At the A1 level, '명심하다' might be a bit advanced, but you can understand it as a very strong way to say 'Don't forget!' or 'Remember this important thing!' Imagine your teacher or parent giving you a very important rule, like 'Be careful of cars.' They might use this word to make sure you really listen. You don't need to use it yourself yet, but when you hear '명심하세요' (Myeong-sim-ha-se-yo), you should know that what was just said is very, very important. It's more than just remembering a name; it's about following a rule or a piece of advice. Think of it as 'Remember + Heart.' You are putting the words into your heart so they stay there forever.
For A2 learners, you can start to see '명심하다' in simple advice contexts. It is used with the object particle '을/를'. For example, '제 말을 명심하세요' means 'Please keep my words in mind.' You might hear this from a doctor telling you to take your medicine or a boss telling you to be on time. It's a useful word to show that you are serious. If someone gives you good advice, you can say '명심하겠습니다' (I will keep it in mind). This sounds very polite and shows you are a good listener. It is different from '기억해요' (I remember) because '명심해요' sounds like you will actually follow the advice, not just know it in your head.
At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance that '명심하다' is often used for warnings and moral lessons. It is derived from Hanja, where '명' means 'engrave' and '심' means 'heart.' This 'engraving' metaphor is key. You will see it in books and news articles about safety, health, and ethics. You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is a 'must-know.' For instance, '성공하려면 노력이 필요하다는 것을 명심해야 한다' (You must keep in mind that effort is needed to succeed). Notice how it often pairs with '-해야 한다' (must do). It is also common in formal situations where '기억하다' would feel too casual or weak.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '명심하다' in professional and formal writing. It is the perfect word for concluding a piece of advice or highlighting a critical point in a presentation. You should distinguish it from '유념하다' (to keep in mind/be mindful), which is even more formal and often used in administrative contexts. '명심하다' has a slightly more personal or 'human' weight to it. You should also be able to use it in complex sentences, such as '실패는 성공의 어머니라는 말을 명심하고 다시 도전했다' (Keeping in mind the saying that failure is the mother of success, I tried again). It shows a high level of linguistic sophistication and an understanding of Korean social hierarchy.
For C1 learners, '명심하다' is a tool for nuanced expression in literature and high-level discourse. You can explore its use in idioms like '각골명심' (engraving in the bone and heart), which describes an unforgettable favor or a deep grudge. You should understand how this word functions in historical contexts (Sageuk) and how it reflects Confucian values of listening to elders and mentors. At this level, you should also be able to identify when the word is being used sarcastically or for rhetorical effect in political speeches. You can use it to discuss abstract concepts like 'keeping the spirit of the law in mind' or 'bearing the lessons of history.'
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '명심하다.' You understand the subtle shift in atmosphere when a speaker chooses this word over '기억하다' or '가슴에 새기다.' You can use it in academic writing to discuss psychological internalization or in creative writing to depict a character's deep commitment to a promise. You are aware of the historical evolution of the word and its Hanja roots. You can effortlessly switch between '명심하다,' '유념하다,' and '념두에 두다' based on the exact level of formality and the specific 'flavor' of the thought being kept in mind. Your use of this word reflects an appreciation for the weight of words in Korean culture.

명심하다 30 सेकंड में

  • A formal verb meaning to keep important advice or warnings in mind.
  • Literally means 'to engrave in the heart' (銘心).
  • Used in serious contexts like receiving advice or following safety rules.
  • Common response: '명심하겠습니다' (I will keep it in mind).

The Korean verb 명심하다 (myeongsimhada) is a profound and weighty term that translates to 'keeping something in mind' or 'bearing something in heart.' Unlike the simpler verb '기억하다' (to remember), which can refer to mundane facts like a phone number or a grocery list, 명심하다 carries a moral, cautionary, or deeply significant tone. It is derived from the Hanja characters 銘 (myeong), meaning to engrave or carve, and 心 (sim), meaning the heart or mind. Therefore, the literal meaning is 'to engrave into one's heart.' This linguistic root suggests a level of permanence and seriousness; once something is engraved, it is not easily forgotten or ignored.

