このページをあなたの言語で

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #7,000 よく出る 8分で読める

정당화

jeongdanghwa 上位7,000

練習する例文メモとヒント 정당화 30秒で

解説 정당화 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '정당화' is a very difficult word because it is abstract and formal. Usually, A1 learners focus on basic needs like 'food,' 'water,' and 'hello.' However, you can think of '정당화' as the big brother of the word '왜' (why). When you ask 'Why did you do that?' and someone gives you a reason to show they were 'good' or 'right,' they are trying to do '정당화.' You won't use this word yourself yet, but you might see it in a very formal textbook or a news clip. For now, just remember that '정당화' means 'giving a good reason for an action.' It's like saying 'I did it because it was the right thing to do.' In simple Korean, you might just say '이유를 말해요' (Tell the reason), but '정당화' is the 'adult' way to say it. Don't worry about using it in daily conversation yet. Just recognize that the '정' (jeong) part often relates to things that are 'correct' or 'right,' like in '정답' (correct answer). This will help you build a foundation for more complex words later on.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

At the A2 level, you are starting to move beyond simple survival Korean. You might encounter '정당화' in reading passages about rules or social behavior. You should understand that this word is a noun, and when you add '하다,' it becomes a verb: '정당화하다' (to justify). At this stage, you should be able to recognize it in a sentence like '그는 자신의 행동을 정당화했어요' (He justified his action). You can compare it to '설명하다' (to explain). While '설명하다' is just giving information, '정당화하다' is giving a *reason* to show that you are *right*. If you break a rule and tell the teacher why you did it to show you aren't a bad person, that is a simple form of '정당화.' You might also see the word '정당' (right/proper) in other words like '정당하다' (to be fair). Learning '정당화' helps you understand that Korean has different levels of words for the same idea—simple words for friends and 'Hanja' (Chinese character) words for formal situations.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more abstract topics, and '정당화' becomes a very useful tool. You should be able to use it to discuss opinions, news articles, and social issues. At this level, you should distinguish between '정당화' (justification) and '변명' (excuse). A '변명' is often seen as negative or weak, while '정당화' sounds more logical and serious. You will often see it used with the passive form '정당화되다' (to be justified). For example, '폭력은 정당화될 수 없다' (Violence cannot be justified). This is a common phrase in debates. You should also start using collocations like '도덕적 정당화' (moral justification) or '논리적 정당화' (logical justification). When writing essays for TOPIK II, using '정당화' instead of simpler words will significantly boost your score because it shows you can handle academic vocabulary. Practice making sentences where you justify a choice you made, using the structure '~을/를 정당화하기 위해...' (In order to justify...).

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '정당화' and its related terms. You should be able to understand its use in complex psychological and political contexts. For instance, you might encounter '자기 정당화' (self-justification) in a text about human behavior. You should also be comfortable with the word in its various grammatical forms, including modifying other nouns: '정당화된 행위' (a justified act). At this level, you can compare '정당화' with '합리화' (rationalization). While they are similar, '합리화' often implies that the person is lying to themselves or others to feel better, whereas '정당화' can be a legitimate search for justice or truth. You should be able to participate in a discussion about whether certain historical events can be '정당화' and provide complex reasons using advanced connectors like '~음에도 불구하고' (despite...) or '~에 근거하여' (based on...). Your use of '정당화' should feel natural in both formal speeches and written reports.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

At the C1 level, your understanding of '정당화' should be deep and multifaceted. You should be able to use it in philosophical, legal, and high-level academic contexts. You will encounter the word in discussions about 'epistemic justification' (인식론적 정당화) or 'legal justification' (법적 정당화). At this level, you should understand the subtle difference between '정당화' and '정당성' (legitimacy). While '정당화' is the *process* or *act*, '정당성' is the *state* of being legitimate. You should be able to critique an argument by saying '그의 논리는 정당화의 근거가 부족하다' (His logic lacks grounds for justification). You should also be familiar with the word's role in historical revisionism and how different 'justifications' are used to frame history. Your vocabulary should include related Hanja-based words like '부당' (unjust) and '당위성' (imperativeness/oughtness). You should be able to write professional-level documents or academic papers that use '정당화' with precision and stylistic variety.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '정당화' and can use it with absolute precision in any context. You understand the word not just as a translation of 'justification,' but as a concept deeply embedded in Korean intellectual history and modern discourse. You can use it to discuss the '정당화' of state power, the nuances of '정당화' in post-structuralist thought, or the complex '자기 정당화' mechanisms in classic Korean literature. You can effortlessly switch between '정당화,' '합리화,' '변호,' and '해명' to convey the exact shade of meaning required. You are also aware of the word's rhetorical power—how calling something a 'justification' can either lend it authority or, in a sarcastic tone, dismiss it as a mere pretense. You can engage in high-level debates on ethics, law, and social policy, using '정당화' to build sophisticated arguments that consider multiple perspectives and historical contexts. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

練習する例文メモとヒント

정당화 30秒で

정당화 (noun) means 'justification'—proving an action is right or reasonable.
Used in formal contexts like law, politics, and ethics.
Commonly paired with ~하다 (to justify) or ~되다 (to be justified).
Differs from '변명' (excuse) by focusing on 'rightness' rather than just 'explaining away'.

