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A2 noun #2,000 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

필수

pilsu Top 2,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 필수 en 30 secondes

Explication 필수 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '필수' is a word you might see on signs or in simple lists. It means 'you must have this' or 'this is needed.' For example, when you go to a restaurant, you might see '예약 필수' (Reservation required). It is like the word 'must' in English. Beginners should learn it as a label for things that are not optional. You can think of it as the opposite of 'choice.' If you are packing a bag, water and a phone are '필수' (essential). It is a very useful word for understanding basic rules in Korea, like needing a ticket for a bus or a mask in a hospital. Even though it's a noun, at this level, you can just use it like a tag: 'Passport? 필수!'

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At the A2 level, you start to use '필수' in simple sentences with the verb '이다' (to be). You can say '이것은 필수예요' (This is essential). You also learn to combine it with other nouns to talk about daily life. For example, '필수 아이템' (essential item) or '필수 과목' (required subject). At this stage, you should understand the difference between '필요해요' (I need) and '필수예요' (It is required). '필수' sounds more like a rule or a fact. For instance, 'To live in Korea, a phone is 필수.' You will see this word often when shopping online or looking at school schedules. It helps you identify what is mandatory and what is just extra.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '필수' to explain reasons and requirements in more detail. You will start using the adjective form '필수적이다' (to be essential). For example, '성공하려면 노력이 필수적이에요' (Effort is essential to succeed). You also encounter '필수' in professional contexts, like job requirements (필수 조건). At this level, you can distinguish between '필수' (essential) and '선택' (optional) and use them to describe your preferences or obligations. You might also hear it in the context of social etiquette, where certain behaviors are considered '필수' for being polite in Korean culture.

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At the B2 level, '필수' becomes a tool for making persuasive arguments and discussing social issues. You will use it in complex sentences to describe systemic requirements. For example, '민주주의 사회에서 언론의 자유는 필수적인 요소입니다' (Freedom of the press is an essential element in a democratic society). You will also learn more advanced collocations like '필수 불가결' (indispensable). At this stage, you should be comfortable using '필수' in both formal writing and spontaneous debate to emphasize the necessity of certain policies, behaviors, or qualities. You understand the nuance of how '필수' can be used rhetorically to elevate a 'want' to a 'need' in marketing or politics.

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At the C1 level, your understanding of '필수' extends to its philosophical and legal implications. You can discuss '필수 조건' (sine qua non) in legal contracts or academic theories. You use the word to analyze the fundamental components of complex systems, such as the '필수 원칙' (essential principles) of economics or linguistics. You are also aware of the historical etymology of the Hanja characters and how they influence the word's gravity. You can use '필수' to critique social norms, questioning whether certain '필수' requirements in society are actually necessary or merely traditional. Your usage is precise, distinguishing it from '당연' (natural/obvious) or '필연' (inevitable).

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At the C2 level, you master the absolute precision of '필수' in high-level discourse. You can use it to discuss existential necessity or the '필수성' (essentiality) of abstract concepts in literature and philosophy. You can navigate the most formal registers, using '필수' in policy white papers, legal judgments, or scientific journals where the distinction between a 'requirement' and a 'recommendation' is legally binding. You also understand the subtle irony when '필수' is used sarcastically in social commentary. Your command of the word allows you to use it as a pivot point for complex logical structures, defining the boundaries of what is possible and what is required within any given theoretical framework.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

필수 en 30 secondes

필수 means 'necessity' or 'essential.' It describes things that are mandatory and cannot be skipped or ignored in a given context.
It is commonly used in education (required courses), job requirements, and marketing (must-have items) to signal high importance.
Grammatically, it is a noun that can be used with '이다' or as a modifier for other nouns to indicate they are required.
It differs from '필요' (need) by being more objective and rule-based, rather than just a personal or subjective desire.

