At the A1 level, the word 선행되다 is quite advanced and not typically taught. However, we can understand it simply as 'to happen first.' Imagine you are making a sandwich. You must have bread before you put the jam on. In a very formal way, the bread 'precedes' (선행되다) the jam. For A1 learners, it is better to use simple words like '먼저' (first). But if you see this word in a book, just think of it as a fancy way of saying 'A comes before B.' It is usually used in school or on the news. For example, '공부가 선행되어야 해요' means 'Studying must happen first.' It is a combination of 'Sun' (first) and 'Haeng' (go/do). Think of it as 'Going first.' You won't need to say this word often, but knowing it will help you understand formal signs or announcements.
For A2 learners, 선행되다 is a word you might encounter in educational contexts, like '선행 학습' (studying ahead). In this level, you should recognize that it describes a sequence. It is a passive verb, meaning 'to be done first.' You will often see it with the grammar ~어야 하다 (must). For example: '준비가 선행되어야 합니다' (Preparation must be done first). This is more formal than saying '먼저 준비하세요.' You might hear this in a classroom when a teacher explains that you need to learn Chapter 1 before Chapter 2. The key is the Hanja '선' (先) which means 'first' (as in 선생님 - teacher, the person who was born first). When you see '선행', think of a line where one thing is at the very front.
At the B1 level, you should start using 선행되다 in your formal writing and presentations. This word is essential for describing logical steps and prerequisites. Instead of just saying 'A happens, then B happens,' you can say 'A가 선행된 후에 B가 일어납니다' (After A precedes, B happens). This shows a higher level of Korean proficiency. It is commonly used when discussing social issues, business plans, or academic requirements. For example, '경제 발전을 위해서는 교육이 선행되어야 합니다' (For economic development, education must precede). Notice how the particle 이/가 is used with the subject that must happen first. You should also be careful not to confuse it with the homonym meaning 'good deeds.' In B1, you are expected to understand the nuance that this word implies a necessary order, not just a random sequence.
B2 learners should be comfortable with 선행되다 in various professional and academic contexts. At this level, you should understand its role in establishing 'prerequisites' or 'foundational conditions.' It is frequently used in news editorials and research papers. You might encounter phrases like '절차적 정당성이 선행되다' (procedural legitimacy precedes) or '충분한 검토가 선행되다' (sufficient review precedes). You should also be able to distinguish it from similar verbs like 전제되다 (to be presupposed) and 앞서다 (to be ahead). While 앞서다 can be used for time or space, 선행되다 is specifically for a sequence of events or conditions within a system. When writing an essay for TOPIK II, using 선행되다 to describe a solution to a problem (e.g., '인식의 변화가 선행되어야 한다') will help you gain higher marks for vocabulary and register.
At the C1 level, 선행되다 is a standard part of your academic and professional lexicon. You should use it to describe complex causal relationships and systemic dependencies. It is often used in the context of legal principles, scientific methodologies, and philosophical arguments. For example, in a legal context, you might discuss whether '고의성' (intentionality) was 선행 to an action. In science, you might discuss '선행 연구' (previous/preceding research) which forms the basis of a new study. You should also understand the nuances of its noun form, 선행, in various compound words. At this level, you should be able to use the word in the passive voice fluently to maintain an objective tone in your writing. You can also use it to critique plans, noting where certain necessary steps have not been 선행-ed, leading to failure.
For C2 learners, 선행되다 is a nuanced tool for precise articulation of logical priority. You should be able to use it in highly abstract discussions, such as the relationship between existence and essence, or the structural prerequisites of a democratic society. It is used to define the boundaries of logic and the flow of institutional processes. You might analyze how '사회적 합의' (social consensus) must be 선행 to any constitutional amendment. You should also be aware of its historical and Hanja roots to appreciate its weight in formal discourse. At this level, you can use the word to create sophisticated sentence structures that reflect a deep understanding of Korean syntax and formal register. You will see this word in the highest levels of literature, law, and high-stakes diplomacy, where the order of actions is as important as the actions themselves.

선행되다 en 30 segundos

  • 선행되다 means 'to precede' or 'to be a prerequisite.'
  • It is used in formal, academic, and professional contexts.
  • The structure is typically [Subject] + 이/가 + 선행되다.
  • It emphasizes that the first step is necessary for the second.

The Korean verb 선행되다 (seonhaengdoeda) is a formal and precise term used to describe a logical or chronological sequence where one specific event, action, or condition must happen before another can occur. It is composed of the Hanja characters 선 (先 - first), 행 (行 - to go/act), and the passive derivative suffix 되다 (to become/be done). When you use this word, you are not just saying something happens 'first' in a simple timeline; you are often implying a prerequisite relationship. In academic, professional, and formal contexts, it highlights that the second step is dependent on the completion of the first. Imagine a building: the foundation must be laid before the walls are built. In Korean, we would say the foundation work must be 선행되어야 (must be preceded) before the structure rises. This word is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation with friends (where you might use '먼저 하다' or '앞서다'), but it is the standard choice for news reports, research papers, and business strategy meetings.