The Korean noun 정당화 (Jeong-dang-hwa) is a sophisticated term that translates most directly to 'justification.' At its core, it represents the process or act of providing reasons, evidence, or arguments to prove that an action, belief, or policy is right, fair, or reasonable. This isn't just about explaining why something happened; it is about validating the morality or necessity of that occurrence, often in the face of potential criticism or doubt. In Korean society, where social harmony and ethical conduct are highly valued, the concept of 정당화 carries significant weight in both private relationships and public discourse.

Etymological Breakdown: The word is composed of three Hanja characters: 正 (정 - right/correct), 當 (당 - proper/fitting), and 化 (화 - to become/make). Together, they literally mean 'to make something right and proper.' This linguistic structure emphasizes the transformative nature of the word—it is the process of taking an action that might seem questionable and framing it within a 'proper' context.
Formal vs. Informal Nuance: While you might use 'excuse' (변명) in a casual setting for a small mistake, 정당화 is used when the stakes are higher. It is the language of debate, legal defense, and moral philosophy. If a politician explains a tax hike, they are seeking 정당화. If a student explains why they cheated, they are attempting 정당화, though others might dismiss it as a mere excuse.

폭력은 어떤 경우에도 정당화될 수 없습니다. (Violence cannot be justified under any circumstances.)

When people use this word, they are often engaging in a defensive or persuasive act. It appears frequently in news headlines discussing government policies, in psychological contexts discussing cognitive dissonance (where one justifies their own poor behavior to maintain self-esteem), and in historical discussions regarding the actions of past leaders. It is a word that demands a 'why' and expects a logical or ethical answer in return. Understanding 정당화 is crucial for moving beyond basic Korean into the realm of abstract thought and critical analysis.

그는 자신의 실수를 정당화하려고 애썼다. (He tried hard to justify his mistake.)

Logical Justification: In mathematics or logic, 정당화 refers to the proof or the steps taken to reach a conclusion. It is the objective verification of a theory.

이 이론의 정당화를 위해서는 더 많은 데이터가 필요합니다. (More data is needed for the justification of this theory.)

그의 행동에 대한 도덕적 정당화는 불가능해 보인다. (Moral justification for his actions seems impossible.)

In summary, 정당화 is the bridge between a questionable act and its acceptance. It is a powerful tool in rhetoric and a necessary concept for anyone looking to discuss ethics, law, or complex human motivations in Korean. Whether you are reading a serious editorial or watching a K-drama where a villain tries to explain their 'noble' reasons for revenge, you will encounter this word frequently.

Using 정당화 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as a noun that frequently transforms into verbs. The most common patterns involve the object marker ~을/를 followed by the active verb 정당화하다, or the subject marker ~이/가 followed by the passive verb 정당화되다. Because it is a Sino-Korean word, it fits naturally into formal and written contexts, but it is equally at home in serious spoken conversations.

Active Usage: ~을/를 정당화하다: This is used when an agent (a person, a group, a government) is actively trying to provide reasons for their actions. It often carries a slightly critical tone if the speaker disagrees with the justification.

그는 자신의 이기적인 행동을 정당화하다가 결국 친구를 잃었다. (He lost his friend while trying to justify his selfish behavior.)

Notice how the word 'selfish' (이기적인) modifies the action being justified. This is a common pattern: [Adjective] + [Action] + 을/를 + 정당화하다. It highlights the tension between the nature of the act and the attempt to make it seem 'right.'

Passive Usage: ~이/가 정당화되다: This structure is used to discuss whether an action *is* justifiable in a general or moral sense. It is very common in philosophical or legal statements.

어떤 이유로도 전쟁은 정당화될 수 없습니다. (War cannot be justified for any reason.)

정부는 새로운 세금 정책에 대한 정당화를 시도했다. (The government attempted a justification for the new tax policy.)

Complex Sentences: At more advanced levels, you will see 정당화 used with clauses. For example: '자신이 옳다는 것을 정당화하기 위해' (In order to justify that one is right).

사람들은 종종 자신의 선택이 최선이었음을 정당화하려고 노력합니다. (People often try to justify that their choice was the best.)

Finally, consider the negative forms. '정당화하지 못하다' (to fail to justify) or '정당화할 수 없다' (cannot justify). These are powerful ways to shut down an argument or express a firm moral stance. By mastering these patterns, you can navigate complex social and academic discussions in Korean with precision.

