At the A1 level, '정리' is a simple but important word that you will mostly use for physical objects. You can think of it as 'putting things away.' Beginners often learn it in the context of '방 정리' (room tidying) or '책상 정리' (desk tidying). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the abstract meanings like 'organizing thoughts.' Just focus on how to use it with '하다' to describe basic chores. For example, '저는 매일 방을 정리해요' (I organize my room every day). It's a great word to use when talking about your daily routine or helping out around the house. You might also see it in simple commands like '정리하세요!' (Please tidy up!). The most important thing to remember at A1 is that '정리' is a noun, and to make it an action, you usually add '해요' or '합니다.' It helps you describe a state where things are not messy. If your teacher says '정리 시간이에요,' it means it's time to pack up your books and get ready for the next activity. Learning this word early helps you understand basic instructions in a Korean classroom or household. Focus on the physical aspect: toys, books, clothes, and desks. This will give you a solid foundation for the more complex meanings you will learn later.
At the A2 level, you can start using '정리' in a few more contexts beyond just cleaning your room. You might use it for '노트 정리' (note-taking/organizing notes) or '사진 정리' (organizing photos on your phone). You should also begin to understand the difference between '정리' (organizing) and '청소' (cleaning). At this level, you can use the word to describe simple digital tasks, like '파일 정리' (organizing files). You might also encounter the passive-like form '정리가 되다,' which means 'to be organized' or 'to be settled.' For example, '이제 방 정리가 다 됐어요' (Now the room organization is all done). This level also introduces the idea of '정리' in social settings, like clearing a table after a meal. You can say '테이블 좀 정리해 드릴까요?' (Shall I clear the table for you?). You are moving from just following orders to describing actions you perform to maintain order in your life. You can also start using it to describe the end of a simple activity, such as '오늘 할 일을 다 정리했어요' (I've organized/finished all my tasks for today). This shows a slightly more advanced grasp of how '정리' implies a systematic completion of work.
By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '정리' for both physical and abstract concepts. This is where you start 'organizing your thoughts' (생각을 정리하다). If you are faced with a difficult decision, you might say, '생각을 정리할 시간이 필요해요' (I need time to organize/sort out my thoughts). You can also use it in more professional or academic contexts, like '내용 정리' (summarizing content) or '발표 정리' (organizing a presentation). At B1, you understand that '정리' can mean summarizing. If you read a long article, you can '정리' the main points. You also start to see '정리' used in terms of 'settling' things, such as '계획 정리' (finalizing/organizing plans). This level also covers the use of '정리' in relationships, though perhaps in a less complex way than higher levels. You might say '관계를 정리했어요' to mean you've moved on from a friendship or a dating situation. Your grammar should also be more flexible, using '정리하면서' (while organizing) or '정리하기 위해서' (in order to organize). You are now using the word to manage not just your space, but your time, your information, and your personal life.
At the B2 level, '정리' becomes a tool for nuanced expression. You can use it to describe complex processes like '구조 조정' (corporate restructuring/organization) or '시스템 정리' (system optimization). You are expected to understand the word in idiomatic expressions and more formal contexts. For instance, '마음 정리' (organizing one's heart) is a common way to talk about emotional recovery after a setback. You can also use '정리' to describe the resolution of complicated issues: '복잡한 문제를 정리하는 중이에요' (I am in the process of sorting out/organizing a complex problem). At this stage, you should be able to distinguish '정리' from its synonyms like '수습' (handling a crisis) or '요약' (summarizing). You might use '정리' to describe the act of streamlining a process to make it more efficient. In writing, you use '정리' to create well-structured arguments. You might say, '이 논문의 핵심 내용을 정리하자면...' (To summarize/organize the core content of this thesis...). You also understand the cultural weight of '정리,' such as the importance of '주변 정리' (organizing one's affairs) before a major life transition. Your usage reflects an understanding that '정리' is about creating clarity in the face of complexity.
At the C1 level, you use '정리' with the precision of a native speaker, often in academic, legal, or highly formal contexts. You understand '정리' as 'theorem' in mathematics (e.g., '피타고라스의 정리'). You can discuss '이론 정리' (the systematization of a theory) or '법적 정리' (legal settlement/resolution). Your use of '정리' in the context of relationships and emotions is subtle; you might talk about '감정의 정리' (the sorting of emotions) as a philosophical process. You are also familiar with the word in business strategies, such as '사업 정리' (liquidating or restructuring a business). At this level, you can use '정리' to describe the act of synthesizing various pieces of information into a cohesive whole. For example, '흩어져 있는 자료들을 하나의 보고서로 정리했습니다' (I organized the scattered data into a single report). You also recognize the use of '정리' in literature and high-level journalism to describe the resolution of social conflicts or historical narratives. You can use the word to critique how something is organized, using adverbs like '체계적으로' (systematically) or '논리적으로' (logically). Your command of '정리' demonstrates that you can handle both the mundane and the profound aspects of the word.
At the C2 level, '정리' is a concept you can manipulate to express abstract philosophical ideas. You might discuss '인생의 정리' (the organization/summing up of one's life) or the '역사적 정리' (historical resolution/reconciliation) of a nation's past. You understand the deepest nuances of the word, including its use in specialized fields like philosophy, where it might refer to the categorization of existence or thought systems. You can use '정리' to describe the elegant resolution of a complex paradox or the finality of a well-argued conclusion. In high-level professional settings, you might lead a '조직 정리' (organizational restructuring) or a '채무 정리' (comprehensive debt settlement). You are also sensitive to the poetic uses of '정리,' such as '계절의 정리' (the settling/passing of a season). At this level, '정리' is not just a verb but a lens through which you view the world—a constant process of seeking order and meaning. You can engage in debates about the '정리' of social norms or the '정리' of scientific paradigms. Your mastery is such that you can use the word in any register, from the most casual slang to the most elevated formal speech, always with perfect contextual accuracy. You see '정리' as the ultimate act of human intellect: the ability to turn chaos into structured, meaningful reality.

