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A2 verb #6,000 más común 6 min de lectura

넘어서다

neomeoseoda Top 6,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 넘어서다 en 30 segundos

Explicación 넘어서다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '넘어서다' as a combination of two basic words: '넘다' (to cross) and '서다' (to stand). Imagine you are walking and you see a line on the ground. You step over that line and then you stand on the other side. That is the basic meaning. Although this word might seem a bit long, you can use it to talk about simple things like crossing a street or a small hill. At this level, it is enough to know that it means 'to go across something and be on the other side.' You might use it when talking about numbers too, like when you have more than 10 apples. It is a useful word to describe when something becomes 'more' than a certain point. Just remember: [Thing] + 을/를 + 넘어서다.

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At the A2 level, '넘어서다' becomes very useful for talking about personal achievements and statistics. You are now moving beyond just physical crossing. You can use it to say you 'surpassed' a goal or 'overcame' a small difficulty. For example, if you are studying Korean and you finally understand a difficult grammar point, you have 'surpassed' that obstacle. In daily life, you will see this word on the news when they talk about the weather (temperature) or the number of people at an event. It sounds slightly more formal and 'complete' than just saying '넘다'. It implies that you didn't just pass the limit, but you are now firmly in a new, higher position. It's a great word to use when you want to sound more expressive about your progress.

At the B1 level, you should start using '넘어서다' to describe more complex abstract concepts. This includes overcoming psychological barriers like fear, laziness, or prejudice. It is also used frequently in professional or academic contexts to describe data trends. For instance, you might describe how a company's profits 'surpassed' expectations. At this level, you should notice the difference between '넘어서다' and '극복하다'. While '극복하다' focuses on the struggle of overcoming, '넘어서다' focuses on the fact that you have moved beyond the boundary. You should also be comfortable using it in various grammatical forms, such as '-기 위해 넘어서다' (to surpass in order to...) or '-ㄴ/은 후 넘어서다' (surpassing after...). It is a key verb for discussing social issues and personal growth.

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At the B2 level, '넘어서다' is used to analyze trends and discuss societal transitions. You will encounter it in editorials, documentaries, and literature. It often appears in the context of 'transcending' traditional boundaries or limitations. For example, '넘어서다' can describe a movement that goes beyond national borders or a philosophy that surpasses traditional thought. You should be able to use it to describe the nuances of competition—not just winning, but surpassing a previous standard of excellence. At this level, you should also be aware of its collocations with words like '한계' (limit), '장벽' (barrier), and '차원' (dimension). Using '차원을 넘어서다' (to go beyond a certain dimension/level) indicates a sophisticated level of expression.

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At the C1 level, '넘어서다' is used with high precision in academic and literary contexts. It often describes the act of transcending ontological or epistemological boundaries. For example, in a philosophical discussion, one might talk about '넘어서다' in relation to human finitude or the limits of language. You should be able to distinguish it from highly formal synonyms like '상회하다' (exceeding a numerical value) or '초월하다' (transcending in a metaphysical sense). In C1 level writing, '넘어서다' provides a sense of dynamic progression. It is often used to critique historical periods or artistic movements that 'surpassed' the conventions of their time. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's ability to bridge the gap between physical action and abstract transcendence.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '넘어서다,' utilizing it to convey subtle shifts in state and status. You can use it in highly nuanced rhetorical ways, such as describing a person who has 'surpassed' their own ego or a society that has 'surpassed' its historical trauma to forge a new identity. At this level, the word is not just a verb but a conceptual tool to describe evolution and transformation. You can masterfully weave it into complex sentences that involve multiple clauses, using it to anchor arguments about progress, ethics, or aesthetics. You understand its poetic potential in literature, where '넘어서다' might symbolize the ultimate journey of a soul or the breaking of the most profound human limitations. Your command of the word allows you to use it effortlessly in any register, from the most technical economic report to the most evocative piece of creative writing.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

넘어서다 en 30 segundos

A versatile Korean verb meaning 'to surpass' or 'to overcome' across physical and abstract contexts.
Commonly used in news for statistics (exceeding numbers) and in self-help for personal growth.
Formed by combining '넘다' (to cross) and '서다' (to stand), implying a completed action.
Essential for CEFR A2 learners to describe goals, records, and overcoming challenges effectively.