The word 정당화 isn't something you'd usually hear while ordering coffee, but it is ubiquitous in other specific areas of Korean life. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the 'vibe' of the word when it appears.

1. News and Politics: This is arguably the most common place to encounter the word. News anchors and political analysts use it to discuss government actions, international conflicts, and legislative changes. You will hear phrases like '정책의 정당성' (the legitimacy of a policy) and '정당화 과정' (the process of justification).

정치인들은 종종 자신의 공약을 정당화하기 위해 통계를 사용합니다. (Politicians often use statistics to justify their pledges.)

2. Legal and Judicial Contexts: In a courtroom setting, a lawyer might argue that their client's actions were 'justified' under the circumstances, such as self-defense (정당방위). While '정당방위' is a specific legal term, the general concept of 정당화 is central to legal arguments.

법원은 피고인의 행위가 정당화될 수 있는지 검토하고 있습니다. (The court is reviewing whether the defendant's actions can be justified.)

3. Academic and Philosophical Debates: In university lectures or intellectual talk shows (like 'Special Lectures' on EBS), 정당화 is used to discuss ethics, logic, and social theories. It's a key term in discussing 'The Justification of Punishment' or 'The Justification of Democracy.'

도덕 철학에서 행위의 정당화는 매우 중요한 주제입니다. (In moral philosophy, the justification of action is a very important topic.)

4. Psychological and Personal Contexts: In therapy or self-help books, you might hear about 'self-justification' (자기 정당화). This refers to the psychological tendency to rationalize one's own mistakes to avoid feeling guilt.

자기 정당화의 늪에 빠지면 자신의 잘못을 깨닫기 어렵습니다. (If you fall into the trap of self-justification, it is hard to realize your own faults.)

Whether it's a heated debate on a variety show or a deep dive into a historical documentary, 정당화 is the word Koreans reach for when they want to talk about the 'rightness' of an action. By being aware of these contexts, you'll start to notice it everywhere from Netflix subtitles to newspaper op-eds.

Learning 정당화 involves more than just knowing its definition; it requires avoiding pitfalls that even advanced learners sometimes tumble into. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Confusing '정당화' with '변명' (Excuse): This is the biggest hurdle. 변명 is usually about avoiding blame for a small, personal error (like being late). 정당화 is about proving an action was *correct* or *necessary*. If you use 정당화 for a trivial mistake, you sound overly defensive or pompous. If you use 변명 for a major moral stance, you sound like you're admitting guilt.

❌ 늦은 이유를 정당화하지 마세요. (Too formal/strong)
✅ 늦은 이유를 변명하지 마세요. (Natural for being late)

2. Incorrect Particle Usage: Learners often struggle with which particle to use with the noun. Remember:
- ~을/를 정당화하다 (Justify [something])
- ~에 대한 정당화 (Justification for [something])
- ~이/가 정당화되다 ([Something] is justified)

❌ 그의 행동에 정당화는 없어요.
✅ 그의 행동에 대한 정당화는 없어요. (The justification *for* his action...)

3. Overusing it in Casual Conversation: 정당화 is a heavy, academic-sounding word. Using it in a lighthearted conversation with friends can make you sound like a textbook or a lawyer. Unless you are discussing a serious topic, consider using '설명하다' (to explain) or '이유를 말하다' (to give a reason).

❌ 왜 아이스크림을 먹었는지 정당화해 봐.
✅ 왜 아이스크림을 먹었는지 이유를 대 봐. (Tell me the reason/Give me an excuse.)

By keeping these distinctions in mind, you will avoid sounding 'translated' and instead sound like a nuanced speaker who understands the subtle social hierarchies and contexts of the Korean language.

To truly master 정당화, you must see where it sits among its linguistic cousins. Korean has many words for 'explaining' or 'proving,' and choosing the right one is key to fluency.

1. 정당화 vs. 해명 (Explanation/Clarification): 해명 is used when there is a misunderstanding or a rumor that needs to be cleared up. It's about providing the facts. 정당화 is about proving the action was *right* even if the facts are already known.

그는 스캔들에 대해 해명했다. (He clarified the scandal.) vs. 그는 자신의 행동을 정당화했다. (He justified his actions.)

2. 정당화 vs. 합리화 (Rationalization): 합리화 (Rationalization) is often used negatively in psychology. It's making up a logical-sounding reason for something that was actually emotional or wrong. 정당화 can be positive (finding a true moral basis) or neutral.

그것은 자기 합리화일 뿐이다. (That is just self-rationalization/making excuses.)

3. 정당화 vs. 입증 (Proof/Verification): 입증 is purely about evidence. It's used in science and law to show that a fact is true. 정당화 is about the value judgment of that fact.

가설을 입증하다. (To prove a hypothesis.)

4. 정당화 vs. 변호 (Defense): 변호 is the act of speaking for someone else to protect them. You can 변호 a person by 정당화-ing their actions.