Prerequisite Condition
This refers to a situation where result B cannot exist without the prior existence of factor A. For example, 'Public consensus must be 선행 before policy implementation.'
Logical Priority
In philosophical or scientific discourse, certain theories or axioms are described as being 선행 to the derived conclusions.
Chronological Order in Systems
In manufacturing or project management, specific phases are strictly 선행 to ensure the integrity of the final product.

성공적인 프로젝트를 위해서는 철저한 시장 조사가 선행되어야 합니다. (For a successful project, thorough market research must precede it.)

이론 교육이 실습보다 선행되는 것이 일반적인 교육 과정입니다. (It is a general curriculum that theoretical education precedes practical training.)

경제 회복을 위해서는 물가 안정이 선행되어야 한다는 목소리가 높습니다. (There are many voices saying that price stability must precede economic recovery.)

새로운 기술 도입에 앞서 윤리적 검토가 선행되어야 할 것입니다. (Ethical review should precede the introduction of new technology.)

과거의 잘못에 대한 반성이 화해보다 선행되어야 진정한 용서가 가능합니다. (Reflection on past mistakes must precede reconciliation for true forgiveness to be possible.)

In summary, 선행되다 is the linguistic tool used to establish order in complex systems. Whether it is in the context of law (where a crime must be preceded by an intent), science (where a hypothesis precedes an experiment), or social change (where awareness precedes action), this verb acts as the anchor for logical progression. It communicates that the 'before' is not just a matter of time, but a matter of requirement. If you are writing a formal essay or preparing for the TOPIK II exam, mastering this word will significantly elevate your lexical register and allow you to express sophisticated causal relationships with ease.

Using 선행되다 correctly involves understanding its passive nature and its typical grammatical structures. Because it is a verb that describes a state of 'being preceded' or 'taking place before,' it most frequently appears in the form ~이/가 선행되다. The subject (marked by the particle 이 or 가) is the action or condition that needs to happen first. For instance, in the sentence '신뢰가 선행되어야 합니다' (Trust must precede), '신뢰' (trust) is the subject that must occur before something else (like a contract or a relationship) can proceed. It is very common to see this verb combined with the auxiliary verb ~어야 하다 (must/should), emphasizing the necessity of the prerequisite.

Structure: [Subject] + 이/가 + 선행되다
Standard usage. Example: '충분한 휴식이 선행되어야 건강을 회복할 수 있습니다.' (Sufficient rest must come first to recover health.)
Structure: [Action A] + (에) + 선행되다
Specifying what it precedes. Example: '이 단계는 다음 단계에 선행됩니다.' (This step precedes the next step.)
Noun Form: 선행 (先行)
Used as '선행 학습' (pre-study/advance learning), a very common term in Korean education culture.

모든 개발에는 환경 영향 평가가 선행되어야 한다는 법안이 통과되었습니다. (A bill was passed stating that an environmental impact assessment must precede all development.)

개인의 자유는 타인의 권리를 침해하지 않는다는 전제가 선행되어야 합니다. (Individual freedom must be preceded by the premise of not infringing on the rights of others.)

실전 투입에 앞서 강도 높은 훈련이 선행되었습니다. (Intense training preceded the actual deployment.)

Another important aspect is the usage in academic writing. When describing research methodology, scholars often write, '본 연구에 앞서 기존 문헌에 대한 검토가 선행되었다' (Prior to this study, a review of existing literature was conducted first). Here, the verb establishes the scholarly rigor of the work. Furthermore, in the realm of social issues, you might hear people argue that '의식의 변화가 제도의 개선보다 선행되어야 한다' (Change in consciousness must precede improvement of systems). This highlights a philosophical priority. By using 선행되다, the speaker conveys a sense of logical inevitability and professional clarity that simpler words lack. Always remember that while '먼저' is an adverb, '선행되다' is a full verb that carries the weight of the entire sentence's logical structure.

If you are watching a Korean news broadcast or reading an editorial in a major newspaper like the Chosun Ilbo or JoongAng Ilbo, you will encounter 선행되다 frequently. It is a staple of political and economic discourse. For instance, a news anchor might report on a government proposal by saying, '예산 확보가 선행되지 않아 사업 추진에 차질이 예상됩니다' (As securing the budget has not happened first, delays in the project are expected). This professional tone is essential for communicating the gravity of administrative requirements. You will also hear it in high-level business meetings, particularly during the planning phases of a project. A manager might say, '디자인 작업이 선행되어야 코딩을 시작할 수 있습니다' (Design work must be done first before we can start coding), establishing a clear workflow for the team.

국회 청문회에서 후보자의 자질 검증이 선행되어야 한다는 야당의 주장이 있었습니다. (There was an opposition party's claim that the verification of the candidate's qualifications must precede the National Assembly hearing.)

