정리
정리 en 30 secondes
- 정리 means 'organizing' or 'tidying up.' It is a fundamental Korean word used for physical spaces, digital files, and mental clarity.
- Unlike '청소' (cleaning), '정리' focuses on the arrangement and system of items rather than removing dirt or dust.
- It is commonly used in phrases like '생각 정리' (organizing thoughts) and '관계 정리' (ending/settling a relationship).
- In formal contexts, it can mean a mathematical theorem or corporate restructuring, showing its wide range of applications.
The Korean word 정리 (Jeong-ri) is a versatile noun that primarily translates to 'organizing,' 'tidying up,' or 'arrangement.' While it is often used in the context of physical spaces—like cleaning a messy room or straightening up a desk—its application extends far beyond the material world. In Korean culture, '정리' represents the act of bringing order to chaos, whether that chaos is found in a drawer, a digital file system, a complex financial situation, or even one's internal emotional state. Understanding '정리' is essential for any learner because it appears in daily conversations, professional environments, and emotional discussions. It is derived from the Hanja characters 正 (Jeong - correct/right) and 理 (Ri - logic/reason), literally suggesting the act of putting things into their 'correct logic' or 'proper order.'
- Physical Organization
- This is the most common usage. It refers to the act of putting things back in their places. Unlike '청소' (cleaning/scrubbing), '정리' is about placement and systemization.
- Mental and Emotional Clarity
- When someone says '생각을 정리하다,' they are talking about sorting through their thoughts to reach a conclusion or find peace of mind.
- Relational Resolution
- In the context of relationships, '정리' often implies ending a relationship or 'settling' things so that there are no lingering feelings or obligations.
내일까지 이 서류들을 정리해 주세요. (Please organize these documents by tomorrow.)
In a professional setting, '정리' is a key competency. It involves summarizing meeting notes, categorizing client data, or streamlining business processes. If a manager asks for a '요약 정리' (summary organization), they want a concise breakdown of the main points. This word is also frequently used in the financial sector, where '채무 정리' refers to debt restructuring or settlement. The breadth of this word means that you will hear it from a mother telling her child to pick up toys, a CEO discussing corporate restructuring, and a friend talking about moving on from an ex-partner. It is a fundamental concept of maintaining harmony and efficiency in Korean life.
이사 가기 전에 짐 정리를 해야 해요. (I need to organize my belongings before moving.)
Furthermore, the digital age has given '정리' new life. It is now used for '바탕화면 정리' (desktop organization), '이메일 정리' (email cleanup), and '사진 정리' (photo sorting). In these contexts, it implies deleting unnecessary items and putting the rest into folders. The act of '정리' is seen as a way to reduce stress and increase productivity. When things are '정리'ed, one can find what they need quickly and think more clearly. This cultural emphasis on order is reflected in the high frequency of the word in self-help books and lifestyle blogs in Korea.
마음 정리가 좀 필요해요. (I need some time to sort out my feelings.)
In summary, '정리' is a foundational noun that describes the transition from disorder to order. Whether you are dealing with a messy bedroom, a complicated project, or a heavy heart, '정리' is the process of categorizing, simplifying, and resolving. It is an active, purposeful word that implies a desire for clarity and efficiency. As you learn Korean, you will find that '정리' is one of the most useful words to describe both your external environment and your internal state.
Using 정리 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and how it combines with the verb 하다 (to do) to form 정리하다 (to organize). As a noun, it often takes the object marker -를. For example, '정리를 잘해요' means 'I am good at organizing.' When you want to specify what is being organized, you place the target noun before '정리' or use the possessive particle -의, though the latter is often omitted in casual speech.
- Noun + 정리
- 책상 정리 (Desk organization), 방 정리 (Room organization), 생각 정리 (Thought organization).
- As a Result
- 정리가 되다 (To be organized/settled). '이제 정리가 다 됐어요' (Now everything is organized/settled).
복잡한 머릿속을 정리하고 싶어요. (I want to organize my complicated thoughts.)