변호사가 피고인을 변호하고 있다. (The lawyer is defending the defendant.)

By understanding these synonyms, you can choose the word that fits your specific intent. If you want to sound objective, use 입증. If you want to sound like you're clearing up a mess, use 해명. But if you're talking about the moral core of an action, 정당화 is your best choice.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The character '化' (hwa) is one of the most productive suffixes in Korean, used to turn nouns into concepts of change, similar to '-ization' in English (e.g., globalization = 세계화).

発音ガイド

UK /d͡ʑʌŋ.daŋ.ɦwa/

US /d͡ʒʌŋ.dɑŋ.hwɑ/

In Korean, syllables usually have equal weight, but a slight emphasis can be placed on the first syllable '정'.

韻が合う語

강화 (gang-hwa - reinforcement) 변화 (byeon-hwa - change) 문화 (mun-hwa - culture) 전화 (jeon-hwa - telephone) 영화 (yeong-hwa - movie) 소화 (so-hwa - digestion) 평화 (pyeong-hwa - peace) 성화 (seong-hwa - torch)

よくある間違い

Pronouncing '정' like 'jung' (with an 'oo' sound).
Failing to pronounce the 'h' in 'hwa' clearly.
Merging '당' and '화' into '당아'.
Making the 'j' sound too harsh like a 'ch'.
Shortening the final 'hwa' syllable.

難易度

読解 4/5

Requires understanding of abstract concepts and Hanja-based vocabulary.

ライティング 5/5

Using it correctly in complex sentences requires high-level grammar (B2+).

スピーキング 4/5

Mainly used in serious or formal discussions.

リスニング 3/5

Common in news and documentaries, easy to recognize but hard to parse in fast speech.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

이유 정당하다 설명하다 맞다 옳다

次に学ぶ

정당성 합리화 입증하다 명분 당위성

上級

인식론 기제 부조화 존치 왜곡

知っておくべき文法

~기 위해 (In order to)

정당화하기 위해 거짓말을 했다.

~을 수 없다 (Cannot)

정당화될 수 없다.

~음에도 불구하고 (Despite)

정당화가 부족함에도 불구하고 정책이 시행되었다.

~에 대한 (Regarding/For)

행동에 대한 정당화.

~라고 주장하다 (Claim that...)

그는 그것이 정당화된다고 주장했다.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

レベル別の例文

왜 그랬는지 정당화해 보세요.

Try to justify why you did that.

정당화 (noun) + 해 보세요 (try doing).

그 이유는 정당화가 안 돼요.

That reason cannot be a justification.

정당화 (noun) + 가 (subject marker) + 안 돼요 (is not possible).

이것은 정당화예요.

This is a justification.

정당화 (noun) + 예요 (is).

정당화하지 마세요.

Don't justify it.

정당화하다 (verb) + 지 마세요 (don't).

그의 정당화는 이상해요.

His justification is strange.

그의 (his) + 정당화 (noun) + 는 (topic marker).

정당화가 필요해요.

Justification is needed.

정당화 (noun) + 가 (subject marker) + 필요해요 (is needed).

정당화하는 말을 했어요.

He said words that justify it.

정당화하는 (justifying) + 말 (words).

거짓말을 정당화하지 마.

Don't justify lying.

거짓말 (lie) + 을 (object marker) + 정당화하다.

그는 실수를 정당화하려고 했어요.

He tried to justify his mistake.

정당화하다 + ~으려고 하다 (intend to).

어떤 행동도 정당화될 수 없어요.

No action can be justified.

정당화되다 (to be justified) + ~을 수 없다 (cannot).

그녀는 정당화의 이유를 찾았어요.

She found a reason for justification.

정당화 (noun) + 의 (possessive) + 이유 (reason).

우리는 이 계획을 정당화해야 합니다.

We must justify this plan.

정당화하다 + ~어야 하다 (must).

나쁜 일을 정당화하면 안 돼요.

You shouldn't justify bad things.

정당화하다 + ~면 안 되다 (should not).

그의 정당화는 설득력이 없어요.

His justification is not persuasive.

설득력이 없다 (to not be persuasive).

정당화를 위해 거짓말을 했나요?

Did you lie for the sake of justification?

정당화 + 를 위해 (for the sake of).

이것은 단순한 정당화일 뿐이에요.

This is just a simple justification.

Noun + 일 뿐이다 (to be just...).

정부는 세금 인상을 정당화하기 위해 노력했다.

The government worked to justify the tax increase.

정당화하기 위해 (in order to justify).

폭력은 어떤 상황에서도 정당화될 수 없습니다.

Violence cannot be justified in any situation.

정당화될 수 없습니다 (cannot be justified).

그는 자신의 이기적인 행동을 정당화하려고 애썼다.

He struggled to justify his selfish behavior.

애쓰다 (to struggle/try hard).

