실천
실천 en 30 secondes
- 실천 (Silcheon) means putting plans or moral beliefs into actual practice, bridging the gap between thought and reality.
- It is different from '행동' (general action) because it requires a prior goal or principle to follow.
- Commonly used in self-help, education, and business to emphasize the importance of doing over just talking.
- The verb form is '실천하다,' and it is a highly positive trait associated with integrity and sincerity.
The word 실천 (Silcheon) is a cornerstone of Korean ethics and personal development, representing the bridge between abstract thought and concrete reality. At its core, it is a noun that describes the act of putting a plan, a theory, a promise, or a moral belief into actual practice. While English speakers might use words like 'practice,' 'action,' or 'implementation,' 실천 carries a specific weight of intentionality and commitment. It is not just doing something; it is doing something that was previously conceived as a goal or a value.
- Etymological Breakdown
- The Hanja for this word is 實踐. The first character 實 (실) means 'fruit,' 'reality,' or 'truth,' suggesting that the action is the fruit of one's thoughts. The second character 踐 (천) means 'to tread' or 'to step on,' implying a physical movement or a path taken with one's feet.
- Conceptual Depth
- In Korean culture, 실천 is often contrasted with 말 (speech). The phrase '말보다 실천' (action over words) highlights the cultural value placed on those who follow through. It is the physical manifestation of integrity.
"계획을 세우는 것보다 중요한 것은 그것을 실천하는 의지입니다." (What is more important than making a plan is the will to put it into practice.)
When we look at the nuance of 실천, we see it used most frequently in contexts of self-improvement, social activism, and moral duty. For example, if you decide to protect the environment, the act of actually recycling and reducing plastic use is your 환경 보호 실천 (practice of environmental protection). It transforms a vague desire into a tangible result.
"사랑은 관념이 아니라 실천입니다." (Love is not a concept but an action/practice.)
- Usage in Modern Society
- In modern Korea, you will see this word everywhere from corporate slogans to elementary school classrooms. It is the 'just do it' of the Korean language, but with a more disciplined, thoughtful undertone. It suggests a long-term commitment rather than a sporadic burst of energy.
"작은 것부터 실천하는 습관을 기르세요." (Develop the habit of practicing even the small things.)
To summarize, 실천 is the vital link that turns potential into reality. It is the 'how' of success and the 'proof' of character. Whether it is a New Year's resolution or a corporate strategy, without 실천, they remain mere words on paper.
Using 실천 correctly involves understanding its role as a purposeful action. It is most commonly paired with words related to thoughts, plans, or promises. Below is a guide on how to integrate this word into your Korean vocabulary naturally.
1. The Verb Form: 실천하다
The most frequent way to use this word is as the verb 실천하다. This is used when you are the agent performing the action. It requires an object—the thing you are putting into practice.
- Common Objects for 실천하다
- 계획 (Plan): 계획을 실천하다 (To carry out a plan)
- 약속 (Promise): 약속을 실천하다 (To fulfill a promise)
- 이론 (Theory): 이론을 실천하다 (To put a theory into practice)
- 정의 (Justice): 정의를 실천하다 (To practice justice)
"말만 하지 말고 직접 실천해 보세요." (Don't just talk; try to put it into practice yourself.)
2. The Noun Form in Compound Phrases
As a noun, 실천 often acts as a modifier or the head of a phrase. It is frequently used in administrative, educational, or motivational contexts.
- Key Compound Phrases
- 실천력 (Power of action): 실천력이 강하다 (To have a strong ability to take action)
- 실천 방안 (Action plan): 구체적인 실천 방안 (A concrete action plan)
- 실천 사항 (Action items): 오늘의 실천 사항 (Today's action items)
3. Contextual Nuances
While 실행 (sil-haeng) is often used for technical execution (like running a computer program or executing a legal order), 실천 is more personal and moral. You '실천' your values, but you '실행' a command.
"그는 자신의 신념을 실천하기 위해 전 재산을 기부했다." (He donated all his assets to put his beliefs into practice.)
In academic writing, 실천 is used to discuss 'praxis'—the application of knowledge. In daily life, it's about the grit required to stick to a diet or a study schedule. It is a word that commands respect because it implies effort and consistency.
