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A2 noun #3,800 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

배신

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 배신 en 30 secondes

Explication 배신 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand that '배신' (baesin) means 'betrayal.' It is a word used when someone does something bad to a person who trusted them. Think of it like a very big 'mean' action. At this stage, you might just see it in simple sentences or hear it in dramas when a character is very sad. You can remember it as 'breaking trust.' For example, if you tell a secret to a friend and they tell everyone else, that is a '배신.' In simple Korean, you can say '배신이에요!' (It's a betrayal!) when you feel someone was not loyal. It is a noun, but most people use it with '하다' (to do) to say 'betray' or '당하다' (to suffer) to say 'be betrayed.' Even though it is a big word, it is very common in Korean stories, so learning it early helps you understand the feelings of the characters you see on TV.

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At the A2 level, you can start using '배신' in basic sentences to describe social situations. You should know the difference between '배신하다' (to betray) and '배신당하다' (to be betrayed). For example, '친구가 나를 배신했어요' (My friend betrayed me). You also begin to see how it is used in compound words like '배신자' (baesinja), which means 'traitor.' At this level, you can use '배신' to talk about why someone is angry or why a relationship ended. It's often used in the context of broken promises. You might also encounter '배신감' (baesingam), which means the 'feeling of betrayal.' When you learn this word, you are learning about a core part of Korean emotional expression. It's not just about a fact; it's about the deep hurt that comes when trust is gone. You should be able to recognize it in K-pop lyrics and basic news headlines about social issues.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '배신' in more complex sentence structures, including those with conjunctions and diverse verb endings. You can describe specific scenarios, such as '믿었던 사람에게 배신을 당하는 것은 정말 괴로운 일이다' (Being betrayed by someone you trusted is a truly painful thing). You should also understand the cultural nuance of 'uiri' (loyalty) and how '배신' is its opposite. You might start using idioms like '뒤통수를 치다' (to hit the back of the head) as a synonym for betrayal in casual conversations. At this level, you can discuss the themes of movies or books where betrayal is a central plot point. You should also be able to distinguish between '배신' and other similar words like '실망' (disappointment) or '사기' (scam), ensuring you use the word with the correct emotional gravity. Your understanding of the word should extend to professional environments, describing breaches of contract or corporate disloyalty.

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At the B2 level, you can use '배신' to analyze social and political issues. You should understand the nuance of '배반' (baeban) versus '배신' (baesin), noting that '배반' is often more formal or used for larger entities like a nation or a cause. You can engage in debates about whether certain actions constitute betrayal or are simply a change in circumstances. You should be able to use the word in the passive voice fluently, such as '배신당한 기분' (the feeling of having been betrayed), and use it as a modifier for other nouns, like '배신 행위' (an act of betrayal). Your vocabulary should include more advanced related terms like '변절' (apostasy/switching sides) and you should be able to explain the difference. You can also understand and use the word in more abstract contexts, like '배신하는 계절' (a betraying season—perhaps one that is unexpectedly cold), showing a poetic grasp of the language. You should be able to follow complex news reports about political betrayals without difficulty.

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At the C1 level, your use of '배신' should be precise and nuanced. You can discuss the psychological impacts of betrayal in depth, using terms like '외상 후 스트레스' (PTSD) in conjunction with '배신감.' You are familiar with historical instances of '배신' in Korean history, such as the actions of famous traitors or the shifting alliances during the Three Kingdoms period. You can use the word in academic or professional writing to describe systemic failures or the breakdown of the 'social contract' (사회적 계약). You understand the subtle differences in register between '배신,' '배반,' '변절,' and '배신행위.' You can also identify and use literary references to betrayal in Korean poetry and classic literature. Your ability to use '배신' extends to personification and complex metaphors, and you can participate in high-level discussions about ethics and morality where betrayal is a key concept. You can write persuasive essays about the role of loyalty and the consequences of betrayal in modern society.