도덕적 정당화가 없는 전쟁은 비극이다.

A war without moral justification is a tragedy.

도덕적 정당화 (moral justification).

사람들은 종종 자기 정당화에 빠지곤 합니다.

People often fall into self-justification.

~곤 하다 (to often do something).

이 이론을 정당화할 만한 증거가 부족합니다.

There is a lack of evidence to justify this theory.

~할 만한 (worthy of/enough to).

그의 설명은 정당화라기보다 변명에 가깝다.

His explanation is closer to an excuse than a justification.

~라기보다 (rather than).

어떻게 그런 실수를 정당화할 수 있죠?

How can you justify such a mistake?

어떻게 (how) + ~을 수 있다 (can).

역사적 사건들을 현대의 기준으로 정당화하기는 어렵다.

It is difficult to justify historical events by modern standards.

Noun + ~기(는) 어렵다 (it is difficult to...).

그의 행동이 법적으로 정당화될 수 있는지 논란이 있다.

There is controversy over whether his actions can be legally justified.

~는지 (whether) + 논란이 있다 (there is controversy).

사회적 불평등을 정당화하는 논리는 위험할 수 있다.

Logic that justifies social inequality can be dangerous.

정당화하는 (justifying) + 논리 (logic).

그는 자신의 실패를 환경 탓으로 돌리며 정당화했다.

He justified his failure by blaming the environment.

~탓으로 돌리다 (to blame something on...).

민주주의를 지키기 위한 폭력은 정당화될 수 있는가?

Can violence to protect democracy be justified?

Question form of ~을 수 있다.

자기 정당화는 인지 부조화를 해결하는 한 방법이다.

Self-justification is one way to resolve cognitive dissonance.

전문 용어 (technical term) usage.

그 정책의 정당화 과정에서 많은 반대가 있었다.

There was much opposition during the process of justifying that policy.

정당화 과정 (justification process).

결과가 수단을 정당화한다는 생각은 위험하다.

The idea that the end justifies the means is dangerous.

결과가 수단을 정당화하다 (the end justifies the means).

인식론에서 지식의 정당화 조건은 핵심적인 연구 주제이다.

In epistemology, the condition for the justification of knowledge is a central research topic.

인식론 (epistemology) + 정당화 조건 (justification condition).

권력의 정당화 기제는 시대에 따라 변화해 왔다.

The mechanisms for justifying power have changed over time.

정당화 기제 (justification mechanism).

그의 논문은 사형 제도의 존치를 정당화하려는 시도로 보인다.

His thesis seems to be an attempt to justify the retention of the death penalty.

존치 (retention) + ~하려는 시도 (attempt to...).

감정적인 호소만으로는 이 정책을 정당화하기에 부족하다.

Emotional appeal alone is insufficient to justify this policy.

~만으로는 (with only...) + ~기에 부족하다 (insufficient to...).

식민 지배를 정당화하려는 시도는 역사를 왜곡하는 것이다.

Attempts to justify colonial rule are a distortion of history.

왜곡하다 (to distort).

그는 자신의 배신을 조직의 이익을 위한 것이라고 정당화했다.

He justified his betrayal as being for the benefit of the organization.

~을 위한 것이라고 (saying it is for...).

윤리적 정당화가 결여된 과학 기술은 재앙이 될 수 있다.

Science and technology lacking ethical justification can become a disaster.

결여되다 (to be lacking).

우리는 왜 이 전쟁이 필요한지 정당화할 의무가 있다.

We have an obligation to justify why this war is necessary.

~할 의무가 있다 (to have an obligation to...).

푸코는 지식과 권력이 어떻게 서로를 정당화하는지 분석했다.

Foucault analyzed how knowledge and power justify each other.

Interdependence of concepts.

이러한 인식론적 정당화의 부재는 회의주의로 이어질 수 있다.

This lack of epistemic justification can lead to skepticism.

회의주의 (skepticism) + 이어지다 (to lead to).

그의 발언은 인종 차별을 교묘하게 정당화하고 있다.

His remarks are subtly justifying racial discrimination.

교묘하게 (subtly/cunningly).

법적 정당화의 논리가 도덕적 직관과 충돌할 때가 있다.

There are times when the logic of legal justification conflicts with moral intuition.

도덕적 직관 (moral intuition) + 충돌하다 (to conflict).

국가 폭력의 정당화는 종종 안보라는 미명 하에 이루어진다.

The justification of state violence is often carried out under the pretext of security.

~라는 미명 하에 (under the pretext of...).

그의 철학은 고통의 정당화라는 난해한 과제에 직면해 있다.

His philosophy faces the difficult task of the justification of suffering.

난해한 (difficult/abstruse) + 직면하다 (to face).

자본주의 체제의 정당화는 효율성과 자유라는 가치에 기반한다.

The justification of the capitalist system is based on the values of efficiency and freedom.

