At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe things. While '부분적으로' (bubunjeogeuro) might seem long, you can think of it as a way to say 'not all.' Instead of saying 'The whole apple is red,' you can use this word to say 'The apple is red in some parts.' It helps you be more specific. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet. Just try adding it before simple adjectives like 'red' (빨개요) or 'blue' (파래요). It’s like saying 'partly' in English. For example, if you are looking at a picture and some of it is finished, you can say '부분적으로 끝났어요' (It’s partially finished). This shows you understand that things aren't always 100% complete. Don't worry about the Hanja (Chinese characters) behind it yet; just focus on the sound 'bu-bun-jeok-eu-ro' and its meaning of 'a little part of the whole.' This is a great word to make your basic Korean sound much more detailed and interesting to listeners.
At the A2 level, you can begin to use '부분적으로' to qualify your opinions and descriptions. This is very useful when you want to agree with someone but not completely. For example, if a friend says a movie was great, you might say, '부분적으로 동의해요' (I partially agree). This sounds much more natural and polite than just saying 'No.' You will also see this word in weather reports on TV or in apps. When you see '부분적으로 흐림,' you know it means 'partly cloudy.' At this stage, you should practice placing '부분적으로' before verbs like '완료하다' (to complete), '수정하다' (to fix/modify), and '이해하다' (to understand). If you only understood some of a Korean lesson, you can tell your teacher, '부분적으로 이해했어요.' This is a very practical way to use the word. You are now moving beyond simple 'yes' and 'no' and starting to describe the 'degree' of things, which is a major step in your language journey.
By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '부분적으로' in professional and academic contexts. You are expected to handle more complex sentence structures, such as using this adverb to modify passive verbs or complex adjectives. For instance, '데이터가 부분적으로 손실되었습니다' (Data was partially lost). This level of precision is essential for workplace communication in Korea. You should also start noticing the difference between '부분적으로' and its synonyms like '어느 정도' or '일부.' While '어느 정도' is great for casual conversation, '부분적으로' is the standard for reports and presentations. You might also encounter the variation '부분적인' (the adjective form), which you can use to modify nouns directly, such as '부분적인 성공' (a partial success). At B1, you should be able to explain *why* something is only partially true or complete using connecting particles like '-기 때문에' (because). For example, '시간이 없어서 부분적으로만 완성했습니다' (Because I didn't have time, I only partially completed it).
At the B2 level, '부분적으로' becomes a tool for nuanced argumentation and critical analysis. You will use it to dissect theories, legal clauses, or complex social issues. In a debate, you might say, '그 정책은 부분적으로는 타당성이 있지만, 실현 가능성이 낮습니다' (That policy is partially valid, but its feasibility is low). Note the use of the topic marker '-는' (부분적으로는) to provide contrast. This level requires you to understand the 'scope of influence' that the adverb has on the rest of the sentence. You will also encounter this word in literature and high-level journalism, where it might describe fragmented memories or partially revealed truths. You should be able to use it fluently in writing tasks, such as essays or formal emails, to show that you can evaluate situations from multiple perspectives. It’s no longer just about 'parts of an object,' but about 'parts of an idea' or 'parts of a system.' Mastery at this level means knowing exactly when to use '부분적으로' to sound objective and when to switch to more emotive or subjective qualifiers.
At the C1 level, you are exploring the philosophical and technical depths of '부분적으로.' You understand that this word is part of a larger family of 'jeok' (적) words that form the backbone of modern Korean academic discourse. You can use it to discuss abstract concepts like 'partial identity' or 'fragmented reality.' You might use it in a sentence like, '인간의 인식은 본질적으로 부분적일 수밖에 없다' (Human perception is inherently and inevitably partial). Here, you are combining it with other complex adverbs like '본질적으로' (essentially). You should also be aware of how '부분적으로' is used in legal and technical Korean to define boundaries and limitations. For example, in patent law or copyright discussions, '부분적으로 중복되다' (to partially overlap) is a common phrase. Your usage should be flawless, and you should be able to use the word to create sophisticated rhetorical structures, such as using it in a series of qualifiers to build a complex argument. You are now using the word not just to describe, but to define the limits of knowledge and existence.
At the C2 level, your mastery of '부분적으로' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use it with total precision in the most formal settings, such as academic journals, legal briefs, or high-level diplomatic negotiations. You understand the subtle historical weight of the word and how its usage has evolved in modern Korean. You can play with the word's placement for stylistic effect, using it to create rhythm and emphasis in your prose. You might even use it in creative writing to evoke a sense of incompleteness or longing. You are also capable of critiquing its usage in others' work, identifying when it is used as a 'filler' or when it truly adds necessary nuance. At this level, '부분적으로' is just one of many tools in your vast linguistic toolkit, used with an effortless understanding of its semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic implications. You can navigate the subtle differences between '부분적으로,' '국부적으로,' '일시적으로,' and other related terms with absolute confidence, ensuring your communication is as precise as it is elegant.