Grammatically, '정리' is very flexible. You can use it in the past tense to indicate completion: '정리했어요' (I organized it). You can use it with '주다' to offer help: '정리해 줄게요' (I will organize it for you). In formal settings, you might use '정리 바랍니다' (Organization is requested/Please organize). It is also common to see '정리' used in compounds like '정리 정돈' (tidying and ordering), which emphasizes a meticulous level of neatness.
이 부분은 나중에 다시 정리해서 알려드릴게요. (I will organize this part again and let you know later.)
When discussing the end of a relationship, the phrasing is often '관계를 정리하다' (to organize/end a relationship). This sounds more mature and less impulsive than '헤어지다' (to break up). It suggests a process of sorting through feelings and deciding to move on. Similarly, '주변 정리' (organizing one's surroundings) can be a euphemism for preparing for a major life change or even a terminal situation, though in 99% of cases, it just means cleaning up your house or office.
파일 정리가 하나도 안 되어 있네요. (The files are not organized at all.)
In academic or business contexts, you'll see '정리' used to describe theorems or summarized laws. For example, '피타고라스의 정리' is the Pythagorean Theorem. This is because a theorem is a 'settled' or 'organized' truth. In your own studies, when you take notes, you are doing '노트 정리.' This is a vital skill for students in Korea, where beautiful and well-organized notes are highly valued. By mastering the usage of '정리,' you can describe everything from your physical environment to your cognitive processes and social interactions with precision.
In Korea, 정리 is a word that echoes through hallways, offices, and cafes. If you walk into a Korean home, you might hear a parent saying to a child, '장난감 정리해!' (Organize your toys!). In a professional office, a manager might say, '회의 내용 정리해서 메일로 보내주세요' (Summarize/organize the meeting contents and send them via email). The word is ubiquitous because the culture places a high premium on order and efficiency.
- At Restaurants
- You might hear staff saying '테이블 정리할게요' (I'll clear/organize the table) as they prepare for the next customer.
- In K-Dramas
- Characters often say '우리 관계 정리하자' (Let's settle/end our relationship) during a dramatic breakup scene.
- On Variety Shows
- Hosts will often say '자, 상황 정리 좀 해볼까요?' (Now, shall we summarize/organize the situation?) to recap a chaotic game or discussion.
다 먹은 그릇은 여기에 정리해 주세요. (Please put the finished dishes here.)
You will also encounter '정리' in the news and financial reports. Terms like '구조 조정' (structural adjustment/restructuring) are essentially a large-scale '정리' of a company's workforce or assets. During the end of the year, people talk about '연말 정리' (year-end settlement/organization), which involves both financial taxes and reflecting on the past year's events. In the digital world, YouTube creators often make '정리 영상' (summary videos) where they explain complex movie plots or historical events in a structured way.
오늘 배운 내용을 공책에 정리했어요. (I organized/wrote down today's lessons in my notebook.)
Another interesting place you'll hear it is in the beauty or fashion industry. '눈썹 정리' (eyebrow grooming/tidying) or '머리 정리' (hair tidying) refers to the act of trimming and shaping to look neat. Even in small talk, if someone looks a bit distracted, a friend might ask, '생각 정리 다 됐어?' (Have you finished sorting out your thoughts?). This shows how deeply the concept of '정리' is embedded in the Korean psyche as a necessary step for moving forward in any aspect of life.
이메일함 정리하는 데 시간이 오래 걸렸어요. (It took a long time to organize my inbox.)
Finally, notice the signage in public spaces. In libraries, subways, and parks, signs will often remind citizens: '사용한 물건은 제자리에 정리해 주십시오' (Please return used items to their original places). This communal '정리' is a hallmark of Korean social etiquette. By paying attention to these contexts, you'll see that '정리' is not just a verb but a social value that promotes clarity, respect, and peace.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 정리 (Jeong-ri) with 청소 (Cheong-so). While both are related to 'cleaning,' they are not interchangeable. '청소' specifically refers to the act of removing dirt, dust, or grime—think vacuuming, mopping, or scrubbing. '정리,' on the other hand, is about organization and arrangement. You can have a room that is perfectly '정리'ed (everything is in its place) but still needs '청소' (the floor is dusty).
