위험 30秒で
- 위험 (Wi-heom) means danger or risk, used for both physical threats and abstract possibilities of loss or failure.
- It functions as a noun that frequently pairs with verbs like '무릅쓰다' (to risk) or '피하다' (to avoid).
- The adjective form '위험하다' is used to describe things or situations that are dangerous in nature.
- Common in safety signs, news reports, and daily warnings, it is a crucial word for situational awareness in Korea.
The Korean noun 위험 (Wi-heom) is a foundational term that encapsulates the concept of danger, risk, or peril. Derived from the Hanja characters 危 (위 - danger) and 險 (험 - steep/rugged), it literally paints a picture of a steep, treacherous path where one might easily fall. In modern Korean, its application spans from immediate physical threats to abstract financial or social risks. Understanding '위험' is not just about knowing a word for 'danger'; it's about grasping how Korean speakers perceive uncertainty and potential harm across various domains of life.
- Physical Safety
- Used in construction sites, natural disasters, or hazardous environments where bodily harm is possible.
- Financial Risk
- Commonly used in investment contexts to describe the possibility of losing capital or market volatility.
- Social/Situational Peril
- Refers to situations where one's reputation, job security, or relationships might be at stake.
이 구역은 낙석 위험이 있으니 출입을 금합니다. (This area has a danger of falling rocks, so entry is prohibited.)
When we look at the word '위험', we see it functioning as a noun that often pairs with the descriptive verb '하다' to form '위험하다' (to be dangerous). However, as a standalone noun, it acts as the object of many specific verbs like '무릅쓰다' (to brave/risk) or '피하다' (to avoid). This flexibility allows it to describe everything from a 'high-risk investment' (고위험 투자) to a 'dangerous person' (위험한 인물).
그는 자신의 생명의 위험을 무릅쓰고 아이를 구했다. (He saved the child at the risk of his own life.)
- Abstract Usage
- In psychology, it might refer to 'risk-taking behavior' (위험 감수 행동).
- Technical Usage
- In insurance, it refers to 'perils' or 'covered risks'.
주식 투자는 항상 원금 손실의 위험이 따릅니다. (Stock investment always carries the risk of principal loss.)
The word also carries a heavy weight in public signage. You will see '위험' written in bold red letters on electrical boxes, fences, and near deep water. It serves as a universal warning. Interestingly, in literature and drama, '위험' is often used to describe the 'dangerous charm' (위험한 매력) of a character, suggesting a thrill that comes with potential trouble. This duality—of something to be avoided and something that provides a thrill—makes it a rich word for learners to master.
그의 눈빛에는 무언가 위험한 구석이 있었다. (There was something dangerous about the look in his eyes.)
홍수 위험 때문에 주민들이 대피했다. (Residents evacuated due to the danger of flooding.)
- Medical Context
- Used to describe 'risk factors' (위험 요인) for diseases like cancer or heart disease.
Using 위험 correctly requires understanding its grammatical partnerships. As a noun, it frequently appears in the structure '[Noun] + 의 위험' (The danger of [Noun]). For example, '화재의 위험' (danger of fire). It is also the base for the adjective '위험하다', which is used to describe a state or a thing as being dangerous. When you want to say something 'is' dangerous, you use '위험해요' or '위험합니다'.
밤늦게 혼자 다니는 것은 위험해요. (It is dangerous to go around alone late at night.)
Another critical usage is with the particle '에'. '위험에 빠지다' means 'to fall into danger', while '위험에 처하다' means 'to be faced with danger'. These are common in news reports and storytelling. If you are the one creating the danger, you might '위험을 초래하다' (cause danger). If you are avoiding it, you '위험을 피하다'.
- Verb: 무릅쓰다
- This is a high-level verb meaning 'to brave' or 'to risk'. '위험을 무릅쓰고' is a set phrase meaning 'despite the risk'.
- Verb: 노출되다
- '위험에 노출되다' means 'to be exposed to danger'.
많은 아이들이 사이버 범죄의 위험에 노출되어 있습니다. (Many children are exposed to the danger of cybercrime.)
In formal settings, you will encounter '위험성' (riskiness/perilousness). While '위험' is the danger itself, '위험성' refers to the quality or degree of being dangerous. For instance, '이 계획의 위험성을 검토해야 합니다' (We must review the riskiness of this plan). This nuance is vital for B1 learners moving into B2/C1 levels.
그는 위험한 고비를 넘겼다. (He passed the dangerous crisis/turning point.)