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At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of '배신' and its entire semantic field. You can navigate the most subtle connotations of the word in legal, philosophical, and highly specialized contexts. You might use the word to describe 'biological betrayal' (e.g., an autoimmune disease where the body 'betrays' itself) or in deep philosophical inquiries into the nature of trust and human fallibility. You can interpret and produce complex wordplay involving '배신' and its Hanja components. You are aware of how the concept of betrayal has evolved in the Korean consciousness from the Confucian era to the hyper-competitive modern day. You can critique contemporary media's portrayal of betrayal and its impact on social trust. Your speech and writing can employ '배신' with varying degrees of irony, sarcasm, or profound gravity as the situation demands. You are also familiar with obscure proverbs and archaic terms related to betrayal, using them correctly to add color and depth to your communication.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

배신 en 30 secondes

배신 (Baesin) means betrayal or disloyalty, representing a serious breach of trust between individuals or groups in Korean culture.
It is commonly used as a noun, but can be turned into a verb (배신하다) or a passive experience (배신당하다).
Cultural significance is high, often associated with deep emotional pain (배신감) and social consequences like being labeled a 'baesinja'.
It is a frequent theme in Korean media, ranging from dramatic plot twists in K-dramas to playful antics in variety shows.

The Korean word 배신 (Baesin) is a powerful noun that translates to 'betrayal,' 'disloyalty,' or 'treachery.' In the landscape of Korean social interactions, which are deeply rooted in concepts like uiri (loyalty/honor) and jeong (emotional attachment), the act of 배신 carries significant weight. It isn't just a simple breaking of a promise; it is viewed as a fundamental rupture of the invisible social contract that binds individuals, families, or colleagues together. When you use this word, you are describing a situation where trust—often trust built over a long period—has been intentionally violated for personal gain or out of malice.

Etymological Roots: The word is composed of two Hanja characters: 背 (배) meaning 'back' or 'to turn one's back on,' and 信 (신) meaning 'trust' or 'faith.' Literally, it means to turn your back on the trust someone placed in you.
Emotional Resonance: In Korean culture, the feeling of baesingam (the feeling of being betrayed) is often described as a physical pain or a deep sense of 'han' (unresolved resentment). It is a frequent theme in Korean dramas, literature, and historical narratives.

“친구의 배신 때문에 마음이 너무 아파요.” (My heart hurts so much because of my friend's betrayal.)

A common expression of emotional distress following a breach of trust.

You will encounter this word in various settings. In a professional context, it might refer to a colleague stealing an idea or a partner breaking a contract. In personal relationships, it refers to infidelity or a friend revealing a deep secret. Interestingly, Koreans also use it lightheartedly—for example, if a group of friends decides to go on a diet together but one friend is caught eating fried chicken, the others might jokingly cry out, “배신이야!” (That’s a betrayal!).

“그는 조직을 배신하고 비밀을 폭로했다.” (He betrayed the organization and revealed the secrets.)

Usage in Media: The 'Betrayal' trope is the engine of many 'Makjang' dramas. These shows thrive on characters who engage in baesin to climb the social ladder, only to face dramatic retribution later.

Understanding 배신 is crucial for grasping the nuances of Korean interpersonal dynamics. It represents the ultimate 'anti-value' in a culture that prizes loyalty and shared history. Whether you are watching a thriller or chatting with friends about a broken promise, this word will help you express the depth of that broken bond.

Using 배신 effectively requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. As a noun, it can function as the subject, object, or part of a compound verb. The most common way to turn this noun into an action is by adding the verb hada (to do), resulting in 배신하다 (to betray).

The Verb Form: 배신하다: This is the active form. It requires an object—the person or entity being betrayed.
Example: “나를 배신하지 마세요.” (Please don't betray me.)
The Passive Form: 배신당하다: When you are the victim, you use danghada (to suffer/undergo).
Example: “믿었던 친구에게 배신당했어요.” (I was betrayed by a friend I trusted.)

“사랑은 배신하지 않는다.” (Love does not betray.)

A poetic use of the word in a general statement.

When describing the feeling of betrayal, Koreans often use the term 배신감 (Baesingam). This specifically refers to the emotional aftermath or the sense of being let down. You 'feel' (neukkida) or 'experience' (deulda) this feeling.

“그의 거짓말에 큰 배신감을 느꼈다.” (I felt a great sense of betrayal at his lie.)

Compound Usage: You can combine it with other nouns. 배신 행위 (act of betrayal), 배신자 (traitor/betrayer), 배신 정치 (politics of betrayal).

