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A2 noun 10分で読める

지성

jiseong
例文
解説 지성 in your Level:
At the absolute beginner level (A1), you will likely not use the word 지성 very often in your own speech, as it is a highly formal and abstract noun. Beginners usually focus on survival Korean: ordering food, introducing themselves, and asking for directions. If you want to say someone is smart, you will learn and use the phrase 머리가 좋다 (literally 'head is good') or the adjective 똑똑하다 (smart). However, recognizing the word 지성 is an excellent first step because it introduces you to the concept of Hanja (Sino-Korean words). Korean vocabulary is split between native Korean words and words derived from Chinese characters. 지성 is a classic example of a Hanja word. Even at A1, you might see this word if you are shopping for cosmetics in Korea! On lotion bottles, you might see 지성 피부 (oily skin). While this uses different Chinese characters, it sounds exactly the same. Therefore, your goal at this level is simply phonics and basic recognition: know that 'ji-seong' can mean a smart mind or an oily face depending on whether you are in a library or a makeup store.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to build more complex sentences and expand your vocabulary beyond basic survival phrases. You can now understand the difference between formal nouns and casual adjectives. At this stage, you should learn to recognize 지성 in written texts, such as simple news headlines or descriptions of famous people. You will learn to attach the correct particles to it. Because it is a noun, you must use the subject marker 이/가 (지성이) or the object marker 을/를 (지성을). You can practice making simple but formal sentences like '그는 지성이 뛰어납니다' (He has outstanding intellect). You will also learn that you cannot use this word for animals; it is strictly a human trait in standard usage. At A2, you should also learn the opposite concept: 감성 (emotion/sensibility). Being able to contrast these two words (지성과 감성) will make your Korean sound much more sophisticated. You are transitioning from saying 'He is smart' to 'He is an intellectual person,' which is a significant step up in your language journey.
As an intermediate B1 learner, you are now capable of discussing abstract topics, opinions, and cultural concepts. The word 지성 becomes an active part of your vocabulary when talking about education, philosophy, or society. You will learn how to turn this noun into an adjective by adding the suffix 적 (jeok), creating 지성적 (intellectual). This allows you to describe things like a '지성적인 대화' (intellectual conversation) or a '지성적인 분위기' (intellectual atmosphere). Furthermore, you will encounter the widely used modern phrase '집단 지성' (collective intelligence). When discussing the internet, Wikipedia, or teamwork in a company, you can impress native speakers by saying, '우리는 집단 지성을 활용해야 합니다' (We need to utilize collective intelligence). At B1, you must also master the subtle differences between similar words. You need to clearly distinguish between 지능 (IQ/brainpower), 지혜 (wisdom from experience), and 지성 (cultivated, rational intellect). Using the exact right word in an essay or a debate is the hallmark of a solid B1 speaker.
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At the upper-intermediate B2 level, your goal is fluency and natural expression in a wide variety of professional and academic contexts. You will encounter the word 지성 frequently in news articles, university lectures, and literature. You should be comfortable using advanced collocations such as '지성을 겸비하다' (to possess intellect alongside another trait, like beauty or physical strength). You will also use the noun form '지성인' (an intellectual) to discuss the roles and responsibilities of educated people in society. For example, you might write an essay stating, '현대 사회에서 지성인의 역할은 매우 중요합니다' (The role of intellectuals in modern society is very important). At this level, you must avoid the common trap of the proverb '지성이면 감천이다' (Sincerity moves heaven). You must know that the '지성' in this proverb means sincerity, not intellect. Your reading comprehension at B2 allows you to grasp these homonym nuances from context without hesitation. You can actively debate whether a decision should be made based on 지성 (reason) or 감정 (emotion).
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At the advanced C1 level, you are engaging with Korean at a near-native academic and professional level. The word 지성 is a critical tool in your rhetorical arsenal. You will read editorials in major newspapers that critique the '지성의 마비' (paralysis of intellect) in modern politics or society. You will understand poetic and institutional metaphors, such as universities referring to themselves as '지성의 전당' (the hall of intellect). Your vocabulary is broad enough to understand philosophical texts that discuss '인공지성' (artificial intellect) in contrast to mere '인공지능' (artificial intelligence), debating whether machines can truly possess human-like reasoning and moral judgment. You can effortlessly switch between registers, knowing exactly when to use the heavy, formal '지성' in a corporate presentation or academic paper, and when to drop down to '머리가 좋다' in a casual setting so as not to sound overly pretentious. You understand the deep cultural reverence for scholarly intellect embedded in Korean history, stemming from Confucian ideals where the '지성인' (scholar/intellectual) was the highest class of citizen.
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At the C2 mastery level, your understanding of 지성 transcends mere definition; you comprehend its etymological roots, its historical evolution, and its precise weight in the Korean cultural psyche. You recognize that the Hanja 知性 (knowing nature) implies an active, cultivated faculty of the mind, distinct from the passive reception of knowledge. You can analyze classic Korean literature and modern socio-political commentary, understanding how authors use the concept of 지성 to critique authoritarianism or populism. You are adept at using highly literary expressions, such as '시대의 지성' (the intellect of the era), to refer to public intellectuals or philosophers who define a generation's thought process. You can engage in complex philosophical discourse about Kantian '오성' (understanding) versus '지성' (intellect) in Korean translations of Western philosophy. Furthermore, you can play with the language, perhaps intentionally using the homonym '지성' (sincerity/devotion) and '지성' (intellect) in a rhetorical pun during a speech. At C2, the word is not just vocabulary; it is a conceptual lens through which you can discuss the entirety of human cognitive and cultural achievement in flawless Korean.
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例文
The Korean word 지성 (ji-seong) is a formal noun that translates directly to intellect, intelligence, or the faculty of reasoning and understanding objectively. In a world where human cognitive abilities are constantly discussed, understanding this term is paramount for any serious learner of the Korean language. When you break down the Hanja (Chinese characters) for this word, it consists of 知 (ji), meaning to know or knowledge, and 性 (seong), meaning nature or character. Therefore, its literal translation points to the nature of knowing or the inherent capacity for knowledge. This word is heavily utilized in academic, philosophical, and formal contexts to describe a person's intellectual capacity, particularly their ability to think logically, reason through complex problems, and separate objective facts from subjective emotions. Unlike the word 지능 (ji-neung), which often refers to raw cognitive power or IQ (Intelligence Quotient), 지성 carries a more refined, philosophical, and cultivated nuance. It implies not just the raw ability to process information, but the wisdom, rationality, and educated reasoning that comes from learning and critical thinking. In everyday conversations, you might not hear high school students using this word to describe who got the best grade on a math test; instead, they would use 머리가 좋다 (smart) or 똑똑하다 (clever). However, in news broadcasts, university lectures, literature, and intellectual debates, 지성 is the standard vocabulary.

