At the A1 level, you might know '의사' as 'doctor.' However, '의사' also means what you think or want to do. At this level, you don't need to use it often. Just remember that when someone asks '의사가 있어요?', they might be asking 'Do you want to do this?' in a very polite way. It is like saying 'What is your mind?' in English. You will mostly see it in simple sentences about having or not having a plan.
At the A2 level, you start to see '의사' in more formal textbooks. You will learn the pattern '~ㄹ 의사가 있다' (to have the intention to...). For example, '한국에 갈 의사가 있어요' (I have the intention to go to Korea). This is a more polite way to express your plans than just using '거예요'. You should also recognize '의사 소통' (communication), which is a very common word in Korean language learning. It means 'sharing your thoughts.'
At the B1 level, you should be able to use '의사' to express your formal stance. You will use it with verbs like '밝히다' (to reveal/state) and '묻다' (to ask). You understand that '의사' is different from '생각' because it is more formal and specific to a decision. You can use it in business situations or when discussing serious topics with friends. You also begin to see it in compound words like '의사 결정' (decision making).
At the B2 level, you use '의사' fluently in formal contexts. You understand the nuance of '의사 표시' (expression of intent) in legal or official documents. You can distinguish between '의사' (will), '의도' (intention), and '의견' (opinion) and choose the right one for the situation. You are comfortable hearing this word in news reports about politics or social issues, and you can use it to describe complex human motivations in your writing.
At the C1 level, you understand the philosophical and legal weight of '의사'. You can discuss '의사의 자유' (freedom of will) or '의사 무능력' (legal incapacity). You use the word in academic writing to describe the subjective state of a person. You are aware of the Hanja (意思) and how it relates to other words like '의지' or '의식'. You can interpret subtle nuances in literature or high-level journalism where '의사' is used to describe a character's hidden resolve.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '의사'. You can use it in highly specialized fields like law, philosophy, or advanced business strategy. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its usage in classical or formal Korean. You can navigate complex debates about '의사 합치' in contract law or '의사 소통의 합리성' in sociology. Your usage is precise, sophisticated, and perfectly adapted to the most formal registers of the language.

의사 در ۳۰ ثانیه

  • 의사 (意思) means intention or will. It is a formal noun used to describe what someone plans or thinks about a decision.
  • It is commonly used in phrases like '의사가 있다' (to have an intention) or '의사를 밝히다' (to state one's intention).
  • It is a homonym of '의사' (doctor), so context is key to distinguishing between medical and volitional meanings.
  • In formal and legal contexts, it refers to the 'expression of intent' which is necessary for agreements and contracts.

The Korean word 의사 (意思) is a foundational noun in intermediate Korean that refers to one's thoughts, intentions, or will regarding a specific matter. Unlike the homonym '의사' (醫師), which means doctor, this '의사' focuses on the internal mental state and the external expression of what a person wants or intends to do. In a linguistic sense, it is often translated as 'intention,' 'mind,' or 'viewpoint.' Understanding this word is crucial for navigating formal discussions, legal contexts, and polite social interactions where expressing one's stance is necessary.

Hanja Origin
意 (뜻 의 - meaning/will) and 思 (생각 사 - thought). Together, they represent the 'thought of one's will.'
Grammatical Category
Noun (명사), typically followed by particles like -를 (object) or -가 (subject).
Register
Formal to Neutral. It is frequently used in news, business, and formal writing.

본인의 의사를 분명하게 밝히는 것이 중요합니다. (It is important to clearly state your intention.)

In daily life, you might use '생각' (thought) for casual opinions, but '의사' carries a weight of determination or a formal position. For example, when discussing whether you want to participate in a project or if you agree with a contract, '의사' is the appropriate term. It implies a level of conscious decision-making rather than just a fleeting feeling. The word is deeply embedded in the concept of personal agency in Korean society.

그는 사퇴할 의사가 없음을 알렸다. (He announced that he has no intention of resigning.)

Furthermore, '의사' is often paired with verbs of communication. You 'ask' (묻다), 'confirm' (확인하다), or 'respect' (존중하다) someone's 의사. This highlights its role as a bridge between internal thought and social interaction. In legal terms, '의사 표시' (expression of intent) is a technical phrase used to describe the act of making one's will known to others to create a legal effect.

