At the A1 level, '감축' (gam-chuk) is a very difficult word because it is formal and uses Chinese characters (Hanja). A1 learners usually learn '줄여요' (jul-yeo-yo) which means 'to make smaller' or 'to reduce.' You don't need to use '감축' yet, but you might see it on a news screen or a big sign in a city. Think of it as a super-formal version of 'making something less.' For example, if you see '쓰레기 감축' on a bin, it means 'Reduce Trash.' Just remember that 'gam' means 'less' and 'chuk' means 'shrink.' This will help you later when you see other words starting with 'gam' like 'gam-so' (decrease). Focus on '줄이다' for now, but keep '감축' in the back of your mind for when you read formal news.
As an A2 learner, you are starting to see more formal nouns. '감축' is one of those words that appears in newspapers or on the news. It means 'reduction.' At this level, you should know that '감축' is used for important things like money or the number of people. You might hear it in a sentence like '비용 감축' (cost reduction). You don't have to use it in your daily speaking—you can still use '줄이다' (to reduce)—but you should recognize it when you hear it in a professional context. It's a noun, so it's often used with '하다' to make '감축하다.' If you are talking about a company trying to save money, using '감축' makes you sound more like a serious student of Korean.
At the B1 level, you should start incorporating '감축' into your formal writing and presentations. This word is essential for discussing social issues, which is a key part of intermediate Korean. Instead of saying '쓰레기를 줄여야 해요' (We must reduce trash), you can say '쓰레기 감축이 필요합니다' (Trash reduction is necessary). Notice how '감축' makes the sentence sound more official. You should also learn common pairs like '인원 감축' (personnel reduction) and '예산 감축' (budget reduction). At this stage, you need to distinguish between '감축' (intentional reduction) and '감소' (natural decrease). If a company fires people, it's '감축.' If the population goes down because fewer babies are born, it's '감소.'
B2 is the 'sweet spot' for '감축.' At this level, you are expected to discuss complex topics like the environment, the economy, and politics. '감축' is a vital tool for these discussions. You should be comfortable using '감축하다' (to reduce) and '감축되다' (to be reduced) in both speech and writing. You should also understand its nuance compared to '삭감' (slashing/cutting) and '축소' (shrinking in scale). For example, in a TOPIK II essay about climate change, you must use '탄소 배출 감축' (carbon emission reduction) to get a high score. You should also be aware of the social sensitivity of '인원 감축' (downsizing), as it is a common topic in Korean business news. You can now use this word to describe strategic actions taken by organizations.
For C1 learners, '감축' should be a natural part of your high-level vocabulary. You should understand the subtle political and economic implications when this word is used in a speech. For instance, '군비 감축' (arms reduction) is a specific term in international relations. You should also be able to use advanced modifiers with it, such as '대폭 감축' (drastic reduction), '단계적 감축' (phased reduction), or '자발적 감축' (voluntary reduction). At this level, you should also be able to explain the Hanja roots (減 and 縮) to others. You are expected to use '감축' in professional debates, academic writing, and complex negotiations where precision in language is required to distinguish between a simple decrease and a strategic cutback.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '감축.' You recognize it not just as a word for 'reduction,' but as a specific rhetorical tool used in policy-making and corporate strategy. You can distinguish its usage from even more specialized terms like '경감' (alleviation/mitigation) or '절감' (cutting for efficiency). You understand how '감축' fits into the broader historical and cultural context of Korea, such as the '인원 감축' that occurred during the 1997 financial crisis. Your usage is flawless, including the correct use of particles and formal sentence endings. You can analyze a text and determine why the author chose '감축' over '삭감' to convey a specific tone—perhaps one that is more professional and less confrontational.

감축 en 30 segundos

  • Formal term for reduction or cutback.
  • Used for intentional acts, not natural decreases.
  • Common in business (costs), environment (emissions), and military (troops).
  • Pairs with '하다' (to reduce) or '되다' (to be reduced).

The Korean noun 감축 (Gam-chuk) is a formal and sophisticated term that translates primarily to 'reduction,' 'cutback,' or 'downsizing.' While simple words like 줄임 or 감소 can describe a general decrease, 감축 carries a heavy weight of intentionality and systemic change. It is most frequently encountered in the realms of economics, environmental policy, and corporate management. When a government decides to lower carbon emissions or a company needs to reduce its workforce to stay afloat, this is the word they use.

Etymological Root
The word is composed of two Hanja (Chinese characters): 減 (덜 감), meaning to decrease or subtract, and 縮 (줄일 축), meaning to shrink or contract. Together, they form a concept of making something smaller through deliberate action.
Professional Context
You will rarely hear this in a casual conversation about eating less food. Instead, it appears in news headlines regarding 인원 감축 (personnel reduction/layoffs) or 국방비 감축 (defense budget cuts). It implies a strategic decision rather than a natural occurrence.