In business Korean, '위험 관리' (Risk Management) is a standard term. You don't 'manage danger' in the sense of a tiger; you manage the 'risk' of a project failing. Here, '위험' translates more closely to the English 'risk'. Understanding the context—whether it's a physical threat or a calculated gamble—is key to choosing the right English translation, even though the Korean word remains the same.
이 수술은 부작용의 위험이 따릅니다. (This surgery carries the risk of side effects.)
You will encounter 위험 in almost every facet of Korean life. In the subway, you'll hear announcements like '발 빠짐 위험이 있으니 주의하시기 바랍니다' (Please be careful as there is a risk of your foot getting caught). On the street, yellow signs with black or red text will scream '위험' near construction sites or high-voltage areas. It is a word that demands immediate attention and respect.
지하철 승강장 바닥에 '위험' 표지판이 있어요. (There is a 'Danger' sign on the subway platform floor.)
In Korean dramas (K-Dramas), '위험' is often used in high-stakes dialogue. A bodyguard might say, '위험하니까 제 뒤에 서세요' (It's dangerous, so stand behind me). Or a doctor in a medical drama might announce, '지금 환자 상태가 매우 위험합니다' (The patient's condition is currently very critical/dangerous). In these contexts, the word heightens the tension and signals a turning point in the plot.
- News Broadcasts
- Used frequently when discussing weather warnings (typhoons, heavy snow) or economic downturns.
- Public Service Announcements
- Focusing on health risks like smoking, obesity, or viral outbreaks.
태풍으로 인한 침수 위험이 커지고 있습니다. (The danger of flooding due to the typhoon is increasing.)
In the workplace, specifically in manufacturing or engineering, '위험 요소' (danger factors) are a primary focus of safety briefings. Employees are taught to identify and report '위험' before accidents happen. Even in the digital world, your computer might show a '위험' alert if you try to visit a suspicious website or download a potentially harmful file.
이 웹사이트는 보안상 위험할 수 있습니다. (This website may be dangerous for security reasons.)
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 위험 (Danger) with 위기 (Crisis). While they are related, '위험' refers to the *possibility* of harm, whereas '위기' refers to a *critical moment* or a situation that has already become dire. For example, you face the '위험' of a fire, but if the fire is burning and the building is collapsing, you are in a '위기'.
경제 위기 (Economic Crisis) vs. 투자 위험 (Investment Risk)
Another common error is using '위험하다' when '무섭다' (to be scary) is more appropriate. '위험하다' is an objective assessment of safety, while '무섭다' is a subjective feeling of fear. You might find a horror movie '무섭다', but it isn't necessarily '위험하다' unless the TV is about to explode!
- Wrong
- 이 영화는 너무 위험해요. (This movie is very dangerous - unless it's causing physical harm.)
- Right
- 이 영화는 너무 무서워요. (This movie is very scary.)
Learners also struggle with the difference between '위험' and '모험' (adventure). In English, 'taking a risk' and 'going on an adventure' can overlap, but in Korean, '모험' usually has a more positive, exciting connotation of seeking new experiences, while '위험' is almost always something to be managed or avoided.
그는 위험을 즐기는 사람이다. (He is a person who enjoys risk/danger.)
Lastly, be careful with the particle usage. It is '위험에 빠지다' (fall into danger), not '위험을 빠지다'. The danger is a state or location you enter, hence the location particle '에'. Using the object particle '을' here is a common grammatical slip-up for English speakers who think of 'entering danger' as a direct action.
To truly master 위험, you should understand its synonyms and related terms. The most direct synonym is 위태 (Witae), often used in the phrase '위태롭다'. This describes a situation that is precarious or on the verge of collapse, like a vase sitting on the edge of a table. It feels more 'unstable' than just 'dangerous'.
그의 자리가 위태롭다. (His position/job is precarious.)
Another related word is 위협 (Wi-hyeop), which means 'threat' or 'menace'. While '위험' is the potential for harm, '위협' is often an active force or person intending to cause harm. For example, '핵 위협' (nuclear threat) or '협박과 위협' (blackmail and threats).
- 위급 (Wi-geup)
- Urgency + Danger. Used for medical emergencies or situations where every second counts.
- 험난 (Heom-nan)
- Rugged and difficult. Used for a '험난한 길' (a rough/perilous road), often metaphorically for a difficult life path.
환자가 위급한 상황입니다. (The patient is in a critical/urgent situation.)
On the opposite side, we have 안전 (An-jeon), which means 'safety'. This is the most common antonym. In any safety manual, you will see '위험' and '안전' contrasted. Another antonym is 안심 (An-sim), which refers to 'peace of mind' or feeling safe emotionally. While '안전' is the physical state of being safe, '안심' is the internal feeling that the danger has passed.