Semantic Depth
This word is primarily used when receiving advice, warnings, or instructions that are critical for one's success, safety, or moral conduct. It implies an active effort to internalize information so that it influences future behavior.

부모님의 말씀을 명심하고 행동하겠습니다. (I will keep my parents' words in mind and act accordingly.)

In daily life, you will encounter this word in contexts where authority or wisdom is being shared. A teacher might tell a student to '명심하다' regarding an exam rule, or a mentor might use it when giving life-changing advice. It is also common in historical dramas (Sageuk), where kings or masters give commands that must be etched into the minds of their subordinates. The use of this word signals that the speaker considers the information to be of utmost importance, and the listener, by responding with '명심하겠습니다,' shows deep respect and a commitment to not forget.

Interpersonal Dynamics
Using 명심하다 often establishes a hierarchy or a mentor-mentee relationship. It is rarely used among peers for trivial matters, as it would sound overly dramatic or sarcastic.

안전 수칙을 명심하는 것이 사고를 예방하는 첫걸음입니다. (Keeping safety regulations in mind is the first step to preventing accidents.)

Furthermore, 명심하다 is often paired with the particle '꼭' (definitely/surely) to emphasize the necessity of the action. For example, '꼭 명심하세요' is a common phrase used by doctors to patients or elders to the youth. It bridges the gap between simple cognition and behavioral change. In a world full of distractions, 명심하다 asks the listener to stop, focus, and 'carve' the message into their psyche for long-term retention and application.

Visual Metaphor
Think of it as the difference between writing on a whiteboard (기억하다) and chiseling into stone (명심하다). The stone inscription is intended to last a lifetime.

Grammatically, 명심하다 is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object—the thing that is being kept in mind. This object is typically marked with the particles or . Because of its formal and serious nature, it is frequently used with formal sentence endings like -십시오, -겠습니다, or -해야 합니다. It is not just about the act of remembering, but about the *obligation* to remember and apply that knowledge.

Basic Structure
[Object] + 을/를 + 명심하다. Example: '조언을 명심하다' (To keep advice in mind).

건강이 제일이라는 점을 항상 명심하십시오. (Please always keep in mind that health is the most important thing.)

One common way to use 명심하다 is in the form of a command or strong suggestion. When a boss gives instructions to an employee, they might say '이 점을 명심해' (Keep this point in mind) in a semi-formal or informal setting. In more formal contexts, such as a public speech or a written manual, the honorific '명심하시기 바랍니다' (I hope you keep this in mind) is used to convey a sense of professional urgency without being overly aggressive.

Clause Connection
It is often followed by the connective '-여' or '-고' to show that the act of keeping something in mind leads to a specific result. Example: '명심하여 실수하지 마라' (Keep it in mind and do not make a mistake).

시간이 금이라는 말을 명심해야 합니다. (You must keep in mind the saying that time is gold.)

Another interesting usage is the passive-adjacent form '명심되다', though this is much rarer and usually replaced by '가슴에 새겨지다' (to be engraved in the heart). Instead, we focus on the active '명심하다' because it emphasizes the subject's willpower and intention. When you say '내가 명심할게' (I will keep it in mind), you are promising to take responsibility for that information. This makes it a powerful word in negotiations, apologies, and commitments.

Negation
Negating 명심하다 (e.g., 명심하지 않다) is rare. Usually, if someone fails to keep something in mind, we use '망각하다' (to forget) or '소홀히 하다' (to neglect).

In the real world, 명심하다 is a staple of Korean media and social structures. You will hear it most frequently in environments where there is a clear transfer of knowledge or authority. For instance, in Korean dramas, particularly the 'Sageuk' (historical) genre, a dying king might tell his successor, '백성을 사랑해야 함을 명심하거라' (Keep in mind that you must love the people). This highlights the word's ability to carry legacy and duty.

Workplace Context
During a performance review or a meeting, a manager might say, '이번 프로젝트의 마감 기한을 명심하세요' (Keep the deadline for this project in mind). It sounds more serious than just '기억하세요'.

선생님: "시험 범위가 변경되었으니 꼭 명심하도록 하세요." (Teacher: "The exam scope has changed, so make sure to keep that in mind.")