기업들은 경기 침체에 대응하기 위해 대대적인 비용 감축에 나섰습니다.

— Translation: Companies have started extensive cost reductions to respond to the economic recession.

Understanding 감축 is essential for reaching an upper-intermediate (B2) or advanced (C1) level in Korean because it allows you to discuss global issues. For instance, in international climate summits, the phrase 온실가스 감축 목표 (greenhouse gas reduction targets) is a staple. It suggests a level of formality and seriousness that '줄이기' (making smaller) simply cannot convey.

Visualizing the Word
Imagine a large block of marble being chipped away by a sculptor. The marble isn't just disappearing; it is being intentionally reshaped and made smaller to fit a specific requirement. That 'chipping away' is the essence of 감축.

탄소 감축은 이제 선택이 아닌 필수입니다.

— Translation: Carbon reduction is now a necessity, not an option.

Using 감축 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. As a noun, it often pairs with the verb 하다 (to do) to form the active verb 감축하다 (to reduce) or with 되다 (to become) to form the passive 감축되다 (to be reduced).

Common Object Pairings
  • 인원 (Personnel): 인원 감축 (Downsizing/Staff reduction)
  • 예산 (Budget): 예산 감축 (Budget cuts)
  • 배출량 (Emission amount): 배출량 감축 (Emission reduction)
  • 군비 (Armaments): 군비 감축 (Disarmament/Arms reduction)

In formal writing, such as business reports or news articles, 감축 is often preceded by an adjective or another noun that specifies the scale or the target of the reduction. For example, 대폭 감축 (drastic reduction) or 단계적 감축 (phased reduction).

그 회사는 경영난으로 인해 전 직원의 20%를 감축하기로 했습니다.

— Translation: The company decided to reduce 20% of its total staff due to management difficulties.

When discussing international treaties or environmental goals, 감축 is used to express a commitment. It conveys a sense of responsibility and planning. It is much more formal than saying 'lessening' or 'lowering'. In a sentence, it often functions as the subject of a policy or the object of a negotiation.

정부는 미세먼지 감축을 위한 새로운 대책을 발표했습니다.

— Translation: The government announced new measures for the reduction of fine dust.
Passive Usage
When the focus is on the thing that was reduced rather than who did the reducing, we use 감축되다. Example: '내년도 연구비가 대폭 감축되었다' (Next year's research funds have been drastically reduced).

You will encounter 감축 most frequently in high-stakes environments. It is a 'TV news word' and a 'newspaper word.' If you are watching a debate on Korean television regarding the national budget or the future of the military, 감축 will be used repeatedly.

In the News
News anchors often use this word when reporting on economic downturns. Phrases like '구조조정을 통한 인원 감축' (Personnel reduction through restructuring) are common during financial crises. It provides a clinical, professional tone to what is often a painful social reality.
Environmental Discourse
In the age of climate change, 감축 is everywhere in South Korean media. '탄소 감축' (Carbon reduction) and '온실가스 감축' (Greenhouse gas reduction) are key terms in public service announcements and documentaries about the environment.

이번 회담의 주요 의제는 핵무기 감축이었습니다.

— Translation: The main agenda of this summit was the reduction of nuclear weapons.

In a corporate office setting, you might hear this word during a quarterly town hall meeting. A CEO might say, 'We need to focus on 비용 감축 (cost reduction) to improve our margins.' It sounds more strategic and less 'cheap' than saying they want to save money. It implies a systematic approach to cutting expenses.

Finally, you might find this word in academic papers or economic journals. It is the standard term used to describe quantitative reductions in a formal study. If you are preparing for the TOPIK II exam, mastering 감축 is vital for the reading and writing sections, as it often appears in prompts about social or environmental issues.

While 감축 is a powerful word, it is often misused by learners who confuse it with other words for 'decrease' or 'save.' Understanding these distinctions will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Using it for Personal Habits
A common error is saying 'I reduced my sleep' using 감축.
❌ '나는 수면 시간을 감축했다.' (Sounds like a government decree about your sleep).
✅ '나는 수면 시간을 줄였다.' (Natural for personal habits).
Reason: 감축 is for formal, large-scale, or professional reductions.
Mistake 2: Confusing with '감소' (Gam-so)
감소 describes the phenomenon of something getting smaller (e.g., population decrease), whereas 감축 is the act of making it smaller.
❌ '인구가 감축하고 있다.' (The population is being intentionally reduced - sounds like a sci-fi dystopia).
✅ '인구가 감소하고 있다.' (The population is decreasing naturally).

비용 감축 (Correct: Intentional act of cutting costs) vs. 비용 감소 (Correct: The result of costs going down).

Another mistake is confusing 감축 with 절약 (Jeol-yak). 절약 means to save or be frugal (like saving water or electricity at home). 감축 is a more structural reduction. You don't '감축' electricity in your kitchen; you '절약' it. However, a city might '감축' its total energy consumption through new laws.