In the education sector, the term 선행 학습 (seonhaeng hakseup) is a cultural keyword. It refers to students studying material from a higher grade level in advance, often at private academies (hagwons). While the verb 선행되다 itself isn't always used to describe this, the concept is the same: one learning stage 'precedes' the official school schedule. In more formal educational settings, professors might say, '선수 과목의 이수가 선행되어야 이 강의를 들을 수 있습니다' (Completion of prerequisite courses must precede taking this lecture). This is the standard way to discuss academic prerequisites in Korean universities. Additionally, in the legal field, a judge might rule that '절차적 정당성이 선행되지 않은 체포는 무효이다' (An arrest that was not preceded by procedural legitimacy is void), highlighting how critical this word is for defining legal standards and rights.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 선행 (先行 - preceding) with 선행 (善行 - good deed). Although they are homonyms in Hangeul, their meanings and Hanja are entirely different. If you say '선행을 했다' (I did a good deed), you are talking about morality. If you say '선행이 되었다' (It preceded), you are talking about order. Using the wrong context can lead to confusion, especially in written Korean. Another common error is using the active form 선행하다 when the passive 선행되다 is more appropriate. While '선행하다' exists (meaning 'to precede' as an active subject), in most formal contexts where a condition is being discussed, the passive '되다' form is preferred to emphasize that the condition is a required state.

Mistake 1: Homonym Confusion
Thinking '선행되다' means 'to become a good person.' Correct: It means 'to take place before.'
Mistake 2: Particle Misuse
Using '을/를' with '선행되다.' Since it is passive, it almost always takes '이/가'. Wrong: '준비를 선행되다'. Right: '준비가 선행되다'.
Mistake 3: Overuse in Casual Speech
Using it when ordering food: '밥이 선행되어야 해요' (Rice must precede). This sounds overly robotic. Use '밥 먼저 주세요' instead.

Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the nuance between 선행되다 and 앞서다. While both relate to being 'before,' '앞서다' is often used for physical positioning or being ahead in a race/competition. '선행되다' is strictly for logical or chronological priority in a process or system. For example, you wouldn't say a runner '선행되었다' during a marathon; you would say they '앞서고 있다'. Conversely, in a scientific process, you wouldn't usually say a hypothesis '앞선다' unless you mean it is more advanced than another; you say it '선행된다' to show it must exist before the experiment. Understanding these subtle boundaries is key to reaching an advanced level of Korean fluency.

To broaden your vocabulary, it is useful to compare 선행되다 with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning and register. The most common alternative in formal writing is 전제되다 (jeonjedoeda), which means 'to be presupposed' or 'to be a prerequisite.' While 선행되다 focuses on the order (happening before), 전제되다 focuses on the logical dependency (if A doesn't exist, B cannot happen). Another related word is 우선하다 (useonhada), which means 'to take priority.' This is used when deciding which of two things is more important, rather than which must literally happen first in a sequence.

전제되다 (Presupposed)
Used when one thing is a logical foundation. '상호 존중이 전제되어야 대화가 가능합니다.' (Dialogue is possible only if mutual respect is presupposed.)
앞서다 (To be ahead/precede)
More versatile, used for physical distance, time, or progress. '그는 시대에 앞선 생각을 가지고 있다.' (He has thoughts ahead of his time.)
먼저 일어나다 (To happen first)
The plain, non-Hanja way to say something happens first. Suitable for daily conversation.

In a professional setting, you might also encounter 수반되다 (subandoeda), which means 'to be accompanied by' or 'to involve.' It is often the opposite of 선행되다 in a process flow; while one thing precedes, another is accompanied. For example, '권리에는 책임이 수반된다' (Rights are accompanied by responsibilities). By knowing these alternatives, you can avoid repetitive language in your essays. If you have already used 선행되어야 한다 in one paragraph, you might switch to ~이/가 필수적인 전제 조건이다 (is an essential prerequisite) in the next to maintain a sophisticated and varied writing style.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The '선' (先) in 선행되다 is the same '선' in '선생님' (teacher), literally meaning 'one who was born before.'

Guía de pronunciación

UK sʌnhɛŋdweda
US sʌnhɛŋdweda
The primary stress is on the first syllable '선' (Sun), with a secondary stress on '되' (Doe).
Rima con
진행되다 (jinhaengdoeda) 병행되다 (byeonghaengdoeda) 실행되다 (silhaengdoeda) 발행되다 (balhaengdoeda) 행행되다 (haenghaengdoeda) 유행되다 (yuhaengdoeda) 통행되다 (tonghaengdoeda) 수행되다 (suhaengdoeda)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'doe' as 'doo'.
  • Mixing up 'haeng' with 'hong'.
  • Failing to aspirate the 'h' in 'haeng'.
  • Pronouncing 'sun' like the English word 'soon'.
  • Making the 'd' in 'doeda' too heavy (like a 't').

