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B2 noun #4,000 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

문맥

Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 문맥 en 30 secondes

Explication 문맥 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '문맥' (mun-maek) is a word you might not use often yourself, but you will begin to feel its importance. Think of it like a story's 'road map.' When you read a simple sentence like 'I am hungry. I want to eat ____,' the context (the first sentence) tells you that the blank should be 'food.' This is what 문맥 does! It helps you guess the meaning of new words by looking at the words around them. For beginners, understanding 문맥 means looking at the pictures in a book or the sentences you already know to figure out the ones you don't know. Even if you don't know the word '문맥' yet, you are already using it every time you try to understand a Korean cartoon or a simple conversation. It is the 'helper' that makes sense of the language. In A1, we focus on the basic 'flow' of a story. If the story is about a birthday, the 문맥 tells us that words like 'cake,' 'gift,' and 'happy' are likely to appear. Learning to pay attention to this flow will help you learn Korean much faster because you won't have to look up every single word in a dictionary. You can just look at the 문맥!

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At the A2 level, you are starting to read longer paragraphs and have basic conversations. Here, '문맥' becomes an important tool for solving problems. When you see a word that has two meanings (like '눈' which can mean 'eye' or 'snow'), you use the 문맥 to decide which one it is. For example, if the sentence says 'The sky is cold and white ____ is falling,' the 문맥 clearly shows that '눈' means 'snow.' At this level, you should start recognizing that Korean sentences often omit the subject (like 'I' or 'You'). You have to look at the 문맥 to know who is speaking or who is being talked about. This is a very common part of the 'Korean 문맥.' You might hear a teacher say, 'Look at the 문맥!' when you are confused about a sentence. It means 'Don't just look at one word; look at the whole sentence and the sentences before it.' Practice identifying the 'topic' of a paragraph, as this topic creates the 문맥 for everything else. By understanding the 문맥, you can start to feel more confident even when you don't understand 100% of the vocabulary.

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At the B1 level, '문맥' is a word you should actively know and be able to use in simple discussions about your studies. You are moving beyond simple stories into more complex topics like news, hobbies, and social issues. In these areas, 문맥 is not just a 'helper' but a 'requirement.' You will notice that Korean uses many idiomatic expressions and metaphors. These cannot be translated literally; they only make sense within their 문맥. For example, the phrase '발이 넓다' literally means 'feet are wide,' but in the 문맥 of talking about a person's social life, it means 'to have many acquaintances.' At B1, you will also start to learn about different speech levels (Polite, Formal, Casual). The 문맥 of the situation—who you are talking to and where you are—determines which level you use. If you use the wrong level, you are 'breaking the 문맥' of the social interaction. You should be able to explain why you chose a certain word by saying, '문맥상 이 단어가 더 좋아요' (Contextually, this word is better). This shows that you are beginning to understand the nuances of the Korean language and how words relate to each other logically.

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At the B2 level, '문맥' is a core concept for achieving fluency. This is the level where you are expected to understand complex texts, including literature and technical articles. You must be able to 'grasp the 문맥' (문맥을 파악하다) to identify the author's tone, attitude, and hidden intentions. Often, the most important information in a Korean text is not stated directly but is implied through the 문맥. For example, a writer might use a specific sarcastic tone that is only visible if you understand the 문맥 of the previous paragraphs. At this stage, you are also learning to write more cohesive essays. You need to ensure that your own writing has a clear 문맥. This means using transition words (like '그러므로', '하지만', '게다가') correctly to guide the reader through your logic. If your sentences are grammatically correct but don't follow a logical order, a Korean speaker will say your writing 'lacks 문맥' (문맥이 없다). You should also be aware of '문맥상 유의어' (contextual synonyms)—words that mean the same thing in one specific situation but are different in others. Mastering 문맥 at B2 means you are no longer just 'translating' Korean; you are 'thinking' in Korean.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '문맥' should be sophisticated and analytical. You are now dealing with high-level academic papers, professional legal documents, and classic literature. In these contexts, 문맥 is often the subject of intense study. You must be able to analyze how 'discourse context' (담화 문맥) affects the interpretation of complex grammatical structures. For instance, the use of certain particles like '-는' vs '-가' can change the entire focus of a sentence based on the 문맥 of what was said previously. You should be able to discuss 'contextual ambiguity' and how to resolve it through textual analysis. Furthermore, you should understand how cultural 문맥 (cultural context) influences language. Korean is a 'high-context' language, meaning much of the communication is unsaid and relies on shared cultural understanding. At C1, you are expected to navigate this 'invisible 문맥' effortlessly. Whether you are participating in a high-level business negotiation or writing a literary critique, your ability to manipulate and interpret 문맥 will define your expertise. You should be able to identify when a text is intentionally subverting the expected 문맥 for stylistic effect, such as in post-modern literature or satirical journalism.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like or near-native mastery of '문맥.' You understand that 문맥 is not just a linguistic feature but a philosophical and sociolinguistic construct. You can engage in 'hermeneutic' analysis, where you understand that the meaning of a part is determined by the whole (문맥), and the whole is understood through its parts. You are capable of interpreting archaic or highly specialized 문맥, such as those found in Joseon-era documents or cutting-edge scientific research. You can detect the slightest shifts in 문맥 that might indicate a change in a speaker's social positioning or ideological bias. Your own production of Korean—whether spoken or written—is characterized by an impeccable 'flow' where every word choice is perfectly calibrated to the 문맥 of the audience, the medium, and the purpose. You can use 문맥 to create complex puns, double entendres, and sophisticated rhetorical devices. At this level, you might even contribute to the field of Korean linguistics by researching how 문맥 influences machine translation or artificial intelligence. For a C2 learner, 문맥 is the ocean in which you swim; it is so fundamental to your communication that you navigate its deepest currents with intuition and intellectual precision.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

문맥 en 30 secondes

문맥 means 'context' or 'textual flow,' derived from Hanja meaning 'writing pulse.'
It is primarily used to discuss how surrounding sentences influence a word's meaning.
Commonly paired with verbs like '파악하다' (grasp) and '고려하다' (consider).
Essential for reading comprehension and professional translation tasks.