Social Context
In Korean culture, respecting the '의사' of elders or superiors is a sign of politeness, though modern society emphasizes the clear expression of one's own '의사' for clarity.

Using 의사 correctly requires understanding its common verb pairings and the structures it inhabits. It is rarely used in isolation and most frequently appears as the object of a sentence. The most common pattern is [Noun/Verb-ㄹ] + 의사 + [Verb]. This allows you to specify what the intention is about.

Pattern 1: ~ㄹ 의사가 있다/없다
To have/not have the intention to do something. Example: '갈 의사가 있어요' (I intend to go).
Pattern 2: 의사를 밝히다/표명하다
To clarify or express one's intention. Used in formal announcements.
Pattern 3: 의사를 존중하다
To respect someone's wishes or will.

상대방의 의사를 먼저 물어보는 것이 예의입니다. (It is polite to ask the other person's intention first.)

When you want to ask someone if they are interested in something, you might say '그럴 의사가 있으신가요?' (Do you have the intention to do that?). This is much more polite and formal than asking '하고 싶어요?' (Do you want to do it?). It treats the other person's desire as a formal 'will' rather than a simple 'want.'

In professional settings, '의사 결정' (decision-making) is a vital compound noun. It refers to the process of reaching a conclusion or a 'will' after deliberation. If you are in a meeting, you might hear '의사 결정을 내리다' (to make a decision). This usage elevates the word from a simple thought to a structured outcome of a process.

우리는 그의 의사를 충분히 반영했습니다. (We fully reflected his intentions/wishes.)

Common Collocations
의사 소통 (communication), 의사 타진 (sounding out someone's views), 의사 합치 (agreement of minds).

Finally, remember that '의사' is neutral in terms of positivity or negativity. You can have a 'good intention' or a 'bad intention,' though '의도' is more common for 'hidden' intentions. '의사' is simply the 'what' of your mind's direction.

You will encounter 의사 in various high-stakes environments. It is a staple of news broadcasts, particularly when reporting on politics or corporate movements. When a politician decides to run for office or a CEO decides to merge companies, the news will report on their '의사'.

대통령은 개헌에 대한 의사가 없음을 분명히 했습니다. (The President made it clear that he has no intention of revising the constitution.)

In the legal world, '의사' is paramount. Contracts are essentially the '의사 합치' (meeting of minds) between two parties. If one party's '의사' was coerced, the contract might be void. You will hear this in legal dramas or when reading terms of service. '의사 표시' (declaration of intent) is the act that makes a contract binding.

In business meetings, '의사' is used to discuss strategy. '의사 결정권자' refers to the person who has the power to make the final decision (the decision-maker). Hearing this word suggests that the conversation is moving toward a concrete conclusion or a formal stance.

Daily Conversation
While less common than '생각', it appears when discussing serious life choices like marriage, career changes, or moving house.
Media
Interviews, documentaries, and debate programs use '의사' to categorize the participants' positions.

부모님의 의사도 여쭤봐야 해요. (I also need to ask for my parents' opinion/will.)

Lastly, in psychology or social studies, '의사' is used to discuss human agency. It is the capacity of an individual to act according to their own thoughts. In this sense, it is a very dignified word that respects the autonomy of the person being discussed.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 의사 is confusing it with its homonym meaning 'medical doctor.' While they are spelled and pronounced similarly, the context usually makes the difference clear. However, in writing, without Hanja (意思 vs 醫師), it can occasionally be ambiguous for beginners.

Mistake 1: Homonym Confusion
Thinking '의사가 있어요' always means 'There is a doctor.' In many contexts, it means 'I have an intention.'
Mistake 2: Overusing in Casual Settings
Using '의사' when '생각' (thought) or '마음' (heart/mind) would be more natural. '의사' is quite formal.

❌ 점심 먹을 의사가 있어요? (Do you have the intention to eat lunch? - Too formal)
✅ 점심 먹을래요? / 점심 먹고 싶어요? (Do you want to eat lunch?)

Another common error is using the wrong particle. Since '의사' represents a thought or will, it is often the object of an action. Using '-를' is standard when you express or ask for it. Using '-가' is standard when you are stating the existence of the intention.