그는 뛰어난 지성을 갖춘 학자입니다.

This translates to 'He is a scholar equipped with outstanding intellect.' Notice the verb collocations here. We often use 갖추다 (to be equipped with) or 겸비하다 (to possess both) when talking about intellect.
Collocation Alert
지성을 갖추다 means to possess intellect, implying it is a refined trait one acquires and maintains.
Another highly frequent modern usage of this word is in the phrase 집단 지성 (collective intelligence). In the age of the internet, Wikipedia, and open-source software, Koreans frequently discuss how the combined intellect of the masses can solve problems better than a single expert.

인터넷은 집단 지성의 힘을 보여줍니다.

This sentence means 'The internet shows the power of collective intelligence.' The concept of collective intelligence has become a buzzword in Korean corporate and educational sectors, making it essential vocabulary for business proficiency.
Cultural Note
Universities in Korea are often poetically referred to as 지성의 전당 (the hall of intellect), highlighting the deep cultural respect for higher education.
Furthermore, the term 지성인 (intellectual person) is used to describe writers, professors, and thinkers who guide society's moral and logical compass.

진정한 지성인은 사회적 책임을 다해야 합니다.

This translates to 'A true intellectual must fulfill their social responsibilities.' The suffix 인 (in) means person, transforming the abstract noun into a tangible demographic.
Common Usage
When critiquing someone's lack of logical reasoning in a debate, one might say their argument lacks intellect (지성이 부족하다).

우리는 감정보다 지성에 호소해야 합니다.

Meaning: 'We must appeal to intellect rather than emotion.' This perfectly captures the dichotomy between reason and feeling.

인공지성의 발달이 미래를 바꿀 것입니다.

