만족하다
만족하다 en 30 secondes
- 만족하다 means to be satisfied or content with a situation, result, or object.
- It is commonly used with the particle ~에 to mark the source of satisfaction.
- It differs from 'happy' by focusing on the fulfillment of specific expectations.
- The causative form 만족시키다 is used when you make someone else feel satisfied.
The Korean word 만족하다 (manjokhada) is a versatile verb (often functioning as a descriptive verb/adjective) that translates to 'to be satisfied' or 'to be content.' At its core, it describes a state where your desires, expectations, or needs have been met to a degree that leaves you feeling happy and at peace. Unlike the English word 'happy' (행복하다), which can be a broad emotional state, 만족하다 specifically points to a comparison between what you wanted and what you received. It is the feeling of having 'enough.'
- Core Meaning
- The state of being full (滿) and sufficient (足). It implies that there is no more room for lack or deficiency in a specific context.
- Emotional Nuance
- It conveys a sense of stability and calmness. When a Korean speaker says they are '만족해요,' they aren't necessarily jumping for joy; rather, they are expressing that their current situation is acceptable and fulfilling.
저는 지금의 제 삶에 아주 만족하다고 생각해요. (I think I am very satisfied with my life right now.)
In Korean society, expressing satisfaction can be a way of showing gratitude or humility. For example, when someone offers you food, saying you are satisfied with the meal is a high compliment to the host. It suggests that the host's efforts reached your expectations perfectly. However, the word is also used in formal settings, such as business reports or customer service surveys, to measure the quality of a service or product.
고객님들께서 우리 서비스에 만족하다는 반응을 보이셨습니다. (The customers showed a reaction of being satisfied with our service.)
Historically, the Hanja characters 滿 (만 - full) and 足 (족 - foot/sufficient) reveal a fascinating origin. The character for foot (足) was used in ancient times to signify that one had 'walked enough' or 'stood firm,' leading to the meaning of sufficiency. Therefore, 만족하다 is literally the state of being 'full and sufficient.' This etymological background helps learners understand why it isn't just about 'liking' something, but about the 'completeness' of an experience.
- Cultural Context
- In Korea, the concept of 'Soso-hwak' (소소하지만 확실한 행복 - small but certain happiness) often involves finding reasons to be 만족하다 in daily life, like a good cup of coffee or a clean room.
작은 성취에도 만족하다 보면 삶이 더 즐거워집니다. (If you are satisfied even with small achievements, life becomes more enjoyable.)
In a professional context, 만족하다 is the standard term for 'Customer Satisfaction' (고객 만족). Companies strive for 'CS' (Customer Satisfaction) by ensuring that every interaction leaves the customer feeling that their needs were fully met. When you are writing a review for a restaurant or an app in Korea, you will almost always see a 5-star scale labeled with different degrees of 만족.
이 가격에 이 정도 품질이면 충분히 만족하다. (At this price, I am sufficiently satisfied with this level of quality.)
- Usage in Relationships
- It can also describe being happy with a person or a relationship. Saying '나는 너에게 만족해' might sound a bit clinical or like a performance review, so it's more common to say '너와 함께 있어서 행복해' (I'm happy because I'm with you). Use 만족하다 for specific traits or actions instead.
남편의 자상한 성격에 매우 만족하다. (I am very satisfied with my husband's considerate personality.)
Using 만족하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior. While it is technically a verb, it often functions like an adjective in Korean (descriptive verb). This means it describes a state rather than an action. The most critical grammatical point is the use of the particle -에 to mark the object of satisfaction.
- The '~에 만족하다' Pattern
- This is the most common way to use the word. You place the thing you are satisfied with before the particle '에'. For example: '결과에 만족해요' (I am satisfied with the result).
새로 산 차의 디자인에 만족하다. (I am satisfied with the design of the new car I bought.)
When you want to say you are satisfied with an action or a fact, you need to turn the verb into a noun clause using -는 것에 or -기에. For instance, 'I am satisfied with living here' would be '여기서 사는 것에 만족해요.'
월급이 오른 것에 만족하다. (I am satisfied with the fact that my salary was raised.)
Formality levels change how you conjugate 만족하다. In formal writing or presentations, you use 만족합니다. In polite daily conversation, 만족해요 is standard. If you are talking to yourself or writing a diary, 만족한다 is the plain form.
- Comparison with 만족스럽다
- There is a related adjective, '만족스럽다' (manjok-seureopda). While '만족하다' describes the subject's feeling, '만족스럽다' describes the quality of the object. For example, '만족스러운 결과' means 'a satisfying result.'
이번 시험 결과가 매우 만족스럽다. (This exam result is very satisfying.)