To truly master 감축, you should know how it compares to its synonyms. Each has a specific 'flavor' and context where it fits best.

1. 축소 (Chuk-so) - Reduction in Scale
While 감축 focuses on the amount or number, 축소 focuses on the physical size, scale, or scope.
Example: '사업 축소' (Reducing the scope of a business project).
2. 삭감 (Sak-gam) - Slashing / Cutting
삭감 is specifically used for money, like budgets or salaries. It feels more aggressive than 감축.
Example: '임금 삭감' (Wage cut).
3. 절감 (Jeol-gam) - Cutting Down to Save
절감 is used when the goal is to reduce waste or unnecessary spending. It has a positive nuance of efficiency.
Example: '원가 절감' (Reducing production costs/saving on raw materials).

Comparison: 예산 감축 (Formal, general budget reduction) vs. 예산 삭감 (Aggressive, often forced budget cut).

In summary, choose 감축 when you want to sound professional and discuss a planned reduction in quantity or amount, especially in public, corporate, or environmental sectors. Use 줄임 for everyday life, 축소 for size/scale, and 삭감 for money cuts.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The character 縮 (chuk) is the same one used in '축소' (shrinkage) and '압축' (compression), highlighting the idea of physically making something smaller.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ɡam.tɕʰuk/
US /ɡam.tɕʰuk/
The stress is equal on both syllables, typical of Korean word structure.
Rima con
압축 (Ap-chuk - Compression) 농축 (Nong-chuk - Concentration) 구축 (Gu-chuk - Construction/Establishment) 단축 (Dan-chuk - Shortening) 신축 (Sin-chuk - Expansion and contraction) 비축 (Bi-chuk - Stockpiling) 수축 (Su-chuk - Contraction) 증축 (Jeung-chuk - Extension of a building)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'gam' as 'gum'.
  • Not aspirating the 'ch' in 'chuk' enough, making it sound like 'juk'.
  • Merging the two syllables too quickly without the 'm' closure.
  • Pronouncing the 'u' in 'chuk' like the 'u' in 'but' (it should be like 'oo' in 'book').
  • Using a voiced 'g' like 'goat' at the start (it should be voiceless/soft).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 4/5

Common in newspapers and formal texts, but requires Hanja knowledge for deep understanding.

Escritura 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal collocations to use correctly in essays.

Expresión oral 3/5

Used in professional settings; rare in casual daily speech.

Escucha 3/5

Clearly pronounced, but context is key to distinguishing from '감소'.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

줄이다 감소 예산 인원 환경

Aprende después

삭감 축소 절감 경감 단축

Avanzado

구조조정 탄소 중립 세출 유동성

Gramática que debes saber

~기 위해 (In order to)

비용을 감축하기 위해 노력합니다.

~로 인해 (Due to)

예산 감축으로 인해 사업이 중단되었습니다.

~ㄹ 예정 (Scheduled to)

인원이 10% 감축될 예정입니다.

~함에 따라 (As... happens)

경기가 악화됨에 따라 감축이 시작되었습니다.

~ㄴ/는다는 우려 (Concern that...)

예산이 감축된다는 우려가 있습니다.

Ejemplos por nivel

1

쓰레기 감축이 필요해요.

Trash reduction is needed.

Simple Noun + Subject Particle (~이)

2

비용을 감축해요.

Reduce the costs.

Noun + Object Particle (~을) + Verb (해요)

3

인원을 감축합니다.

We are reducing the number of people.

Formal ending (~합니다)

4

에너지 감축을 해요.

We do energy reduction.

Noun + Object Particle + Verb (해요)

5

물 감축이 중요해요.

Water reduction is important.

Simple Noun + Subject Particle + Adjective

6

시간 감축을 원해요.

I want time reduction.

Noun + Object Particle + Verb (원해요)

7

설탕 감축을 하세요.

Please do sugar reduction.

Command form (~하세요)

8

소금 감축이 좋아요.

Salt reduction is good.

Simple Noun + Subject Particle + Adjective

1

회사는 인원 감축을 결정했습니다.

The company decided on a personnel reduction.

Past tense verb (~결정했습니다)

2

정부는 예산 감축을 발표했어요.

The government announced a budget cut.

Past tense verb (~발표했어요)

3

우리는 플라스틱 감축을 위해 노력해요.

We work hard for plastic reduction.

Purpose construction (~을 위해)

4

탄소 감축은 환경에 좋아요.

Carbon reduction is good for the environment.

Topic particle (~은)

5

군대 인원이 감축되고 있어요.

The number of soldiers is being reduced.

Progressive passive (~되고 있어요)

6

지출 감축이 시급합니다.

Spending reduction is urgent.

