배려
배려 30秒で
- 배려 is a core Korean value meaning 'consideration' or 'thoughtfulness' for others' feelings.
- It is used as a noun (배려) or a verb (배려하다) and is essential in formal and social settings.
- Culturally, it involves 'nunchi'—the ability to sense what others need without being told.
- Commonly seen in public transport (priority seats) and business emails (thanking for consideration).
The Korean word 배려 (Baeryeo) is a profound noun that translates to 'consideration,' 'thoughtfulness,' or 'solicitude.' However, its cultural weight in Korea far exceeds these English equivalents. It is not merely a polite gesture; it is a fundamental social virtue rooted in the ability to perceive the unspoken needs of others and act upon them without being asked. In a collectivist society, 배려 serves as the social lubricant that maintains harmony (hwa) and prevents friction in interpersonal relationships.
- Etymological Root
- Derived from the Hanja characters 配 (Bae - to distribute/match) and 慮 (Ryeo - to think/consider), it literally means to distribute one's thoughts toward others. This implies an active, outward-reaching mental effort.
- Psychological Depth
- It involves 'nunchi' (the art of sensing others' feelings) and 'jeong' (emotional attachment). To show 배려 is to demonstrate that you are emotionally intelligent and socially responsible.
- Social Expectation
- In Korea, being described as someone with '배려심이 깊다' (deep consideration) is one of the highest compliments one can receive, suggesting a mature and selfless character.
"작은 배려가 세상을 따뜻하게 만듭니다."
— Common Korean Proverb/Slogan (Small consideration makes the world warm.)
To truly understand 배려, one must look at the concept of 'Gong-gan' (space). It is about creating emotional or physical space for someone else to feel comfortable. This could be as simple as holding a door or as complex as a manager assigning a lighter workload to an employee going through a personal crisis without making a public spectacle of it.
Active 배려
Giving up a seat for the elderly or helping someone with heavy bags.
Passive 배려
Remaining quiet when someone is sleeping or avoiding sensitive topics in conversation.
In modern Korean society, the lack of 배려 is often criticized as 'gap-jil' (abuse of power) or 'mullae' (rudeness), highlighting how central this concept is to maintaining a civil and respectful public life. It is the invisible thread that binds Korean communities together, ensuring that the 'we' (uri) is always prioritized over the 'I' (na).
Using 배려 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both a noun and the root of a verb. While the noun itself is common, it frequently appears in specific collocations that define the direction and intensity of the consideration being shown.
- Grammatical Function: Noun
- As a noun, it often takes the particles -를/을 or -가/이. Example: 배려가 부족하다 (Lacking consideration). It is also used with the suffix -심 (mind/heart) to form 배려심 (considerate spirit).
- Grammatical Function: Verb
- By adding -하다, it becomes 배려하다 (to consider/be thoughtful). It usually takes an object: 타인을 배려하다 (to be considerate of others).
Common Verb Patterns:
- 배려해 주셔서 감사합니다: Thank you for your consideration (Very common in business).
- 남을 배려할 줄 알아야 한다: You should know how to be considerate of others.
- 특별한 배려: Special consideration (Often used in administrative contexts).
In professional settings, 배려 is used to describe corporate policies or management styles. A '배려 있는 리더십' (considerate leadership) is one that takes into account the personal circumstances of team members. In marketing, companies often claim their products were designed with '사용자를 위한 배려' (consideration for the user), implying ergonomic or intuitive design.
Example Dialogue:
A: 바쁘신데 시간 내주셔서 감사합니다. (Thank you for making time despite being busy.)
B: 별말씀을요. 당연히 배려해 드려야죠. (Not at all. Of course I should accommodate you.)
Socially, the word is often used in the negative to point out social faux pas. Phrases like '배려가 없다' (has no consideration) or '배려 없는 행동' (inconsiderate behavior) are strong criticisms of one's character. Therefore, mastering the use of this word also involves understanding when its absence is being noted.
You will encounter 배려 in almost every facet of Korean life, from the mundane to the highly formal. It is a keyword in public service announcements, romantic dramas, and corporate emails alike.