이제 안전하니 안심하세요. (It's safe now, so please rest assured.)
How Formal Is It?
難易度
知っておくべき文法
-(으)ㄹ 위험이 있다 (There is a risk of...)
-아서/어서 (Reasoning: Because it's dangerous...)
-(으)니까 (Reasoning: Since it's dangerous...)
-지 마세요 (Prohibition: Don't do it because it's dangerous)
-기 위해 (Purpose: To avoid danger)
レベル別の例文
위험해요! 조심하세요.
It's dangerous! Be careful.
위험하다 (to be dangerous) + -해요 (polite ending).
여기는 위험 지역입니다.
This is a dangerous area.
위험 (noun) + 지역 (area).
불은 위험합니다.
Fire is dangerous.
Formal polite ending -ㅂ니다.
위험! 들어가지 마세요.
Danger! Do not enter.
Imperative -지 마세요 (don't).
밤길은 위험해요.
The night road is dangerous.
Noun + 은/는 (topic marker).
이 칼은 위험해요.
This knife is dangerous.
Demonstrative '이' (this).
위험해! 뛰어가지 마.
It's dangerous! Don't run.
Informal/Casual ending -어.
저곳은 위험한 곳이에요.
That place is a dangerous place.
위험한 (adjective form) + 곳 (place).
비가 와서 길이 위험해요.
Because it's raining, the road is dangerous.
-아서/어서 (reason/cause).
혼자 산에 가는 것은 위험해요.
Going to the mountain alone is dangerous.
-는 것 (nominalization).
아이들에게 전기는 위험해요.
Electricity is dangerous for children.
Noun + 에게 (to/for).
위험하니까 가까이 가지 마세요.
Because it's dangerous, don't go close.
-(으)니까 (because).
이 약은 아이들에게 위험할 수 있어요.
This medicine can be dangerous for children.
-(으)ㄹ 수 있다 (can/possibility).
위험한 장난은 하지 마세요.
Don't play dangerous pranks.
Adjective '위험한' modifying '장난'.
운전 중에 전화하는 것은 위험합니다.
Talking on the phone while driving is dangerous.
Noun + 중에 (during).
겨울 바다는 위험할 때가 많아요.
The winter sea is often dangerous.
-(으)ㄹ 때 (when).
그는 위험을 무릅쓰고 바다에 뛰어들었다.
He jumped into the sea despite the risk.
위험을 무릅쓰다 (to brave the risk).
과속은 사고의 위험을 높입니다.
Speeding increases the risk of accidents.
Noun + 의 (possessive) + 위험.
우리는 위험에 처한 동물을 구했습니다.
We saved an animal that was in danger.
위험에 처하다 (to be in danger).
이 투자는 원금 손실의 위험이 있습니다.
This investment has a risk of losing the principal.
손실 (loss) + 의 위험.
건강을 위해 위험한 습관을 버려야 해요.
For your health, you must give up dangerous habits.
-아야/어야 하다 (must/should).
위험을 피하기 위해 우회로를 이용하세요.
Use a detour to avoid danger.
-기 위해 (in order to).
상황이 너무 위험해서 대피해야 했습니다.
The situation was so dangerous that we had to evacuate.
-아서/어서 (so... that...).
그 계획은 실패할 위험이 큽니다.
That plan has a high risk of failing.
-(으)ㄹ 위험 (risk of doing).
금융 시장의 변동성은 투자 위험을 증가시킨다.
Volatility in financial markets increases investment risk.
증가시키다 (to increase/causative).
정부는 재난 위험 관리 시스템을 강화했다.
The government strengthened the disaster risk management system.
위험 관리 (risk management).
그의 발언은 국가 안보에 위험을 초래할 수 있다.
His remarks could pose a danger to national security.
위험을 초래하다 (to cause danger).
이 수술은 어느 정도의 위험성을 내포하고 있습니다.
This surgery carries a certain degree of risk.
위험성 (riskiness) + 내포하다 (to involve/contain).
위험 요소를 사전에 차단하는 것이 중요합니다.
It is important to block risk factors in advance.
위험 요소 (risk factor).
그는 위험천만한 곡예를 선보였다.
He performed a very dangerous/perilous acrobatic feat.
위험천만하다 (to be extremely dangerous).
환경 오염은 인류의 생존에 큰 위험이 됩니다.
Environmental pollution is a great danger to human survival.
생존 (survival) + 에 (to).
