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B2 noun #7,000 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

촉매제

Top 7,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 촉매제 en 30 secondes

Explication 촉매제 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word '촉매제' (catalyst) is quite advanced and not usually taught. However, you can think of it as a 'helper' or a 'speed-up thing.' Imagine you are making a cake. If you add something that makes it bake faster, that is like a '촉매제.' In Korean, we use this word when one thing makes another thing happen quickly. For now, just remember it means 'something that makes a change happen.' It is used in science and when talking about big changes. You won't need to use it in daily life yet, but you might see it in books! Example: 'This book helps me learn' can be said more strongly as 'This book is a catalyst for my learning.'

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At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more nouns. '촉매제' is a noun that means 'catalyst.' You might hear it in school or on the news. It comes from science, but people use it for many things. For example, if a good teacher makes you love Korean, the teacher is a '촉매제' for your study. It is usually used with the verb '되다' (to become). So you can say '[Something]가 촉매제가 되었어요' (Something became a catalyst). It's a very 'smart-sounding' word. Use it when you want to explain why something started happening faster. It's more formal than just saying '원인' (reason).

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At the B1 level, you should begin to recognize '촉매제' in intermediate reading materials. It is often used to describe social changes or business trends. A '촉매제' is something that triggers or accelerates a process. For example, 'The internet was a catalyst for global communication.' In Korean, you would say '인터넷은 세계적인 소통의 촉매제가 되었다.' Notice how we use '의' to connect '소통' (communication) and '촉매제.' You should practice using this word when discussing your motivations or the reasons behind certain events in your life. It adds a level of sophistication to your speaking and writing that simpler words like '이유' cannot provide.

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At the B2 level, '촉매제' is an essential vocabulary item. You are expected to understand its metaphorical use in complex discussions about society, economics, and psychology. You should be able to distinguish it from '기폭제' (detonator) and '원동력' (driving force). A catalyst (촉매제) speeds up a reaction that was already possible, whereas a detonator (기폭제) causes a sudden explosion. You will see this word frequently in editorials and news reports. For example, '이번 정책이 중소기업 성장의 촉매제가 될 것으로 보입니다' (This policy is expected to be a catalyst for the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises). Practice using it with formal verbs like '작용하다' (to act as) or '수행하다' (to perform the role of).

At the C1 level, you should use '촉매제' fluently in academic or professional settings. You should understand its nuances in chemical contexts (lower activation energy) and be able to apply that logic to abstract concepts. For instance, you might discuss how 'cognitive dissonance acts as a catalyst for conceptual change' in a psychology essay. You should also be familiar with common collocations like '강력한 촉매제' (powerful catalyst) or '결정적인 촉매제' (decisive catalyst). At this level, you should also be able to use the word in more literary or philosophical contexts, perhaps discussing how a certain historical event acted as a catalyst for a paradigm shift in human thought.

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At the C2 level, '촉매제' is a word you manipulate with ease. You can use it to create complex metaphors and understand its use in highly technical scientific papers as well as profound philosophical treatises. You understand that a '촉매제' remains unchanged after the process, and you might use this nuance to describe a person who facilitates change in others while remaining true to their own principles. You are also aware of the word's Hanja (Chinese character) roots (觸媒劑), which helps you understand related technical terms. Your usage of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, using it to describe the subtle acceleration of historical, chemical, and psychological processes.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

촉매제 en 30 secondes

촉매제 means 'catalyst,' a term used in both science and metaphors for change.
It comes from Hanja: 觸 (touch), 媒 (medium), 劑 (agent).
Commonly paired with '되다' (to become) or '역할을 하다' (to play a role).
It implies accelerating a process that was already possible or latent.

The Korean word 촉매제 (Chok-mae-je) is a sophisticated noun that bridges the gap between the laboratory and everyday life. At its core, it refers to a 'catalyst.' In a scientific context, it is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent chemical change itself. However, in the vast majority of conversational and literary contexts for English speakers learning Korean, it is used metaphorically to describe a person, event, or factor that precipitates a significant change or accelerates a process.

Scientific Origin: In chemistry, it refers to substances like enzymes or metals that lower activation energy. When discussing science in Korean, this is the standard term.

Sociological Usage: It describes an event that triggers a social movement or a policy change. For example, a single news report might be the catalyst for a nationwide protest.

Personal Growth: On a personal level, a book, a conversation, or a failure can act as a catalyst for someone to change their career path or lifestyle.

이번 사건이 개혁의 촉매제가 되었습니다. (This incident became the catalyst for reform.)

그의 조언은 내 인생의 촉매제 역할을 했다. (His advice played the role of a catalyst in my life.)

