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A2 verb #1,500 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

허락하다

heorakhada
At the A1 level, you can think of '허락하다' as a way to say 'to say yes' to a request. It is a verb used when a parent or teacher tells you that you can do something. For example, 'Mom allowed me to go to the park.' You don't need to worry about the complex social rules yet. Just remember that it is a 'doing' word (verb) and it usually ends in '-해요' or '-합니다'. You will mostly see it in simple sentences about daily life, like getting permission to eat a snack or play a game. It is the formal version of saying 'Okay, you can do it.'
At the A2 level, you should understand that '허락하다' is used when there is a clear difference in status, like between a parent and a child or a boss and an employee. You should be able to use it with the object particle '-을/를' to show what is being allowed. For example, '외출을 허락하다' (to allow going out). You should also recognize the honorific form '허락하시다' because the person giving permission is often someone you respect. This is the level where you start to see the word in simple stories or dialogues about asking for favors.
At the B1 level, you can use '허락하다' in more complex sentence structures, such as '-는 것을 허락하다' (allowing the act of...). You should also be comfortable with the passive-style expression '허락을 받다' (to receive permission), which is very common in natural Korean. You will start to see this word in workplace contexts, like asking for a day off or permission to start a project. You should also understand the nuance that '허락' is a formal consent, not just a casual agreement between friends.
At the B2 level, you should understand the personification of '허락하다,' such as in the phrase '날씨가 허락한다면' (if the weather permits). You can distinguish between '허락하다' and its synonyms like '승낙하다' (to consent) or '허가하다' (to permit officially). You are expected to use this verb correctly in written essays and formal discussions, maintaining the appropriate level of politeness (존댓말) depending on who is giving and receiving the permission. You also understand the social implications of '허락' in Korean culture.
At the C1 level, you grasp the subtle psychological and social weight of '허락하다.' You can use it in literary or academic contexts to discuss concepts like 'social permission' or 'moral consent.' You understand how the word is used in historical contexts (e.g., a king's permission) and can identify when it is used sarcastically or metaphorically. Your vocabulary includes related Hanja terms and you can navigate complex legal or administrative texts where '허락' and '허가' might have distinct legal definitions.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of '허락하다.' You can use it in high-level diplomatic, legal, or philosophical discourse. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its roots in Confucian social structures. You can use the word to express nuanced power dynamics in creative writing or professional negotiations. You are also aware of very rare or archaic synonyms and can explain the precise difference between '허락,' '용인,' '수락,' and '인가' in any given context.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

허락하다 en 30 secondes

  • 허락하다 means to give permission, usually from a person of higher status to a person of lower status, like a parent to a child.
  • It is a transitive verb that takes an object, often using the pattern '-을/를 허락하다' or '-는 것을 허락하다' for actions.
  • Commonly heard in K-dramas regarding marriage and in workplaces regarding time off, it is essential for understanding Korean social hierarchy and respect.
  • It can be personified in phrases like 'if time permits' (시간이 허락한다면), making it useful for both formal and idiomatic daily speech.

The Korean verb 허락하다 (Heorak-hada) is a cornerstone of interpersonal dynamics in Korean society, representing the formal or semi-formal act of granting permission. At its core, it is a compound verb consisting of the noun 허락 (permission/consent) and the verb 하다 (to do). In English, we often translate this as 'to allow,' 'to permit,' or 'to consent.' However, in Korean, the word carries a weight of authority. It is typically used when someone in a position of relative power—be it a parent, a teacher, a boss, or even a government entity—gives the 'green light' for an action to take place. Understanding this word requires looking beyond the dictionary definition and into the hierarchical nature of Korean communication. When you use 허락하다, you are acknowledging a request that has been made and the subsequent granting of that request. It is not just a casual 'yes'; it is a formal validation of an intended action.

Grammatical Category
Transitive Verb (타동사). It requires an object (the thing being permitted) and an agent (the one giving permission).
Etymological Root
Derived from Hanja: 許 (허 - to allow) and 諾 (락 - to promise/consent).
Social Nuance
Implies a vertical relationship where the permitter has the right to deny the request.

"부모님께서 드디어 나의 유학을 허락하셨다." (My parents finally allowed my studying abroad.)

— Example of parental permission in a formal context.

To truly grasp 허락하다, one must understand the difference between 'permission' and 'agreement.' While 동의하다 (to agree) implies a horizontal alignment of opinions, 허락하다 implies a vertical granting of rights. If a boss 허락하다 your vacation, they are exercising their authority to let you go. If a friend 동의하다 with your dinner choice, they are simply sharing your opinion. This distinction is vital for CEFR A2 learners who are beginning to navigate social hierarchies in Korean. Furthermore, the word is often used in the passive form 허락을 받다 (to receive permission), which is the most common way to describe the experience from the perspective of the person asking.

