의뢰인
의뢰인 en 30 secondes
- 의뢰인 means 'client' or 'requester' in a formal, professional context like law or design.
- It is different from '고객' (general customer) because it implies a specific task or request.
- The word is composed of Hanja meaning 'rely', 'request', and 'person'.
- It is frequently used in legal dramas, news, and business contracts.
The Korean word 의뢰인 (ui-roe-in) is a specialized noun that translates most directly to 'client' or 'requester' in English. While the word '고객' (go-gaek) is used for general customers in a shop or a department store, 의뢰인 specifically describes someone who seeks out a professional service, often involving a high degree of trust, expertise, or a specific task to be performed on their behalf. You will most frequently encounter this term in legal, investigative, and professional consulting contexts. For example, a lawyer has an '의뢰인', a private investigator has an '의뢰인', and even a freelance graphic designer might refer to the person commissioning a logo as their '의뢰인'.
- Professional Context
- In professional settings, it implies a formal agreement where one party (the professional) performs a service requested by the other (the client). This relationship is often bound by confidentiality and contractual obligations.
- Legal Nuance
- In a courtroom or law firm, the '의뢰인' is the person the lawyer represents. It is a more formal and specific term than just 'person' or 'customer'.
변호사는 의뢰인의 비밀을 엄격히 지켜야 합니다. (A lawyer must strictly protect the client's secrets.)
The etymology of the word comes from Hanja (Chinese characters): 의 (依 - rely), 뢰 (賴 - request/trust), and 인 (人 - person). Together, they form the image of a 'person who relies on and requests something from another'. This dependency is key to understanding the word. It isn't just about buying a product; it is about seeking a solution through someone else's specialized skills.
탐정은 의뢰인으로부터 사건을 맡았습니다. (The detective took the case from the client.)
- Frequency
- While not used in daily grocery shopping, it is a staple word in news, dramas, and professional life. If you watch a legal K-drama, you will hear it in almost every episode.
Furthermore, the word carries a sense of formality. In casual conversation, people might use '손님' (guest/customer), but in any professional correspondence or documentation, '의뢰인' is the standard terminology. It clarifies the roles in a project-based relationship where one person defines the scope and the other executes it. In the modern gig economy, freelancers frequently use this word to refer to their patrons.
디자이너는 의뢰인의 요구 사항을 반영했습니다. (The designer reflected the client's requirements.)
Using 의뢰인 correctly involves understanding the grammar particles and verbs it typically pairs with. Since an '의뢰인' is a person, they can be the subject of a sentence (using -이/가 or -은/는), the object (using -을/를), or the source of a request (using -으로부터 or -에게서). Common verbs that follow include '요청하다' (to request), '상담하다' (to consult), and '보호하다' (to protect).
- As a Subject
- 의뢰인이 사무실에 도착했습니다. (The client has arrived at the office.) Here, the focus is on the action of the client.
- As an Object
- 우리는 의뢰인을 위해 최선을 다할 것입니다. (We will do our best for the client.) This shows the professional's commitment to the client.
의뢰인과의 신뢰가 가장 중요합니다. (Trust with the client is most important.)
When talking about the relationship between two parties, you often see '의뢰인' contrasted with '수임인' (the one who accepts the request) or '전문가' (the expert). In a sentence like '의뢰인은 전문가에게 조언을 구했다' (The client sought advice from the expert), the word establishes the hierarchical professional relationship. It is also common to see the possessive particle '-의' attached to it, as in '의뢰인의 권리' (the client's rights) or '의뢰인의 정보' (the client's information).
저는 의뢰인에게 보고서를 제출했습니다. (I submitted the report to the client.)
In more complex sentences, '의뢰인' can be part of a relative clause. For example, '우리가 어제 만난 의뢰인은 매우 까다로웠다' (The client we met yesterday was very picky). This demonstrates how the word fits into the standard Korean sentence structure while maintaining its professional weight. Whether in written reports or spoken professional updates, the word serves as a formal anchor for identifying the party whose needs are being addressed.
The most common place to hear 의뢰인 is in professional environments. If you walk into a law firm in Seoul, you will hear lawyers and paralegals discussing their '의뢰인'. Similarly, in the world of finance and consulting, '의뢰인' is used to refer to the corporate entities or individuals seeking strategic advice. However, the word has also found a strong foothold in popular culture.
