑʌŋ
US t͡sɛ.d͡zʌŋ
Stress is even on both syllables, as is typical in Korean.
Rima con
애정 (aejeong - affection) 결정 (gyeoljeong - decision) 열정 (yeoljeong - passion) 심정 (simjeong - feelings) 긍정 (geungjeong - positive) 부정 (bujeong - negative) 과정 (gwajeong - process) 수정 (sujeong - crystal/edit)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'jae' (재) as 'je' (제). 'Jae' is more open.
  • Making the 'j' sound too heavy like the English 'J' in 'Judge'. It should be lighter.
  • Nasalizing the 'ng' (ㅇ) too much at the end.
  • Confusing the pitch with Japanese-style pitch accent.
  • Shortening the 'ae' sound too much.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 4/5

Common in news and books, but requires Hanja knowledge for deep understanding.

Escritura 5/5

Requires knowledge of formal collocations to use naturally.

Expresión oral 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but hard to know when it's too formal for the situation.

Escucha 4/5

News anchors speak fast when discussing economic stats.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

돈 (Money) 나라 (Country) 회사 (Company) 관리 (Management) 상태 (State)

Aprende después

예산 (Budget) 금융 (Banking) 경제 (Economy) 세금 (Tax) 부채 (Debt)

Avanzado

거시경제 (Macroeconomics) 긴축정책 (Austerity policy) 추경예산 (Supplementary budget) 조세 (Taxation)

Gramática que debes saber

Noun + -적 (Creating adjectives)

재정 + 적 = 재정적 (Financial)

Noun + -상 (In terms of / related to)

재정 + 상 = 재정상 (Financial/In terms of finance)

Noun + -난 (Difficulty suffix)

재정 + 난 = 재정난 (Financial difficulty)

Hanja roots (財 + 政)

Understanding the 'Wealth + Administration' logic.

Formal endings (-습니다/습니까)

Usually used with '재정' due to its formal register.

Ejemplos por nivel

1

정부는 돈(재정)이 많아요.

The government has a lot of money (finances).

A1 uses simple '이/가 많아요' structure.

2

학교 재정은 중요해요.

School finance is important.

Topic marker '은' highlights the subject.

3

재정이 무엇입니까?

What is finance?

Formal question ending '-입니까?'

4

우리 집 재정은 괜찮아요.

Our house's finances are okay.

Possessive '우리 집' used naturally.

5

재정 공부를 해요.

I study finance.

Object marker '를' with the verb '하다'.

6

재정은 어려워요.

Finance is difficult.

Adjective '어렵다' in the present tense.

7

나라의 재정을 봐요.

Look at the country's finances.

Possessive particle '의' connects '나라' and '재정'.

8

재정 지원이 필요해요.

I need financial support.

Noun '지원' (support) combined with '필요해요'.

1

회사의 재정 상태가 나빠요.

The company's financial state is bad.

'상태' (state) is a common noun paired with '재정'.

2

재정 보고서를 읽었습니다.

I read the financial report.

Past tense '-었습니다'.

3

정부는 재정을 관리합니다.

The government manages finances.

Verb '관리하다' (to manage) is essential here.

4

재정적인 도움이 필요합니까?

Do you need financial help?

'-적인' turns '재정' into an adjective.

5

그 도시는 재정이 튼튼해요.

That city's finances are strong.

'튼튼하다' (strong/sturdy) used for financial health.

6

재정 위기를 극복해야 해요.

We must overcome the financial crisis.

'-해야 하다' indicates necessity/obligation.

7

재정 자립을 꿈꿉니다.

I dream of financial independence.

Noun '자립' (independence) added to '재정'.

8

그는 재정 전문가입니다.

He is a finance expert.

'전문가' (expert) is a common professional title.

1

지방 자치 단체의 재정 자립도가 낮습니다.

The financial independence rate of local governments is low.

'지방 자치 단체' means local government.

2

재정 지출을 줄이는 것이 시급합니다.

Reducing financial expenditure is urgent.

'-는 것이 시급하다' means 'doing X is urgent'.