In summary, whether you are accusing someone (배신하다), describing your own pain (배신당하다/배신감), or labeling a person (배신자), the word remains the core of the expression. It is a versatile tool for discussing complex human emotions and social dynamics.

If you are a fan of Korean media, you have likely heard 배신 more times than you can count. It is a cornerstone of Korean drama storytelling. From historical epics (Sa-geuk) where a general betrays the King, to modern office dramas where a colleague steals a promotion, the word is omnipresent. But beyond the screen, it appears in daily life in both serious and lighthearted ways.

In K-Dramas and Movies: Characters often shout “배신자!” (Traitor!) during a climax. It is the ultimate insult because it suggests the person has no honor. In 'The Glory' or 'The World of the Married,' the entire plot revolves around the fallout of a 배신.
In Variety Shows: Shows like 'Running Man' have turned 배신 into a comedic art form. Certain cast members are famous for their 'betrayal icons' (배신의 아이콘) status, constantly tricking their teammates to win a game. Here, the word is used playfully.

“이광수는 '런닝맨'에서 배신의 아이콘으로 불린다.” (Lee Kwang-soo is called the icon of betrayal in 'Running Man'.)

In the news and political sphere, 배신 is used to describe politicians who switch parties or go against their constituents' expectations. It is a heavy accusation that can end careers. In the business world, it describes corporate espionage or breaking a partnership.

“그의 배신으로 회사가 큰 위기에 처했다.” (Due to his betrayal, the company faced a huge crisis.)

Finally, you'll hear it in song lyrics. K-Pop and Trot music are full of songs about being betrayed by a lover. The word adds a layer of tragic gravity to the lyrics, emphasizing that it wasn't just a breakup, but a total collapse of faith. Whether it's a dramatic ballad or a fast-paced rap, 배신 is a go-to word for expressing deep emotional scars.

While 배신 is a straightforward concept, learners often make a few common errors when applying it in Korean. These usually involve confusing it with similar concepts like 'disappointment,' 'scams,' or simple 'lying.'

Mistake 1: Confusing with '실망' (Silmang): Silmang means disappointment. If a friend forgets your birthday, you are likely 실망 (disappointed), not 배신 (betrayed). Using 'betrayal' for small mistakes sounds overly dramatic and can confuse native speakers.
Mistake 2: Confusing with '사기' (Sagi): Sagi means a scam or fraud. While a scam involves a breach of trust, it is usually a financial crime committed by a stranger. 배신 implies a pre-existing relationship where trust was established and then broken.

“Wrong: 친구가 약속을 잊어서 배신당했다.” (Incorrect: I was betrayed because my friend forgot the appointment.)

Correction: Use '실망했다' (was disappointed) instead.

Another mistake involves the direction of the action. Learners sometimes say “배신을 했어요” when they were the victim. Remember that 배신하다 is 'to betray' and 배신당하다 is 'to be betrayed.' Confusing these two can lead to you accidentally confessing to being a traitor!

Mistake 3: Overusing '배신자': Calling someone a baesinja is very strong. In a real-life argument, it can escalate things quickly. Use it carefully unless you are joking in a variety-show style context.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the difference between a serious breach of trust and a minor disappointment—you will use 배신 with the appropriate weight and accuracy.

Korean has several words that touch upon the idea of betrayal, each with its own specific flavor and level of intensity. Knowing these alternatives will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

배반 (Baeban): Very similar to 배신, but often used in more formal, historical, or literary contexts. It implies turning against a person or a cause you were supposed to support.
Example: “조국을 배반하다” (To betray one's country).
변절 (Byeonjeol): Specifically means to change one's principles or switch sides, often used for political or ideological betrayal. It's like 'selling out.'
Example: “정치적 변절” (Political apostasy/betrayal of principles).
뒤통수를 치다 (Dwitongsu-reul chida): An idiom meaning 'to hit someone on the back of the head.' This is the most common colloquial way to say someone betrayed you unexpectedly.
Example: “믿었던 사람에게 뒤통수를 맞았다.” (I was stabbed in the back by someone I trusted.)

“그는 동료들을 버리고 혼자 도망갔다.” (He abandoned his colleagues and ran away alone.)

