At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the complex legal meanings of 보상하다. Instead, think of it as 'getting something back' when you do something difficult. Imagine you worked very hard all week. You are tired. To feel better, you buy yourself a delicious ice cream. In Korean, you can say you are 'compensating' yourself for your hard work. It's like a 'thank you' to yourself. You might also hear this word when someone breaks your toy or pen and gives you a new one. They are 'fixing' the problem by giving you something else. At this stage, focus on the pattern: [Hard Work/Loss] + 보상. It is a way to say that things are fair now. Even though the word looks long and difficult, it is very common in daily life when people talk about 'rewarding' themselves after a long day of school or work.
For A2 learners, 보상하다 starts to appear in more specific daily situations. You will encounter it when talking about money or shopping. For example, if a store sends you the wrong item, they might '보상' you by giving you a discount coupon for your next purchase. You can understand this as 'making up for a mistake.' You should also learn the passive form 보상받다, which means 'to be rewarded' or 'to get compensation.' You can use it to talk about your efforts: 'I studied hard and was rewarded with a good grade' (열심히 공부해서 좋은 성적으로 보상받았어요). At this level, try to use the word when you want to justify doing something fun after doing something boring or difficult. It helps you express the idea of 'balance' in your life. You are starting to see that this word isn't just about money, but about making things right.
At the B1 level, you should understand 보상하다 in formal and semi-formal contexts. This is the level where you distinguish between 'reward' (상) and 'compensation' (보상). You will hear this word in news reports about insurance or government policies. For instance, if there is a fire, the insurance company will 보상하다 the owner of the house. You should be able to use the particle -에 대해 (about/for) to specify what is being compensated. For example, '손해에 대해 보상하다' (to compensate for a loss). You also start to see the word in psychological contexts, like '보상 심리' (compensation psychology), which explains why people overeat or overspend when they are stressed. You are now moving beyond simple 'prizes' and understanding the concept of 'indemnity'—returning someone to their original state after a negative event. This is a key word for navigating adult life in Korea, from signing contracts to complaining about poor service.
At the B2 level, you must master the nuance between 보상하다 and its close relative 배상하다. This is a common point of confusion. Remember: 보상 is for losses from legal activities (like the government taking land for a public project), while 배상 is for losses from illegal activities (like a car accident or a broken contract). You will use this word in professional settings, such as discussing employee benefits or corporate social responsibility. You should also be comfortable using it metaphorically. For example, you can say that a person's lack of height is 'compensated' by their incredible speed. In this sense, 보상하다 means 'to make up for a deficiency.' Your sentences should become more complex, using structures like '피해를 최소화하고 적절히 보상하기 위해' (in order to minimize damage and properly compensate).
For C1 learners, 보상하다 is a tool for deep social and philosophical discussion. You will use it to talk about historical reparations, environmental justice, and economic theory. For example, you might discuss whether the 'sacrifice' of the older generation during the Korean War has been adequately 'compensated' by the current prosperity of the nation. You should be able to use the word in the context of 'national merit' (국가유공자) and the complex laws surrounding how the state compensates those who served. Furthermore, you can explore the '보상 기전' (compensation mechanism) in biology or psychology, referring to how the brain or body adapts to a loss of function. At this level, you are expected to understand the subtle differences between 보상, 보답, 보충, and 상쇄, using each with precision in academic or professional writing.
At the C2 level, your understanding of 보상하다 should be native-like, including its use in highly specialized legal and constitutional contexts. You should understand the '손실보상의 원칙' (principles of loss compensation) in Korean administrative law, which dictates that the state must provide 'just compensation' (정당한 보상) when it infringes on private property for public use. You can engage in debates about the 'social compensation' of marginalized groups and the ethics of 'monetary compensation' for non-material losses like dignity or time. You will also recognize the word in classical literature or high-level editorials where it might be used to describe the cosmic balance of fate or the 'recompense' of history. Your mastery includes knowing when not to use it, opting for more poetic or archaic terms when the situation calls for it, and being able to explain the etymological roots of the Hanja characters to others.

보상하다 30秒で

  • 보상하다 means to compensate or reward for a loss or effort.
  • It is commonly used in insurance, legal, and workplace contexts.
  • It differs from 배상하다 (illegal acts) and 보답하다 (repaying kindness).
  • It can be used personally as 'self-reward' for hard work.

The Korean verb 보상하다 (bosanghada) is a multi-faceted term that fundamentally describes the act of restoring balance. At its core, it means to provide something—be it money, goods, or emotional support—to someone who has suffered a loss, experienced hardship, or put in an extraordinary amount of effort. Unlike simple gift-giving, bosanghada carries a heavy weight of 'repayment' or 'recompense.' In the Korean linguistic consciousness, this word is deeply tied to the idea of fairness and justice. If a scale has tipped because someone lost a piece of their property, their time, or their health, 보상하다 is the action that adds weight back to the empty side to make things level again.