Another advanced usage is the causative form: 만족시키다 (to satisfy someone else). This is often used in business or psychology. '고객을 만족시키다' means 'to satisfy the customer.' Here, because it is an active verb of 'making someone satisfied,' the object particle ~을/를 is used correctly.
부모님의 기대를 만족시키다는 것은 어렵다. (It is difficult to satisfy your parents' expectations.)
- Tense Usage
- Past tense: 만족했다 (was satisfied). Future tense: 만족할 것이다 (will be satisfied). Continuous: 만족하고 있다 (is currently being satisfied/content).
그는 자신의 현재 상황에 만족하고 있다. (He is currently satisfied with his situation.)
You will encounter 만족하다 in a wide variety of real-life scenarios in Korea. From the sterile environment of a corporate office to the casual chatter of a neighborhood cafe, this word is a staple of Korean communication. Understanding the context helps you grasp the subtle shifts in its meaning.
- 1. Customer Reviews and E-commerce
- In the digital age, this is perhaps the most frequent place you'll see the word. Apps like Coupang or Baedal Minjok are filled with reviews saying, '배송도 빠르고 상품도 만족합니다' (The delivery was fast and I'm satisfied with the product).
별 5개 드려요. 정말 만족하다! (Giving 5 stars. Really satisfied!)
In business meetings, you'll hear it when discussing project outcomes. A manager might ask, '이번 기획안에 대해 만족하시나요?' (Are you satisfied with this proposal?). Here, the word carries a weight of professional approval. It’s not just about liking the plan; it’s about whether the plan meets the company's strategic goals.
- 2. Television and Media
- On Korean variety shows, celebrities often talk about their 'life satisfaction' (삶의 만족도). You might hear a guest say, '저는 시골에서 사는 삶에 만족해요' (I am satisfied with living in the countryside). It conveys a sense of healing and peace.
출연진들이 요리 결과에 매우 만족하다는 표정을 지었습니다. (The cast members made expressions showing they were very satisfied with the cooking results.)
In psychological or self-help contexts, 만족하다 is used to discuss mental well-being. Terms like '자기 만족' (self-satisfaction) are common. Someone might say, '남의 시선보다 제 자신의 만족이 더 중요해요' (My own satisfaction is more important than how others see me). This reflects a growing cultural shift in Korea toward individualism and personal happiness.
- 3. Academic and Formal Settings
- In surveys (설문조사), the standard scale is: 매우 만족 (Very Satisfied), 만족 (Satisfied), 보통 (Neutral), 불만족 (Dissatisfied), 매우 불만족 (Very Dissatisfied).
대다수의 학생들이 학교 시설에 만족하다고 응답했습니다. (The majority of students responded that they are satisfied with the school facilities.)
Lastly, you'll hear it in sports. An athlete who performed well but didn't win might say, '결과보다는 제 경기력에 만족합니다' (I am satisfied with my performance rather than the result). This shows a focus on personal growth and the process rather than just the outcome.
Even for intermediate learners, 만족하다 can be tricky. The most frequent errors involve particles, word forms, and confusing it with similar-sounding words. Let's break down these pitfalls so you can avoid them.
- Mistake 1: Using the wrong particle
- English speakers often want to use the object particle ~을/를 because 'satisfy' is a transitive verb in English. However, in Korean, you are satisfied at/with something. Use ~에.
Wrong: 저는 제 직업을 만족해요.
Correct: 저는 제 직업에 만족해요.
Wait, there is an exception! If you use the causative form 만족시키다 (to satisfy someone/something), then you must use ~을/를. For example: '고객을 만족시키다' (to satisfy the customer). Confusing these two is a common B1-level error.
- Mistake 2: Confusing '만족하다' and '만족스럽다'
- This is a nuance error. '만족하다' is about how you feel. '만족스럽다' is about the quality of the thing. If you say '이 음식은 만족해요,' it sounds slightly awkward, like the food itself is feeling satisfied. Better to say '이 음식은 만족스러워요' (This food is satisfying).
Correct: 결과가 만족스럽다. (The result is satisfying.)
Correct: 나는 결과에 만족하다. (I am satisfied with the result.)
Another mistake is using 만족하다 when you simply mean 'I like it.' While they overlap, 만족하다 is much stronger and more specific. If you just like a new song, say '좋아요.' If the song perfectly captures the mood you were looking for and you have no complaints, then you can say '만족해요.'
- Mistake 3: Over-using '만족하다' in casual social settings
- In very casual speech with friends, 만족하다 can sound a bit formal or stiff. Friends might say '완전 좋아!' (It's totally good!) or '딱 내 스타일이야!' (It's exactly my style!) instead. Use 만족하다 when you want to sound more thoughtful or when discussing more serious topics like jobs, grades, or expensive purchases.