In educational settings, teachers use this word to emphasize rules or critical concepts. It creates a sense of gravity that encourages students to pay closer attention. Similarly, in the military, '명심' is a common part of slogans and commands, emphasizing that orders are not just to be heard, but to be lived. You might see signs in military bases or construction sites that say '안전 제일, 명심 또 명심!' (Safety first, keep it in mind and keep it in mind again!).

News and Media
News anchors or government officials often use this word when addressing the public about safety measures during a pandemic or natural disaster. It conveys a sense of civic duty.

드라마 대사: "내 말을 명심해. 두 번 기회는 없어." (Drama line: "Keep my words in mind. There are no second chances.")

In family life, it is the classic word for parental 'nagging' (잔소리), but with a more loving and serious undertone. A mother might say to her child leaving for college, '차 조심하고, 밥 잘 챙겨 먹어야 한다는 걸 명심해' (Keep in mind to be careful of cars and eat well). Here, it transforms from a strict command into a vessel for parental concern and protection. It is a word that bridges the gap between the intellectual and the emotional.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 명심하다 is using it for trivial or casual information. Because its literal meaning is to 'engrave in the heart,' using it for something like 'I kept in mind to buy milk' sounds incredibly strange and overly dramatic in Korean. For such everyday tasks, '기억하다' (to remember) or '잊지 않다' (to not forget) are much more appropriate. 명심하다 should be reserved for advice, principles, or critical warnings.

Mistake: Over-dramatization
Incorrect: '내일 우산 가져가는 거 명심해.' (Keep in mind to bring an umbrella tomorrow.) - Unless there is a life-threatening storm, this is too heavy. Better: '우산 챙기는 거 잊지 마.'

Wrong: 약속 시간을 명심했어요. (I engraved the appointment time in my heart.) - This sounds like the appointment is a life-changing event.

Another error is confusing the direction of the action. 명심하다 is something *you* do with information you *received*. You cannot '명심하다' someone else. You can '명심시키다' (to make someone keep something in mind), but this is a causative form. Learners often forget that the subject of 명심하다 is the person who is doing the internalizing. Also, be careful with the particles; it's nearly always '[Something]을 명심하다', not '[Something]에 명심하다'.

Mistake: Particle Confusion
Using '에' instead of '을/를'. While '가슴에 새기다' uses '에' (in/on), '명심하다' is a verb that takes a direct object.

Correct: 부모님의 가르침을 명심하겠습니다. (I will keep my parents' teachings in mind.)

Lastly, learners sometimes use 명심하다 in the past tense when they should use the future or imperative. Because the word implies a commitment, '명심했어요' (I kept it in mind) is less common than '명심하겠습니다' (I will keep it in mind) or '명심하고 있습니다' (I am keeping it in mind). Using the past tense can sometimes sound like you are dismissing the importance now that the act of 'engraving' is finished, whereas the intent is usually to show ongoing adherence to the rule.

To truly master 명심하다, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related expressions. Each has a slightly different nuance and register. The most direct synonym is '유념하다' (yunyeomhada), which also means to keep in mind, but it is even more formal and often used in official documents or professional notices. While 명심하다 has an emotional 'heart' component, 유념하다 is more focused on the 'attention' (념/念) aspect.

명심하다 vs. 유념하다
명심하다 is 'engrave in heart' (more personal/serious), while 유념하다 is 'keep in thought' (more administrative/professional).

공지 사항을 유념해 주시기 바랍니다. (Please keep the notice in mind - Formal/Official)

Another beautiful alternative is the idiomatic expression '가슴에 새기다' (gaseume saegida). This is the literal Korean translation of the Hanja for 명심하다. It is used in poetic or highly emotional contexts, such as remembering a loved one's last words or a life-changing experience. It feels more 'pure Korean' (Pureun-hangugeo) compared to the Sino-Korean 명심하다. On the other hand, '잊지 않다' (not to forget) is the simplest and most versatile alternative, usable in almost any situation.

명심하다 vs. 기억하다
기억하다 is the neutral 'to remember' (data/facts). 명심하다 is 'to take to heart' (values/advice).