3

그 프로젝트는 재정상의 이유로 취소되었습니다.

The project was cancelled for financial reasons.

'-상의' means 'in terms of' or 'related to'.

4

정부는 재정 건전성을 확보하기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.

The government is making efforts to secure financial soundness.

'-기 위해' expresses purpose (in order to).

5

재정난을 겪고 있는 대학들이 많아지고 있습니다.

More universities are suffering from financial difficulties.

'재정난' is a compound noun (finance + difficulty).

6

투명한 재정 운영이 회사의 신뢰도를 높입니다.

Transparent financial management increases a company's reliability.

'운영' means operation or management.

7

재정적 부담 때문에 결혼을 미루는 청년들이 많습니다.

Many young people are delaying marriage due to financial burden.

'때문에' indicates a reason or cause.

8

국가 재정법에 따라 예산을 편성해야 합니다.

The budget must be organized according to the National Finance Act.

'-에 따라' means 'according to' or 'in accordance with'.

1

정부의 재정 정책이 시장에 미치는 영향은 지대합니다.

The impact of government fiscal policy on the market is enormous.

'지대하다' is a formal word for 'great' or 'huge'.

2

선거철마다 선심성 재정 지출이 논란이 됩니다.

Pork-barrel fiscal spending becomes a controversy every election season.

'선심성' refers to spending intended to win favor.

3

기업의 재정 악화는 대규모 구조조정으로 이어졌습니다.

The deterioration of the company's finances led to large-scale restructuring.

'-으로 이어지다' means 'to lead to' or 'result in'.

4

재정 적자를 메우기 위해 국채를 발행하기로 했습니다.

It was decided to issue government bonds to cover the fiscal deficit.

'메우다' means to fill or cover a gap/deficit.

5

고령화 사회는 국가 재정에 큰 위협이 될 수 있습니다.

An aging society can be a great threat to national finance.

'위협' means threat or menace.

6

재정 민주주의를 실현하기 위해 시민 참여가 필요합니다.

Citizen participation is needed to realize fiscal democracy.

'재정 민주주의' is a sophisticated political term.

7

국회는 정부의 재정 운용 방식을 강력히 비판했습니다.

The National Assembly strongly criticized the government's financial management method.

'방식' means method or way.

8

재정 조기 집행을 통해 경기 부양을 시도하고 있습니다.

They are trying to stimulate the economy through early fiscal execution.

'집행' means execution or enforcement of a budget.

1

재정 승수 효과를 극대화하기 위한 방안을 모색해야 합니다.

We must seek ways to maximize the fiscal multiplier effect.

'재정 승수' is an advanced macroeconomic term.

2

방만한 재정 운영은 결국 차세대의 부담으로 돌아옵니다.

Loose financial management eventually returns as a burden for the next generation.

'방만한' means lax, loose, or disorganized.

3

재정 준칙을 법제화하여 국가 부채를 관리해야 한다는 목소리가 높습니다.

There are strong calls to manage national debt by codifying fiscal rules.

'법제화하다' means to codify or enact into law.

4

지방 재정 확충을 위한 국세와 지방세의 조정이 필요합니다.

Adjustment of national and local taxes is necessary to expand local finance.

'확충' means expansion or augmentation.

5

재정 파탄에 이른 지자체에 대해 중앙 정부가 개입했습니다.

The central government intervened in the local government that reached financial ruin.

'파탄' means breakdown, ruin, or bankruptcy.

6

기획재정부는 내년도 예산안의 기조를 '긴축'으로 잡았습니다.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance set the tone for next year's budget as 'austerity'.

'기조' means key tone or basic stance.

7

복지 지출 확대가 재정 지속 가능성에 미치는 영향을 분석했습니다.

The impact of expanding welfare spending on fiscal sustainability was analyzed.

'지속 가능성' means sustainability.

8

재정 투명성 지수에서 우리나라는 상위권에 랭크되었습니다.

Our country ranked high in the fiscal transparency index.

'상위권' means upper tier or high rank.

1

재정 주권의 확립은 근대 국가 형성의 핵심적인 요소였습니다.