Learners also struggle with the difference between '의사' and '의도'. While '의사' is your general will or mind on a matter, '의도' (意圖) is more about the specific purpose or 'aim' behind a particular action. If someone asks '무슨 의도로 그랬어?', they are asking 'What was your goal in doing that?', whereas '의사' is more about your stance.

Pronunciation Note
In '의사' (intention), the '의' is sometimes pronounced slightly longer [의ː사] in very formal speech, but in modern Seoul dialect, they sound identical to 'doctor'.

Finally, avoid using '의사' when you mean 'opinion' in a purely intellectual sense. For an intellectual opinion on a topic like 'global warming,' '의견' (意見) is better. '의사' is specifically about your *will* to do or accept something.

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 의사 helps in choosing the right word for the right level of formality and specific meaning. The most common related words are 생각, 의도, 의견, and 뜻.

생각 (Thought/Idea)
The most general and casual term. It covers everything from 'I think so' to 'I have an idea.'
의도 (Intention/Aim)
Focuses on the 'why' or the hidden purpose. Often used when questioning someone's motives.
의견 (Opinion)
A formal view or judgment about a topic. Used in discussions and debates.
뜻 (Will/Meaning)
A native Korean word that can mean 'meaning' or 'deep intention/will.' It feels more personal and profound than '의사.'

은 그게 아니었습니다. (That was not my intention/meaning.)

When comparing '의사' and '의견', think of '의사' as your 'Yes/No' or 'I will/I won't' and '의견' as your 'I think A is better than B because...'. '의사' is about the decision, while '의견' is about the reasoning.

In legal or highly formal contexts, you might also see '의지' (意志), which means 'willpower' or 'determination.' While '의사' is just the intention, '의지' implies the strength to carry it out. For example, '공부할 의사' (intention to study) vs '공부할 의지' (willpower to study).

Summary of Differences
의사: Formal intention/will. 생각: Casual thought. 의도: Specific purpose/motive. 의견: Intellectual opinion.

Choosing '의사' adds a layer of professionalism and clarity to your Korean, marking you as an intermediate speaker who understands the nuances of formal interaction.

چقدر رسمی است؟

سطح دشواری

گرامر لازم

~ㄹ/을 의사가 있다/없다

~ㄴ/은/는 의사 (as a modifier)

~에 대한 의사 (intention regarding...)

~라는 의사 (the intention that...)

의사 + 를 + 밝히다/표명하다/전달하다

مثال‌ها بر اساس سطح

1

제 의사는 달라요.

My intention/thought is different.

의사 (noun) + 는 (topic particle)

2

의사가 있어요?

Do you have an intention (to do it)?

의사 (noun) + 가 (subject particle)

3

그는 갈 의사가 없어요.

He has no intention of going.

~ㄹ 의사가 없다 (no intention to...)

4

의사를 말해요.

Tell me your intention.

의사 (noun) + 를 (object particle)

5

친구의 의사를 물어요.

I ask my friend's intention.

의사 (noun) + 를 (object particle) + 묻다 (to ask)

6

의사가 중요해요.

The intention is important.

의사 (noun) + 가 (subject particle) + 중요하다 (to be important)

7

제 의사를 존중해 주세요.

Please respect my wishes.

의사 (noun) + 를 (object particle) + 존중하다 (to respect)

8

의사가 확실해요.

The intention is clear.

의사 (noun) + 가 (subject particle) + 확실하다 (to be clear)

1

참여할 의사가 있으십니까?

Do you have the intention to participate?

참여하다 (to participate) + ~ㄹ 의사

2

서로의 의사를 확인했어요.

We confirmed each other's intentions.

서로 (each other) + 의 (possessive)

3

의사 소통이 잘 안 돼요.

Communication is not going well.

의사 소통 (communication)

4

본인의 의사가 가장 중요합니다.

Your own intention is the most important.

본인 (oneself) + 의 (possessive)

5

그는 거절의 의사를 밝혔습니다.

He expressed his intention to refuse.

거절 (refusal) + 의 (possessive)

6

의사를 분명히 전달하세요.

Please deliver your intention clearly.

분명히 (clearly) + 전달하다 (to deliver)

7

살 의사가 전혀 없어요.