"선생님, 화장실에 가도 될까요?" - "그래, 허락하마." (Teacher, may I go to the bathroom? - Yes, I allow it.)

Synonym Comparison
승낙하다 (Seungnak-hada) is even more formal, often used in legal or official business contexts, whereas 허락하다 is the standard term for personal and professional life.

"시간이 허락한다면 다시 만나고 싶습니다." (If time permits, I would like to meet again.)

— A common idiomatic use where 'time' is the personified agent.

In summary, 허락하다 is a versatile verb that bridges the gap between simple 'yes' and official 'authorization.' Whether you are asking for a day off, seeking parental approval for a partner, or hoping the weather permits an outdoor event, this word is your primary tool for navigating the world of permissions in Korea.

Using 허락하다 correctly involves understanding its role as a transitive verb. The basic sentence structure is [Person A]이/가 [Person B]의 [Action/Noun]을/를 허락하다. This means 'Person A allows Person B's action.' However, in natural Korean conversation, the person receiving the permission is often omitted if the context is clear. For example, '아버지가 외출을 허락하셨어' (Father allowed [me] going out). The verb is frequently used with the honorific suffix -시- because the person giving permission is often someone of higher status who deserves respect.

  • Polite Formal: 허락합니다 (Heorak-hamnida)
  • Polite Informal: 허락해요 (Heorak-haeyo)
  • Past Tense: 허락했어요 (Heorak-haesseoyo)
  • Honorific Past: 허락하셨어요 (Heorak-hasyeosseoyo)

One of the most common grammatical patterns involving this word is -는 것을 허락하다. This allows you to turn a verb into a noun phrase so it can be permitted. For instance, '담배 피우는 것을 허락하지 않습니다' (Smoking is not permitted). Another vital pattern is the passive construction 허락을 받다. Instead of saying 'My boss allowed me,' Koreans often prefer to say 'I received permission from my boss' (상사에게 허락을 받았습니다). This shifts the focus to the person who sought the permission, which is a common pragmatic choice in Korean speech.

"그는 부모님의 허락 없이 결혼을 결정했다." (He decided on marriage without his parents' permission.)

When you are the one asking, you don't usually use the verb 허락하다 directly to yourself. You wouldn't say 'I permit myself.' Instead, you ask for permission using patterns like -아/어도 돼요? (May I...?) or -아/어도 될까요?. The response to these questions often uses 허락하다 in a descriptive sense: '선생님이 허락해 주셨어요' (The teacher was kind enough to allow it). The addition of -주다 (to give) here emphasizes the favor being done by the permitter.

You will encounter 허락하다 in a variety of settings, ranging from the domestic to the professional. In K-Dramas, it is a staple in romantic plotlines. Often, a couple cannot marry because the parents 허락하지 않다 (do not allow it). The dramatic tension usually revolves around '허락을 받아내는 것' (the act of winning/obtaining permission). You'll hear lines like "제발 저희 사이를 허락해 주세요!" (Please allow our relationship!).

In a Workplace setting, this word is used for administrative approvals. While '결재' (official sign-off) is used for documents, 허락 is used for more personal requests like taking a half-day off or using a company vehicle for personal reasons. Your manager might say, "이번에는 허락해 주겠지만 다음부터는 안 돼요" (I'll allow it this time, but not next time).

In News and Media, the word appears in discussions about government regulations or legal rights. For example, "정부가 시위를 허락했다" (The government permitted the protest). It is also personified in weather reports or event planning: "날씨가 허락한다면 행사는 야외에서 진행됩니다" (If the weather permits, the event will be held outdoors). This 'weather permitting' phrase is a very common set expression in both spoken and written Korean.

"신이 허락한 유일한 선물." (The only gift permitted by God.)

— A poetic or religious usage found in literature.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is using 허락하다 when they should use 가능하다 (to be possible) or 수 있다 (can). In English, we might say 'The software allows you to edit photos.' In Korean, using 허락하다 here sounds strange because the software doesn't have the 'social authority' or 'will' to grant permission. Instead, you should say '이 소프트웨어로 사진을 편집할 수 있습니다' (You can edit photos with this software).

