상당수
상당수 en 30 secondes
- 상당수 means 'a significant number' and is used for countable things.
- It is a formal noun, common in news, reports, and academic writing.
- It is often used as '상당수의' (modifier) or '상당수가' (subject).
- It differs from '대다수' (majority) by focusing on being 'noteworthy' rather than 'most'.
The Korean word 상당수 (相當數) is a sophisticated noun used to describe a quantity that is 'considerable' or 'significant.' It is composed of the Hanja characters 상 (相 - mutual/considerable), 당 (當 - appropriate/equal), and 수 (數 - number). When combined, they literally translate to an 'appropriately large number.' In practical usage, it refers to a portion of a group that is large enough to be meaningful or to influence a situation, though it does not necessarily imply a majority (over 50%).
- Grammatical Function
- It functions as a noun that often takes the subject particle '가' (상당수가) or acts as an adnominal modifier with '의' (상당수의).
- Nuance
- Unlike '대다수' (the vast majority), '상당수' suggests a size that is 'notable' or 'substantial' without being definitive about being the most.
이번 투표에서 상당수의 유권자가 기권했습니다.
In academic and journalistic contexts, this word is indispensable. It allows writers to acknowledge a large group without committing to a specific percentage. For instance, if 40% of people agree on a topic, calling them 'the majority' (대다수) would be factually incorrect, but calling them '상당수' (a significant number) is perfectly accurate and emphasizes the weight of their opinion.
조사 결과, 상당수의 기업들이 재택근무를 선호하는 것으로 나타났습니다.
- Visualizing Quantity
- Think of a pie chart. If 10% is '소수' (minority) and 80% is '대다수' (majority), '상당수' usually occupies that significant 30-60% range where the impact is felt strongly.
최근 상당수의 젊은이들이 1인 가구로 살고 있습니다.
전문가들 중 상당수가 이 계획에 반대하고 있습니다.
- Formal Reports
- You will see this word in 90% of Korean news articles regarding social trends or statistics.
기존 건물 중 상당수가 노후화되어 안전 점검이 시급합니다.
Using 상당수 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that quantifies other nouns. It is rarely used in isolation without a clear referent. It functions similarly to 'a great many' or 'a significant number of' in English. Here is a deep dive into its structural patterns.
1. The '상당수의 + Noun' Pattern
This is the most common way to use the word. By adding the possessive particle '의', you turn '상당수' into a modifier for the following noun. This pattern is used to specify exactly what group is being discussed in large numbers.
- 상당수의 학생들 (A significant number of students)
- 상당수의 의견 (A significant number of opinions)
- 상당수의 부작용 (A significant number of side effects)
"상당수의 시민들이 축제에 참여했습니다." (A significant number of citizens participated in the festival.)
2. The 'Noun + 중 상당수' Pattern
This pattern is used when you want to pick out a significant portion from a pre-defined group. It is often followed by particles like '가' (subject) or '를' (object).
- 참석자 중 상당수가 (A significant number of the attendees...)
- 지원자 중 상당수를 (A significant number of the applicants [object]...)
"지원자 중 상당수가 해외 경험이 있었습니다." (A significant number of the applicants had overseas experience.)
3. Formal vs. Informal Register
While you can use '상당수' in spoken Korean, it sounds quite formal. In a casual setting with friends, you would likely use '많은' or '꽤 많은'. However, if you are giving a presentation at a university or writing a business email, '상당수' is the preferred choice because it sounds objective and precise.
사람들이 진짜 많이 왔어요.
상당수의 인원이 참석하였습니다.
4. Collocations to Remember
Certain verbs and adjectives naturally pair with '상당수'. Understanding these will make your Korean sound more natural.
- 상당수를 차지하다
- To account for a significant number (e.g., '외국인이 상당수를 차지한다').
- 상당수에 달하다
- To reach a significant number (e.g., '피해액이 상당수에 달한다').
- 상당수가 포함되다
- To include a significant number.
If you consume Korean media, you will encounter 상당수 daily. It is a staple of the 'News Korean' vocabulary. Let's look at specific environments where this word thrives.