I have no intention of buying it at all.

전혀 (at all) + 없다 (not have)

8

의사를 묻는 편지를 보냈어요.

I sent a letter asking for their intention.

묻는 (asking) + 편지 (letter)

1

그는 사퇴 의사를 굳혔습니다.

He has firmed up his intention to resign.

사퇴 (resignation) + 의사 + 굳히다 (to firm up)

2

양측의 의사가 일치하지 않습니다.

The intentions of both sides do not match.

양측 (both sides) + 일치하다 (to match)

3

의사 결정 과정이 복잡합니다.

The decision-making process is complex.

의사 결정 (decision making)

4

그녀는 협력할 의사를 표명했습니다.

She expressed her intention to cooperate.

표명하다 (to express/manifest)

5

의사를 타진해 보는 게 어떨까요?

How about sounding out their intentions?

타진하다 (to sound out/probe)

6

자유로운 의사에 따라 결정하세요.

Please decide according to your free will.

~에 따라 (according to)

7

의사 소통 능력을 키워야 합니다.

You need to develop your communication skills.

능력 (ability) + 키우다 (to grow/develop)

8

그는 침묵으로 거부 의사를 대신했습니다.

He substituted his refusal with silence.

대신하다 (to substitute/replace)

1

피고인은 범행 의사가 없었다고 주장했습니다.

The defendant claimed they had no intention of committing the crime.

범행 (crime) + 의사 + 주장하다 (to claim)

2

의사 표시의 효력은 도달한 때 발생합니다.

The effect of the declaration of intent occurs when it arrives.

효력 (effect) + 발생하다 (to occur)

3

정부는 개혁 의지를 의사로 구체화했습니다.

The government embodied its will for reform into a formal intention.

구체화하다 (to embody/materialize)

4

의사 합치가 이루어져 계약이 체결되었습니다.

An agreement of minds was reached, and the contract was signed.

체결되다 (to be concluded/signed)

5

그의 말에는 숨겨진 의사가 있는 것 같습니다.

There seems to be a hidden intention in his words.

숨겨진 (hidden) + 것 같다 (seems like)

6

의사 소통의 부재가 오해를 불러일으켰습니다.

The lack of communication caused a misunderstanding.

부재 (absence) + 불러일으키다 (to cause/arouse)

7

단독으로 의사를 결정할 권한이 없습니다.

I do not have the authority to make a decision alone.

단독으로 (alone/solely) + 권한 (authority)

8

그는 자신의 의사를 관철시키기 위해 노력했습니다.

He worked hard to carry out his intention to the end.

관철시키다 (to carry through/achieve)

1

의사 무능력자의 행위는 법적으로 무효입니다.

The acts of a person lacking mental capacity are legally void.

의사 무능력자 (person without legal capacity)

2

진의 아닌 의사 표시는 원칙적으로 유효합니다.

A declaration of intent not based on true will is valid in principle.

진의 (true intention) + 유효하다 (to be valid)

3

의사 소통 행위 이론은 현대 철학의 핵심입니다.

The theory of communicative action is central to modern philosophy.

이론 (theory) + 핵심 (core)

4

묵시적 의사 표시에 의한 계약 갱신이 이루어졌다.

Contract renewal was made through an implicit declaration of intent.

묵시적 (implicit) + 갱신 (renewal)

5

그의 행동은 정치적 의사의 산물로 해석됩니다.

His actions are interpreted as a product of political will.

산물 (product) + 해석되다 (to be interpreted)

6

의사 형성 과정에서의 민주적 절차가 강조됩니다.

Democratic procedures in the process of forming intent are emphasized.

절차 (procedure) + 강조되다 (to be emphasized)

7

그는 자신의 의사를 굽히지 않고 끝까지 저항했다.

He did not bend his will and resisted until the end.

굽히다 (to bend) + 저항하다 (to resist)

8

의사 전달의 왜곡이 조직 내 갈등을 심화시켰다.

Distortion of communication deepened conflicts within the organization.

왜곡 (distortion) + 심화시키다 (to deepen)

1

의사 자치의 원칙은 사법의 근간을 이룬다.

The principle of private autonomy (will) forms the basis of civil law.