The Korean word 문맥 (mun-maek) is a critical noun for any intermediate to advanced learner. At its core, it refers to the 'context' or the 'flow of a text.' If we look at the Hanja (Chinese characters) that form this word, we find 文 (mun), meaning 'writing' or 'literature,' and 脈 (maek), meaning 'pulse,' 'vein,' or 'blood vessel.' Therefore, the etymological root suggests that 문맥 is the 'pulse of the writing'—the invisible thread that connects words and sentences to give them a unified, coherent meaning. In linguistic terms, it is the environment in which a word or phrase exists, which determines how that specific element should be interpreted. Without 문맥, language would be a collection of isolated, ambiguous sounds or symbols. For English speakers, think of how the word 'bank' could mean a financial institution or the side of a river; it is the context that clarifies the intent. In Korean, where homonyms and particles can drastically change the nuance of a sentence, understanding the 문맥 is even more vital for fluency.

Literary Usage: In literature, 문맥 refers to the logical progression of the plot or the thematic consistency of a poem. Critics often analyze whether a character's actions fit the established 문맥 of the story.

단어의 의미는 문맥에 따라 변할 수 있습니다. (The meaning of a word can change depending on the context.)

People use this word most frequently in educational, professional, and analytical settings. If you are taking the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) exam, you will often encounter instructions telling you to 'infer the meaning based on the 문맥.' It is also a common term in legal and business environments where the interpretation of a specific clause in a contract depends heavily on the surrounding paragraphs. In daily conversation, while people might use the broader term '상황' (situation), they will switch to '문맥' when specifically discussing something written, like a text message, an email, or a news article that was misunderstood. For example, if someone takes a quote out of order to make you look bad, you might defend yourself by saying, 'You are taking that out of 문맥!' (문맥을 무시하고 말하고 있어요!).

Academic Context: In linguistics, 문맥 is divided into 'linguistic context' (the words around it) and 'situational context' (the world around it), though 문맥 specifically emphasizes the written or spoken flow.

전체적인 문맥을 파악하는 것이 독해의 핵심입니다. (Grasping the overall context is the key to reading comprehension.)

Understanding 문맥 also involves recognizing the social hierarchy and emotional tone in Korean. Because Korean uses honorifics and speech levels, the 문맥 determines which level is appropriate. If a text starts with formal endings (-습니다) and suddenly switches to informal ones (-어/아), the 문맥 feels broken or 'out of pulse' unless there is a specific stylistic reason for it. Therefore, 문맥 is not just about vocabulary; it is about the structural integrity of communication. When you master 문맥, you stop translating word-for-word and start understanding thoughts and intentions as a whole.

이 문장은 문맥상 어색합니다. (This sentence is awkward in context.)

Professional Usage: Translators and interpreters spend 90% of their time analyzing 문맥 to ensure that the spirit of the original message is preserved across cultures.

그는 문맥을 잘못 짚어서 오해를 샀다. (He caused a misunderstanding because he misread the context.)

앞뒤 문맥을 살펴보면 답이 나옵니다. (If you look at the context before and after, the answer will appear.)

Using 문맥 correctly requires understanding its common verb pairings and particles. Because it is a noun that describes a logical relationship, it is frequently used with verbs of perception, matching, and analysis. The most common particle attached to it is ~상 (meaning 'in terms of' or 'from the perspective of'), creating the word 문맥상. This is used to say 'Contextually...' or 'Based on the context...' For example, '문맥상 이 단어는 부적절합니다' (Contextually, this word is inappropriate). This structure is essential for anyone writing essays or critiquing texts in Korean.

Common Verb: 파악하다 (to grasp/understand): This is the 'go-to' verb for 문맥. You don't just 'know' the context; you 'grasp' it. It implies a deeper level of cognitive processing where you connect the dots between sentences.

글의 문맥을 파악하는 능력이 부족하면 오독하기 쉽다. (If your ability to grasp the context of a text is lacking, it is easy to misread.)

Another important pairing is ~에 맞다 (to fit) or ~에 어울리다 (to suit). These are used when discussing whether a specific word choice or sentence structure is harmonious with the rest of the text. If you are writing a formal report and use a slang word, your teacher might say, '문맥에 맞지 않는 표현입니다' (This expression does not fit the context). This helps learners understand that Korean isn't just about grammar rules, but about stylistic consistency. You can also use ~을 살피다 (to examine/look into) when you are carefully reading to find hidden meanings.

Common Verb: 고려하다 (to consider): Used when you need to take the surrounding circumstances into account before making a judgment. '문맥을 고려하여 번역하세요' (Translate while considering the context).

전체 문맥 속에서 그 단어의 의미를 유추해 보세요. (Try to infer the meaning of that word within the overall context.)