1. News Headlines and Broadcasts
News anchors use '상당수' to report on social trends, crime statistics, or political shifts. It provides a sense of gravity to the report without needing to cite exact percentages immediately.
"[속보] 수도권 아파트 중 상당수가 전세 사기 위험에 노출..."
2. Academic Papers and Research
In research, precision is key, but sometimes a general 'significant' category is needed before diving into the data. You will find it in the 'Introduction' or 'Conclusion' sections of papers.
3. Business Meetings and Reports
When discussing market share, customer feedback, or project risks, '상당수' is the go-to word for professionals. It sounds more analytical than 'many'.
- 상당수의 고객이 환불을 요청했습니다. (A significant number of customers requested a refund.)
- 상당수 프로젝트가 지연되고 있습니다. (A significant number of projects are being delayed.)
4. Documentaries and Educational Content
When a narrator describes nature or history, '상당수' is used to describe the prevalence of a species or the survival of historical artifacts.
"이 지역에 서식하는 조류 중 상당수가 멸종 위기종입니다." (A significant number of the birds inhabiting this region are endangered species.)
In summary, '상당수' is the language of the 'informed observer.' It is the word you use when you have looked at the data and concluded that the numbers are too high to ignore.
Even advanced learners sometimes stumble when using 상당수. Because it translates to 'a significant number,' it's easy to misapply it as an adverb or use it with uncountable nouns. Let's correct these common errors.
1. Confusing '상당수' (Noun) with '상당히' (Adverb)
This is the #1 mistake. '상당수' refers to a count of items. '상당히' refers to the degree of a quality.
이 음식은 상당수 매워요. (This food is significant number spicy.)
이 음식은 상당히 매워요. (This food is considerably spicy.)
2. Using it with Uncountable Nouns
In English, we can say 'a significant amount of water.' In Korean, '상당수' specifically contains the character '수' (number), meaning it is for countable items (people, objects, cases). For uncountable things like water, time, or money, use '상당량' (considerable amount) or '상당한 양'.
- 상당수: 사람들, 책들, 자동차들 (Countable)
- 상당량: 물, 시간, 돈, 에너지 (Uncountable)
3. Redundancy with '많은'
Avoid saying '많은 상당수의'. Since '상당수' already implies 'a large number,' adding '많은' is redundant and sounds awkward to native speakers.
"많은 상당수의 사람들이..." (❌)
"상당수의 사람들이..." (✅)
4. Overusing it in Casual Speech
While not grammatically 'wrong,' using '상당수' while hanging out with friends at a cafe can make you sound like a robot or a news reporter. If you want to sound natural, stick to '진짜 많아' or '꽤 많아' in casual settings.
To master 상당수, you must understand its neighbors. Korean has many words for 'many' or 'most,' each with a specific nuance.
1. 상당수 vs. 대다수 (The Majority)
'대다수' (Most/Majority) implies a much larger percentage than '상당수'. If 90% of people agree, use '대다수'. If 45% agree (which is still a lot), use '상당수'.
2. 상당수 vs. 다수 (Many/Multiple)
'다수' is a neutral term for 'many.' '상당수' adds the nuance of 'considerable' or 'noteworthy.' Using '상당수' implies that the number is large enough to be surprising or important.
3. 상당수 vs. 허다하다 (To be Common/Numerous)
'허다하다' is an adjective meaning something is so common it's almost unremarkable. '상당수' is a noun focusing on the quantity itself.
| Word | Nuance | English Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 상당수 | A notable, significant number | A significant number |
| 대다수 | The vast majority (>70-80%) | The majority |
| 다수 | A simple many/multiple | Many / A multitude |
| 소수 | A small number/minority | A minority |
4. Synonyms in Context
- 꽤 많은 수: (A fairly large number) - Slightly less formal.
- 적지 않은 수: (A not-small number) - A common rhetorical way to say 'many'.
- 부지기수: (Innumerable) - Used when the number is so large it's hard to count.
By choosing '상당수', you are signaling that you are providing a measured, professional assessment of a quantity.