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 4/5

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

Escritura 5/5

Hard to use naturally without understanding the passive '되다' structure.

Expresión oral 4/5

Used in presentations; rare in daily talk.

Escucha 3/5

Easy to recognize once you know the 'Sun' (first) root.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

먼저 앞서다 되다 조건 준비

Aprende después

전제되다 수반되다 결부되다 기인하다 도출되다

Avanzado

인과관계 상관관계 필연적 개연성 타당성

Gramática que debes saber

~어야 하다 (Must/Should)

준비가 선행되어야 합니다.

~기 전에 (Before doing)

시작하기 전에 조사가 선행되었습니다.

~은/는 한 (As long as)

합의가 선행되지 않는 한 해결은 어렵습니다.

~이/가 중요하다 (Something is important)

기초 교육이 선행되는 것이 중요합니다.

~에 앞서 (Prior to)

실습에 앞서 이론 교육이 선행됩니다.

Ejemplos por nivel

1

공부가 선행되어야 해요.

Studying must happen first.

Subject + 이/가 + 선행되어야 해요

2

준비가 선행되어야 합니다.

Preparation must come first.

Formal ending ~습니다

3

빵이 선행되어야 샌드위치를 만들어요.

Bread must come first to make a sandwich.

~어야 (must) connector

4

먼저 청소가 선행되어야 해요.

Cleaning must be done first.

Using '먼저' (first) for emphasis

5

약속이 선행되었습니다.

The promise came first.

Past tense ~었습니다

6

이론이 선행되는 것이 좋아요.

It is good that theory comes first.

Noun phrase ~는 것

7

계획이 선행되어야 합니다.

A plan must precede.

Formal necessity

8

질문이 선행되었습니다.

The question came first.

Simple past

1

성공하려면 노력이 선행되어야 해요.

To succeed, effort must come first.

~으려면 (if you want to...)

2

여행 전에 조사가 선행되어야 합니다.

Research must precede before the trip.

~전에 (before)

3

이 단계는 다음 단계에 선행됩니다.

This step precedes the next step.

Directional particle ~에

4

충분한 연습이 선행되었습니다.

Sufficient practice preceded.

Adjective '충분한' (sufficient)

5

합의가 선행되어야 계약할 수 있어요.

Agreement must come first to sign a contract.

~ㄹ 수 있다 (can)

6

기초 교육이 선행되어야 합니다.

Basic education must precede.

Noun '기초' (basis/foundation)

7

관심이 선행되어야 사랑이 시작됩니다.

Interest must precede for love to start.

Subjective priority

8

원인 분석이 선행되었습니다.

The analysis of the cause preceded.

Passive result

1

제도 개선에 앞서 의식의 변화가 선행되어야 합니다.

A change in consciousness must precede the improvement of the system.

~에 앞서 (prior to...)

2

철저한 시장 조사가 선행되지 않으면 실패할 확률이 높습니다.

If thorough market research does not come first, the probability of failure is high.

~지 않으면 (if not...)

3

이론 교육이 실습보다 선행되는 것이 일반적입니다.

It is common for theoretical education to precede practical training.

~보다 (than) comparison

4

민주주의의 정착을 위해서는 교육이 선행되어야 합니다.

For the settlement of democracy, education must precede.

~를 위해서 (for the sake of...)

5

모든 개발 사업에는 환경 영향 평가가 선행되어야 합니다.

Environmental impact assessment must precede all development projects.

Dative particle ~에

6

신뢰가 선행되어야 진정한 파트너십이 가능합니다.

Trust must come first for a true partnership to be possible.

Condition for possibility

7

과거에 대한 반성이 화해보다 선행되어야 합니다.

Reflection on the past must precede reconciliation.

Social prerequisite

8

새로운 기술 도입 시 윤리적 검토가 선행되었습니다.

Ethical review preceded when introducing new technology.

~시 (at the time of...)

1

경제 회복을 위해서는 물가 안정이 선행되어야 한다는 목소리가 높습니다.

There are many voices saying that price stability must precede economic recovery.

Quotative ~는다는 목소리가 높다

2

본 연구에 앞서 기존 문헌에 대한 검토가 선행되었습니다.

Prior to this study, a review of existing literature was conducted first.

Academic passive '되었습니다'

3

개인의 자유는 타인의 권리를 침해하지 않는다는 전제가 선행되어야 합니다.

Individual freedom must be preceded by the premise of not infringing on the rights of others.

Noun '전제' (premise)

4

기술적 완성도가 선행되지 않은 제품은 시장에서 외면받기 쉽습니다.

Products whose technical perfection does not come first are likely to be ignored in the market.

Attributive form ~지 않은

5

국가 간의 협력을 위해서는 상호 이해가 선행되어야 함은 자명합니다.

It is self-evident that mutual understanding must precede cooperation between nations.