The establishment of fiscal sovereignty was a key element in the formation of modern states.

'재정 주권' (fiscal sovereignty) is a high-level political-historical term.

2

거시 경제적 관점에서 재정 정책과 통화 정책의 조화가 필수적입니다.

From a macroeconomic perspective, harmony between fiscal and monetary policy is essential.

'거시 경제적' means macroeconomic.

3

재정의 자동 안정화 장치는 경기 변동의 폭을 완화하는 역할을 합니다.

Fiscal automatic stabilizers play a role in mitigating the amplitude of economic fluctuations.

'자동 안정화 장치' is a technical economic term.

4

포퓰리즘에 기반한 재정 운용은 국가의 장기적 성장 잠재력을 훼손합니다.

Financial management based on populism undermines a nation's long-term growth potential.

'훼손하다' means to damage, undermine, or deface.

5

재정 분권화는 지역 간 불평등을 심화시킬 수 있다는 우려가 존재합니다.

There are concerns that fiscal decentralization could deepen inter-regional inequality.

'분권화' means decentralization.

6

역사적으로 재정 위기는 종종 체제 변혁의 도화선이 되기도 했습니다.

Historically, financial crises have often served as a fuse for systemic transformation.

'도화선' literally means 'fuse' (metaphor for a spark/trigger).

7

재정 건전화법의 입법 취지는 미래 세대에게 빚을 넘기지 않으려는 데 있습니다.

The legislative intent of the Fiscal Consolidation Act lies in not passing debt to future generations.

'입법 취지' means legislative intent.

8

글로벌 금융 위기 이후 각국은 재정 건전성 회복에 사활을 걸고 있습니다.

Since the global financial crisis, countries have been staking their lives on restoring fiscal soundness.

'사활을 걸다' is an idiom meaning 'to stake one's life/existence on something'.

Colocaciones comunes

재정 위기
재정 지원
재정 건전성
재정 상태
재정 자립도
재정 정책
재정 지출
재정난
재정 보고서
재정 투명성

Frases Comunes

재정이 바닥나다

— To run out of funds/finances. Used when an organization has no money left.

그 단체는 재정이 바닥나서 문을 닫았다.

재정을 확충하다

— To expand or increase financial resources. Often used by governments.

세금 인상을 통해 재정을 확충했다.

재정적 부담

— Financial burden. The stress or cost caused by a situation.

아이 교육비가 큰 재정적 부담이 된다.

재정에 타격을 주다

— To deal a blow to finances. To cause financial damage.

이번 사건은 국가 재정에 큰 타격을 주었다.

재정 자립

— Financial independence. Being able to support oneself without external help.

그는 서른 살에 재정 자립을 이뤘다.

재정 상황

— Financial situation. The current state of one's money management.

현재 재정 상황이 좋지 않습니다.

재정 개혁

— Financial reform. Changing the system of money management.

정부는 과감한 재정 개혁을 단행했다.

재정 적자

— Fiscal deficit. When spending exceeds income in a budget.

재정 적자가 계속 늘어나고 있다.

재정 흑자

— Fiscal surplus. When income exceeds spending.

작년에는 드물게 재정 흑자를 기록했다.

재정 긴축

— Fiscal austerity/tightening. Reducing spending to improve financial health.

경제 위기 극복을 위해 재정 긴축이 필요하다.

Se confunde a menudo con

재정 vs 제정 (Jejeong)

Means 'enactment' (of a law). One vowel difference (ㅐ vs ㅔ) changes the meaning entirely.

재정 vs 재산 (Jaesan)

Means 'assets' or 'property' (things you own), whereas '재정' is the management of flow (income/spending).

재정 vs 금융 (Geumyung)

Means the 'financial/banking industry' or the circulation of money in markets.

Modismos y expresiones

"곳간에서 인심 난다"

— Generosity comes from the granary. One can only be generous when their '재정' (finances) are stable.

재정이 튼튼해야 남도 도울 수 있죠. 곳간에서 인심 난다는 말이 맞아요.