Casual: 친구가 준 선물에 정말 만족해요. (I'm really satisfied with the gift my friend gave me - sounds a bit like a review!)
Natural: 친구가 준 선물이 정말 마음에 들어요. (I really like the gift my friend gave me.)
Korean has several words that touch on the idea of satisfaction, each with its own flavor. Choosing the right one will make your Korean sound more natural and precise. Let's compare 만족하다 with its closest relatives.
- 만족하다 vs. 흡족하다 (Heupjokhada)
- 흡족하다 is a more literary and expressive version of satisfaction. It implies a feeling of being 'thoroughly pleased' or 'heartily satisfied.' While 만족하다 is objective, 흡족하다 is more emotional. You might see this in novels or hear it from an elderly person who is very happy with their grandchildren.
할아버지는 손자의 성적표를 보고 흡족하다는 듯이 웃으셨다. (The grandfather smiled as if he were thoroughly satisfied after seeing his grandson's report card.)
- 만족하다 vs. 충족하다 (Chungjokhada)
- 충족하다 is used primarily for 'meeting requirements' or 'satisfying conditions.' It is much more formal and technical. You wouldn't say you are '충족해요' with a meal; instead, you would say the meal '충족하다' (met) the nutritional requirements.
이 지원자는 모든 자격 요건을 충족하다. (This applicant meets/satisfies all the qualification requirements.)
Another common alternative is 마음에 들다 (to enter one's heart). This is the most natural way to say 'I like it' or 'It's to my liking' in daily life. If you go shopping and find a shirt you like, use this instead of 만족하다.
이 옷이 아주 마음에 들다. (I really like this clothing / This clothing is to my liking.)
- Summary Comparison Table
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- 만족하다: General satisfaction (emotional/objective).
- 흡족하다: Deep, warm, literary satisfaction.
- 충족하다: Meeting standards/criteria (formal).
- 마음에 들다: To like something (casual/daily).
- 충분하다: To be enough in quantity.
In some contexts, you might also hear 다행이다 (to be a relief). While not a synonym, if you are satisfied that something bad didn't happen, this is the word to use. For example, '시험을 잘 봐서 다행이에요' (I'm glad/relieved I did well on the exam) expresses a form of satisfaction through relief.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The character for 'foot' (足) came to mean 'sufficient' because in ancient times, the distance one could walk on foot determined if a task was 'enough' or if a person had reached their limit. So, 'full feet' means you've walked enough and are satisfied!
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing 'jok' like 'joke' (long 'o'). It should be a short 'o' as in 'pot'.
- Missing the aspiration: 'jok-hada' often sounds like 'jo-k'ada' with a strong 'k' sound.
- Pronouncing 'man' with a nasal 'ae' like 'man' in 'manager'. It should be a pure 'ah' sound.
- Failing to pronounce the final 'k' in 'jok' clearly before the 'h'.
- Over-emphasizing the 'h' in 'hada' so it sounds like two separate words.
Niveau de difficulté
Easy to recognize due to common Hanja root, but can be confused with other 'jok' words.
Requires correct particle usage (~에) which is different from English.
Pronunciation is straightforward, but needs to be distinguished from '좋아하다'.
Clear sound, but '만족' can sound like '만조' in fast speech.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Particle ~에 for targets of emotion
결과에 만족하다, 날씨에 기뻐하다.
Causative suffix ~시키다
만족시키다 (to satisfy), 감동시키다 (to move/touch).
Adjective suffix ~스럽다
만족스럽다 (satisfying), 사랑스럽다 (lovely).
Noun clause ~는 것
공부하는 것에 만족하다.
Relative clause modifier ~는
만족하는 사람 (a satisfied person).
Exemples par niveau
저는 이 밥에 만족해요.
I am satisfied with this meal.
Uses the polite ending -해요 and the particle -에.
선물이 정말 만족스러워요.
The gift is really satisfying.
Uses 만족스럽다 to describe the gift's quality.
날씨에 만족하세요?
Are you satisfied with the weather?
A question using the honorific -세-.
저는 제 방에 만족해요.
I am satisfied with my room.
Simple subject-object-verb structure.
커피 맛에 만족합니다.
I am satisfied with the taste of the coffee.
Formal ending -합니다.
이 옷에 만족해요.
I am satisfied with these clothes.
Demonstrative '이' (this) used with a noun.
우리는 결과에 만족해요.
We are satisfied with the result.
First-person plural '우리' (we).
서비스에 만족해요.