부분적으로 en 30 segundos

  • Used to describe something that is only 'partially' done or true.
  • Commonly used in weather reports, business meetings, and academic discussions.
  • Formed from 'bubun' (part) + '-jeok' (suffix) + '-euro' (adverbial particle).
  • Acts as a useful qualifier to avoid absolute or extreme statements.

The Korean word 부분적으로 (bubunjeogeuro) is a versatile adverb that translates to 'partially,' 'in part,' or 'to some extent' in English. It is composed of three distinct linguistic building blocks: bubun (部分), which means 'part' or 'section'; the suffix -jeok (的), which transforms the noun into an attributive form (like '-ish' or '-ic'); and the particle -euro (으로), which functions here to create an adverbial phrase meaning 'in the manner of.' Together, they describe an action or state that does not encompass the whole but rather a specific segment or degree of a situation.

Linguistic Root
The Hanja roots are 部 (division/section) and 分 (divide/minute). This suggests a conceptual breaking down of a whole into manageable pieces.
Usage Frequency
It is highly frequent in academic, journalistic, and professional settings, though it is also common in daily speech when one wants to be precise about the scope of an agreement or a physical change.

Imagine you are painting a room. If you have only finished the north wall, you haven't finished the room 'completely' (완전히), but you have finished it 부분적으로. This word is essential for nuanced communication because it allows the speaker to avoid binary 'yes/no' or 'all/nothing' traps. It provides a middle ground that acknowledges progress or limited validity.

그의 주장은 부분적으로 맞습니다. (His argument is partially correct.)

In Korean culture, where indirectness can sometimes be a sign of politeness or caution, 부분적으로 serves as a useful tool. Instead of saying someone is wrong, saying they are 'partially correct' softens the blow while maintaining intellectual honesty. It is also a staple in weather reports, particularly for describing cloud cover or regional precipitation patterns that don't affect the entire country.

Furthermore, the word is often found in technical manuals and legal documents. If a contract is 'partially' void, or if a machine is 'partially' functional, this word is the go-to choice. It implies a structural breakdown where the integrity of the whole is compromised but not entirely destroyed. For learners, mastering this word signals a move from basic fluency to a more sophisticated, analytical level of Korean expression.

Using 부분적으로 correctly requires an understanding of Korean adverb placement. Generally, adverbs in Korean are quite flexible, but they most naturally sit right before the verb or adjective they are modifying. However, for emphasis, 부분적으로 can also appear at the beginning of a clause.

Modifying Verbs
When modifying an action, it describes the scope of the completion. Example: '프로젝트가 부분적으로 완료되었습니다' (The project has been partially completed).
Modifying Adjectives
When modifying a state or quality, it limits the extent of that quality. Example: '이 사과는 부분적으로 빨갛습니다' (This apple is partially red).

우리는 그 제안을 부분적으로 수용하기로 했습니다. (We decided to partially accept that proposal.)

In complex sentences, 부분적으로 often works in tandem with contrastive markers like '-지만' (but) or '반면에' (on the other hand). For instance, '부분적으로는 좋지만, 전체적으로는 문제가 많다' (It is partially good, but overall there are many problems). This shows how the word acts as a qualifier, setting the stage for a more comprehensive evaluation later in the sentence.

하늘이 부분적으로 맑겠습니다. (The sky will be partly clear.)

One important aspect of its use is the 'scope of negation.' If you say '부분적으로 안 했어요' (I partially didn't do it), it implies you did some parts but left others. This is a very precise way to communicate responsibility in a workplace or academic setting. It avoids the harshness of a total failure while being more honest than claiming total success.

