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B1 noun #2,100 más común 7 min de lectura

성별

seongbyeol Top 2,100

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 성별 en 30 segundos

Explicación 성별 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '성별' (gender) very often in speaking. Instead, you learn the basic words for people: '남자' (man/boy) and '여자' (woman/girl). However, you might see '성별' on a simple sign-up form for a game or a website. It is important to recognize the word so you know where to click. You will usually see two choices: '남' (Male) and '여' (Female). Just remember that '성별' is the 'name of the box' where you say if you are a boy or a girl. You don't need to say this word when talking to friends, but knowing it helps you fill out your name and info correctly on Korean websites.

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At the A2 level, you begin to understand that '성별' is a formal word used in documents. You might hear a teacher or a doctor use it. For example, '성별이 어떻게 되세요?' is a very formal way to ask for someone's gender on a form. You should be able to identify this word in simple reading passages about people or families. You might also learn that '성별' is used when talking about animals, like '강아지의 성별' (the puppy's gender). At this level, you should start to recognize the difference between the casual '남자/여자' and the formal '성별'. It's a key word for surviving basic administrative tasks in Korea.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use '성별' in sentences, especially when talking about society or general facts. You will encounter it in news articles, surveys, and workplace contexts. You should learn common phrases like '성별에 관계없이' (regardless of gender) and '성별 차이' (gender difference). This is the level where you move beyond just checking a box and start discussing how gender affects things like hobbies, jobs, or shopping habits. You should also be comfortable using it in writing, such as when describing the participants in a study or the demographic of a group of people. It is an essential vocabulary item for intermediate communication.

At the B2 level, you use '성별' to engage in more complex social discussions. You will hear it in debates about '성별 갈등' (gender conflict) or '성별 고정관념' (gender stereotypes). You should understand how this word functions in academic and professional settings, such as '성별 임금 격차' (gender pay gap). At this level, you are expected to understand the nuance of using '성별' versus more specific terms like '젠더' (gender) or '섹스' (sex). You can use the word to analyze data and express opinions on social equality. Your ability to use '성별' in formal writing, like essays or reports, should be polished and grammatically correct.

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At the C1 level, '성별' is a tool for deep sociological and philosophical analysis. You understand its role in legal frameworks, such as the '양성평등기본법' (Framework Act on Gender Equality). You can discuss the evolution of the term and how it interacts with other identities like age, class, and ethnicity. You are comfortable using it in high-level academic research, discussing '성별 담론' (gender discourse) or '성별 해체' (deconstruction of gender). You can also navigate sensitive conversations about gender identity and non-binary classifications using appropriate and respectful terminology. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but also deeply cultural and contextual.

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At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '성별' and all its implications. You can use it in any context, from legal drafting to high-level literary criticism. You understand the historical shifts in how '성별' has been defined in Korean society, from the Joseon dynasty to the modern era. You can effortlessly switch between '성별', '젠더', '양성', and other related terms depending on the specific nuance required. You are capable of leading discussions on complex topics like '성별 영향 평가' (gender impact assessment) and can critique how the term is used in media and politics. Your use of the word is precise, sophisticated, and culturally nuanced.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

성별 en 30 segundos

성별 means 'gender' or 'sex' and is a formal noun used for classification.
It is commonly found on official forms, in news reports, and in academic studies.
Common phrases include '성별에 관계없이' (regardless of gender) and '성별 차이' (gender difference).
It is a B1 level word that is essential for navigating life and formal situations in Korea.

The term 성별 (Seong-byeol) is a fundamental noun in the Korean language used to categorize individuals based on biological or social characteristics as male or female. Etymologically, it is derived from the Hanja characters 性 (성 - nature/sex) and 別 (별 - distinction/separation). In modern society, while it primarily refers to the binary classification found on official documents, its usage is expanding in academic and social justice contexts to include broader discussions of gender identity. Understanding this word is crucial for navigating administrative tasks in Korea, such as filling out application forms, visiting hospitals, or participating in census surveys.

