작용하다 en 30 secondes
- To have an effect or influence.
- To function or operate (abstractly).
- To act upon something (like medicine).
- To serve as a cause or factor.
The Korean verb 작용하다 (jak-yong-ha-da) is a highly versatile and essential vocabulary word that translates to 'to act upon', 'to function', 'to work', or 'to have an effect'. It is fundamentally used to describe how a particular force, mechanism, principle, or substance exerts its influence on a given target, situation, or process. Understanding this word is crucial for intermediate to advanced learners, as it bridges the gap between simple physical actions and complex abstract concepts. When you take medication, the way the chemicals interact with your body is described using 작용하다. When an invisible economic principle influences market prices, that too is 작용하다. The word is deeply rooted in its Hanja origins, where 作 (jak) means 'to make' or 'to do', and 用 (yong) means 'to use'. Together, they convey the idea of something actively being used to create an effect. This concept is pervasive in both everyday conversations and academic discourse. To fully grasp its nuances, learners must observe how it pairs with various subjects and adverbs. It is not merely about 'doing' something, but about the *process* and *result* of an interaction. The word implies a dynamic relationship where A influences B, often producing a noticeable outcome. This makes it indispensable in fields like science, psychology, sociology, and medicine.
- Physical & Chemical Effect
- Used when a substance, like medicine or a chemical, produces a physiological or physical reaction.
- Psychological Influence
- Describes how thoughts, emotions, or trauma affect a person's behavior or mental state.
- Systemic Function
- Refers to the operation of rules, laws, or abstract principles within a system or society.
이 약은 두통에 빠르게 작용하다.
스트레스가 건강에 부정적으로 작용하다.
보이지 않는 힘이 작용하다.
두 가지 요소가 복합적으로 작용하다.
시장의 원리가 작용하다.
Using 작용하다 correctly requires an understanding of its typical sentence structures and collocations. Because it is an intransitive verb in most contexts, it does not take a direct object with 을/를. Instead, it is typically used with the subject particle 이/가 and a directional or target particle like 에 (to/on) or 에게 (to a person). The standard pattern is '[Subject]이/가 [Target]에 [Adverb] 작용하다'. For example, '약이 몸에 작용하다' (The medicine acts on the body). The subject is usually the force, substance, or principle that is doing the acting. The target is the entity receiving the effect. The adverb describes how the action occurs. Common adverbs include 크게 (greatly), 작게 (slightly), 긍정적으로 (positively), 부정적으로 (negatively), 복합적으로 (complexly), and 상호 (mutually). When discussing mutual influence, the compound verb 상호작용하다 (to interact) is frequently used. In academic or formal writing, you will often see it conjugated as 작용한다 (plain form) or 작용하고 있다 (present progressive). In everyday conversation, it is commonly conjugated as 작용해요. It is also frequently transformed into a noun modifier, such as 작용하는 원리 (the principle that acts/works) or 작용할 가능성 (the possibility that it will act). Mastering these patterns allows learners to articulate complex relationships between variables, making it an essential tool for expressing nuanced thoughts in Korean. The verb can also be used in passive-like constructions, though the active form is much more prevalent. Understanding the subtleties of its usage will significantly elevate your Korean proficiency, especially in professional and academic settings.
- Subject Particles
- Always use 이/가 for the entity exerting the force (e.g., 약이, 원리가).
- Target Particles
- Use 에 for inanimate targets and 에게 for animate targets receiving the effect.
- Adverbial Modifiers
- Frequently paired with adverbs ending in -게 or -적으로 to describe the nature of the effect.
이 성분은 피부에 부드럽게 작용하다.
과거의 경험이 현재의 결정에 작용하다.
중력이 모든 물체에 작용하다.
두 약물이 체내에서 상호 작용하다.
이 규칙은 모두에게 동일하게 작용하다.