How Formal Is It?
Niveau de difficulté
Grammaire à connaître
~의 (Possessive particle)
~중 (Among/Between)
~가/이 (Subject particle)
~를/을 (Object particle)
~는 것으로 나타나다 (To appear to be...)
Exemples par niveau
상당수의 학생들이 학교에 왔어요.
A significant number of students came to school.
상당수 + 의 (possessive) + noun
사과가 상당수 남았습니다.
A significant number of apples are left.
상당수 as a noun subject
상당수의 사람들이 공원에 있어요.
A significant number of people are in the park.
Focus on '상당수의' as a modifier
가방에 상당수의 책이 들어있어요.
There are a significant number of books in the bag.
Countable noun '책' used with '상당수'
상당수의 친구들이 파티에 왔어요.
A significant number of friends came to the party.
Plural noun '친구들'
상당수의 차가 길에 서 있어요.
A significant number of cars are standing on the road.
Noun '차' (car)
상당수의 옷을 샀어요.
I bought a significant number of clothes.
Object usage
상당수의 꽃이 피었습니다.
A significant number of flowers have bloomed.
Intransitive verb '피다'
상당수의 직원이 휴가를 떠났습니다.
A significant number of employees went on vacation.
Formal ending '-습니다'
이 책들 중 상당수가 재미있어요.
A significant number of these books are interesting.
Noun + 중 (among) + 상당수
상당수의 외국인이 한국어를 배웁니다.
A significant number of foreigners learn Korean.
Subject '외국인이'
상당수의 문제가 해결되었습니다.
A significant number of problems have been solved.
Passive form '해결되었습니다'
마을의 상당수 집들이 새로 지어졌어요.
A significant number of houses in the village were newly built.
Noun '집들'
상당수의 관객이 영화를 보고 울었습니다.
A significant number of audience members cried while watching the movie.
Noun '관객' (audience)
상당수의 동물이 숲에 살고 있습니다.
A significant number of animals live in the forest.
Progressive '-고 있다'
상당수의 가게가 문을 닫았습니다.
A significant number of shops have closed.
Past tense '-았습니다'
상당수의 전문가들이 이 의견에 동의합니다.
A significant number of experts agree with this opinion.
Professional context
조사 대상자 중 상당수가 긍정적으로 답했습니다.
A significant number of the survey respondents answered positively.
Survey terminology
상당수의 중소기업이 경영난을 겪고 있습니다.
A significant number of small and medium enterprises are experiencing management difficulties.
Economic context
상당수의 부작용이 보고되어 판매가 중단되었습니다.
A significant number of side effects were reported, so sales were suspended.
Cause and effect '-어서'
상당수의 유적지가 전쟁으로 파괴되었습니다.
A significant number of historical sites were destroyed by the war.
Historical context
상당수의 시민이 환경 보호 캠페인에 참여했습니다.
A significant number of citizens participated in the environmental protection campaign.
Social participation
상당수의 논문이 이 이론을 뒷받침합니다.
A significant number of papers support this theory.
Academic context
상당수의 청년들이 취업을 위해 노력하고 있습니다.
A significant number of young people are striving for employment.
Social trend
상당수의 국가가 기후 변화 협약에 서명했습니다.
A significant number of countries signed the climate change agreement.
International relations
상당수의 데이터가 손실되어 복구가 불가능합니다.
A significant number of data were lost, making recovery impossible.
Technical context
상당수의 피해자들이 보상을 요구하고 있습니다.
A significant number of victims are demanding compensation.
Legal/Social context
상당수의 투표 용지가 무효 처리되었습니다.
A significant number of ballot papers were invalidated.
Political context
상당수의 앱이 개인 정보를 유출하는 것으로 밝혀졌습니다.
It was revealed that a significant number of apps leak personal information.
Reporting structure '-는 것으로 밝혀지다'
상당수의 고전 문학이 현대어로 번역되었습니다.
A significant number of classical literary works have been translated into modern language.
Literary context
상당수의 환자들이 이 약의 효능을 경험했습니다.
A significant number of patients experienced the efficacy of this drug.