영화 의뢰인 (The Client)은 법정 스릴러로 유명합니다. (The movie 'The Client' is famous as a courtroom thriller.)
Legal dramas like 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' or 'Vincenzo' use this word constantly. The characters often talk about 'protecting the client' or 'meeting the client'. In these contexts, the word emphasizes the professional duty and the specific person whose case is being handled. It’s also common in news reports regarding high-profile legal cases, where the media refers to the person being defended as the '의뢰인'.
- News Media
- Reporters use '의뢰인' to maintain a neutral, professional distance when describing legal battles or business deals.
- Freelance Platforms
- On websites like Kmong or Soomgo, freelancers and those looking for services use the term '의뢰인' to describe the person posting a job request.
You might also hear it in a more metaphorical or creative sense. For instance, in a story about a wish-granting shop, the person making the wish would be called the '의뢰인'. This highlights the core meaning of the word: someone who has a specific need and asks someone else to fulfill it. It’s a word that bridges the gap between a simple customer and a partner in a professional endeavor.
그 의뢰인은 정체가 불분명합니다. (That client's identity is unclear.)
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using 의뢰인 interchangeably with 고객 (customer) or 손님 (guest). While they all refer to someone paying for something, the context matters immensely. Using '의뢰인' to refer to someone buying bread at a bakery would sound very strange and overly formal, almost as if they were commissioning the baker for a legal defense!
- Mistake 1: General Retail
- Incorrect: 편의점 의뢰인이 우유를 샀다. (The convenience store client bought milk.) Correct: 편의점 고객/손님이 우유를 샀다.
- Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Patient'
- In medical contexts, use '환자' (patient). Doctors don't usually call their patients '의뢰인' unless they are doing a specific medical evaluation for a legal case.
주의: 의뢰인은 주로 서비스나 전문적인 일을 '부탁'하는 사람입니다.
Another mistake is forgetting the '인' (person) suffix. Sometimes learners just say '의뢰' when they mean the person. '의뢰' is the noun for the 'request' itself, while '의뢰인' is the 'person who requests'. So, you can 'receive an 의뢰' (의뢰를 받다) but you 'meet an 의뢰인' (의뢰인을 만나다). Mixing these up can lead to confusion about whether you are talking about the task or the human being.
Lastly, be careful with the level of politeness. While '의뢰인' is a formal word, it doesn't automatically make the sentence polite. You still need to use honorifics like '-께서' instead of '-이/가' if you want to show high respect to the client in a formal report or speech (e.g., 의뢰인께서 요청하셨습니다).
To truly master 의뢰인, you should know how it compares to other words for 'customer' or 'client'. Korean has many nuances for this concept based on the industry and the relationship.
- 의뢰인 vs. 고객 (Gogaek)
- '고객' is the most general term for a customer. Banks, malls, and airlines use '고객'. '의뢰인' is more specific to professional services like law or design requests.
- 의뢰인 vs. 손님 (Sonnim)
- '손님' literally means 'guest'. It is used warmly in restaurants and shops. '의뢰인' is much more clinical and professional.
- 의뢰인 vs. 발주자 (Baljuja)
- '발주자' is used in construction or large-scale manufacturing to mean the 'orderer' or 'employer' of a project. It is more business-heavy than '의뢰인'.
법률 상담에서는 의뢰인이라는 용어가 표준입니다. (In legal consultation, the term 'uiroein' is the standard.)
In some contexts, you might also hear '신청인' (sin-cheong-in), which means 'applicant'. This is used when someone applies for a permit or a specific administrative service. While an '의뢰인' requests a person to do something, a '신청인' applies to an institution. Choosing the right word shows your level of Korean proficiency and your understanding of social structures.
Finally, in very formal or old-fashioned legal documents, you might see '위탁자' (wi-tak-ja), meaning 'entruster' or 'consignor'. This is a very technical term used in trusts and estates. For 99% of professional situations involving a request, '의뢰인' is the most natural and respected choice.
Le savais-tu ?