Financial Compensation
This is the most common usage in formal settings. When a company accidentally damages your property, or when the government takes your land to build a highway, they must 보상하다 you. It often involves a calculated '보상금' (compensation money) that reflects the market value of what was lost.
Effort and Reward
In a more personal or psychological context, it refers to rewarding hard work. If you study for 15 hours a day for a month, you might '보상' yourself with a luxury vacation. Here, the 'loss' is your time and energy, and the 'reward' is the compensation for that sacrifice.
Emotional Recompense
When someone hurts your feelings or causes psychological distress, they might try to 보상하다 by being extra kind or offering a sincere apology followed by a gesture. It is about filling the emotional void created by the negative experience.

정부는 댐 건설로 집을 잃은 주민들에게 충분히 보상해야 합니다.

— Translation: The government must sufficiently compensate the residents who lost their homes due to the dam construction.

Understanding the Hanja (Chinese characters) behind the word helps clarify its meaning. 補 (Bo) means to 'repair' or 'patch up,' like fixing a hole in a garment. 償 (Sang) means to 'repay' or 'return.' Therefore, to 보상하다 is literally to 'repair by repaying.' This nuance is why the word is used in insurance (보험), where the goal is to return the insured person to the state they were in before the accident occurred.

이번 주말에는 그동안의 스트레스를 보상하기 위해 여행을 떠날 거예요.

— Translation: This weekend, I am going on a trip to compensate for the stress I've had lately.

The word is also essential in legal and social justice contexts. When historical wrongs are discussed in Korea—such as the treatment of labor workers during the industrialization era—the demand is often for the state or corporations to 보상하다 the victims. It acknowledges that while the past cannot be changed, the present balance can be improved through material or symbolic means.

Legal Nuance: Bo-sang vs. Bae-sang
Koreans distinguish between 배상 (baesang) and 보상 (bosang). Bae-sang is used when the damage was caused by an illegal act (like a crime or breach of contract). Bo-sang is used when the damage occurred during a legal act (like building a public road) or for general loss/effort. Using 보상하다 in a legal context implies that the person paying isn't necessarily a 'criminal,' but they are responsible for the loss.

그의 노력이 마침내 성공으로 보상받았습니다.

— Translation: His efforts were finally rewarded (compensated) with success.

Mastering 보상하다 requires understanding that it functions as both a formal legal term and a common everyday verb for self-care. Because it is a 'Hada' verb derived from a noun, you can easily switch between the active '보상하다' (to compensate) and the passive '보상받다' (to be compensated/rewarded). Let's look at how to structure these sentences across different scenarios.

Scenario 1: Workplace & Labor
In the office, this word often appears when discussing overtime, hazards, or performance bonuses.
Example: '회사는 직원들의 초과 근무에 대해 수당으로 보상해야 합니다.' (The company must compensate employees for overtime with allowances.)
Scenario 2: Accidents & Insurance
When dealing with car accidents or medical issues, insurance companies are the subjects.
Example: '보험사가 사고로 인한 차량 파손을 전액 보상해 주기로 했습니다.' (The insurance company decided to fully compensate for the vehicle damage caused by the accident.)

열심히 공부한 시간은 결코 배신하지 않고 좋은 성적으로 보상할 거예요.

— Translation: The time you spent studying hard will never betray you; it will reward you with good grades.

When using 보상하다, the prepositional structure is usually [Loss/Effort] + 에 대해 + [Reward/Money] + 로 + 보상하다. This translates to 'To compensate for [Loss] with [Reward].' For example: '실수를 맛있는 저녁으로 보상할게' (I will compensate for my mistake with a delicious dinner).

그 선수는 부상으로 인한 공백기를 피나는 노력으로 보상하며 훈련에 매진했습니다.

— Translation: The athlete focused on training, compensating for the hiatus caused by injury with bloody effort.

Another nuance is the 'Self-Reward' (자기 보상). In modern Korean society, where the work-life balance is highly valued, people use this word to justify spending on themselves. You might hear: '나 자신에게 주는 보상이에요' (It's a reward I'm giving to myself). This usage has turned a once-stiff legal term into something very relatable and personal.

Common Object Pairs
  • 손해를 보상하다: To compensate for a loss.
  • 노고를 보상하다: To reward someone's labor/trouble.
  • 피해를 보상하다: To compensate for damage.
  • 결점을 보상하다: To make up for a flaw/weakness.

부족한 재능을 성실함으로 보상하려는 태도가 보기 좋습니다.

— Translation: It is good to see an attitude of trying to compensate for a lack of talent with sincerity.

Finally, consider the passive form 보상받다. This is used when you are the recipient. '나는 그동안의 고생을 충분히 보상받았다고 생각한다' (I think I have been sufficiently compensated for all my past hardships). It conveys a sense of fulfillment and closure.

If you turn on a Korean news channel or watch a legal drama, 보상하다 will likely appear within the first thirty minutes. Its presence in public discourse is immense because Korea has undergone rapid urbanization and legislative changes that often involve disputes over property and rights.