~에 기반하다 (to be based on).

정당화되지 않은 전제 위에서 세워진 이론은 무너지기 쉽다.

A theory built on unjustified premises is easy to collapse.

전제 (premise) + ~기 쉽다 (easy to...).

類義語

합리화 해명 변호 당위성

反対語

비판 비난

よく使う組み合わせ

도덕적 정당화

법적 정당화

논리적 정당화

정당화를 시도하다

정당화될 수 없다

자기 정당화

정당화의 근거

역사적 정당화

정당화 기제

정당화 과정

よく使うフレーズ

결과가 수단을 정당화한다

— The end justifies the means. A common philosophical phrase.

그는 결과가 수단을 정당화한다고 믿는다.

정당화하기 급급하다

— To be too busy or desperate to justify something. Often used critically.

그는 잘못을 정당화하기 급급했다.

정당화의 여지가 없다

— There is no room for justification. Used for clear wrongs.

이 범죄는 정당화의 여지가 없다.

억지 정당화

— A forced or weak justification.

그의 말은 억지 정당화에 불과하다.

정당화에 성공하다

— To succeed in justifying something.

그는 자신의 결정을 정당화하는 데 성공했다.

정당화할 방법이 없다

— There is no way to justify it.

그의 행동을 정당화할 방법이 없다.

정당화를 요구하다

— To demand a justification.

시민들은 정부에 정당화를 요구했다.

정당화의 수단

— A means of justification.

그는 종교를 정당화의 수단으로 삼았다.

정당화가 불가능하다

— Justification is impossible.

그런 잔인한 행위는 정당화가 불가능하다.

정당화에 치중하다

— To focus too much on justifying something.

그는 해결보다 정당화에 치중했다.

よく混同される語

정당화 vs 변명

변명 is a personal excuse; 정당화 is a formal justification.

정당화 vs 합리화

합리화 often implies self-deception; 정당화 is more about objective rightness.

정당화 vs 해명

해명 is clearing up a misunderstanding; 정당화 is proving an action was right.

慣用句と表現

"핑계 없는 무덤 없다"

— There is no grave without an excuse. Meaning everyone has a justification for their actions, no matter how bad.

핑계 없는 무덤 없다더니, 그도 자기 행동을 정당화하네.

Informal/Proverb

"방귀 뀐 놈이 성낸다"

— The one who farted gets angry. Used when someone who did something wrong tries to justify it by getting angry.

자기가 잘못해놓고 정당화하려고 화를 내니, 정말 방귀 뀐 놈이 성내는 격이다.

Informal/Proverb

"코에 걸면 코걸이 귀에 걸면 귀걸이"

— If you hang it on the nose, it's a nose ring; if you hang it on the ear, it's an earring. Meaning a justification can be twisted to fit any situation.

그의 정당화는 코에 걸면 코걸이 귀에 걸면 귀걸이 식이다.

Colloquial

"눈 가리고 아웅"

— Covering one's eyes and saying 'meow'. Attempting a shallow or obvious justification.

그의 정당화는 눈 가리고 아웅 하는 식의 속임수다.

Colloquial

"내로남불"

— If I do it, it's romance; if you do it, it's adultery. Double standards in justification.

그의 자기 정당화는 전형적인 내로남불이다.

Slang/Modern Idiom

"적반하장"

— The thief turns on the master with a club. Similar to 'getting angry when you're in the wrong.'

잘못을 정당화하며 오히려 화를 내는 적반하장의 태도를 보였다.

Formal/Hanja

"아전인수"

— Drawing water to one's own rice paddy. Interpreting or justifying things to suit one's own interest.

그의 정당화는 아전인수 격인 해석에 불과하다.

Formal/Hanja

"견강부회"

— Drawing a forced analogy or justification.

그 이론을 정당화하기 위해 견강부회 식으로 논리를 끌어다 썼다.

Academic/Hanja

"미사여구"

— Beautiful words and phrases. Using flowery language to justify something.

미사여구로 자신의 잘못을 정당화하려고 하지 마라.

Literary

"자기합리화의 늪"

— The swamp of self-rationalization. Being stuck in a cycle of justifying one's own mistakes.

그는 자기합리화의 늪에서 빠져나오지 못하고 있다.

Metaphorical

間違えやすい

정당화 vs 정당 (正當)

Looks like the first half of the word.

정당 means 'just/fair' as an adjective, while 정당화 is the noun 'justification'.

정당한 보상 (fair compensation).

정당화 vs 정당 (政黨)

Same pronunciation.

This '정당' means a 'political party'. Context is key.

여당과 야당은 다른 정당이다. (The ruling and opposition parties are different political parties.)

정당화 vs 증명

Both involve proving something.

증명 is a general proof (like in math); 정당화 is specifically about moral or logical rightness of an act.

수학 문제를 증명하다. (Prove a math problem.)