Proverb/Idiom
"허리띠를 졸라매다"

— To tighten one's belt. To practice '재정 긴축' (austerity) during hard times.

재정 위기를 이겨내기 위해 모두가 허리띠를 졸라매야 합니다.

Common Idiom
"밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기"

— Pouring water into a bottomless pot. Wasting '재정' (finances) on something that will never be fixed.

그 사업에 계속 돈을 쓰는 건 밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기예요.

Common Idiom
"돈 가뭄"

— Money drought. A severe lack of '재정' (liquidity/funds).

중소기업들이 심각한 돈 가뭄을 겪고 있습니다.

Metaphorical
"황금 알을 낳는 거위"

— The goose that lays golden eggs. A source of great '재정' (wealth/revenue).

이 관광지는 우리 시의 황금 알을 낳는 거위입니다.

Metaphorical
"산 넘어 산"

— Mountain after mountain. Facing one '재정' (financial) problem after another.

부채를 갚으니 원자재 값이 오르니 정말 산 넘어 산이네요.

Common Idiom
"티끌 모아 태산"

— Gathering dust to make a mountain. Small savings lead to strong '재정' (finances).

푼돈을 아껴야 재정이 튼튼해집니다. 티끌 모아 태산이니까요.

Proverb
"빛 좋은 개살구"

— A wild apricot with a good color. Something that looks financially sound on the outside but is actually weak.

그 회사는 매출은 높지만 재정 상태는 빛 좋은 개살구예요.

Common Idiom
"배보다 배꼽이 더 크다"

— The belly button is bigger than the belly. When the incidental costs exceed the main '재정' (budget).

수리비가 새로 사는 값보다 비싸니 배보다 배꼽이 더 크네요.

Common Idiom
"천 리 길도 한 걸음부터"

— A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Improving national '재정' starts with small policy changes.

재정 개혁도 천 리 길도 한 걸음부터라는 마음으로 시작합시다.

Proverb

Fácil de confundir

재정 vs 예산

Both involve money management.

'예산' is a specific plan for future spending, while '재정' is the overall financial state or system.

예산을 세우다 (Set a budget) vs 재정이 튼튼하다 (Finances are strong).

재정 vs 자본

Both relate to large amounts of money.

'자본' is capital used for production or investment, while '재정' is the administration of funds.

자본금 (Capital stock) vs 재정 정책 (Fiscal policy).

재정 vs 회계

Both are used in business contexts.

'회계' is the technical process of recording money (accounting), while '재정' is the broader state of money.

회계 감사 (Accounting audit) vs 재정 위기 (Financial crisis).

재정 vs 재물

Both start with '재'.

'재물' refers to physical wealth or possessions, often in a more traditional or literary sense.

재물에 욕심이 없다 (No greed for wealth).

재정 vs 경제

They are in the same semantic field.

'경제' is the whole system of production and consumption (Economy), while '재정' is specifically the money management part.

한국 경제 (Korean economy) vs 국가 재정 (National finance).

Patrones de oraciones

A2

[Organization]의 재정 상태가 [Adjective].

우리 회사의 재정 상태가 좋아요.

B1

[Reason] 때문에 재정적 부담이 크다.

병원비 때문에 재정적 부담이 커요.

B1

재정 지원을 [Verb: 받다/제공하다].

정부는 중소기업에 재정 지원을 제공합니다.

B2

재정 건전성을 확보하기 위해 [Action].

재정 건전성을 확보하기 위해 지출을 줄였습니다.

B2

[Subject]은/는 재정난에 허덕이고 있다.

그 대학교는 심각한 재정난에 허덕이고 있다.

C1

재정 정책의 기조를 [Noun]으로 전환하다.

정부는 재정 정책의 기조를 긴축으로 전환했습니다.

C1

재정상의 이유로 [Event]이/가 취소되다.

재정상의 이유로 축제가 취소되었습니다.

C2

재정 준칙의 법제화가 시급한 시점이다.