The Korean verb 넘어서다 (neomeoseoda) is a compound verb that combines 넘다 (to cross or climb over) and 서다 (to stand). Literally, it describes the action of moving across a boundary and coming to a stop or establishing oneself on the other side. However, its usage in modern Korean extends far beyond physical movement. It is most frequently used to describe the act of surpassing a limit, overcoming a significant hardship, or exceeding a numerical threshold.

Literal Usage: Physically crossing a line, a mountain, or a border. For example, crossing a finish line or stepping over a threshold.
Metaphorical Usage: Overcoming psychological barriers, social prejudices, or personal limitations. It implies a sense of growth and achievement after a struggle.
Statistical Usage: Exceeding a specific number, such as a population count, a sales target, or a temperature record.

그는 자신의 한계를 넘어서다.
(He surpassed his own limits.)

When you use 넘어서다, you are often highlighting the fact that the boundary was not just touched, but completely cleared. It carries a nuance of finality and progress. In daily life, you might hear this word in news reports discussing economic growth ("The stock market surpassed 3,000 points") or in motivational speeches ("We must overcome this crisis together"). Unlike the simple verb 넘다, which focuses on the act of crossing, 넘어서다 emphasizes the state of having reached the other side and standing firm.

수출액이 1억 달러를 넘어섰습니다.
(Export volume has exceeded 100 million dollars.)

This word is versatile across different registers. In formal settings, it sounds professional and decisive. In literature, it often describes characters who transcend their social status or emotional trauma. It is an essential word for learners at the A2 level because it allows you to describe progress and achievement more vividly than basic verbs like '가다' (to go) or '하다' (to do).

Using 넘어서다 correctly involves understanding its relationship with the object particles 을/를. Because it is an active verb, the thing being surpassed or crossed is typically the direct object. However, depending on the context, the nuance can change from physical to abstract.

Grammar Structure: [Noun] + 을/를 + 넘어서다. This is the standard pattern for both physical obstacles and abstract goals.

우리는 국경을 넘어섰다.
(We crossed the border.)

In this physical context, it implies more than just walking across; it often suggests a definitive movement into a new territory. When used with abstract nouns like '공포' (fear) or '어려움' (difficulty), it takes on the meaning of 'overcoming.'

그녀는 공포를 넘어서기 위해 매일 연습했다.
(She practiced every day to overcome her fear.)

Another common usage is for time or quantity. When a value goes past a certain point, 넘어서다 is the preferred verb in formal reports. Notice how it is often used in the past tense (넘어섰다) or the progressive form (넘어서고 있다) to show current trends.

Common Objects: 한계 (limit), 기준 (standard), 목표 (goal), 장벽 (barrier), 수치 (numerical value).

관객 수가 1,000만 명을 넘어섰습니다.
(The number of spectators has exceeded 10 million.)

You will encounter 넘어서다 in various real-world scenarios in Korea. It is a staple of news broadcasting, business meetings, and motivational content. Understanding these contexts helps you grasp the 'weight' of the word.

In the News: News anchors frequently use this word when reporting on records. "The heatwave has surpassed 40 degrees," or "The unemployment rate has surpassed the previous year's figures."
In Business: Managers use it to motivate teams. "We need to surpass our competitors' technology," or "Our sales must surpass the break-even point."

기온이 35도를 넘어섰으니 외출을 자제하세요.
(Since the temperature has surpassed 35 degrees, please refrain from going outside.)