You will encounter 실천 in various domains of Korean life, ranging from formal speeches to casual self-help conversations. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the 'vibe' of the word.
1. Self-Help and Personal Development
This is perhaps the most common place to hear the word. Motivational speakers and authors constantly emphasize that ideas are worthless without action. You'll hear phrases like:
- "성공의 비결은 실천에 있습니다." (The secret to success lies in practice.)
- "작은 습관의 실천." (The practice of small habits.)
"생각만 하지 말고 실천으로 옮기세요!" (Don't just think, move it into action!)
2. Educational Settings
In Korean schools, teachers often talk about 실천하는 지성인 (an intellectual who puts knowledge into practice). It’s not enough to just learn facts; one must live by them. You might see '실천' on posters in hallways encouraging students to be kind or keep the school clean.
3. Business and Corporate Culture
In the workplace, managers look for 실천력 (the ability to get things done). During performance reviews or strategy meetings, the focus is often on how to turn a vision into reality. '실천 방안' (action plans) are a staple of Korean business documents.
"우리 회사는 고객 감동을 실천합니다." (Our company practices [puts into action] customer satisfaction.)
4. Social and Political Activism
When discussing social justice, environmentalism, or ethics, 실천 is the go-to word. It implies a moral obligation. For example, '나눔의 실천' (the practice of sharing/charity) is a common phrase used by NGOs.
- Media Headlines
- You might see news titles like: "탄소 중립, 이제는 실천할 때" (Carbon neutrality, now is the time to put it into practice).
While 실천 is a versatile word, learners often confuse it with other 'action' words in Korean. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.
1. 실천 vs. 실행 (Sil-cheon vs. Sil-haeng)
This is the most common confusion. Both mean 'implementation' or 'execution,' but their usage differs:
- 실천: Used for moral, personal, or goal-oriented actions. (e.g., practicing kindness, fulfilling a resolution). It has a 'human' and 'ethical' element.
- 실행: Used for technical, administrative, or literal execution. (e.g., running a program, executing a task, carrying out a legal order). It is more 'mechanical' or 'procedural'.
Wrong: 컴퓨터 프로그램을 실천하세요. (Practice the computer program.)
Right: 컴퓨터 프로그램을 실행하세요. (Run/Execute the computer program.)
2. 실천 vs. 연습 (Sil-cheon vs. Yeon-seup)
Learners sometimes use 실천 when they mean 'practice' in the sense of training or rehearsing.
- 실천: Doing the real thing (e.g., actually being a vegetarian).
- 연습: Rehearsing to get better (e.g., practicing the piano).
3. Forgetting the Object
Since 실천하다 is a transitive verb, using it without an object can sometimes feel incomplete unless the context is very clear. Always try to specify what you are practicing.
- Vague
- "저는 매일 실천해요." (I practice every day. - Practice what?)
- Clear
- "저는 매일 운동 계획을 실천해요." (I put my exercise plan into practice every day.)
To truly master 실천, it's helpful to understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. Korean has a rich vocabulary for 'action,' and choosing the right one depends on the context.
- 1. 실행 (實行 - Sil-haeng)
- As mentioned before, this is the closest synonym. It focuses on the execution of a task or command. Use this for business operations, computer commands, or legal matters.
- 2. 이행 (履行 - I-haeng)
- This word is often used in legal or formal contexts, meaning to fulfill an obligation or a contract. If you '이행' a promise, it sounds more like a formal duty than a personal choice.
- 3. 수행 (遂行 - Su-haeng)
- This means to carry out or perform a mission or a specific duty. It is often used in military or high-level professional contexts (e.g., '임무 수행' - carrying out a mission).
- 4. 행동 (行動 - Haeng-dong)
- The most general word for 'action' or 'behavior.' It refers to any physical act. While 실천 is purposeful, 행동 can be impulsive or unconscious.
Nuance Comparison:
• 실천: Putting a value/plan into life (Personal/Moral)
• 실행: Running a process (Technical/Functional)
• 이행: Fulfilling a contract (Legal/Formal)
• 수행: Completing a task (Professional/Mission-based)
By learning these distinctions, you can avoid the 'uncanny valley' of sounding like a textbook and start sounding like a nuanced Korean speaker.
How Formal Is It?