Substantive form ~함은 자명하다

6

범죄 수사 시 적법한 절차가 선행되었는지가 매우 중요합니다.

Whether lawful procedures were preceded during a criminal investigation is very important.

Indirect question ~었는지

7

복지 정책의 확대에는 재원 확보가 선행되어야 한다는 지적이 있습니다.

There is a point that securing financial resources must precede the expansion of welfare policies.

Noun '재원' (financial resources)

8

평화 협정 체결에 앞서 정전 상태의 유지가 선행되어야 합니다.

Maintenance of the ceasefire state must precede the conclusion of a peace treaty.

Noun '정전' (ceasefire)

1

사회적 합의가 선행되지 않은 정책은 대중의 저항에 부딪힐 수밖에 없습니다.

Policies that are not preceded by social consensus are bound to face public resistance.

~ㄹ 수밖에 없다 (cannot help but...)

2

과학적 발견이 기술적 응용에 선행되는 경우가 많습니다.

There are many cases where scientific discovery precedes technical application.

Noun '응용' (application)

3

인격적 성숙이 지식의 습득보다 선행되어야 함을 강조하고 싶습니다.

I want to emphasize that character maturity must precede the acquisition of knowledge.

~함을 강조하다 (emphasize that...)

4

대규모 토목 공사에는 반드시 지질 조사가 선행되어야 안전을 보장할 수 있습니다.

Geological surveys must precede large-scale civil engineering works to ensure safety.

Adverb '반드시' (necessarily)

5

민주적 정당성이 선행되지 않은 권력은 오래 지속될 수 없습니다.

Power that is not preceded by democratic legitimacy cannot last long.

Noun '정당성' (legitimacy)

6

데이터 분석에 앞서 데이터 클렌징 작업이 선행되어야 결과의 신뢰도를 높일 수 있습니다.

Data cleansing must precede data analysis to increase the reliability of the results.

Technical terminology

7

언어 능력의 발달은 인지 능력의 발달과 밀접하게 연관되어 있으나, 때로는 인지가 선행되기도 합니다.

The development of language skills is closely related to the development of cognitive skills, but sometimes cognition precedes.

Contrastive ~기도 하다

8

문화적 이해가 선행되지 않은 해외 진출은 리스크가 큽니다.

Overseas expansion not preceded by cultural understanding carries high risk.

Noun '진출' (expansion/entry)

1

존재가 본질에 선행한다는 실존주의적 명제는 현대 철학의 근간을 이룹니다.

The existentialist proposition that existence precedes essence forms the basis of modern philosophy.

Philosophical register

2

입법 과정에서 공청회를 통한 의견 수렴이 선행되어야 법적 실효성을 확보할 수 있습니다.

Opinion gathering through public hearings must precede in the legislative process to secure legal effectiveness.

Legal/Administrative register

3

거시 경제 지표의 개선이 미시적 체감 경기의 회복에 선행하는 경향이 있습니다.

Improvements in macroeconomic indicators tend to precede the recovery of microeconomic perceived business conditions.

Economic terminology

4

구조적 모순의 해결이 선행되지 않는 한, 단기적인 처방은 미봉책에 불과할 것입니다.

Unless the resolution of structural contradictions precedes, short-term prescriptions will be nothing more than stopgap measures.

~는 한 (as long as / unless...)

5

예술적 직관이 논리적 분석에 선행하여 창의적인 작품이 탄생하기도 합니다.

Artistic intuition sometimes precedes logical analysis, leading to the birth of creative works.

Adverbial form ~하여

6

정보의 비대칭성을 해소하기 위한 투명성 확보가 시장 경제의 효율적 작동에 선행되어야 합니다.

Securing transparency to resolve information asymmetry must precede the efficient functioning of a market economy.

Abstract systemic logic

7

국제법상 영토 주권의 확립이 국가 성립의 요건으로 선행되어야 함은 명백합니다.

It is clear that the establishment of territorial sovereignty must precede as a requirement for state formation under international law.

International law register

8

인간의 존엄성에 대한 인식이 모든 법 집행에 선행되어야 한다는 원칙을 고수해야 합니다.

We must adhere to the principle that the recognition of human dignity must precede all law enforcement.

Ethical/Legal principle

Sinónimos

앞서다 우선되다 먼저 일어나다

Antónimos

후행하다 뒤따르다

Colocaciones comunes

준비가 선행되다
조사가 선행되다
합의가 선행되다
이론이 선행되다
검토가 선행되다
확보가 선행되다
변화가 선행되다
분석이 선행되다
학습이 선행되다
절차가 선행되다

Frases Comunes

선행 학습

— Learning material in advance of the school curriculum.

한국에서는 선행 학습이 매우 흔합니다.

선행 조건

— A precondition or prerequisite.

평화의 선행 조건은 신뢰입니다.

선행 연구

— Previous research or literature review.

선행 연구를 꼼꼼히 읽어보세요.