In more complex sentences, 문맥 can be used with ~을 통해 (through). This is common in academic papers: '문맥을 통해 작가의 의도를 알 수 있다' (Through the context, one can know the author's intention). It can also be used negatively with ~에서 벗어나다 (to deviate from). If a discussion goes off-topic, you might say it '문맥에서 벗어났다.' This versatility makes it a powerhouse word for describing how information is structured and delivered. Whether you are talking about a movie plot, a speech, or a textbook, 문맥 provides the framework for your analysis.

이 문장은 앞뒤 문맥이 전혀 연결되지 않아요. (The context before and after this sentence doesn't connect at all.)

그의 발언은 문맥을 무시한 채 인용되었다. (His remarks were quoted while ignoring the context.)

Advanced Usage: 문맥을 짚다: '짚다' means to point out or touch upon. To '짚다' the 문맥 means to accurately identify the core flow of a discussion or text.

선생님은 글의 핵심 문맥을 정확히 짚어 주셨다. (The teacher accurately pointed out the core context of the writing.)

You will encounter 문맥 in a variety of real-world scenarios in Korea, ranging from high-stakes testing to media criticism. One of the most common places is the Korean classroom. From elementary school through university, students are taught to read 'between the lines' by analyzing the 문맥. Teachers often ask, '이 문맥에서 밑줄 친 부분의 의미는 무엇인가요?' (In this context, what is the meaning of the underlined part?). This makes the word synonymous with deep reading and critical thinking. If you are a student in Korea, this word will be a constant companion in your Korean Language Arts (국어) classes.

The News and Media: Journalists and political commentators use 문맥 to discuss public statements. You might hear a news anchor say that a politician's words were 'taken out of context' (문맥을 무시하고 보도되었다). This is a frequent topic in debates about media ethics and 'fake news.'

그 기사는 인터뷰의 전체적인 문맥을 왜곡했다. (That article distorted the overall context of the interview.)

Another place you will hear this word is in professional editing or translation offices. Editors use it to describe the flow of a manuscript. If a story feels disjointed, they will say the 문맥 is '끊겨 있다' (broken) or '매끄럽지 않다' (not smooth). For translators, 문맥 is the 'Holy Grail.' A common saying in the industry is 'Context is King,' and in Korean, that king is 문맥. When translating from English to Korean, translators must decide if a word choice fits the cultural and linguistic 문맥 of the target audience. They might spend hours debating whether a specific term aligns with the 문맥 established in the previous chapters.

Legal and Formal Documents: In law, the 문맥 of a statute is used to interpret the intent of the legislature. Lawyers argue about how the 문맥 of a contract defines the responsibilities of each party.

법률 용어는 문맥에 따라 엄격하게 해석되어야 합니다. (Legal terms must be strictly interpreted according to the context.)

Finally, you will hear this word in literary circles and book clubs. When discussing a novel, readers might talk about how the 문맥 changed after a certain plot twist. It’s a sophisticated way to talk about storytelling. Instead of saying 'the story changed,' saying 'the 문맥 shifted' (문맥이 바뀌었다) suggests a deeper understanding of the narrative structure. It is a word that signals you are not just a casual reader, but an analytical one who pays attention to how meaning is constructed over time.

이 소설은 문맥을 통해 주인공의 심리 변화를 보여준다. (This novel shows the change in the protagonist's psychology through the context.)

강연의 문맥을 놓치지 않으려고 집중해서 들었다. (I listened intently so as not to miss the context of the lecture.)

Online Forums and SNS: On platforms like Twitter (X) or Naver Cafe, users often complain about '문맥 맹락 없는 댓글' (comments without context or logic), highlighting how important coherent flow is even in digital communication.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 문맥 is confusing it with 상황 (sang-hwang), which also means 'context' or 'situation.' While they overlap, they are not interchangeable. 상황 refers to the physical or social circumstances happening in real-time—the environment, the people involved, and the events. 문맥, however, is strictly linguistic. It refers to the flow of words, sentences, and ideas within a text or a speech. If you are late to a meeting because of traffic, that is a '상황.' If you misunderstand a word in a book because you didn't read the previous page, that is a '문맥' issue. Using '문맥' to describe a traffic jam would be a major error.

Mistake: Using 문맥 for 'Vibe' or 'Atmosphere': Sometimes learners try to use 문맥 to describe the 'vibe' of a room. The correct word for that is '분위기' (bun-wi-gi). 문맥 is logical and structural, whereas 분위기 is emotional and sensory. You can't 'feel' the 문맥 in the same way you feel the atmosphere of a party.

❌ 이 방의 문맥이 좋아요. (The context of this room is good.)
✅ 이 방의 분위기가 좋아요. (The atmosphere of this room is good.)

Another mistake is overusing the word in informal settings. While '문맥' is a common word, it has a slightly academic or formal nuance. Using it constantly when chatting with friends might make you sound like a textbook or a professor. In casual conversation, Koreans might use phrases like '앞뒤 설명' (explanation of before and after) or '말의 흐름' (the flow of the words) instead. However, if you are discussing a specific misunderstanding of a text message, 문맥 is perfectly fine. Just be aware that it carries a weight of 'analytical thinking.'

Mistake: Confusing 문맥 with 맥락 (maek-rak): This is a subtle one. '맥락' is a broader term that means 'context' or 'sequence of events.' While '문맥' is limited to text, '맥락' can be used for historical events, social trends, or complex situations. '문맥' is a subset of '맥락.' If you're unsure, '맥락' is often the safer, broader choice, but '문맥' is more precise for reading.