Formal adjective (~시급합니다)

7

종이 사용 감축을 실천합시다.

Let's practice reducing paper use.

Suggestive ending (~합시다)

8

음식물 쓰레기 감축이 목표입니다.

Reducing food waste is the goal.

Noun + Copula (~입니다)

1

경제 위기로 인해 대대적인 인원 감축이 예상됩니다.

A major personnel reduction is expected due to the economic crisis.

Cause construction (~로 인해)

2

온실가스 감축을 위한 국제적인 협력이 필요합니다.

International cooperation is needed for greenhouse gas reduction.

Adjective phrase (~을 위한)

3

회사는 경영 효율성을 위해 비용 감축을 단행했습니다.

The company carried out cost reductions for management efficiency.

Advanced verb (단행하다 - to carry out)

4

정부는 국방비 감축 계획을 세웠습니다.

The government made a plan for defense budget reduction.

Noun compound (국방비 감축 계획)

5

에너지 감축 없이는 환경을 보호할 수 없습니다.

Without energy reduction, we cannot protect the environment.

Negative condition (~없이는 ... ㄹ 수 없다)

6

단계적 인원 감축이 진행될 예정입니다.

A phased personnel reduction is scheduled to proceed.

Future schedule (~ㄹ 예정입니다)

7

자발적인 탄소 감축 참여가 중요합니다.

Voluntary participation in carbon reduction is important.

Adjective form (자발적인)

8

비효율적인 부서를 감축하기로 했습니다.

They decided to reduce inefficient departments.

Decision construction (~기로 하다)

1

탄소 중립을 달성하기 위해서는 획기적인 배출량 감축이 필수적입니다.

To achieve carbon neutrality, a breakthrough reduction in emissions is essential.

Condition for goal (~기 위해서는)

2

기업들은 생존을 위해 뼈를 깎는 비용 감축에 나섰습니다.

Companies have embarked on agonizing cost reductions for survival.

Idiomatic expression (뼈를 깎는 - agonizing/bone-chilling)

3

정부는 공공기관의 인력 감축안을 검토 중입니다.

The government is reviewing a plan for manpower reduction in public institutions.

Ongoing state (~중입니다)

4

핵무기 감축 협상이 난항을 겪고 있습니다.

Nuclear arms reduction negotiations are facing difficulties.

Idiomatic verb (난항을 겪다 - to face difficulties)

5

이번 조치로 인해 실업률이 높아질 것이라는 감축 우려가 있습니다.

There are concerns that this reduction will lead to higher unemployment rates.

Anticipatory noun (우려 - concern)

6

무분별한 예산 감축은 복지 서비스의 질을 저하시킬 수 있습니다.

Indiscriminate budget cuts can degrade the quality of welfare services.

Causative verb (저하시키다 - to degrade)

7

환경 규제가 강화됨에 따라 기업들의 탄소 감축 부담이 커졌습니다.

As environmental regulations strengthen, the burden of carbon reduction on companies has grown.

Reasoning construction (~함에 따라)

8

병력 감축은 현대전의 흐름에 따른 자연스러운 변화입니다.

Troop reduction is a natural change following the trend of modern warfare.

Formal Noun + Copula

1

지속 가능한 성장을 위해 자원 소비의 획기적 감축이 요구되는 시점입니다.

It is a time when a breakthrough reduction in resource consumption is required for sustainable growth.

Passive requirement (요구되는 시점)

2

인위적인 인원 감축보다는 자연 감소를 유도하는 것이 바람직합니다.

It is desirable to induce natural attrition rather than artificial personnel reduction.

Comparison (~보다는 ... 하는 것)

3

국가 간의 군비 감축 경쟁이 평화 유지의 핵심 과제로 떠올랐습니다.

The competition for arms reduction between nations has emerged as a key task for maintaining peace.

Emergence verb (떠오르다)

4

급격한 예산 감축은 연구 개발의 연속성을 저해할 우려가 큽니다.

Sudden budget cuts are highly likely to hinder the continuity of research and development.

Hinder verb (저해하다)

5

탄소 배출권 거래제는 효율적인 감축 유도를 목표로 합니다.

The emissions trading system aims to induce efficient reduction.

Goal construction (~을 목표로 하다)

6

정치권에서는 국회의원 정수 감축 문제를 놓고 설전을 벌였습니다.

The political sphere engaged in a heated debate over the issue of reducing the number of assembly members.

Debate idiom (설전을 벌이다)

7

선진국들은 개발도상국의 탄소 감축 노력을 지원해야 할 의무가 있습니다.

Developed countries have an obligation to support the carbon reduction efforts of developing countries.

Obligation construction (~해야 할 의무)

8

유동성 감축을 위한 금리 인상이 시장에 큰 충격을 주었습니다.

The interest rate hike aimed at reducing liquidity gave a big shock to the market.