- 1. Public Transportation
- On the subway or bus, you will see signs for 임산부 배려석 (Consideration seats for pregnant women). The announcements often remind passengers to be considerate of others by not talking loudly on phones.
- 2. Workplace & Business
- In emails, it's standard to end with '너그러운 배려 부탁드립니다' (We ask for your generous consideration/understanding). It is also used when discussing employee benefits or flexible working hours.
- 3. Relationships & Dating
- In K-Dramas, a '남사친' (male friend) might be praised for his 배려심 when he carries a heavy bag or remembers a small detail about the protagonist's preferences.
"상대방을 향한 작은 배려가 깊은 신뢰를 만듭니다."
Furthermore, in the service industry, '고객 배려' (customer consideration) is a common slogan. Hotels, airlines, and high-end restaurants use this term to describe their attention to detail. You might see it in '배려 주차장' (considerate parking spaces), which are wider spaces designed for families with children or the elderly.
In educational settings, teachers often emphasize 배려와 나눔 (consideration and sharing) as core values for students to develop. It is part of the 'Inseong' (character) education curriculum in South Korea, aiming to raise citizens who can coexist harmoniously in a densely populated society.
While 배려 is a positive word, learners often struggle with its nuance compared to other 'kindness' words or use it in contexts where a different term would be more natural.
- 1. Confusing 배려 with 친절 (Kindness)
- 친절 (Chin-jeol) is about being friendly and nice on the surface. 배려 is deeper; it's about anticipating needs. You can be 친절 (smiling, greeting) without being 배려 (noticing someone is cold and turning up the heat).
- 2. Overusing it for Small Favors
- If someone just hands you a pen, saying '배려해 주셔서 감사합니다' is too heavy. Use '감사합니다' or '친절하시네요.' Reserve 배려 for when someone adjusts their plans or behavior for your benefit.
- 3. Mixing with 양보 (Yielding)
- 양보 (Yang-bo) specifically means giving up your turn or space (like a seat). While 양보 is an act of 배려, they aren't always interchangeable. You 'do' (하다) 양보, but you 'show' or 'have' (있다/깊다) 배려.
❌ Incorrect Usage:
- 커피를 사줘서 배려해요. (Too heavy for just buying coffee.)
- 배려를 양보하세요. (Grammatically awkward; should be '자리를 양보하세요'.)
- 그는 아주 배려해요. (Needs to be '배려심이 많아요' or '배려심이 깊어요'.)
Another mistake is using the verb form 배려하다 without an object when one is implied. In English, we say 'He is very considerate.' In Korean, it's more natural to say '그는 배려심이 깊다' (He has deep consideration) rather than just '그는 배려한다.' The verb usually needs to target someone or something: '그는 동료들을 배려한다.'
Finally, avoid using 배려 when you mean 'pity' (동정). 배려 is based on respect and equality/social duty, whereas pity can sometimes imply looking down on someone. If you help someone because you feel sorry for them, that's 동정; if you help them because you want to make their life easier out of respect, that's 배려.
To enrich your Korean vocabulary, it is essential to understand the synonyms and related terms that orbit 배려. Each has a specific shade of meaning that makes it suitable for different contexts.
- 1. 사려 (Saryeo) - Thoughtfulness / Prudence
- This is more intellectual. It refers to thinking deeply before acting. While 배려 is social, 사려 is cognitive. A '사려 깊은' person is prudent and wise.
- 2. 위하다 (Wihada) - To do for the sake of
- This is a verb meaning 'to care for' or 'to act in the interest of.' If you do something ~를 위해, you are showing 배려. It's the action-oriented counterpart.
- 3. 보살핌 (Bosalpim) - Care / Looking after
- This usually refers to physical care, like a nurse looking after a patient or a parent looking after a child. It is more hands-on than the abstract concept of 배려.