The character 賴 (roe) also appears in the word '무뢰한' (mu-roe-han), which means a 'scoundrel'—literally someone who has no 'roe' (reliability or shame).
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing 'ui' as a simple 'i' or 'u'.
- Making the 'r' sound too strong (like an English 'R').
- Treating it as two syllables 'ui-roin' instead of three 'ui-roe-in'.
- Confusing the 'oe' sound with 'oi'.
- Nasalizing the 'in' too much.
Exemples par niveau
의뢰인이 있어요.
There is a client.
Simple subject + existence verb.
의뢰인을 만나요.
I meet a client.
Object particle -를 used with a transitive verb.
이 사람은 의뢰인입니다.
This person is a client.
Formal ending -입니다.
의뢰인이 전화를 했어요.
The client made a phone call.
Subject particle -이 used for the doer of the action.
의뢰인은 누구예요?
Who is the client?
Topic particle -은 used for a question.
의뢰인이 기다려요.
The client is waiting.
Simple present tense.
의뢰인에게 물어보세요.
Please ask the client.
Dative particle -에게 (to).
의뢰인이 돈을 냈어요.
The client paid money.
Past tense -었/았어요.
변호사가 의뢰인을 도와줍니다.
The lawyer helps the client.
Subject (lawyer) + Object (client) + Verb (help).
의뢰인이 사무실에 왔습니다.
The client came to the office.
Directional particle -에.
의뢰인의 이름이 무엇입니까?
What is the client's name?
Possessive particle -의.
우리는 새로운 의뢰인을 찾고 있어요.
We are looking for a new client.
Present progressive -고 있다.
의뢰인이 편지를 보냈어요.
The client sent a letter.
Past tense.
그 의뢰인은 아주 친절해요.
That client is very kind.
Adjective usage.
의뢰인과 함께 식사했어요.
I had a meal with the client.
Comitative particle -과 함께 (with).
의뢰인이 질문을 많이 해요.
The client asks many questions.
Adverb '많이' modifying the verb.
의뢰인의 요청에 따라 계획을 수정했습니다.
I modified the plan according to the client's request.
-에 따라 (according to).
의뢰인과 비밀 유지 계약을 체결했습니다.
I signed a non-disclosure agreement with the client.
Formal verb '체결하다' (to conclude/sign).
의뢰인이 원하는 디자인은 이런 스타일입니다.
The design the client wants is this style.
Noun modifying clause -는.
전문가는 의뢰인에게 최선의 조언을 해줘야 합니다.
An expert must give the best advice to the client.
-어/아야 하다 (must).
의뢰인은 자신의 권리를 보호받고 싶어 합니다.
The client wants to have their rights protected.
Passive form '보호받다' and '-고 싶어 하다'.
어제 만난 의뢰인은 성격이 매우 꼼꼼했습니다.
The client I met yesterday was very meticulous.
Past tense noun modifier -ㄴ/은.
의뢰인이 제시한 조건이 마음에 들지 않아요.
I don't like the conditions proposed by the client.
Negative form -지 않다.
의뢰인으로부터 중요한 정보를 전달받았습니다.
I received important information from the client.
Source particle -로부터 (from).
변호사는 의뢰인의 이익을 위해 법정에서 변론합니다.
The lawyer pleads in court for the benefit of the client.
-를 위해 (for the sake of).
의뢰인이 제공한 증거가 결정적인 역할을 했습니다.
The evidence provided by the client played a decisive role.
Noun modifier -ㄴ/은 and phrase '역할을 하다'.
의뢰인과의 상담 내용은 철저히 비밀로 유지됩니다.
The contents of the consultation with the client are kept strictly confidential.
Passive verb '유지되다'.
회사는 의뢰인의 불만을 해결하기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.
The company is making efforts to resolve the client's complaints.
-기 위해 (in order to).
의뢰인이 계약 조건을 위반할 경우 손해 배상을 해야 합니다.
If the client violates the contract terms, they must pay damages.
-ㄹ 경우 (in case of).
의뢰인의 신뢰를 얻는 것이 비즈니스의 핵심입니다.
Gaining the client's trust is the core of the business.
Gerund form -는 것.
모든 의뢰인에게 공평한 서비스를 제공해야 합니다.