의사 자치 (autonomy of will) + 근간 (basis)

2

내심적 효과 의사와 표시 행위의 불일치가 쟁점이다.

The discrepancy between the internal intent and the act of expression is the issue.

내심적 (internal) + 불일치 (discrepancy)

3

그는 초월적 의사에 귀의하여 삶의 평온을 찾았다.

He found peace in life by surrendering to a transcendent will.

초월적 (transcendent) + 귀의하다 (to take refuge/devote)

4

의사 무능력 상태에서의 법률 행위는 소급하여 무효가 된다.

Legal acts in a state of mental incapacity become void retroactively.

소급하여 (retroactively)

5

공동의 의사 결정 체계가 붕괴되면서 혼란이 가중되었다.

As the collective decision-making system collapsed, confusion intensified.

붕괴되다 (to collapse) + 가중되다 (to intensify)

6

그의 문학 세계는 실존적 의사의 발현으로 평가받는다.

His literary world is evaluated as a manifestation of existential will.

발현 (manifestation) + 평가받다 (to be evaluated)

7

의사 소통의 합리성이 결여된 담론은 폭력에 가깝다.

Discourse lacking communicative rationality is close to violence.

결여되다 (to lack) + 담론 (discourse)

8

국가 의사의 형성은 국민의 총의를 바탕으로 해야 한다.

The formation of national will must be based on the general consensus of the people.

총의 (general consensus) + 바탕으로 (based on)

ترکیب‌های رایج

의사를 밝히다 (to state one's intention)
의사를 묻다 (to ask for intention)
의사가 있다 (to have an intention)
의사를 존중하다 (to respect one's will)
의사 소통 (communication)
의사 결정 (decision making)
의사 표시 (expression of intent)
의사 타진 (sounding out intentions)
의사 합치 (agreement of minds)
본인의 의사 (one's own intention)

اغلب اشتباه گرفته می‌شود با

의사 vs 의사 (醫師 - Doctor)

의사 vs 의사 (擬似 - Pseudo/Simulated)

의사 vs 의사 (義士 - Righteous person/Patriot)

به‌راحتی اشتباه گرفته می‌شود

의사 vs 의견

의사 vs 의도

의사 vs 의지

의사 vs 의향

의사 vs 생각

الگوهای جمله‌سازی

نحوه استفاده

formality

Avoid using '의사' for trivial things like 'I intend to buy an apple' unless you are being ironic.

homonym check

If the sentence is about a hospital (병원) or treatment (치료), '의사' means doctor. Otherwise, it likely means intention.

اشتباهات رایج
  • Using '의사' when you mean a medical doctor in a context where it's ambiguous.
  • Using '의사' for casual opinions like 'I think this apple is tasty.'
  • Confusing '의사' (intention) with '의지' (willpower).
  • Forgetting to use the future modifier (~ㄹ/을) when describing the action of the intention.
  • Using '의사' instead of '의견' in a debate about general facts.

نکات

Use in Formal Emails

When asking for a client's decision, use '의사를 여쭙고자 합니다' (I would like to ask for your intention). It sounds much more professional than '어떻게 생각해요?'. This shows respect for their formal position.

Distinguish from 의도

Use '의사' for a declared stance and '의도' for a hidden motive. If you ask '의사가 뭐예요?', you are asking for their decision. If you ask '의도가 뭐예요?', you are asking 'What are you really up to?'.

Particle Choice

Use '의사가 있다' for existence and '의사를 밝히다' for action. Remember that '의사' is a noun, so it needs a particle. Don't just say '나 의사 없어' in a formal setting; say '저는 그럴 의사가 없습니다'.

Respecting Others' Will

In Korea, '의사 존중' (respecting one's will) is a key social value. When someone says '제 의사는 이렇습니다', it is often a sign that they have made a firm decision, and pushing further might be seen as rude.

Communication Skills

When talking about your Korean skills, say '의사 소통이 가능합니다' (I am capable of communication). This is the standard way to describe your proficiency level in a professional way.

Compound Nouns

Learn '의사 결정' as a single block. It is used everywhere from business to psychology. '의사 결정 과정' (decision-making process) is a great phrase to use in academic writing.