Although 인공지능 (Artificial Intelligence) is much more common, 인공지성 is sometimes used in philosophical discussions about whether machines can possess true understanding. Mastering the word 지성 elevates your Korean from casual street talk to sophisticated, educated discourse, allowing you to participate in deep conversations about society, human nature, and philosophy.
Using 지성 correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Korean particle usage and the specific verbs that naturally pair with abstract nouns of cognitive ability. Because 지성 is a non-count, abstract noun, it is typically followed by the subject marker 이/가 or the object marker 을/를 depending on its role in the sentence. When intellect is the subject performing an action or possessing a state, you use 지성이.

그의 지성이 위기를 극복하게 만들었다.

This means 'His intellect made it possible to overcome the crisis.' Here, the intellect is the driving force. Conversely, when intellect is the object being cultivated, respected, or utilized, you use 지성을.

독서는 우리의 지성을 발달시킨다.

This translates to 'Reading develops our intellect.'
Grammar Rule
Abstract nouns like 지성 rarely take plural markers like 들, as intellect is considered an uncountable concept.
When functioning as an adjective to describe a person or conversation, the suffix 적 (jeok) is attached to make it 지성적 (intellectual).

우리는 매우 지성적인 대화를 나누었다.

Meaning: 'We had a very intellectual conversation.' This form is extremely common in reviews of books, movies, or academic panels.
Noun Modifier
Adding 인 (person) creates 지성인 (intellectual), which is used as a standalone noun.

현대 사회는 깨어있는 지성인을 필요로 한다.

This means 'Modern society needs awakened intellectuals.' It is also common to contrast 지성 with other abstract concepts using the conjunction 와/과 (and/with). For example, 지성과 감성 (Sense and Sensibility, also the Korean title for Jane Austen's novel).

그녀는 지성과 미모를 겸비한 배우다.

This translates to 'She is an actress who possesses both intellect and beauty.' This specific phrase (지성과 미모를 겸비하다) is a highly formalized, almost cliché expression used in media and journalism to praise public figures.
Advanced Structure
To express 'the paralysis of intellect' in a metaphorical sense, use 지성의 마비.
By mastering these sentence patterns, you ensure that your usage of 지성 sounds native, eloquent, and perfectly suited to the formal environments where this vocabulary naturally belongs. Practice combining it with different action verbs like 발휘하다 (to demonstrate/exert) to further expand your expressive range.
You might be wondering if you will actually hear the word 지성 in your daily life in Korea, or if it is purely restricted to dusty textbooks. The truth is, while you won't hear it at a street food stall while ordering tteokbokki, it is incredibly pervasive in specific, highly visible domains of Korean society. First and foremost, you will encounter this word constantly in the news media, particularly in editorials, political commentary, and social critiques.

전문가들은 시민들의 집단 지성이 필요하다고 강조했다.

Pundits frequently call upon the 'collective intelligence' (집단 지성) of the public to solve national crises, vote responsibly, or navigate complex social issues like pandemics or economic downturns.
Media Domain
Editorial columns in major newspapers like Chosun Ilbo or Hankyoreh frequently use '지성' to critique the lack of logical reasoning in politics.
Secondly, the university campus is a prime location for this word. Higher education in South Korea is treated with profound reverence. Universities refer to themselves in promotional materials and speeches as 지성의 전당 (the hall of intellect).

대학은 진리를 탐구하는 지성의 전당이어야 한다.

If you attend a university orientation, graduation ceremony, or listen to a professor's opening remarks, this phrase is almost guaranteed to appear. Thirdly, the entertainment industry uses it, albeit in a specific context. When introducing panel guests on talk shows, particularly those featuring professors, authors, or experts (like the popular show 'The Dictionary of Useless Knowledge' - 알쓸신잡), the hosts will flatter the guests by praising their intellect.

오늘 밤, 대한민국 최고의 지성인들을 모셨습니다.

This means 'Tonight, we have invited South Korea's top intellectuals.'
Entertainment Context
Infotainment programs blend education and entertainment, heavily utilizing words like 지성 to elevate the show's prestige.
Furthermore, in the beauty and cosmetics industry, you might hear a completely different usage that sounds identical. The word 지성 (ji-seong) also means 'oily skin type' in skincare terminology (using different Hanja: 脂性, meaning fat/oil nature).

이 로션은 지성 피부에 좋습니다.

'This lotion is good for oily skin.' While this is technically a different word, it is crucial to know because if you walk into an Olive Young store and ask about 지성, they will point you to acne creams, not philosophy books!
Literature
Book titles and philosophical essays frequently feature this word to signal deep, thought-provoking content.

그의 소설은 인간의 지성을 탐구한다.