The Korean word 필수 (Pil-su) is a foundational noun derived from Hanja that translates most directly to 'necessity' or 'essential.' In the architectural framework of the Korean language, it represents the absolute baseline of requirement—the things that cannot be omitted without the entire structure failing. Whether you are talking about academic credits, survival gear, or the ingredients for a recipe, '필수' denotes the non-negotiable elements. It is composed of two characters: 必 (필) meaning 'certainly' or 'must,' and 須 (수) meaning 'to wait' or 'to need.' Together, they form a concept of 'that which is certainly needed.'

Core Concept: The state of being indispensable; a condition where something is required by rule, law, or natural necessity.
Etymological Nuance: The Hanja roots emphasize a sense of inevitability. Unlike '필요' (need), which can be subjective, '필수' often implies an objective or external requirement.

비타민 C는 우리 몸에 필수 영양소입니다. (Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for our bodies.)

In a broader philosophical sense, '필수' distinguishes between 'wants' and 'needs.' In modern Korean society, this word is frequently paired with other nouns to create compound concepts like '필수품' (necessities) or '필수 과목' (required subjects). It carries a weight of authority; if something is labeled as '필수,' it is no longer a matter of choice but a matter of compliance or survival. This is why you see it so often in administrative contexts, such as graduation requirements or job application criteria.

이 과정은 졸업을 위한 필수 코스입니다. (This course is a required course for graduation.)

Usage in Marketing: Advertisers use '필수 아이템' (must-have item) to create a sense of urgency and social necessity among consumers.

여행 갈 때 보조 배터리는 필수예요. (A power bank is a must when traveling.)

성공을 위해서는 노력이 필수적이다. (Effort is essential for success.)

신분증 지참은 필수 사항입니다. (Bringing an ID is a mandatory requirement.)

Using 필수 correctly involves understanding its syntactic flexibility. While it is technically a noun, it functions in several ways. First, as a standalone noun, it often appears in the predicate position with the copula '이다' (to be), as in '필수이다' (It is a necessity). Second, it acts as a prefix-like modifier for other nouns, creating compound words that are ubiquitous in daily Korean. For example, '필수 조건' (essential condition) or '필수 요소' (essential element). Third, by adding the suffix '-적', it becomes an adjective/adverb '필수적' (essential/essentially), which allows it to modify verbs or appear in more complex sentence structures.

Sentence Pattern 1: Noun + 필수: [Subject] + [Noun] + 필수 (e.g., 예약 필수 - Reservation required).
Sentence Pattern 2: 필수 + Noun: 필수 [Noun] (e.g., 필수 앱 - Essential app).

이 식당은 예약이 필수입니다. (Reservations are required at this restaurant.)

When you want to emphasize that an action is mandatory, you might use '필수적으로' (essentially/necessarily). This is common in academic writing or formal reports. In casual conversation, Koreans often drop the particles and just say '필수예요' or '필수야.' Another common usage is in the context of '필수품' (daily necessities). During the pandemic, for instance, masks were referred to as '필수품.' Understanding the level of formality is also key; while '필수' is neutral, it sounds more professional than '꼭 필요해요' (definitely need it).

한국어 공부에 단어 암기는 필수적이에요. (Memorizing words is essential for studying Korean.)

Common Collocations: 선택이 아닌 필수 (Not an option but a necessity), 필수 불가결 (Indispensable - a four-character idiom).

현대인에게 스마트폰은 필수품이 되었다. (Smartphones have become a necessity for modern people.)

이 프로그램은 설치가 필수입니다. (Installation of this program is mandatory.)

건강을 위해 운동은 필수예요. (Exercise is a must for health.)

You will encounter 필수 in almost every corner of Korean life, but it is particularly dominant in four specific domains: education, employment, commerce, and legal/administrative settings. In the education system, students are constantly navigating between '필수 과목' (required subjects) and '선택 과목' (elective subjects). Hearing a teacher say '이 내용은 시험에 필수적으로 나옵니다' (This content will essentially/definitely appear on the exam) is a signal for every student to pay maximum attention.