- Mistake: Using '청소' for thoughts
- Incorrect: 생각을 청소해요. (I clean my thoughts.) Correct: 생각을 정리해요. (I organize my thoughts.)
- Mistake: Using '정리' for scrubbing
- Incorrect: 화장실을 정리해요 (if you mean scrubbing the toilet). Correct: 화장실을 청소해요.
방이 지저분해서 정리를 좀 해야겠어요. (The room is messy, so I need to organize it.)
Another common error is failing to use the correct particle. While '정리하다' is a common verb, learners sometimes forget that '정리' can stand alone as a noun. For example, '정리 시간' (organization time) is correct, but '정리하는 시간' is more natural when describing a specific period of time dedicated to tidying. Also, be careful with '정리되다' (to be organized) vs. '정리하다' (to organize). If you say '책상이 정리해요,' you are saying 'The desk is organizing (something),' which is nonsensical. It should be '책상을 정리해요' (I organize the desk) or '책상이 정리되어 있어요' (The desk is organized).
서류 정리가 끝났나요? (Is the document organization finished?)
A subtle mistake occurs in the context of relationships. Learners might use '끝내다' (to end) exclusively. While '관계를 끝내다' is correct, using '관계를 정리하다' shows a higher level of nuance. It implies a 'cleaning up' of the emotional baggage. However, don't use '정리' for ending a simple task like a movie; use '끝내다' or '마치다' for that. '정리' implies there was some complexity or mess that needed sorting.
이 문제는 정리하기가 쉽지 않네요. (This problem is not easy to sort out/organize.)
Lastly, learners sometimes over-rely on '정리' for any kind of 'writing.' If you are writing a story, use '쓰다.' If you are summarizing a long article into bullet points, *then* use '정리.' '정리' always carries the connotation of filtering and structuring information rather than creating it from scratch. By keeping these distinctions in mind—dirt vs. order, creation vs. organization, and ending vs. settling—you will use '정리' like a native speaker.
To truly master 정리, it helps to compare it with similar Korean words that deal with order, cleaning, and resolution. Each word has a specific nuance that makes it suitable for different situations. By learning these alternatives, you can be more precise in your communication.
- 청소 (Cheong-so)
- Cleaning. Focuses on hygiene and removing dirt. You '청소' a floor but '정리' a bookshelf.
- 정돈 (Jeong-don)
- Tidying/Arranging. Often paired with '정리' as '정리 정돈.' '정돈' is more about the aesthetic alignment and neatness of objects.
- 수습 (Su-seup)
- Cleaning up a mess/Fixing a situation. Usually used when something has gone wrong, like '사태를 수습하다' (to handle/settle a crisis).
- 요약 (Yo-yak)
- Summarizing. Used specifically for text or speeches. While '정리' can include summarizing, '요약' is strictly about shortening the length.
방을 정리하고 바닥을 청소했어요. (I organized the room and cleaned the floor.)
When you want to emphasize the *completion* or *settlement* of something, you might use 해결 (Hae-gyeol), which means 'resolution' or 'solution.' While '문제를 정리하다' means to sort out a problem, '문제를 해결하다' means to actually solve it. Similarly, 마무리 (Ma-mu-ri) refers to 'finishing touches' or 'wrapping up.' You '마무리' a project when it's almost done, whereas you '정리' it to make sure all the parts are in order.
내용을 간략하게 정리해 봅시다. (Let's summarize/organize the content briefly.)
In formal documents, you might see 배열 (Bae-yeol), which means 'arrangement' or 'array,' often used in technical or mathematical contexts. 분류 (Bun-ryu) means 'classification' and is used when you are sorting things into specific categories. While '정리' involves sorting, '분류' is the technical term for the act of categorizing. Understanding these synonyms helps you navigate the subtle differences between a 'neat room' (정돈된 방), a 'clean room' (청소된 방), and an 'organized room' (정리된 방).
책들을 장르별로 정리했어요. (I organized the books by genre.)