Comparison Table:
| Word | Focus | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 배려 | Social/Empathy | Leaving the last slice for others. |
| 친절 | Attitude/Manner | Smiling at a stranger. |
| 양보 | Sacrifice/Yielding | Giving up a seat. |
| 염려 | Worry/Concern | Worrying about someone's health. |
Other related terms include 이해 (Understanding) and 관용 (Tolerance). While 배려 is proactive, 이해 and 관용 are often reactive—forgiving someone's mistake or accepting their differences. However, in a professional setting, you might hear '배려와 이해' used together to ask for patience during a delay or transition.
Finally, 정성 (Jeongseong) refers to the sincerity or heart put into an act. If you show 배려 with a lot of heart, you are showing 정성. For example, a handmade gift shows both 배려 (knowing what the person likes) and 정성 (the effort put into making it).
How Formal Is It?
難易度
知っておくべき文法
-아/어 주다 (Doing something for someone)
-기 마련이다 (Bound to/Natural that...)
-는 차원에서 (From the level/perspective of)
-을/를 위해 (For the sake of)
Honorific -시-
レベル別の例文
친구를 배려해요.
I am considerate of my friend.
Noun + 를 (object particle) + 배려해요 (verb).
배려가 중요해요.
Consideration is important.
Noun + 가 (subject particle) + 중요해요.
엄마는 배려심이 많아요.
Mom is very considerate.
배려심 (considerate heart) + 이 많아요 (has a lot of).
작은 배려를 해요.
I do small acts of consideration.
Adjective (작은) + Noun (배려).
배려해 주세요.
Please be considerate.
Verb root + 해 주세요 (request form).
서로 배려해요.
Let's be considerate of each other.
서로 (each other) + 배려해요.
배려가 고마워요.
I'm thankful for the consideration.
Noun + 가 + 고마워요 (thankful).
우리는 배려를 배워요.
We learn consideration.
Subject + Object + Verb (배워요).
임산부 배려석에 앉지 마세요.
Please do not sit in the priority seats for pregnant women.
-지 마세요 (prohibition).
남을 배려하는 마음이 예뻐요.
The heart that considers others is beautiful.
Noun-modifying form (-는) + 마음.
동생을 배려해서 불을 껐어요.
I turned off the light to be considerate of my sibling.
-해서 (reason/cause).
배려심 깊은 사람이 되고 싶어요.
I want to become a deeply considerate person.
-고 싶어요 (desire).
늦어서 미안해. 배려해 줘서 고마워.
Sorry I'm late. Thanks for being understanding/considerate.
Informal (Banmal) usage.
공공장소에서는 타인을 배려해야 합니다.
In public places, you must be considerate of others.
-해야 합니다 (obligation).
그는 배려가 없는 행동을 했어요.
He acted without consideration.
Past tense (-했다).
선생님은 학생들을 항상 배려하세요.
The teacher is always considerate of the students.
Honorific -시-.
바쁘신 와중에도 배려해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Thank you for your consideration even though you are busy.
Formal business expression.
상대방의 입장을 배려하는 것이 중요합니다.
It is important to consider the other person's position.
입장 (position/situation).
저희의 사정을 배려해 주실 수 있나요?
Could you please take our circumstances into consideration?
-ㄹ 수 있나요? (polite request).
배려심이 부족하면 갈등이 생기기 마련입니다.
If there is a lack of consideration, conflicts are bound to arise.
-기 마련이다 (bound to happen).
환경을 배려하는 제품을 사용합시다.
Let's use products that consider the environment.
-읍시다 (suggestion).
그의 배려 덕분에 프로젝트를 잘 마쳤어요.
Thanks to his consideration, we finished the project well.
덕분에 (thanks to).
사회적 약자를 위한 배려가 필요합니다.
Consideration for the socially vulnerable is needed.
사회적 약자 (socially vulnerable).
말 한마디에도 배려를 담아야 합니다.
You should put consideration into even a single word.
담다 (to put in/contain).
무조건적인 배려보다는 상황에 맞는 행동이 필요하다.
Rather than unconditional consideration, actions suited to the situation are needed.
보다 (comparison).
그 회사는 직원들을 위한 배려 차원에서 복지를 강화했다.
The company strengthened welfare out of consideration for its employees.
차원에서 (from the perspective/level of).
타인에 대한 배려는 성숙한 시민의식의 기초이다.