Fair service must be provided to all clients.
Adverb '공평하게' vs adjective '공평한'.
의뢰인은 프로젝트의 진행 상황을 수시로 확인했습니다.
The client checked the progress of the project frequently.
Adverb '수시로' (frequently/at any time).
의뢰인의 정당한 권익을 보호하는 것이 법조인의 사명입니다.
It is the mission of legal professionals to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the client.
Advanced vocabulary '권익' (rights and interests) and '사명' (mission).
의뢰인과 변호인 간의 의사소통 부재가 패소의 원인이 되었습니다.
The lack of communication between the client and the lawyer became the cause of losing the case.
Noun focus with '부재' (absence) and '원인이 되다'.
의뢰인의 주관적인 판단이 객관적인 사실과 다를 수 있습니다.
The client's subjective judgment may differ from objective facts.
Contrast between '주관적' (subjective) and '객관적' (objective).
의뢰인이 제시한 허위 증거로 인해 재판이 지연되었습니다.
The trial was delayed due to false evidence presented by the client.
-로 인해 (due to).
의뢰인의 요구가 법적 테두리를 벗어날 경우 거절해야 합니다.
If the client's request goes beyond the legal framework, it must be rejected.
Metaphorical use of '테두리' (framework/boundary).
의뢰인은 자신의 선택에 따른 법적 책임을 지게 됩니다.
The client comes to bear legal responsibility for their choices.
-게 되다 (to come to/become).
의뢰인과의 신뢰 관계 구축은 장기적인 협력의 기초가 됩니다.
Establishing a trust relationship with the client is the foundation of long-term cooperation.
Complex noun phrases.
의뢰인의 신원을 확인하는 절차가 까다로워졌습니다.
The procedure for verifying the client's identity has become stricter.
-어/아지다 (to become).
의뢰인의 묵비권 행사는 헌법에서 보장하는 기본적인 권리입니다.
The client's exercise of the right to remain silent is a fundamental right guaranteed by the constitution.
Legal terminology '묵비권 행사' (exercise of right to silence).
전문가는 의뢰인의 잠재적 요구까지 통찰할 수 있어야 합니다.
A professional must be able to gain insight even into the client's potential needs.
Advanced verb '통찰하다' (to gain insight).
의뢰인과 수임인 사이의 이해 상충 문제는 엄격히 다뤄져야 합니다.
Conflict of interest issues between the client and the appointee must be handled strictly.
Technical term '이해 상충' (conflict of interest).
의뢰인의 심리적 불안감을 해소하는 것도 전문가의 역할 중 하나입니다.
Relieving the client's psychological anxiety is also one of the professional's roles.
Psychological context.
의뢰인의 위법 행위에 가담하는 것은 전문직 윤리에 어긋납니다.
Participating in a client's illegal acts goes against professional ethics.
-에 어긋나다 (to go against).
의뢰인이 익명을 요구할 경우, 그 의사를 최대한 존중해야 합니다.
If a client requests anonymity, that intention must be respected to the fullest.
Advanced vocabulary '익명' (anonymity).
의뢰인의 배경과 가치관을 이해하는 것이 맞춤형 서비스의 시작입니다.
Understanding the client's background and values is the beginning of customized service.
Abstract concept mapping.
의뢰인의 충성도를 높이기 위해 차별화된 전략이 필요합니다.
A differentiated strategy is needed to increase client loyalty.
Business strategy terminology.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— Customized for the client. Used in business services.
의뢰인 맞춤형 솔루션을 제공합니다.
— Client-centered. Focusing on the client's needs.
우리 회사는 의뢰인 중심의 경영을 합니다.
— An anonymous client. Common in mystery or high-profile cases.
익명의 의뢰인으로부터 제보가 왔다.
— Client list. A list of people who have requested services.
의뢰인 명단을 정리해 주세요.
— The client's intention or will.
의뢰인의 의사를 존중해야 합니다.
— The client's side. Used in negotiations or trials.
의뢰인 측에서 연락이 왔습니다.
— Client management. Maintaining relationships with clients.
전문직에게는 의뢰인 관리가 필수다.
— Key client or major client.
그는 우리 법률 사무소의 주요 의뢰인이다.