In K-Dramas and movies, 넘어서다 is often used in emotional climaxes. A character might talk about surpassing the trauma of their past or overcoming the social barriers that prevent them from being with the person they love. It carries a heroic or determined tone in these contexts.

우리는 신분의 차이를 넘어서서 사랑을 확인했다.
(We confirmed our love by surpassing the difference in social status.)

Sports commentary is another place where this word shines. When an athlete breaks a world record or beats a legendary opponent, commentators will shout that they have 'surpassed' the previous limits of human performance. It’s a word of triumph and progression.

Even though 넘어서다 is a common word, learners often confuse it with other similar verbs or use it in contexts where a simpler word would suffice. Understanding these nuances will make your Korean sound more natural.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '넘다': While often interchangeable, '넘다' is more casual and focuses on the action. '넘어서다' is more formal and emphasizes the result. Use '넘다' for simple things like 'climbing over a fence' in casual speech.
Mistake 2: Incorrect Particle Usage: Learners sometimes use '에' (at/to) instead of '을/를' (object). While '에 넘어서다' is occasionally seen in specific poetic contexts, '을/를 넘어서다' is the standard for surpassing a limit.

Incorrect: 100점에 넘어서다.
Correct: 100점을 넘어서다.

Another common mistake is using 넘어서다 for simple passage of time without a specific threshold. For example, if you just want to say "two hours passed," use 지나다. If you want to say "it has surpassed the two-hour limit," then 넘어서다 is appropriate.

Incorrect: 시험을 넘어서다.
Correct: 시험에 합격하다.

Lastly, avoid using it for physical objects that you are simply moving 'past' (like a building on the street). Use 지나치다 or 지나가다 for that. 넘어서다 requires a barrier or a boundary to be crossed.

To enrich your vocabulary, it’s important to know words that are similar to 넘어서다 but carry slightly different nuances. Depending on whether you are talking about numbers, emotions, or competition, another word might be more precise.

극복하다 (Geuk-bok-ha-da): Meaning: To overcome. This is specifically used for hardships, illnesses, or trauma. It focuses more on the internal struggle than the boundary itself.
초월하다 (Cho-wol-ha-da): Meaning: To transcend. This is a higher-level, more philosophical word. It’s used for things like 'transcending time and space' or 'transcending human understanding.'
능가하다 (Neung-ga-ha-da): Meaning: To surpass or outdo. This is mostly used when comparing two things, like one athlete surpassing another's record or a new product outperforming an old one.

그의 실력은 이미 스승을 능가했다.
(His skill has already surpassed his teacher's.)

When choosing between these, consider the context. If you are talking about a difficult period in your life, 극복하다 is very common. If you are talking about a statistic, 넘어서다 or 상회하다 (to exceed - very formal) are better choices. If you are talking about a competition, 능가하다 is the most natural.

우리는 모든 시련을 극복하고 성공했다.
(We overcame all trials and succeeded.)

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The '서다' (stand) part of the word is what gives it the nuance of 'achieving' or 'completing' the crossing, rather than just the motion itself.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /nʌ.mʌ.sʌ.da/

US /nʌ.mʌ.sʌ.dɑ/

Stress is relatively even across syllables, as in most Korean words, but a slight emphasis may be placed on 'neo' (넘).

Rima con

들어서다 (deureoseoda) 내어서다 (naeeoseoda) 일어서다 (ireoseoda) 벗어나다 (beoseonada) 나타나다 (natanada) 자라나다 (jaranada) 지나가다 (jinagada) 다가오다 (dagaoda)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'eo' (어) as 'o' (오).
Aspirating the 's' in 'seo' too strongly.
Failing to link 'meo' and 'seo' smoothly.
Pronouncing 'd' as a hard 't'.
Mistaking the pitch accent if the speaker is from Gyeongsang province.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize as it consists of two very basic verbs.

Escritura 3/5

Requires correct particle usage (을/를) and understanding of abstract vs. physical contexts.