화학 반응에서 촉매제를 첨가하면 속도가 빨라진다. (Adding a catalyst in a chemical reaction increases the speed.)

새로운 기술은 경제 성장의 강력한 촉매제이다. (New technology is a powerful catalyst for economic growth.)

실패는 성공을 위한 중요한 촉매제가 될 수 있다. (Failure can be an important catalyst for success.)

When you use 촉매제, you are implying a dynamic process. It is not just a static cause; it is an active participant in a transformation. Whether you are talking about a chemical reaction in a lab or a cultural shift in society, this word carries the weight of momentum and acceleration. It is an essential term for anyone looking to discuss complex systems or personal development in Korean.

Using 촉매제 correctly requires understanding its typical grammatical partners. Most commonly, it functions as the subject or the complement in a sentence involving the verb 되다 (to become) or the phrase 역할을 하다 (to play a role).

Structure: [Noun] + 의 촉매제: This indicates what the catalyst is for. Examples: 혁명의 촉매제 (catalyst for revolution), 변화의 촉매제 (catalyst for change).

Structure: [Noun] + 가/이 촉매제가 되다: This means '[Noun] became a catalyst.' It is used to identify the trigger of a situation.

Structure: 촉매제 역할을 수행하다: A more formal way to say 'to play the role of a catalyst,' often used in business or academic writing.

그 영화는 환경 보호 운동의 촉매제가 되었다. (That movie became a catalyst for the environmental protection movement.)

정부의 새로운 정책이 시장 활성화의 촉매제가 되길 기대합니다. (We hope the government's new policy will be a catalyst for market revitalization.)

교육은 사회적 이동성의 중요한 촉매제입니다. (Education is an important catalyst for social mobility.)

위기는 때로 혁신의 촉매제로 작용한다. (Crisis sometimes acts as a catalyst for innovation.)

그의 갑작스러운 사퇴가 조직 개편의 촉매제가 되었다. (His sudden resignation became the catalyst for organizational restructuring.)

In professional writing, you might see it paired with adjectives like '강력한' (powerful), '결정적인' (decisive), or '긍정적인' (positive). This allows you to qualify the type of impact the catalyst is having. For instance, '결정적인 촉매제' implies that without this specific factor, the change might not have happened at all. Mastering these patterns allows you to express complex cause-and-effect relationships with elegance and precision in Korean.

You are most likely to encounter 촉매제 in environments where formal or intellectual discourse is taking place. It is a staple of Korean news media, particularly in segments covering politics, economics, and social issues. When a journalist explains why a certain market trend shifted or why a political scandal led to a massive protest, '촉매제' is the word of choice to describe the triggering event.

News & Media: Headlines like '금리 인하, 소비 활성화의 촉매제 될까?' (Will the interest rate cut be a catalyst for boosting consumption?) are very common.

Documentaries: Science or history documentaries use this word to explain chemical reactions or the spark of historical revolutions.

Business Meetings: Corporate strategy sessions often discuss how a new product or partnership can be a catalyst for the company's growth.

이번 올림픽은 국가 화합의 촉매제가 되었습니다. (This Olympics became a catalyst for national harmony.)

그 작가의 데뷔작은 한국 문학계의 새로운 촉매제였습니다. (The author's debut work was a new catalyst for the Korean literary world.)

기술 혁신은 산업 구조 변화의 촉매제로 작용합니다. (Technological innovation acts as a catalyst for industrial structural change.)

이 책이 당신의 꿈을 향한 촉매제가 되길 바랍니다. (I hope this book becomes a catalyst for your dreams.)

갈등은 때로 조직 발전의 촉매제가 되기도 합니다. (Conflict sometimes even becomes a catalyst for organizational development.)

Beyond these, you might hear it in high-level university lectures or read it in editorials. It is not a word you would use while ordering coffee or talking to a toddler, but it is indispensable for discussing ideas, trends, and the 'why' behind major shifts. If you hear someone use '촉매제' in a conversation, they are likely discussing something with significant impact or long-term consequences.

While 촉매제 is a powerful word, learners often misuse it by confusing it with similar terms or applying it to inappropriate contexts. The most common mistake is using it as a simple synonym for 'cause' (원인) without considering the 'acceleration' aspect.

Confusion with 'Cause' (원인): A 'cause' is why something happened. A 'catalyst' is what made a potential change happen faster or triggered a reaction that was already primed. Don't use '촉매제' for small, direct causes like 'The rain was the catalyst for my wet shoes.'