1. The Evening News
Whenever there is a natural disaster, like a flood or a forest fire, the news anchor will report on the '정부의 보상 대책' (the government's compensation measures). They discuss how the state will 보상하다 the farmers for their ruined crops. This is a very formal and serious context.
2. Customer Service Centers
If you buy a defective product or experience a flight delay, the representative might say, '불편을 끼쳐 드려 죄송합니다. 포인트로 보상해 드리겠습니다.' (We are sorry for the inconvenience. We will compensate you with points.) In this setting, the word is used to pacify an angry customer.

항공사는 기상 악화로 인한 지연에 대해서는 법적으로 보상할 의무가 없습니다.

— Translation: Airlines have no legal obligation to compensate for delays caused by bad weather.

In popular culture, especially in 'healing' dramas or variety shows, the concept of 보상 is more emotional. Characters who have lived poor, difficult lives often reach a point where they say they want to 보상받다 for their lost youth. This 'psychological compensation' is a recurring theme in Korean storytelling, reflecting the societal pressure to succeed and the subsequent need for validation.

중고차를 팔 때 사고 이력이 있으면 보상 가격이 낮아질 수밖에 없어요.

— Translation: When selling a used car, if there is an accident history, the compensation (trade-in) price is bound to be lower.

You will also hear it in the gaming community. When a game server goes down for maintenance, developers often provide '점검 보상' (maintenance compensation) in the form of in-game currency or items. This has made the word very familiar to the younger generation, who use it to mean 'getting free stuff because of a mistake.'

3. Legal Dramas
In shows like 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' or 'Vincenzo,' lawyers argue over whether a client should be 보상받다 for industrial accidents. These scenes often highlight the struggle between large corporations and individual workers, making 보상 a keyword for social equity.

In summary, 보상하다 is everywhere: from the high-stakes world of constitutional law and insurance claims to the everyday world of buying a latte after a long day at work. It is the linguistic tool Koreans use to quantify and rectify life's imbalances.

The most common mistake learners (and even some native speakers) make is confusing 보상 (bosang) with 배상 (baesang). While they both translate to 'compensation' in English, they are used in very different legal and moral contexts. Understanding this distinction is the hallmark of an advanced Korean speaker.

1. Confusing '보상' with '배상'
  • 보상 (Bosang): Compensation for loss caused by a lawful act. For example, if the government builds a park on your land legally, they 보상 you. There is no 'wrongdoing' involved.
  • 배상 (Baesang): Compensation for loss caused by an unlawful act. If someone hits your car while drunk, they 배상 you. It implies a breach of law or duty.
2. Using it for simple 'prizes'
Do not use 보상하다 when you just want to say 'to give a prize' for a competition. If a student wins a race, they receive a '상' (sang/prize), not a '보상.' 보상 implies that the student lost something (time, energy, sweat) that needs to be balanced out. If it's just a celebration of excellence, use '시상하다' (to award a prize) or '상을 주다.'

[Wrong] 1등 학생에게 장학금을 보상했습니다.
[Right] 1등 학생에게 장학금을 수여했습니다.

— Note: Scholarship for the 1st place student is an 'award' (수여), not 'compensation' for a loss.

Another mistake is the particles. Learners often say '피해를 위해 보상하다' (Compensate for the sake of damage), but the correct form is '피해 보상하다' or '피해에 대해 보상하다.' The focus should be on the object of loss.

그는 자신의 실수를 돈으로 보상하려고 했지만 진심 어린 사과가 먼저였습니다.

— Translation: He tried to compensate for his mistake with money, but a sincere apology should have come first.

Lastly, remember that 보상하다 is a transitive verb. It needs an object. If you just say '내가 보상할게' (I will compensate), the listener will immediately wonder what you are compensating for. Always specify the loss: '네 시간(을) 보상할게' (I'll make up for your time).

While 보상하다 is a powerful and versatile word, it isn't always the perfect fit. Depending on whether you're talking about law, gratitude, or filling a gap, you might want to use one of these alternatives.

1. 배상하다 (Baesanghada) - To Indemnify / Pay Damages
As mentioned in the 'Common Mistakes' section, this is specifically for illegal acts. Use this in court or when someone has clearly broken a rule.
Comparison: '보상' is 'balancing the scale,' while '배상' is 'paying for your crime.'
2. 보답하다 (Bodaphada) - To Repay / Requite
This is used for positive exchanges. If someone gives you a gift or helps you, you 보답 them. It's about returning a favor or kindness, not covering a loss.
Comparison: You 보상 a victim, but you 보답 a benefactor.
3. 보충하다 (Bochunghada) - To Supplement / Fill up
If something is simply missing or lacking, you 보충 it. For example, '물을 보충하다' (refill water) or '비타민을 보충하다' (supplement vitamins).
Comparison: 보상 is about value and fairness; 보충 is about quantity and completeness.

부족한 수면을 주말에 잠을 자서 보충하는 것은 건강에 도움이 됩니다.

— Translation: Supplementing (making up for) lack of sleep by sleeping on the weekend is helpful for health.