그의 충고를 가슴에 새겼다. (I engraved his advice in my heart - Emotional/Literary)

Lastly, we have '주의하다' (juihada), which means 'to be careful' or 'to pay attention.' While 명심하다 focuses on the internal act of remembering, 주의하다 focuses on the external act of being cautious. Often, you '명심' an advice so that you can '주의' in a specific situation. For example, you keep the safety rules in mind (명심) so that you pay attention (주의) while driving. Understanding these subtle differences allows you to choose the word that best fits the gravity and context of your conversation.

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

1

제 말을 명심하세요.

Please keep my words in mind.

Uses the polite imperative '-하세요'.

2

이 규칙을 명심해.

Keep this rule in mind.

Informal ending '해' used for close relationships or children.

3

꼭 명심할게요.

I will definitely keep it in mind.

'-ㄹ게요' expresses a promise or intention.

4

엄마 말을 명심해라.

Keep your mom's words in mind.

'-해라' is a command form used by elders to younger people.

5

안전을 명심하세요.

Keep safety in mind.

Noun + 을/를 (omitted here) + 명심하다.

6

이것만 명심해.

Just keep this one thing in mind.

'-만' means 'only' or 'just'.

7

명심하겠습니다.

I will keep it in mind (formal).

The most standard formal response to advice.

8

모두 명심하세요.

Everyone, keep this in mind.

'모두' means 'everyone'.

1

선생님의 조언을 명심했어요.

I kept the teacher's advice in mind.

Past tense '-했어요'.

2

약속 시간을 꼭 명심하세요.

Please be sure to keep the appointment time in mind.

'꼭' adds emphasis.

3

차 조심하라는 말을 명심해.

Keep in mind the words to be careful of cars.

'-라는 말' turns a command into a noun phrase.

4

건강이 최고라는 걸 명심해.

Keep in mind that health is the best.

'-라는 걸' is a contraction of '-라는 것을'.

5

비밀을 지키기로 명심했다.

I made sure to keep the secret in mind.

'-기로' suggests a decision or promise.

6

그 사실을 명심하고 있어요.

I am keeping that fact in mind.

'-고 있다' indicates a continuing state.

7

부모님 당부를 명심하겠습니다.

I will keep my parents' request in mind.

'당부' means an earnest request or exhortation.

8

실수를 명심하고 조심할게요.

I'll keep the mistake in mind and be careful.

Connective '-고' links two actions.

1

운전할 때는 항상 안전을 명심해야 합니다.

When driving, you must always keep safety in mind.

'-해야 합니다' expresses obligation.

2

그는 스승의 가르침을 평생 명심하며 살았다.

He lived his whole life keeping his teacher's teachings in mind.

'-하며' indicates simultaneous actions.

3

기회는 한 번뿐이라는 점을 명심하십시오.

Please keep in mind that there is only one opportunity.

'-라는 점을' means 'the point that...'.

4

성공하려면 겸손해야 한다는 것을 명심해라.

Keep in mind that you must be humble to succeed.

'-하려면' means 'if you want to...'.

5

그의 경고를 명심했더라면 사고를 피했을 것이다.

If I had kept his warning in mind, I would have avoided the accident.

'-했더라면' is a past hypothetical condition.

6

외국어 공부는 꾸준함이 생명임을 명심하세요.

Keep in mind that consistency is the lifeblood of language study.

'-임을' is the object form of 'to be' (이다).

7

모두가 한마음이 되어야 함을 명심합시다.

Let's keep in mind that everyone must become of one mind.

'-읍시다' is a formal 'let's' suggestion.

8

어려운 이웃을 도와야 한다는 점을 명심하자.

Let's keep in mind that we should help neighbors in need.

'-자' is the informal 'let's' suggestion.

1

고객의 신뢰가 기업의 자산임을 항상 명심해야 한다.

One must always keep in mind that customer trust is a corporate asset.

Academic tone using '-ㄴ다' ending.

2

과거의 실수를 명심하여 같은 잘못을 반복하지 말자.

Let's keep past mistakes in mind and not repeat the same errors.

'-하여' is a formal version of '-해서'.

3

비판을 겸허히 수용하고 명심하는 자세가 필요하다.

An attitude of humbly accepting and keeping criticism in mind is necessary.

'-는 자세' means 'an attitude of...'.