Confusion with 'Motive' (동기): '동기' is the internal reason or motivation for a person's action. '촉매제' is usually an external factor that sparks that motivation into action.

Confusion with 'Detonator' (기폭제): '기폭제' (Gi-pok-je) is much more explosive. While '촉매제' can be a slow, steady accelerator, '기폭제' implies a sudden, violent, or irreversible explosion of events.

Incorrect: 배가 고픈 것이 밥을 먹는 촉매제였다. (Hunger was the catalyst for eating.) -> Correct: 배가 고픈 것이 밥을 먹는 원인이었다.

Incorrect: 이 약은 감기의 촉매제다. (This medicine is a catalyst for a cold.) -> This implies the medicine makes the cold worse/faster, which is rarely what you mean.

Correct: 그의 비판은 내가 더 열심히 공부하게 된 촉매제가 되었다. (His criticism became the catalyst for me to study harder.)

Correct: 새로운 시장 개방은 경쟁의 촉매제였다. (The opening of the new market was a catalyst for competition.)

Correct: 이 사건은 불만에 가득 찬 민심에 촉매제가 되었다. (This incident acted as a catalyst for the already dissatisfied public sentiment.)

Another mistake is using it in a purely negative sense without context. While a catalyst can trigger a negative reaction, it is often viewed as a neutral or positive force for change in Korean. If you want to describe something that 'caused a disaster,' words like '화근' (root of evil) might be more appropriate.

To truly sound like a native speaker, you need to know when to use 촉매제 and when to opt for a synonym. Korean has several words that describe 'triggers' or 'causes,' each with a specific nuance.

기폭제 (Gi-pok-je) vs. 촉매제: '기폭제' literally means 'detonator.' Use this when the change is sudden and explosive (like a war or a massive riot). '촉매제' is better for processes that might take time but are accelerated by the factor.

계기 (Gye-gi): This means 'opportunity' or 'turning point.' It is much more common in personal stories. '한국에 오게 된 계기가 뭐예요?' (What was the turning point/reason for coming to Korea?). '촉매제' would sound too academic here.

원동력 (Won-dong-ryeok): This means 'driving force.' Use this when describing the sustained energy behind a process, whereas '촉매제' is the thing that sparks or speeds it up.

그의 연설은 혁명의 기폭제가 되었다. (His speech became the detonator for the revolution.)

여행은 내 생각을 바꾸는 계기가 되었다. (The trip became the turning point for changing my thoughts.)

가족은 내가 열심히 일하는 원동력이다. (Family is the driving force for my hard work.)

이 책이 당신의 성장에 작은 촉매제가 되길 바랍니다. (I hope this book becomes a small catalyst for your growth.)

그 사건은 사회 변화의 촉매제로 작용했다. (That event acted as a catalyst for social change.)

By understanding these alternatives, you can tailor your Korean to the specific situation. Whether you're writing a formal essay or sharing a personal story, choosing the right word for 'trigger' will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The character 媒 (매) is the same one used in '중매' (matchmaking). So, in a way, a catalyst is a 'matchmaker' for chemical elements or social events!

Guide de prononciation

UK /tɕʰoɡ.mɛ.dʑe/

US /tɕʰoɡ.me.dʒe/

In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, but the first syllable '촉' may have a slightly higher pitch due to the aspirated 'ㅊ'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 4/5

Requires understanding of Hanja-based academic nouns.

Écriture 4/5

Needs correct particle usage (의, 가/이, 로) to sound natural.

Expression orale 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but finding the right context is key.

Écoute 4/5

Common in news and lectures, but might be missed in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

원인 (Cause) 변화 (Change) 반응 (Reaction) 역할 (Role) 되다 (To become)

Apprends ensuite

기폭제 (Detonator) 원동력 (Driving force) 패러다임 (Paradigm) 가속화 (Acceleration) 상호작용 (Interaction)

Avancé

엔트로피 (Entropy) 시너지 (Synergy) 임계점 (Critical point) 파급 효과 (Ripple effect)

Grammaire à connaître

Noun + 의 (Possessive Particle)

변화의 촉매제 (Catalyst of change)

~가/이 되다 (To become)

이것이 촉매제가 되었다. (This became a catalyst.)

~로서 (As/In the capacity of)

촉매제로서 작용하다. (Act as a catalyst.)

~ㄹ/을 것으로 보이다 (It seems that / It is expected that)

촉매제가 될 것으로 보입니다. (It is expected to be a catalyst.)

~기 위한 (In order to)

성공하기 위한 촉매제. (A catalyst for succeeding.)

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Exemples par niveau

이 책은 공부의 촉매제예요.

This book is a catalyst for study.