Whether you are reading a high-brow newspaper, attending a university lecture, or watching an educational documentary, your ear will quickly become attuned to the sophisticated ring of this essential Korean noun.
When English speakers learn the word 지성, they often fall into several predictable traps due to homonyms in the Korean language and subtle nuances in translation. The most glaring and frequent mistake is confusing 지성 (intellect) with its exact homonyms. As mentioned previously, 지성 (脂性) means 'oily skin'.

제 친구는 지성이 많아요.

If you say this intending to mean 'My friend has a lot of intellect,' native speakers will likely laugh and assume you mean 'My friend has very oily skin.' To express that someone has a lot of intellect, you must use verbs like 뛰어나다 (outstanding) or 높다 (high), not 많다 (many/a lot).
Error Correction
Instead of 지성이 많다, say 지성이 뛰어나다 (intellect is outstanding).
Another profound point of confusion is the famous Korean proverb: 지성이면 감천이다.

지성이면 감천이다.

Many learners translate this as 'If you have intellect, the heavens will be moved.' This is completely incorrect! In this specific proverb, 지성 (至誠) uses Hanja meaning 'utmost sincerity' or 'devotion'. The proverb means 'Sincerity moves heaven.' Using the 'intellect' meaning here demonstrates a lack of cultural and linguistic depth. Furthermore, learners often confuse 지성 with 지능 (intelligence/IQ). While they translate similarly in English, their usage in Korean is distinct. 지능 refers to the biological or measurable capacity of the brain. Animals have 지능. Artificial Intelligence is 인공지능.

돌고래는 지능이 높다.

You would never say a dolphin has high 지성, because 지성 implies human rationality, philosophy, and moral reasoning.
Nuance Check
Use 지능 for raw brainpower or animal/machine intelligence. Use 지성 for cultivated human reasoning and philosophy.
Another mistake is using 지성 in overly casual contexts.

너 진짜 지성적이다!

If you say this to a friend who just solved a simple math problem or figured out a video game puzzle, it sounds incredibly awkward and sarcastic. It is too heavy a word for trivial matters. Instead, you should say 똑똑하다 (smart) or 머리가 좋다 (good brain).
Register Warning
Overusing formal Sino-Korean words like 지성 in daily chat makes you sound like a textbook or a news anchor.

그는 지성을 잃고 화를 냈다.

Here is a correct, advanced usage. 'He lost his reason (intellect) and got angry.' Notice how it contrasts with emotion. By avoiding these common pitfalls—homonym confusion, inappropriate register, and mixing it up with raw IQ—you will sound much more natural and precise in your Korean expression.
The Korean language is rich with vocabulary describing mental faculties, largely due to the extensive borrowing from Chinese philosophical traditions. When learning 지성, it is essential to map out its synonyms and related terms to understand the exact boundaries of its meaning. The most commonly confused alternative is 지능 (ji-neung), which means intelligence or IQ.

그 아이는 지능 지수가 매우 높다.

As discussed, 지능 is biological and measurable. Another crucial related word is 이성 (i-seong), which translates to reason or rationality.
Comparison: 지성 vs 이성
While 지성 is the broader capacity for intellectual thought and knowledge, 이성 specifically refers to the logical, rational mind that controls impulses and emotions.

인간은 이성적인 동물이다.

'Humans are rational animals.' You use 이성 when contrasting logic with animalistic instinct (본능). Then we have 지혜 (ji-hye), which means wisdom.

할머니의 지혜를 배우고 싶다.

Wisdom (지혜) comes from life experience, whereas intellect (지성) comes from study and rational thought. For more everyday, casual alternatives, you rely on native Korean adjectives rather than Sino-Korean nouns. 똑똑하다 (ttok-ttok-ha-da) means smart or clever.
Casual Alternative
Instead of saying someone has great 지성 in casual chat, say '그 사람 정말 똑똑해' (That person is really smart).

우리 강아지는 정말 똑똑해.

Notice how 똑똑하다 can be used for animals, but 지성 cannot. Another phrase is 머리가 좋다 (meo-ri-ga jo-ta), literally 'head is good'. This is the most common, universal way to say someone is intelligent in spoken Korean.
Idiomatic Alternative
머리가 좋다 is the go-to phrase for everyday intelligence, academic success, or quick-wittedness.

그는 머리가 좋아서 금방 이해한다.