I am satisfied with the service.
Common phrase used in restaurants or shops.
새로 산 신발에 아주 만족해요.
I am very satisfied with the shoes I newly bought.
Uses the modifier '새로 산' (newly bought).
시험 점수에 만족하지 않아요.
I am not satisfied with my exam score.
Negative form -지 않아요.
호텔 방이 아주 만족스러웠어요.
The hotel room was very satisfying.
Past tense of 만족스럽다.
제 한국어 공부에 만족해요.
I am satisfied with my Korean studies.
Possessive marker '제' (my).
이 가격에 만족하십니까?
Are you satisfied with this price?
Formal question form -십니까.
음식 양에 충분히 만족해요.
I am sufficiently satisfied with the amount of food.
Adverb '충분히' (sufficiently).
그 영화의 결말에 만족했어요.
I was satisfied with the ending of that movie.
Past tense -했어요.
주말 계획에 모두 만족해요.
Everyone is satisfied with the weekend plans.
The word '모두' (everyone/all).
저는 지금의 제 직업에 만족하고 있어요.
I am currently satisfied with my job.
Continuous form -고 있다.
작은 성취에도 만족하는 법을 배워야 해요.
You need to learn how to be satisfied even with small achievements.
The pattern '-는 법을 배우다' (learn how to...).
고객들을 만족시키기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.
We are making efforts to satisfy our customers.
Causative form 만족시키다.
이번 여행은 모든 면에서 만족스러웠습니다.
This trip was satisfying in every aspect.
Phrase '모든 면에서' (in every aspect).
월급이 오른 것에 대해 만족하시나요?
Are you satisfied with the fact that your salary was raised?
Noun clause '-는 것에 대해'.
자신의 삶에 만족하는 사람이 행복합니다.
A person who is satisfied with their own life is happy.
Relative clause '-는 사람'.
그는 현재의 성적에 만족하지 못하고 더 노력했다.
He could not be satisfied with his current grades and worked harder.
Negative potential '-지 못하다'.
우리는 서로의 의견에 만족하며 합의했다.
We were satisfied with each other's opinions and reached an agreement.
Connective ending '-하며' (while/and).
물질적인 풍요가 반드시 정신적 만족을 가져오는 것은 아니다.
Material abundance does not necessarily bring mental satisfaction.
Noun form '만족' used as a subject.
정부는 국민들의 삶의 만족도를 높이기 위해 정책을 마련했다.
The government prepared policies to increase the life satisfaction of the citizens.
Compound noun '삶의 만족도' (life satisfaction level).
그는 자신의 한계를 극복한 것에 대해 깊이 만족했다.
He was deeply satisfied with having overcome his own limitations.
Adverb '깊이' (deeply).
이 제품은 소비자의 요구를 충분히 만족시키고 있다.
This product is sufficiently satisfying the needs of consumers.
Transitive use with '요구를' (needs/demands).
결과가 만족스럽지 않더라도 과정에서 배운 것이 많다.
Even if the result is not satisfying, there is much learned in the process.
Concessive ending '-더라도' (even if).
그녀는 화려한 삶보다는 소박한 삶에 만족하며 산다.
She lives satisfied with a simple life rather than a flashy one.
Contrast using 'A보다는 B'.
많은 사람들이 현재의 직장 생활에 불만족을 느끼고 있다.
Many people are feeling dissatisfaction with their current workplace life.
Antonym '불만족' (dissatisfaction).
예술가는 자신의 작품이 완성된 모습에 만족스러운 미소를 지었다.
The artist gave a satisfying smile at the completed look of their work.
Adjective form used to describe a smile.
인간의 욕망은 끝이 없어서 완벽하게 만족하기란 불가능에 가깝다.
Human desire is endless, so it is close to impossible to be perfectly satisfied.
Pattern '-기란' (as for doing...).
그의 연설은 청중들의 지적 호기심을 충분히 만족시켜 주었다.
His speech sufficiently satisfied the intellectual curiosity of the audience.
Auxiliary verb '-어 주다' (doing for someone).
단순한 쾌락보다는 자아실현을 통한 만족이 더 오래 지속된다.
Satisfaction through self-actualization lasts longer than simple pleasure.
Noun '자아실현' (self-actualization).
이번 협상 결과는 양측 모두를 만족시킬 만한 수준이었다.
The result of this negotiation was at a level that could satisfy both sides.
Pattern '-ㄹ 만한' (worth/capable of).
그는 현실에 만족하지 않고 끊임없이 자기 계발에 힘썼다.
He did not settle for reality and constantly strove for self-development.
Connective '-지 않고' (without doing).