Simple [Noun] + 은/는 [Noun] + 예요 structure.

비는 성장의 촉매제입니다.

Rain is a catalyst for growth.

Formal [Noun] + 입니다.

칭찬은 촉매제가 돼요.

Praise becomes a catalyst.

Verb 되다 (to become).

그것은 촉매제예요.

That is a catalyst.

Pronoun '그것' (that thing).

꿈은 촉매제입니다.

A dream is a catalyst.

Abstract noun as subject.

이것이 촉매제입니까?

Is this a catalyst?

Question form of 입니다.

촉매제는 중요해요.

Catalysts are important.

Adjective 중요하다 (to be important).

우리는 촉매제가 필요해요.

We need a catalyst.

Adjective 필요하다 (to be needed).

새로운 친구는 변화의 촉매제가 되었어요.

The new friend became a catalyst for change.

Past tense of 되다 (되었다).

이 노래는 제 기분의 촉매제예요.

This song is a catalyst for my mood.

Possessive marker '제' (my).

운동은 건강의 촉매제입니다.

Exercise is a catalyst for health.

Connection with '의' (of/for).

실패가 성공의 촉매제가 될 수 있어요.

Failure can be a catalyst for success.

Modal -ㄹ 수 있다 (can be).

그 사건은 아주 큰 촉매제였어요.

That incident was a very big catalyst.

Adjective '큰' (big) modifying the noun.

선생님의 말씀이 촉매제가 되었어요.

The teacher's words became a catalyst.

Honorific marker '님'.

이 약은 반응의 촉매제 역할을 해요.

This medicine plays the role of a reaction catalyst.

Phrase '역할을 하다' (play a role).

촉매제가 없으면 반응이 느려요.

Without a catalyst, the reaction is slow.

Conditional -으면 (if/when).

기술의 발전은 사회 변화의 강력한 촉매제입니다.

The development of technology is a powerful catalyst for social change.

Noun phrase '기술의 발전' as subject.

그의 비판은 제가 더 노력하게 된 촉매제였어요.

His criticism was the catalyst for me to try harder.

Relative clause '-게 된' modifying 촉매제.

이 영화는 환경 운동의 촉매제 역할을 했습니다.

This movie played the role of a catalyst for the environmental movement.

Formal past tense '했습니다'.

위기는 때로 혁신의 촉매제로 작용하기도 합니다.

Crisis sometimes even acts as a catalyst for innovation.

Verb '작용하다' (to act/function).

새로운 시장 개방이 경제 성장의 촉매제가 될 것입니다.

Opening the new market will be a catalyst for economic growth.

Future tense '-ㄹ 것입니다'.

그 사건은 불만에 가득 찬 민심에 촉매제가 되었다.

That incident became a catalyst for the public sentiment full of dissatisfaction.

Particle '에' (to/for) indicating target.

교육은 사회적 이동성을 높이는 중요한 촉매제이다.

Education is an important catalyst for increasing social mobility.

Relative clause '-는' modifying 촉매제.

작은 아이디어가 큰 변화의 촉매제가 될 수 있습니다.

A small idea can be a catalyst for a big change.

Contrast between '작은' and '큰'.

정부의 규제 완화가 투자 활성화의 결정적인 촉매제가 되었다.

The government's deregulation became a decisive catalyst for revitalizing investment.

Compound noun '규제 완화' (deregulation).

이 책은 내 인생의 행로를 바꾼 강력한 촉매제였다.

This book was a powerful catalyst that changed the course of my life.

Past relative clause '-ㄴ' modifying 촉매제.

갈등은 종종 팀워크를 강화하는 촉매제로 작용한다.

Conflict often acts as a catalyst for strengthening teamwork.

Adverb '종종' (often).

혁신적인 기술은 산업 전반에 걸쳐 촉매제 역할을 수행한다.

Innovative technology performs the role of a catalyst across the entire industry.

Phrase '전반에 걸쳐' (across the board).

그의 갑작스러운 사퇴가 정치권 개편의 촉매제가 될 전망이다.

His sudden resignation is expected to be a catalyst for restructuring the political sphere.

Noun '전망' (prospect/outlook).

문화 교류는 국가 간의 이해를 돕는 촉매제로서 중요하다.

Cultural exchange is important as a catalyst that helps understanding between nations.

Particle '로서' (as/in the capacity of).

실패의 경험은 성숙한 인격 형성의 촉매제가 되기도 한다.

The experience of failure sometimes becomes a catalyst for the formation of a mature character.

Particle '-기도 하다' (also/sometimes).