There is also 총명하다 (chong-myeong-ha-da), which means bright or brilliant, often used to describe children with sharp, clear minds. By understanding this spectrum—from the biological 지능, to the rational 이성, the philosophical 지성, the experiential 지혜, and the casual 똑똑하다—you gain immense precision in describing the human mind in Korean.
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レベル別の例文

1

그는 머리가 좋아요.

He is smart. (Use this instead of 지성 at A1)

머리가 좋다 is the basic way to say smart.

2

똑똑한 학생입니다.

A smart student.

똑똑하다 is a common adjective for smart.

3

이것은 지성 피부용입니다.

This is for oily skin.

지성 here means oily, a common homonym beginners see.

4

저는 한국어를 공부해요.

I study Korean.

Basic verb 공부하다 (to study).

5

학교에 갑니다.

I go to school.

학교 means school.

6

책을 읽어요.

I read a book.

책 means book, essential for intellect.

7

선생님은 똑똑해요.

The teacher is smart.

선생님 is teacher.

8

질문이 있어요.

I have a question.

질문 means question.

1

그는 지성이 뛰어납니다.

He has outstanding intellect.

뛰어나다 means outstanding.

2

지성과 감성은 다릅니다.

Intellect and emotion are different.

와/과 links nouns (and).

3

지성을 기르고 싶어요.

I want to cultivate my intellect.

~고 싶다 means 'want to'.

4

그 여자는 지성적입니다.

That woman is intellectual.

~적 turns a noun into an adjective.

5

지성 피부는 관리가 필요해요.

Oily skin needs care.

Homonym practice.

6

좋은 책은 지성을 발달시킵니다.

Good books develop the intellect.

발달시키다 means to develop something.

7

우리는 지성인입니다.

We are intellectuals.

인 means person.

8

지성적인 대화를 좋아해요.

I like intellectual conversations.

대화 means conversation.

1

인터넷은 집단 지성의 좋은 예입니다.

The internet is a good example of collective intelligence.

집단 지성 is collective intelligence.

2

지능과 지성은 다른 개념입니다.

Intelligence (IQ) and intellect are different concepts.

개념 means concept.

3

진정한 지성인은 사회에 기여해야 합니다.

A true intellectual must contribute to society.

~야 하다 means 'must'.

4

감정보다 지성에 호소하는 것이 낫습니다.

It is better to appeal to intellect rather than emotion.

보다 means 'rather than'.

5

대학은 지성의 전당이라고 불립니다.

Universities are called the halls of intellect.

~라고 불리다 means 'is called'.

6

그는 지성과 미모를 겸비한 사람입니다.

She is a person who possesses both intellect and beauty.

겸비하다 means to possess both.

7

독서를 통해 지성을 연마할 수 있습니다.

You can polish your intellect through reading.

을/를 통해 means 'through'.

8

지성이면 감천이다라는 속담이 있습니다.

There is a proverb that says sincerity moves heaven.

Homonym proverb warning!

1

위기 상황일수록 집단 지성을 발휘해야 합니다.

The more of a crisis situation it is, the more we must demonstrate collective intelligence.

~ㄹ수록 means 'the more... the more...'

2

그 작가의 작품은 현대인의 지성을 날카롭게 비판합니다.

The author's work sharply criticizes the intellect of modern people.

비판하다 means to criticize.

3

인공지능을 넘어 인공지성의 시대가 올 것인가?

Will the era of artificial intellect come, moving beyond artificial intelligence?

넘어 means 'beyond' or 'over'.

4

그녀의 연설은 청중의 지성을 자극하기에 충분했습니다.

Her speech was enough to stimulate the intellect of the audience.

~기에 충분하다 means 'enough to...'

5

지성의 마비는 민주주의에 큰 위협이 됩니다.

The paralysis of intellect is a great threat to democracy.

위협 means threat.

6

우리는 맹목적인 믿음 대신 비판적 지성을 가져야 합니다.

We must have critical intellect instead of blind faith.

대신 means 'instead of'.

7

최고의 지성들이 모여 이 문제를 논의했습니다.

The top intellects gathered to discuss this problem.

최고의 means 'the best/top'.

8

지성적인 태도로 갈등을 해결합시다.

Let's resolve the conflict with an intellectual attitude.

~합시다 is 'let us'.

1

대중영합주의는 종종 대중의 지성을 폄하하는 경향이 있다.

Populism often tends to disparage the intellect of the masses.

경향이 있다 means 'tends to'.

2

칸트 철학에서 오성과 지성

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