You will encounter 작용하다 in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from a doctor's office to a university lecture hall. In medical settings, doctors and pharmacists use it to explain how a medication will affect your body. For instance, they might say, '이 약은 신경계에 작용합니다' (This medicine acts on the nervous system). In the realm of psychology and self-help, it is used to discuss how trauma, habits, or mindset influence behavior. A counselor might explain how a subconscious defense mechanism is '작용하고 있다' (currently acting). In news reports and economic analyses, journalists use it to describe market forces, policies, or international relations. You might read that a new government policy is '긍정적으로 작용할 것이다' (will act positively) on the housing market. In scientific documentaries, it describes the fundamental laws of nature, such as how gravity or magnetic fields operate. Even in everyday conversations, people use it to explain why a certain situation unfolded the way it did, often pointing to an underlying factor that '작용했다' (acted/played a role). Because of its formal yet highly practical nature, it is a staple in news broadcasts, academic papers, professional presentations, and serious discussions. While you might not hear it as often in casual, colloquial banter among friends (where simpler words like '영향을 주다' might be preferred), it is absolutely essential for anyone looking to consume Korean media, read newspapers, or engage in intellectual conversations. Recognizing the contexts in which it appears will help you understand the tone and register of the word.
- Medical & Health
- Explaining the efficacy, mechanism, or side effects of treatments and medications.
- News & Economics
- Analyzing how policies, trends, or global events impact the local economy or society.
- Science & Nature
- Describing physical laws, chemical reactions, and biological processes.
백신이 면역 체계에 작용하다.
금리 인상이 시장에 악재로 작용하다.
방어 기제가 무의식적으로 작용하다.
마찰력이 물체의 운동에 작용하다.
여론이 선거 결과에 결정적으로 작용하다.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 작용하다 with 작동하다. While both words relate to something 'working' or 'operating', their applications are entirely different. 작동하다 (jak-dong-ha-da) is strictly used for mechanical devices, machines, and electronics. For example, '컴퓨터가 작동하다' (The computer works/operates). If you say '컴퓨터가 작용하다', it sounds unnatural and incorrect, as computers do not exert an abstract influence or chemical effect in this context. Conversely, saying '약이 작동하다' (The medicine operates mechanically) is equally incorrect; you must use 작용하다 for medicine. Another common error involves the use of particles. Because English speakers translate it as 'to have an effect ON', they might try to use the object particle 을/를, saying '건강을 작용하다'. This is grammatically incorrect. The correct particle for the target of the effect is 에 (for things) or 에게 (for people), resulting in '건강에 작용하다'. Additionally, learners sometimes overuse 작용하다 when a simpler phrase like 영향을 주다 (to give influence) or 효과가 있다 (to have an effect) would be more natural in casual conversation. While 작용하다 is not overly formal, it carries a slightly analytical or objective tone. Using it to describe very simple, everyday occurrences might sound a bit stiff. Finally, learners often forget to include an adverb. While '약이 작용하다' is fine, sentences often feel incomplete without specifying *how* it acts, such as '빠르게 작용하다' (acts quickly) or '강하게 작용하다' (acts strongly). Paying attention to these distinctions will make your Korean sound much more native and precise.
- 작용하다 vs 작동하다
- Use 작용하다 for effects, influences, and chemicals. Use 작동하다 for machines and electronics.
- Incorrect Particles
- Never use 을/를 with the target. Always use 에 or 에게.
- Over-formalization
- Avoid using it for trivial, everyday influences where '영향을 주다' is more appropriate.