In conclusion, while '정리' is the most common and versatile word, being aware of '청소,' '정돈,' '수습,' and '요약' allows you to express yourself with much more clarity. Whether you are talking about your home, your work, or your personal life, choosing the right word for 'order' reflects your growing command of the Korean language.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The character 理 (Ri) originally referred to the veins in jade. Just as a gem cutter follows the natural veins to polish jade, '정리' implies following a natural or logical order to arrange things.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing '정' like 'Jong' (too closed). It should be more like 'Jung'.
- Making the 'r' in 'ri' too heavy like an English 'R'. It should be a light flap.
- Separating the syllables too much. They should flow smoothly.
- Pronouncing 'ng' as a hard 'G'. It is a nasal sound.
- Confusing the vowel 'eo' (ㅓ) with 'o' (ㅗ).
Niveau de difficulté
The word is easy to recognize in its Hanja-based form.
Requires understanding of how it combines with '하다' or '되다'.
Pronunciation is straightforward but requires the 'eo' vowel.
Commonly heard in many contexts, making it easy to pick up.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Noun + 하다 to form a verb
정리 + 하다 = 정리하다 (to organize)
Noun + 되다 for passive state
정리 + 되다 = 정리되다 (to be organized)
Object marker 을/를
방을 정리해요.
Sequence marker -아서/어서
정리해서 보내주세요.
Imperative -세요
정리하세요.
Exemples par niveau
방을 정리해요.
I organize my room.
Present tense of '정리하다'.
책상을 정리하세요.
Please organize the desk.
Imperative form '-하세요'.
장난감을 정리해요.
I organize the toys.
Object marker '-를/을' is used.
정리 시간이에요.
It is organization time.
Noun + '이다' (to be).
옷을 정리했어요.
I organized the clothes.
Past tense '-했어요'.
가방을 정리합시다.
Let's organize the bag.
Suggestive form '-합시다'.
정리가 필요해요.
Organization is needed.
Subject marker '-가' + '필요하다'.
신발을 정리해 주세요.
Please organize the shoes.
Request form '-해 주세요'.
사진을 폴더별로 정리했어요.
I organized the photos by folder.
'-별로' means 'by/per'.
공책 정리를 잘해요.
I am good at organizing my notebook.
'-를 잘하다' means 'to be good at'.
이메일을 정리하고 있어요.
I am organizing my emails.
Progressive form '-고 있다'.
방 정리가 다 됐어요.
The room organization is all done.
'다 되다' means 'to be completely done'.
서류를 가나다순으로 정리하세요.
Organize the documents in alphabetical (Ganada) order.
'-순으로' means 'in order of'.
식사 후에 테이블을 정리해요.
Organize (clear) the table after the meal.
'- 후에' means 'after'.
냉장고 정리를 해야겠어요.
I should organize the refrigerator.
'-해야겠다' expresses intention.
짐 정리가 생각보다 힘들어요.
Organizing the luggage is harder than I thought.
'-보다' is used for comparison.
생각을 정리할 시간이 필요해요.
I need time to organize my thoughts.
Future participle '-ㄹ' modifying '시간'.
회의 내용을 정리해서 보내주세요.
Please organize the meeting contents and send them.
'-아서/어서' shows sequence of actions.
복잡한 감정을 정리하기가 어려워요.
It is difficult to organize complex emotions.
'-기가 어렵다' means 'it is difficult to...'.
이사 가기 전에 주변을 정리했어요.
I organized my surroundings before moving.
'-기 전에' means 'before doing'.
중요한 포인트만 정리해 봅시다.
Let's try to organize just the important points.
'-아/어 보다' means 'to try doing'.
그 사람과의 관계를 정리했어요.
I settled/ended my relationship with that person.
Abstract use of '정리' for relationships.
여행 계획을 표로 정리했어요.
I organized the travel plans into a table.
'-로' indicates the method or form.
바탕화면을 정리하니까 깨끗하네요.
Since I organized the desktop, it looks clean.
'-니까' expresses a reason or discovery.
이 책은 한국 역사를 잘 정리하고 있습니다.
This book organizes Korean history well.
Formal present progressive '-고 있습니다'.
마음 정리가 되면 다시 연락할게요.
I'll contact you again when my heart is settled.