소비자의 만족도는 기업의 브랜드 이미지에 결정적인 영향을 미친다.
Consumer satisfaction has a decisive influence on a company's brand image.
Formal phrase '영향을 미치다' (to influence).
그녀는 자신의 선택에 대해 한 점의 후회도 없이 만족한다고 말했다.
She said she was satisfied with her choice without a single point of regret.
Idiomatic '한 점의 후회도 없이' (without a speck of regret).
사회의 구조적 모순이 해결되지 않는 한 진정한 만족은 얻기 어렵다.
As long as the structural contradictions of society are not resolved, true satisfaction is hard to obtain.
Pattern '-는 한' (as long as).
안분지족(安分知足)의 삶이야말로 현대인에게 필요한 지혜일지도 모른다.
A life of being content with one's lot (Anbun-jijok) might be the wisdom needed for modern people.
Uses a four-character idiom (Saja-seong-eo) related to satisfaction.
무욕의 상태에서 비로소 진정한 만족이 찾아온다는 역설을 이해해야 한다.
One must understand the paradox that true satisfaction only comes in a state of desirelessness.
Noun '무욕' (desirelessness) and '역설' (paradox).
그의 문체는 독자들의 미적 감수성을 완벽하게 만족시키는 힘이 있다.
His writing style has the power to perfectly satisfy the aesthetic sensitivity of readers.
Noun '미적 감수성' (aesthetic sensitivity).
객관적 지표만으로는 인간의 주관적 만족을 다 설명할 수 없다.
Objective indicators alone cannot fully explain human subjective satisfaction.
Contrast between '객관적' (objective) and '주관적' (subjective).
그는 대중의 기대를 만족시키기 위해 자신의 예술적 신념을 굽히지 않았다.
He did not bend his artistic beliefs to satisfy the public's expectations.
Metaphorical '신념을 굽히다' (to bend one's beliefs).
만족의 기준은 시대와 문화에 따라 끊임없이 재정의되어 왔다.
The standard of satisfaction has been constantly redefined according to eras and cultures.
Passive present perfect '재정의되어 왔다'.
철학적 관점에서 만족이란 욕망의 부재가 아니라 존재의 충만함이다.
From a philosophical perspective, satisfaction is not the absence of desire but the fullness of being.
Pattern 'A가 아니라 B' (not A but B).
사회 계약은 구성원 대다수의 만족을 담보할 때 비로소 정당성을 얻는다.
A social contract gains legitimacy only when it guarantees the satisfaction of the majority of its members.
Legal/Political terminology '담보하다' (to guarantee).
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— To be fully or sufficiently satisfied. Used to emphasize that nothing more is needed.
저는 지금의 생활에 충분히 만족해요.
— To be very satisfied. Common in surveys and formal feedback.
서비스가 매우 만족스럽습니다.
— To be not satisfied at all. A strong expression of dissatisfaction.
그는 결과에 전혀 만족하지 않았다.
— To be satisfied with oneself. Often used regarding personal achievements.
남의 시선보다 스스로 만족하는 것이 중요하다.
— To be generally satisfied. Used when there might be small issues but the overall feeling is positive.
이번 여행은 대체로 만족했다.
— To know how to be content. A virtuous trait in Korean culture.
작은 것에도 만족할 줄 아는 사람이 행복하다.
— To feel satisfaction. Used to describe the internal emotion.
그는 일을 끝낸 후 큰 만족을 느꼈다.
— To give satisfaction. Used when something or someone makes another person satisfied.
이 영화는 관객들에게 큰 만족을 주었다.
— To gain satisfaction. Often used in the context of effort leading to a reward.
공부를 통해 지적인 만족을 얻었다.
— To turn dissatisfaction into satisfaction. A common business or marketing phrase.
우리는 고객의 불만을 만족으로 바꾸기 위해 노력한다.
Souvent confondu avec
충분하다 means 'to be enough' in quantity, whereas 만족하다 is the feeling of being satisfied with that quantity.
좋아하다 is 'to like' (general preference), while 만족하다 is 'to be satisfied' (meeting expectations).
기쁘다 is 'to feel happy/joyful' (an emotion), while 만족하다 is more about contentment and sufficiency.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To be content with one's lot in life and live peacefully. A very famous four-character idiom.
그는 시골에서 안분지족하며 살고 있다.
Formal/Literary— One who knows when they have enough will not be disgraced. Derived from Taoism.
지족불욕의 자세로 욕심을 버려야 한다.
Academic/Ancient— A smile of satisfaction. Used to describe a specific facial expression.
그는 만족의 미소를 지으며 방을 나갔다.
Neutral— To be lost in self-satisfaction (often used negatively to imply complacency).