❌ 역사의 문맥을 이해해야 합니다. (You must understand the textual context of history.)
✅ 역사의 맥락을 이해해야 합니다. (You must understand the context/thread of history.)

Lastly, learners sometimes forget the particle ~상. They might say '문맥에서' when '문맥상' is more natural. While '문맥에서' (in the context) is grammatically correct, '문맥상' (contextually) is the standard way to express that something is determined by the context. For example, '문맥상 알 수 있다' (It can be known contextually) sounds much more like a native speaker than '문맥에서 알 수 있다.' Paying attention to these small lexical preferences will elevate your Korean from 'understandable' to 'natural.'

그 단어는 문맥상 아주 중요한 역할을 합니다. (That word plays a very important role contextually.)

질문의 문맥을 파악하지 못하면 엉뚱한 대답을 하게 됩니다. (If you don't grasp the context of the question, you will give a random/off-base answer.)

Mistake: Pronunciation: Some learners pronounce it as 'mun-mek' with a short 'e'. Ensure the second syllable '맥' has a clear 'ae' sound (like 'map' but slightly more closed), and the 'm' sound at the start of 'maek' is crisp after the 'n' of 'mun'.

To truly master 문맥, you should know its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. The most common alternative is 맥락 (maek-rak). As mentioned before, 맥락 is a broader term. While 문맥 focuses on the 'textual pulse,' 맥락 focuses on the 'logical thread' or 'connection.' You can use 맥락 for events, historical trends, and even the logic of an argument. In many cases involving text, they are interchangeable, but 문맥 is more specific to the literal words on the page.

Comparison: 문맥 vs. 맥락

문맥: Focuses on the flow of sentences and literal text. (e.g., 'The sentence doesn't fit the 문맥.')
맥락: Focuses on the broader logical connection or background. (e.g., 'In the 맥락 of the 21st century...')

이 사건은 역사적 맥락에서 이해해야 합니다. (This event must be understood in a historical context.)

Another similar word is 흐름 (heu-reum), which means 'flow' or 'stream.' This is a more native Korean (pure Korean) word compared to the Hanja-based 문맥. 흐름 is used more broadly—you can talk about the 'flow of water,' the 'flow of time,' or the 'flow of a story.' When talking about a text, '글의 흐름' is a very common and slightly less formal way to say '문맥.' If a story is easy to follow, you might say '흐름이 좋다' (the flow is good). It feels more dynamic and less technical than 문맥.

Comparison: 문맥 vs. 상황 (sang-hwang)

문맥: Internal context (the words around a word).
상황: External context (the environment around the speaker).

지금 상황이 아주 급박합니다. (The situation is very urgent right now.)

Finally, consider 배경 (bae-gyeong), which means 'background.' While 문맥 is the immediate surrounding text, 배경 is the larger setting or the information needed to understand the whole thing. For example, the 'historical 배경' of a novel provides the '문맥' for a character's specific dialogue. If 문맥 is the 'vein' (脈), 배경 is the 'landscape' the person is standing in. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the exact word that fits your meaning, making your Korean much more precise and sophisticated.

이 소설의 시대적 배경은 1950년대입니다. (The historical background of this novel is the 1950s.)

그의 말은 문맥상 오해의 소지가 다분하다. (His words have a lot of room for misunderstanding in context.)

Other Related Words

전후 관계 (jeon-hu gwan-gye): The relationship between what comes before and after.
행간 (haeng-gan): 'Between the lines' (literally the space between rows of text).

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The character 脈 (pulse/vein) is used for things that flow or connect, like mountain ranges (산맥) and blood vessels (정맥/동맥). Calling context a 'vein' suggests that a text is a living body.

Guide de prononciation

UK /mun.mɛk/

US /mun.mæk/

The stress is balanced, but slightly more emphasis can be placed on the second syllable '맥' in emphatic speech.

Rime avec

산맥 (san-maek - mountain range) 정맥 (jeong-maek - vein) 동맥 (dong-maek - artery) 인맥 (in-maek - personal connections) 기맥 (gi-maek - energy channel) 수맥 (su-maek - water vein) 광맥 (gwang-maek - mineral vein) 맥 (maek - pulse)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'mun' as 'man'.
Pronouncing 'maek' as 'mek' (too short).
Failing to clearly separate the 'n' and 'm' sounds.
Adding a vowel sound between 'n' and 'm' (e.g., mu-ne-maek).
Confusing it with 'mun-myeong' (civilization).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 4/5

Understanding the concept is easy, but applying it to complex Korean texts requires high-level cognitive skills.

Écriture 5/5

Creating a natural 문맥 in one's own writing is one of the final hurdles for advanced learners.

Expression orale 3/5

The word itself is easy to say, but using it correctly in social 'context' is tricky.

Écoute 4/5

Listeners must often 'fill in the blanks' using 문맥 in real-time conversations.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

단어 (word) 문장 (sentence) 뜻 (meaning) 이해하다 (understand) 흐름 (flow)

Apprends ensuite

맥락 (broader context) 유추하다 (infer) 왜곡하다 (distort) 행간 (between the lines) 함의 (implication)

Avancé

해석학 (hermeneutics) 담화 분석 (discourse analysis) 상호텍스트성 (intertextuality) 화용론 (pragmatics) 정합성 (coherence)

Grammaire à connaître

~에 따라 (Depending on...)

문맥에 따라 의미가 달라집니다.

~상 (In terms of...)

문맥상 이 단어가 자연스럽습니다.