Other useful words include 갚다 (gapda), which is the native Korean word for 'to pay back.' It is much less formal than 보상하다 and can be used for both money ('빚을 갚다') and feelings ('은혜를 갚다'). If you want to sound natural in casual conversation, 갚다 is often a better choice than the Sino-Korean 보상하다.

그는 동료들의 도움에 보답하기 위해 점심을 샀습니다.

— Translation: He bought lunch to repay (보답) his colleagues for their help.

In academic writing, you might encounter 상쇄하다 (sangswaehada), which means 'to offset' or 'to cancel out.' This is used when a positive factor balances out a negative one, like '장점이 단점을 상쇄하다' (strengths offset weaknesses). While related to 보상, it is more about the mathematical or logical neutralization of two opposing forces.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The character 補 (Bo) originally depicted mending clothes with a patch. So, '보상' is like putting a patch on someone's life where a hole was made by a loss.

発音ガイド

UK po.saŋ.ɦa.da
US bo.saŋ.ha.da
In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, but a slight emphasis may fall on the first syllable 'bo'.
韻が合う語
상하다 (sanghada - to go bad/spoil) 당하다 (danghada - to suffer/undergo) 망하다 (manghada - to fail/go bankrupt) 강하다 (ganghada - to be strong) 정하다 (jeonghada - to decide) 성하다 (seonghada - to be intact) 청하다 (cheonghada - to request) 평하다 (pyeonghada - to evaluate)
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing 'bo' as 'poo'. Keep it as an 'o' sound like in 'boat'.
  • Over-aspirating the 'h' in 'hada'. It should be a soft breath.
  • Making the 'sang' sound like 'song'. Use a bright 'ah' sound.
  • Stressing the last syllable 'da'. Keep it flat.
  • Mixing up with 'posang' (포상 - commendation/award). 'Bo' is for general compensation.

難易度

読解 3/5

The word itself is common, but legal texts using it can be very complex.

ライティング 4/5

Choosing between 보상 and 배상 requires a deep understanding of the context.

スピーキング 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but it sounds very formal if overused in casual talk.

リスニング 3/5

Common in news and dramas; easy to recognize once you know the 'Bo-Sang' sound.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

손해 (loss) 도움 (help) 돈 (money) 주다 (to give) 받다 (to receive)

次に学ぶ

배상하다 (to indemnify) 보답하다 (to repay kindness) 권리 (right) 의무 (duty) 보험 (insurance)

上級

부당이득 (unjust enrichment) 원상복구 (restoration to original state) 위자료 (alimony/consolation money)

知っておくべき文法

-에 대해 (About/For)

피해에 대해 보상하다.

-으로 (By means of/With)

돈으로 보상하다.

-받다 (Passive formation)

노력을 보상받다.

-어 주다 (Doing for someone)

시간을 보상해 주다.

-기로 하다 (Deciding to)

보상하기로 했다.

レベル別の例文

1

열심히 일한 나에게 선물을 보상했어요.

I rewarded myself with a gift for working hard.

Used as a 'self-reward' for effort.

2

엄마가 제 노력을 사탕으로 보상해 주셨어요.

Mom rewarded my effort with candy.

-어 주다 adds the meaning of doing a favor.

3

오늘 너무 힘들어서 맛있는 것을 먹으며 보상할 거예요.

Today was so hard, so I'll reward myself by eating something delicious.

Future tense -ㄹ 거예요.

4

친구가 제 펜을 잃어버려서 새 펜으로 보상했어요.

My friend lost my pen, so they compensated me with a new one.

Simple past tense -았/었어요.

5

장난감을 고쳐서 친구의 슬픔을 보상해요.

I fix the toy to compensate for my friend's sadness.

Present tense.

6

이것은 제 노력에 대한 작은 보상입니다.

This is a small reward for my effort.

Noun form '보상' used with '이다'.

7

잠을 많이 자서 피곤함을 보상하세요.

Compensate for your tiredness by sleeping a lot.

Imperative -세요.

8

게임에서 이기면 포인트로 보상해 줍니다.

If you win the game, it rewards you with points.

Conditional -면.

1

회사는 직원들에게 휴가로 보상하기로 했습니다.

The company decided to compensate the employees with a vacation.

-기로 하다 means 'decided to'.

2

사고가 났지만 보험으로 보상받을 수 있어요.

There was an accident, but you can be compensated by insurance.

Passive form '보상받다' + '수 있다' (can).

3

불편을 드려 죄송합니다. 쿠폰으로 보상하겠습니다.

Sorry for the inconvenience. We will compensate you with a coupon.

Formal future -겠습니다.

4

어제 못 잔 잠을 오늘 낮잠으로 보상했어요.

I made up for the sleep I missed yesterday with a nap today.

Past tense.

5

노력한 만큼 결과로 보상받고 싶어요.

I want to be rewarded with results as much as I worked.

-고 싶다 (want to).

6

정부는 피해 시민들에게 돈으로 보상했습니다.

The government compensated the victimized citizens with money.

Subject is '정부' (government).

7

이 신발은 비싸지만 제 고생을 보상해 줘요.