우리는 모든 위험 가능성을 검토해야 합니다.
We must review all possibilities of danger.
위험 가능성 (possibility of danger).
현대 사회는 다양한 잠재적 위험에 노출되어 있다.
Modern society is exposed to various potential risks.
잠재적 (potential) + 노출되다 (to be exposed).
그 정책은 인플레이션의 위험을 간과하고 있다.
The policy is overlooking the risk of inflation.
간과하다 (to overlook).
위험 선호도가 높은 투자자들은 고수익을 추구한다.
Investors with high risk preference pursue high returns.
위험 선호도 (risk preference).
기후 변화는 전 지구적인 실존적 위험이다.
Climate change is a global existential risk.
실존적 위험 (existential risk).
법원은 피고인이 재범의 위험이 있다고 판단했다.
The court judged that the defendant had a risk of re-offending.
재범 (re-offending) + 의 위험.
기술의 발전은 항상 예상치 못한 위험을 수반한다.
Technological advancement always entails unexpected risks.
수반하다 (to entail/accompany).
그는 파산의 위험을 무릅쓰고 사업을 확장했다.
He expanded his business at the risk of bankruptcy.
파산 (bankruptcy) + 의 위험.
이 지역은 분쟁의 위험이 상존하는 곳이다.
This region is a place where the risk of conflict always exists.
상존하다 (to always exist).
울리히 벡은 현대 사회를 '위험 사회'로 규정했다.
Ulrich Beck defined modern society as a 'risk society'.
위험 사회 (Risk Society - sociological term).
위험의 외주화는 노동 시장의 심각한 문제 중 하나이다.
The outsourcing of risk is one of the serious problems in the labor market.
위험의 외주화 (outsourcing of risk/danger).
금융 시스템의 붕괴는 체계적 위험의 전형적인 예이다.
The collapse of the financial system is a typical example of systemic risk.
체계적 위험 (systemic risk).
인간의 탐욕이 초래한 환경적 위험은 이제 임계점에 도달했다.
Environmental risks caused by human greed have now reached a critical point.
임계점 (critical point/threshold).
그 소설은 인간 존재의 근원적 위험을 탐구한다.
The novel explores the fundamental risks of human existence.
근원적 (fundamental/root).
국가 간의 긴장 고조는 핵 전쟁의 위험을 가중시킨다.
Rising tensions between nations aggravate the risk of nuclear war.
가중시키다 (to aggravate/add weight).
위험 감수와 혁신 사이의 균형을 잡는 것이 경영의 핵심이다.
Balancing risk-taking and innovation is the core of management.
위험 감수 (risk-taking).
도덕적 해이는 보험 시장에서 역선택과 함께 주요한 위험 요인이다.
Moral hazard, along with adverse selection, is a major risk factor in the insurance market.
도덕적 해이 (moral hazard).
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
よく混同される語
위기 is a crisis (happening now), 위험 is a risk (might happen).
모험 is an adventure (positive/exciting), 위험 is danger (negative/to be avoided).
무섭다 is a feeling (scared), 위험하다 is a fact (dangerous).
慣用句と表現
間違えやすい
文型パターン
使い方
It is a very high-frequency word in both spoken and written Korean.
위험 covers both, unlike some languages that have separate words for physical peril and abstract risk.
- Confusing '위험' (danger) with '위기' (crisis).
- Using '위험하다' (dangerous) when you mean '무섭다' (scary).
- Using the wrong particle: '위험을 빠지다' instead of '위험에 빠지다'.
- Confusing '위험' with '모험' (adventure).
- Pronouncing the 'ㅎ' too strongly or completely omitting it.
ヒント
Hanja Roots
Remember 危 (danger) and 險 (steep). This helps you understand other words like 위기 and 험난.
Particle Choice
Use '에' when falling into danger (위험에 빠지다) and '을' when avoiding it (위험을 피하다).
Warning Others
If you see someone in immediate danger, shout '위험해요!' or '조심하세요!' immediately.
Safety Signs
Pay attention to yellow and red signs in Korea; '위험' is often written in big, bold letters.
Formal Reports
In reports, use '위험 요소 분석' (risk factor analysis) to sound professional.
Subway Safety
Listen for the word '위험' when the subway doors are closing or when approaching the platform edge.
Risk vs Crisis
Don't use '위험' when the bad thing has already happened; use '위기' instead.
Thin Ice
Learn the phrase '살얼음판을 걷다' to describe a very dangerous situation metaphorically.
Risk Management
Learn '위험 관리' if you plan to work in a Korean office or finance environment.