Another mistake is the confusion between 허락하다 and 찬성하다 (to agree/be in favor of). If you agree with an idea, you use 찬성하다. If you have the power to let that idea happen and you say yes, you use 허락하다. For example, a student might 찬성하다 with a school rule, but only the principal can 허락하다 an exception to it.

Finally, learners often forget the object particle. Since 허락하다 is a transitive verb, the action being permitted must take the particle -을/를. Saying '외출 허락해요' is okay in casual speech, but '외출을 허락해요' is grammatically complete. Also, remember that '허락' is the noun, so '허락을 주다' (to give permission) is a valid alternative, though 허락하다 is more concise.

Understanding the synonyms of 허락하다 helps in choosing the right level of formality. The most common synonym is 승낙하다 (Seungnak-hada). While 허락하다 is used for general permission, 승낙하다 is often used when accepting a proposal, a request, or a formal invitation. It carries a sense of 'assent' or 'consent' to a specific offer.

인가하다 (Inga-hada)
This is a very formal, legal term used when an authority (like the government) officially approves or authorizes something. You'll see this in news reports about building permits or new business licenses.
용납하다 (Yongnap-hada)
This word means 'to tolerate' or 'to condone.' It is often used in the negative—'용납할 수 없다' (cannot be tolerated)—referring to behavior that is socially or morally unacceptable.
허가하다 (Heoga-hada)
Similar to 인가하다, this refers to official permission or licensing. For example, a '운전면허' (driver's license) uses the '허' from this word family.

On the opposite side, we have 거절하다 (Geojeol-hada), which means 'to refuse' or 'to reject.' If you ask for 허락 and get a 'no,' you have been 거절-ed. Another antonym is 금지하다 (Geumji-hada), meaning 'to prohibit' or 'to ban.' While 허락하다 opens a door, 금지하다 locks it. Understanding these relationships helps A2 learners build a mental map of 'social actions' in Korean.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

엄마가 게임을 허락했어요.

Mom allowed the game.

Past tense of 허락하다.

2

선생님이 질문을 허락하십니다.

The teacher allows questions.

Honorific form -십니다.

3

아빠, 친구 집에 가도 돼요? 허락해 주세요.

Dad, can I go to a friend's house? Please allow it.

Request form -해 주세요.

4

우리는 허락을 받았어요.

We received permission.

Noun 허락 + object particle + 받다.

5

선생님은 허락하지 않아요.

The teacher does not allow it.

Negative form -지 않다.

6

이것을 허락합니까?

Do you allow this?

Question form -니까?

7

엄마의 허락이 필요해요.

I need Mom's permission.

Noun form used as a subject.

8

허락해 줘서 고마워요.

Thank you for allowing it.

Connecting form -어서 to show reason.

1

부모님이 외출을 허락하셨어요.

My parents allowed me to go out.

Honorific past tense.

2

회사에서 휴가를 허락했어요.

The company allowed the vacation.

Subject is an organization (회사).

3

그는 내 질문을 허락하지 않았다.

He did not allow my question.

Plain past tense -았다.

4

사진 촬영을 허락하시겠습니까?

Would you allow taking photos?

Future/Intentional honorific -시겠습니까.

5

주인이 들어오는 것을 허락했어요.

The owner allowed coming in.

Noun phrase -는 것을.

6

허락 없이 만지지 마세요.

Don't touch without permission.

Noun + 없이 (without).

7

아버지는 제 유학을 허락하셨습니다.

My father allowed my studying abroad.

Formal polite honorific.

8

비밀을 말하는 것을 허락해 줘.

Allow me to tell the secret.

Informal request -해 줘.

1

상사에게 조퇴를 허락받았습니다.

I got permission from my boss to leave early.

Passive-like construction 허락받다.

2

정부는 새로운 건물의 건설을 허락했다.

The government allowed the construction of the new building.

Formal written style.

3

부모님의 허락을 받기가 어려워요.

It is difficult to get parents' permission.

Noun phrase -기 (getting).

4

시간이 허락한다면 꼭 갈게요.

If time permits, I will definitely go.

Conditional -ㄴ다면.

5

그녀는 남편의 허락을 구했다.

She sought her husband's permission.

Collocation: 허락을 구하다 (to seek permission).

6

학교는 학생들의 자유로운 토론을 허락합니다.

The school allows students' free discussion.

Adjective modifying the object.

7

의사는 환자의 퇴원을 허락했다.

The doctor allowed the patient's discharge.

Professional context.

8

이곳은 주차를 허락하지 않는 구역입니다.

This is an area that does not allow parking.

Relative clause -는.

1

상황이 허락하는 대로 연락드리겠습니다.