Niveau de difficulté
Grammaire à connaître
~기로 하다 (Decide to do)
~기 위해 (In order to)
~어야 하다 (Must do)
~으려고 노력하다 (Try to)
~는 습관을 기르다 (Develop a habit of)
Exemples par niveau
오늘부터 운동을 실천해요.
I practice/do exercise starting today.
실천해요 is the polite present form.
작은 일부터 실천하세요.
Please practice from small things.
~하세요 is a polite command.
말보다 실천이 중요해요.
Action is more important than words.
~보다 means 'than'.
계획을 실천해요.
I put the plan into practice.
계획 (plan) is the object.
약속을 실천했어요.
I kept/practiced my promise.
Past tense form.
매일 실천하는 것이 어려워요.
Practicing every day is difficult.
~하는 것 turns the verb into a noun phrase.
우리 같이 실천해요.
Let's practice together.
같이 means 'together'.
실천이 최고예요.
Action is the best.
최고 means 'the best'.
건강을 위해 채식을 실천하고 있어요.
I am practicing vegetarianism for my health.
~고 있다 indicates progressive action.
공부 계획을 세웠지만 실천하기 힘들어요.
I made a study plan, but it's hard to put into practice.
~기 힘들다 means 'hard to do'.
그는 약속을 꼭 실천하는 사람이에요.
He is a person who definitely puts his promises into action.
~는 사람 describes the noun 'person'.
환경 보호를 위해 텀블러 사용을 실천해요.
I practice using a tumbler to protect the environment.
환경 보호 (environmental protection).
생각을 바로 실천에 옮기세요.
Put your thoughts into action immediately.
실천에 옮기다 is a common idiom meaning 'to put into action'.
성공하려면 실천력이 필요해요.
To succeed, you need the power of action.
~하려면 means 'if you want to...'.
오늘의 실천 사항을 확인하세요.
Check today's action items.
실천 사항 (action items).
나눔을 실천하는 삶은 아름다워요.
A life practicing sharing is beautiful.
나눔 (sharing/charity).
이론을 배우는 것도 중요하지만 실천하는 것이 더 중요합니다.
Learning theory is important, but putting it into practice is more important.
~지만 (but).
그 기업은 사회적 책임을 실천하고 있습니다.
The company is practicing social responsibility.
사회적 책임 (Social Responsibility).
자신의 신념을 실천하기 위해 용기가 필요합니다.
Courage is needed to put one's beliefs into practice.
신념 (belief/conviction).
구체적인 실천 방안을 마련해야 합니다.
We must prepare a concrete action plan.
실천 방안 (action plan).
그는 언행일치를 실천하는 존경받는 인물이다.
He is a respected figure who practices the consistency of words and actions.
언행일치 (consistency of speech and action).
에너지 절약을 생활 속에서 실천합시다.
Let's practice energy saving in our daily lives.
~합시다 (Let's...).
말만 앞세우지 말고 실천으로 보여주세요.
Don't just put words first; show it through action.
말만 앞세우다 (to only talk/be all talk).
꿈을 실천에 옮기는 과정이 즐겁습니다.
The process of putting dreams into action is enjoyable.
실천에 옮기다 (to translate into action).
민주주의의 가치를 실천하는 것은 시민의 의무입니다.
Practicing the values of democracy is a citizen's duty.
가치 (value).
지식과 실천이 분리되어서는 안 됩니다.
Knowledge and practice must not be separated.
~어서는 안 된다 (must not).
그 정책은 실천 가능성이 낮다는 비판을 받았다.
The policy was criticized for having low feasibility (possibility of practice).
실천 가능성 (feasibility).
사랑을 실천하는 방법은 사람마다 다를 수 있습니다.
The way to practice love can differ for each person.
사람마다 (every person).
그는 평생 동안 검소함을 실천하며 살았다.
He lived his whole life practicing frugality.
검소함 (frugality).
도덕적 가르침을 삶 속에서 어떻게 실천할 것인가?
How will we practice moral teachings in our lives?
Future tense question.
실천이 따르지 않는 계획은 무의미하다.
A plan that is not followed by action is meaningless.
~이 따르다 (to be followed by).
우리는 탄소 중립을 위해 구체적으로 실천해야 합니다.
We must take concrete action for carbon neutrality.
구체적으로 (concretely).