'버리다' (to abandon) is a simpler alternative to 'betray'.

For romantic betrayal, you might hear 바람을 피우다 (to cheat/have an affair). While this is a form of 배신, it is much more specific to infidelity. If you want to describe a minor letdown, stick with 실망시키다 (to disappoint).

Choosing between these depends on the 'weight' of the action. 배신 is the safe, middle-ground word that works in almost any situation involving a broken trust, making it a vital part of your Korean vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The character 背 (배) also means 'back' (the body part). So, the word literally visualizes someone turning their physical back to a friend or partner.

Guide de prononciation

UK /bɛ.ɕin/

US /beɪ.ʃɪn/

In Korean, syllables generally have equal weight, but a slight emphasis can be placed on the first syllable in '배신'.

Rime avec

대신 (daesin - instead) 최신 (choesin - latest) 통신 (tongsin - communication) 정신 (jeongsin - mind) 혁신 (hyeoksin - innovation) 문신 (munsin - tattoo) 변신 (byeonsin - transformation) 등신 (deungsin - fool/idiot)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing '신' as 'sin' (like the English word for bad deeds) instead of 'sheen'. In Korean, 's' followed by 'i' sounds like 'sh'.
Making the 'b' sound too heavy or aspirated (like 'p').
Stretching the 'ae' sound too long.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in text due to frequent use in media.

Écriture 3/5

Requires understanding of active vs. passive verb forms.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Écoute 2/5

Very common in dramas; easy to pick out.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

친구 (friend) 믿다 (to trust) 거짓말 (lie) 약속 (promise) 마음 (heart/mind)

Apprends ensuite

실망 (disappointment) 용서 (forgiveness) 복수 (revenge) 충성 (loyalty) 의리 (honor/loyalty)

Avancé

변절 (apostasy) 모반 (rebellion) 이간질 (playing people against each other) 화무십일홍 (nothing lasts forever/power fades)

Grammaire à connaître

Passive with -당하다

배신 + 당하다 = 배신당하다 (to be betrayed).

Noun to Verb with -하다

배신 + 하다 = 배신하다 (to betray).

Reason with -때문에

배신 때문에 화가 났어요 (I'm angry because of the betrayal).

Noun Modifier -ㄴ/은

배신한 친구 (The friend who betrayed).

Feeling suffix -감

배신 + 감 = 배신감 (Sense of betrayal).

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Exemples par niveau

배신은 나빠요.

Betrayal is bad.

Simple noun + 은/는 particle + adjective.

친구가 나를 배신했어요.

A friend betrayed me.

Subject + Object + Verb (Past tense).

배신하지 마세요.

Please don't betray (me).

-지 마세요 (Please don't).

이것은 배신이에요!

This is a betrayal!

Noun + 이에요 (Standard politeness).

왜 배신했어요?

Why did you betray?

Question word + Verb.

배신자는 싫어요.

I hate traitors.

Noun (traitor) + object marker + hate.

그는 배신자예요.

He is a traitor.

Noun + 예요 (is).

배신은 슬퍼요.

Betrayal is sad.

Noun + adjective.

믿었던 친구에게 배신당했어요.

I was betrayed by a friend I trusted.

Passive voice: 배신당하다.

배신감을 느껴요.

I feel a sense of betrayal.

Noun (feeling of betrayal) + 을 느끼다.

그녀는 우리를 배신하지 않을 거예요.

She will not betray us.

-을 거예요 (Future tense).

작은 배신도 용서할 수 없어요.

I can't forgive even a small betrayal.

-을 수 없다 (Cannot).

배신은 우정을 파괴해요.

Betrayal destroys friendship.

Subject + Object + Verb.

배신자라고 부르지 마세요.

Don't call me a traitor.

-라고 부르다 (To call as).

그의 배신으로 모든 것이 끝났어요.

Everything ended because of his betrayal.

Noun + -(으)로 (Reason/Cause).

누가 너를 배신했니?

Who betrayed you?

Interrogative ending -니? (Informal).

사랑하는 사람의 배신은 가장 큰 상처가 된다.

The betrayal of a loved one becomes the biggest wound.

Noun phrase + Subject marker + Verb.

그는 돈 때문에 동료들을 배신했다.