정리 30秒で

  • 정리 means 'organizing' or 'tidying up.' It is a fundamental Korean word used for physical spaces, digital files, and mental clarity.
  • Unlike '청소' (cleaning), '정리' focuses on the arrangement and system of items rather than removing dirt or dust.
  • It is commonly used in phrases like '생각 정리' (organizing thoughts) and '관계 정리' (ending/settling a relationship).
  • In formal contexts, it can mean a mathematical theorem or corporate restructuring, showing its wide range of applications.

The Korean word 정리 (Jeong-ri) is a versatile noun that primarily translates to 'organizing,' 'tidying up,' or 'arrangement.' While it is often used in the context of physical spaces—like cleaning a messy room or straightening up a desk—its application extends far beyond the material world. In Korean culture, '정리' represents the act of bringing order to chaos, whether that chaos is found in a drawer, a digital file system, a complex financial situation, or even one's internal emotional state. Understanding '정리' is essential for any learner because it appears in daily conversations, professional environments, and emotional discussions. It is derived from the Hanja characters 正 (Jeong - correct/right) and 理 (Ri - logic/reason), literally suggesting the act of putting things into their 'correct logic' or 'proper order.'

Physical Organization
This is the most common usage. It refers to the act of putting things back in their places. Unlike '청소' (cleaning/scrubbing), '정리' is about placement and systemization.
Mental and Emotional Clarity
When someone says '생각을 정리하다,' they are talking about sorting through their thoughts to reach a conclusion or find peace of mind.
Relational Resolution
In the context of relationships, '정리' often implies ending a relationship or 'settling' things so that there are no lingering feelings or obligations.

내일까지 이 서류들을 정리해 주세요. (Please organize these documents by tomorrow.)

In a professional setting, '정리' is a key competency. It involves summarizing meeting notes, categorizing client data, or streamlining business processes. If a manager asks for a '요약 정리' (summary organization), they want a concise breakdown of the main points. This word is also frequently used in the financial sector, where '채무 정리' refers to debt restructuring or settlement. The breadth of this word means that you will hear it from a mother telling her child to pick up toys, a CEO discussing corporate restructuring, and a friend talking about moving on from an ex-partner. It is a fundamental concept of maintaining harmony and efficiency in Korean life.

이사 가기 전에 짐 정리를 해야 해요. (I need to organize my belongings before moving.)

Furthermore, the digital age has given '정리' new life. It is now used for '바탕화면 정리' (desktop organization), '이메일 정리' (email cleanup), and '사진 정리' (photo sorting). In these contexts, it implies deleting unnecessary items and putting the rest into folders. The act of '정리' is seen as a way to reduce stress and increase productivity. When things are '정리'ed, one can find what they need quickly and think more clearly. This cultural emphasis on order is reflected in the high frequency of the word in self-help books and lifestyle blogs in Korea.

마음 정리가 좀 필요해요. (I need some time to sort out my feelings.)

In summary, '정리' is a foundational noun that describes the transition from disorder to order. Whether you are dealing with a messy bedroom, a complicated project, or a heavy heart, '정리' is the process of categorizing, simplifying, and resolving. It is an active, purposeful word that implies a desire for clarity and efficiency. As you learn Korean, you will find that '정리' is one of the most useful words to describe both your external environment and your internal state.

Using 정리 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and how it combines with the verb 하다 (to do) to form 정리하다 (to organize). As a noun, it often takes the object marker -를. For example, '정리를 잘해요' means 'I am good at organizing.' When you want to specify what is being organized, you place the target noun before '정리' or use the possessive particle -의, though the latter is often omitted in casual speech.

Noun + 정리
책상 정리 (Desk organization), 방 정리 (Room organization), 생각 정리 (Thought organization).
As a Result
정리가 되다 (To be organized/settled). '이제 정리가 다 됐어요' (Now everything is organized/settled).

복잡한 머릿속을 정리하고 싶어요. (I want to organize my complicated thoughts.)