그는 자기 만족에 빠져 발전을 멈췄다.
Neutral— To lower one's eye level (expectations) to achieve satisfaction.
눈높이를 낮추면 더 쉽게 만족할 수 있어요.
Informal/Daily— Literally 'one's stomach is full,' but idiomatically used to say someone is acting spoiled or satisfied to the point of being ungrateful.
그런 좋은 조건에도 불만이라니 배가 불렀구나.
Slang/Informal— To reach the level of one's desire or satisfaction (often used in the negative).
그의 일 처리는 내 성에 차지 않는다.
Informal— To suit one's taste (literally for food, but used for anything satisfying).
이 일이 제 입맛에 딱 맞아요.
Daily— To quench a thirst (often used for satisfying a deep curiosity or desire).
그 책은 나의 지적 갈증을 해소해 주었다.
Formal— To scratch where it itches (to satisfy a specific, bothersome need).
그 서비스는 고객의 가려운 곳을 잘 긁어 주었다.
InformalFacile à confondre
Sounds similar (both end in 'jokhada').
부족하다 means 'to be insufficient' or 'to lack,' which is the exact opposite of 만족하다.
시간이 부족해서 만족할 수 없었다.
Both mean 'to satisfy' in English.
충족하다 is for requirements/conditions (formal), while 만족하다 is for human feelings.
자격 요건을 충족하다.
Both mean 'to be satisfied'.
흡족하다 is more literary, intense, and implies a warmer feeling of being 'heartily' pleased.
할머니는 손주를 보며 흡족해하셨다.
Similar Hanja roots.
자족하다 means 'to be self-sufficient' or content with one's own lot, often in a philosophical way.
그는 가난 속에서도 자족했다.
Ends in 'jokhada'.
풍족하다 means 'to be abundant' or 'plentiful' in terms of resources.
우리는 풍족한 생활을 누리고 있다.
Structures de phrases
[Noun]에 만족해요.
밥에 만족해요.
[Noun]에 정말 만족해요.
새 차에 정말 만족해요.
[Verb]-는 것에 만족해요.
한국에서 사는 것에 만족해요.
[Noun]을/를 만족시키다.
부모님을 만족시키고 싶어요.
[Noun]에 대해 만족하다.
결과에 대해 만족합니다.
만족할 만한 [Noun].
만족할 만한 성과를 거두었다.
[Noun]에 안주하며 만족하다.
현실에 안주하며 만족해서는 안 된다.
[Noun]은/는 [Noun]을/를 만족시키기에 충분하다.
그의 설명은 의문을 만족시키기에 충분했다.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Very High in both written and spoken Korean.
-
Using ~을/를 with 만족하다.
→
Using ~에 with 만족하다.
만족하다 is a descriptive verb/intransitive verb in this context. You are satisfied *at* something.
-
Confusing 만족하다 with 충분하다.
→
Using 만족하다 for feelings, 충분하다 for quantity.
Even if you have enough (충분하다) money, you might not be satisfied (만족하다) with your life.
-
Saying '만족해요' for a person's personality.
→
Saying '마음에 들어요' or '좋아요'.
만족하다 sounds like you are grading the person. It's too formal for personal relationships.
-
Using 만족시키다 without an object particle.
→
고객을 만족시키다 (Satisfy the customer).
만족시키다 is a causative active verb, so it *must* take the object particle ~을/를.
-
Misspelling as '만족함니다' in formal writing.
→
만족합니다.
The 'ㅂ' in '합니다' is the correct spelling for the formal polite ending.
Astuces
Use ~에, not ~을/를
Always remember that you are satisfied 'at' something in Korean. '결과에 만족해요' is correct. '결과를 만족해요' is a common mistake for English speakers.
Evaluate, don't just like
Use '만족하다' when you have a standard in mind. If you just like the taste of something, '맛있어요' or '좋아요' is better. If the taste meets your high expectations, use '만족해요'.
Learn the family
Learn '만족도' (satisfaction level) and '만족감' (feeling of satisfaction) together. They appear frequently in news and academic contexts.
Polite Feedback
When a host asks how the food is, '만족스러워요' or '정말 만족합니다' is a very polite and high-level way to show your appreciation.
The Full Foot
Remember the Hanja: Full (Man) + Foot (Jok). If your feet have had enough, you're satisfied with your journey.
Formal Reports
In business reports, always use '만족도를 높이다' (to increase satisfaction level) instead of just '만족하게 하다'.
Aspiration
When saying '만족하다', the 'ㄱ' and 'ㅎ' combine to sound like a strong 'k'. It sounds more like 'man-jo-ka-da'.