I will contact you as soon as the situation permits.

-는 대로 (as soon as/in accordance with).

2

그는 자신의 실수를 허락하지 않는 완벽주의자다.

He is a perfectionist who does not allow his own mistakes.

Metaphorical use of 'allow'.

3

법은 개인의 자유를 최대한 허락해야 한다.

The law must allow individual freedom to the maximum extent.

Auxiliary verb -해야 한다 (must).

4

그의 부모님은 결국 두 사람의 결혼을 허락하고 말았다.

His parents ended up allowing the marriage of the two.

-고 말다 (ended up doing).

5

사전 허락 없이 이 자료를 복제할 수 없습니다.

You cannot reproduce this material without prior permission.

Sino-Korean prefix 사전 (prior).

6

그녀는 아이들이 늦게까지 노는 것을 너그럽게 허락했다.

She generously allowed the children to play until late.

Adverb 너그럽게 (generously).

7

감독은 선수의 부상 복귀를 허락했다.

The coach allowed the player's return from injury.

Sports context.

8

운명이 허락한다면 우리는 다시 만날 것이다.

If fate permits, we will meet again.

Poetic usage.

1

사회의 관습은 그러한 행동을 허락하지 않는다.

Social customs do not permit such behavior.

Abstract subject (관습).

2

그는 누구의 허락도 구하지 않고 독단적으로 처리했다.

He handled it dogmatically without seeking anyone's permission.

Adverb 독단적으로 (dogmatically).

3

인간의 이성은 감정이 지배하는 것을 허락해서는 안 된다.

Human reason must not allow emotion to dominate.

Philosophical context.

4

정부는 예외적인 경우에만 수입을 허락하기로 했다.

The government decided to allow imports only in exceptional cases.

-기로 하다 (decided to).

5

그의 자존심은 도움을 받는 것을 허락하지 않았다.

His pride did not allow him to receive help.

Personification of 'pride'.

6

역사는 그에게 영웅이라는 칭호를 허락했다.

History granted him the title of hero.

Metaphorical granting.

7

문학적 상상력은 불가능한 것을 허락하는 힘이 있다.

Literary imagination has the power to allow the impossible.

Abstract noun phrase.

8

재판장은 증거 제출을 허락하지 않았다.

The presiding judge did not allow the submission of evidence.

Legal context.

1

시대적 상황이 그의 천재성을 허락하지 않았던 것이다.

The circumstances of the era did not permit his genius [to flourish].

Retrospective suffix -던.

2

그는 자신의 내면에 타인이 발을 들이는 것을 결코 허락하지 않는다.

He never allows others to step into his inner self.

Psychological depth.

3

법치주의 국가에서 공권력의 행사는 법의 허락 하에 이루어져야 한다.

In a state governed by the rule of law, the exercise of public power must take place under the permission of the law.

Academic/Legal terminology.

4

신은 인간에게 고통을 허락함으로써 성숙의 기회를 주었다.

By permitting suffering, God gave humans an opportunity for maturity.

Theological context.

5

그의 침묵은 암묵적인 허락으로 해석될 수 있다.

His silence can be interpreted as implicit permission.

Passive voice '해석될 수 있다'.

6

자연은 인간의 오만을 더 이상 허락하지 않으려는 듯 재해를 내렸다.

As if no longer willing to permit human arrogance, nature brought down disasters.

-려는 듯 (as if intending to).

7

예술가는 기존의 형식을 파괴하는 것을 스스로에게 허락해야 한다.

An artist must allow themselves to destroy existing forms.

Reflexive '스스로에게'.

8

국가 안보라는 명분이 개인의 사생활 침해를 허락할 수는 없다.

The justification of national security cannot allow the violation of individual privacy.

Political discourse.

Collocations courantes

부모님의 허락
허락을 받다
허락을 구하다
정식으로 허락하다
기꺼이 허락하다
외출을 허락하다
결혼을 허락하다
사용을 허락하다
시간이 허락하다
조건 없이 허락하다

Phrases Courantes

허락해 주세요

허락을 얻다

허락이 떨어지다

허락도 없이

상황이 허락하다

허락을 내리다

간신히 허락하다

절대로 허락 못 해

허락할 수 없다

신의 허락

Souvent confondu avec

허락하다 vs 동의하다

Agreement of opinion vs. granting permission.

허락하다 vs 찬성하다

Being in favor of something vs. having the power to allow it.

허락하다 vs 준비하다

Sound similar but means 'to prepare'.