Grammatically, '정리' is very flexible. You can use it in the past tense to indicate completion: '정리했어요' (I organized it). You can use it with '주다' to offer help: '정리해 줄게요' (I will organize it for you). In formal settings, you might use '정리 바랍니다' (Organization is requested/Please organize). It is also common to see '정리' used in compounds like '정리 정돈' (tidying and ordering), which emphasizes a meticulous level of neatness.

이 부분은 나중에 다시 정리해서 알려드릴게요. (I will organize this part again and let you know later.)

When discussing the end of a relationship, the phrasing is often '관계를 정리하다' (to organize/end a relationship). This sounds more mature and less impulsive than '헤어지다' (to break up). It suggests a process of sorting through feelings and deciding to move on. Similarly, '주변 정리' (organizing one's surroundings) can be a euphemism for preparing for a major life change or even a terminal situation, though in 99% of cases, it just means cleaning up your house or office.

파일 정리가 하나도 안 되어 있네요. (The files are not organized at all.)

In academic or business contexts, you'll see '정리' used to describe theorems or summarized laws. For example, '피타고라스의 정리' is the Pythagorean Theorem. This is because a theorem is a 'settled' or 'organized' truth. In your own studies, when you take notes, you are doing '노트 정리.' This is a vital skill for students in Korea, where beautiful and well-organized notes are highly valued. By mastering the usage of '정리,' you can describe everything from your physical environment to your cognitive processes and social interactions with precision.

In Korea, 정리 is a word that echoes through hallways, offices, and cafes. If you walk into a Korean home, you might hear a parent saying to a child, '장난감 정리해!' (Organize your toys!). In a professional office, a manager might say, '회의 내용 정리해서 메일로 보내주세요' (Summarize/organize the meeting contents and send them via email). The word is ubiquitous because the culture places a high premium on order and efficiency.

At Restaurants
You might hear staff saying '테이블 정리할게요' (I'll clear/organize the table) as they prepare for the next customer.
In K-Dramas
Characters often say '우리 관계 정리하자' (Let's settle/end our relationship) during a dramatic breakup scene.
On Variety Shows
Hosts will often say '자, 상황 정리 좀 해볼까요?' (Now, shall we summarize/organize the situation?) to recap a chaotic game or discussion.

다 먹은 그릇은 여기에 정리해 주세요. (Please put the finished dishes here.)

You will also encounter '정리' in the news and financial reports. Terms like '구조 조정' (structural adjustment/restructuring) are essentially a large-scale '정리' of a company's workforce or assets. During the end of the year, people talk about '연말 정리' (year-end settlement/organization), which involves both financial taxes and reflecting on the past year's events. In the digital world, YouTube creators often make '정리 영상' (summary videos) where they explain complex movie plots or historical events in a structured way.

오늘 배운 내용을 공책에 정리했어요. (I organized/wrote down today's lessons in my notebook.)

Another interesting place you'll hear it is in the beauty or fashion industry. '눈썹 정리' (eyebrow grooming/tidying) or '머리 정리' (hair tidying) refers to the act of trimming and shaping to look neat. Even in small talk, if someone looks a bit distracted, a friend might ask, '생각 정리 다 됐어?' (Have you finished sorting out your thoughts?). This shows how deeply the concept of '정리' is embedded in the Korean psyche as a necessary step for moving forward in any aspect of life.

이메일함 정리하는 데 시간이 오래 걸렸어요. (It took a long time to organize my inbox.)

Finally, notice the signage in public spaces. In libraries, subways, and parks, signs will often remind citizens: '사용한 물건은 제자리에 정리해 주십시오' (Please return used items to their original places). This communal '정리' is a hallmark of Korean social etiquette. By paying attention to these contexts, you'll see that '정리' is not just a verb but a social value that promotes clarity, respect, and peace.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 정리 (Jeong-ri) with 청소 (Cheong-so). While both are related to 'cleaning,' they are not interchangeable. '청소' specifically refers to the act of removing dirt, dust, or grime—think vacuuming, mopping, or scrubbing. '정리,' on the other hand, is about organization and arrangement. You can have a room that is perfectly '정리'ed (everything is in its place) but still needs '청소' (the floor is dusty).

Mistake: Using '청소' for thoughts
Incorrect: 생각을 청소해요. (I clean my thoughts.) Correct: 생각을 정리해요. (I organize my thoughts.)
Mistake: Using '정리' for scrubbing
Incorrect: 화장실을 정리해요 (if you mean scrubbing the toilet). Correct: 화장실을 청소해요.

방이 지저분해서 정리를 좀 해야겠어요. (The room is messy, so I need to organize it.)

Another common error is failing to use the correct particle. While '정리하다' is a common verb, learners sometimes forget that '정리' can stand alone as a noun. For example, '정리 시간' (organization time) is correct, but '정리하는 시간' is more natural when describing a specific period of time dedicated to tidying. Also, be careful with '정리되다' (to be organized) vs. '정리하다' (to organize). If you say '책상이 정리해요,' you are saying 'The desk is organizing (something),' which is nonsensical. It should be '책상을 정리해요' (I organize the desk) or '책상이 정리되어 있어요' (The desk is organized).