'-면' (if/when) with '정리가 되다'.
불필요한 지출을 정리할 필요가 있어요.
There is a need to organize (cut down) unnecessary expenses.
'-ㄹ 필요가 있다' means 'there is a need to'.
데이터를 체계적으로 정리해야 합니다.
The data must be organized systematically.
Adverb '체계적으로' (systematically).
그는 자신의 생각을 논리적으로 정리했다.
He organized his thoughts logically.
Plain style past tense '-했다'.
사업을 정리하고 고향으로 내려갔어요.
He organized (closed down) the business and went to his hometown.
Business context of '정리'.
이 사건을 시간순으로 정리해 봅시다.
Let's organize this incident in chronological order.
'시간순' means 'chronological order'.
노트 정리가 합격의 비결이었어요.
Organizing notes was the secret to passing.
Noun + '-이/가' + '비결' (secret/key).
피타고라스의 정리를 증명해 보세요.
Try to prove the Pythagorean theorem.
'정리' here means 'theorem'.
기업의 구조 조정을 통해 인력을 정리했다.
They organized (reduced) the workforce through corporate restructuring.
Professional euphemism for layoffs.
이 보고서는 시장 동향을 일목요연하게 정리했다.
This report organized the market trends in a clear and orderly manner.
Idiom '일목요연하게' (clear at a glance).
과거의 잘못을 정리하고 새롭게 시작합시다.
Let's settle the mistakes of the past and start anew.
Abstract moral/historical resolution.
복잡한 법적 절차를 정리하는 데 수개월이 걸렸다.
It took several months to organize (settle) the complex legal procedures.
'-는 데' indicates the time/effort taken for a task.
그의 철학은 현대 사회의 문제를 잘 정리하고 있다.
His philosophy organizes the problems of modern society well.
Intellectual systematization.
채무 정리를 위해 파산 신청을 했습니다.
I filed for bankruptcy for debt settlement.
Financial terminology '채무 정리'.
흩어진 이론들을 하나로 정리하는 작업이 필요하다.
The work of organizing scattered theories into one is necessary.
Synthesis of ideas.
인간의 실존적 고민을 철학적으로 정리한 저서이다.
It is a book that philosophically organizes human existential concerns.
Highly formal descriptive sentence.
역사적 비극을 정리하는 과정에서 진통이 따랐다.
There was pain in the process of settling historical tragedies.
Metaphorical use of '진통' (birth pains/suffering).
그는 죽음을 앞두고 자신의 삶을 정리하기 시작했다.
Facing death, he began to organize (sum up) his life.
Reflective/Existential usage.
사회적 갈등을 정리하기 위한 범국가적 기구가 출범했다.
A pan-national organization was launched to settle social conflicts.
Political/Social resolution.
패러다임의 정리는 과학 발전에 필수적인 요소이다.
The organization (systematization) of paradigms is an essential element in scientific progress.
Academic/Scientific discourse.
그 논문은 기존의 연구 성과를 완벽하게 정리해냈다.
That thesis perfectly organized (synthesized) existing research achievements.
'-해내다' implies successful completion of a difficult task.
언어의 체계를 정리하는 것은 문화를 이해하는 지름길이다.
Organizing the system of a language is a shortcut to understanding culture.
Abstract cultural analysis.
미결된 감정들을 정리하는 것은 자아 성장의 밑거름이 된다.
Settling unresolved emotions becomes the foundation for self-growth.
Psychological/Growth metaphor.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— Clean up! / Tidy up! (Used as a command).
방이 이게 뭐야? 정리 좀 해!
— To summarize in one word / To put it simply.
한마디로 정리하자면, 이건 실패예요.
— While I'm at it (organizing).
정리하는 김에 옷도 좀 버렸어요.
— To organize roughly or quickly.
시간이 없어서 대충 정리했어요.
— To organize neatly and cleanly.
책상을 깔끔하게 정리하니까 좋네요.
— Organizing one's surroundings (often implies life changes).
새 출발을 위해 주변 정리를 했어요.
— A summarized organization of information.
강의 내용을 요약 정리해서 공유할게요.