— Client's consent.
의뢰인의 동의 없이 공개할 수 없다.
— Client satisfaction.
의뢰인의 만족이 우리의 목표입니다.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To put oneself in the client's shoes (understand their situation).
전문가는 의뢰인의 입장이 되어 생각해야 한다.
Common— To treat a client with the utmost respect (like heaven).
그 직원은 의뢰인을 하늘처럼 모신다.
Slightly Exaggerated— To solve exactly what the client is struggling with (scratching an itch).
이번 제안서는 의뢰인의 가려운 곳을 긁어주었다.
Metaphorical— To be in the same boat as the client (sharing the same fate).
변호사는 의뢰인과 한 배를 탄 운명이다.
Common— To adjust to the client's level (of understanding or expectation).
설명할 때는 의뢰인의 눈높이에 맞춰야 한다.
Common— To win the client's heart/favor.
신뢰를 통해 의뢰인의 마음을 샀다.
Common— To act as the client's hands and feet (doing everything for them).
비서는 의뢰인의 손발이 되어 움직였다.
Metaphorical— A variation of the idiom that a client's kind word can solve even great problems.
의뢰인의 칭찬 한마디에 피로가 풀렸다.
Literary— To turn a client away at the door (refusing to help).
돈이 없다고 의뢰인을 문전박대해서는 안 된다.
Formal— To show extreme respect to the client (not even stepping on their shadow).
그는 의뢰인의 그림자도 밟지 않을 정도로 깍듯하다.
Archaic/ExaggeratedFamille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Apparenté
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a person (IN) who is 'RE-lying' (UI-ROE) on a lawyer. UI-ROE-IN.
Association visuelle
Visualize a detective's office door with a silhouette of a person standing outside—that is the 의뢰인.
Word Web
Défi
Try to use '의뢰인' in a sentence about your favorite K-drama character. Who is their most famous client?
Origine du mot
Derived from the Hanja characters 依 (ui), 賴 (roe), and 人 (in). 依 means 'to lean on' or 'to rely', 賴 means 'to trust' or 'to request', and 人 means 'person'.
Sens originel : A person who relies on another by making a request.
Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).Contexte culturel
Always use '의뢰인' in professional settings to show respect for the formal nature of the request. Avoid using '고객' for legal or high-stakes consulting as it can sound too transactional.
In English, 'client' can be used for a therapist, a lawyer, or a hair stylist. In Korean, '의뢰인' is rarely used for a hair stylist (they use '손님').
Summary
The word 의뢰인 is essential for discussing professional services. While you are a '고객' at a department store, you are an '의뢰인' when you hire a lawyer or a freelancer. Example: 의뢰인의 요구 (The client's request).
- 의뢰인 means 'client' or 'requester' in a formal, professional context like law or design.
- It is different from '고객' (general customer) because it implies a specific task or request.
- The word is composed of Hanja meaning 'rely', 'request', and 'person'.
- It is frequently used in legal dramas, news, and business contracts.
Exemple
변호사는 의뢰인의 비밀을 지켜야 한다.
Contenu associé
Grammaire lie
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A2Concernant ou relatif à ; à propos de. Utilisé pour lier deux noms (ex: un livre sur le Corée).
~대하여
A2Signifie 'à propos de' ou 'concernant'. Utilisé pour introduire le sujet d'une discussion ou d'un écrit.
대해서
A2À propos de; concernant.
에 대해
A2Une expression utilisée pour signifier 'à propos de' ou 'concernant'.
풍요롭다
A2Être abondant, prospère ou riche.
관철하다
B2Mener à bien sa volonté ou ses exigences malgré les obstacles. 'Il a fait prévaloir ses idées lors de la réunion.'
~에 따라
B1Selon, en fonction de. Utilisé pour indiquer que quelque chose dépend d'un autre facteur ou suit une règle.
에 따라
A2Selon les circonstances, le plan peut changer. (Selon / En fonction de)
에 의하면
B1Selon les informations reçues, ce mot signifie 'selon'. Par exemple: 'Selon le journal, il fera beau demain.'
계좌번호
A2Un numéro de compte bancaire. Utilisé pour les virements et les paiements électroniques en Corée.