~를 통해 (Through...)

문맥을 통해 주제를 파악할 수 있어요.

~을 고려하여 (Considering...)

앞뒤 문맥을 고려하여 해석하세요.

~지 않도록 (So that... not)

문맥이 끊기지 않도록 주의하세요.

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Exemples par niveau

책을 읽을 때 문맥을 보세요.

Look at the context when you read a book.

문맥 (noun) + 을 (object particle)

문맥이 아주 쉬워요.

The context is very easy.

문맥 (noun) + 이 (subject particle)

이야기의 문맥을 알아요?

Do you know the context of the story?

이야기 (story) + 의 (possessive particle)

문맥으로 단어를 공부해요.

Study words through context.

문맥 (noun) + 으로 (method particle)

그림은 문맥을 도와줘요.

Pictures help with the context.

도와주다 (to help) in polite present tense.

선생님이 문맥을 설명해요.

The teacher explains the context.

설명하다 (to explain) in polite present tense.

문맥이 없으면 어려워요.

It is difficult without context.

없으면 (if there is none) conditional form.

앞뒤 문맥을 확인하세요.

Please check the context before and after.

확인하세요 (please check) imperative polite.

문맥을 보면 뜻을 알 수 있어요.

If you look at the context, you can know the meaning.

~면 (if) + ~ㄹ 수 있다 (can)

이 단어는 문맥에 따라 뜻이 달라요.

This word has different meanings depending on the context.

~에 따라 (depending on)

문맥상 이 문장은 조금 이상해요.

Contextually, this sentence is a bit strange.

문맥상 (contextually)

전체 문맥을 파악하는 것이 중요해요.

It is important to grasp the overall context.

파악하는 것 (grasping) gerund form.

문맥을 이해하면 재미있어요.

It's fun if you understand the context.

이해하면 (if you understand)

문맥을 놓치면 내용을 몰라요.

If you miss the context, you won't know the content.

놓치면 (if you miss)

친구의 말에서 문맥을 찾았어요.

I found the context in my friend's words.

~에서 (from/in) location particle.

문맥을 생각하며 글을 읽으세요.

Read the text while thinking about the context.

~하며 (while doing)

문맥을 파악하지 못해서 오해를 했어요.

I had a misunderstanding because I couldn't grasp the context.

~지 못해서 (because I couldn't)

이 표현은 문맥에 맞게 써야 합니다.

You must use this expression appropriately for the context.

~에 맞게 (fittingly/appropriately)

문맥을 통해 숨겨진 의미를 찾아보세요.

Try to find the hidden meaning through the context.

~를 통해 (through)

문맥이 매끄럽지 않아서 다시 썼어요.

I rewrote it because the context wasn't smooth.

매끄럽지 않다 (not smooth)

그는 문맥을 무시하고 내 말을 전했다.

He relayed my words while ignoring the context.

무시하고 (ignoring and)

문맥을 고려하여 단어를 선택하세요.

Select words while considering the context.

고려하여 (considering)

앞뒤 문맥을 살피면 답이 보입니다.

If you examine the context before and after, the answer appears.

살피면 (if you examine)

문맥상 어색한 부분을 고쳐 보세요.

Try to fix the parts that are awkward contextually.

어색한 (awkward) adjective form.

필자의 의도는 문맥을 통해 명확히 드러난다.

The author's intention is clearly revealed through the context.

드러나다 (to be revealed)

문맥을 잘못 짚으면 전체 내용이 왜곡될 수 있다.

If you misinterpret the context, the entire content can be distorted.

짚다 (to point/grasp) + 왜곡되다 (to be distorted)

이 소설은 문맥의 흐름이 매우 자연스럽다.

The flow of context in this novel is very natural.

흐름 (flow) + 자연스럽다 (natural)

문맥상 유추 가능한 정보를 최대한 활용하세요.

Make the most of the information that can be inferred contextually.

유추 가능한 (inferable)

번역할 때는 문맥의 뉘앙스를 살리는 것이 중요하다.

When translating, it's important to preserve the nuance of the context.

살리는 것 (preserving/bringing to life)

그의 발언은 문맥에서 완전히 벗어나 있었다.

His remarks were completely out of context.

벗어나다 (to deviate/be out of)

문맥을 파악하는 능력이 독해력의 핵심이다.

The ability to grasp context is the core of reading comprehension.

독해력 (reading comprehension)

문맥이 끊기지 않도록 문장을 연결해 보세요.

Try to connect the sentences so the context isn't interrupted.

끊기지 않도록 (so that it doesn't break)

담화 문맥에 따라 지시 대명사의 의미가 결정된다.

The meaning of demonstrative pronouns is determined by the discourse context.

담화 (discourse) + 지시 대명사 (demonstrative pronoun)

이 문장은 문맥적 제약으로 인해 중의성이 해소된다.

The ambiguity of this sentence is resolved due to contextual constraints.

중의성 (ambiguity) + 해소되다 (to be resolved)

사회적 문맥을 배제한 채 텍스트를 분석하는 것은 한계가 있다.

There are limits to analyzing a text while excluding social context.

배제한 채 (while excluding)

문맥의 전환을 통해 작가는 극적 효과를 노리고 있다.

The author is aiming for a dramatic effect through a shift in context.

전환 (shift/transition) + 노리다 (to aim for)

비언어적 요소도 문맥의 중요한 구성 성분이다.

Non-verbal elements are also important components of context.