서류 정리가 끝났나요? (Is the document organization finished?)

A subtle mistake occurs in the context of relationships. Learners might use '끝내다' (to end) exclusively. While '관계를 끝내다' is correct, using '관계를 정리하다' shows a higher level of nuance. It implies a 'cleaning up' of the emotional baggage. However, don't use '정리' for ending a simple task like a movie; use '끝내다' or '마치다' for that. '정리' implies there was some complexity or mess that needed sorting.

이 문제는 정리하기가 쉽지 않네요. (This problem is not easy to sort out/organize.)

Lastly, learners sometimes over-rely on '정리' for any kind of 'writing.' If you are writing a story, use '쓰다.' If you are summarizing a long article into bullet points, *then* use '정리.' '정리' always carries the connotation of filtering and structuring information rather than creating it from scratch. By keeping these distinctions in mind—dirt vs. order, creation vs. organization, and ending vs. settling—you will use '정리' like a native speaker.

To truly master 정리, it helps to compare it with similar Korean words that deal with order, cleaning, and resolution. Each word has a specific nuance that makes it suitable for different situations. By learning these alternatives, you can be more precise in your communication.

청소 (Cheong-so)
Cleaning. Focuses on hygiene and removing dirt. You '청소' a floor but '정리' a bookshelf.
정돈 (Jeong-don)
Tidying/Arranging. Often paired with '정리' as '정리 정돈.' '정돈' is more about the aesthetic alignment and neatness of objects.
수습 (Su-seup)
Cleaning up a mess/Fixing a situation. Usually used when something has gone wrong, like '사태를 수습하다' (to handle/settle a crisis).
요약 (Yo-yak)
Summarizing. Used specifically for text or speeches. While '정리' can include summarizing, '요약' is strictly about shortening the length.

방을 정리하고 바닥을 청소했어요. (I organized the room and cleaned the floor.)

When you want to emphasize the *completion* or *settlement* of something, you might use 해결 (Hae-gyeol), which means 'resolution' or 'solution.' While '문제를 정리하다' means to sort out a problem, '문제를 해결하다' means to actually solve it. Similarly, 마무리 (Ma-mu-ri) refers to 'finishing touches' or 'wrapping up.' You '마무리' a project when it's almost done, whereas you '정리' it to make sure all the parts are in order.

내용을 간략하게 정리해 봅시다. (Let's summarize/organize the content briefly.)

In formal documents, you might see 배열 (Bae-yeol), which means 'arrangement' or 'array,' often used in technical or mathematical contexts. 분류 (Bun-ryu) means 'classification' and is used when you are sorting things into specific categories. While '정리' involves sorting, '분류' is the technical term for the act of categorizing. Understanding these synonyms helps you navigate the subtle differences between a 'neat room' (정돈된 방), a 'clean room' (청소된 방), and an 'organized room' (정리된 방).

책들을 장르별로 정리했어요. (I organized the books by genre.)

In conclusion, while '정리' is the most common and versatile word, being aware of '청소,' '정돈,' '수습,' and '요약' allows you to express yourself with much more clarity. Whether you are talking about your home, your work, or your personal life, choosing the right word for 'order' reflects your growing command of the Korean language.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The character 理 (Ri) originally referred to the veins in jade. Just as a gem cutter follows the natural veins to polish jade, '정리' implies following a natural or logical order to arrange things.

発音ガイド

UK t͡ɕʌŋ.ni
US t͡ɕʌŋ.ni
Equal stress on both syllables, though the first syllable '정' is slightly more prominent in initial position.
韻が合う語
승리 (Seung-ri - Victory) 심리 (Sim-ri - Psychology) 원리 (Won-ri - Principle) 관리 (Gwan-ri - Management) 조리 (Jo-ri - Logic/Cooking) 수리 (Su-ri - Repair) 처리 (Cheo-ri - Processing) 거리 (Geo-ri - Distance)
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing '정' like 'Jong' (too closed). It should be more like 'Jung'.
  • Making the 'r' in 'ri' too heavy like an English 'R'. It should be a light flap.
  • Separating the syllables too much. They should flow smoothly.
  • Pronouncing 'ng' as a hard 'G'. It is a nasal sound.
  • Confusing the vowel 'eo' (ㅓ) with 'o' (ㅗ).

難易度

読解 2/5

The word is easy to recognize in its Hanja-based form.

ライティング 3/5

Requires understanding of how it combines with '하다' or '되다'.

スピーキング 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires the 'eo' vowel.

リスニング 2/5

Commonly heard in many contexts, making it easy to pick up.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

하다 깨끗하다 지저분하다

次に学ぶ

청소 정돈 수습 준비 해결

上級

구조 조정 정리 해고 피타고라스의 정리 체계화

知っておくべき文法

Noun + 하다 to form a verb

정리 + 하다 = 정리하다 (to organize)

Noun + 되다 for passive state

정리 + 되다 = 정리되다 (to be organized)

Object marker 을/를

방을 정리해요.