Consideration for others is the foundation of mature citizenship.
에 대한 (about/toward).
배려가 지나치면 오히려 상대방에게 부담을 줄 수 있다.
If consideration is excessive, it can actually burden the other person.
오히려 (on the contrary).
서로의 다름을 인정하고 배려하는 자세가 요구된다.
An attitude of recognizing and considering each other's differences is required.
요구된다 (is required).
그녀의 세심한 배려에 깊은 감동을 받았습니다.
I was deeply moved by her meticulous consideration.
세심한 (meticulous/detailed).
진정한 배려는 생색을 내지 않는 것이다.
True consideration is not making a show of it.
생색을 내다 (to take credit/show off).
고객의 편의를 배려한 디자인이 돋보인다.
The design that considers customer convenience stands out.
돋보이다 (to stand out).
배려라는 명목 하에 타인의 자유를 침해해서는 안 된다.
One must not infringe on others' freedom under the pretext of consideration.
명목 하에 (under the pretext of).
현대 사회에서 배려의 가치는 갈수록 퇴색되고 있다.
In modern society, the value of consideration is increasingly fading.
갈수록 (as time goes by).
제도적 배려가 뒷받침되지 않은 개인의 희생은 한계가 있다.
Individual sacrifice without institutional consideration has its limits.
뒷받침되다 (to be supported).
그의 행동은 배려라기보다는 일종의 자기만족에 가깝다.
His actions are closer to a kind of self-satisfaction than consideration.
-라기보다는 (rather than).
우리는 타자의 고통에 대한 윤리적 배려를 실천해야 한다.
We must practice ethical consideration for the suffering of others.
타자 (the other/others).
공동체의 존속을 위해서는 상호 배려가 필수 불가결하다.
Mutual consideration is indispensable for the survival of the community.
필수 불가결하다 (indispensable).
배려는 인간 관계의 깊이를 결정짓는 척도이다.
Consideration is the yardstick that determines the depth of human relationships.
척도 (yardstick/measure).
권력 관계에서의 배려는 종종 시혜적인 성격을 띤다.
Consideration in power relationships often takes on a patronizing character.
성격을 띠다 (to take on a character).
배려의 역설은 그것이 의무가 되는 순간 진정성을 잃는다는 데 있다.
The paradox of consideration lies in the fact that it loses authenticity the moment it becomes an obligation.
역설 (paradox).
포스트모더니즘 관점에서 배려는 주체와 타자 사이의 끊임없는 협상 과정이다.
From a postmodern perspective, consideration is a constant process of negotiation between the subject and the other.
주체 (subject) vs 타자 (other).
국가적 차원의 배려 정책이 소수자의 권익을 실질적으로 보장하고 있는가?
Do national-level consideration policies practically guarantee the rights and interests of minorities?
권익 (rights and interests).
그의 문체에는 독자에 대한 지극한 배려와 경외심이 묻어난다.
His writing style is imbued with extreme consideration and awe for the reader.
묻어나다 (to be imbued with/smear).
배려는 단순한 감정의 발로가 아니라 고도의 지적 훈련의 결과물이다.
Consideration is not a simple outburst of emotion but the result of high-level intellectual training.
발로 (outburst/manifestation).
사회의 파편화가 가속화될수록 배려의 공동체적 복원이 절실해진다.
As social fragmentation accelerates, the communal restoration of consideration becomes desperate.
파편화 (fragmentation).
배려라는 기제는 사회적 갈등을 완화하는 완충 지대 역할을 수행한다.
The mechanism of consideration serves as a buffer zone that alleviates social conflict.
완충 지대 (buffer zone).
타인을 향한 배려가 자기 소외로 이어지지 않도록 경계해야 한다.
One must be wary so that consideration for others does not lead to self-alienation.
자기 소외 (self-alienation).
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
よく混同される語
친절 is being nice; 배려 is being thoughtful/anticipating needs.
양보 is specifically yielding/giving up something; 배려 is the broader mindset.
동정 is pity; 배려 is respect-based consideration.
慣用句と表現
間違えやすい
文型パターン
使い方
배려 is proactive; 친절 is reactive/attitudinal.