— Redundancy dismissal / Layoff (Formal).
회사가 어려워져서 정리 해고를 단행했다.
— To be unable to clear one's head or organize thoughts.
너무 당황해서 생각이 안 정리돼요.
— A person who is good at keeping things tidy.
그는 정리 정돈 잘하는 사람으로 유명해요.
Souvent confondu avec
Cleaning dirt vs. Organizing objects.
Preparing for future vs. Tidying up current state.
Repairing broken items vs. Arranging items.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To sort out one's feelings, usually to move on from something painful.
이별 후 마음을 정리하는 데 시간이 걸렸다.
Common— To put one's personal affairs in order, sometimes used in serious life contexts.
그는 여행을 떠나기 전 신변 정리를 마쳤다.
Formal— To wrap up a situation or a game, often by winning or ending it.
그가 마지막 슛으로 판을 정리했다.
Colloquial— Literally 'to organize inside the head'; to get one's thoughts in order.
잠시 산책하며 머릿속을 정리했어요.
Common— To pay off or settle one's debts completely.
드디어 모든 빚을 정리했습니다.
Common— The act of ending a relationship in a structured or definitive way.
우리는 이미 관계 정리가 끝난 사이예요.
Common— Literally 'drawer organization,' but often used as a metaphor for small life fixes.
주말에 서랍 정리를 하며 기분 전환을 했다.
Common— Settling or summarizing a chaotic situation.
경찰이 나타나서 상황 정리를 했다.
Common— Summarizing the core points of a discussion or text.
오늘 수업의 핵심 내용 정리를 해볼까요?
Common— A set phrase emphasizing both tidying and maintaining order.
아이들에게 정리 정돈의 중요성을 가르쳐요.
CommonFacile à confondre
Both mean arranging things.
정돈 is specifically about neatness and aesthetic order, while 정리 is more general and includes finishing or summarizing.
정리 정돈을 잘해야 한다.
Both involve fixing a mess.
수습 is used for crises or accidental messes, while 정리 is for routine organization.
사고를 수습하다.
Both involve ending a problem.
해결 means finding a solution, while 정리 means sorting through the parts of the problem.
문제를 해결했다.
Both involve making things shorter.
요약 is only for text/speech, while 정리 can be for anything.
내용을 요약했다.
Both involve sorting.
분류 is the technical act of putting into categories, while 정리 is the act of making it neat.
쓰레기를 분류하다.
Structures de phrases
N을/를 정리해요.
책을 정리해요.
N 정리가 다 됐어요.
방 정리가 다 됐어요.
V-기 위해 정리해요.
공부하기 위해 책상을 정리해요.
생각을 정리할 시간이 필요해요.
결정하기 전에 생각을 정리할 시간이 필요해요.
N을/를 체계적으로 정리하다.
데이터를 체계적으로 정리하다.
관계를 정리하기로 했어요.
그와의 관계를 정리하기로 했어요.
N의 정리를 통해...
이론의 정리를 통해 새로운 사실을 발견했다.
인생을 정리하는 시점.
그는 자신의 인생을 정리하는 시점에 서 있다.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Extremely high in daily conversation and professional writing.
-
Using '청소' for thoughts.
→
생각을 정리해요.
Thoughts aren't dirty; they are just unorganized.
-
Saying '책상이 정리해요'.
→
책상을 정리해요.
You organize the desk; the desk doesn't organize you.
-
Using '정리' for fixing a broken car.
→
차를 수리해요.
'정리' is for order, '수리' is for repair.
-
Using '정리' for writing a novel.
→
소설을 써요.
'정리' is for summarizing or structuring existing info, not creative writing.
-
Confusing '정리' with '준비'.
→
파티를 준비해요.
'준비' is preparation for the future; '정리' is tidying the current or past.
Astuces
The 'Ready' Rule
Think of 'Ri' in 'Jeong-ri' as 'Ready'. When you organize, you make things ready for use.
Note-taking Culture
Koreans take '노트 정리' very seriously. Neat notes are often shared among friends.
Don't over-clean
Remember, if you are scrubbing a floor, use '청소'. If you are moving books, use '정리'.