지행합일(知行合一)은 아는 것과 실천하는 것이 하나임을 강조한다.
Jihaenghap-il emphasizes that knowing and practicing are one.
Four-character idiom (Saja-seong-eo).
사회 개혁을 위한 실천적 지성이 요구되는 시점이다.
It is a time when practical intelligence for social reform is required.
실천적 (practical/active).
그의 철학은 단순한 사유에 그치지 않고 실천으로 이어진다.
His philosophy does not stop at mere thought but leads to practice.
~에 그치다 (to stop at/be limited to).
비판적 성찰은 실천의 방향을 제시해 준다.
Critical reflection provides the direction for practice.
비판적 성찰 (critical reflection).
예술가는 작품을 통해 자신의 미학을 실천한다.
An artist practices their aesthetics through their work.
미학 (aesthetics).
이념의 실천 과정에서 예상치 못한 부작용이 발생할 수 있다.
Unexpected side effects may occur in the process of practicing an ideology.
이념 (ideology).
진정한 리더십은 솔선수범하는 실천에서 나온다.
True leadership comes from practice that sets an example.
솔선수범 (leading by example).
현대 사회에서 윤리적 소비의 실천이 점차 확산되고 있다.
The practice of ethical consumption is gradually spreading in modern society.
윤리적 소비 (ethical consumption).
프락시스(Praxis)는 이론과 실천의 변증법적 통일을 의미한다.
Praxis refers to the dialectical unity of theory and practice.
변증법적 통일 (dialectical unity).
그의 삶은 실존적 고뇌를 실천으로 승화시킨 과정이었다.
His life was a process of sublimating existential agony into practice.
승화시키다 (to sublimate).
역사적 소명을 실천하기 위해 그는 기꺼이 고난의 길을 택했다.
To fulfill his historical calling, he willingly chose the path of hardship.
역사적 소명 (historical calling).
담론의 장에서 벗어나 구체적인 현장에서 실천을 모색해야 한다.
We must move beyond the field of discourse and seek practice in concrete sites.
담론 (discourse).
실천적 이성은 도덕적 법칙을 스스로에게 부과한다.
Practical reason imposes moral laws upon itself.
실천적 이성 (Practical Reason - Kantian term).
제도적 개혁 없는 개인의 실천은 한계에 부딪힐 수밖에 없다.
Individual practice without institutional reform is bound to hit a limit.
~을 수밖에 없다 (have no choice but to).
그는 자신의 학문적 성과를 사회적 실천으로 환원하고자 노력했다.
He tried to return his academic achievements to social practice.
환원하다 (to return/restore).
실천은 주체가 세계와 관계 맺는 가장 근원적인 방식이다.
Practice is the most fundamental way the subject relates to the world.
근원적인 (fundamental/original).
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Souvent confondu avec
Technical/Procedural execution vs. Moral/Personal practice.
Training/Rehearsal vs. Actual application.
General behavior vs. Purposeful action.
Expressions idiomatiques
Facile à confondre
Structures de phrases
Comment l'utiliser
실천 implies a positive, constructive action. You wouldn't usually '실천' a bad habit.
In slang, people might say '말만 번지르르하다' to describe someone who doesn't practice what they say.
- Using 실천 for technical execution (use 실행 instead).
- Using 실천 for sports or music practice (use 연습 instead).
- Using it without an object in contexts where the goal isn't clear.
- Confusing it with '실제' (reality/actually).
- Pronouncing it as 'sil-jeon' (which means actual combat/practice match).
Astuces
Learn with Hanja
Knowing that 實 means 'real' helps you remember that 실천 is about making things real.
Use with '의지'
Saying '실천 의지' (will to practice) makes you sound very determined.
Action Plans
In business writing, always use '실천 방안' for action plans.
The Sincerity Connection
In Korea, being a person of '실천' is a high compliment for your character.
Transitive Verb
Always look for the object (을/를) to see what is being practiced.
Context Clues
If you hear it in a speech, it's likely about social responsibility.
Daily Goal
Try to '실천' one Korean sentence every day!
Moral Weight
Use 실천 when the action has a 'why' behind it.
Interchangeability
Don't swap it with '연습' (practice/training).
Proverb Power
Memorize '말보다 실천' to impress your Korean friends.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of 'SIL' as 'Seal' and 'CHEON' as 'Action'. You 'Seal' the deal with 'Action'.