새로운 리더십이 조직의 분위기를 쇄신하는 촉매제가 되길 기대한다.

I hope the new leadership becomes a catalyst for refreshing the organization's atmosphere.

Verb ending '-길 기대하다' (hope that...).

이번 사태는 잠재되어 있던 사회적 모순을 폭발시키는 촉매제가 되었다.

This situation became a catalyst that caused the latent social contradictions to explode.

Passive participle '잠재되어 있던' (that had been latent).

지적 호기심은 학문적 성취를 이끄는 가장 본질적인 촉매제이다.

Intellectual curiosity is the most essential catalyst for leading to academic achievement.

Superlative expression '가장 본질적인'.

자유 무역 협정은 양국 경제 협력의 새로운 촉매제로 부상하고 있다.

The Free Trade Agreement is emerging as a new catalyst for economic cooperation between the two countries.

Progressive form '-고 있다'.

예술은 때로 굳어진 고정관념을 깨뜨리는 촉매제 역할을 수행한다.

Art sometimes performs the role of a catalyst that breaks hardened stereotypes.

Verb '수행하다' (to perform/carry out).

디지털 전환은 기업의 생존을 결정짓는 핵심적인 촉매제로 작용하고 있다.

Digital transformation is acting as a key catalyst that determines a company's survival.

Verb '결정짓다' (to determine).

그 철학자의 사상은 근대 시민 사회 형성의 촉매제가 되었다고 평가받는다.

That philosopher's thoughts are evaluated to have been a catalyst for the formation of modern civil society.

Passive form '평가받는다' (is evaluated).

인공지능 기술은 의료 산업의 패러다임을 바꾸는 강력한 촉매제이다.

AI technology is a powerful catalyst that changes the paradigm of the medical industry.

Noun '패러다임' (paradigm).

개인의 창의성은 조직의 혁신을 가속화하는 중요한 촉매제로 간주된다.

Individual creativity is regarded as an important catalyst that accelerates organizational innovation.

Passive form '간주된다' (is regarded).

언어는 문화적 정체성을 공고히 하는 동시에 변화를 수용하는 촉매제이다.

Language is a catalyst that accepts change while simultaneously solidifying cultural identity.

Expression '하는 동시에' (at the same time as).

역사적 트라우마는 때로 민족적 결속을 강화하는 역설적인 촉매제가 된다.

Historical trauma sometimes becomes a paradoxical catalyst for strengthening ethnic solidarity.

Adjective '역설적인' (paradoxical).

과학적 발견은 인류의 지평을 넓히는 근원적인 촉매제로서 기능해 왔다.

Scientific discovery has functioned as a fundamental catalyst for expanding the horizons of humanity.

Present perfect form '-해 왔다'.

윤리적 갈등은 법적 제도의 미비점을 보완하게 만드는 촉매제로 작용한다.

Ethical conflict acts as a catalyst that makes people supplement the deficiencies of the legal system.

Causative form '-게 만들다'.

미학적 경험은 인간의 감수성을 고양시키는 촉매제 역할을 톡톡히 해낸다.

Aesthetic experience fully performs the role of a catalyst that elevates human sensitivity.

Idiomatic adverb '톡톡히' (fully/properly).

정보의 과잉은 역설적으로 비판적 사고의 필요성을 일깨우는 촉매제가 되었다.

Paradoxically, the excess of information became a catalyst for awakening the necessity of critical thinking.

Adverb '역설적으로' (paradoxically).

기후 위기는 전 지구적 협력을 이끌어내기 위한 최후의 촉매제일지도 모른다.

The climate crisis might be the final catalyst for bringing out global cooperation.

Conjecture '-ㄹ지도 모른다' (might be).

고통에 대한 공감은 사회적 연대를 실천하게 하는 도덕적 촉매제이다.

Empathy for suffering is a moral catalyst that makes people practice social solidarity.

Noun phrase '사회적 연대' (social solidarity).

Synonymes

기폭제 자극제 동기 원동력

Antonymes

억제제 방해물

Collocations courantes

촉매제 역할을 하다

변화의 촉매제

강력한 촉매제

성장의 촉매제

혁신의 촉매제

촉매제가 되다

결정적인 촉매제

사회적 촉매제

긍정적인 촉매제

촉매제로 작용하다

Phrases Courantes

인생의 촉매제

— Something that changes one's life direction. Used in personal stories.

이 여행은 제 인생의 촉매제가 되었습니다.

화학적 촉매제

— A literal chemical catalyst. Used in science.

실험을 위해 화학적 촉매제를 넣으세요.

개혁의 촉매제

— A trigger for political or organizational reform.