In the Workplace: Job postings list '필수 조건' (required qualifications) such as specific degrees or language scores (like TOEIC), which are the 'cut-off' points for applicants.

영어 성적은 지원 시 필수 사항입니다. (English scores are a mandatory requirement when applying.)

In the world of commerce and social media, '필수' has been adopted as a powerful marketing buzzword. You will see YouTube titles like '자취생 필수 템 TOP 10' (Top 10 Must-have Items for People Living Alone) or Instagram hashtags like #필수코스 (Must-visit course/place). This usage frames the word as a social standard—if you don't have this or haven't been there, you are missing out on an essential experience. It creates a sense of 'FOMO' (Fear Of Missing Out) by elevating a product from a luxury to a necessity.

제주도 여행에서 우도는 필수 코스예요. (Udo Island is a must-visit course on a Jeju trip.)

Administrative Contexts: When filling out forms online, you will see '필수 입력' (Required field) marked with a red asterisk, indicating that the form cannot be submitted without that information.

이름과 연락처는 필수 입력 항목입니다. (Name and contact information are required input items.)

신입 사원 교육은 필수입니다. (New employee training is mandatory.)

안전벨트 착용은 필수입니다. (Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 필수 is confusing it with 필요 (Pil-yo). While both relate to 'need,' they are not interchangeable. '필요' is a general term for 'need' or 'necessity' and can be used as a noun or a verb (필요하다). It is often subjective. For example, 'I need water' (물이 필요해요). In contrast, '필수' is much stronger and usually refers to an objective requirement or a rule. You wouldn't say 'I 필수 water' unless you were speaking about biological requirements in a scientific context. '필수' is a noun that describes the *status* of something, while '필요' describes the *feeling* or *state* of needing.

Mistake 1: Subjective vs. Objective: Using '필수' for personal desires. Incorrect: '나는 커피가 필수예요' (unless you mean it's a life-or-death rule). Correct: '나는 커피가 필요해요.'
Mistake 2: Grammar Mix-up: Trying to use '필수' as a verb like '필수하다.' This is incorrect. Use '필수적이다' or '필수이다.'

[Wrong] 이 수업은 필수해요.
[Right] 이 수업은 필수예요. (This class is required.)

Another mistake is overusing '필수' in casual contexts where '꼭' (definitely/surely) or '필요' would be more natural. '필수' can sound a bit stiff or overly formal if used to describe minor daily needs. For example, if you're asking a friend to bring snacks, saying '과자는 필수야' is a bit of a humorous exaggeration (like saying 'Snacks are a mandatory requirement'), whereas '과자 꼭 가져와' is the standard way to say 'Definitely bring snacks.'

[Wrong] 비타민이 필수해요.
[Right] 비타민은 필수 영양소예요. (Vitamins are essential nutrients.)

Confusion with '의무': '의무' (duty/obligation) is about responsibility, while '필수' is about the necessity of the thing itself. You have an '의무' to do something that is '필수.'

군대 가는 것은 한국 남성의 의무입니다. (Going to the military is a duty for Korean men.)

마스크 착용은 필수입니다. (Wearing a mask is mandatory.)

Understanding 필수 requires comparing it with its semantic neighbors. The most common related words are 필요 (need), 의무 (duty), 요건 (requirement), and 중요 (importance). Each of these words carves out a different niche of 'necessity.' While '필수' is the most general term for an objective requirement, the others offer more specific nuances depending on whether you are talking about rules, importance, or personal needs.

필수 vs. 필요: '필수' is 'must-have' (objective/mandatory). '필요' is 'need' (subjective/general). You 'need' (필요) a vacation, but a passport is 'essential' (필수) for it.
필수 vs. 의무: '의무' (Duty) focuses on the person's responsibility. '필수' focuses on the requirement of the situation. Voting is an '의무' (duty), and having an ID is '필수' (essential) to do it.

이것은 채용을 위한 필수 요건입니다. (This is an essential requirement for hiring.)