Financial terminology (유동성 - liquidity)

1

구조적 모순을 해결하기 위한 근본적인 비용 감축 대책이 시급히 마련되어야 합니다.

Fundamental cost reduction measures to solve structural contradictions must be urgently prepared.

Passive necessity (~마련되어야 합니다)

2

인원 감축의 칼바람이 불면서 직장인들의 고용 불안이 극에 달하고 있습니다.

As the 'cold wind' of personnel reduction blows, office workers' employment anxiety is reaching its peak.

Metaphorical expression (칼바람이 불다)

3

전략적 인력 감축은 단순히 숫자를 줄이는 것이 아니라 조직의 재구성을 의미합니다.

Strategic manpower reduction is not just about reducing numbers but means the reorganization of the organization.

Definition construction (A는 B를 의미합니다)

4

국방비의 맹목적인 감축은 국가 안보의 공백을 초래할 위험이 다분합니다.

Blind reduction of the defense budget has a high risk of causing a vacuum in national security.

Probability adjective (다분하다 - highly likely/plentiful)

5

탄소 감축 목표의 이행 여부가 차기 대선의 주요 쟁점으로 부각되었습니다.

Whether the carbon reduction targets are implemented has emerged as a major issue in the next presidential election.

Issue emergence (쟁점으로 부각되다)

6

비용 감축을 명목으로 자행되는 부당한 해고는 법적 처벌의 대상입니다.

Unfair dismissals carried out under the pretext of cost reduction are subject to legal punishment.

Pretext construction (~을 명목으로)

7

공급망의 효율화를 통한 재고 감축은 기업 경쟁력 강화의 핵심입니다.

Inventory reduction through supply chain efficiency is key to strengthening corporate competitiveness.

Core concept construction (~의 핵심입니다)

8

재정 적자를 해소하기 위한 세출 감축 방안이 국회 본회의를 통과했습니다.

The plan to reduce expenditures to resolve the fiscal deficit passed the plenary session of the National Assembly.

Legislative terminology (세출 - expenditure)

Sinónimos

축소 삭감 절감 저감

Antónimos

Colocaciones comunes

인원 감축
탄소 감축
예산 감축
군비 감축
비용 감축
온실가스 감축
배출량 감축
인력 감축
대폭 감축
단계적 감축

Frases Comunes

감축 목표

— A target or goal for reduction.

우리는 탄소 감축 목표를 세웠습니다.

감축 방안

— A plan or measure for reduction.

구체적인 비용 감축 방안이 필요합니다.

감축 노력

— Efforts made to reduce something.

모두의 감축 노력이 결실을 맺었습니다.

감축 대상

— The target or object of a reduction.

이 부서는 이번 인원 감축 대상이 아닙니다.

감축 의무

— An obligation to reduce something.

국가별로 온실가스 감축 의무가 있습니다.

감축 협상

— Negotiations regarding a reduction.

군비 감축 협상이 다시 시작되었습니다.

감축 조치

— A measure or action taken for reduction.

긴급한 예산 감축 조치가 시행되었습니다.

감축 효과

— The effect or result of a reduction.

새로운 정책의 감축 효과가 나타나고 있습니다.

감축 계획

— A plan for reduction.

정부는 인력 감축 계획을 취소했습니다.

감축 합의

— An agreement on a reduction.

노사는 인원 감축 규모에 합의했습니다.

Se confunde a menudo con

감축 vs 감소

Gam-so is a natural or general decrease; Gam-chuk is a planned reduction.

감축 vs 삭감

Sak-gam is specifically for cutting money (budget/pay), often harshly.

감축 vs 축소

Chuk-so refers to shrinking the scale or physical size of something.

Modismos y expresiones

"뼈를 깎는 감축"

— A reduction that is extremely painful or difficult, like cutting one's own bone.

회사는 뼈를 깎는 비용 감축을 통해 위기를 극복했습니다.

Formal/Literary
"감축의 칼바람"

— A metaphor for harsh layoffs or personnel reductions, like a cold, sharp wind.

연말이 되자 금융권에 인원 감축의 칼바람이 불고 있다.

Journalistic
"군살 감축"

— Reducing 'fluff' or unnecessary parts of an organization (literally 'reducing body fat').

조직의 효율성을 위해 군살 감축이 필요합니다.

Business
"허리띠를 졸라매는 감축"

— Reducing spending or budget out of necessity (literally 'tightening the belt').

가계 부채를 줄이기 위해 허리띠를 졸라매는 지출 감축을 시작했다.

Common
"마른 수건 짜기식 감축"

— Trying to reduce costs or resources when there is almost nothing left to cut (literally 'wringing a dry towel').

더 이상의 비용 감축은 마른 수건 짜기식이라 불가능합니다.

Business
"일괄 감축"

— Across-the-board reduction (cutting everything by the same percentage).