Expressions idiomatiques

""

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""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Facile à confondre

허락하다 vs 허가

허락하다 vs 승낙

허락하다 vs 용납

허락하다 vs 수락

허락하다 vs 인가

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

Negative

허락하지 않다 is a very strong 'no'.

Hierarchy

The word implies a power dynamic.

Personification

Time and weather can 'permit' things in Korean just like in English.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 허락하다 for inanimate objects (like software).
  • Using the plain form 허락하다 to a superior (forgetting -시-).
  • Confusing 허락 (permission) with 찬성 (agreement).
  • Forgetting the object particle -을/를 in formal writing.
  • Using '제가 허락할게요' to someone of higher status.

Astuces

Use with -아/어 주다

When someone allows you something, use '허락해 주셨어요'. This shows they did you a favor. It makes you sound much more polite and natural.

Respect the Hierarchy

Never say '내가 허락할게' to someone older. It sounds like you are looking down on them. Use '좋습니다' or '그렇게 하세요' instead.

Learn the Noun First

The noun '허락' is used in many phrases like '허락 없이' (without permission). Learning the noun helps you understand the verb and its variations much faster.

Pronunciation Tip

The 'h' in 'hada' is often weakened, making it sound like 'Heo-ra-ka-da'. Practice saying it fast to sound like a native speaker.

Formal Contexts

In essays, use '허락하다' for social permissions. If you are writing about laws or government, switch to '허가하다' for better accuracy.

Drama Clichés

Listen for '허락 못 해!' in dramas. It's a classic line used by angry parents. Recognizing this will help you understand the emotional weight of the word.

Weather Permitting

Memorize '날씨가 허락한다면'. It's a perfect phrase to use when planning outdoor activities with Korean friends. It sounds very sophisticated.

Asking for Permission

In Korea, asking for permission is often better than just doing it. Even if you think it's okay, using '허락' shows you respect the other person's space.

Don't confuse with Agree

Remember: 허락 is 'Yes, you can,' while 동의 is 'Yes, I think so too.' Don't mix them up in professional meetings.

Root Words

The Hanja '허' (許) means 'allow'. You see it in '허가' (permit) and '면허' (license). Connect these words in your mind to build a word family.

Mémorise-le

Association visuelle

Imagine a king nodding his head to a knight. That nod is '허락하다'.

Origine du mot

Sino-Korean origin, deeply rooted in formal administrative and social language.

Contexte culturel

Using honorifics with this verb is almost mandatory when talking about superiors.

Parental permission is a major theme in Korean society and media.

Permission is often sought for things that Westerners might consider private.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"부모님이 결혼을 허락하셨나요?"

"회사에서 휴가를 허락해 줬어요?"

"선생님이 질문을 허락하셨나요?"

"시간이 허락한다면 어디에 가고 싶으세요?"

"허락 없이 남의 물건을 만져본 적이 있나요?"

Sujets d'écriture

최근에 누군가에게 허락을 받은 경험에 대해 써 보세요.

부모님이 절대 허락하지 않는 것은 무엇인가요?

내가 만약 사장이라면 직원들에게 무엇을 허락해 주고 싶나요?

날씨가 허락한다면 이번 주말에 하고 싶은 일은?

'허락'이라는 단어를 들으면 어떤 기분이 드나요?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, but it sounds a bit formal. Usually, friends just say '그래' (Okay) or '해' (Do it). Using '허락하다' with friends might be used jokingly to show you are acting like a boss.

허락 is general permission used in daily life and family. 허가 is an official, legal permit like a building permit or a business license. You get '허락' from your dad, but '허가' from the city hall.

You should use '허락을 받았다' (I received permission) or '허락되었다' (It was permitted). '허락을 받았다' is much more common in spoken Korean.

The word itself is neutral, but because it involves permission, you must use polite endings like '-해요' or '-합니다' and honorifics like '-시-' if the person permitting is older than you.

Yes, '시간이 허락하다' is a very common idiomatic expression in Korean, just like 'time permitting' in English. It's used to be polite when making plans.

In very casual slang, people might just say '허락' but it's not common. It's better to use the full verb '허락하다'.

Literally 'permission fell.' It means that someone in a high position finally gave their approval after a long wait or a lot of asking.

No, that would be '기능이 있다' (has a function) or '가능하다' (is possible). '허락하다' requires a conscious will to permit.

The direct opposite is '거절' (refusal) or '금지' (prohibition). If you don't get '허락', you get '거절'.

You can say '허락해 주시겠습니까?' (Would you please allow it?) or '허락을 구하고 싶습니다' (I would like to seek your permission).

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