부패 스캔들이 개혁의 촉매제가 되었다.

발전의 촉매제

— A factor that speeds up development.

투자는 지역 발전의 촉매제입니다.

성공의 촉매제

— A factor that helps achieve success faster.

열정은 성공의 가장 큰 촉매제이다.

평화의 촉매제

— Something that triggers a peace process.

대화는 평화의 촉매제 역할을 한다.

창의력의 촉매제

— Something that sparks creativity.

자유로운 분위기는 창의력의 촉매제다.

갈등의 촉매제

— Something that triggers a conflict (usually negative).

오해는 갈등의 촉매제가 되기 쉽다.

화합의 촉매제

— Something that helps people get along.

스포츠는 화합의 촉매제이다.

혁명의 촉매제

— A trigger for a revolution.

굶주림은 종종 혁명의 촉매제가 된다.

Souvent confondu avec

촉매제 vs 원인

'원인' is just the reason. '촉매제' is the thing that speeds up or triggers a latent process.

촉매제 vs 기폭제

'기폭제' is more explosive and sudden. '촉매제' can be a more controlled or gradual acceleration.

촉매제 vs 계기

'계기' is more common for personal stories and turning points.

Expressions idiomatiques

"불에 기름을 붓다"

— To pour oil on fire; to act as a negative catalyst that makes a bad situation worse.

그의 말은 화난 사람들에게 불에 기름을 붓는 격이었다.

Informal

"마중물"

— Priming water; a small amount of water used to start a pump, metaphorically a small start that leads to a big result.

이 투자가 우리 경제의 마중물이 되길 바랍니다.

Neutral

"도화선이 되다"

— To become the fuse; similar to catalyst but usually for conflicts or wars.

그 사건은 전쟁의 도화선이 되었다.

Formal

"물꼬를 트다"

— To open the floodgates; to start a flow or a process.

이번 협상이 대화의 물꼬를 텄다.

Neutral

"바람을 불어넣다"

— To blow wind into; to inspire or motivate someone (a human catalyst).

그는 팀원들에게 자신감을 불어넣어 주었다.

Neutral

"발판을 마련하다"

— To prepare a stepping stone; to create a base for future growth.

이번 성공은 해외 진출의 발판을 마련해 주었다.

Neutral

"활력소를 불어넣다"

— To inject a vitalizing element; to act as a catalyst for energy.

새로운 직원이 사무실에 활력소를 불어넣었다.

Neutral

"뿌리를 내리다"

— To take root; though not a catalyst, it describes the result of one.

민주주의가 이 땅에 뿌리를 내렸다.

Neutral

"씨앗이 되다"

— To become a seed; the beginning of a long process.

그의 작은 친절이 큰 우정의 씨앗이 되었다.

Informal

"다리를 놓다"

— To build a bridge; to act as a mediator or catalyst for a relationship.

그 친구가 우리 사이의 다리를 놓아 주었다.

Informal

Facile à confondre

촉매제 vs 기폭제

Both mean 'trigger'.

Gi-pok-je (detonator) implies an explosion or a sudden, dramatic start. Chok-mae-je (catalyst) implies speeding up a reaction or facilitating a change.

사소한 말다툼이 싸움의 기폭제가 되었다. vs. 새로운 기술은 성장의 촉매제가 되었다.

촉매제 vs 원동력

Both drive change.

Won-dong-ryeok (driving force) is the energy that keeps things moving. Chok-mae-je (catalyst) is the spark that starts or speeds it up.

가족은 내 삶의 원동력이다. vs. 이 책은 내 성공의 촉매제였다.

촉매제 vs 자극제

Both stimulate.

Ja-geuk-je (stimulant) is something that provokes a response, often sensory or immediate. Chok-mae-je is more about a systemic change.

커피는 뇌의 자극제다. vs. 경쟁은 시장의 촉매제다.

촉매제 vs 매개체

Both are intermediaries.

Mae-gae-che (medium) is a channel or carrier. Chok-mae-je actually changes the speed or nature of the process.

인터넷은 정보 전달의 매개체다. vs. 인터넷은 사회 변화의 촉매제다.

촉매제 vs 도화선

Both start things.

Do-hwa-seon (fuse) is usually used for negative events like explosions or wars. Chok-mae-je is more neutral or positive.

그 발언이 전쟁의 도화선이 되었다.

Structures de phrases

[Noun]은/는 [Noun]의 촉매제예요.

이 책은 공부의 촉매제예요.

[Noun]이/가 [Noun]의 촉매제 역할을 했어요.

그 사고가 개혁의 촉매제 역할을 했어요.