기계가 작동하다. (O) / 기계가 작용하다. (X)
건강에 작용하다. (O) / 건강을 작용하다. (X)
약이 작용하다. (O) / 약이 작동하다. (X)
원인으로 작용하다. (O) / 원인을 작용하다. (X)
서로 상호 작용하다. (O) / 서로 상호 작동하다. (X)
To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to understand words that share similar meanings with 작용하다. The most common synonym is 영향을 미치다 (to have an influence on). This phrase is highly versatile and can be used in almost any situation where 작용하다 is used, though it focuses slightly more on the *result* of the influence rather than the *process* or *mechanism*. Another related word is 효과가 있다 (to be effective / to have an effect). This is often used when discussing medications or policies, similar to 작용하다, but it specifically implies a positive or intended outcome. 기능하다 (to function) is also related, particularly when discussing how a system, organ, or institution operates within a larger framework. For example, '심장이 정상적으로 기능하다' (The heart functions normally). When discussing the application of rules or theories, 적용되다 (to be applied) is frequently used. While 작용하다 implies an active force exerting an effect, 적용되다 implies that a pre-existing rule or condition is being mapped onto a new situation. Understanding these subtle distinctions allows you to choose the most precise word for your intended meaning. For instance, if you want to emphasize the chemical process of a drug, use 작용하다. If you want to emphasize that the drug cured the patient, use 효과가 있다. If you want to discuss how the drug's mechanism was discovered and used in a new treatment, use 적용되다. Building a network of related vocabulary will significantly enhance your reading comprehension and expressive capabilities in Korean.
- 영향을 미치다
- To influence. Broader and more common in everyday speech than 작용하다.
- 효과가 있다
- To be effective. Focuses on the successful or intended outcome of an action.
- 기능하다
- To function. Focuses on the role or purpose something serves within a system.
날씨가 기분에 영향을 미치다.
이 치료법은 효과가 있다.
조직이 유기적으로 기능하다.
새로운 법이 적용되다.
기계가 정상적으로 작동하다.
How Formal Is It?
Niveau de difficulté
Grammaire à connaître
N에 작용하다 (Target particle)
A/V-게 작용하다 (Adverbial modifier)
N(으)로 작용하다 (Acting as a role/cause)
V-고 있다 (Present progressive for ongoing effects)
V-아/어서 (Cause and effect conjunction)
Exemples par niveau
약이 작용해요.
The medicine works.
Subject + Verb in polite form.
약이 몸에 작용해요.
The medicine acts on the body.
Use particle 에 for the target.
이 약은 작용해요.
This medicine works.
Topic marker 은/는.
빨리 작용해요.
It acts quickly.
Adverb 빨리 modifies the verb.
잘 작용해요.
It works well.
Adverb 잘.
작용했어요.
It worked.
Past tense -았/었어요.
약이 안 작용해요.
The medicine doesn't work.
Negative marker 안.
어떻게 작용해요?
How does it work?
Question word 어떻게.
이 약은 두통에 빨리 작용해요.
This medicine acts quickly on headaches.
Target + Adverb + Verb.
스트레스가 몸에 작용했어요.
Stress acted on the body.
Abstract subject with physical target.
그 성분이 피부에 작용합니다.
That ingredient acts on the skin.
Formal ending -ㅂ니다.
약이 밤에 작용할 거예요.
The medicine will act at night.
Future tense -(으)ㄹ 거예요.
이것은 긍정적으로 작용해요.
This acts positively.
Adverbial form -적으로.
부정적으로 작용하지 않아요.
It does not act negatively.
Long negation -지 않다.
두 가지 약이 같이 작용해요.
The two medicines act together.
Adverb 같이.
어떤 원리로 작용합니까?
By what principle does it work?
Instrumental particle (으)로.
스트레스가 건강에 부정적으로 작용했습니다.
Stress acted negatively on health.
Complex sentence with abstract concepts.
날씨가 사람들의 기분에 크게 작용해요.
Weather acts greatly on people's moods.
Adverb 크게.
그 사건이 결정적인 원인으로 작용했다.
That incident acted as a decisive cause.
Phrase '원인으로 작용하다'.
두 약물을 함께 복용하면 상호 작용할 수 있습니다.
If you take the two drugs together, they may interact.
Compound verb 상호 작용하다.
보이지 않는 힘이 작용하고 있는 것 같아요.
It seems like an invisible force is acting.
Present progressive -고 있다 + -는 것 같다.
새로운 정책이 경제에 긍정적으로 작용하기를 바랍니다.
I hope the new policy acts positively on the economy.
Hope pattern -기를 바라다.
이 규칙은 모든 학생에게 동일하게 작용합니다.