비언어적 (non-verbal) + 구성 성분 (component)

문맥을 정교하게 분석하면 텍스트의 심층 구조를 알 수 있다.

Analyzing the context precisely allows one to know the deep structure of the text.

정교하게 (precisely) + 심층 구조 (deep structure)

이 표현은 특정 문맥에서만 관용적으로 사용된다.

This expression is used idiomatically only in specific contexts.

관용적으로 (idiomatically)

문맥을 고려하지 않은 인용은 논지의 왜곡을 초래한다.

Citing without considering context leads to the distortion of the argument.

논지 (argument/point) + 초래하다 (to bring about/cause)

해석학적 순환에 따르면 부분은 전체 문맥을 통해 이해된다.

According to the hermeneutic circle, the part is understood through the whole context.

해석학적 순환 (hermeneutic circle)

문맥의 상호텍스트성은 의미 창출의 근간이 된다.

The intertextuality of context is the foundation of meaning creation.

상호텍스트성 (intertextuality) + 근간 (foundation)

탈문맥화된 정보는 본래의 진실성을 상실하기 쉽다.

Decontextualized information is prone to losing its original authenticity.

탈문맥화 (decontextualization)

텍스트의 문맥적 정합성은 논리적 완결성을 담보한다.

The contextual coherence of a text guarantees its logical completeness.

정합성 (coherence) + 담보하다 (to guarantee)

고맥락 문화인 한국어에서 문맥 파악은 의사소통의 성패를 좌우한다.

In Korean, a high-context culture, grasping context determines the success or failure of communication.

고맥락 (high-context) + 좌우하다 (to determine/influence)

문맥의 미묘한 변주는 시적 긴장감을 유발한다.

Subtle variations in context induce poetic tension.

변주 (variation) + 유발하다 (to induce)

역사적 문맥의 재구성은 과거를 이해하는 필수적 과정이다.

The reconstruction of historical context is an essential process in understanding the past.

재구성 (reconstruction)

문맥적 단서들을 종합하여 텍스트의 함의를 도출해냈다.

By synthesizing contextual clues, the implications of the text were derived.

함의 (implication) + 도출하다 (to derive)

Synonymes

맥락 앞뒤 관계 글의 흐름

Collocations courantes

문맥을 파악하다

문맥에 맞다

문맥상 어색하다

문맥을 고려하다

문맥이 끊기다

문맥을 짚다

문맥을 살피다

문맥을 왜곡하다

문맥을 놓치다

문맥을 통하다

Phrases Courantes

문맥 파악

— Grasping the context. Often used as a noun phrase in exams.

문맥 파악이 독해의 기본이다.

문맥상 유의어

— Contextual synonyms. Words that are synonyms only in a specific context.

이 두 단어는 문맥상 유의어입니다.

앞뒤 문맥

— The context before and after. Refers to the surrounding text.

앞뒤 문맥을 보면 답을 알 수 있어요.

전체적인 문맥

— The overall context. Refers to the big picture of a text.

전체적인 문맥을 이해하는 것이 중요해요.

문맥의 흐름

— The flow of context. How the ideas connect and move forward.

문맥의 흐름이 아주 자연스럽네요.

문맥 무시

— Ignoring context. Often used in criticisms of media or arguments.

그의 주장은 문맥 무시의 전형이다.

문맥에 어울리다

— To suit the context. Used for stylistic choices.

이 표현은 문맥에 잘 어울립니다.

문맥을 읽다

— To read the context. Similar to 'read between the lines.'

글쓴이의 마음을 문맥을 통해 읽어보세요.

문맥상 의미

— Contextual meaning. The specific meaning a word takes in a text.

이 단어의 문맥상 의미를 쓰시오.

문맥의 전환

— Shift in context. When the topic or tone changes suddenly.

여기서 문맥의 전환이 일어납니다.

Souvent confondu avec

문맥 vs 상황 (Situation)

상황 is about the physical environment; 문맥 is about the linguistic flow.

문맥 vs 분위기 (Atmosphere)

분위기 is about the emotional vibe; 문맥 is about the logical connection.

문맥 vs 문장 (Sentence)

A 문장 is a single unit; 문맥 is the relationship between multiple units.

Expressions idiomatiques

"문맥을 짚어내다"

— To accurately identify the core flow or logic of a discussion.

토론의 핵심 문맥을 정확히 짚어내셨군요.

Formal

"문맥이 통하다"

— For the context to make sense or be logically connected.

말이 앞뒤가 안 맞아서 문맥이 통하지 않아요.

Neutral

"문맥을 타다"

— To follow the flow of a conversation or text smoothly.

이야기의 문맥을 잘 타야 대화에 낄 수 있다.

Neutral

"문맥을 잃다"

— To lose the thread of a story or argument.

너무 긴장해서 말의 문맥을 잃어버렸다.

Neutral

"문맥을 살리다"

— To preserve or enhance the flow of a text (often in editing).

번역가는 원문의 문맥을 최대한 살리려 노력했다.

Professional

"문맥을 비틀다"

— To intentionally distort the context for humor or deception.

그는 문맥을 비틀어 농담을 던졌다.

Neutral

"문맥을 꿰뚫다"

— To see through the context to the underlying truth.

그는 복잡한 문맥을 꿰뚫어 보는 통찰력이 있다.

Literary

"문맥에 갇히다"

— To be unable to see beyond the immediate context.

지엽적인 문맥에 갇혀 큰 그림을 보지 못했다.

Academic

"문맥을 만들다"

— To establish a context for a word or event.