Common Verb Pairings
Commonly paired with '동의하다' (agree), '인정하다' (admit/recognize), '수정하다' (modify), and '파괴되다' (be destroyed).

Finally, when writing formally, you might see 부분적으로나마 (bubunjeogeurona-ma), which adds the nuance of 'even if only partially.' This is used when expressing gratitude or hope, such as '부분적으로나마 도움이 되었기를 바랍니다' (I hope this was helpful, even if only in part).

You will encounter 부분적으로 in a variety of real-world contexts, ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. One of the most common places is the weather forecast. Meteorologists in Korea frequently use the term '부분적으로 흐림' (partly cloudy) or '부분적으로 비' (isolated showers/partially raining) to describe weather that isn't uniform across a city or province.

내일은 전국이 부분적으로 비가 내리겠습니다. (Tomorrow, there will be partial rain across the country.)

In the business world, this word is indispensable during performance reviews or project updates. If a software launch was successful in some regions but faced bugs in others, a manager might say, '서비스가 부분적으로 정상화되었습니다' (The service has been partially normalized). This provides a factual, non-emotional assessment of a situation.

You will also hear this in academic lectures. Professors use it to dissect theories. A historian might say a certain theory is '부분적으로 타당하다' (partially valid) but fails to explain the whole context. It is a hallmark of critical thinking in the Korean language, allowing for the separation of valid components from invalid ones.

이 건물은 부분적으로 보수가 필요합니다. (This building partially needs repairs.)

In medical contexts, doctors use it to describe recovery or the spread of a condition. For example, '시력이 부분적으로 회복되었습니다' (The eyesight has been partially restored). This precision is vital for setting patient expectations and providing clear medical updates. Even in daily life, if you are cleaning your house and only finished the living room, you might tell a family member, '부분적으로만 청소했어' (I only partially cleaned), which is a common way to manage expectations about the state of the home.

Daily Life
Used when describing tasks, colors of clothing, or understanding a conversation.
Media
Common in news reports regarding policy changes or infrastructure updates.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 부분적으로 is confusing it with the noun 일부 (ilbu). While both relate to the concept of 'part,' they function differently in a sentence. 일부 is a noun and often acts as the subject or object, whereas 부분적으로 is an adverb and must modify a predicate.

Mistake 1: Using it as a Noun
Incorrect: '부분적으로가 고장 났어요' (Partially is broken). Correct: '일부가 고장 났어요' (A part is broken) or '기계가 부분적으로 고장 났어요' (The machine is partially broken).
Mistake 2: Over-reliance on English 'Partly'
English speakers often use 'partly' for 'sometimes' or 'a little.' In Korean, '부분적으로' is strictly about the spatial or conceptual scope, not frequency. Use '가끔' for sometimes.

Wrong: 나는 부분적으로 매운 음식을 먹어요. (I partially eat spicy food - meaning sometimes). Better: 나는 가끔 매운 음식을 먹어요.

Another common error is the placement of the word. While Korean is flexible, placing 부분적으로 too far from the word it modifies can lead to ambiguity. For instance, in '나는 부분적으로 그를 좋아한다,' it means you like certain aspects of him. But if you say '부분적으로 나는 그를 좋아한다,' it might sound like you only like him in certain locations or times, which is awkward.

Finally, learners often forget the '-적으로' suffix and just say '부분'. While native speakers might understand, it sounds incomplete and grammatically 'naked' when used as an adverb. Always remember to add the '-적으로' to ensure it functions as a proper modifier in your sentences. This suffix is a powerful tool in Korean—once you learn it, you can turn many nouns into useful adverbs.

To truly master 부분적으로, you must understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. The Korean language has several ways to express the idea of 'partially,' each suited for different registers and contexts.

어느 정도 (Eoneu Jeongdo)
This means 'to some degree.' It is more common in casual conversation than '부분적으로.' While '부분적으로' feels analytical and precise, '어느 정도' feels more approximate and subjective.
일부 (Ilbu)
Strictly a noun meaning 'a part' or 'a portion.' It is often used with the particle '-만' (only) or as '일부의' (of a part). Use this when you are talking about the object itself rather than the manner of an action.
국부적으로 (Gukbujeogeuro)
A highly technical and medical term meaning 'locally' or 'in a localized area.' You would hear this in a hospital when a doctor describes a 'local' anesthetic or a localized infection.