Verb Formation
Just add '하다' to '정리' and you have a very powerful verb for many situations.
Digital Tidying
Use '정리' when talking about cleaning up your phone's storage or desktop icons.
Heart Settlement
Use '마음 정리' when you need to tell someone you are moving on from a difficult time.
Meeting Recaps
In an office, always ask if you should '정리' the meeting notes for the team.
Restaurant Manners
You can help '정리' the table at a casual restaurant to be polite.
Synthesize Knowledge
After every Korean lesson, do a quick '정리' of the new words you learned.
Look for Signs
In public places, look for '정리하는 곳' to know where to return items.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of 'Jeong' as 'Just' and 'Ri' as 'Ready'. You are 'Just' getting everything 'Ready' and in its place.
Association visuelle
Imagine a bookshelf where all the books are falling over, and then a hand comes in to '정리' them so they are all perfectly vertical and sorted by color.
Word Web
Défi
Try to say '정리' three times fast while looking at a messy corner of your room. Then, spend 5 minutes doing '정리' and see how you feel.
Origine du mot
Derived from the Hanja characters 正 (정) and 理 (리).
Sens originel : 正 means 'correct, right, or straight.' 理 means 'reason, logic, or principle.' Together, they mean 'to put things into their correct logic or order.'
Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).Contexte culturel
Be careful when using '정리' for relationships; it can sound quite cold or final if not used with care.
English speakers often say 'clean up' to cover both scrubbing and organizing. Koreans are much more specific about using '청소' for dirt and '정리' for order.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
At Home
- 방 정리해라.
- 정리함이 필요해요.
- 옷을 정리해요.
- 거실 좀 정리하자.
At the Office
- 서류 정리 부탁해요.
- 파일 정리 다 했나요?
- 회의록 정리해 주세요.
- 바탕화면 정리 좀 해야겠어요.
In a Relationship
- 마음 정리 중이야.
- 우리 관계 정리하자.
- 생각 정리할 시간이 필요해.
- 과거를 정리했어요.
In School
- 노트 정리 잘하네.
- 수업 내용 정리해 봐.
- 수학 정리 외웠어?
- 책상 정리하세요.
In Finance
- 빚을 정리했어요.
- 지출을 정리해야 돼.
- 영수증 정리해 줄게.
- 가계부 정리 중이야.
Amorces de conversation
"방 정리를 얼마나 자주 하세요? (How often do you organize your room?)"
"생각을 정리할 때 보통 무엇을 하나요? (What do you usually do when you organize your thoughts?)"
"노트 정리를 잘하는 비결이 있나요? (Do you have a secret for organizing notes well?)"
"최근에 정리한 것 중에 가장 기분 좋았던 건 뭐예요? (What's the most satisfying thing you've organized recently?)"
"파일 정리를 안 하면 어떤 기분이 드세요? (How do you feel if you don't organize your files?)"
Sujets d'écriture
오늘 내가 정리한 세 가지 물건에 대해 써보세요. (Write about three things you organized today.)
내 마음을 정리하기 위해 필요한 것은 무엇인지 고민해 보세요. (Think about what you need to organize your heart/mind.)
정리 정돈이 우리 삶에 왜 중요한지 자신의 생각을 적어보세요. (Write your thoughts on why organization is important in our lives.)
1년 후의 내 모습을 정리해 본다면 어떤 모습일까요? (If you were to organize/summarize your life one year from now, what would it look like?)
가장 정리하기 힘들었던 경험에 대해 이야기해 보세요. (Tell a story about the most difficult thing you ever had to organize.)
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it specifically means tidying and putting things away, not necessarily mopping or dusting.
You say '생각을 정리하다'. It's very common when you're confused or have a big decision to make.
'정리하다' is the active 'to organize,' while '정리되다' is the passive 'to be organized' or 'to get settled'.
Absolutely! '파일 정리' or '폴더 정리' are standard terms for digital organization.
Yes, it means 'theorem,' like '피타고라스의 정리' (Pythagorean Theorem).
It can mean ending a relationship definitively, implying you've sorted your feelings and moved on.