Neutral to high formality.
Very high in both spoken and written Korean.
- Using '배려해요' for simple kindness like smiling.
- Saying '배려를 양보하다' (Incorrect collocation).
- Using it as a synonym for 'pity' (동정).
- Forgetting the object particle in '타인을 배려하다'.
- Using it to describe your own good deeds (sounds boastful).
ヒント
The Silent Help
In Korea, the best 배려 is often silent. You don't need to say 'I am helping you.' Just doing it quietly is more respected. This shows you have high 'nunchi.' It's about being humble.
Verb vs Noun
Use '배려하다' for actions. Use '배려심' for personality. Use '배려' for the concept. This will make your Korean sound much more natural. Don't mix them up.
Softening Requests
Add '배려' to your requests to make them softer. Instead of 'Help me,' say 'Could you consider my situation?' This is very effective in Korea. It shows you are polite. It's hard to say no to.
Tone Matters
Listen to the tone when someone says '배려.' If it's soft, they are thankful. If it's sharp, they might be complaining about a lack of it. Context is everything. Pay attention to the particles.
Business Emails
Always include a '배려' related sentence in business emails. It builds rapport. '너그러운 배려 부탁드립니다' is a classic. It shows you are professional. It's a standard closing.
Subway Etiquette
Observe the '배려석' on subways. Even if you are tired, don't sit there if you aren't the target group. It's a great way to practice passive 배려. People will notice and respect it. It's a social rule.
Related Idioms
Learn '역지사지.' It's the four-character idiom for empathy/consideration. Using it with '배려' makes you sound very advanced. It shows you understand the philosophy. It's a great conversation piece.
Not Just Kindness
Remember that 배려 is about *thinking* first. It's not just a smile. It's noticing someone's glass is empty and refilling it. It's a cognitive act. It's about being observant.
Daily Reflection
At the end of the day, ask yourself: 'Did I show 배려 today?' This will help you remember the word and the value. It's a good way to integrate the language. It makes learning meaningful.
CEFR Progress
As you move from B1 to C1, try to use '배려' in more abstract ways. Talk about social systems or ethics. This shows your language growth. It's a very versatile word. Challenge yourself.
暗記しよう
語源
Sino-Korean (Hanja)
文化的な背景
Pouring drinks for others and waiting for the eldest to eat first are acts of 배려.
In Korean offices, leaving before your boss might be seen as lacking 배려, though this is changing.
Using headphones and keeping voice low in public spaces is considered basic 배려.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
会話のきっかけ
"한국에서 가장 중요한 배려는 무엇이라고 생각하세요? (What do you think is the most important consideration in Korea?)"
"최근에 누군가에게 배려를 받은 적이 있나요? (Have you received consideration from someone recently?)"
"배려심이 깊은 사람의 특징은 무엇일까요? (What are the characteristics of a deeply considerate person?)"
"공공장소에서 배려가 없는 행동을 보면 어떻게 하세요? (What do you do when you see inconsiderate behavior in public?)"
"아이들에게 배려를 어떻게 가르쳐야 할까요? (How should we teach consideration to children?)"
日記のテーマ
오늘 내가 실천한 작은 배려에 대해 써보세요. (Write about a small act of consideration you practiced today.)
배려와 이기심 사이의 경계는 어디일까요? (Where is the line between consideration and selfishness?)
내가 생각하는 '진정한 배려'의 정의. (My definition of 'true consideration'.)
배려가 부족해서 생겼던 오해에 대해 써보세요. (Write about a misunderstanding caused by a lack of consideration.)
우리 사회에 더 필요한 배려는 무엇인가요? (What kind of consideration is more needed in our society?)
よくある質問
10 問No, it is used in daily life, but it sounds more formal than 'kindness.' You use it with friends too. It shows you value their feelings. It is very common in romantic relationships. Using it shows maturity.
Usually no. You don't say 'I am considering myself' using this word. It is almost always directed toward others. For yourself, you'd use '자기 관리' or '자신을 아끼다.' 배려 is an outward-facing virtue. It is about the 'other.'