Comparison:
1. 부분적으로 동의해요 (I partially agree - formal/analytical).
2. 어느 정도 동의해요 (I agree to some extent - casual/common).

Another alternative is 약간 (yakgan), which means 'a little bit.' While '부분적으로' refers to a specific section of a whole, '약간' refers to a small quantity. If a soup is 'partially' salty, it might mean only the top layer is salty (unlikely), whereas if it is '약간' salty, the whole soup is a little bit too salty.

Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the right 'flavor' of partiality. Use 부분적으로 when you want to sound professional, objective, and precise. Use 어느 정도 when you want to sound natural in a coffee shop conversation. Use 일부 when you need to focus on the 'thing' that is a part of something else.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The suffix '-적' is actually a relatively modern addition to the Korean language, becoming popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries through Japanese translations of Western texts.

Guía de pronunciación

UK bu-bun-jeok-eu-ro
US bu-bun-jʌk-ɯ-ro
Korean is not a stress-timed language, but a slight emphasis on the first syllable 'Bu' is common.
Rima con
적으로 (jeogeuro) 내적으로 (naejeogeuro) 외적으로 (oejeogeuro) 공적으로 (gongjeogeuro) 사적으로 (sajeogeuro) 지적으로 (jijeogeuro) 물적으로 (muljeogeuro) 영적으로 (yeongjeogeuro)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'jeok' as 'jook'.
  • Forgetting the liaison: it should be 'bu-bun-jeo-geu-ro', not 'bu-bun-jeok-eu-ro'.
  • Mumbling the 'eu' sound.
  • Merging 'bu-bun' into one syllable.
  • Stressing the 'ro' too much.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the '적' suffix.

Escritura 3/5

Requires correct spelling of 'jeok-eu-ro'.

Expresión oral 3/5

Liaison [jeo-geu-ro] needs practice.

Escucha 2/5

Clear pronunciation in formal media.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

부분 (Part) 적 (Suffix) 으로 (Particle)

Aprende después

전체적으로 (Overall) 완전하게 (Completely) 상대적으로 (Relatively)

Avanzado

국한되다 (To be limited) 파편화 (Fragmentation) 일시적 (Temporary)

Gramática que debes saber

-적으로 (Adverbial Suffix)

경제적 -> 경제적으로

-으로 (Direction/Manner Particle)

왼쪽으로, 부분적으로

-만 (Only Particle)

부분적으로만

-나마 (Even if/At least)

부분적으로나마

-지만 (But/Contrast)

부분적으로는 좋지만...

Ejemplos por nivel

1

이 사과는 부분적으로 빨개요.

This apple is partially red.

Modifying the adjective '빨개요'.

2

숙제를 부분적으로 했어요.

I did my homework partially.

Modifying the verb '했어요'.

3

그림이 부분적으로 완성됐어요.

The drawing is partially finished.

Passive form '완성됐어요'.

4

하늘이 부분적으로 파래요.

The sky is partially blue.

Describing nature.

5

책을 부분적으로 읽었어요.

I read the book partially.

Past tense verb.

6

옷이 부분적으로 젖었어요.

The clothes are partially wet.

Describing a state.

7

피자가 부분적으로 탔어요.

The pizza is partially burnt.

Resultative state.

8

방을 부분적으로 치웠어요.

I partially cleaned the room.

Action verb.

1

그의 말에 부분적으로 동의해요.

I partially agree with what he said.

Expressing an opinion.

2

오늘 날씨는 부분적으로 흐리겠습니다.

Today's weather will be partly cloudy.

Future tense in weather reports.

3

기계가 부분적으로 고장 났어요.

The machine is partially broken.

Describing a malfunction.

4

문제를 부분적으로 해결했습니다.

We have partially solved the problem.

Formal past tense.

5

한국어를 부분적으로 이해할 수 있어요.

I can partially understand Korean.

Expressing ability.

6

공사가 부분적으로 시작되었습니다.

Construction has partially started.

Formal notification.

7

이 영화는 부분적으로 실화입니다.

This movie is partially a true story.

Defining a genre/fact.

8

버스가 부분적으로 운행을 중단했습니다.

The bus has partially suspended operations.

Public information.

1

계획이 부분적으로 수정될 예정입니다.

The plan is scheduled to be partially modified.