Sequence marker -아서/어서

정리해서 보내주세요.

Imperative -세요

정리하세요.

レベル別の例文

1

방을 정리해요.

I organize my room.

Present tense of '정리하다'.

2

책상을 정리하세요.

Please organize the desk.

Imperative form '-하세요'.

3

장난감을 정리해요.

I organize the toys.

Object marker '-를/을' is used.

4

정리 시간이에요.

It is organization time.

Noun + '이다' (to be).

5

옷을 정리했어요.

I organized the clothes.

Past tense '-했어요'.

6

가방을 정리합시다.

Let's organize the bag.

Suggestive form '-합시다'.

7

정리가 필요해요.

Organization is needed.

Subject marker '-가' + '필요하다'.

8

신발을 정리해 주세요.

Please organize the shoes.

Request form '-해 주세요'.

1

사진을 폴더별로 정리했어요.

I organized the photos by folder.

'-별로' means 'by/per'.

2

공책 정리를 잘해요.

I am good at organizing my notebook.

'-를 잘하다' means 'to be good at'.

3

이메일을 정리하고 있어요.

I am organizing my emails.

Progressive form '-고 있다'.

4

방 정리가 다 됐어요.

The room organization is all done.

'다 되다' means 'to be completely done'.

5

서류를 가나다순으로 정리하세요.

Organize the documents in alphabetical (Ganada) order.

'-순으로' means 'in order of'.

6

식사 후에 테이블을 정리해요.

Organize (clear) the table after the meal.

'- 후에' means 'after'.

7

냉장고 정리를 해야겠어요.

I should organize the refrigerator.

'-해야겠다' expresses intention.

8

짐 정리가 생각보다 힘들어요.

Organizing the luggage is harder than I thought.

'-보다' is used for comparison.

1

생각을 정리할 시간이 필요해요.

I need time to organize my thoughts.

Future participle '-ㄹ' modifying '시간'.

2

회의 내용을 정리해서 보내주세요.

Please organize the meeting contents and send them.

'-아서/어서' shows sequence of actions.

3

복잡한 감정을 정리하기가 어려워요.

It is difficult to organize complex emotions.

'-기가 어렵다' means 'it is difficult to...'.

4

이사 가기 전에 주변을 정리했어요.

I organized my surroundings before moving.

'-기 전에' means 'before doing'.

5

중요한 포인트만 정리해 봅시다.

Let's try to organize just the important points.

'-아/어 보다' means 'to try doing'.

6

그 사람과의 관계를 정리했어요.

I settled/ended my relationship with that person.

Abstract use of '정리' for relationships.

7

여행 계획을 표로 정리했어요.

I organized the travel plans into a table.

'-로' indicates the method or form.

8

바탕화면을 정리하니까 깨끗하네요.

Since I organized the desktop, it looks clean.

'-니까' expresses a reason or discovery.

1

이 책은 한국 역사를 잘 정리하고 있습니다.

This book organizes Korean history well.

Formal present progressive '-고 있습니다'.

2

마음 정리가 되면 다시 연락할게요.

I'll contact you again when my heart is settled.

'-면' (if/when) with '정리가 되다'.

3

불필요한 지출을 정리할 필요가 있어요.

There is a need to organize (cut down) unnecessary expenses.

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

4

데이터를 체계적으로 정리해야 합니다.

The data must be organized systematically.

Adverb '체계적으로' (systematically).

5

그는 자신의 생각을 논리적으로 정리했다.

He organized his thoughts logically.

Plain style past tense '-했다'.

6

사업을 정리하고 고향으로 내려갔어요.

He organized (closed down) the business and went to his hometown.

Business context of '정리'.

7

이 사건을 시간순으로 정리해 봅시다.

Let's organize this incident in chronological order.

'시간순' means 'chronological order'.

8

노트 정리가 합격의 비결이었어요.

Organizing notes was the secret to passing.

Noun + '-이/가' + '비결' (secret/key).

1

피타고라스의 정리를 증명해 보세요.

Try to prove the Pythagorean theorem.

'정리' here means 'theorem'.

2

기업의 구조 조정을 통해 인력을 정리했다.

They organized (reduced) the workforce through corporate restructuring.

Professional euphemism for layoffs.

3

이 보고서는 시장 동향을 일목요연하게 정리했다.

This report organized the market trends in a clear and orderly manner.

Idiom '일목요연하게' (clear at a glance).

4

과거의 잘못을 정리하고 새롭게 시작합시다.

Let's settle the mistakes of the past and start anew.

Abstract moral/historical resolution.

5

복잡한 법적 절차를 정리하는 데 수개월이 걸렸다.

It took several months to organize (settle) the complex legal procedures.

'-는 데' indicates the time/effort taken for a task.