Another interesting comparison is with '중요' (important). Something can be important without being essential. For example, having a nice car is '중요' (important) to some people for their image, but having an engine is '필수' (essential) for the car to move. In academic settings, you might also hear '요건' (requirement/condition), which is often used in legal or formal contexts to describe the specific criteria that must be met to achieve a certain status, like '졸업 요건' (graduation requirements).

물은 생명 유지에 필수 불가결한 요소입니다. (Water is an indispensable element for sustaining life.)

필수 vs. 강제: '강제' (compulsory/forced) implies a lack of will or being made to do something by force, whereas '필수' is simply a requirement of the system.

그것은 필수 사항이지 강제 사항은 아닙니다. (That is a requirement, not a forced matter.)

비밀번호 설정은 보안의 필수입니다. (Setting a password is a necessity for security.)

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

-(으)ㄹ 때 (When doing...)

-기 위해 (In order to...)

-적 (Suffix for making adjectives)

-(이)다 (Copula)

-은/는 (Topic marker for general facts)

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Exemples par niveau

예약은 필수입니다.

Reservations are required.

필수 + 입니다 (formal polite copula)

신분증은 필수예요.

An ID is essential.

필수 + 예요 (polite copula)

물은 필수입니다.

Water is a necessity.

Subject marker '은' used for general facts.

이것은 필수 아이템이에요.

This is a must-have item.

Noun-noun compound: 필수 + 아이템.

운동은 필수예요.

Exercise is a must.

Topic marker '은' emphasizes the subject.

마스크는 필수입니다.

Masks are mandatory.

Common public safety phrase.

준비물은 필수예요.

Supplies are required.

Refers to things you must bring.

비타민은 필수예요.

Vitamins are essential.

Simple sentence structure.

여행 갈 때 지도는 필수예요.

A map is essential when traveling.

-(으)ㄹ 때 (when) + 필수.

한국어 공부에 단어는 필수입니다.

Words are essential for studying Korean.

Noun + -에 (for/in) + 필수.

이 수업은 졸업 필수 과목이에요.

This class is a required subject for graduation.

필수 과목 (required subject) is a common compound.

등산할 때 등산화는 필수예요.

Hiking boots are a must when hiking.

Specific situational necessity.

요리할 때 소금은 필수입니다.

Salt is essential when cooking.

Basic ingredient necessity.

이 앱은 여행자에게 필수예요.

This app is essential for travelers.

Noun + -에게 (to/for) + 필수.

겨울에는 패딩이 필수예요.

A padded jacket is a must in winter.

Seasonal necessity.

취업을 위해 자격증은 필수입니다.

Certificates are essential for getting a job.

-를 위해 (for the sake of) + 필수.

현대 사회에서 인터넷은 필수적인 요소입니다.

Internet is an essential element in modern society.

필수적인 (adjective form) + 요소 (element).

성공을 위해서는 인내심이 필수적이에요.

Patience is essential for success.

Abstract noun + 필수적.

이 일은 세심한 주의가 필수입니다.

This job requires careful attention.

Noun phrase + 필수.

외국어 능력은 글로벌 인재의 필수 조건입니다.

Foreign language ability is an essential condition for global talent.

필수 조건 (essential condition).

건강한 식단은 장수의 필수 요건이에요.

A healthy diet is an essential requirement for longevity.

필수 요건 (essential requirement).

팀워크는 프로젝트 성공의 필수 요소입니다.

Teamwork is an essential element of project success.

Possessive '의' + 필수 요소.

안전 교육은 모든 직원에게 필수적입니다.

Safety training is essential for all employees.

Formal requirement.

창의성은 미래 사회의 필수 역량입니다.

Creativity is an essential competency for the future society.

필수 역량 (essential competency).

민주주의를 유지하기 위해 언론의 자유는 필수입니다.

Freedom of the press is essential to maintain democracy.

-기 위해 (in order to) + 필수.

비판적 사고는 대학 교육의 필수적인 부분입니다.

Critical thinking is an essential part of university education.