Origine du mot
Sino-Korean (Hanja)
Contexte culturel
Companies like Samsung or Hyundai often use '실천' in their core values to emphasize speed and execution.
Korean schools emphasize '실천하는 어린이' (children who put things into practice) as a goal for moral education.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Amorces de conversation
"올해 세운 계획을 잘 실천하고 있어요? (Are you practicing the plans you made this year?)"
"말보다 실천이 중요하다고 생각하세요? (Do you think action is more important than words?)"
"실천하기 가장 어려운 약속은 무엇인가요? (What is the hardest promise to put into practice?)"
"환경 보호를 위해 무엇을 실천하고 있나요? (What are you practicing to protect the environment?)"
"실천력을 기르는 방법이 있을까요? (Is there a way to develop the power of action?)"
Sujets d'écriture
오늘 내가 실천한 작은 일 한 가지에 대해 써보세요. (Write about one small thing you practiced today.)
생각만 하고 실천하지 못한 일이 있다면 그 이유는 무엇인가요? (If there is something you thought about but didn't practice, what was the reason?)
내가 닮고 싶은 '실천가'는 누구인가요? (Who is a 'practitioner' you want to resemble?)
나의 가치관을 어떻게 삶 속에서 실천할 수 있을까? (How can I practice my values in my life?)
실천력이 부족할 때 나를 움직이게 하는 것은? (What makes you move when you lack the power of action?)
Questions fréquentes
10 questions실천 is used for moral or personal goals (like practicing kindness), while 실행 is for technical or administrative tasks (like running a program).
No, for skills or instruments, use '연습' (yeon-seup).
It is standard Korean, used in both daily life and formal writing. It sounds more sophisticated than just '하다'.
It means 'the power of action' or the ability to follow through on plans.
You can say '실천에 옮기다' (sil-cheon-e ol-gi-da).
It is a noun. You add '하다' to make it a verb.
No, 실천 is usually for positive or intentional plans. For a mistake, just use '실수하다'.
It's a four-character idiom meaning your words and actions match.
Use '이행' for formal or legal obligations like contracts.
It appears in lyrics about following dreams or being true to oneself.
Teste-toi 180 questions
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
실천 is the 'how' of integrity. It transforms abstract goals into tangible results. Whether you are studying Korean or saving the environment, 실천 is the specific act of following through on your commitments.
- 실천 (Silcheon) means putting plans or moral beliefs into actual practice, bridging the gap between thought and reality.
- It is different from '행동' (general action) because it requires a prior goal or principle to follow.
- Commonly used in self-help, education, and business to emphasize the importance of doing over just talking.
- The verb form is '실천하다,' and it is a highly positive trait associated with integrity and sincerity.
Learn with Hanja
Knowing that 實 means 'real' helps you remember that 실천 is about making things real.
Use with '의지'
Saying '실천 의지' (will to practice) makes you sound very determined.
Action Plans
In business writing, always use '실천 방안' for action plans.
The Sincerity Connection
In Korea, being a person of '실천' is a high compliment for your character.
Exemple
계획보다 더 중요한 것은 실천입니다.
Contenu associé
Plus de mots sur general
몇몇
A2Quelques; un petit nombre de.
조금
A1J'ai mangé un peu de pain. (조금의 빵을 먹었어요.)
적게
A1Peu, en petite quantité. Utilisé pour décrire une action faite modérément.
약간
A2Un peu; légèrement. Utilisé pour décrire une petite quantité ou un faible degré.
많이
A1Beaucoup / Très. 'J'ai beaucoup mangé' (많이 먹었어요). 'Il pleut beaucoup' (비가 많이 와요).
잠시
A2Un court instant ; brièvement. 'Attendez un instant, s'il vous plaît.' (잠시만 기다려 주세요.) 'Je serai de retour dans un instant.' (잠시 후에 돌아오겠습니다.)
잠깐
A2For a short time; a moment.
아까
A2Il y a peu de temps, tout à l'heure. Je l'ai vu tout à l'heure au supermarché.
대해
A2Signifie 'à propos de' ou 'concernant'. Utilisé pour introduire le sujet d'une discussion ou d'une pensée.
~에 대해서
A2À propos de; concernant.