Expresión oral 3/5

Pronunciation of 'eo' (어) sounds must be clear to distinguish from 'o' (오).

Escucha 2/5

Commonly heard in news and dramas, making it easy to pick up.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

넘다 (to cross) 서다 (to stand) 한계 (limit) 목표 (goal) 어렵다 (to be difficult)

Aprende después

극복하다 (to overcome) 초월하다 (to transcend) 능가하다 (to surpass) 상회하다 (to exceed) 돌파하다 (to break through)

Avanzado

해탈하다 (to reach nirvana/spiritual liberation) 승화시키다 (to sublimate/transform into something higher) 압도하다 (to overwhelm/overpower)

Gramática que debes saber

을/를 넘어서다

목표를 넘어서다. (Surpass the goal.)

-기 위해 넘어서다

성공하기 위해 한계를 넘어서야 한다. (To succeed, one must surpass limits.)

-ㄴ/은 채 넘어서다

두려움을 간직한 채 넘어서다. (Surpass while still holding onto fear.)

-도록 넘어서다

문제가 해결되도록 고비를 넘어서다. (Surpass the crisis so the problem is solved.)

-어/아서 넘어서다

용기를 내서 어려움을 넘어서다. (Take courage and overcome the difficulty.)

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Ejemplos por nivel

그는 선을 넘어서다.

He steps over the line.

Present tense, simple object '선' (line).

우리는 산을 넘어섰어요.

We crossed the mountain.

Past tense, polite ending.

사과가 열 개를 넘어서다.

There are more than ten apples.

Used for simple quantity.

강을 넘어서면 마을이 있어요.

If you cross the river, there is a village.

Conditional form '-면'.

아이들이 담을 넘어섰다.

The children climbed over the wall.

Physical obstacle '담' (wall).

버스가 정류장을 넘어섰어요.

The bus went past the stop.

Meaning 'to go beyond' a point.

가방 무게가 5kg를 넘어서다.

The bag weight exceeds 5kg.

Surpassing a weight limit.

문을 넘어서 들어오세요.

Please step over the door (threshold) and come in.

Imperative form '-으세요'.

기온이 30도를 넘어섰습니다.

The temperature has surpassed 30 degrees.

Formal polite ending '-습니다'.

그는 두려움을 넘어섰다.

He overcame his fear.

Abstract object '두려움' (fear).

우리는 목표를 넘어섰어요.

We surpassed our goal.

Common business usage.

관객이 백만 명을 넘어섰다.

The audience exceeded one million.

Used for large statistics.

어려운 시간을 넘어섰어요.

We got through the difficult times.

Temporal/Abstract usage.

그녀는 자신의 한계를 넘어섰다.

She surpassed her own limits.

Collocation with '한계' (limit).

점수가 기준을 넘어섰습니다.

The score exceeded the standard.

Comparing against a '기준' (standard).

시간이 벌써 자정을 넘어섰다.

The time has already passed midnight.

Surpassing a time point.

이 문제는 개인의 능력을 넘어섰다.

This problem has surpassed individual ability.

Describing something beyond capability.

두 나라는 갈등을 넘어서기로 했다.

The two countries decided to move beyond their conflict.

Deciding an action '-기로 하다'.

기술이 예상을 훨씬 넘어섰습니다.

The technology far surpassed expectations.

Adverb '훨씬' (far/much) for emphasis.

그 영화는 단순한 오락을 넘어섰다.

That movie went beyond simple entertainment.

Describing quality/nature.

물가가 작년 수준을 넘어섰어요.

Prices have surpassed last year's level.

Economic context.

편견을 넘어서는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to move beyond prejudice.

Gerund form '-는 것'.

그의 인기는 국경을 넘어섰다.

His popularity surpassed national borders.

Metaphorical '국경' (border).

우리는 위기를 넘어서고 있습니다.

We are overcoming the crisis.

Progressive form '-고 있다'.