Future schedule with passive verb.

2

손실된 데이터를 부분적으로 복구했습니다.

We partially recovered the lost data.

Technical context.

3

그 이론은 부분적으로만 타당합니다.

That theory is only partially valid.

Adding '-만' for emphasis.

4

도로가 부분적으로 통제되고 있습니다.

The road is being partially controlled (restricted).

Continuous passive form.

5

우리는 부분적으로 책임을 인정합니다.

We partially admit responsibility.

Professional accountability.

6

서비스가 부분적으로 정상화되었습니다.

The service has been partially normalized.

IT/Business update.

7

건물이 지진으로 부분적으로 파손되었습니다.

The building was partially damaged by the earthquake.

Cause and effect.

8

이 제안은 부분적으로 장점이 있습니다.

This proposal has partial merits.

Evaluating a proposal.

1

부분적으로는 그의 주장이 일리가 있습니다.

Partially, his argument makes sense.

Using '-는' for contrastive emphasis.

2

정부는 세금을 부분적으로 인상하기로 했습니다.

The government decided to partially raise taxes.

Government policy context.

3

그 소설은 부분적으로 작가의 경험을 담고 있다.

The novel partially contains the author's experiences.

Literary analysis.

4

연구 결과가 부분적으로 일치하지 않습니다.

The research results do not partially match.

Scientific negation.

5

기억이 부분적으로 왜곡되었을 가능성이 있다.

There is a possibility the memory was partially distorted.

Psychological nuance.

6

이 규정은 부분적으로 폐지될 것입니다.

This regulation will be partially abolished.

Legal future tense.

7

우리는 부분적으로나마 그를 돕고 싶었다.

We wanted to help him, even if only in part.

Using '-나마' for 'even if'.

8

작품의 부분적으로 묘사된 배경이 인상적이다.

The partially depicted background of the work is impressive.

Artistic description.

1

법안이 부분적으로 위헌 판결을 받았습니다.

The bill was partially ruled unconstitutional.

High-level legal terminology.

2

그의 철학은 부분적으로 칸트의 영향을 받았다.

His philosophy was partially influenced by Kant.

Academic genealogy.

3

경제 위기가 부분적으로 해소되고 있는 조짐이다.

There are signs that the economic crisis is being partially resolved.

Economic analysis.

4

이 현상은 부분적으로 사회적 요인에 기인한다.

This phenomenon is partially attributable to social factors.

Sociological attribution.

5

부분적으로 공개된 문서는 큰 파장을 일으켰다.

The partially released document caused a great stir.

Political journalism.

6

시스템의 결함이 부분적으로 노출되었습니다.

The system's flaws were partially exposed.

Cybersecurity context.

7

문화적 차이는 부분적으로 언어에서 비롯된다.

Cultural differences partially stem from language.

Linguistic determinism.

8

부분적으로만 진실을 말하는 것은 기만이다.

Telling only a partial truth is deception.

Ethical discussion.

1

현대 물리학은 고전 역학을 부분적으로 포섭한다.

Modern physics partially subsumes classical mechanics.

Advanced scientific discourse.

2

부분적으로 파편화된 자아를 통합하려는 시도.

An attempt to integrate the partially fragmented self.

Psychoanalytic literature.

3

해당 조약은 부분적으로 효력이 정지되었습니다.

The treaty's effectiveness has been partially suspended.

International law.

4

역사는 부분적으로 승자의 기록일 뿐이다.

History is merely a partial record of the victors.

Historiographical critique.

5

부분적으로 중첩되는 개념들을 명확히 구분해야 한다.

We must clearly distinguish concepts that partially overlap.

Logical precision.

6

그 정책의 실패는 부분적으로 예산 부족에 기인한다.

The failure of that policy is partially due to a lack of budget.

Administrative analysis.

7

부분적으로나마 진상을 규명하려는 노력이 계속되고 있다.

Efforts to clarify the truth, even if only partially, are continuing.

Journalistic integrity.

8

인간의 자유는 부분적으로 환경에 의해 제약된다.

Human freedom is partially constrained by the environment.

Existential philosophy.