작가들은 새로운 문맥을 만드는 사람들이다.

Neutral

"문맥을 따라가다"

— To follow the logical progression of a text.

어려운 논문이지만 문맥을 따라가면 이해할 수 있다.

Neutral

Facile à confondre

문맥 vs 맥락

Both translate to 'context' in English.

맥락 is broader and can refer to history, logic, or social trends. 문맥 is specifically for text and speech flow.

이 글의 문맥(O) / 역사적 맥락(O).

문맥 vs 배경

Both provide necessary information for understanding.

배경 is the 'setting' or 'behind-the-scenes' info. 문맥 is the 'immediate surrounding' text.

시대적 배경(O) / 앞뒤 문맥(O).

문맥 vs 흐름

Both describe the progression of a text.

흐름 is a general, native Korean word. 문맥 is a technical, Hanja-based term.

이야기 흐름(O) / 문맥 파악(O).

문맥 vs 상황

Beginners often use 'context' for both.

상황 is an external event (traffic, party). 문맥 is an internal linguistic structure.

급박한 상황(O) / 문맥상 오류(O).

문맥 vs 맥박

They share the Hanja '맥' (Pulse).

맥박 is the physical heart pulse. 문맥 is the metaphorical pulse of writing.

맥박이 뛰다(O) / 문맥을 파악하다(O).

Structures de phrases

문맥을 보면 [noun]을/를 알 수 있어요.

문맥을 보면 뜻을 알 수 있어요.

문맥상 [adjective]ㄴ/은 부분이 있어요.

문맥상 어색한 부분이 있어요.

문맥에 맞게 [verb]세요.

문맥에 맞게 쓰세요.

문맥을 파악하는 것이 [noun]의 핵심이다.

문맥을 파악하는 것이 독해의 핵심이다.

문맥을 통해 [noun]을/를 유추할 수 있다.

문맥을 통해 의미를 유추할 수 있다.

문맥적 제약으로 인해 [noun]이/가 발생한다.

문맥적 제약으로 인해 중의성이 발생한다.

[noun]을/를 배제한 채 문맥만 보는 것은 위험하다.

배경지식을 배제한 채 문맥만 보는 것은 위험하다.

문맥의 [noun]은/는 [noun]을/를 담보한다.

문맥의 정합성은 논리적 완결성을 담보한다.

Famille de mots

Noms

맥락 (context/thread)

문장 (sentence)

문단 (paragraph)

문체 (literary style)

Verbes

문맥화하다 (to contextualize)

탈문맥화하다 (to decontextualize)

Adjectifs

문맥적 (contextual)

Apparenté

독해 (reading comprehension)

의미 (meaning)

유추 (inference)

왜곡 (distortion)

파악 (grasping)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in educational, literary, and professional settings. Moderate in daily casual speech.

Erreurs courantes

Using 문맥 to describe a traffic jam. → 상황 (Situation)
문맥 is for language and text. A traffic jam is a physical situation, so you must use 상황.
Saying '문맥이 좋아요' to mean a nice atmosphere. → 분위기 (Atmosphere)
문맥 refers to logical flow, not emotional vibe. If a room feels nice, use 분위기.
Confusing '문맥' with '문명' (Civilization). → 문맥 (Context)
They sound similar but are completely different. 문명 is about society and technology; 문맥 is about text.
Using '문맥' for historical context. → 맥락 (Thread/Context)
While not strictly wrong, '맥락' is the preferred word for historical or social connections. 문맥 is better for literal text.
Pronouncing it as 'mun-mek'. → mun-maek
The 'ae' sound in 'maek' is important. Pronouncing it as 'mek' can sound like other words.

Astuces

The Before and After Rule

Always look at one sentence before and one sentence after a difficult word. This is the 'immediate 문맥' that usually contains the definition or a clue. Most TOPIK questions can be solved this way.

Learn Hanja

Remembering 文 (Writing) and 脈 (Pulse) will help you remember this word forever. It also helps you learn related words like 맥락 (context), 산맥 (mountain range), and 문장 (sentence).

Use ~상

Instead of saying '문맥에서', try using '문맥상'. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker and is the standard way to express 'contextually' in formal Korean.

Identify the Subject

Since Korean often drops the subject, the first thing you should do when analyzing 문맥 is identify who is doing what. The 문맥 always holds the answer to the missing 'I' or 'You'.

Cohesion is Key

A good 문맥 is built on cohesion. Use words like '그런데' (but), '그래서' (so), and '게다가' (moreover) to glue your sentences together. This creates a healthy 'pulse' in your writing.

Clarify Context

If you think someone misunderstood you, say '제 말의 문맥은 그게 아니었어요' (The context of my words wasn't that). It's a polite way to correct a misunderstanding.

High-Context Awareness

Be aware that in Korea, what you DON'T say is often as important as what you DO say. The social 문맥 fills in the gaps. Observe how others react to understand the unsaid 문맥.

Don't Stop

When listening to a fast speaker, if you miss a word, don't stop to think about it. Keep listening to the 문맥. The rest of the sentence will likely clarify the part you missed.

Spirit over Words

When translating, focus on the 문맥 of the paragraph rather than the dictionary definition of each word. A literal translation often kills the 문맥 of the original text.

Text Message Context

Text messages are often short and lack 문맥, leading to fights. If a text seems rude, consider the 문맥 of your relationship before getting angry!

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Moon' (문) with a 'Mac' (맥) computer. The Moon is reading a story on the Mac and needs to understand the context!