국가 부채 관리를 위해 재정 준칙의 법제화가 시급한 시점이다.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

재정학 (Public Finance Science)
재정가 (Financier)
재정난 (Financial difficulty)
재정법 (Finance law)

Verbos

재정하다 (To finance - rare, usually '재정을 지원하다' is used)

Adjetivos

재정적 (Financial/Fiscal)

Relacionado

돈 (Money)
경제 (Economy)
예산 (Budget)
자본 (Capital)
세금 (Tax)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

High in news, business, and formal writing; Low in casual street slang.

Errores comunes
  • Using '재정' for personal pocket money.

    '재정' is for organized, large-scale money management. Using it for small cash sounds unnatural.

  • Confusing '재정' with '재산'. 재산

    '재산' is what you own (property). '재정' is how the money is managed (income/spending).

  • Spelling it as '제정'. 재정

    '제정' means enacting a law. This is a common spelling error for learners.

  • Using '재정' instead of '금융' for banks. 금융

    Banks are '금융 기관', not '재정 기관'. '재정' is more about the state/administration.

  • Adding '하다' directly to '재정'. 재정 관리를 하다

    '재정' is a noun. You need another word like '관리' or '운영' to make it an action.

Consejos

Business Context

In meetings, use '재정 건전성' to describe a healthy company. It sounds much more professional than saying the company has a lot of money.

Hanja Power

Learn '재' (wealth) and '정' (administration). This will help you understand words like '재산', '재능', '정치', and '정부' easily.

Formal Reports

When writing reports, use '재정상의 이유' (for financial reasons) to explain why a project was delayed or cancelled.

News Watching

Watch the 'Economic' section of Korean news. Every time you hear '재정', try to catch the verb that follows it.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use '재정' when asking a friend to lend you money. It will sound like a joke or way too stiff.

Adjective Form

Remember to add '-적' to make it an adjective: '재정적 지원' (financial support).

National Debt

Koreans often worry about '국가 재정'. Mentioning this topic can lead to deep conversations about society.

Double Check

Make sure you write '재정' (ㅐ) and not '제정' (ㅔ). They sound similar but are very different!

Choose Wisely

Use '예산' for a plan, '자금' for the cash itself, and '재정' for the overall system.

Visual Memory

Imagine a king (정) sitting on a pile of gold (재). That's the image of '재정'.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Jae' as 'Jay' (a banker's name) and 'Jeong' as 'Jung' (the middle). Jay is at the center (middle) of all the big money management.

Asociación visual

Imagine a giant scale. On one side is a mountain of gold coins (財), and on the other side is a government building (政). They must balance perfectly.

Word Web

Budget Taxes Government Spending Income Crisis Soundness Audit

Desafío

Try to find the word '재정' in a Korean news article today. Write down the word that comes immediately after it.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja) roots. It has been used for centuries to describe the management of state wealth.

Significado original: The administration (政) of wealth (財).

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Contexto cultural

Be careful when discussing a company's '재정' as it can be a sensitive topic if they are struggling. Use formal language.

In English, 'finance' is used for both personal and corporate contexts. In Korean, '재정' is strictly more formal and institutional.

The IMF Crisis (1997) - A pivotal moment in Korean '재정' history. The 5-Year Economic Development Plans - Historical use of '재정' for growth. The Basic Income Debate in Korea - A modern '재정' policy discussion.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Government News

  • 국가 재정
  • 재정 정책
  • 재정 지출
  • 재정 적자

Business Meetings

  • 재정 상태
  • 재정 보고
  • 재정 건전성
  • 자금 확보

University/NGOs

  • 재정 지원
  • 장학금 재정
  • 재정 투명성
  • 기부금 관리

History/Social Studies

  • 재정 개혁
  • 조세 제도
  • 지방 재정
  • 재정 파탄

Personal (Serious)

  • 재정적 독립
  • 재정 상황
  • 재정적 부담
  • 재정 계획

Inicios de conversación

"한국의 국가 재정 상태에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"회사의 재정 건전성을 높이려면 무엇이 가장 중요할까요?"

"요즘 재정적으로 가장 큰 고민이 무엇인가요?"

"정부가 재정 지출을 늘려야 한다고 보십니까?"