These shoes are expensive, but they compensate for my suffering.

Present tense with -어 주다.

8

실수를 사과하고 선물로 보상했어요.

I apologized for the mistake and compensated with a gift.

-고 (and) connecting two actions.

1

보험 회사가 자동차 사고의 피해를 보상해 줄 것입니다.

The insurance company will compensate for the damage of the car accident.

Standard B1 level sentence structure.

2

과거의 희생을 이제라도 정당하게 보상해야 합니다.

Past sacrifices must be justly compensated, even now.

-해야 하다 (must).

3

그녀는 일주일 동안의 야근을 주말 여행으로 보상받았다.

She was compensated for a week of overtime with a weekend trip.

Passive voice '보상받다'.

4

우리는 고객의 불만에 대해 포인트로 보상하기로 결정했다.

We decided to compensate for the customer's complaint with points.

-에 대해 (about/for).

5

부족한 경험을 열정으로 보상하며 열심히 일했습니다.

I worked hard, compensating for my lack of experience with passion.

-며 (while/and).

6

국가는 공공사업을 위해 땅을 수용한 경우 반드시 보상해야 한다.

The state must compensate if it expropriates land for public works.

Formal legal context.

7

그 영화는 지루했지만 영상미가 모든 것을 보상해 주었다.

The movie was boring, but the visual beauty made up for everything.

Metaphorical use for 'making up for'.

8

스트레스를 쇼핑으로 보상하려는 심리를 주의해야 합니다.

You should be careful of the psychology of trying to compensate for stress with shopping.

Noun modification with -려는.

1

이번 신제품 개발에 기여한 직원들에게는 파격적인 성과급으로 보상할 계획입니다.

We plan to reward employees who contributed to the development of this new product with exceptional performance bonuses.

Business context.

2

환경 오염에 대해 기업이 사회적 책임을 지고 보상해야 한다는 목소리가 높다.

There are loud voices saying that companies should take social responsibility and compensate for environmental pollution.

-는 목소리가 높다 (There is high demand/voices are loud).

3

피해자들은 가해자의 진심 어린 사과와 함께 실질적인 보상을 요구했다.

The victims demanded practical compensation along with a sincere apology from the perpetrator.

Noun '보상' with '요구하다' (demand).

4

그는 어린 시절의 가난을 성공으로 보상받으려 필사적으로 노력했다.

He tried desperately to be compensated for the poverty of his childhood through success.

-으려 (in order to/trying to).

5

항공사는 기상 악화로 인한 지연에 대해서는 보상할 책임이 없다고 주장했다.

The airline argued that it had no responsibility to compensate for delays caused by bad weather.

-ㄹ 책임이 없다 (no responsibility to).

6

정당한 보상 없이 개인의 재산권을 침해하는 것은 헌법에 위배됩니다.

Infringing on individual property rights without just compensation is against the constitution.

High-level legal grammar.

7

운동선수들은 힘든 훈련의 시간을 금메달로 보상받는 순간 가장 행복해한다.

Athletes are happiest at the moment they are rewarded for their hard training with a gold medal.

Complex subject-verb agreement.

8

부족한 수면 시간을 낮잠으로 보상하는 것은 일시적인 해결책일 뿐입니다.

Compensating for lack of sleep with a nap is only a temporary solution.

-일 뿐이다 (only/just).

1

사회적 약자들에 대한 보상적 차원의 정책이 시급히 마련되어야 합니다.

Policies on a compensatory level for the socially vulnerable must be urgently prepared.

Adjective form '보상적' (compensatory).

2

역사적 비극으로 인한 피해를 금전적으로 보상하는 것만으로는 충분하지 않습니다.

Compensating for the damage caused by historical tragedies with money alone is not enough.

-는 것만으로는 (with just doing...).

3

인간의 뇌는 한쪽 감각이 소실되면 다른 감각을 강화하여 이를 보상하려는 성질이 있다.

The human brain has a property of trying to compensate for the loss of one sense by strengthening other senses.

Scientific/Biological context.

4

개발 이익의 일부를 지역 사회에 환원하여 주민들의 피해를 보상해야 합니다.

A portion of the development profits should be returned to the local community to compensate for the residents' damages.

Economic/Social context.

5

그의 문학적 성취는 고독했던 삶에 대한 유일한 보상이었다.

His literary achievement was the only compensation for his lonely life.

Philosophical/Literary context.

6

손실보상제도는 공공의 필요에 의한 재산권 제한에 대해 정당한 대가를 지급하는 제도이다.

The loss compensation system is a system that pays a just price for the restriction of property rights due to public necessity.

Academic definition.

7

기업은 환경 파괴에 대한 책임을 통감하고 생태계 복원을 통해 보상해야 한다.

Companies should feel responsible for environmental destruction and compensate through ecosystem restoration.

Environmental ethics.

8

부모의 과도한 보상 심리가 자녀에게 독이 될 수도 있음을 명심해야 합니다.

One must keep in mind that a parent's excessive compensatory psychology can be poisonous to their children.