News Keywords

In Korean news, '의사' is a keyword for political moves. '출마 의사' (intention to run for office) or '거부권 행사 의사' (intention to exercise veto power) are very common phrases.

Contractual Intent

If you are signing a contract in Korea, look for the word '의사'. It ensures that both parties are agreeing to the terms voluntarily. '의사의 합치' is the goal of any negotiation.

Hanja Connection

Remember '의' (意) from '의미' (meaning). Your '의사' is the 'meaning' of your 'thoughts' (사 - 思). This helps connect it to other '의' words like '의견' and '의도'.

Softening the Blow

If you want to say 'no' politely, you can say '그럴 의사가 별로 없습니다' (I don't have much intention to do so). It sounds less aggressive than a direct '안 해요' (I won't do it).

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روش یادسپاری

Think of '의사' as 'I-SAID' (close to the sound). When you have an '의사', you have 'SAID' in your mind what you want to do.

ریشه کلمه

Sino-Korean

بافت فرهنگی

The concept of '의사 자치' (autonomy of will) is a core principle in the Korean Civil Code.

When asking for a superior's intention, use '의향' (意向) or '뜻' as a more respectful alternative.

تمرین در زندگی واقعی

موقعیت‌های واقعی

شروع‌کننده‌های مکالمه

"이 프로젝트에 참여할 의사가 있으신가요?"

"부모님의 의사는 어떠신지 여쭤봤어요?"

"새로운 제안에 대해 어떤 의사를 가지고 계세요?"

"서로의 의사를 확인하는 게 좋겠어요."

"제 의사를 분명히 말씀드려도 될까요?"

موضوعات نگارش

오늘 당신의 가장 중요한 의사 결정은 무엇이었나요?

누군가에게 당신의 의사를 분명히 전달하지 못해 오해가 생긴 적이 있나요?

미래에 한국에서 일할 의사가 있나요? 그 이유는 무엇인가요?

다른 사람의 의사를 존중하는 것이 왜 중요한지 써 보세요.

자신의 의사를 표현하는 가장 좋은 방법은 무엇이라고 생각하나요?

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

Yes, '의사' is generally more formal than '생각'. While you can use it with friends for serious topics, it is most common in professional, legal, or written contexts. In casual daily life, '생각' or '마음' is preferred. Using '의사' for small things might make you sound overly stiff.

Context is the biggest clue. If the sentence involves verbs like '진료하다' (treat), '병원' (hospital), or '아프다' (sick), it's doctor. If it involves '밝히다' (state), '결정' (decision), or '소통' (communication), it's intention. Also, '의사' (doctor) is often used with honorifics like '의사 선생님'.

Not exactly. '의사' is about your *will* or *intention* to do something. '의견' is the correct word for an intellectual opinion or a viewpoint on a topic. For example, 'I think the movie is good' is an '의견', but 'I intend to see the movie' is an '의사'.

It means 'communication.' Literally, it is the 'flowing through' (소통) of 'intentions/thoughts' (의사). It is the most common way to say 'communication' in Korean, covering both the act of speaking and the mutual understanding between people.

In theory, '의사' (intention) has a long first syllable [의ː사], while '의사' (doctor) is short [의사]. However, in modern conversational Korean, especially among younger speakers in Seoul, this distinction has largely disappeared. You must rely on context.

It is a legal term meaning 'declaration of intent.' It refers to an act where a person expresses their will to create a legal effect, such as offering to buy something or accepting a contract. Without a valid '의사 표시', a contract cannot exist.

Yes, you can talk about '합의된 의사' (agreed intention) or '집단의 의사' (group's will). It is often used in political science to describe the 'will of the people' (국민의 의사).

It is a 'decision-maker.' This is a common business term for the person who has the final authority to say 'yes' or 'no' to a project or proposal. It literally means 'the person with the right to decide the intention'.

You use the pattern '~ㄹ 의사가 전혀 없어요'. For example, '사과할 의사가 전혀 없어요' means 'I have no intention of apologizing at all.' This is a very strong and clear way to state your position.

Yes, they share the Hanja '意' (will). '의사' is the content of your will (what you want), while '의지' is the strength of your will (how hard you will try). You might have the '의사' to exercise, but lack the '의지' to actually go to the gym.

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