정당화 vs 설득

Justification is used to persuade.

설득 is the act of persuasion itself; 정당화 is the content used to persuade that something is right.

그를 설득하는 데 성공했다. (Succeeded in persuading him.)

정당화 vs 변호

Both involve defending an action.

변호 is the act of defending (often another person); 정당화 is the logic behind the defense.

자신을 변호하다. (Defend oneself.)

文型パターン

~을 정당화해요.

실수를 정당화해요.

~을 정당화하려고 해요.

이기심을 정당화하려고 해요.

~은 정당화될 수 없어요.

폭력은 정당화될 수 없어요.

~에 대한 정당화가 필요해요.

그 변화에 대한 정당화가 필요해요.

결과가 수단을 정당화한다.

그는 결과가 수단을 정당화한다고 믿는다.

~라는 미명 하에 정당화하다.

안보라는 미명 하에 폭력을 정당화하다.

도덕적 정당화가 결여되다.

그의 주장은 도덕적 정당화가 결여되어 있다.

인식론적 정당화의 조건을 탐구하다.

우리는 지식의 인식론적 정당화의 조건을 탐구해야 한다.

語族

名詞

정당성 (legitimacy)

정당방위 (self-defense)

정당 (political party - though same Hanja, different context)

부당화 (making something appear unjust - rare)

動詞

정당화하다 (to justify)

정당화되다 (to be justified)

形容詞

정당하다 (to be fair/just)

부당하다 (to be unfair/unjust)

使い方

frequency

Common in media, academic writing, and formal debates.

よくある間違い

Using 정당화 for 'text alignment'. → 양쪽 맞춤
In English, 'justify' is used for text alignment. In Korean, '정당화' is only for moral/logical justification. Use '양쪽 맞춤' for Word documents.
Using '정당화하다' to mean 'to make someone fair'. → 공정하게 대하다
You don't 'justify' a person to make them fair; you 'justify' an action to prove it was fair.
Confusing 정당화 (justification) with 정당 (political party). → Contextual usage
While they share the same Hanja for 'just', '정당' as a noun usually refers to a political party. Context usually makes this clear.
Saying '정당화를 말하다' instead of '정당화하다'. → 정당화하다
While not strictly wrong, '정당화하다' is the standard verb form. '정당화를 시도하다' is also better than '말하다'.
Using '정당화' for small personal favors. → 부탁의 이유
If you are asking for a favor, don't 'justify' it (정당화). Just give a 'reason' (이유). '정당화' sounds too aggressive.

ヒント

Contextual Choice

Use '정당화' for high-stakes moral arguments. If you're just explaining why you forgot to call your mom, stick to '설명' or '변명'.

Passive vs. Active

Remember that '정당화되다' is almost always used in the negative to express moral prohibitions: '정당화될 수 없다'.

TOPIK Writing

In the TOPIK II writing section (Question 54), using '정당화' shows the grader that you have a high-level command of abstract Sino-Korean vocabulary.

News Keywords

When you hear '정당화' on the news, the reporter is likely discussing a controversial government policy or a legal verdict.

Self-Reflection

The term '자기 정당화' (self-justification) is key to understanding Korean psychological discourse on 'face' and guilt.

Hanja Power

Learn the character '正' (Jeong - Right). It appears in many useful words like 정답 (correct answer), 정의 (justice), and 정당 (fair).

Sarcastic Use

You can say '정당화하지 마' with a slight smirk to tell someone they are making transparently bad excuses.

Noble Cause

Understand that in Korea, having a '명분' (noble cause) for '정당화' is often more important than the actual outcome of an action.

Self-Defense

'정당방위' is a specific legal application of the root '정당'. Knowing this helps you understand legal news better.

Philosophy

If you study philosophy in Korean, '정당화' will be one of the most frequent words you encounter in ethics and epistemology.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'Jung' (정) as 'Justice' and 'Dang' (당) as 'Dignity'. You are making (화) an action have 'Justice and Dignity'.

視覚的連想

Imagine a judge (정) banging a gavel on a sugar cube (당) to turn it into a flower (화). The judge makes the action 'sweet' and 'proper'.

Word Web

정당화 정의 (Justice) 합리화 (Rationalization) 이유 (Reason) 변명 (Excuse) 법 (Law) 도덕 (Morality) 증거 (Evidence)

チャレンジ

Try to justify (정당화하다) one of your guilty pleasures (like eating chocolate at night) using the most formal Korean you can.

語源

Derived from the Hanja characters 正 (정), 當 (당), and 化 (화). '정당' (正當) means being right and proper according to a standard or law. '화' (化) is a suffix meaning 'to make' or 'to become.'

元の意味： To make something right and proper.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

文化的な背景

Be careful when using this word regarding sensitive historical events (like the Gwangju Uprising), as '정당화' can be seen as an attempt to minimize past tragedies.