선행 지수

— Leading indicator (economic).

경기 선행 지수가 하락했습니다.

선행 작업

— Preliminary work or prep work.

선행 작업이 늦어지고 있습니다.

선행 단계

— Prior stage or phase.

이것은 선행 단계에서 결정되었습니다.

선행 사례

— Precedent or previous case.

유사한 선행 사례를 찾아보세요.

선행 투자

— Advance investment.

기술 개발을 위해 선행 투자를 했습니다.

선행 차량

— The car in front.

선행 차량과의 안전 거리를 유지하세요.

선행 지표

— Leading indicator/metric.

이것은 미래를 예측하는 선행 지표입니다.

Se confunde a menudo con

선행되다 vs 선행 (善行)

Means 'good deeds.' Example: 선행을 베풀다 (to do a good deed).

선행되다 vs 수반되다

Means 'to be accompanied by.' This happens at the same time, not before.

선행되다 vs 앞서다

More general; can mean physical lead in a race.

Modismos y expresiones

"첫 단추를 잘 꿰다"

— To start well (related because the first step must be correct).

선행 작업이 중요하니 첫 단추를 잘 꿰어야 합니다.

Common
"기초가 튼튼해야 한다"

— The foundation must be strong.

기초가 선행되어야 건물이 무너지지 않아요.

Common
"앞뒤가 맞다"

— To be logically consistent.

선행 조건과 결과의 앞뒤가 맞아야 합니다.

Common
"순서가 뒤바뀌다"

— The order is reversed (used when 선행되다 should have happened but didn't).

준비도 없이 시작하다니 순서가 뒤바뀌었어.

Common
"뿌리 깊은 나무"

— A tree with deep roots (implies foundational precedence).

선행된 노력이 깊어야 결과가 좋습니다.

Literary
"바늘 가는 데 실 간다"

— Where the needle goes, the thread follows.

선행되는 원인이 있으면 결과가 따르기 마련입니다.

Common
"천 리 길도 한 걸음부터"

— A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

첫 걸음이 선행되어야 목적지에 도달합니다.

Common
"사상누각"

— A castle on sand (no foundation preceded).

기초 공사가 선행되지 않으면 사상누각일 뿐입니다.

Formal
"선견지명"

— Foresight (seeing what precedes others).

그는 선견지명이 있어 선행 투자를 했습니다.

Formal
"유비무환"

— Preparedness prevents sorrow.

철저한 대비가 선행되어야 유비무환입니다.

Formal

Fácil de confundir

선행되다 vs 전제되다

Both mean something comes before.

선행되다 is about order/time; 전제되다 is about logical necessity (presupposition).

민주주의는 평등을 전제로 한다.

선행되다 vs 우선하다

Both involve being 'first'.

우선하다 means being more important; 선행되다 means happening earlier in a sequence.

안전이 이익보다 우선한다.

선행되다 vs 준비하다

Preparation is often what '선행' is.

준비하다 is an action (to prepare); 선행되다 is a state (to precede).

시험을 준비하다 vs 준비가 선행되다.

선행되다 vs 시작하다

The first thing 'starts' the process.

시작하다 focuses on the beginning; 선행되다 focuses on the relative order between two things.

공부를 시작하다 vs 공부가 선행되다.

선행되다 vs 일어나다

Both describe events happening.

일어나다 is 'to happen'; 선행되다 is 'to happen before something else'.

사고가 일어났다 vs 원인 분석이 선행되었다.

Patrones de oraciones

B1

[Noun]이/가 선행되어야 해요.

노력이 선행되어야 해요.

B2

[Noun]에 앞서 [Noun]이/가 선행되었습니다.

계약에 앞서 조사가 선행되었습니다.

C1

[Action]하기 위해서는 [Condition]이/가 선행될 필요가 있습니다.

성공하기 위해서는 인내심이 선행될 필요가 있습니다.

C2

[Concept]이/가 [Concept]에 선행한다는 점은 자명합니다.

존재가 본질에 선행한다는 점은 자명합니다.

B1

충분한 [Noun]이/가 선행되어야 합니다.

충분한 휴식이 선행되어야 합니다.

B2

[Noun]이/가 선행되지 않으면 [Result]하기 어렵습니다.

준비가 선행되지 않으면 성공하기 어렵습니다.

C1

[Noun]의 [Noun]이/가 선행되는 것이 일반적입니다.

이론의 습득이 실습에 선행되는 것이 일반적입니다.

B2

철저한 [Noun]이/가 선행되었습니다.

철저한 검토가 선행되었습니다.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

선행 (先行 - precedence)
선행자 (先行者 - predecessor)
선행 학습 (先行學習 - advance learning)

Verbos

선행하다 (先行- - to precede [active])
선행시키다 (先行--- - to make something precede)

Adjetivos

선행적 (先行的 - preceding/prior)

Relacionado

먼저
앞서
우선
전제
기초

Cómo usarlo

frequency

High in formal contexts; Low in casual speech.