Colocaciones comunes

부분적으로 동의하다
부분적으로 흐림
부분적으로 수정하다
부분적으로 복구하다
부분적으로 인정하다
부분적으로 파손되다
부분적으로 유효하다
부분적으로 성공하다
부분적으로 가리다
부분적으로 공개하다

Frases Comunes

부분적으로나마

— Even if only partially. Used to show humility or limited effort.

부분적으로나마 도움이 되고 싶어요.

부분적으로는 맞다

— To be right in some aspects. A polite way to disagree.

그 말도 부분적으로는 맞아요.

부분적으로 보이다

— To be partially visible.

산 정상이 부분적으로 보여요.

부분적으로 겹치다

— To partially overlap.

두 계획이 부분적으로 겹칩니다.

부분적으로 해결되다

— To be partially resolved.

문제가 부분적으로 해결되었어요.

부분적으로 적용되다

— To be partially applied.

새 규칙은 부분적으로 적용됩니다.

부분적으로 다르다

— To be partially different.

내용이 부분적으로 다릅니다.

부분적으로 삭제하다

— To partially delete.

기록을 부분적으로 삭제했어요.

부분적으로 마비되다

— To be partially paralyzed.

몸이 부분적으로 마비되었어요.

부분적으로 개방하다

— To partially open (a facility).

공원을 부분적으로 개방합니다.

Se confunde a menudo con

부분적으로 vs 일부

일부 is a noun (some/part); 부분적으로 is an adverb (partially).

부분적으로 vs 어느 정도

어느 정도 is more subjective/casual; 부분적으로 is more objective/formal.

부분적으로 vs 약간

약간 refers to a small amount; 부분적으로 refers to a specific section.

Modismos y expresiones

"부분적으로 긁다"

— To touch upon only the surface of a problem (not a standard idiom but a common metaphor).

그는 문제를 부분적으로만 긁고 지나갔다.

Informal
"수박 겉 핥기 식으로 부분적으로 알다"

— To know something only partially and superficially, like licking the skin of a watermelon.

그는 그 주제를 부분적으로만 압니다.

Casual

Fácil de confundir

부분적으로 vs 부족하게

Both imply 'not 100%'.

부족하게 means 'insufficiently' (quality/quantity issue), while 부분적으로 means 'only in some parts' (scope issue).

소금이 부족하게 들어갔어요 (Not enough salt) vs 소금이 부분적으로 뭉쳤어요 (Salt is clumped in some parts).

부분적으로 vs 가끔

English 'partly' can sometimes mean 'sometimes'.

가끔 is about frequency (time); 부분적으로 is about scope (space/degree).

가끔 비가 와요 (It rains sometimes) vs 부분적으로 비가 와요 (It rains in some areas).

Patrones de oraciones

A1

N이/가 부분적으로 Adj-어요.

하늘이 부분적으로 파래요.

A2

V-는 것에 부분적으로 동의해요.

그가 말하는 것에 부분적으로 동의해요.

B1

N이/가 부분적으로 V-되었습니다.

건물이 부분적으로 파손되었습니다.

B2

부분적으로는 A-지만 전체적으로는 B-다.

부분적으로는 좋지만 전체적으로는 별로다.

C1

부분적으로 N-에 기인하다.

실패는 부분적으로 예산 부족에 기인한다.

C1

부분적으로나마 V-기를 바랍니다.

부분적으로나마 도움이 되기를 바랍니다.

C2

부분적으로 파편화된 N.

부분적으로 파편화된 기억들.

C2

N을 부분적으로 포섭하다.

새로운 이론은 옛 이론을 부분적으로 포섭한다.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

부분 (Part)
일부분 (Portion)
대부분 (Most/Majority)

Verbos

부분하다 (Rare - to divide into parts)

Adjetivos

부분적인 (Partial)

Relacionado

부품 (Component)
부서 (Department)
분류 (Classification)
분단 (Division)
분수 (Fraction)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

High (especially in media and professional life)

Errores comunes
  • Using '부분' as an adverb. 부분적으로

    Nouns cannot modify verbs directly without the proper suffix.

  • Confusing '부분적으로' with '가끔'. 가끔 (sometimes)

    If you mean 'sometimes', use '가끔'. '부분적으로' is about space/degree.

  • Saying '부분적으로가 고장났다'. 일부가 고장났다

    Don't use the adverb '부분적으로' as a noun subject.

  • Incorrect liaison [jeok-eu-ro]. [jeo-geu-ro]

    The 'k' sound must carry over to the next syllable.