Biological Context: In medical and biological settings, 성별 refers to the physiological differences between sexes. It is the standard term used in clinical records to ensure appropriate medical treatment and diagnosis based on biological sex.

신청서에 성별을 정확히 기입해 주세요. (Please fill in your gender/sex accurately on the application form.)

Historically, the concept of 성별 was strictly binary in the Korean peninsula, deeply influenced by Confucian values that dictated specific roles for men and women. However, in the 21st century, the linguistic landscape is shifting. While 성별 remains the standard term for 'sex' on a resident registration card (주민등록증), the word 젠더 (gender) is often borrowed from English in sociological contexts to distinguish social identity from biological sex. Despite this, 성별 remains the most frequent and formal way to ask about this category in daily life.

Administrative Usage: In government documents, 성별 is a mandatory field. It determines various legal obligations and rights, including military service requirements for males in South Korea.

이 조사는 성별에 따른 소비 패턴의 차이를 분석합니다. (This survey analyzes differences in consumption patterns according to gender.)

Furthermore, the word is often paired with particles like -별 (per/by), creating the compound 성별별 (by gender), though this is usually simplified to 성별에 따른. In the workplace, discussions regarding 성별 격차 (gender gap) or 성별 임금 격차 (gender pay gap) are increasingly common in Korean media, highlighting the word's importance in contemporary socio-economic debates. It is a neutral, formal, and essential term for any learner reaching the intermediate level.

Using 성별 correctly requires an understanding of its formal tone. It is rarely used in casual conversation to ask 'Are you a boy or a girl?' (which would use 남자예요, 여자예요?). Instead, it appears in contexts where categorization is necessary. The most common verb collocations include 확인하다 (to check), 구분하다 (to distinguish), and 기입하다 (to fill in/enter).

Common Phrasing: The phrase '성별에 관계없이' (regardless of gender) is a key expression used in job postings and equality statements to indicate that opportunities are open to everyone.

우리 회사는 성별에 관계없이 능력 위주로 채용합니다. (Our company hires based on ability, regardless of gender.)

When discussing statistics, you will often see 성별 분포 (gender distribution). For example, '성별 분포가 고르다' means the gender distribution is even. In academic writing, you might use 성별 변수 (gender variable) when describing research methodology. It is important to note that while '성' can mean sex/gender, '성별' is the specific noun for the *classification* itself.

Formal Documents: On Korean websites, when signing up, you will see a dropdown menu labeled 성별 with options for '남' (Male) and '여' (Female).

아이의 성별이 무엇인지 알고 싶으세요? (Do you want to know the baby's gender?)

In more advanced usage, you might encounter 성별 정체성 (gender identity). While '성별' traditionally implied biological sex, the addition of '정체성' shifts the focus to how an individual perceives themselves. However, for B1 learners, focusing on its use in forms and general descriptions of groups is most beneficial. Always remember that 성별 is a formal term; in a playground, a child wouldn't ask another child's '성별', but rather '너는 남자야, 여자야?'

You will encounter 성별 in various professional and public settings. In news broadcasts, anchors use it when reporting demographic data, such as voting results or employment trends. For instance, '성별 투표율' (voting rate by gender) is a common term during election cycles. In hospitals, nurses or receptionists might ask for your '성별' if the information is missing from your chart, although this is usually automated through your ID number.

In the Media: Documentaries and talk shows often discuss '성별 고정관념' (gender stereotypes) when exploring social issues or education.

최근 성별 갈등이 사회적 이슈로 떠오르고 있습니다. (Recently, gender conflict has been emerging as a social issue.)

In educational settings, teachers might use the term when dividing students for activities or when discussing biology. In literature and film, the term might appear in a more abstract sense, discussing the 'boundaries of gender' or 'gender roles' (성별 역할). If you are watching a K-Drama set in a workplace, you might hear characters discussing the '성별 비율' (gender ratio) of a certain department.

Marketing & Research: Marketers use '성별 타겟팅' (gender targeting) to focus their advertisements on specific demographics.