Errores comunes
  • 준비를 선행되다 준비가 선행되다

    Since '선행되다' is passive, it requires the subject particle '이/가', not the object particle '을/를'.

  • 선행을 했다 (meaning precedence) 선행이 되었다

    '선행을 하다' means 'to do a good deed.' To mean 'to precede,' use '선행되다'.

  • 먼저 선행되다 선행되다

    '선행' already means 'first,' so adding '먼저' (first) is redundant, though sometimes used for emphasis.

  • 선행되는 차 앞서가는 차

    '선행되다' is rarely used for physical movement of vehicles in common speech.

  • 밥이 선행되어야 해요 밥 먼저 주세요

    Using '선행되다' for ordering food is too formal and sounds unnatural.

Consejos

Passive Structure

Always remember that '선행되다' is passive. The thing that needs to happen first is the subject of the sentence.

Hanja Power

Knowing that '선' (先) means 'first' will help you remember many other words like 선배 (senior) and 선수 (athlete).

TOPIK Strategy

If you see '선행되다' in a TOPIK reading, look for the word '조건' (condition) or '순서' (order) in the answer choices.

Formal Essays

Use '선행되어야 한다' to introduce the first step of a solution in a social issues essay.

Professional Tone

Use this word during interviews to show you understand the importance of preparation and sequence.

Business Meetings

When discussing project timelines, use '선행 작업' to refer to tasks that must be finished first.

Education Culture

Understand that '선행 학습' is a major part of the Korean education system's vocabulary.

Variety

Don't just use '먼저'. Mix in '선행되다' to make your formal Korean sound more sophisticated.

Logical Priority

Use this word when the order is NOT accidental, but required by logic or rules.

Visualizing

Imagine a relay race where the first runner must '선행' before the second can start.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Sun' (선) that 'Hangs' (행) in the sky BEFORE the moon comes out. Sun-Haeng happens first.

Asociación visual

Visualize a line of people. The 'Sun-Haeng' person is at the very front of the line, holding a sign that says 'I'm First!'

Word Web

선행학습 선행조건 선행연구 선행지수 선행사례 선행투자 선행작업 선행단계

Desafío

Write three things that must be 선행되다 before you can graduate from college.

Origen de la palabra

From the Hanja characters 先 (선 - first/before) and 行 (행 - to go/act), combined with the Korean passive auxiliary 되다.

Significado original: To go first or to act before something else.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to sound too robotic in casual settings; using this word with friends might make you sound like a textbook.

In English, we often use 'prerequisite' or 'must come first.' 'Precede' is the closest direct translation.

Existentialism: 'Existence precedes essence' (존재가 본질에 선행한다). Economic Reports: Often uses '경기 선행 지수' (Leading Economic Index). TOPIK Exams: Frequently appears in level 4-6 reading passages.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Education

  • 선행 학습
  • 기초가 선행되다
  • 선수 과목
  • 학습 순서

Business

  • 시장 조사가 선행되다
  • 예산 확보
  • 타당성 검토
  • 선행 투자

Law/Policy

  • 사회적 합의
  • 절차적 정당성
  • 법적 검토
  • 선행 조건

Science

  • 선행 연구
  • 가설 설정
  • 데이터 분석
  • 실험 설계

Daily Life (Formal)

  • 준비가 선행되다
  • 약속이 선행되다
  • 계획 수립
  • 순서 확인

Inicios de conversación

"새로운 프로젝트를 시작할 때 무엇이 가장 먼저 선행되어야 한다고 생각하세요?"

"한국의 선행 학습 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하시나요?"

"성공적인 인생을 위해 어떤 가치가 선행되어야 할까요?"

"외국어를 배울 때 문법 공부가 선행되어야 할까요, 아니면 회화가 선행되어야 할까요?"

"사회 변화를 위해 법의 개정이 선행되어야 할까요, 아니면 사람들의 인식이 먼저 변해야 할까요?"

Temas para diario

오늘 하루를 시작하기 전에 선행되어야 했던 가장 중요한 일은 무엇이었나요?

내가 목표로 하는 꿈을 이루기 위해 선행되어야 할 세 가지 조건을 적어보세요.

최근에 읽은 책이나 뉴스에서 '선행되다'라는 단어가 어울릴 만한 상황을 설명해 보세요.

과거의 실수를 반복하지 않기 위해 어떤 성찰이 선행되어야 할지 기록해 보세요.

인간관계에서 신뢰가 선행되어야 하는 이유에 대해 자신의 생각을 써보세요.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, it is quite formal. In daily life, Koreans prefer '먼저' (first) or '미리' (in advance). Using '선행되다' with friends might sound overly serious or like a news reporter.

선행하다 is the active form ('to precede'), while 선행되다 is the passive form ('to be preceded/to take place before'). In most formal contexts describing requirements, the passive '되다' is more common.