[Noun]이/가 [Noun]의 촉매제가 될 거예요.

새로운 법이 성장의 촉매제가 될 거예요.

[Noun]은/는 [Noun]을/를 가속화하는 촉매제이다.

인터넷은 정보 공유를 가속화하는 촉매제이다.

[Noun]이/가 [Noun]의 촉매제로 작용하다.

위기가 혁신의 촉매제로 작용했다.

[Noun]은/는 [Noun]에 있어 결정적인 촉매제이다.

교육은 사회 발전에 있어 결정적인 촉매제이다.

[Noun]이/가 [Noun]의 촉매제가 되었다는 평가를 받다.

그의 연설이 혁명의 촉매제가 되었다는 평가를 받는다.

[Noun]은/는 [Noun]을/를 유도하는 역설적인 촉매제이다.

고난은 승리를 유도하는 역설적인 촉매제이다.

Famille de mots

Noms

촉매 (Catalyst - shortened form)

매개 (Mediation)

약제 (Medicine/Agent)

촉진 (Promotion/Acceleration)

Verbes

촉진하다 (To promote/accelerate)

매개하다 (To mediate)

자극하다 (To stimulate)

Adjectifs

촉매적인 (Catalytic)

Apparenté

반응 (Reaction)

변화 (Change)

가속 (Acceleration)

활성화 (Activation)

유도 (Induction)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in written and formal spoken Korean; moderate in casual conversation.

Erreurs courantes

촉매제를 하다 → 촉매제 역할을 하다 / 촉매제가 되다
촉매제 is a noun and doesn't combine directly with '하다' to form a verb.
내 배고픔은 촉매제였다. → 내 배고픔은 밥을 먹은 원인이었다.
'촉매제' is too heavy for simple daily needs like eating.
Using it for a slow, hindering factor. → 방해물 / 걸림돌
A catalyst always speeds up or triggers; it never slows down (unless you specify '부촉매').
성공에게 촉매제 → 성공의 촉매제
The particle '의' is the standard way to link the catalyst to the result.
Using '촉매제' for the final result. → 촉매제는 과정의 일부입니다.
The catalyst is the *thing that causes* the change, not the change itself.

Astuces

Pair with '의'

Always remember the '[Result]의 촉매제' pattern. For example, '성공의 촉매제' (catalyst of success).

Business Writing

Use it in reports to describe how a new strategy will accelerate growth. It sounds very professional.

Catalyst vs. Cause

A cause starts something. A catalyst makes an existing potential explode or speed up. Use '촉매제' when the 'ingredients' for change were already there.

Nasality

The 'ㄱ' in '촉' is followed by 'ㅁ' in '매'. In fast speech, this can sound like '총매제' (chong-mae-je) due to nasalization. This is a natural Korean sound change.

Learn Hanja

Learning 媒 (매 - medium) will help you understand words like 매개 (mediation) and 매체 (media).

Metaphorical Use

Don't be afraid to use it for abstract things like 'love', 'failure', or 'curiosity'.

Verb Choice

'작용하다' (to act/function) is a great verb to use with '촉매제' in formal writing.

News Keywords

When you hear '경제' (economy) and '활성화' (activation), listen for '촉매제' nearby.

Don't Overuse

Avoid using it for simple, direct actions. It's for processes and transformations.

Think in Systems

Use '촉매제' when you are thinking about how one part of a system affects the speed of the whole system.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Chok' (Touch) + 'Mae' (Matchmaker) + 'Je' (Agent). A 'Touch-Matchmaker-Agent' that makes things happen!

Association visuelle

Imagine a scientist adding a single drop of liquid (the 촉매제) to a beaker, and suddenly it starts bubbling and changing color rapidly.

Word Web

반응 (Reaction) 속도 (Speed) 변화 (Change) 화학 (Chemistry) 성장 (Growth) 혁신 (Innovation) 계기 (Turning Point) 영향 (Influence)

Défi

Try to use '촉매제' in a sentence about a book or movie that changed your mind. Write it in the comments!

Origine du mot

Derived from Sino-Korean characters (Hanja): 觸 (촉) meaning 'touch' or 'contact', 媒 (매) meaning 'medium' or 'intermediary', and 劑 (제) meaning 'agent', 'medicine', or 'substance'.

Sens originel : A substance that acts as a medium through contact to facilitate a reaction.

Sino-Korean

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to use it for tragic accidents (like a fire) unless you are specifically discussing the speed of the reaction; otherwise, it might sound too clinical or insensitive.

Similar to how 'catalyst' is used in English business and science, but '촉매제' sounds slightly more formal than the everyday English word 'spark'.