4

환경 보호는 선택이 아닌 필수임을 명심하시기 바랍니다.

I hope you keep in mind that environmental protection is a necessity, not an option.

'-기 바랍니다' is a formal way to express a wish or request.

5

지도자는 책임이 막중하다는 사실을 명심해야 합니다.

A leader must keep in mind the fact that their responsibility is heavy.

'막중하다' means extremely heavy/important.

6

작은 차이가 큰 결과를 만든다는 것을 명심하십시오.

Please keep in mind that small differences make big results.

Present tense adjective/verb + ㄴ다는 것.

7

법과 질서를 준수해야 함을 명심해야 할 것입니다.

You will have to keep in mind that you must obey the law and order.

'-ㄹ 것이다' adds a future or presumptive tone.

8

자신의 능력을 과신하지 말 것을 명심해라.

Keep in mind not to overconfidence in your own abilities.

'-ㄹ 것을' is the object of the verb.

1

역사를 잊은 민족에게 미래는 없다는 격언을 명심해야 한다.

We must keep in mind the maxim that there is no future for a nation that forgets its history.

Uses '격언' (maxim/proverb) to add weight.

2

정치인들은 민심이 곧 천심임을 명심하고 국정에 임해야 한다.

Politicians must keep in mind that the heart of the people is the heart of heaven and approach state affairs accordingly.

'민심이 곧 천심' is a classic political idiom.

3

예술가는 시대의 아픔을 외면하지 말아야 함을 명심해야 한다.

Artists must keep in mind that they should not turn away from the pain of the era.

'외면하다' means to look away/ignore.

4

권력은 유한하나 책임은 무한함을 명심하십시오.

Keep in mind that power is finite but responsibility is infinite.

Contrastive structure '-하나' (but).

5

어떠한 유혹에도 흔들리지 않도록 초심을 명심했다.

I kept my original intention in mind so as not to be shaken by any temptation.

'초심' refers to one's original resolution.

6

과학 기술의 발전이 윤리적 가치를 앞설 수 없음을 명심해야 한다.

We must keep in mind that the development of science and technology cannot precede ethical values.

Formal academic argument structure.

7

스승의 마지막 유언을 가슴 깊이 명심하며 눈물을 흘렸다.

Keeping his teacher's last will deep in his heart, he shed tears.

'가슴 깊이' means deep in the heart.

8

진정한 용기는 두려움이 없는 것이 아니라 두려움을 이겨내는 것임을 명심해라.

Keep in mind that true courage is not the absence of fear, but overcoming it.

'A가 아니라 B' (Not A but B) structure.

1

성현들의 말씀을 각골명심하여 삶의 지표로 삼았다.

He engraved the words of the sages in his bones and heart, making them the compass of his life.

Uses the 4-character idiom '각골명심'.

2

본립도생(本立道生), 즉 근본이 서야 길이 생긴다는 도리를 명심해야 한다.

One must keep in mind the principle of 'Bon-rip-do-saeng,' meaning that only when the foundation is established does the path appear.

Uses a classical Chinese philosophical phrase.

3

언론의 자유에는 막중한 사회적 책임이 따른다는 점을 명심할 필요가 있다.

It is necessary to keep in mind that a heavy social responsibility accompanies the freedom of the press.

'-ㄹ 필요가 있다' means 'there is a need to...'

4

평화는 무력이 아닌 대화와 타협을 통해 얻어짐을 명심해야 마땅하다.

It is only right to keep in mind that peace is achieved through dialogue and compromise, not force.

'-해야 마땅하다' means 'it is only natural/right to...'

5

인간의 존엄성은 그 무엇과도 바꿀 수 없는 절대적 가치임을 명심하십시오.

Please keep in mind that human dignity is an absolute value that cannot be traded for anything.

High-level ethical discourse.

6

지식의 습득보다 중요한 것은 지혜의 실천임을 명심하며 학문에 정진했다.

Keeping in mind that the practice of wisdom is more important than the acquisition of knowledge, he devoted himself to his studies.

'-보다 중요한 것은' structure.

7

천재지변 앞에서는 인간의 오만이 얼마나 무력한지를 명심해야 한다.