It is a formal term for layoffs or redundancy dismissals in a company.
It is called a '정리함' (Jeong-ri-ham).
Yes, it is one of the most frequently used nouns in Korean across all levels of formality.
Yes, '머리 정리' means tidying up your hair or getting a light trim to look neat.
Teste-toi 191 questions
Translate to Korean: 'I am organizing my room.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'Please organize your thoughts.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'I organized the files by folder.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'I need time to settle my heart.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'The meeting notes were organized well.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'Let's organize the luggage before leaving.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'I finished organizing the desk.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'He is good at organizing notes.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'To put it simply, it's a success.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'I need to organize my inbox.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'She decided to end the relationship.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'Please organize the shoes at the entrance.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'I organized the books by genre.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'The data must be organized systematically.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'I'll clear the table for you.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'The room is messy, so let's tidy up.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'I am in the middle of organizing my clothes.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'I found this while organizing the drawer.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'Organization is important for productivity.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'I will organize this part and let you know.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say 'I am organizing the room' in Korean.
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Ask 'Shall I clear the table?' in Korean.
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Tell someone 'Please organize your desk' politely.
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Say 'I need to organize my thoughts' in Korean.
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Say 'The room organization is finished' in Korean.
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Tell a child 'Organize your toys!' informally.
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Explain 'I'm organizing my photos' in Korean.
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Say 'I'll summarize the meeting' in Korean.
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Say 'I settled the relationship' in Korean.
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Ask 'Did you finish organizing the files?' in Korean.
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Say 'I'm good at note-taking' in Korean.
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Say 'I need to organize my heart' in Korean.
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Say 'Let's tidy up the living room' in Korean.
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Say 'I organize my room every weekend' in Korean.
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Say 'Please organize this in chronological order' in Korean.
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Say 'I found this while organizing' in Korean.
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Say 'To put it simply, it's difficult' in Korean.
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Say 'I'll organize my clothes today' in Korean.
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Say 'The desk is very organized' in Korean.
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Ask 'When is the organization time?' in Korean.
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Identify the word: '방을 [정리]하세요.'
Does '정리' mean cleaning dirt or organizing objects in this sentence: '책을 정리해요'?
Listen and choose the meaning: '생각을 정리할게요.'
What is being organized: '파일을 정리하세요.'?
True or False: The speaker is happy. '정리하니까 깨끗해서 좋아요.'
What is the action: '짐을 정리하고 있어요.'?
Is the task finished? '정리가 아직 안 됐어요.'
What is the object: '회의 내용을 정리해 주세요.'?
Is this formal or informal? '방 정리해!'
What is the topic: '피타고라스의 정리'?
Identify the verb form: '정리했어요'.
Identify the noun: '노트 정리'.
Listen for the reason: '이사 가야 해서 정리해요.'
What is being cleared: '테이블 정리할게요.'?
Is it a command or request? '정리해 주시겠어요?'
/ 191 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word '정리' is your go-to term for bringing order to any kind of chaos. Whether you are tidying your desk (책상 정리) or sorting out your feelings (마음 정리), this word emphasizes the process of creating a clear and logical structure. Example: '방을 정리하면 기분이 좋아져요' (When I organize my room, I feel better).
- 정리 means 'organizing' or 'tidying up.' It is a fundamental Korean word used for physical spaces, digital files, and mental clarity.
- Unlike '청소' (cleaning), '정리' focuses on the arrangement and system of items rather than removing dirt or dust.
- It is commonly used in phrases like '생각 정리' (organizing thoughts) and '관계 정리' (ending/settling a relationship).
- In formal contexts, it can mean a mathematical theorem or corporate restructuring, showing its wide range of applications.
The 'Ready' Rule
Think of 'Ri' in 'Jeong-ri' as 'Ready'. When you organize, you make things ready for use.
Note-taking Culture
Koreans take '노트 정리' very seriously. Neat notes are often shared among friends.
Don't over-clean
Remember, if you are scrubbing a floor, use '청소'. If you are moving books, use '정리'.
Verb Formation
Just add '하다' to '정리' and you have a very powerful verb for many situations.
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