CS is King
In Korea, '고객 만족' (Customer Satisfaction) is often abbreviated as CS. If you work in a Korean office, you'll hear 'CS' daily.
Tone Matters
Sometimes Koreans say '만족해요' with a flat tone to mean 'It's okay/acceptable.' Pay attention to the enthusiasm to gauge true satisfaction.
5-Star Reviews
When leaving a review on a Korean app, look for the word '만족' to find where to leave your positive feedback.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of 'Man' and 'Joke.' A man tells a great joke, and the audience is satisfied. Man + Jok = Satisfaction!
Association visuelle
Imagine a glass that is 'Full' (Man) and a person standing on their 'Feet' (Jok) firmly, looking at the glass with a smile.
Word Web
Défi
Try to use '만족하다' in three different contexts today: once for a meal, once for your work/study, and once for a product you use.
Origine du mot
Derived from the Hanja (Sino-Korean) characters 滿足.
Sens originel : 滿 (만) means 'full,' 'overflowing,' or 'complete.' 足 (족) means 'foot' or 'sufficient.'
Sino-Korean (Hanja-eo).Contexte culturel
Avoid using '만족시키다' (to satisfy) toward a person in a way that sounds like you are 'servicing' them unless it is in a business context, as it can occasionally sound slightly condescending or overly clinical.
English speakers often use 'I'm happy with...' or 'I like...' where Koreans would specifically use '만족해요.' The Korean term sounds slightly more evaluative and formal.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
At a Restaurant
- 음식 맛에 만족해요.
- 서비스가 아주 만족스럽네요.
- 양에 만족하십니까?
- 정말 만족스러운 식사였어요.
Job Interview
- 제 성과에 만족합니다.
- 회사의 복지에 만족하고 싶습니다.
- 현재의 직무에 만족하시나요?
- 자기 만족이 높은 사람입니다.
Shopping / Reviews
- 배송에 만족합니다.
- 디자인이 아주 만족스러워요.
- 가격 대비 만족도가 높아요.
- 품질에 정말 만족해요.
School / Education
- 시험 점수에 만족해?
- 선생님의 설명에 만족해요.
- 제 실력에 만족하지 못해요.
- 학습 결과가 만족스럽다.
Daily Reflection
- 오늘 하루에 만족해.
- 작은 것에도 만족하자.
- 내 삶에 만족하고 있어.
- 만족스러운 하루였어.
Amorces de conversation
"요즘 하시는 일에 만족하시나요?"
"새로 이사한 집은 만족스러우세요?"
"최근에 산 물건 중에 가장 만족하는 게 뭐예요?"
"어떤 결과가 나와야 스스로 만족할 수 있을까요?"
"한국어 공부 진도에 만족하고 계신가요?"
Sujets d'écriture
오늘 하루 중 가장 만족스러웠던 순간은 언제였나요? 왜 그렇게 느꼈나요?
자신의 성격 중에서 가장 만족하는 부분과 그렇지 않은 부분에 대해 써 보세요.
돈이 많으면 무조건 삶에 만족하게 될까요? 자신의 생각을 적어 보세요.
1년 전의 모습과 비교했을 때, 지금의 당신의 성장에 만족하시나요?
완벽한 결과보다 과정에 만족하는 것이 왜 중요한지 설명해 보세요.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIn Korean, it is categorized as a descriptive verb (adjective) when describing a state, but it conjugates like a verb in many contexts. For learners, treat it as a descriptive verb meaning 'to be satisfied.' Use '만족한다' for the plain form and '만족해요' for polite speech.
Yes, but be careful. Saying '나는 너에게 만족해' (I am satisfied with you) can sound like you are evaluating them, like a boss evaluating an employee. It is better to use it for specific actions: '네가 한 일에 만족해' (I am satisfied with what you did).
만족하다 describes the subject's feeling (e.g., 'I am satisfied'). 만족스럽다 describes the quality of the object (e.g., 'The result is satisfying'). Use 만족하다 when you are the one feeling the emotion.
In Korean, many verbs/adjectives that describe a response to a stimulus use '에'. You are satisfied 'at' or 'by' something. Think of it as 'I feel satisfaction [at] this result.'
You can say '만족하지 않아요' (Polite) or '불만족스러워요' (It is unsatisfying). In casual speech, people often say '별로예요' (It's not that good) or '마음에 안 들어요' (I don't like it).
Yes, '고객 만족' (Customer Satisfaction) is a core business term. You will see 'CS' (Customer Satisfaction) departments in almost every major Korean company.
It is 滿足. 滿 (만) means full, and 足 (족) means sufficient/foot. Together they mean 'full and sufficient.'