이 제품은 성별에 상관없이 누구나 사용할 수 있습니다. (This product can be used by anyone, regardless of gender.)

Finally, in the context of sports, '성별' is used to categorize competitions (e.g., men's league vs. women's league). Even in gaming, when creating a character, the first choice is often the '성별 선택' (gender selection) screen. Its ubiquity makes it a word that you will not only hear but also see in almost every digital interface in Korea.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 성별 with 성격 (personality). Because they both start with '성', beginners often mix them up in conversation. Remember: 성별 is about 'sex/gender', while 성격 is about 'character/personality'. Saying '그 사람의 성별이 좋아요' (I like that person's gender) when you mean 'I like their personality' would be very confusing!

Confusing with '성': While '성' (性) can mean sex, it is also the word for 'Last Name' (姓). Context is key. On a form, '성' usually means surname, while '성별' means gender.

잘못된 예: 성별이 김씨예요. (Wrong: My gender is Kim.) -> Correct: 성이 김씨예요.

Another mistake is using 성별 when you should use 남자/여자. For example, you wouldn't say '성별 친구' to mean a 'friend of a certain gender'. You would say '남자 친구' (boyfriend) or '여자 친구' (girlfriend). 성별 is a category name, not a descriptor for a person. It is like the difference between saying 'The category is fruit' and 'This is an apple'.

Particle Errors: Learners often forget to use '에' when saying 'regardless of'. It should be '성별에 관계없이', not just '성별 관계없이' in formal writing.

잘못된 예: 성별을 없어요. (Wrong: There is no gender.) -> Context: If you mean 'gender-neutral', use '성중립적'.

Lastly, be careful with the word 성성 (which isn't a word) or 성별성. Just use 성별. Some learners try to add suffixes to make it sound more complex, but the simple two-syllable noun is usually sufficient for all formal and semi-formal needs. Over-complicating it often leads to unnatural-sounding Korean.

Understanding the nuances between 성별 and related terms will elevate your Korean proficiency. While 성별 is the general term for 'sex/gender', other words focus on specific aspects of this identity. For instance, 남녀 (nam-nyeo) is a common compound meaning 'men and women' or 'both sexes', often used in phrases like '남녀노소' (men and women, old and young—meaning everyone).

성별 vs. 남녀: 성별 is the abstract category (Gender), while 남녀 refers to the people themselves (Men and Women).

이 화장실은 남녀 공용입니다. (This restroom is for both men and women/unisex.)

Another related term is 성 (Sex/Gender). As mentioned, '성' is the root, but it is rarely used alone unless in compound words like 성교육 (sex education) or 성소수자 (sexual minority). In academic circles, you will encounter 젠더 (Gender), which specifically refers to the social and cultural aspects, as opposed to the biological 섹스 (Sex), though '섹스' is less commonly used in polite conversation than its English counterpart.

성별 vs. 성적: Do not confuse 성별 with 성적 (seong-jeok). 성적 means 'grades' or 'results'.

성별에 따른 성적 차이. (Differences in grades according to gender.)

Finally, there is 양성 (yang-seong), which literally means 'both sexes' or 'positive/negative' in medical terms. In the context of gender, it is used in 양성평등 (gender equality). While 성평등 is also used, 양성평등 is the term often found in legal and official government titles. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the right word for the right level of formality and specific meaning.

How Formal Is It?

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

-에 따라 (according to)

-에 관계없이 (regardless of)

-에 상관없이 (regardless of)

-별 (by/per)

-적 (suffix for making adjectives)

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Ejemplos por nivel

성별을 선택하세요.

Select your gender.

성별 (noun) + 을 (object particle) + 선택하세요 (imperative verb).

여기에 성별을 쓰세요.

Write your gender here.

여기에 (here) + 성별 (gender) + 을 (object particle) + 쓰세요 (write).

성별: 남

Gender: Male

남 is an abbreviation for 남자 (man).

성별: 여

Gender: Female

여 is an abbreviation for 여자 (woman).