필수적인 부분 (essential part).

혁신은 기업의 생존을 위한 필수 전략입니다.

Innovation is an essential strategy for a company's survival.

필수 전략 (essential strategy).

상호 존중은 원만한 인간관계의 필수 덕목입니다.

Mutual respect is an essential virtue for smooth human relationships.

필수 덕목 (essential virtue).

기초 과학 연구는 국가 경쟁력의 필수 기반입니다.

Basic science research is an essential foundation for national competitiveness.

필수 기반 (essential foundation).

변화에 대한 적응력은 현대인의 필수 자질입니다.

Adaptability to change is an essential quality for modern people.

필수 자질 (essential quality).

데이터 분석 능력은 마케팅의 필수 기술이 되었습니다.

Data analysis ability has become an essential skill in marketing.

필수 기술 (essential skill).

충분한 수면은 정신 건강을 위해 필수적입니다.

Sufficient sleep is essential for mental health.

Biological necessity.

법치주의의 확립은 사회 정의 실현의 필수 전제입니다.

The establishment of the rule of law is an essential prerequisite for realizing social justice.

필수 전제 (essential prerequisite).

다양성의 존중은 통합된 사회로 나아가기 위한 필수 과정입니다.

Respect for diversity is an essential process for moving toward an integrated society.

필수 과정 (essential process).

탄소 중립은 기후 위기 대응을 위한 필수 과제입니다.

Carbon neutrality is an essential task for responding to the climate crisis.

필수 과제 (essential task).

철학적 성찰은 가치 있는 삶을 살기 위한 필수 요소입니다.

Philosophical reflection is an essential element for living a worthy life.

Abstract necessity.

투명한 정보 공개는 정부 신뢰 구축의 필수 조건입니다.

Transparent information disclosure is an essential condition for building government trust.

Political requirement.

예술적 감수성은 인간의 풍요로운 삶에 필수적입니다.

Artistic sensitivity is essential for a rich human life.

Formal adjective usage.

지속 가능한 개발은 미래 세대를 위한 필수 선택입니다.

Sustainable development is an essential choice for future generations.

Oxymoronic 'essential choice' (필수 선택).

공정한 경쟁은 시장 경제의 필수 원칙입니다.

Fair competition is an essential principle of a market economy.

필수 원칙 (essential principle).

언어는 인간의 사유를 규정하는 필수 불가결한 틀이다.

Language is an indispensable framework that defines human thought.

필수 불가결 (indispensable).

고통은 인간 성숙의 필수적인 통과 의례와도 같다.

Suffering is like an essential rite of passage for human maturity.

Metaphorical necessity.

기술의 윤리적 검토는 인류의 안전을 위한 필수적 선결 과제이다.

Ethical review of technology is an essential prerequisite for the safety of humanity.

필수적 선결 과제 (essential prerequisite task).

자유 의지는 도덕적 책임의 필수적 근거로 작용한다.

Free will acts as the essential basis for moral responsibility.

Philosophical terminology.

역사적 성찰은 반복되는 비극을 막기 위한 필수적 장치이다.

Historical reflection is an essential mechanism to prevent repeating tragedies.

Social mechanism.

공감 능력은 타자와의 공존을 위한 필수적 토대이다.

Empathy is the essential foundation for coexistence with others.

Psychological foundation.

진리 탐구는 인간 지성의 필수적인 지향점이다.

The pursuit of truth is the essential orientation of human intellect.

Intellectual necessity.

사회적 합의는 정책 집행의 필수적 정당성을 부여한다.

Social consensus grants the essential legitimacy for policy implementation.

Legal/Political legitimacy.

Collocations courantes

필수 과목

필수 조건

필수 요소

필수 아이템

필수품

필수 역량

필수 불가결

선택이 아닌 필수

필수 입력

필수 사항

Phrases Courantes

예약 필수

지참 필수

참석 필수

확인 필수

설치 필수

동의 필수

제출 필수

가입 필수

업데이트 필수

로그인 필수

Souvent confondu avec

필수 vs 필요

Subjective need vs. objective requirement.