He betrayed his colleagues because of money.

Reason phrase + Object + Verb.

배신당한 기분을 설명하기 어려워요.

It's hard to explain the feeling of being betrayed.

Participle form (배신당한) + Noun.

절대로 친구를 배신해서는 안 됩니다.

You must never betray a friend.

-해서는 안 되다 (Must not).

배신은 한 번으로 족하다.

One betrayal is enough.

Noun + -으로 족하다 (Is enough with).

그녀의 배신은 예상치 못한 일이었다.

Her betrayal was an unexpected event.

Noun + Past tense of 'to be'.

우리는 배신의 아이콘이 되고 싶지 않아요.

We don't want to become icons of betrayal.

-고 싶지 않다 (Don't want to).

배신당하기 전에 먼저 떠나세요.

Leave before you get betrayed.

-기 전에 (Before doing).

정치인들의 배신에 국민들은 분노하고 있다.

Citizens are angry at the betrayal of politicians.

-에 (At/Towards) + Verb (Progressive).

배신 행위는 법적으로 처벌받을 수 있습니다.

Acts of betrayal can be legally punished.

Noun + Subject marker + Passive possibility.

그는 자신의 신념을 배신하고 권력을 선택했다.

He betrayed his own beliefs and chose power.

-고 (And/Connecting two actions).

배신감으로 인해 밤잠을 설쳤다.

I lost sleep due to the sense of betrayal.

-으로 인해 (Due to).

어떠한 배신도 정당화될 수 없다.

No betrayal can be justified.

Negative emphasis + Passive possibility.

그는 배신자라는 낙인이 찍혔다.

He was branded as a traitor.

Metaphorical expression '낙인이 찍히다'.

배신은 신뢰의 결핍에서 시작된다.

Betrayal starts from a lack of trust.

Noun + -에서 시작되다.

동료의 배신을 묵인하는 것도 잘못이다.

It is also wrong to overlook a colleague's betrayal.

Gerund (-는 것) + Subject.

역사적으로 배신은 왕조의 몰락을 초래하곤 했다.

Historically, betrayal often led to the downfall of dynasties.

-하곤 하다 (Often does/Used to do).

그의 배신은 단순한 변심이 아니라 철저히 계산된 것이었다.

His betrayal was not a simple change of heart but something thoroughly calculated.

A-가 아니라 B (Not A but B).

배신당한 자의 슬픔은 시간이 흘러도 쉽게 가시지 않는다.

The sorrow of the betrayed does not fade easily even with the passage of time.

-아/어도 (Even if/Though).

조직 내에서의 배신은 공동체의 근간을 흔든다.

Betrayal within an organization shakes the very foundation of the community.

Locative particle + Noun modifier.

그는 배신의 대가로 막대한 부를 얻었으나 명예를 잃었다.

He gained immense wealth as the price of betrayal but lost his honor.

-(으)나 (But/Contrast).

인간 관계에서 배신은 피할 수 없는 비극 중 하나이다.

Betrayal is one of the unavoidable tragedies in human relationships.

Noun + 중 하나 (One of).

그녀는 배신이라는 극단적인 선택을 할 수밖에 없었다.

She had no choice but to make the extreme choice of betrayal.

-을 수밖에 없다 (Have no choice but to).

배신은 신뢰라는 유리그릇을 깨뜨리는 행위와 같다.

Betrayal is like the act of breaking a glass bowl called trust.

-와 같다 (Is like).

배신의 서사는 문학에서 인간의 본성을 탐구하는 주요 기제로 작용한다.

The narrative of betrayal functions as a primary mechanism for exploring human nature in literature.

Academic subject + -로 작용하다 (Functions as).

정치적 변절과 배신의 경계는 종종 모호하게 그려지곤 한다.

The boundary between political apostasy and betrayal is often drawn ambiguously.

Passive voice + Frequency marker.

그의 행위는 국가에 대한 명백한 배신이자 반역이었다.

His actions were both a clear betrayal of the state and treason.

-이자 (Both A and B).

배신감의 심리학적 기저에는 깊은 자기 투영이 깔려 있을 수 있다.

At the psychological base of the sense of betrayal, there may lie a deep self-projection.

Complex noun phrases + possibility.