Association visuelle

Imagine a text where sentences are connected by glowing blue veins. These veins represent the 문맥.

Word Web

Reading Flow Logic Hanja: 文 (Writing) Hanja: 脈 (Pulse) Inference Misunderstanding Paragraph

Défi

Pick a news article today. Find one word that has multiple meanings. Explain why you chose one meaning based on the 문맥.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Hanja characters 文 (문) and 脈 (맥). It entered the Korean vocabulary during the period of heavy Chinese character influence on the literary language.

Sens originel : The pulse or blood vessel of writing.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Contexte culturel

Be careful when saying someone 'doesn't understand the 문맥.' In social settings, it can imply they are socially awkward or lack 'Nunchi'.

English speakers might find the lack of subjects in Korean confusing. They rely on 문맥 to fill in the 'I,' 'you,' or 'it.'

TOPIK exams: 문맥 파악 is a standard question type. Literary critics like Kim Uchang often discuss 문맥 in Korean modernism. K-Drama 'Misaeng' often shows characters struggling with the 'office 문맥' (social context).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Language Learning/Exams

문맥을 통해 유추하세요.
문맥상 알맞은 단어는?
앞뒤 문맥을 확인하세요.
문맥 파악이 중요해요.

Professional Translation

문맥을 살려서 번역하세요.
문맥에 맞는 표현인가요?
뉘앙스가 문맥과 안 맞아요.
전체 문맥을 고려합시다.

Media/Journalism

문맥을 무시한 보도입니다.
전체 문맥을 왜곡했어요.
발언의 문맥을 따져봐야 해요.
문맥에서 벗어난 질문입니다.

Literature/Editing

문맥이 매끄럽지 않아요.
문맥의 흐름을 고칩시다.
글의 문맥이 잘 잡혔네요.
문맥적 의미가 깊어요.

Social/Argumentative

내 말의 문맥을 오해했어.
문맥 좀 파악하고 말해.
그건 문맥상 말이 안 돼.
상황과 문맥을 봐.

Amorces de conversation

"이 문장에서 '배'가 무슨 뜻인지 문맥상 알 수 있을까요?"

"한국어 공부할 때 문맥 파악이 가장 어려운 것 같아요."

"그 기사가 정치인의 말을 문맥 무시하고 보도했다고 생각하세요?"

"소설을 읽을 때 문맥을 놓치면 다시 읽으시는 편인가요?"

"번역할 때 단어 뜻보다 문맥을 더 중요하게 생각하시나요?"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 한국어 뉴스를 읽으면서 문맥을 통해 새로 배운 단어가 있나요? 그 과정을 적어보세요.

자신의 말을 누군가가 문맥을 무시하고 오해했던 경험이 있다면 적어보세요.

한국어의 '고맥락 문화'가 당신의 모국어와 어떻게 다른지 비교해서 적어보세요.

좋아하는 소설이나 영화에서 문맥의 전환이 가장 인상 깊었던 장면을 설명해 보세요.

글을 쓸 때 문맥을 매끄럽게 만들기 위해 어떤 노력을 하시나요?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it can also be used for spoken language. If someone gives a speech, you can discuss the 문맥 of their words. However, for non-verbal situations, '상황' or '맥락' is better. For example, if you're talking about a conversation, 문맥 is fine. If you're talking about a business environment, 맥락 is better.

문맥 (Mun-maek) is strictly 'textual context.' 맥락 (Maek-rak) is 'logical thread' or 'context' in a broader sense. Think of 문맥 as a subset of 맥락. You can use 맥락 for history or social issues, but 문맥 is usually for books, articles, or speeches. For example, '역사적 맥락' (historical context) is common, but '역사적 문맥' is rare unless you are talking about historical records.

You can say '문맥에서 벗어나다' (to deviate from the context) or '문맥을 무시하다' (to ignore the context). For example, '그의 말은 문맥에서 벗어났다' means 'His words were out of context.' In a more casual way, people sometimes say '앞뒤 다 자르고' (cutting off the before and after).

Yes! You can talk about the 문맥 of a scene or the overall 문맥 of the film's narrative. It implies looking at how the story connects logically. If a scene feels random, you could say it doesn't fit the 문맥.

Yes, it is extremely common. It is the adverbial form meaning 'contextually.' You will see it in almost every Korean reading comprehension test. '문맥상 알맞은 것을 고르시오' (Choose the contextually appropriate one) is a standard instruction.

Because so much of the meaning depends on the 문맥 rather than the literal words. For instance, the word '네' can mean 'yes,' 'I see,' 'what?', or 'really?' depending entirely on the 문맥 and tone. This is why 문맥 파악 is so important for learners.

It means to accurately identify or point out the flow or core meaning of a text. '짚다' literally means to touch with a finger or a stick. So, it's like 'pointing your finger' at the exact logic of the writing. It's a very sophisticated expression.

No, that would be '분위기.' 문맥 is logical and linguistic. If you say a room has a good 문맥, people will be very confused. But if you say a book has a good 문맥, they will understand that the writing flows well.

Read more full paragraphs rather than isolated sentences. When you find a word you don't know, don't look it up immediately. Try to guess it by looking at the sentences before and after. This 'guessing' is the core of 문맥 파악.

They are related but different. 'Nunchi' is the social ability to read the '상황' (situation). '문맥 파악' is the linguistic ability to read the 'text.' However, in a broad sense, both involve looking at the surrounding environment to find hidden meaning.

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