필수 vs 의무

Personal duty vs. situational necessity.

필수 vs 중요

High value vs. mandatory requirement.

Expressions idiomatiques

"필수 불가결 (必不可缺) - Absolutely indispensable."

"선택이 아닌 필수 - Not a choice, but a necessity."

"기본 중의 필수 - The most basic of necessities."

"성공의 필수 코스 - A necessary course for success."

"인생의 필수 덕목 - An essential virtue of life."

"생존의 필수 조건 - A necessary condition for survival."

"필수 중의 필수 - The most essential of essentials."

"시대적 필수 과제 - An essential task of the times."

"합격의 필수 열쇠 - The essential key to passing."

"건강의 필수 요소 - An essential element of health."

Facile à confondre

필수 vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

nuance

Stronger and more objective than '필요'.

formality

Neutral, but '필수적' is more formal.

Erreurs courantes

Using 필수하다 instead of 필수적이다.
Confusing 필수 with 필요 in subjective sentences.
Using 필수 for things that are merely 'important' but not 'required'.
Mispronouncing the 'p' sound as a soft 'b'.
Forgetting the '이다' copula when using it as a predicate.

Astuces

Learn the Pair

Always learn '필수' (required) and '선택' (optional) together as a pair.

Adjective Form

Remember to add '-적' to make it 'essential' (필수적).

Social Pressure

Understand that '필수' often reflects social expectations in Korea.

Bullet Points

When making a list of requirements, use '필수' at the end of each item.

Emphasis

Use '필수' to show you are serious about a recommendation.

Key Word

In announcements, '필수' is the most important word to catch.

Context Clues

If you see '필수' in a contract, it means that clause is mandatory.

Red Star

Visualize the red asterisk on forms whenever you hear '필수'.

Shortening

In text messages, people often just write '필수' or '필수템'.

Hanja Power

Knowing '필' (必) means 'must' helps you learn many other words.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'PIL' as 'Pill' and 'SU' as 'Super.' A 'Super Pill' is a necessity for health. PIL-SU!

Origine du mot

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Contexte culturel

The distinction between 필수 (required) and 선택 (elective) is a major part of Korean university life.

Using '필수' in ads is a very effective way to drive sales in Korea's trend-sensitive market.

Certain actions, like giving money at weddings, are often described as '필수' rather than optional.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"한국 여행 갈 때 필수 아이템이 뭐라고 생각해요?"

"대학에서 가장 힘들었던 필수 과목은 뭐였어요?"

"성공을 위해 가장 필수적인 자질은 무엇일까요?"

"요즘 사람들에게 스마트폰은 필수일까요?"

"건강을 위해 필수적으로 하는 운동이 있나요?"

Sujets d'écriture

나에게 없어서는 안 될 필수품 3가지를 적어보세요.

내가 생각하는 '행복의 필수 조건'에 대해 써보세요.

외국어를 배울 때 필수적인 습관은 무엇인가요?

우리 사회에서 필수적으로 바뀌어야 할 규칙이 있다면?

나의 하루 일과 중 필수적인 루틴은 무엇인가요?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, '필수' is a noun. To use it like a verb, you must say '필수적이다' (to be essential) or '필수이다'.

필요 is a general 'need' (I need water). 필수 is a 'requirement' (A passport is required for travel).

It is neutral. It can be used in casual conversation and formal documents.

It is a four-character idiom meaning 'absolutely indispensable' or 'cannot exist without'.

You can say '필수 아이템' or the slang '필수템'.

Usually no. You use it for qualities (자질) or roles, but not to say a person is 'required' in a literal sense.

It is a 'required subject' that a student must take to graduate.

Yes, '선택' (choice/optional) is the most common antonym.

It is used to make products seem necessary for a certain lifestyle (e.g., '자취 필수템').

Yes, it is a Sino-Korean word (必須).

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