It means 'Consideration seats for pregnant women.' You find them on Korean subways. They are usually pink. Even if empty, many people leave them for pregnant women. It is a visible sign of social 배려. It's a major part of Korean public etiquette.
They are related but different. Empathy is '공감' (feeling what others feel). 배려 is the *action* or *mindset* of taking care of those feelings. Empathy is the internal feeling. 배려 is the social application of that feeling. You need empathy to show true 배려.
You can say '정말 배려심이 깊으시네요' (formal) or '참 배려심 깊다' (informal). You can also say '정말 배려를 잘 해주시네요.' Using '배려심' is the most natural way to describe the trait. It sounds very complimentary. It's a high level of praise.
Sometimes, if it's 'over-consideration' (과잉 배려). This can make the other person feel burdened or uncomfortable. It can also be used sarcastically. For example, '참 배려도 없네' (Wow, no consideration at all). But generally, it is a very positive word. It's about balance.
It is 配 (Bae) meaning 'to distribute' and 慮 (Ryeo) meaning 'to think.' Together, it means 'distributing your thoughts to others.' This implies an active effort. It's not just a random thought. It's a purposeful direction of your mind.
Yes, constantly. In emails, you thank people for their '배려.' In negotiations, you ask for '배려.' It helps build trust (신뢰). It makes the business relationship smoother. It's more than just being polite.
Manners (예의) are rules of behavior. 배려 is the heart/intent behind those rules. You can follow rules (예의) without having 배려. But true 예의 usually comes from a heart of 배려. 배려 is more flexible and situational.
Korea is a collectivist society. People live close together. Social harmony is the top priority. 배려 prevents conflicts. It makes society function better. It's a way of showing you are a 'good person.'
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Summary
배려 is the invisible foundation of Korean social harmony. It goes beyond simple kindness by requiring a proactive, empathetic understanding of another person's situation and acting to accommodate them, often without being asked, to ensure mutual comfort and respect.
- 배려 is a core Korean value meaning 'consideration' or 'thoughtfulness' for others' feelings.
- It is used as a noun (배려) or a verb (배려하다) and is essential in formal and social settings.
- Culturally, it involves 'nunchi'—the ability to sense what others need without being told.
- Commonly seen in public transport (priority seats) and business emails (thanking for consideration).
The Silent Help
In Korea, the best 배려 is often silent. You don't need to say 'I am helping you.' Just doing it quietly is more respected. This shows you have high 'nunchi.' It's about being humble.
Verb vs Noun
Use '배려하다' for actions. Use '배려심' for personality. Use '배려' for the concept. This will make your Korean sound much more natural. Don't mix them up.
Softening Requests
Add '배려' to your requests to make them softer. Instead of 'Help me,' say 'Could you consider my situation?' This is very effective in Korea. It shows you are polite. It's hard to say no to.
Tone Matters
Listen to the tone when someone says '배려.' If it's soft, they are thankful. If it's sharp, they might be complaining about a lack of it. Context is everything. Pay attention to the particles.
例文
타인에 대한 배려심이 깊은 사람이다.
関連コンテンツ
この単語を他の言語で
関連する文法
societyの関連語
수용하다
B2受け入れる、収容する。意見や提案、または建物が人を収容する場合に使います。
성인
A1成人、大人。法的に認められた年齢に達した人。
선진화
B1先進国レベルに到達するための近代化のプロセス。
가중되다
B2不況の影響で、庶民の経済的負担が加重されている。(Due to the recession, the economic burden on ordinary people is being aggravated.)
지향
B2特定の方向や理想の状態を目指すこと。
소외
B2集団や社会から隔離されたり、除外されたりする状態。疎外。「現代社会における人間疎外(인간 소외)の問題。」
또한
A1また、さらに。前の文章に情報を付け加える際に使われる丁寧な表現です。
대안
B2既存のものに代わる計画、提案、または選択肢。通常は問題を解決するために用いられます。この問題に対する現実的な代案を提示する必要があります。
비록
A1たとえ〜であっても。譲歩を表す副詞です。
도래
B1大きな時期、出来事、または時代の到来や始まり。