6

그의 철학은 현대 사회의 문제를 잘 정리하고 있다.

His philosophy organizes the problems of modern society well.

Intellectual systematization.

7

채무 정리를 위해 파산 신청을 했습니다.

I filed for bankruptcy for debt settlement.

Financial terminology '채무 정리'.

8

흩어진 이론들을 하나로 정리하는 작업이 필요하다.

The work of organizing scattered theories into one is necessary.

Synthesis of ideas.

1

인간의 실존적 고민을 철학적으로 정리한 저서이다.

It is a book that philosophically organizes human existential concerns.

Highly formal descriptive sentence.

2

역사적 비극을 정리하는 과정에서 진통이 따랐다.

There was pain in the process of settling historical tragedies.

Metaphorical use of '진통' (birth pains/suffering).

3

그는 죽음을 앞두고 자신의 삶을 정리하기 시작했다.

Facing death, he began to organize (sum up) his life.

Reflective/Existential usage.

4

사회적 갈등을 정리하기 위한 범국가적 기구가 출범했다.

A pan-national organization was launched to settle social conflicts.

Political/Social resolution.

5

패러다임의 정리는 과학 발전에 필수적인 요소이다.

The organization (systematization) of paradigms is an essential element in scientific progress.

Academic/Scientific discourse.

6

그 논문은 기존의 연구 성과를 완벽하게 정리해냈다.

That thesis perfectly organized (synthesized) existing research achievements.

'-해내다' implies successful completion of a difficult task.

7

언어의 체계를 정리하는 것은 문화를 이해하는 지름길이다.

Organizing the system of a language is a shortcut to understanding culture.

Abstract cultural analysis.

8

미결된 감정들을 정리하는 것은 자아 성장의 밑거름이 된다.

Settling unresolved emotions becomes the foundation for self-growth.

Psychological/Growth metaphor.

よく使う組み合わせ

방을 정리하다
생각을 정리하다
관계를 정리하다
파일을 정리하다
노트 정리
마음 정리
짐을 정리하다
내용을 정리하다
정리 정돈
정리가 되다

よく使うフレーズ

정리 좀 해!

— Clean up! / Tidy up! (Used as a command).

방이 이게 뭐야? 정리 좀 해!

한마디로 정리하자면

— To summarize in one word / To put it simply.

한마디로 정리하자면, 이건 실패예요.

정리하는 김에

— While I'm at it (organizing).

정리하는 김에 옷도 좀 버렸어요.

대충 정리하다

— To organize roughly or quickly.

시간이 없어서 대충 정리했어요.

깔끔하게 정리하다

— To organize neatly and cleanly.

책상을 깔끔하게 정리하니까 좋네요.

주변 정리

— Organizing one's surroundings (often implies life changes).

새 출발을 위해 주변 정리를 했어요.

요약 정리

— A summarized organization of information.

강의 내용을 요약 정리해서 공유할게요.

정리 해고

— Redundancy dismissal / Layoff (Formal).

회사가 어려워져서 정리 해고를 단행했다.

생각이 안 정리되다

— To be unable to clear one's head or organize thoughts.

너무 당황해서 생각이 안 정리돼요.

정리 정돈 잘하는 사람

— A person who is good at keeping things tidy.

그는 정리 정돈 잘하는 사람으로 유명해요.

よく混同される語

정리 vs 청소

Cleaning dirt vs. Organizing objects.

정리 vs 준비

Preparing for future vs. Tidying up current state.

정리 vs 수리

Repairing broken items vs. Arranging items.

慣用句と表現

"마음을 정리하다"

— To sort out one's feelings, usually to move on from something painful.

이별 후 마음을 정리하는 데 시간이 걸렸다.

Common
"신변 정리"

— To put one's personal affairs in order, sometimes used in serious life contexts.

그는 여행을 떠나기 전 신변 정리를 마쳤다.

Formal
"판을 정리하다"

— To wrap up a situation or a game, often by winning or ending it.

그가 마지막 슛으로 판을 정리했다.

Colloquial
"머릿속을 정리하다"

— Literally 'to organize inside the head'; to get one's thoughts in order.

잠시 산책하며 머릿속을 정리했어요.

Common
"빚을 정리하다"

— To pay off or settle one's debts completely.

드디어 모든 빚을 정리했습니다.

Common
"관계 정리"

— The act of ending a relationship in a structured or definitive way.

우리는 이미 관계 정리가 끝난 사이예요.

Common
"서랍 정리"

— Literally 'drawer organization,' but often used as a metaphor for small life fixes.

주말에 서랍 정리를 하며 기분 전환을 했다.

Common
"상황 정리"

— Settling or summarizing a chaotic situation.

경찰이 나타나서 상황 정리를 했다.

Common
"내용 정리"

— Summarizing the core points of a discussion or text.

오늘 수업의 핵심 내용 정리를 해볼까요?

Common
"정리 정돈"

— A set phrase emphasizing both tidying and maintaining order.