In English, 'justification' can be neutral or positive. In Korean, 정당화 is often used when the speaker is skeptical of the reasons being given.

Machiavelli's 'The Prince' (often discussed in Korea regarding 'the end justifies the means'). Legal dramas like 'Stranger' (비밀의 숲) where characters struggle with legal vs. moral justification. Political speeches regarding historical reconciliations in Korea.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Legal Defense

정당방위를 주장하다
법적 근거를 제시하다
행위의 정당화
무죄를 입증하다

Political Debate

정책의 정당성
국민을 설득하다
정당화하기 급급하다
정치적 명분

Psychological Analysis

자기 정당화의 기제
인지 부조화
방어 기제
합리화하는 경향

Moral Philosophy

도덕적 가치
행위의 옳고 그름
보편적 정당화
윤리적 기준

Historical Discussion

역사적 재평가
과거사 정당화
왜곡된 역사관
시대적 배경

会話のきっかけ

"결과가 수단을 정당화할 수 있다고 생각하세요?"

"자기 정당화가 인간 관계에 어떤 영향을 줄까요?"

"정부가 세금을 올리는 것을 어떻게 정당화할 수 있을까요?"

"어떤 상황에서 폭력이 정당화될 수 있을까요?"

"역사적 인물의 잘못을 시대적 배경으로 정당화할 수 있을까요?"

日記のテーマ

최근에 자신의 실수를 정당화하려고 했던 경험이 있나요? 왜 그랬나요?

내가 생각하는 '정당화될 수 없는 행동' 세 가지와 그 이유.

정당화와 변명의 차이에 대해 나의 생각을 써보세요.

사회적 불평등이 정당화되는 논리에 대해 비판적으로 써보세요.

내가 내린 어려운 결정 중 하나를 도덕적으로 정당화해 보세요.

よくある質問

10 問

'정당화'는 어떤 행위가 객관적이나 도덕적으로 옳음을 밝히는 것이고, '합리화'는 주로 자신의 잘못을 그럴듯한 이유로 꾸며내는 심리적 과정을 말합니다. 예를 들어, 가난한 사람을 돕기 위해 빵을 훔친 것은 '정당화'를 시도할 수 있지만, 단순히 배가 고파서 훔친 뒤 '주인이 부자니까 괜찮아'라고 생각하는 것은 '합리화'입니다.

네, 하지만 주제가 다소 무거울 때 쓰는 것이 자연스럽습니다. 가벼운 약속에 늦은 이유를 말할 때는 '정당화'보다 '변명'이나 '이유'라는 단어를 쓰는 것이 좋습니다. 친구 사이에서 '정당화'라는 단어를 쓰면 지나치게 논리적으로 따지는 느낌을 줄 수 있습니다.

'정당화하다'는 누군가가 능동적으로 이유를 대는 것이고, '정당화되다'는 어떤 행위가 사회적이나 도덕적으로 옳다고 인정받는 상태를 말합니다. '그는 폭력을 정당화했다'는 그의 주장을 말하고, '폭력은 정당화될 수 없다'는 보편적인 도덕 원칙을 말합니다.

네, TOPIK II (중고급)의 읽기 지문이나 쓰기 논술 주제로 매우 자주 등장합니다. 특히 사회 문제, 윤리, 법과 관련된 주제에서 핵심 어휘로 사용되므로 반드시 익혀두어야 합니다.

네, '정당방위'는 법적으로 자신의 몸을 지키기 위한 행위가 '정당하다'고 인정받는 것을 말합니다. 즉, 정당방위는 법적인 '정당화'의 한 종류라고 볼 수 있습니다.

명확한 한 단어의 반대말은 없지만, 상황에 따라 '비난', '부정', '탄핵' 등이 반대되는 개념으로 쓰일 수 있습니다. 행위 자체가 옳지 않음을 나타낼 때는 '부당함'을 사용합니다.

Hanja '化(화)'는 '~하게 만들다' 또는 '~이 되다'라는 뜻을 가진 접미사입니다. '정당(옳음)'에 '화'가 붙어 '옳게 만듦'이라는 뜻의 명사가 된 것입니다.

대개 부정적인 문맥에서 쓰입니다. 자신의 잘못을 인정하지 않고 계속해서 이유를 만들어내는 태도를 비판할 때 '자기 정당화에 빠졌다'라고 표현합니다.

대부분 일치하지만, 한국어의 '정당화'는 영어보다 조금 더 '도덕적/법적'인 뉘앙스가 강합니다. 문서의 줄을 맞추는 'text justification' 같은 용어로는 쓰이지 않습니다.

'정당(Political Party)'이 '화(Flower)'를 들고 자신들이 옳다고 주장하는 모습을 상상해 보세요. 정치인들이 자신들의 행동을 '정당화'하는 모습과 연결하면 기억하기 쉽습니다.

無料登録してヒントとメモを見る