Medical Risk
Doctors use '위험한 고비' to describe a critical turning point in a patient's health.
暗記しよう
語源
Sino-Korean
文化的な背景
Korea has strict safety regulations, and '위험' signs are legally required in many public and private spaces.
In K-dramas, '위험한 남자' (dangerous man) is a popular trope for a charming but troubled male lead.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
会話のきっかけ
"요즘 가장 큰 경제적 위험은 무엇이라고 생각하세요? (What do you think is the biggest economic risk these days?)"
"위험을 무릅쓰고 도전해 본 적이 있나요? (Have you ever taken a risk and tried something new?)"
"한국에서 운전할 때 가장 위험한 점은 뭐예요? (What is the most dangerous thing about driving in Korea?)"
"이 지역에서 밤에 혼자 걷는 것이 위험할까요? (Would it be dangerous to walk alone at night in this area?)"
"위험한 취미를 가진 사람에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about people with dangerous hobbies?)"
日記のテーマ
내가 살면서 겪었던 가장 위험했던 순간에 대해 써보세요. (Write about the most dangerous moment you've experienced in your life.)
위험을 감수하는 것이 성공에 꼭 필요할까요? (Is taking risks necessary for success?)
우리 사회에서 해결해야 할 가장 큰 위험 요소는 무엇입니까? (What is the biggest risk factor our society needs to solve?)
건강을 위해 피해야 할 위험한 습관들을 나열해 보세요. (List dangerous habits you should avoid for your health.)
안전과 자유 사이의 균형에 대해 자신의 생각을 적어보세요. (Write your thoughts on the balance between safety and freedom.)
よくある質問
10 問위험 is the danger itself, while 위험성 is the quality or degree of being dangerous. Use 위험성 in formal analysis.
Yes, '위험 관리' (risk management) is the standard term in Korean business contexts.
Usually, yes. However, in slang or romantic contexts, it can imply a 'dangerous charm'.
You can say '위험을 감수하다' (bear the risk) or '위험을 무릅쓰다' (brave the risk).
The most common opposite is 안전 (safety).
In casual speech, just say '위험해!'.
Yes, '위험한 사람' means a dangerous person who might cause trouble or harm.
It is an idiomatic expression meaning 'extremely dangerous' or 'ten million times dangerous'.
Use the form '-ㄹ 위험이 있다' (There is a risk of [verb]-ing).
Yes, for '위험 요인' (risk factors) or '위험한 상태' (dangerous/critical condition).
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Summary
위험 is a versatile word for 'danger' and 'risk'. Whether you are looking at a warning sign on a fence or discussing financial market volatility, this word covers the spectrum of potential harm and uncertainty.
- 위험 (Wi-heom) means danger or risk, used for both physical threats and abstract possibilities of loss or failure.
- It functions as a noun that frequently pairs with verbs like '무릅쓰다' (to risk) or '피하다' (to avoid).
- The adjective form '위험하다' is used to describe things or situations that are dangerous in nature.
- Common in safety signs, news reports, and daily warnings, it is a crucial word for situational awareness in Korea.
Hanja Roots
Remember 危 (danger) and 險 (steep). This helps you understand other words like 위기 and 험난.
Particle Choice
Use '에' when falling into danger (위험에 빠지다) and '을' when avoiding it (위험을 피하다).
Warning Others
If you see someone in immediate danger, shout '위험해요!' or '조심하세요!' immediately.
Safety Signs
Pay attention to yellow and red signs in Korea; '위험' is often written in big, bold letters.
例文
이 지역은 홍수 위험이 높다.
関連コンテンツ
関連フレーズ
generalの関連語
몇몇
A2いくつか; 幾つかの; 数人の.
조금
A1少しだけ待ってください。 (조금만 기다려 주세요.)
적게
A1少なく、少量で。動作の分量が少ないことを表す副詞です。
약간
A2少し、わずかに。少量や程度の低さを表すときに使われます。
많이
A1たくさん / 多く。 「たくさん食べました」(많이 먹었어요)。 「とても忙しいです」(많이 바빠요)。
잠시
A2しばらく；少しの間。「少々お待ちください。」(잠시만 기다려 주세요。)「後ほど戻ります。」(잠시 후에 돌아오겠습니다。)
잠깐
A2For a short time; a moment.
아까
A2さっき、少し前に。さっき彼に会いました。
대해
A2「〜について」や「〜に関して」を意味します。会話や思考のトピックを導入する際に使われます。
~에 대해서
A2〜について；〜に関して。