이 작품은 시대를 넘어선 걸작이다.

This work is a masterpiece that surpasses the era.

Adjective form '-ㄴ' modifying '걸작'.

그는 육체적 고통을 넘어서서 완주했다.

He finished the race, surpassing physical pain.

Connective '-어서' showing manner/cause.

수요가 공급을 훨씬 넘어서고 있다.

Demand is far exceeding supply.

Economic terminology.

그녀의 연기는 차원을 넘어섰다는 찬사를 받았다.

Her acting received praise for going beyond dimensions.

Quoted praise '-다는 찬사'.

과거의 아픔을 넘어서야 미래가 있다.

Only by moving beyond past pain is there a future.

Necessity form '-어야'.

이 법안은 정당의 이해관계를 넘어섰다.

This bill has surpassed the interests of political parties.

Political context.

지식의 한계를 넘어서기 위해 연구한다.

I research to surpass the limits of knowledge.

Purpose form '-기 위해'.

수출이 사상 최대치를 넘어섰습니다.

Exports have surpassed the all-time high.

Formal business reporting.

인간의 인지 능력을 넘어서는 현상이다.

It is a phenomenon that surpasses human cognitive ability.

Scientific/Philosophical context.

그 사상은 전통적인 가치관을 넘어섰다.

That ideology surpassed traditional values.

Intellectual history context.

언어의 장벽을 넘어서는 소통이 필요하다.

Communication that surpasses language barriers is needed.

Social/Cultural context.

이 기술은 기존의 패러다임을 넘어섰다.

This technology has surpassed the existing paradigm.

Advanced terminology '패러다임'.

그의 문학은 현실과 환상의 경계를 넘어서다.

His literature surpasses the boundary between reality and fantasy.

Literary analysis.

수익률이 시장 평균을 크게 넘어섰습니다.

The rate of return significantly surpassed the market average.

Investment/Finance context.

우리는 단순한 협력을 넘어서서 동반자가 되었다.

We went beyond simple cooperation and became partners.

Strategic partnership context.

진리는 인간의 이성을 넘어서는 곳에 있다.

Truth lies in a place that surpasses human reason.

Metaphysical usage.

그의 통찰은 시대적 제약을 완전히 넘어섰다.

His insight completely surpassed the constraints of the era.

High-level vocabulary '통찰', '제약'.

이 예술적 시도는 장르의 구분을 넘어서고 있다.

This artistic attempt is surpassing the distinction of genres.

Aesthetic critique.

인류는 이제 지구라는 터전을 넘어서려 한다.

Humanity is now trying to surpass the earth as its home.

Intentional form '-려 하다'.

그 정책은 단순한 복지를 넘어서 사회 변혁을 지향한다.

The policy aims for social transformation beyond simple welfare.

Political theory context.

자아를 넘어서는 경험은 삶의 의미를 바꾼다.

Experiences that surpass the ego change the meaning of life.

Psychological/Spiritual depth.

기술의 진보는 윤리적 논의의 속도를 넘어섰다.

The progress of technology has surpassed the speed of ethical discussion.

Societal critique.

그의 희생은 인간애의 극한을 넘어선 것이었다.

His sacrifice was something that surpassed the limits of humanity.

Ethical superlative.

본질은 현상의 피상성을 넘어서는 곳에 존재한다.

Essence exists in a place that surpasses the superficiality of phenomena.

Philosophical ontology.

Colocaciones comunes

한계를 넘어서다

목표를 넘어서다

위기를 넘어서다

국경을 넘어서다

상상을 넘어서다

기준을 넘어서다

수치를 넘어서다

장벽을 넘어서다

시대를 넘어서다

예상을 넘어서다

Frases Comunes

차원을 넘어서다

— To be on a completely different level of quality or existence.

그의 요리는 차원을 넘어섰다.

산 넘어 산

— One difficulty after another (related idiom).

이번 프로젝트는 산 넘어 산이다.