  • Using it for emotions like 'I'm partially sad'. 조금 슬퍼요

    '부분적으로' is too clinical for feelings. Use '조금' or '약간'.

Consejos

The '-적으로' Power

Many Sino-Korean nouns can become adverbs by adding '-적으로'. If you know '경제' (economy), you now know '경제적으로' (economically)!

Softening Disagreement

Use '부분적으로는 맞아요' (You're partially right) to be polite when you actually think someone is mostly wrong.

Antonym Pairing

Always learn '전적으로' (entirely) along with '부분적으로' to have a complete set of qualifiers.

Weather Watch

Watch a Korean weather forecast on YouTube. You will almost certainly hear this word within the first 60 seconds.

Nuance with -만

Add '-만' to make '부분적으로만' (ONLY partially) when you want to emphasize that something is incomplete.

Face Saving

In Korean business culture, using '부분적으로' is a safe way to report problems without sounding like a total failure.

The Liaison Rule

Remember the final 'k' sound in 'jeok' moves to the 'eu' sound: [jeo-geu-ro]. This is the hallmark of a fluent speaker.

Scope of Modification

Remember that '부분적으로' limits the scope. If you say '부분적으로 안 먹어요', it means you eat some parts but not others.

Email Etiquette

When replying to a request you can't fully fulfill, start with '부분적으로나마 반영하도록 하겠습니다' (I will try to reflect it at least in part).

Describe Art

Use this word to describe abstract art where colors or shapes only appear in certain sections.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Bu-bun' as 'Boo-Boo'. If you have a 'Boo-boo' (injury) on your arm, you are only 'partially' hurt, not your whole body!

Asociación visual

A pizza with one slice missing. The pizza is '부분적으로' (partially) gone.

Word Web

Part Section Segment Fragment Degree Scope Limit Incomplete

Desafío

Try to describe three things in your room right now that are '부분적으로' something (e.g., partially blue, partially broken, partially open).

Origen de la palabra

From the Sino-Korean word '부분' (部分) meaning 'part'. The suffix '-적' (的) creates an adjective/attributive form, and '-으로' (으로) transforms it into an adverb.

Significado original: To act in the manner of a specific division or section.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but in very personal emotional contexts, it might sound too cold or clinical. Use '조금' for emotions.

Similar to how English speakers use 'partly' or 'to an extent' to avoid being too blunt.

Used in the Korean title of 'Partly Cloudy' (Pixar short film). Commonly used in news headlines regarding the 'Partial' lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Frequent in legal debates regarding the 'Partial' unconstitutionality of laws.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Weather Forecast

  • 부분적으로 흐림
  • 부분적으로 비
  • 부분적으로 갬
  • 부분적으로 안개

Business Meeting

  • 부분적으로 동의
  • 부분적으로 수정
  • 부분적으로 완료
  • 부분적으로 승인

Academic Writing

  • 부분적으로 타당
  • 부분적으로 일치
  • 부분적으로 기인
  • 부분적으로 논의

Technical Support

  • 부분적으로 고장
  • 부분적으로 복구
  • 부분적으로 작동
  • 부분적으로 손상

Legal/Policy

  • 부분적으로 위헌
  • 부분적으로 폐지
  • 부분적으로 허용
  • 부분적으로 금지

Inicios de conversación

"어제 배운 내용을 부분적으로 이해했나요?"

"이 영화가 부분적으로 실화라는 걸 알고 있었어요?"

"새로운 정책에 대해 부분적으로 동의하시나요?"

"오늘 날씨가 부분적으로 흐릴 거라고 하던데 우산 챙겼어요?"

"프로젝트가 부분적으로 완료되었는데 확인해 보실래요?"

Temas para diario

오늘 하루 중 부분적으로만 성공했던 일은 무엇인가요?

자신의 성격 중 부분적으로 바꾸고 싶은 점이 있다면?

부분적으로만 알고 있는 비밀이 있나요? 그에 대해 써보세요.

부분적으로 완성된 예술 작품을 본 적이 있나요? 어떤 느낌이었나요?

한국어 공부가 부분적으로 어렵게 느껴지는 이유는 무엇인가요?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, but it usually refers to their opinions or physical traits. '그는 부분적으로 대머리예요' (He is partially bald) is possible, but '그는 부분적으로 착해요' sounds a bit clinical. Use '어느 정도 착해요' instead.