역사는 승자의 기록이기에, 때로 배신은 혁명으로 미화되기도 한다.

Since history is a record of winners, betrayal is sometimes glorified as a revolution.

Reason (-기에) + Passive (-되다).

그는 배신의 굴레에서 벗어나기 위해 평생을 속죄하며 살았다.

He lived his whole life in atonement to escape the shackles of betrayal.

Metaphorical '굴레' (shackles) + Purpose (-기 위해).

배신은 인간의 사회적 진화 과정에서 발생한 복잡한 전략적 선택의 산물일지도 모른다.

Betrayal might be the product of complex strategic choices that arose during human social evolution.

Speculative ending -일지도 모른다.

진정한 배신은 타인이 아닌 자기 자신을 속이는 것에서 완성된다.

True betrayal is completed by deceiving oneself, not others.

Focus construction (A-가 아닌 B).

Collocations courantes

배신을 당하다

배신감을 느끼다

배신의 아이콘

배신으로 얼룩지다

배신을 꾀하다

배신을 일삼다

배신을 꿈꾸다

처절한 배신

정치적 배신

배신을 용서하다

Phrases Courantes

배신이야!

— That's a betrayal! Used playfully among friends.

나만 빼고 밥 먹으러 가다니, 배신이야!

믿는 도끼에 발등 찍힌다

— To be betrayed by someone you trusted. Literally: Getting your foot chopped by the axe you trusted.

그 친구가 그럴 줄 몰랐어. 정말 믿는 도끼에 발등 찍혔네.

배신자!

— Traitor! A direct accusation.

이 배신자! 어떻게 그럴 수 있어?

배신 때리다

— Slang for 'to betray'.

야, 너 나한테 배신 때리는 거냐?

배신감이 들다

— To have a feeling of betrayal arise.

그의 말을 들으니 배신감이 들었다.

사랑의 배신

— Betrayal in love/infidelity.

사랑의 배신은 치유하기 힘들다.

배신은 또 다른 배신을 낳는다

— Betrayal breeds another betrayal.

복수는 멈춰야 해. 배신은 또 다른 배신을 낳을 뿐이야.

배신의 계절

— A season of betrayal (often used poetically).

가을은 배신의 계절인가요?

배신을 밥 먹듯이 하다

— To betray as easily as eating a meal (habitual betrayal).

그는 배신을 밥 먹듯이 하는 사람이다.

배신과 음모

— Betrayal and conspiracy.

드라마는 배신과 음모로 가득 찼다.

Souvent confondu avec

배신 vs 실망 (Disappointment)

Disappointment is a general feeling of sadness when expectations aren't met; betrayal is a specific breach of trust.

배신 vs 사기 (Scam/Fraud)

Scam is usually financial and can be by a stranger; betrayal requires a pre-existing bond.

배신 vs 거짓말 (Lie)

A lie is an untruth; betrayal is the deeper act of breaking trust which may or may not involve a lie.

Expressions idiomatiques

"뒤통수를 맞다"

— To be unexpectedly betrayed by someone close.

친한 친구에게 뒤통수를 맞아서 충격이 커요.

Casual

"믿는 도끼에 발등 찍힌다"

— To be betrayed by someone you trusted implicitly.

정말 믿었던 사람인데... 믿는 도끼에 발등 찍힌다더니 딱 그 꼴이네.

Proverb

"등에 칼을 꽂다"

— To stab someone in the back.

그는 자신의 은인 등에 칼을 꽂았다.

Dramatic

"낯짝을 바꾸다"

— To change one's face (suddenly change attitude or betray).

돈을 벌더니 하루아침에 낯짝을 바꿨다.

Negative

"간에 붙었다 쓸개에 붙었다 하다"

— To be fickle and switch sides for personal gain.

그는 이익을 위해 간에 붙었다 쓸개에 붙었다 하는 사람이다.

Critical

"우물을 파도 한 우물을 파라"

— Stick to one thing (antonym context: don't switch/betray your path).

자꾸 배신하지 말고 한 우물을 파라.

Advice

"달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는다"

— To take what is sweet and spit out what is bitter (using people for gain and betraying them when they are no longer useful).

그는 달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는 식으로 친구를 대한다.