아이 성별이 뭐예요?

What is the baby's gender?

아이 (baby) + 성별 (gender) + 이 (subject particle) + 뭐예요 (what is).

강아지 성별이 뭐예요?

What is the puppy's gender?

강아지 (puppy) + 성별 (gender) + 이 (subject particle) + 뭐예요 (what is).

성별을 몰라요.

I don't know the gender.

성별 (gender) + 을 (object particle) + 몰라요 (don't know).

이름과 성별을 말해 주세요.

Please tell me your name and gender.

이름 (name) + 과 (and) + 성별 (gender) + 을 (object particle).

성별에 따라 옷 색깔이 달라요.

Clothing colors differ according to gender.

성별 (gender) + 에 따라 (according to).

성별을 확인하고 싶어요.

I want to check the gender.

확인하다 (to check) + -고 싶어요 (want to).

이 게임은 성별을 바꿀 수 있어요.

In this game, you can change your gender.

바꿀 수 있어요 (can change).

성별이 다른 친구들이 많아요.

I have many friends of different genders.

성별이 다른 (different gender) + 친구들 (friends).

그녀는 성별을 묻지 않았어요.

She didn't ask about the gender.

묻지 않았어요 (did not ask).

성별 구분이 없는 화장실이에요.

It's a gender-neutral restroom.

구분이 없는 (without distinction).

성별을 기입하는 칸이 어디예요?

Where is the box to fill in the gender?

기입하는 (filling in) + 칸 (box/space).

우리 반은 성별 비율이 비슷해요.

Our class has a similar gender ratio.

비율 (ratio) + 이 비슷해요 (is similar).

성별에 관계없이 누구나 지원 가능합니다.

Anyone can apply regardless of gender.

관계없이 (regardless of).

성별 고정관념을 버려야 합니다.

We must throw away gender stereotypes.

고정관념 (stereotype) + 을 버리다 (to throw away).

이 설문조사는 성별을 묻는 질문이 포함되어 있습니다.

This survey includes a question asking for gender.

포함되어 있습니다 (is included).

성별에 따른 소비 성향을 분석했습니다.

We analyzed consumption patterns according to gender.

소비 성향 (consumption tendency).

그 영화는 성별의 벽을 허물었습니다.

That movie broke down the walls of gender.

벽을 허물다 (to break down walls).

성별 임금 격차를 줄이기 위한 노력이 필요합니다.

Efforts are needed to reduce the gender pay gap.

임금 격차 (pay gap) + 를 줄이다 (to reduce).

성별에 특화된 마케팅 전략을 세웠습니다.

We established a marketing strategy specialized for gender.

특화된 (specialized).

아이들의 성별 정체성은 존중받아야 합니다.

Children's gender identity should be respected.

정체성 (identity) + 존중받아야 합니다 (should be respected).

성별 갈등을 해결하기 위해 대화가 필요합니다.

Dialogue is needed to resolve gender conflict.

갈등 (conflict) + 을 해결하다 (to resolve).

이 연구는 성별 변수를 통제하지 않았습니다.

This study did not control for the gender variable.

변수 (variable) + 를 통제하다 (to control).

성별에 기반한 차별은 법으로 금지되어 있습니다.

Discrimination based on gender is prohibited by law.

기반한 (based on) + 금지되어 있다 (is prohibited).

성별 역할에 대한 인식이 변하고 있습니다.

Perceptions of gender roles are changing.

인식 (perception) + 이 변하다 (to change).

성별 다양성을 존중하는 기업 문화가 중요합니다.

A corporate culture that respects gender diversity is important.

다양성 (diversity) + 을 존중하다 (to respect).

성별 분절적 노동 시장의 문제를 지적했습니다.

They pointed out the problems of a gender-segregated labor market.

분절적 (segregated) + 지적하다 (to point out).

성별 감수성을 높이는 교육이 실시되었습니다.

Education to increase gender sensitivity was conducted.

감수성 (sensitivity) + 을 높이다 (to raise).