모든 부서의 예산을 10% 일괄 감축하기로 했다.

Administrative
"선별적 감축"

— Selective reduction (choosing specific targets to cut).

우리는 비효율적인 분야에 대해 선별적 감축을 실시할 것입니다.

Formal
"자발적 감축"

— Voluntary reduction.

많은 기업들이 자발적 탄소 감축에 동참하고 있습니다.

Formal
"인위적 감축"

— Artificial or forced reduction.

정부는 인위적 인원 감축은 없을 것이라고 약속했습니다.

Formal
"대폭 감축"

— A large-scale or drastic reduction.

내년 국방 예산이 대폭 감축되었습니다.

Formal

Fácil de confundir

감축 vs 절감

Both mean reduction.

Jeol-gam emphasizes saving or cutting out waste to be efficient.

원가 절감 (Cost saving) vs 비용 감축 (Cost reduction).

감축 vs 단축

Both mean shortening.

Dan-chuk is specifically for time or distance.

시간 단축 (Time shortening) vs 인원 감축 (Personnel reduction).

감축 vs 경감

Both mean making something less.

Gyeong-gam is for reducing burdens, pain, or severity.

고통 경감 (Pain relief) vs 예산 감축 (Budget cut).

감축 vs 하락

Both imply a downward move.

Ha-rak is for prices, values, or grades falling.

주가 하락 (Stock price fall) vs 탄소 감축 (Carbon reduction).

감축 vs 결손

Sounds slightly similar.

Gyeol-son means a deficit or loss of money.

재정 결손 (Fiscal deficit) vs 예산 감축 (Budget cut).

Patrones de oraciones

A2

[Target] 감축을 해요.

쓰레기 감축을 해요.

B1

[Reason] 때문에 [Target]을/를 감축했습니다.

불경기 때문에 인원을 감축했습니다.

B2

[Target] 감축은 [Goal]을 위해 필수적입니다.

탄소 감축은 환경 보호를 위해 필수적입니다.

B2

[Target]이/가 대폭 감축될 예정입니다.

내년 예산이 대폭 감축될 예정입니다.

C1

[Target] 감축안이 [Action]되었습니다.

비용 감축안이 최종 승인되었습니다.

C1

[Target]의 단계적 감축을 추진하고 있습니다.

군비의 단계적 감축을 추진하고 있습니다.

C2

[Target] 감축이 가져올 사회적 파장이 우려됩니다.

인원 감축이 가져올 사회적 파장이 우려됩니다.

C2

[Target] 감축을 명목으로 [Action]이 자행되었습니다.

비용 감축을 명목으로 부당 해고가 자행되었습니다.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

감축 (Reduction)
감소 (Decrease)
삭감 (Cut/Slash)
축소 (Shrinkage)

Verbos

감축하다 (To reduce)
감축되다 (To be reduced)

Adjetivos

감축된 (Reduced)

Relacionado

절감 (Saving)
인하 (Lowering)
절약 (Frugality)
단축 (Shortening)
경감 (Mitigation)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in news, business, and policy contexts.

Errores comunes
  • Using '감축' for personal weight loss. 체중 감량

    '감축' is for institutional or quantitative reduction, not biological weight.

  • Saying '인구가 감축했다' for a population decline. 인구가 감소했다

    Population decline is usually a natural phenomenon (감소), not a planned reduction (감축).

  • Using '감축' for saving water at home. 물 절약

    '절약' is the word for personal frugality or saving resources.

  • Confusing '감축' with '감속' (Gam-sok). 감속 (to slow down)

    '감속' is specifically for reducing speed, while '감축' is for amount/size.

  • Using '감축' as a verb without '하다'. 감축하다

    '감축' is a noun; you must add '하다' to use it as an action.

Consejos

Business Context

Always use '비용 감축' in business reports to sound professional. It sounds much better than '돈 아끼기' (saving money).

Eco-Friendly

Memorize '탄소 감축' (carbon reduction) as a single unit. It's one of the most common phrases in modern Korean media.

Passive vs Active

Use '감축되다' when you want to sound objective, like 'The budget was reduced' without blaming anyone specifically.

TOPIK Writing

In the TOPIK writing task 53 (graph description), if a line goes down because of a policy, use '감축' to describe the action.

Interview Tip

If asked about weaknesses in a company, discussing '비효율적인 비용 감축' (inefficient cost reduction) shows high-level critical thinking.

Social Sensitivity

Be aware that '인원 감축' is a sensitive topic in Korea. Use it carefully in social settings.

Clear Syllables

Make sure to pronounce the 'ㅁ' (m) at the end of the first syllable. Don't skip it!

Gam-so vs Gam-chuk

Remember: Gam-so = natural decrease. Gam-chuk = human-made reduction.

Hanja Root

If you see '감' (減) in a word, it almost always means 'decrease' (e.g., 감소, 감속, 감점).