Critical

"토사구팽"

— To discard a useful servant once their utility is over (betrayal of a subordinate).

전쟁이 끝나자 왕은 장군을 토사구팽했다.

Hanja Idiom (Saja-seong-eo)

"동상이몽"

— Same bed, different dreams (being together but having different intentions, leading to betrayal).

그 두 회사는 동상이몽을 꿈꾸며 합병했다.

Neutral

"배은망덕"

— To forget kindness and act ungratefully (a form of betrayal).

도와준 사람을 배신하다니, 정말 배은망덕하구나.

Strong/Critical

Facile à confondre

배신 vs 배반

Almost identical meaning.

배반 is more formal/literary and often used for larger scales (country, principles).

조국을 배반한 자.

배신 vs 변절

Both involve switching sides.

변절 specifically refers to betraying one's beliefs, ideology, or political party.

그의 변절은 충격적이었다.

배신 vs 배신자 vs 반역자

Both mean 'traitor'.

배신자 is general (friends, lovers); 반역자 is specifically for treason against a state or king.

왕을 죽이려 한 반역자.

배신 vs 불신

Both start with '신' (trust).

불신 is a lack of trust (distrust); 배신 is the act of breaking trust.

사회에 대한 불신이 깊다.

배신 vs 실망시키다

Both are negative social outcomes.

실망시키다 is 'to disappoint' (weaker); 배신하다 is 'to betray' (stronger).

부모님을 실망시켰다.

Structures de phrases

N은/는 배신이에요.

이것은 배신이에요.

N을/를 배신하다.

그는 나를 배신했다.

N에게 배신당하다.

친구에게 배신당했다.

배신감을 느끼다.

큰 배신감을 느꼈다.

배신으로 인해 V.

배신으로 인해 사이가 멀어졌다.

배신이라는 N.

배신이라는 상처.

배신을 꾀하다.

그는 배신을 꾀하고 있었다.

배신의 서사.

배신의 서사를 다루다.

Famille de mots

Noms

배신자 (traitor)

배신감 (feeling of betrayal)

배신행위 (act of betrayal)

Verbes

배신하다 (to betray)

배신당하다 (to be betrayed)

Adjectifs

배신적인 (betraying/treacherous)

Apparenté

배반

변절

사기

거짓말

의리

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both media and daily conversation.

Erreurs courantes

Using '배신' for small errors. → 실망 (Disappointment)
If a friend is late, say '실망했어요'. Using '배신' is too strong.
Saying '배신을 했어요' when you were the victim. → 배신을 당했어요
The active form means you did the betraying.
Pronouncing it as 'Bae-sin' (English 'sin'). → Bae-shin
The 's' sound changes to 'sh' before 'i' in Korean.
Using '사기' to mean emotional betrayal. → 배신
'사기' is for financial scams or fraud.
Using '배신' for inanimate objects in serious contexts. → 고장 나다 (To break)
Machines break; they don't 'betray' (unless jokingly).

Astuces

Uiri and Betrayal

Loyalty (Uiri) is a top virtue in Korea. Betraying a friend is seen as losing one's humanity. Always consider the social impact.

Joking Usage

Don't be afraid to use '배신이야!' playfully. It's a common way to tease friends when they do something without you.

Passive Voice

Master '배신당하다'. You'll hear this more often than '배신하다' when people are talking about their feelings.

The suffix -감

Learning '배신감' helps you learn other 'feeling' words like '우울감' (depression) or '행복감' (happiness).

Drama Watching

When watching a K-drama, try to predict who the '배신자' will be. It's a great way to engage with the plot and the word.

Synonym Choice

Use '배반' in essays to sound more academic or serious.

Restoring Trust

In Korea, after a '배신', restoring trust often requires a formal apology and 'seong-ui' (sincerity/gifts).

Hanja Power

Remembering 背 (back) will help you with other words like '배경' (background).

The 'Shin' Sound

Always remember 's + i = sh' in Korean. It's 'Bae-shin', not 'Bae-sin'.

Texting

In texts, you might see '배신ㄴㄴ' which means 'No betrayal' (don't betray me).

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Bae' (your partner) and 'Sin' (a bad act). If your 'Bae' commits a 'Sin' against you, it's a '배신' (Betrayal).