아이들에게 정리 정돈의 중요성을 가르쳐요.

Common

間違えやすい

정리 vs 정돈

Both mean arranging things.

정돈 is specifically about neatness and aesthetic order, while 정리 is more general and includes finishing or summarizing.

정리 정돈을 잘해야 한다.

정리 vs 수습

Both involve fixing a mess.

수습 is used for crises or accidental messes, while 정리 is for routine organization.

사고를 수습하다.

정리 vs 해결

Both involve ending a problem.

해결 means finding a solution, while 정리 means sorting through the parts of the problem.

문제를 해결했다.

정리 vs 요약

Both involve making things shorter.

요약 is only for text/speech, while 정리 can be for anything.

내용을 요약했다.

정리 vs 분류

Both involve sorting.

분류 is the technical act of putting into categories, while 정리 is the act of making it neat.

쓰레기를 분류하다.

文型パターン

A1

N을/를 정리해요.

책을 정리해요.

A2

N 정리가 다 됐어요.

방 정리가 다 됐어요.

B1

V-기 위해 정리해요.

공부하기 위해 책상을 정리해요.

B1

생각을 정리할 시간이 필요해요.

결정하기 전에 생각을 정리할 시간이 필요해요.

B2

N을/를 체계적으로 정리하다.

데이터를 체계적으로 정리하다.

B2

관계를 정리하기로 했어요.

그와의 관계를 정리하기로 했어요.

C1

N의 정리를 통해...

이론의 정리를 통해 새로운 사실을 발견했다.

C2

인생을 정리하는 시점.

그는 자신의 인생을 정리하는 시점에 서 있다.

語族

名詞

정리 (Organization)
정돈 (Tidying)
정리함 (Organizer box)
정리 전문가 (Professional organizer)

動詞

정리하다 (To organize)
정리되다 (To be organized)
정리시키다 (To make someone organize)

形容詞

정리된 (Organized)
정리되지 않은 (Unorganized)

関連

청소 (Cleaning)
분류 (Classification)
요약 (Summary)
수습 (Handling)
배열 (Array)

使い方

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and professional writing.

よくある間違い
  • Using '청소' for thoughts. 생각을 정리해요.

    Thoughts aren't dirty; they are just unorganized.

  • Saying '책상이 정리해요'. 책상을 정리해요.

    You organize the desk; the desk doesn't organize you.

  • Using '정리' for fixing a broken car. 차를 수리해요.

    '정리' is for order, '수리' is for repair.

  • Using '정리' for writing a novel. 소설을 써요.

    '정리' is for summarizing or structuring existing info, not creative writing.

  • Confusing '정리' with '준비'. 파티를 준비해요.

    '준비' is preparation for the future; '정리' is tidying the current or past.

ヒント

The 'Ready' Rule

Think of 'Ri' in 'Jeong-ri' as 'Ready'. When you organize, you make things ready for use.

Note-taking Culture

Koreans take '노트 정리' very seriously. Neat notes are often shared among friends.

Don't over-clean

Remember, if you are scrubbing a floor, use '청소'. If you are moving books, use '정리'.

Verb Formation

Just add '하다' to '정리' and you have a very powerful verb for many situations.

Digital Tidying

Use '정리' when talking about cleaning up your phone's storage or desktop icons.

Heart Settlement

Use '마음 정리' when you need to tell someone you are moving on from a difficult time.

Meeting Recaps

In an office, always ask if you should '정리' the meeting notes for the team.

Restaurant Manners

You can help '정리' the table at a casual restaurant to be polite.

Synthesize Knowledge

After every Korean lesson, do a quick '정리' of the new words you learned.

Look for Signs

In public places, look for '정리하는 곳' to know where to return items.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'Jeong' as 'Just' and 'Ri' as 'Ready'. You are 'Just' getting everything 'Ready' and in its place.

視覚的連想

Imagine a bookshelf where all the books are falling over, and then a hand comes in to '정리' them so they are all perfectly vertical and sorted by color.

Word Web

Room Thoughts Files Relationship Neat Order System Summary

チャレンジ

Try to say '정리' three times fast while looking at a messy corner of your room. Then, spend 5 minutes doing '정리' and see how you feel.

語源

Derived from the Hanja characters 正 (정) and 理 (리).

元の意味: 正 means 'correct, right, or straight.' 理 means 'reason, logic, or principle.' Together, they mean 'to put things into their correct logic or order.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

文化的な背景

Be careful when using '정리' for relationships; it can sound quite cold or final if not used with care.

English speakers often say 'clean up' to cover both scrubbing and organizing. Koreans are much more specific about using '청소' for dirt and '정리' for order.

The 'Marie Kondo' effect in Korea led to a surge in '정리' related books. K-Drama breakups often feature the line '우리 관계 정리하자'. Pythagorean Theorem is called '피타고라스의 정리' in Korean schools.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

At Home

  • 방 정리해라.
  • 정리함이 필요해요.
  • 옷을 정리해요.
  • 거실 좀 정리하자.