성별에 따른 신체적 차이를 고려해야 합니다.

Physical differences according to gender must be considered.

고려해야 합니다 (must consider).

성별 이분법적 사고에서 벗어나야 합니다.

We must move away from gender-binary thinking.

이분법적 (binary) + 사고 (thinking) + 에서 벗어나다 (to escape/move away).

성별 영향 평가를 통해 정책의 공정성을 확보합니다.

Policy fairness is ensured through gender impact assessments.

영향 평가 (impact assessment) + 확보하다 (to secure).

사회적 성별인 젠더와 생물학적 성별의 차이를 논의합니다.

We discuss the difference between social gender and biological sex.

생물학적 (biological) + 논의하다 (to discuss).

성별 정체성의 유동성에 관한 논문이 발표되었습니다.

A paper on the fluidity of gender identity was published.

유동성 (fluidity) + 발표되었습니다 (was published).

성별 위계 구조를 해체하려는 움직임이 있습니다.

There are movements to deconstruct gender hierarchy structures.

위계 구조 (hierarchy structure) + 해체하다 (to deconstruct).

성별 주류화 정책이 국가 전략의 핵심입니다.

Gender mainstreaming policy is at the core of national strategy.

주류화 (mainstreaming) + 핵심 (core).

성별에 국한되지 않은 인간 본연의 가치를 탐구합니다.

We explore the inherent value of humans, not limited to gender.

국한되지 않은 (not limited to) + 탐구하다 (to explore).

성별 불평등의 구조적 원인을 심층 분석했습니다.

We conducted an in-depth analysis of the structural causes of gender inequality.

심층 분석 (in-depth analysis).

성별 담론의 역사적 변천사를 고찰하다.

Examine the historical transition of gender discourse.

담론 (discourse) + 변천사 (history of change) + 고찰하다 (to examine).

성별 정체성의 수행성에 대한 철학적 논의.

Philosophical discussion on the performativity of gender identity.

수행성 (performativity) + 철학적 (philosophical).

성별 규범이 개인의 주체성 형성에 미치는 영향.

The influence of gender norms on the formation of individual subjectivity.

규범 (norm) + 주체성 (subjectivity) + 형성 (formation).

성별 중립적 언어 사용의 사회적 함의를 분석하다.

Analyze the social implications of using gender-neutral language.

중립적 (neutral) + 함의 (implication).

성별 권력 관계의 전복을 꿈꾸는 문학 작품들.

Literary works that dream of the subversion of gender power relations.

전복 (subversion) + 꿈꾸는 (dreaming).

성별 이데올로기의 내면화 과정을 비판적으로 검토하다.

Critically examine the process of internalizing gender ideology.

내면화 (internalization) + 비판적으로 (critically).

성별 경계의 모호함이 가져오는 예술적 영감.

Artistic inspiration brought by the ambiguity of gender boundaries.

모호함 (ambiguity) + 영감 (inspiration).

성별 정의 실현을 위한 범지구적 연대.

Global solidarity for the realization of gender justice.

정의 실현 (realization of justice) + 연대 (solidarity).

Sinónimos

남녀 성

Antónimos

Colocaciones comunes

성별을 기입하다 (to fill in gender)

성별을 확인하다 (to check gender)

성별에 관계없이 (regardless of gender)

성별 차이 (gender difference)

성별 비율 (gender ratio)

성별 분포 (gender distribution)

성별 갈등 (gender conflict)

성별 고정관념 (gender stereotype)

성별 임금 격차 (gender pay gap)

성별 정체성 (gender identity)

Frases Comunes

성별이 어떻게 되세요? (What is your gender? - very formal)

성별을 선택하세요 (Select your gender)

성별에 따른 차별 (Discrimination based on gender)

성별 불문 (Regardless of gender)

성별 제한 없음 (No gender limit)

성별 맞춤형 (Gender-customized)

성별 인지적 (Gender-sensitive)

성별 균형 (Gender balance)

성별 장벽 (Gender barrier)