Medical context
상당수의 건물이 지진에 견딜 수 있도록 설계되었습니다.
A significant number of buildings were designed to withstand earthquakes.
Engineering context
상당수의 철학자들이 이 가설의 모순을 지적해 왔다.
A significant number of philosophers have pointed out the contradictions in this hypothesis.
Academic present perfect '-해 왔다'
상당수의 유전자가 환경적 요인에 의해 발현된다.
A significant number of genes are expressed by environmental factors.
Scientific terminology
상당수의 고용주들이 유연 근무제의 도입을 검토 중이다.
A significant number of employers are considering the introduction of flexible working hours.
Business formal '-중이다'
상당수의 비평가들이 그의 신작을 올해의 책으로 꼽았다.
A significant number of critics chose his new work as the book of the year.
Literary criticism
상당수의 언론이 정부의 이번 발표를 비판적으로 보도했다.
A significant number of media outlets reported the government's announcement critically.
Journalistic context
상당수의 소수 민족이 자신들의 문화를 지키기 위해 투쟁한다.
A significant number of ethnic minorities struggle to preserve their culture.
Sociological context
상당수의 투자자들이 시장의 불확실성 때문에 자금을 회수했다.
A significant number of investors withdrew their funds due to market uncertainty.
Financial context
상당수의 예술가들이 디지털 기술을 창작에 접목하고 있다.
A significant number of artists are integrating digital technology into their creations.
Artistic context
상당수의 고문헌이 아직 해독되지 않은 채 보관되어 있다.
A significant number of ancient documents are kept without being deciphered yet.
Advanced descriptive '-ㄴ 채'
상당수의 법조인들이 이번 판결이 선례가 될 것임을 확신한다.
A significant number of legal professionals are certain that this ruling will become a precedent.
Legal terminology
상당수의 도시 공학자들이 스마트 시티의 지속 가능성을 논한다.
A significant number of urban engineers discuss the sustainability of smart cities.
Specialized field
상당수의 언어학자들이 인공지능의 언어 습득 능력을 회의적으로 본다.
A significant number of linguists view AI's language acquisition abilities skeptically.
Intellectual discourse
상당수의 심리학적 실험이 재현성 위기에 직면해 있다.
A significant number of psychological experiments are facing a reproducibility crisis.
Complex social science
상당수의 외교관들이 다자주의의 쇠퇴를 우려하고 있다.
A significant number of diplomats are concerned about the decline of multilateralism.
Geopolitical context
상당수의 생태학자들이 생물 다양성의 급격한 감소를 경고한다.
A significant number of ecologists warn of the rapid decline in biodiversity.
Environmental science
상당수의 역사학자들이 그 사건의 배후에 외세의 개입이 있었다고 주장한다.
A significant number of historians claim that there was foreign intervention behind the incident.
Historical analysis
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Souvent confondu avec
Expressions idiomatiques
Facile à confondre
Structures de phrases
Comment l'utiliser
Highly recommended for TOPIK II writing tasks.
Only use for things that can be counted (1, 2, 3...).
- Using '상당수' for uncountable nouns like 'money' (use 상당액).
- Confusing '상당수' with '상당히' (adverb).
- Using '상당수' to mean 'everyone' (it only means a significant number).
- Forgetting the '의' particle when modifying a noun.
- Using it in very casual text messages (sounds too stiff).
Astuces
Particle Choice
Always use '의' when placing it before a noun: 상당수의 사례.
Uncountable Alternative
Use '상당량' for things like 'amount of rain' or 'amount of work'.
Professionalism
Use this word in business emails to sound more objective.
Essay Hook
Start an essay with '최근 상당수의 사람들이...' to introduce a trend.
Nuance
If you want to emphasize that a number is surprisingly high, use '상당수'.
News Keywords
Listen for this word in news summaries to catch the scale of an event.
Context Clues
If you see '상당수', look for a following verb like '차지하다' or '달하다'.
Avoid Redundancy
Don't use '많은' and '상당수' together in the same phrase.
Social Issues
It is often used to describe social problems in Korea, like the aging population.