일부분 is a noun meaning 'a portion'. 부분적으로 is an adverb. You use 일부분 as a subject/object: '그것은 일부분일 뿐이다'. You use 부분적으로 to describe an action: '부분적으로 고쳤다'.

It might sound a bit formal. In texting, people usually use '좀' or '약간' or '일부만'. But if you are discussing work, it is perfectly fine.

The standard phrase is '부분적으로 흐림' or '구름 조금'.

Only if you add the copula: '이것은 부분적이다' (This is partial). Otherwise, as an adverb, it needs a verb or adjective to follow it.

There is no direct shorter adverb, but '일부' or '좀' can often convey the same meaning in casual contexts.

Not inherently. It is a neutral word. However, in a performance review, '부분적으로 완료' might imply you didn't finish everything, which could be seen as negative.

Yes. '이 옷은 부분적으로 파란색이에요' (This clothing is partially blue).

部分 (Bu-bun) + 的 (Jeok) + 으로 (Euro). Part + Suffix + Particle.

Say '부분적으로는 동의합니다만...' (I partially agree, but...).

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Translate 'I partially agree.' to Korean.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate 'The sky is partly cloudy.' to Korean.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using '부분적으로' and '고장'.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate 'I only partially understood.' to Korean.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate 'The project is partially complete.' to Korean.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using '부분적으로' and '빨갛다'.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate 'We partially admit our mistake.' to Korean.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about the weather using '부분적으로'.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate 'The data was partially recovered.' to Korean.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using '부분적으로나마'.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate 'The road is partially blocked.' to Korean.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate 'His argument is partially valid.' to Korean.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about a broken machine.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate 'I read the book partially.' to Korean.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using '부분적으로' and '성공'.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate 'The movie is partially a true story.' to Korean.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using '부분적으로' to describe a shirt.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate 'The truth was partially revealed.' to Korean.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about a building being repaired.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate 'The law was partially changed.' to Korean.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Describe an apple that is not fully red using '부분적으로'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I partially agree' in a formal way.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Ask a friend if they understood the lesson partially.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Report that a machine is partially broken to your boss.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Predict that it will be partly cloudy tomorrow.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I only did some of my homework' using '부분적으로'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Explain that a movie is partially based on a true story.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The road is partially closed.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Express that you want to help even if only in part.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

State that a theory is partially valid.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Describe a shirt that is partially wet.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say that the service has been partially restored.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Admit that you were partially wrong.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Describe a painting that is partially finished.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The plan was partially changed.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Ask someone if their memory is partially back.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The information was partially disclosed.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Describe a building that is partially damaged.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I partially understand Korean.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

State that a law is partially unconstitutional.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to the weather forecast: '내일은 부분적으로 흐리겠습니다.' (What is the weather?)

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

Listen to the manager: '프로젝트가 부분적으로 완료되었습니다.' (Is the project done?)

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

Listen to the student: '숙제를 부분적으로만 했어요.' (How much homework was done?)

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

Listen to the news: '도로가 부분적으로 통제됩니다.' (Is the road open?)

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

Listen to the professor: '이 이론은 부분적으로 타당합니다.' (What is the professor's opinion?)

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

Listen to the doctor: '시력이 부분적으로 회복됐습니다.' (How is the patient?)

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

Listen to the technician: '데이터가 부분적으로 복구됐어요.' (Was the data saved?)

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

Listen to the friend: '그 말에 부분적으로 동의해.' (Does the friend agree?)

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

Listen to the notice: '서비스가 부분적으로 중단됩니다.' (What is happening to the service?)

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

Listen to the artist: '그림이 부분적으로 완성됐어.' (Is the painting ready?)

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

Listen to the speaker: '실수를 부분적으로 인정합니다.' (What is the speaker admitting?)

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

Listen to the report: '건물이 부분적으로 파손됐습니다.' (What happened to the building?)

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

Listen to the lawyer: '법안이 부분적으로 위헌입니다.' (What is the legal status?)

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

Listen to the teacher: '부분적으로나마 도움이 됐길 바래요.' (What is the teacher's hope?)

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

Listen to the child: '사과가 부분적으로 빨개요!' (What did the child see?)

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

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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