This rule acts equally on all students.
Target particle 에게 for people.
여러 가지 요소가 복합적으로 작용하여 결과가 나왔다.
Various factors acted in combination to produce the result.
Adverb 복합적으로.
두 가지 요소가 복합적으로 작용하여 이러한 결과를 만들었습니다.
Two factors acted in combination to produce this result.
Conjunctive -아/어서 indicating cause/sequence.
시장의 수요와 공급 원리가 가격 결정에 작용한다.
The principles of market supply and demand act on price determination.
Academic/economic context, plain form -ㄴ다.
과거의 트라우마가 현재의 인간관계에 무의식적으로 작용할 수 있다.
Past trauma can act unconsciously on current relationships.
Psychological context, adverb 무의식적으로.
그의 발언은 협상 과정에서 큰 걸림돌로 작용했다.
His remarks acted as a major stumbling block in the negotiation process.
Idiomatic phrase '걸림돌로 작용하다'.
이 약은 중추신경계에 직접적으로 작용하여 통증을 완화시킨다.
This medicine acts directly on the central nervous system to relieve pain.
Medical context, causative verb 완화시키다.
환경적 요인이 유전적 요인보다 더 크게 작용한다는 연구 결과가 있다.
There are research results showing that environmental factors act more greatly than genetic factors.
Quotation pattern -다는 연구 결과.
문화적 차이가 오해의 주된 원인으로 작용했음이 분명하다.
It is clear that cultural differences acted as the main cause of the misunderstanding.
Noun clause -았/었음.
새로운 기술입 도입이 생산성 향상에 촉매제로 작용할 것이다.
The introduction of new technology will act as a catalyst for productivity improvement.
Idiomatic phrase '촉매제로 작용하다'.
보이지 않는 경제적 원리가 시장에 작용하고 있습니다.
Invisible economic principles are operating in the market.
Advanced abstract subject.
무의식적인 방어 기제가 작용하여 현실 부정을 초래했다.
An unconscious defense mechanism acted to cause denial of reality.
Advanced psychological terminology.
기존의 법 체계가 새로운 디지털 환경에서는 제대로 작용하지 못하고 있다.
The existing legal system is failing to act properly in the new digital environment.
Negative capability -지 못하고 있다.
다양한 변수들이 유기적으로 상호 작용하며 생태계를 유지한다.
Various variables interact organically to maintain the ecosystem.
Adverb 유기적으로, simultaneous action -며.
정부의 개입이 오히려 시장의 자율성을 해치는 역효과로 작용할 우려가 있다.
There is a concern that government intervention may act as an adverse effect, harming market autonomy.
Complex noun modifier -는 역효과로 작용할 우려.
개인의 신념이 집단의 의사결정 과정에 어떻게 작용하는지 분석해야 한다.
We must analyze how individual beliefs act on the group decision-making process.
Indirect question -는지.
이러한 역사적 배경이 양국 간의 갈등에 기저 원인으로 작용해 왔다.
This historical background has acted as the underlying cause of the conflict between the two countries.
Present perfect continuous -아/어 왔다.
플라시보 효과는 환자의 믿음이 신체적 변화로 작용하는 대표적인 사례이다.
The placebo effect is a representative example of a patient's belief acting as a physical change.
Definitional structure -는 대표적인 사례이다.
사회 구조적 모순이 개인의 삶에 억압 기제로 작용하는 양상을 고찰하고자 한다.
I intend to consider the aspect in which socio-structural contradictions act as an oppressive mechanism on individual lives.
Highly academic phrasing, -고자 한다.
양자역학적 관점에서 볼 때, 관찰자의 존재 자체가 미시 세계에 물리적 힘으로 작용한다.
From a quantum mechanical perspective, the very existence of the observer acts as a physical force on the microscopic world.
Scientific/philosophical discourse.
언어는 단순히 사고를 반영하는 것을 넘어, 사고의 틀을 형성하는 기제로 작용한다.
Language goes beyond simply reflecting thought; it acts as a mechanism that forms the framework of thought.