Yes, you can use adverbs like '매우' (very - formal), '정말' (really), or '아주' (very) to emphasize your satisfaction.
There isn't a direct slang word, but young people might say '만족쓰' (manjok-sseu) in texting to sound cute or trendy, though '만족' itself is very common.
Absolutely. '제 성과에 만족해요' (I'm satisfied with my performance) is a common way to express self-confidence or contentment with one's work.
Teste-toi 200 questions
Translate to Korean: 'I am satisfied with my job.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'The result was satisfying.'
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Translate to Korean: 'Are you satisfied with the service?'
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Translate to Korean: 'He is satisfied with his life.'
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Write a sentence using '만족시키다'.
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Translate: 'I am not satisfied with the price.'
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Translate: 'I am satisfied with studying Korean.'
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Translate: 'It is a satisfying result.'
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Write a sentence using '만족도'.
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Translate: 'We are satisfied with the new design.'
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Translate: 'He smiled with satisfaction.'
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Translate: 'I am satisfied with everything.'
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Translate: 'Are you satisfied with the hotel?'
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Write a sentence using '불만족'.
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Translate: 'I want to satisfy my parents.'
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Translate: 'I am sufficiently satisfied.'
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Translate: 'He is satisfied with his current salary.'
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Translate: 'The food was very satisfying.'
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Translate: 'I am satisfied with the weather today.'
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Write a sentence about your Korean progress using '만족'.
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Say 'I am satisfied with this food' in polite Korean.
Read this aloud:
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Ask a friend if they are satisfied with their new car.
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Say 'I'm not satisfied with my grades' formally.
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Ask a waiter if the customer was satisfied (honorific).
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Say 'I'm satisfied with working here.'
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Express that a result was satisfying.
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Say 'I want to satisfy my customers.'
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Say 'I am very satisfied with the service.'
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Ask 'Are you satisfied with life right now?'
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Say 'It is a satisfying price.'
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Say 'I am satisfied with the design.'
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Say 'Everyone was satisfied.'
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Say 'I am not fully satisfied.'
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Say 'I feel a sense of satisfaction.'
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Say 'I am satisfied with my choice.'
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Say 'Is the price satisfying?'
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Say 'I am satisfied with the hotel room.'
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Say 'I am satisfied with the weather.'
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Say 'The performance was satisfying.'
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Say 'I am satisfied with the result of the meeting.'
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Listen and transcribe: '저는 제 삶에 정말 만족해요.'
Listen and transcribe: '서비스에 만족하셨습니까?'
Listen and transcribe: '결과가 아주 만족스럽네요.'
Listen and transcribe: '고객 만족도가 매우 높습니다.'
Listen and transcribe: '작은 일에도 만족하며 사세요.'
Listen and transcribe: '불만을 만족으로 바꾸겠습니다.'
Listen and transcribe: '현재의 직업에 만족하시나요?'
Listen and transcribe: '만족스러운 미소를 지었습니다.'
Listen and transcribe: '부모님을 만족시키기 어려워요.'
Listen and transcribe: '품질에 충분히 만족합니다.'
Listen and transcribe: '자기 만족에 빠지지 마세요.'
Listen and transcribe: '모든 조건에 만족해요.'
Listen and transcribe: '가격이 정말 만족스러워요.'
Listen and transcribe: '학습 결과에 만족하고 있습니다.'
Listen and transcribe: '안분지족의 삶을 꿈꿉니다.'
/ 200 correct
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Summary
The word '만족하다' is essential for expressing contentment and evaluating quality in Korean. It bridges the gap between simple liking and deep fulfillment. Example: '결과에 만족해요' (I am satisfied with the result).
- 만족하다 means to be satisfied or content with a situation, result, or object.
- It is commonly used with the particle ~에 to mark the source of satisfaction.
- It differs from 'happy' by focusing on the fulfillment of specific expectations.
- The causative form 만족시키다 is used when you make someone else feel satisfied.
Use ~에, not ~을/를
Always remember that you are satisfied 'at' something in Korean. '결과에 만족해요' is correct. '결과를 만족해요' is a common mistake for English speakers.
Evaluate, don't just like
Use '만족하다' when you have a standard in mind. If you just like the taste of something, '맛있어요' or '좋아요' is better. If the taste meets your high expectations, use '만족해요'.
Learn the family
Learn '만족도' (satisfaction level) and '만족감' (feeling of satisfaction) together. They appear frequently in news and academic contexts.
Polite Feedback
When a host asks how the food is, '만족스러워요' or '정말 만족합니다' is a very polite and high-level way to show your appreciation.
Exemple
저는 지금의 생활에 충분히 만족하고 있습니다.