-음을 명심해야 한다 (must keep in mind that...).

1

헌법 제23조 제3항은 공공필요에 의한 재산권의 수용·사용 또는 제한 및 그에 대한 보상은 법률로써 하되, 정당한 보상을 지급하여야 한다고 규정하고 있다.

Article 23, Paragraph 3 of the Constitution stipulates that expropriation, use, or restriction of property rights due to public necessity and compensation thereof shall be governed by law, provided that just compensation is paid.

Literal constitutional text.

2

실존적 허무를 보상하기 위한 끊임없는 욕망의 추구는 결국 더 큰 공허함을 낳을 뿐이다.

The constant pursuit of desire to compensate for existential nihilism only ends up giving birth to a greater emptiness.

High-level philosophical discourse.

3

과거사 청산의 핵심은 피해자들의 명예 회복과 더불어 실효성 있는 보상 체계를 구축하는 데 있다.

The core of settling past history lies in restoring the honor of victims and building an effective compensation system.

-는 데 있다 (lies in...).

4

기술적 한계를 창의적 아이디어로 보상하며 프로젝트를 완수했다.

The project was completed by compensating for technical limitations with creative ideas.

Professional project management context.

5

국가 권력의 행사가 정당성을 얻으려면 그 과정에서 발생하는 사익의 침해를 적절히 보상해야 한다.

For the exercise of state power to gain legitimacy, it must appropriately compensate for the infringement of private interests that occurs in the process.

Political science theory.

6

자본주의 사회에서 시간은 곧 돈이며, 따라서 타인의 시간을 빼앗았다면 그에 상응하는 보상을 하는 것이 상식이다.

In a capitalist society, time is money; therefore, if you take someone else's time, it is common sense to provide corresponding compensation.

Sociological observation.

7

그의 희생은 비록 사후일지라도 역사의 기록을 통해 충분히 보상받았다고 평가된다.

His sacrifice is evaluated to have been sufficiently compensated through historical records, even if it was posthumous.

-일지라도 (even if it be...).

8

인간 소외 현상을 보상하기 위한 다양한 사회적 장치들이 마련되어야 할 시점이다.

It is time for various social devices to be prepared to compensate for the phenomenon of human alienation.

Sociological critique.

類義語

배상하다 갚다 보답하다 사례하다

反対語

착취하다 벌하다

よく使う組み合わせ

손해를 보상하다
피해를 보상하다
노력을 보상받다
금전적으로 보상하다
충분히 보상하다
보상금을 지급하다
보상 심리
적절히 보상하다
실수를 보상하다
시간을 보상하다

よく使うフレーズ

보상 차원에서

— On a compensatory level / As a way to make up for something.

보상 차원에서 할인을 해 드립니다.

보상을 요구하다

— To demand compensation.

주민들이 강력하게 보상을 요구했다.

보상받을 길이 없다

— There is no way to be compensated (often used for irreversible loss).

잃어버린 청춘은 보상받을 길이 없다.

정당한 보상

— Just/fair compensation.

정당한 보상을 받는 것이 당연하다.

보상 대책

— Compensation measures/plans.

정부는 긴급 보상 대책을 발표했다.

노고에 대한 보상

— Compensation for one's hard work/trouble.

이 상금은 당신의 노고에 대한 보상입니다.

보상 절차

— Compensation procedure.

보상 절차가 복잡해서 시간이 걸린다.

전액 보상

— Full compensation.

파손된 물건에 대해 전액 보상받았다.

자기 보상

— Self-reward.

일이 끝나고 하는 자기 보상은 달콤하다.

보상 판매

— Trade-in sale (compensating for the old item).

보상 판매 기간에 휴대폰을 바꿨다.

よく混同される語

보상하다 vs 배상하다

Illegal acts vs. Legal acts/General loss.

보상하다 vs 보답하다

Repaying kindness vs. Compensating loss.

보상하다 vs 포상하다

Giving an award for merit vs. Compensating for loss/effort.

慣用句と表現

"공든 탑이 무너지랴"

— Hard work is always rewarded (literally: Will a tower built with effort collapse?).

공든 탑이 무너지지 않으니 네 노력도 보상받을 거야.

Proverb
"병 주고 약 주다"

— To give the disease and then the medicine (causing trouble and then 'compensating' for it).

나를 울려 놓고 선물을 주다니, 병 주고 약 주는 거니?

Colloquial
"피와 땀으로 보상하다"

— To compensate for a lack of something with intense effort (blood and sweat).

그는 부족한 기술을 피와 땀으로 보상했다.

Metaphorical
"눈에는 눈, 이에는 이"

— An eye for an eye (a form of negative 'compensation' or retribution).

그는 보상 대신 '눈에는 눈'의 복수를 선택했다.

Idiom
"고진감래 (苦盡甘來)"

— Sweetness comes after bitterness (hardship is eventually rewarded).

고진감래라더니 고생 끝에 보상을 받았네요.