News Headlines

In Korean news headlines, '감축' is often shortened or used in four-character idioms. Look for it in the economy section.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'GAM' (like a game you lose) and 'CHUK' (like a 'chuck' or cut). You are 'chucking' away part of the 'game' to make it smaller.

Asociación visual

Imagine a pair of scissors cutting a long budget paper into a shorter piece. The act of the scissors closing is '감축'.

Word Web

예산 (Budget) 인원 (Personnel) 탄소 (Carbon) 배출 (Emission) 삭감 (Cut) 축소 (Shrink) 절감 (Save) 정책 (Policy)

Desafío

Try to use '감축' in a sentence about your own life, but make it sound like a formal news report. For example: 'I am implementing a sugar reduction (설탕 감축) policy for my health.'

Origen de la palabra

Derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters).

Significado original: 減 (Decrease) + 縮 (Shrink/Shorten).

Sino-Korean

Contexto cultural

Be careful using '인원 감축' when talking to someone who might have lost their job; '구조조정' (restructuring) is often used as a slightly softer, though still serious, alternative.

Equivalent to 'downsizing' in a corporate context or 'reduction' in environmental contexts.

The 'Paris Agreement' (파리 협정) focuses on greenhouse gas '감축'. The movie 'Default' (국가부도의 날) depicts the era of '인원 감축' in Korea. The term '군비 감축' is central to North-South Korean peace talks.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Environmental Policy

  • 탄소 감축 목표
  • 온실가스 배출 감축
  • 에너지 소비 감축
  • 일회용품 감축

Corporate Management

  • 인원 감축 계획
  • 비용 감축 방안
  • 부서 감축
  • 지출 감축

Government/Politics

  • 예산 감축안
  • 군비 감축 협상
  • 공공기관 감축
  • 세금 감축

International Relations

  • 핵무기 감축
  • 무역 장벽 감축
  • 원조 감축
  • 수입 쿼터 감축

Personal Finance (Formal)

  • 가계 지출 감축
  • 부채 감축
  • 이자 부담 감축
  • 과소비 감축

Inicios de conversación

"최근 뉴스에서 본 탄소 감축 정책에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"회사의 비용 감축을 위해 우리가 할 수 있는 일은 무엇일까요?"

"인원 감축 소식을 들었는데, 사무실 분위기는 좀 어때요?"

"정부의 예산 감축이 우리 동네에 어떤 영향을 미칠까요?"

"군비 감축이 한반도 평화에 도움이 될까요?"

Temas para diario

내가 일상생활에서 실천할 수 있는 탄소 감축 방법 세 가지를 적어보세요.

만약 내가 회사의 경영자라면, 인원 감축 대신 어떤 대안을 제시할지 써보세요.

정부가 교육 예산을 감축한다면 발생할 수 있는 문제점에 대해 논해보세요.

과거에 무언가를 크게 감축했던 경험이 있나요? 그 결과는 어땠나요?

환경 보호를 위한 '일회용품 감축'이 왜 어려운지 자신의 생각을 정리해보세요.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, that would sound very strange. Use '줄이다' (to reduce) or '조절하다' (to control). '감축' is for formal organizations or global issues.

'해고' means firing someone (often due to their performance). '인원 감축' is a corporate strategy to reduce the total number of staff, often due to economic reasons. It's a type of 'layoff'.

Not necessarily. '탄소 감축' (carbon reduction) is seen as very positive and necessary for the planet. However, '예산 감축' or '인원 감축' usually have negative social impacts.

It depends on the verb. Use '감축을 하다' (active) or '감축이 되다' (passive). As a subject, use '감축이 중요해요'.

Usually, '단축' (Dan-chuk) is better for time. However, in very formal administrative contexts, you might see '시간 감축', but it's rare compared to '단축'.

Yes, it comes from 減 (reduce) and 縮 (shrink). Knowing this helps you understand many related words.

'대폭' means 'by a large margin'. So '대폭 감축' is a drastic or significant reduction.

Yes, it is very common in TOPIK II (Intermediate/Advanced) reading passages about the environment and economy.

No, use '체중 감량' (weight loss). '감량' is the specific word for reducing weight.

The most direct opposites are '증가' (increase) or '확대' (expansion).

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

'탄소 감축'을 넣어서 한 문장을 만드세요.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

'인원 감축'의 문제점에 대해 한 문장으로 쓰세요.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

회사가 비용을 줄여야 할 때 쓸 수 있는 격식 있는 문장은?

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

'감축하다'를 사용하여 환경 보호에 대한 문장을 쓰세요.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

예산이 줄어들었을 때의 상황을 '감축'을 넣어 설명하세요.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

'단계적'이라는 말과 '감축'을 함께 사용하여 문장을 만드세요.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

자신의 일상에서 '줄이고 싶은 것'을 '감축'을 써서 표현해 보세요 (격식 있게).