고비를 넘어서다

— To get past the most critical moment or turning point.

환자가 큰 고비를 넘어섰습니다.

선을 넘어서다

— To cross the line (behave inappropriately).

그의 농담은 선을 넘어섰다.

범위를 넘어서다

— To exceed the scope or range of something.

이 일은 내 권한 밖의 범위를 넘어섰다.

상식을 넘어서다

— To go beyond common sense (often in a negative or shocking way).

그의 행동은 상식을 넘어섰다.

경계를 넘어서다

— To cross a boundary or blur distinctions.

예술과 기술의 경계를 넘어서다.

수준을 넘어서다

— To exceed a certain level of skill or quality.

그의 한국어는 아마추어 수준을 넘어섰다.

기록을 넘어서다

— To break or surpass a record.

그는 세계 기록을 넘어섰다.

어려움을 넘어서다

— To overcome difficulties.

우리는 함께 어려움을 넘어섰다.

Se confunde a menudo con

넘어서다 vs 지나가다

지나가다 means 'to pass by' something, while 넘어서다 means 'to cross over' a specific barrier or limit.

넘어서다 vs 나아가다

나아가다 means 'to move forward,' focusing on the direction, whereas 넘어서다 focuses on clearing a boundary.

넘어서다 vs 극복하다

극복하다 is specifically for 'overcoming' hardships, while 넘어서다 is broader, including numbers and physical crossing.

Modismos y expresiones

"죽을 고비를 넘어서다"

— To narrowly escape death or survive a life-threatening crisis.

그는 사고 현장에서 죽을 고비를 넘어섰다.

Neutral

"상상의 나래를 넘어서다"

— To go beyond what one could possibly imagine.

그 영화의 반전은 상상의 나래를 넘어섰다.

Literary

"인간의 한계를 넘어서다"

— To perform a feat that seems impossible for a human.

그의 인내심은 인간의 한계를 넘어섰다.

Journalistic

"담장을 넘어서다"

— Literally crossing a wall, but often used to mean escaping restriction.

그의 명성은 담장을 넘어 전국으로 퍼졌다.

Metaphorical

"문턱을 넘어서다"

— To cross the threshold, often meaning to start a new phase.

그녀는 드디어 대학의 문턱을 넘어섰다.

Neutral

"제 분수를 넘어서다"

— To behave beyond one's social standing or means (often negative).

그의 낭비벽은 제 분수를 넘어섰다.

Informal

"세상의 눈을 넘어서다"

— To ignore social prejudice or public scrutiny.

그들은 세상의 눈을 넘어서 사랑을 지켰다.

Romantic/Literary

"이론을 넘어서다"

— To be proven in practice beyond just theoretical possibility.

이 실험의 성공은 이론을 넘어섰다.

Academic

"말문을 넘어서다"

— To be beyond words (so shocking or amazing that one cannot speak).

그 광경은 말문을 넘어서는 감동을 주었다.

Evocative

"기대를 넘어서다"

— To exceed what was expected.

신제품의 성능은 기대를 훨씬 넘어섰다.

Business

Fácil de confundir

넘어서다 vs 넘다

They both mean 'to cross' or 'to exceed.'

넘다 is more general and common in speech. 넘어서다 is more descriptive and emphasizes the 'standing' or 'completion' on the other side.

산을 넘다 vs. 산을 넘어서다 (The latter sounds more like a completed journey).

넘어서다 vs 상회하다

Both are used for exceeding numbers.

상회하다 is extremely formal and usually only found in written economic reports. 넘어서다 is used in both speech and writing.

수익이 기대를 상회하다.

넘어서다 vs 초과하다

Both mean 'to exceed.'

초과하다 often has a negative or neutral nuance of 'going over a limit' (like baggage weight or a speed limit). 넘어서다 is often more positive (surpassing a goal).

제한 속도를 초과하다.

넘어서다 vs 능가하다

Both mean 'to surpass.'