Linguistic theory context.
자본주의 사회에서 미디어는 지배 이데올로기를 재생산하는 이데올로기적 국가 기구로 작용해왔음이 비판 이론을 통해 논증되었다.
It has been argued through critical theory that in capitalist society, media has acted as an ideological state apparatus reproducing the dominant ideology.
Sociological/critical theory terminology.
특정 유전자의 발현이 환경적 스트레스 요인과 결합하여 후성유전학적 변화로 작용하는 메커니즘이 규명되었다.
The mechanism by which the expression of a specific gene combines with environmental stress factors to act as an epigenetic change has been identified.
Advanced biological/medical terminology.
글로벌 공급망의 다변화는 지정학적 리스크를 완화하는 완충재로 작용할 것으로 기대되나, 그 실효성은 미지수이다.
The diversification of global supply chains is expected to act as a buffer mitigating geopolitical risks, but its effectiveness is unknown.
Advanced economic/geopolitical analysis.
인간의 이타적 행동이 진화론적 관점에서 집단의 생존 확률을 높이는 적응 기제로 작용했다는 가설이 유력하다.
The hypothesis that human altruistic behavior acted as an adaptive mechanism increasing the group's survival probability from an evolutionary perspective is influential.
Evolutionary psychology context.
예술 작품은 수용자의 내면 깊은 곳에 잠재된 억압된 감정을 해방시키는 카타르시스로 작용할 때 비로소 그 진정한 가치를 획득한다.
A work of art acquires its true value only when it acts as a catharsis that liberates repressed emotions latent deep within the receiver's inner self.
Aesthetic/literary criticism phrasing.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Souvent confondu avec
Expressions idiomatiques
Facile à confondre
Structures de phrases
Famille de mots
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Implies a process or mechanism of influence, rather than just a simple direct action.
Neutral to Formal. Suitable for academic writing, news, and professional settings. Can be used in daily life but sounds slightly analytical.
- Using 작동하다 instead of 작용하다 for medicine or abstract effects.
- Using the object particle 을/를 (e.g., 건강을 작용하다) instead of 에.
- Forgetting to use an adverb to describe how the action occurs, making the sentence feel incomplete.
- Using it to describe simple, direct human actions where '영향을 주다' is more natural.
- Mispronouncing it as [작용하다] with a hard stop, instead of the smooth [자굥하다].
Astuces
Particle Precision
Always double-check your particles. Use 이/가 for the subject doing the acting, and 에/에게 for the target receiving the effect. Never use 을/를.
Machine vs. Medicine
Memorize this simple rule: Medicine = 작용하다. Machines = 작동하다. Mixing these up is the most common mistake learners make.
Boost Your Essays
Use the phrase '원인으로 작용하다' (to act as a cause) in your TOPIK writing exams. It instantly makes your argument sound more professional and analytical.
Liaison Rule
Don't pronounce it as two separate blocks (jak-yong). Let the sounds flow together as [자굥하다] (ja-gyong) for a natural, native-like accent.
Adverbs are Key
작용하다 loves adverbs. Always try to describe *how* something acts by adding words like 긍정적으로 (positively), 크게 (greatly), or 빨리 (quickly).
Learn the Family
Once you know 작용하다, immediately learn 부작용 (side effect) and 상호작용 (interaction). They use the exact same Hanja root and are incredibly useful.
News Context
When listening to Korean news, listen for '변수로 작용하다' (act as a variable). It's a favorite phrase of journalists explaining unpredictable situations.
Intransitive Nature
Remember that the subject itself is doing the acting. It's not 'I act the medicine', it's 'The medicine acts'.
Process vs. Result
Use 작용하다 when you want to emphasize the *process* or *mechanism* of an effect, rather than just the final result (where 효과가 있다 might be better).
Pharmacy Korean
If you buy medicine in Korea, the pharmacist will almost certainly use this word to explain how the drug works. Listen closely to their instructions!
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a JOCK (작) YAWNING (용) while trying to DO (하다) his workout. The medicine he took is finally ACTING UPON his body, making him sleepy.