Hanja Link
Connect 'Su' to 'Su-hak' (Math) to remember it refers to numbers.
Mémorise-le
Origine du mot
Sino-Korean (Hanja)
Contexte culturel
Korean news anchors use this word to maintain 'neutrality' while still conveying the seriousness of a topic.
In Korean universities, using '상당수' in essays is a sign of high-level literacy.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Amorces de conversation
"요즘 상당수의 사람들이 주식 투자에 관심이 많죠?"
"우리 회사 직원 중 상당수가 재택근무를 원할까요?"
"상당수의 한국 영화가 해외에서 인기를 얻고 있는데, 이유가 뭘까요?"
"상당수의 학생들이 카페에서 공부하는 것을 선호하는 것 같아요."
"최근 상당수의 식당들이 키오스크를 도입했더라고요."
Sujets d'écriture
내가 아는 사람들 중 상당수가 공통적으로 가진 특징은 무엇인가?
오늘 뉴스에서 본 '상당수'와 관련된 소식은 무엇이었나?
내가 가진 물건 중 상당수가 어디에서 만들어졌는가?
상당수의 시간을 어디에 쓰고 있는지 반성해 보자.
상당수의 사람들이 오해하고 있는 나의 모습은?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot necessarily. It just means a 'significant' or 'considerable' number. It could be 40%, which is significant but not a majority.
No, water is uncountable. Use '상당량' instead.
Yes, but it sounds a bit formal. '많이' is more common with friends.
'다수' is neutral 'many'. '상당수' implies the number is noteworthy or large enough to matter.
상당수의 사람들 or 사람들 중 상당수.
It is a noun.
No, that is redundant. Just say '상당수'.
No, it is neutral. It depends on what you are describing (e.g., significant number of problems vs. significant number of winners).
It is 數, meaning number.
Yes, very frequently in the reading and writing sections of TOPIK II.
Teste-toi 178 questions
/ 178 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use '상당수' when you want to describe a large, meaningful quantity in a professional or objective manner, especially when exact percentages are unknown or unnecessary.
- 상당수 means 'a significant number' and is used for countable things.
- It is a formal noun, common in news, reports, and academic writing.
- It is often used as '상당수의' (modifier) or '상당수가' (subject).
- It differs from '대다수' (majority) by focusing on being 'noteworthy' rather than 'most'.
Particle Choice
Always use '의' when placing it before a noun: 상당수의 사례.
Uncountable Alternative
Use '상당량' for things like 'amount of rain' or 'amount of work'.
Professionalism
Use this word in business emails to sound more objective.
Essay Hook
Start an essay with '최근 상당수의 사람들이...' to introduce a trend.
Exemple
상당수의 학생들이 해외 연수를 희망합니다.
Contenu associé
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평균
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집계되다
B1Être totalisé ou comptabilisé. Utilisé pour rapporter des chiffres finaux dans des enquêtes ou des rapports.
정비례하다
B2To be directly proportional; when one value increases, the other also increases at the same rate.
분산
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추산하다
B2Estimer ou calculer approximativement une valeur sur la base de données disponibles.
하회하다
B1Tomber en dessous d'un certain nombre, niveau ou standard. C'est l'opposé de 'excéder'. Le verbe signifie descendre ou être inférieur à une quantité spécifique, une note ou un objectif. Pensez-y comme à ne pas atteindre un niveau requis. Il est utilisé lorsque les chiffres ou les performances sont inférieurs aux attentes ou aux prévisions.
고정적
B2Le revenu fixe est essentiel pour la stabilité financière. (Fixed income is essential for financial stability.)
빈도
B2La fréquence à laquelle un événement se produit sur une période donnée. 'La fréquence des accidents a diminué cette année.'
그래프
B1Un graphique est un diagramme montrant la relation entre des quantités variables.
반비례하다
B2Être inversement proportionnel ; quand une valeur augmente, l'autre diminue au même rythme. (Dans les sciences, le concept d'être inversement proportionnel est souvent utilisé pour expliquer la relation entre deux variables.)