At the Office

  • 서류 정리 부탁해요.
  • 파일 정리 다 했나요?
  • 회의록 정리해 주세요.
  • 바탕화면 정리 좀 해야겠어요.

In a Relationship

  • 마음 정리 중이야.
  • 우리 관계 정리하자.
  • 생각 정리할 시간이 필요해.
  • 과거를 정리했어요.

In School

  • 노트 정리 잘하네.
  • 수업 내용 정리해 봐.
  • 수학 정리 외웠어?
  • 책상 정리하세요.

In Finance

  • 빚을 정리했어요.
  • 지출을 정리해야 돼.
  • 영수증 정리해 줄게.
  • 가계부 정리 중이야.

会話のきっかけ

"방 정리를 얼마나 자주 하세요? (How often do you organize your room?)"

"생각을 정리할 때 보통 무엇을 하나요? (What do you usually do when you organize your thoughts?)"

"노트 정리를 잘하는 비결이 있나요? (Do you have a secret for organizing notes well?)"

"최근에 정리한 것 중에 가장 기분 좋았던 건 뭐예요? (What's the most satisfying thing you've organized recently?)"

"파일 정리를 안 하면 어떤 기분이 드세요? (How do you feel if you don't organize your files?)"

日記のテーマ

오늘 내가 정리한 세 가지 물건에 대해 써보세요. (Write about three things you organized today.)

내 마음을 정리하기 위해 필요한 것은 무엇인지 고민해 보세요. (Think about what you need to organize your heart/mind.)

정리 정돈이 우리 삶에 왜 중요한지 자신의 생각을 적어보세요. (Write your thoughts on why organization is important in our lives.)

1년 후의 내 모습을 정리해 본다면 어떤 모습일까요? (If you were to organize/summarize your life one year from now, what would it look like?)

가장 정리하기 힘들었던 경험에 대해 이야기해 보세요. (Tell a story about the most difficult thing you ever had to organize.)

よくある質問

10 問

Yes, but it specifically means tidying and putting things away, not necessarily mopping or dusting.

You say '생각을 정리하다'. It's very common when you're confused or have a big decision to make.

'정리하다' is the active 'to organize,' while '정리되다' is the passive 'to be organized' or 'to get settled'.

Absolutely! '파일 정리' or '폴더 정리' are standard terms for digital organization.

Yes, it means 'theorem,' like '피타고라스의 정리' (Pythagorean Theorem).

It can mean ending a relationship definitively, implying you've sorted your feelings and moved on.

It is a formal term for layoffs or redundancy dismissals in a company.

It is called a '정리함' (Jeong-ri-ham).

Yes, it is one of the most frequently used nouns in Korean across all levels of formality.

Yes, '머리 정리' means tidying up your hair or getting a light trim to look neat.

自分をテスト 191 問

writing

Translate to Korean: 'I am organizing my room.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Please organize your thoughts.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I organized the files by folder.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I need time to settle my heart.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'The meeting notes were organized well.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Let's organize the luggage before leaving.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I finished organizing the desk.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'He is good at organizing notes.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'To put it simply, it's a success.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I need to organize my inbox.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'She decided to end the relationship.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Please organize the shoes at the entrance.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I organized the books by genre.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'The data must be organized systematically.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I'll clear the table for you.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'The room is messy, so let's tidy up.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I am in the middle of organizing my clothes.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I found this while organizing the drawer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Organization is important for productivity.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I will organize this part and let you know.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I am organizing the room' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Ask 'Shall I clear the table?' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Tell someone 'Please organize your desk' politely.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I need to organize my thoughts' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'The room organization is finished' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Tell a child 'Organize your toys!' informally.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Explain 'I'm organizing my photos' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I'll summarize the meeting' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I settled the relationship' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Ask 'Did you finish organizing the files?' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I'm good at note-taking' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I need to organize my heart' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Let's tidy up the living room' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I organize my room every weekend' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Please organize this in chronological order' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I found this while organizing' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'To put it simply, it's difficult' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I'll organize my clothes today' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'The desk is very organized' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Ask 'When is the organization time?' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Identify the word: '방을 [정리]하세요.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Does '정리' mean cleaning dirt or organizing objects in this sentence: '책을 정리해요'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and choose the meaning: '생각을 정리할게요.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

What is being organized: '파일을 정리하세요.'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

True or False: The speaker is happy. '정리하니까 깨끗해서 좋아요.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

What is the action: '짐을 정리하고 있어요.'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Is the task finished? '정리가 아직 안 됐어요.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

What is the object: '회의 내용을 정리해 주세요.'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Is this formal or informal? '방 정리해!'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

What is the topic: '피타고라스의 정리'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Identify the verb form: '정리했어요'.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Identify the noun: '노트 정리'.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen for the reason: '이사 가야 해서 정리해요.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

What is being cleared: '테이블 정리할게요.'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Is it a command or request? '정리해 주시겠어요?'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:

/ 191 correct

Perfect score!

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