The movie 'Parasite' acted as a 촉매제 for global interest in Korean cinema. The 1988 Seoul Olympics is often cited as a 촉매제 for Korea's democratization. The introduction of the smartphone was a 촉매제 for the 'App Economy' in Korea.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Chemistry Lab

촉매제를 첨가하다 (Add a catalyst)
촉매제 반응 (Catalyst reaction)
정촉매 (Positive catalyst)
부촉매 (Negative catalyst/Inhibitor)

Business Strategy

성장의 촉매제 (Catalyst for growth)
시장 활성화의 촉매제 (Catalyst for market revitalization)
혁신을 위한 촉매제 (Catalyst for innovation)
성공적인 촉매제 (Successful catalyst)

Social Movements

개혁의 촉매제 (Catalyst for reform)
변화의 강력한 촉매제 (Strong catalyst for change)
민주화의 촉매제 (Catalyst for democratization)
사회적 촉매제 역할 (Social catalyst role)

Personal Development

인생의 전환점이 된 촉매제 (Catalyst that became a life turning point)
공부의 촉매제 (Catalyst for study)
동기 부여의 촉매제 (Catalyst for motivation)
긍정적인 촉매제 (Positive catalyst)

Literary/Media Analysis

사건의 촉매제 (Catalyst of the incident)
갈등의 촉매제 (Catalyst of the conflict)
이야기의 촉매제 (Catalyst of the story)
극적인 촉매제 (Dramatic catalyst)

Amorces de conversation

"당신 인생에서 가장 큰 변화의 촉매제는 무엇이었나요? (What was the biggest catalyst for change in your life?)"

"새로운 언어를 배우는 것이 사고방식의 촉매제가 될 수 있을까요? (Can learning a new language be a catalyst for your way of thinking?)"

"최근 한국 사회에서 변화의 촉매제 역할을 한 사건이 뭐라고 생각하세요? (What event do you think played the role of a catalyst for change in recent Korean society?)"

"독서가 창의성의 촉매제가 된다는 의견에 동의하시나요? (Do you agree that reading becomes a catalyst for creativity?)"

"어떤 사람이 조직의 분위기를 바꾸는 촉매제가 될 수 있을까요? (What kind of person can be a catalyst for changing an organization's atmosphere?)"

Sujets d'écriture

내가 과거에 겪었던 실패가 어떻게 성장의 촉매제가 되었는지 써 보세요. (Write about how a past failure became a catalyst for your growth.)

현재 내 삶에 활력을 불어넣어 줄 새로운 촉매제가 필요하다면 그것은 무엇일까요? (If you need a new catalyst to bring vitality to your life now, what would it be?)

기술의 발전이 인류에게 긍정적인 촉매제인지, 아니면 부정적인 촉매제인지 논해 보세요. (Discuss whether technological development is a positive or negative catalyst for humanity.)

내가 다른 사람의 삶에 긍정적인 촉매제 역할을 했던 경험을 기록해 보세요. (Record an experience where you played the role of a positive catalyst in someone else's life.)

앞으로 5년 뒤 나의 성공을 위한 가장 중요한 촉매제는 무엇이 될까요? (What will be the most important catalyst for your success five years from now?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, you can. If someone enters a group and makes everyone work better or faster, you can say '그는 팀의 촉매제 역할을 한다'. It's a high compliment for someone who facilitates positive change.

Not necessarily, but it's more common in positive or neutral contexts like growth and innovation. If something triggers a disaster, '화근' (root of evil) or '도화선' (fuse) is more common.

'촉매' is the general noun for 'catalyst' (the concept or the substance). '촉매제' specifically refers to the 'agent' or 'item' that acts as the catalyst. In most metaphorical cases, they are interchangeable, but '촉매제' is slightly more common when referring to a specific event or thing.

In science, it's '부촉매' (negative catalyst/inhibitor). In a social sense, you could say '부정적인 촉매제', but usually, people use words like '방해물' (obstacle).

No, that sounds very strange. Use it for transformations, reactions, or processes. Sugar doesn't speed up sweetness; it *is* the sweetness.

Rarely in casual settings. It's like using 'catalyst' in English—you wouldn't say it while hanging out at a bar unless you're discussing something deep or professional.

It is 觸媒劑. 觸 (Touch), 媒 (Medium), 劑 (Agent).

No. It is a noun. You must say '촉매제가 되다' or '촉매제 역할을 하다'.

Yes, it is considered an upper-intermediate/advanced word because of its abstract and formal nature.

'계기' (turning point) is much more natural for personal stories than '촉매제'.

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