Origine du mot
Contexte culturel
The Hanja roots have been used for centuries in East Asian philosophy and medicine to describe the flow of energy (Qi) and the effects of herbal remedies.
Used across all politeness levels. In formal settings (news, lectures), 작용합니다 is standard. In casual conversation, 작용해 or 작용해요 is used.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Amorces de conversation
"스트레스가 건강에 어떻게 작용한다고 생각하세요?"
"이 약이 잘 작용하는 것 같나요?"
"최근 경제 정책이 시장에 긍정적으로 작용할까요?"
"소셜 미디어가 인간관계에 어떤 작용을 할까요?"
"플라시보 효과가 실제로 작용한다고 믿으시나요?"
Sujets d'écriture
과거의 경험이 현재의 당신에게 어떻게 작용하고 있는지 써보세요.
최근에 읽은 책이나 본 영화가 당신의 생각에 어떤 작용을 했나요?
긍정적인 마인드가 삶에 작용하는 방식에 대해 서술하세요.
특정 습관이 당신의 일상에 원인으로 작용했던 경험을 적어보세요.
두 가지 다른 문화가 당신 안에서 어떻게 상호 작용하는지 설명해보세요.
Questions fréquentes
10 questions작용하다 is used for abstract effects, chemical reactions, and influences (like medicine or principles). 작동하다 is strictly used for the mechanical operation of machines and devices. You cannot say a computer '작용하다' or medicine '작동하다'.
No, 작용하다 is an intransitive verb. It does not take a direct object. Instead of saying '건강을 작용하다', you must use the target particle '에', resulting in '건강에 작용하다'.
No, while it is very common with medicine, it is also widely used for abstract concepts. For example, you can say economic principles, psychological trauma, or gravity '작용하다'.
상호 (mutual) + 작용하다 (act) means 'to interact'. It is used when two or more things influence each other, such as two drugs interacting in the body or two people interacting socially.
The noun for side effect is 부작용 (bu-jak-yong). '부' means secondary or minor. You can say '부작용이 있다' (There is a side effect) or '부작용이 나타나다' (A side effect appears).
It is less common for direct personal influence. For people, '영향을 주다' (to influence) is more natural. 작용하다 is better for abstract forces, rules, or substances.
It translates to 'acts as a cause'. It is a formal and sophisticated way to say that something was the reason for a specific outcome. It is highly recommended for academic writing.
It is neutral but leans towards formal or analytical. It is perfectly fine for everyday use when talking about medicine, but in casual conversation about simple influences, simpler words might be preferred.
It is pronounced [자굥하다] (ja-gyong-ha-da). The 'ㄱ' sound at the bottom of '작' moves over to replace the silent 'ㅇ' at the start of '용'.
The noun form is simply 작용 (action, effect, function). It is often used in compound words like 상호작용 (interaction) or 반작용 (reaction).
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Summary
작용하다 is the go-to verb for describing how abstract forces, principles, or chemical substances (like medicine) exert an influence or produce an effect on a target. Remember to use the particle '에' for the target.
- To have an effect or influence.
- To function or operate (abstractly).
- To act upon something (like medicine).
- To serve as a cause or factor.
Particle Precision
Always double-check your particles. Use 이/가 for the subject doing the acting, and 에/에게 for the target receiving the effect. Never use 을/를.
Machine vs. Medicine
Memorize this simple rule: Medicine = 작용하다. Machines = 작동하다. Mixing these up is the most common mistake learners make.
Boost Your Essays
Use the phrase '원인으로 작용하다' (to act as a cause) in your TOPIK writing exams. It instantly makes your argument sound more professional and analytical.
Liaison Rule
Don't pronounce it as two separate blocks (jak-yong). Let the sounds flow together as [자굥하다] (ja-gyong) for a natural, native-like accent.
Exemple
스트레스는 건강에 나쁘게 작용한다.
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축적하다
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누적
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후천적
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작용
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조절하다
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증폭
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증폭되다
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