능가하다 is used when comparing one person or thing's ability to another. 넘어서다 is used for boundaries or absolute limits.

그의 실력은 나를 능가한다.

넘어서다 vs 통과하다

Both involve passing something.

통과하다 means passing through a gate or passing a test. 넘어서다 means going over a barrier.

시험에 통과하다.

Patrones de oraciones

[Object]을/를 넘어서다

선을 넘어서다.

[Number]을/를 넘어서다

30도를 넘어서다.

[Abstract Noun]을/를 넘어서다

공포를 넘어서다.

한계를 넘어서서 [Result]

한계를 넘어서서 성공했다.

[Concept]의 경계를 넘어서다

예술의 경계를 넘어서다.

[Condition]을 넘어서는 [Noun]

상상을 넘어서는 결과.

[Target]을/를 넘어서기로 하다

기록을 넘어서기로 했다.

벌써 [Point]을/를 넘어서다

벌써 자정을 넘어서다.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

넘음 (crossing/exceeding)

넘이 (the act of crossing)

Verbos

넘다 (to cross/exceed)

넘기다 (to pass over/turn over)

넘나들다 (to go in and out/cross back and forth)

넘치다 (to overflow)

Relacionado

건너다 (to cross - usually water/street)

지나다 (to pass/elapse)

초과하다 (to exceed - formal)

극복하다 (to overcome)

이기다 (to win/overcome)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

High (especially in news, business, and motivational contexts)

Errores comunes

Using '에' instead of '을/를' → 한계를 넘어서다
Even though you are crossing 'to' the other side, the limit itself is the object of the action.
Using for 'passing' an exam → 시험에 합격하다
'넘어서다' is for barriers, not for academic success in a test.
Using '지나다' for statistics → 30도를 넘어서다
'지나다' is for time passing or passing a location. For numerical limits, '넘어서다' is more precise.
Confusing with '넘어지다' → 넘어서다 (surpass) vs. 넘어지다 (fall down)
They look similar but have opposite meanings! One is success, the other is falling.
Using for 'moving past' a person → 지나가다
If you just walk past someone on the street, use '지나가다'. '넘어서다' implies a barrier.

Consejos

Use for milestones

Use '넘어서다' when describing major milestones like reaching 1 million subscribers or a company's 10th anniversary.

Pair with '드디어'

Pairing '넘어서다' with '드디어' (finally) emphasizes the effort taken to reach that point.

Watch your '어'

Ensure your '어' sound is distinct. If it sounds too much like '오', it might be confused with other words.

Formal Reports

In reports, use '넘어서고 있다' to show a current trend of exceeding a certain value.

Collocations

Memorize '한계를 넘어서다' as a single unit; it is one of the most common expressions in Korean.

Show determination

Using '넘어서겠습니다' (I will surpass/overcome) shows strong resolve in a job interview.

News keywords

When you hear '넘어서다' on the news, look for the number right before it to understand the context.

Physical vs. Abstract

Remember that while it starts with physical crossing, its power lies in its abstract usage for growth.

The 'Stand' Rule

Focus on the '서다' (stand) part to remember that this verb implies staying in the new, higher position.

Hyperbole

In slang, you can use it to describe something that is 'out of this world' (차원을 넘어서다).

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of '넘다' (Crossing) + '서다' (Standing). You CROSS the hurdle and then STAND tall on the other side.

Asociación visual

Imagine a runner leaping over a high hurdle and landing perfectly on their feet, standing strong.

Word Web

넘다 (Cross) 서다 (Stand) 한계 (Limit) 목표 (Goal) 성공 (Success) 어려움 (Difficulty) 기록 (Record) 성장 (Growth)

Desafío

Try to use '넘어서다' in three different contexts: a weather report, a sports achievement, and a personal feeling.