"지방 재정 자립도를 높이기 위한 좋은 아이디어가 있을까요?"

Temas para diario

나의 올해 재정 계획을 세워보고, 작년과 비교해 보세요.

정부의 재정 정책이 내 삶에 미치는 영향에 대해 서술해 보세요.

재정적으로 독립한다는 것은 당신에게 어떤 의미인가요?

만약 당신이 국가 재정을 관리하는 장관이라면, 어디에 가장 많은 돈을 쓰겠습니까?

회사의 재정 투명성이 왜 중요한지에 대해 당신의 생각을 적어보세요.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, but only if you want to sound very formal or serious. For example, '내 재정 상황' (my financial situation) sounds like you are analyzing your budget seriously. In casual talk, just use '돈'.

'재정' is more for public/government sectors or the general health of an organization. '재무' (Jaemu) is specifically for the finance department or financial affairs within a corporation (e.g., Finance Director is 재무 이사).

Yes, it is a standard term in both Koreas for state finances, though the specific administrative systems differ.

The most common term is '재정 위기'. If referring specifically to the 1997 crisis, people often just say 'IMF'.

It is a combination of '재정' (finance) and '난' (difficulty/distress). It means 'financial difficulties' or 'budgetary crunch'.

No, it is a noun. To use it as an action, you usually add verbs like '관리하다' (manage) or '운영하다' (operate).

It refers to the finances of local provinces or cities, as opposed to the central national government's finances.

You will hear it daily on the news, but you might only use it yourself once a month in a formal meeting or when planning your long-term savings.

Primarily yes, but it implies the whole system of how that money is handled, not just the physical coins or bills.

It's a common term in Korea referring to how much a local government can fund itself without help from the central government.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence using '재정 지원' (financial support).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe your company's financial state using '재정 상태'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Explain why a project was cancelled using '재정상의 이유'.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Ask a question about the national budget using '국가 재정'.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use '재정 위기' in a sentence about history.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a formal sentence about 'financial transparency'.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use '재정적 부담' to talk about education costs.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using '재정난' (financial difficulty).

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Suggest a way to improve finances using '재정 개혁'.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use '재정 자립' to talk about your future goals.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about 'fiscal spending' (재정 지출).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use '재정 보고서' in a workplace context.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Compare '재정' and '예산' in one sentence.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write about 'fiscal deficit' (재정 적자).

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use '재정 전문가' to describe someone's job.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about 'local finance' (지방 재정).

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use '재정 정책' in a sentence about the economy.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'financial independence rate' (재정 자립도).

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use '재정 건전성' in a formal speech.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'fiscal rules' (재정 준칙).

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speaking

How do you say 'Financial status' in Korean?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The company's finances are strong' in formal Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce '재정 위기' clearly.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I need financial support' in a formal way.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Explain what '재정난' means using only Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Fiscal policy' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Tell a colleague: 'Please check the financial report.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Financial independence' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Because of financial reasons...' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce '기획재정부' (Ministry of Economy and Finance).

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Financial burden' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'National finance is important' in formal Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Explain '재정 적자' in one short sentence in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Transparent finance' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Financial soundness' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'To expand finances' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Fiscal year' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Austerity policy' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Financial ruin' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Fiscal rules' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

What word is heard in a news report about the government budget?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

If you hear '재정 위기', what is happening?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen for the suffix in '재정적'. What does it mean?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

If someone says '재정이 튼튼하다', are they worried?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

In the phrase '재정 지원을 받다', what is being received?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

What does '재정난' sound like when spoken quickly?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

If a news anchor says '재정 적자', is the government gaining or losing money?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen for '지방 재정'. Does it mean whole country or a local area?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

What is the tone of a person talking about '재정 건전성'?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

If you hear '재정상의 이유', what follows is usually a...?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

What is the difference in sound between '재정' and '제정'?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

If you hear '재정 자립', what is the goal?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

What does '긴축' mean when paired with '재정'?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen for '국고'. Where is the money coming from?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

If someone says '재정이 바닥났다', how much money is left?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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