Usually, no. It is for actions, conditions, or events. If a car is in front of you, you say '앞차' or '앞서가는 차,' not '선행되는 차' unless in a very technical traffic report.

Not necessarily, but in Korea, it is a controversial topic because it often implies excessive competition and private tutoring (hagwons).

You can use the compound noun '선행 조건' (preceding condition).

You should use the subject particle '이/가'. For example: '노력이 선행되다'.

Yes, '선행되었다' is very common in research papers to describe what was done before the main experiment.

Yes, but in a logical sense. For example, 'A가 B에 선행한다' means A happens before B.

Yes, 先 (선 - first) and 行 (행 - go/act).

Yes, it is considered intermediate-advanced (B1-B2) because of its formal register and Hanja roots.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence using '선행되어야 합니다' about studying.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Thorough preparation must precede.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using '선행 연구'.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'A change in consciousness must come first.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use '선행되다' to describe making a cake.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Agreement is a prerequisite for the contract.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about '선행 학습'.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Theory precedes practice.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use '선행되지 않으면' in a sentence about success.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Environmental assessment must precede development.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about '선행 지수'.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Trust must precede a relationship.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use '선행되었습니다' in a formal report context.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'A plan must be made first.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about '선행 조건'.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'This step precedes the next.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use '선행되는' as an adjective in a sentence.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Market research was conducted first.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about '선행 사례'.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Rest is necessary before work.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce '선행되다' clearly.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

How do you say 'Preparation must come first' formally?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Use '선행 학습' in a sentence about your childhood.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Explain why trust must precede a partnership.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Make a sentence with '선행 연구'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Ask a colleague if the budget was secured first.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Theory precedes practice' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Tell someone they need to clean first before cooking.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Express that a change in mindset is a prerequisite for success.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce '선행 조건' correctly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

How do you say 'This step comes before that one' formally?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss the importance of market research before a business launch.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'A plan must be preceded' in a meeting.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Use '선행되지 않으면' to warn about failure.

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speaking

Explain the meaning of '선행 지수' to a friend.

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speaking

Say 'It was preceded by a review'.

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speaking

Ask what the prerequisite for this course is.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Describe a logical sequence using '선행되다'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell a child to wash hands before eating using this word (formal practice).

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

State that 'Existence precedes essence'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: '준비가 선행되어야 합니다.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Identify the word: [sʌnhɛŋdweda]

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a news snippet: '예산 확보가 ( ) 않아...'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

What is the speaker emphasizing: '신뢰가 선행되어야 파트너십이 가능합니다.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and translate: '선행 학습을 하고 있어요.'

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

Identify the subject: '철저한 조사가 선행되었습니다.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Is the sentence positive or negative: '합의가 선행되지 않았다.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen for the particle: '노력( ) 선행되어야 한다.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

What context is this: '본 연구에 앞서 선행 연구를 검토했습니다.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: '선행 조건'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

What must happen first: '청소가 선행되어야 요리를 해요.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Identify the tense: '선행되었습니다.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen for the Hanja root 'Sun': '선행, 선배, 선수'.

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

Listen and translate: '이론이 실습에 선행된다.'

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

What is being discussed: '경기 선행 지수'.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

Contenido relacionado

Más palabras de logic

축약하다

B1

Abreviar o condensar un texto o palabra manteniendo su significado original. 'Es común 축약하다 las palabras largas en los mensajes de texto.'

수긍하다

B2

Aceptar o estar de acuerdo con algo porque es razonable. 'Ella asintió aceptando la explicación lógica.'

부합하다

B2

El proyecto debe corresponder a los objetivos de la empresa. El informe cumple con los requisitos.

유추

B2

La inferencia o analogía es el proceso de sacar una conclusión sobre un caso específico basado en su similitud con otro caso ya conocido.

해당

B1

La palabra formal para 'relevante' o 'aplicable'.

임의적

B2

Hecho por elección o al azar, en lugar de por razón, necesidad o reglas fijas. También puede significar 'arbitrario' en un contexto legal o científico. (Done by choice or at random, rather than by reason, necessity, or fixed rules. Can also mean 'arbitrary' in a legal or scientific context.)

기초하다

B1

'기초하다' significa basarse o fundarse en un hecho, principio o dato. Explica el origen o el apoyo de algo. (This research is based on existing statistical data.) Esta investigación se basa en datos estadísticos existentes. '기초하다' significa que algo está construido o sustentado por otra cosa, como un hecho, una idea o información. Piense en ello como la base de una declaración o acción. (His argument is based on clear evidence.) Su argumento se basa en pruebas claras.

범주

B2

A class or division of people or things regarded as having particular shared characteristics; category.

공통분모

B2

Un denominador común es una característica o interés compartido por diferentes personas o cosas.

단정하다

B2

Concluir o juzgar algo de manera definitiva y firme.

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