Association visuelle

Imagine a person standing in front of you, but suddenly they turn their back (背) and walk away while holding a letter of trust (信) they just tore up.

Word Web

Trust Lies Backstabbing Traitor Sadness Broken Heart K-Drama Running Man

Défi

Try to write a sentence describing a time you felt '배신감' (even a small one, like a friend finishing a show without you).

Origine du mot

Derived from the Hanja characters 背 (배) and 信 (신).

Sens originel : To turn one's back (背) on trust or faith (信).

Sino-Korean (Hanja-eo).

Contexte culturel

Be careful using '배신자' (traitor) in a professional setting; it is a highly inflammatory accusation.

In English, 'betrayal' is a very heavy word. In Korean, while still heavy, it's used slightly more frequently in daily conversation, especially in the context of jokes or dramas.

Lee Kwang-soo (The 'Icon of Betrayal' on Running Man) The movie 'The Merciless' (Bul-han-dang) which focuses on betrayal among gangsters. The drama 'The World of the Married' (Betrayal in marriage).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Romantic Relationships

바람을 피우다 (to cheat)
믿음을 저버리다 (to betray trust)
이별의 원인 (cause of breakup)
배신감에 울다 (cry from betrayal)

Workplace/Business

산업 스파이 (industrial spy)
기밀 유출 (leaking secrets)
동료를 밀고하다 (snitch on a colleague)
계약 위반 (contract breach)

Friendships

비밀을 폭로하다 (reveal a secret)
약속을 어기다 (break a promise)
뒤통수를 치다 (backstab)
절교하다 (end a friendship)

Politics

당을 옮기다 (switch parties)
공약을 어기다 (break campaign promises)
유권자를 배신하다 (betray voters)
정치적 변절 (political apostasy)

History/Dramas

반역을 꾀하다 (plot treason)
왕을 배신하다 (betray the king)
첩자 (spy)
배신자의 최후 (the end of a traitor)

Amorces de conversation

"가장 큰 배신을 당해본 적이 있나요? (Have you ever experienced a major betrayal?)"

"친구 사이에서 무엇을 배신이라고 생각하세요? (What do you consider betrayal between friends?)"

"드라마에서 가장 기억에 남는 배신 장면은 뭐예요? (What is the most memorable betrayal scene in a drama?)"

"배신한 사람을 용서할 수 있다고 생각하세요? (Do you think you can forgive someone who betrayed you?)"

"작은 배신(예: 나 몰래 맛있는 거 먹기)에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about 'small betrayals' like eating something delicious without you?)"

Sujets d'écriture

내가 느꼈던 가장 큰 배신감에 대해 써보세요. (Write about the greatest sense of betrayal you have felt.)

배신과 실망의 차이점은 무엇이라고 생각하나요? (What do you think is the difference between betrayal and disappointment?)

만약 친구가 나를 배신한다면 어떻게 대처할 것인가요? (If a friend betrays you, how will you handle it?)

왜 사람들은 다른 사람을 배신할까요? (Why do people betray others?)

신뢰를 회복하기 위해 배신자가 해야 할 일은 무엇일까요? (What should a traitor do to restore trust?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, but only if the promise was significant. For small things like being 5 minutes late, '실망' or '약속을 어기다' is better. Using '배신' makes it very dramatic.

No, it's not a swear word, but it is a very strong insult. It's like calling someone 'scum' or 'backstabber'. Use it with caution.

It means 'Icon of Betrayal'. It's a popular slang term used for people who frequently (and often humorously) betray others in games or variety shows.

You should say '배신감을 느껴요' or '배신당한 기분이에요'.

Yes, it is a very common way to describe the act of cheating, although '바람 피우다' is the specific verb for the act itself.

배신하다 is the everyday word used for friends and family. 배반하다 is more formal and used in history books or news about country/ideology.

Only as a joke. '컴퓨터가 나를 배신했어' (The computer betrayed me) sounds like you are personifying the computer.

It means 'to hit the back of the head.' It's a very common idiom for an unexpected betrayal.

Yes, it comes from 背 (back) and 信 (trust).

If it's a joke, you can laugh and say '미안해!' (Sorry!). If it's serious, you need to explain yourself or apologize sincerely.

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