Sino-Korean Idiom
"뿌린 대로 거두다"

— You reap what you sow (your actions are rewarded/punished accordingly).

열심히 했으니 뿌린 대로 보상받을 것이다.

Proverb
"하늘이 돕다"

— Heaven helps (being rewarded by fate).

그의 선행을 하늘이 도와 보상받게 했다.

Traditional
"밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기"

— Pouring water into a bottomless pot (an effort that can never be compensated or rewarded).

이 프로젝트는 보상도 없이 밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기다.

Proverb
"천금 같은 기회"

— An opportunity worth a thousand gold pieces (a huge reward for waiting).

그는 기다림 끝에 천금 같은 기회로 보상받았다.

Metaphorical
"산 입에 거미줄 치랴"

— A living mouth won't have a spiderweb (life will somehow compensate you enough to survive).

산 입에 거미줄 치랴, 어떻게든 보상받을 날이 오겠지.

Proverb

間違えやすい

보상하다 vs 배상 (Indemnity)

Both translate as compensation.

배상 is for torts/crimes; 보상 is for legal acts or general balance.

불법 행위는 배상하고, 적법 행위는 보상한다.

보상하다 vs 보답 (Repayment)

Both involve giving back.

보답 is for gratitude (positive); 보상 is for loss or hard work (neutral/negative start).

도움에는 보답하고, 손해에는 보상한다.

보상하다 vs 보충 (Supplement)

Both 'make up' for something.

보충 is about filling a quantity gap; 보상 is about value and fairness.

부족한 물을 보충하고, 잃어버린 물건을 보상한다.

보상하다 vs 변제 (Repayment of debt)

Both involve paying money.

변제 is strictly for financial debt; 보상 is broader (emotional, physical, financial).

빚을 변제하고, 노고를 보상한다.

보상하다 vs 시상 (Awarding)

Both involve giving something good.

시상 is for winning a competition; 보상 is for covering a loss or effort.

대회에서 시상하고, 사고를 보상한다.

文型パターン

A2

N을/를 N으로 보상하다

실수를 선물로 보상하다.

B1

N에 대해 보상하다

손해에 대해 보상하다.

B1

N으로 보상받다

결과로 보상받다.

B2

N으로 인한 N을 보상하다

사고로 인한 피해를 보상하다.

B2

N에게 N을 보상해 주다

직원들에게 휴가를 보상해 주다.

C1

보상할 책임이 있다/없다

기업은 환경 오염을 보상할 책임이 있다.

C1

보상적 차원에서 V

보상적 차원에서 지원금을 주다.

C2

N은 N에 대한 보상이다

이 성공은 고난에 대한 보상이다.

語族

名詞

보상 (compensation)
보상금 (compensation money)
보상물 (compensatory item)
보상자 (compensator)
손실보상 (loss compensation)

動詞

보상받다 (to be compensated)
보상해 주다 (to compensate for someone)

形容詞

보상적 (compensatory)
보상적인 (being compensatory)

関連

배상 (indemnity)
보답 (repayment of kindness)
보험 (insurance)
손해 (loss)
이익 (profit)

使い方

frequency

High (Top 2000 words)

よくある間違い
  • Using 보상하다 for winning a race. 상을 받다 / 시상하다

    Winning is an achievement/award, not compensation for a loss.

  • Using 보상하다 for a car accident caused by a crime. 배상하다

    Illegal acts require '배상', while legal or neutral losses use '보상'.

  • Saying '피해를 위해 보상하다'. 피해를 보상하다 / 피해에 대해 보상하다

    The particle '위해' (for the sake of) is incorrect here; you compensate the damage itself.

  • Confusing 보상 (compensation) with 보답 (gratitude). 도움에 보답하다

    If someone was kind, you 'repay' (보답) them. You don't 'compensate' (보상) them unless they lost something.

  • Using 보상하다 as an intransitive verb. 무엇을 보상하는지 명시하세요.

    You must specify what is being compensated (e.g., 시간, 돈, 노력).

ヒント

Passive Voice

Always remember '보상받다' for when you are the one receiving the reward. It is much more common than '보상되다'.

Hanja Roots

Remember 補 (Repair) and 償 (Repay). This will help you distinguish it from other 'Bo' words.

Work Culture

In Korean companies, '보상' is a key word during salary negotiations. Use it to discuss your contributions.

Law vs. Life

In law, it's very strict. In life, it's very flexible. Don't be afraid to use it for small things like a dessert.

Auxiliary Verbs

Adding '-어 주다' makes the offer of compensation sound much more polite and caring.

News Keywords

When you hear '보상,' listen for the word '정부' (government) or '보험' (insurance) to understand the context.

Object Particles

Ensure you use 을/를 for the loss, or 에 대해 for the topic of loss.

Self-Care

Use '보상 심리' to explain why you want to treat yourself. It’s a very common modern Korean concept.

Rhyme

Rhyme it with 'Sang-hada' (to spoil). If something 'spoils' (상하다), you need to 'compensate' (보상하다) for it.