One must keep in mind how helpless human arrogance is in the face of natural disasters.

'-ㄴ지를' indicates an indirect question/degree.

8

모든 권력은 국민으로부터 나온다는 헌법 정신을 명심하는 것이 민주주의의 기본이다.

Keeping in mind the constitutional spirit that all power comes from the people is the basis of democracy.

Legal/Political terminology.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

조언을 명심하다
당부를 명심하다
사실을 명심하다
교훈을 명심하다
경고를 명심하다
수칙을 명심하다
말씀을 명심하다
명심 또 명심
깊이 명심하다
가슴에 명심하다

सामान्य वाक्यांश

명심하겠습니다

— I will keep it in mind. A standard polite response to advice.

부장님: '실수 없게 해.' 사원: '명심하겠습니다!'

꼭 명심하세요

— Please be sure to keep this in mind. Used for strong emphasis.

이 약은 식후에 먹어야 한다는 걸 꼭 명심하세요.

명심해 두다

— To keep something in mind (for future use).

이 번호를 명심해 두면 나중에 도움이 될 거야.

명심하고 있다

— To be currently keeping something in mind.

당신의 충고를 항상 명심하고 있습니다.

명심 또 명심하다

— To keep in mind over and over again. Used for extreme importance.

운전자는 전방 주시를 명심 또 명심해야 한다.

명심할 점

— A point to keep in mind.

이번 여행에서 명심할 점은 건강입니다.

잊지 말고 명심하다

— To not forget and keep in mind.

내일 준비물을 잊지 말고 명심해라.

명심하시기 바랍니다

— I hope/request that you keep this in mind. (Formal)

안전 수칙을 명심하시기 바랍니다.

가슴 깊이 명심하다

— To keep deep in one's heart.

부모님의 은혜를 가슴 깊이 명심했다.

뼈에 사무치게 명심하다

— To keep in mind so deeply it's as if it's in the bones.

그날의 굴욕을 뼈에 사무치게 명심하고 노력했다.

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

"각골명심 (刻骨銘心)"

— To engrave in the bones and heart. Refers to something unforgettable.

당신이 베풀어 준 은혜는 각골명심하겠습니다.

Literary/Formal
"명심불망 (銘心不忘)"

— To engrave in the heart and never forget.

그날의 교훈을 명심불망하며 살고 있다.

Formal
"가슴에 새기다"

— To engrave in the heart. (Native Korean equivalent).

어머니의 유언을 가슴에 새겼다.

General/Emotional
"귀에 못이 박히다"

— To hear something so many times that it's like a nail in the ear. Usually implies nagging advice that one should '명심'.

공부하라는 소리는 귀에 못이 박히도록

संबंधित सामग्री

general के और शब्द

몇몇

A2

कुछ; थोड़े.

조금

A1

मुझे थोड़ा पानी चाहिए। (물 조금 필요해요.)

적게

A1

कम, थोड़ी मात्रा में। किसी क्रिया को कम मात्रा में करने के लिए उपयोग किया जाता है।

약간

A2

थोड़ा; हल्का सा। छोटी मात्रा या हल्के स्तर का वर्णन करने के लिए उपयोग किया जाता है।

많이

A1

बहुत / ज़्यादा। 'मैंने बहुत खाया' (많이 먹었어요)। 'मुझे आपकी बहुत याद आई' (많이 보고 싶었어요)।

잠시

A2

एक पल के लिए; संक्षेप में। 'कृपया एक पल प्रतीक्षा करें।' (잠시만 기다려 주세요।) 'मैं थोड़ी देर में वापस आऊंगा।' (잠시 후에 돌아오겠습니다।)

잠깐

A2

For a short time; a moment.

아까

A2

थोड़ी देर पहले। मैंने उसे थोड़ी देर पहले देखा था।

대해

A2

इसका अर्थ है 'के बारे में' या 'के विषय में'। इसका उपयोग किसी बातचीत या विचार के विषय को पेश करने के लिए किया जाता है।

~에 대해서

A2

के बारे में; के विषय में।

क्या यह मददगार था?
अभी तक कोई टिप्पणी नहीं। अपने विचार साझा करने वाले पहले व्यक्ति बनें!