Origen de la palabra

A compound of the native Korean roots '넘-' (from '넘다', meaning to cross or go over) and '서다' (meaning to stand or establish). The '-어-' is a connecting vowel.

Significado original: To cross over and stand on the other side.

Koreanic (Altaic hypothesis)

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to use it when someone fails; it is strictly for successful crossing or exceeding.

In English, we often use 'overcome' for difficulties and 'surpass' for numbers. Korean uses '넘어서다' for both, making it a powerful all-in-one word.

K-Pop lyrics often use '넘어서다' to talk about reaching global fame. News reports on the movie 'Parasite' used '넘어서다' to describe it breaking box office records. Motivational speakers like Kim Mi-kyung use it to encourage women to surpass social barriers.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Weather Reporting

기온이 30도를 넘어서다
강수량이 기준을 넘어서다
폭염 경보를 넘어서다
미세먼지 농도가 기준치를 넘어서다

Business/Economics

매출이 목표를 넘어서다
시가 총액이 1조 원을 넘어서다
성장률이 예상을 넘어서다
손익분기점을 넘어서다

Personal Development

자신의 한계를 넘어서다
두려움을 넘어서다
과거의 상처를 넘어서다
나태함을 넘어서다

Sports

세계 기록을 넘어서다
상대 선수의 기량을 넘어서다
결승선을 넘어서다
전성기 실력을 넘어서다

Arts/Literature

시대를 넘어서는 작품
장르의 경계를 넘어서다
현실을 넘어서는 상상력
언어의 한계를 넘어서다

Inicios de conversación

"자신의 한계를 넘어섰다고 느낀 적이 있나요? (Have you ever felt like you surpassed your own limits?)"

"한국어 공부를 하면서 가장 넘어서기 힘들었던 점은 무엇인가요? (What was the hardest thing to overcome while studying Korean?)"

"올해 꼭 넘어서고 싶은 목표가 있나요? (Is there a goal you definitely want to surpass this year?)"

"어떤 영화가 단순한 재미를 넘어섰다고 생각하세요? (Which movie do you think went beyond simple fun?)"

"우리가 편견을 넘어서기 위해 무엇을 해야 할까요? (What should we do to move beyond prejudice?)"

Temas para diario

오늘 내가 넘어선 작은 한계에 대해 써보세요. (Write about a small limit you surpassed today.)

내가 가장 존경하는 인물이 어떻게 어려움을 넘어섰는지 설명해 보세요. (Explain how the person you admire most overcame difficulties.)

10년 후의 나는 지금의 나를 어떻게 넘어설까요? (How will the 'me' in 10 years surpass the 'me' now?)

사회적 장벽을 넘어서기 위한 나의 생각과 계획을 적어보세요. (Write your thoughts and plans for surpassing social barriers.)

최근에 본 뉴스 중에서 수치가 예상을 넘어선 사례를 찾아 분석해 보세요. (Find and analyze a recent news case where figures surpassed expectations.)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, you should use '합격하다' or '통과하다'. '넘어서다' is for obstacles or limits, not standardized tests.

Not always. It can be used for negative things like 'the fever surpassed 40 degrees' or 'he crossed the line (behaved badly).'

'뛰어넘다' literally means 'to jump over.' It is more dynamic and often used for 'skipping' steps or 'leaping' far beyond a limit.

Yes, for specific time points like 'surpassing midnight' (자정을 넘어서다) or 'surpassing the deadline' (마감 시간을 넘어서다).

Yes, but '넘다' is more common. Use '넘어서다' when you want to sound more expressive or emphasize achievement.

It almost always takes '을/를' because it is a transitive verb acting on an object (the limit/barrier).

Yes, like '키가 180cm를 넘어서다' (Height surpassed 180cm).

'위기를 넘어서다' or '위기를 극복하다' are both perfect.

'미달하다' (to fall short) or '멈추다' (to stop).

No, it is an active verb. The passive equivalent would be '넘겨지다' (to be passed over), but it's used differently.

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