성별 통계 (Gender statistics)

Se confunde a menudo con

성별 vs 성격 (personality)

성별 vs 성함 (name - honorific)

성별 vs 성적 (grades)

Modismos y expresiones

"성별의 벽을 넘다 (To cross the barrier of gender)"

"성별을 가리지 않다 (To not discriminate by gender)"

"성별에 얽매이다 (To be bound by gender roles)"

"성별을 초월하다 (To transcend gender)"

"성별의 굴레 (The shackles of gender)"

"성별 이분법 (Gender binary)"

"성별 감수성 (Gender sensitivity)"

"성별 주류화 (Gender mainstreaming)"

"성별 격차 해소 (Closing the gender gap)"

"성별 다양성 확보 (Securing gender diversity)"

Fácil de confundir

성별 vs

Patrones de oraciones

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Cómo usarlo

nuance

성별 is clinical and formal. Using it in a romantic or very casual context can sound robotic.

context

Mainly used in data, forms, and social discourse.

Errores comunes

Using '성별' instead of '성격' when talking about someone's personality.
Saying '성별 친구' instead of '남자/여자 친구'.
Confusing '성별' (gender) with '성함' (honorific name).
Omitting the particle '에' in '성별에 관계없이'.
Using '성별' in very casual, friendly greetings.

Consejos

Form Filling

When you see '성별' on a form, look for the letters '남' and '여' to check your box.

Social Issues

The term '성별 갈등' is very common in Korean news; it refers to social tensions between genders.

Particles

Always use '에' with '관계없이' when saying 'regardless of gender' (성별에 관계없이).

Clear Endings

Make sure to pronounce the 'ㄹ' in '별' clearly to avoid confusion with other '성' words.

Clinical Tone

Use '성별' when you want to sound professional or objective.

Association

Associate '성별' with 'Statistics' to remember its formal nature.

Essays

In TOPIK essays, use '성별' when discussing demographic changes.

News

Listen for '성별' when reporters talk about '투표율' (voting rates).

Hospitals

At a hospital, the staff will use '성별' to confirm your identity.

Workplace

Use '성별' when discussing team composition or hiring policies.

Memorízalo

Origen de la palabra

Sino-Korean word used to denote the classification of living beings by sex.

Contexto cultural

Discussions about '성별 갈등' (gender conflict) are very prominent in Korean online communities and media.

The word '젠더' is increasingly used in academic settings to discuss social gender, while '성별' remains the standard for all other uses.

Korean ID numbers (주민등록번호) contain a digit that indicates 성별 (1/3 for male, 2/4 for female).

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"아이 성별이 어떻게 돼요?"

"성별에 관계없이 누구나 참여할 수 있나요?"

"성별 고정관념에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"이 제품의 성별 타겟은 누구인가요?"

"한국의 성별 임금 격차에 대해 들어보셨나요?"

Temas para diario

우리 사회의 성별 고정관념에 대해 써 보세요.

성별에 관계없이 가장 중요한 가치는 무엇이라고 생각하나요?

내가 경험한 성별 차별에 대해 적어 보세요.

성별이 직업 선택에 미치는 영향은 무엇일까요?

미래 사회에서 성별의 의미는 어떻게 변할까요?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

성 is the root meaning 'sex' or 'gender', but it can also mean 'last name'. 성별 is the specific noun for the classification 'gender'.

Yes, it is used to describe the sex of animals in a formal or medical way.

You can use '성중립적' (gender-neutral) or '성별 구분이 없는' (without gender distinction).

Yes, it is a very polite and formal word.

No, that is '성격'. This is a common mistake for beginners.

남 for 남자 (Male) and 여 for 여자 (Female).

Most official forms in Korea still only offer '남' and '여', though discussions are evolving.

You can ask '아기가 아들이에요, 딸이에요?' or more formally '성별이 어떻게 돼요?'

It is '성평등' or '양성평등'.

It is used in academic, social justice, and modern cultural contexts, but '성별' is more common for general use.

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