Fairness

Use this word when you want to emphasize that a situation is unfair and needs to be balanced.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'BOW' (보) and a 'SANG' (prize/award). You take a bow and receive a prize to compensate for your hard work.

視覚的連想

Visualize a balance scale. One side is empty because of a 'loss'. You place a gold coin (보상) on that side to make the scale level again.

Word Web

보험 (Insurance) 손해 (Loss) 돈 (Money) 노력 (Effort) 정부 (Government) 공평 (Fairness) 보답 (Repayment) 결과 (Result)

チャレンジ

Try to use '보상하다' three times today: once for your own hard work, once for a friend's favor, and once in a sentence about a hypothetical accident.

語源

Derived from Sino-Korean characters: 補 (보) meaning 'to supplement/repair' and 償 (상) meaning 'to repay/recompense'.

元の意味: To repair a loss by paying it back.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

文化的な背景

Be careful when using this word regarding historical tragedies. While money is a form of '보상,' many victims prioritize '명예 회복' (restoration of honor) and '사과' (apology) over material compensation.

In English, 'compensate' is often used formally. In Korean, '보상하다' is used both formally and in very personal, casual ways (like self-reward).

The 'Loss Compensation Law' (손실보상법) passed during the COVID-19 pandemic to help small business owners. K-Drama 'I Can Hear Your Voice' where legal compensation is a major theme. The Sewol Ferry disaster discussions regarding national compensation.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Insurance Claims

  • 보험금을 청구하다
  • 보상 범위를 확인하다
  • 전액 보상을 받다
  • 보상 제외 대상

Workplace/HR

  • 성과급으로 보상하다
  • 야근 수당을 지급하다
  • 노고를 치하하다
  • 적절한 보상 체계

Personal Life

  • 나에게 주는 보상
  • 맛있는 걸로 보상하다
  • 시간을 보상받다
  • 보상 심리가 생기다

Legal/Government

  • 토지 보상을 실시하다
  • 국가 보상을 신청하다
  • 정당한 보상의 원칙
  • 보상금을 산정하다

Customer Service

  • 불편에 대해 보상하다
  • 포인트로 보상해 드리다
  • 환불로 보상하다
  • 보상 규정에 따르다

会話のきっかけ

"이번 프로젝트 끝나면 자신에게 어떻게 보상할 거예요?"

"보험 회사에서 사고 보상을 제대로 받았나요?"

"노력이 항상 결과로 보상받는다고 생각하세요?"

"최근에 스트레스를 풀기 위해 '자기 보상'을 한 적이 있나요?"

"정부가 공공사업을 할 때 주민들에게 어떻게 보상하는 게 좋을까요?"

日記のテーマ

오늘 하루 힘들었던 나를 위해 어떤 보상을 해 주었는지 써 보세요.

만약 당신이 보험사 직원이라면, 고객의 실수로 인한 사고를 보상해 줄 것인가요?

살면서 가장 크게 '보상받았다'고 느꼈던 순간은 언제인가요?

돈으로 보상할 수 없는 가치에는 무엇이 있을까요?

한국의 '보상 심리' 문화에 대해 자신의 생각을 정리해 보세요.

よくある質問

10 問

Usually no. A birthday gift is a celebration, not compensation. However, if you missed a friend's birthday and give a bigger gift later, you could jokingly say you are 'compensating' (보상) for the missed day.

보상 is the general act or concept of compensation. 보상금 specifically refers to the actual money paid out.

Yes, it is often said that an athlete's hard training was 'compensated' (보상받다) by a gold medal.

Not as a replacement for 'sorry,' but you can use it to describe the action that follows an apology to make things right.

It sounds a bit demanding or playful. It means 'Make it up to me!' often implying they should buy you food or a drink.

The most common phrase is '나 자신에게 주는 보상' or simply '셀프 보상'.

Yes, in biology, '보상 작용' refers to a compensatory action where one organ works harder to make up for another failing organ.

Yes, it follows all standard 'Hada' verb conjugations.

It's a trade-in. You give your old phone/car, and they 'compensate' you by giving a discount on the new one.

Yes, '잃어버린 시간을 보상하다' is a very common and poetic expression.

自分をテスト 126 問

writing

Translate: 'The company compensated me for the accident.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'I want to be rewarded for my hard work.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'We must provide just compensation to the victims.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Use '보상 심리' in a sentence.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'There is no way to compensate for lost time.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'I will make up for my mistake with dinner.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a formal sentence about government compensation.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Describe a time you rewarded yourself after a difficult task.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Explain the difference between 보상 and 배상 in your own words.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the transcript: '고객님, 배송 지연으로 불편을 드려 정말 죄송합니다. 보상 차원에서 다음 구매 시 사용하실 수 있는 5,000원 쿠폰을 보내드렸습니다.' What is the reward?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the transcript: '노력은 결코 우리를 배신하지 않습니다. 언젠가는 반드시 큰 성공으로 보상받을 날이 올 것입니다.' What will happen to effort?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using '보상 판매'.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'I was rewarded for my 10 years of hard work.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:

/ 126 correct

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