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

'감축'과 '목표'를 사용하여 문장을 만드세요.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

전쟁을 반대하는 입장에서 '군비 감축'을 넣어 문장을 쓰세요.

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

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writing

'감축되다'를 사용하여 문장을 만드세요.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

'대폭'과 '감축'을 사용하여 경제 뉴스를 써보세요.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

기업의 생존 전략으로 '비용 감축'을 언급해 보세요.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

'감축'의 한자 뜻을 설명하는 문장을 쓰세요.

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writing

미세먼지 문제와 '감축'을 연결해 보세요.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

학교에서 쓰레기를 줄이자는 포스터 문구를 '감축'을 넣어 만드세요.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

'인력 감축' 대신 '자연 감소'를 권장하는 문장을 쓰세요.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

국제 협약과 '감축'을 연결하여 문장을 만드세요.

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writing

자신의 지출에 대해 '감축'을 사용하여 반성하는 문장을 쓰세요.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

'감축'이 왜 중요한지 자신의 의견을 쓰세요.

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writing

미래 기술과 '감축'을 연결해 보세요.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

'감축'을 사용하여 '탄소 배출을 줄여야 한다'고 말해 보세요.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

회사에서 예산이 줄어들었다고 동료에게 정중히 말해 보세요.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

'인원 감축'에 대한 자신의 반대 의견을 말해 보세요.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

'감축'의 발음을 정확히 해 보세요. [감축]

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

환경 보호를 위해 무엇을 '감축'하고 싶은지 말해 보세요.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

'대폭 감축'이라는 표현을 넣어 문장을 말해 보세요.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

비즈니스 회의에서 '비용을 줄이자'고 제안해 보세요.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

'감축하다'와 '감소하다'의 차이를 간단히 설명해 보세요.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

뉴스 앵커처럼 '온실가스 감축 합의' 소식을 전해 보세요.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

친구에게 '요즘 회사에서 사람을 줄인대'라고 말해 보세요 (감축 사용).

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

'군비 감축'이 왜 중요한지 한 문장으로 말해 보세요.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

'단계적 감축'을 사용하여 계획을 말해 보세요.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

'감축'이 들어간 문장을 듣고 따라 하세요. [예산 감축이 결정되었습니다.]

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

자신의 소비 습관 중 '감축'이 필요한 부분을 말해 보세요.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

'감축'이라는 단어를 들으면 떠오르는 이미지를 설명해 보세요.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

면접에서 '비용 감축' 경험을 이야기해 보세요.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

'뼈를 깎는 감축'이라는 표현을 사용해 보세요.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

아이에게 '쓰레기를 줄이자'고 '감축'을 써서 가르쳐 보세요.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

정치인처럼 '세금 감축'에 대해 연설해 보세요.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

'감축'의 한자어 뜻을 친구에게 설명해 보세요.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

다음을 듣고 빈칸을 채우세요: '회사는 내년에 ____ 감축을 할 예정입니다.'

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

다음을 듣고 무엇에 대한 이야기인지 맞히세요: '지구 온난화를 막기 위해 전 세계가 이것을 줄이기로 약속했습니다.'

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

다음을 듣고 참/거짓을 판단하세요: '정부는 예산을 늘리기로 했다.' (음성: 정부는 내년 예산을 대폭 감축하기로 결정했습니다.)

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

다음을 듣고 '감축'의 대상을 쓰세요: '운영 비용 감축 방안을 보고하세요.'

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

다음을 듣고 화자의 기분을 추측하세요: '또 인원 감축이라니, 정말 걱정되네요.'

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

다음을 듣고 문장을 완성하세요: '에너지 ____을 위해 노력합시다.'

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

다음을 듣고 숫자를 적으세요: '회사는 직원의 10%를 감축하기로 했습니다.'

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

다음을 듣고 단어의 발음을 구분하세요: '감소' vs '감축'

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

다음을 듣고 질문에 답하세요: '정부는 무엇을 단계적으로 감축한다고 했나요?' (음성: 정부는 일회용 플라스틱 사용을 단계적으로 감축할 것입니다.)

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

다음을 듣고 받아쓰세요: '비용 감축은 필수입니다.'

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

다음을 듣고 빈칸을 채우세요: '____ 감축 협상이 시작되었습니다.'

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

다음을 듣고 어떤 단어가 들리는지 고르세요: (음성: 삭감) - 감축/삭감/증가

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

다음을 듣고 문장의 의미를 고르세요: '예산이 감축되었습니다.'

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

다음을 듣고 빈칸을 채우세요: '대폭적인 ____ 감축이 예상됩니다.'

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

다음을 듣고 마지막 단어를 맞히세요: '우리는 탄소 ____.'

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

/ 200 correct

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