At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '물질' (muljil) very often, as it is a bit scientific and abstract. However, it's good to recognize it. Think of it as a word for 'stuff' or 'what things are made of.' At this stage, you are mostly learning words for specific things like 'apple,' 'chair,' or 'water.' '물질' is like the big category for all those physical things. You might see it in a very simple science book for children or on a sign that says 'No dangerous substances.' For now, just remember that if a word ends in '-질' it often relates to a quality or a substance. You don't need to worry about the complex philosophical meanings yet. Just know that it means 'matter' or 'physical substance.'
At the A2 level, you might start seeing '물질' in more common contexts, like basic health or environment topics. For example, when talking about 'fine dust' (미세먼지), which is a big topic in Korea, you might hear that it contains 'harmful substances' (유해 물질). You are beginning to move from just naming objects (like 'car' or 'factory') to describing what is inside them or what they produce. You might also hear the word in simple news clips about science. At this level, you should be able to understand that '물질' is a general noun for 'substance.' You can start noticing the difference between '물건' (an object like a pencil) and '물질' (the wood or lead that makes the pencil). It's a useful word for expanding your vocabulary into more descriptive and slightly more formal areas.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use '물질' in various contexts. This is the level where you start discussing social issues and more complex science. You will encounter '물질' in discussions about 'materialism' (물질주의) and the value of money versus happiness. You should be comfortable using the adjective form '물질적' (material/physical) to describe things like 'material support' (물질적 지원) or 'material wealth' (물질적 부). In your studies, you will see this word in science-related texts, explaining how different substances react. You are now expected to understand that '물질' is not just 'stuff,' but a specific term used to categorize the physical world. You can use it to compare the 'physical' (물질적) with the 'spiritual' (정신적) in simple debates or writing assignments.
At the B2 level, '물질' becomes a key word for academic and professional communication. You will use it to discuss environmental policy, such as the regulation of 'polluting substances' (오염 물질). You will also use it in more sophisticated sociological discussions about how a 'material-centered' society affects people's mental health. You should be able to distinguish between '물질' and its synonyms like '소재' (material for industry/art) or '재료' (ingredients/building materials) with high accuracy. In a professional setting, if you are working in science, engineering, or health, this word will be a daily part of your vocabulary. You can explain the 'properties of matter' (물질의 성질) and use the word in complex sentence structures with confidence.
At the C1 level, you are expected to understand the deep philosophical and scientific nuances of '물질.' You will encounter it in academic papers, high-level literature, and complex philosophical treatises. You can discuss the 'materialist' (유물론) perspective in history or philosophy, contrasting it with idealism. You should be able to use the word in formal speeches or writing to describe the 'material foundations' of a society. You will also understand its use in advanced physics (e.g., dark matter, antimatter) and biochemistry (metabolism). At this level, '물질' is a tool for precise expression, allowing you to discuss the very nature of existence and the subtle interplay between the physical and the metaphysical. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's in both formal and abstract contexts.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '물질' and all its derivatives. You can engage in expert-level discussions on quantum physics, where the definition of 'matter' itself is questioned. You can analyze classical Korean literature or modern social commentary that uses '물질' as a metaphor for the human condition or the pitfalls of modernity. You understand the etymological roots (Hanja) perfectly and can use this knowledge to understand or even coin related terminology. You are comfortable using the word in highly specialized fields, from environmental law to molecular biology. For you, '물질' is not just a word, but a multifaceted concept that you can manipulate with nuance and rhetorical skill in any possible context, from a scientific symposium to a poetic reflection on life.

물질 30秒で

  • 물질 means 'matter' or 'substance' in a physical and scientific sense.
  • It is often used to describe physical wealth or assets in social contexts.
  • It contrasts with '정신' (spirit/mind) in philosophical discussions.
  • Commonly found in news about pollution, science, and materialism.

The Korean word 물질 (物質) is a comprehensive term that primarily translates to "matter" or "substance" in English. It is composed of two Hanja characters: 物 (물), meaning 'thing' or 'object,' and 質 (질), meaning 'quality,' 'nature,' or 'substance.' Together, they describe the physical essence of anything that occupies space and has mass. In a scientific context, it is the standard term for chemical or physical matter. However, its usage in Korean goes far beyond the laboratory. It is deeply embedded in philosophical and sociological discussions, often serving as the direct opposite of 정신 (jeongsin), which refers to the mind, spirit, or soul. This dualism—matter versus spirit—is a central theme in Korean thought, especially when discussing the impact of modernization and capitalism on traditional values.

Scientific Context
In physics and chemistry, 물질 refers to any physical substance. You will hear terms like 화학 물질 (chemical substance), 방사성 물질 (radioactive substance), or 유해 물질 (harmful substance). It describes the tangible stuff that makes up the universe.

과학자들은 우주의 보이지 않는 물질인 암흑 물질을 연구하고 있습니다. (Scientists are studying dark matter, the invisible matter of the universe.)

Beyond science, 물질 is used to describe the material aspects of life, such as wealth, possessions, and physical comfort. This is where the term 물질주의 (materialism) comes from. In modern Korea, there is often a debate about 물질적 풍요 (material abundance) versus 정신적 행복 (spiritual happiness). People use the word to categorize the physical world as something distinct from the emotional or psychological realm. For example, if someone is said to be "blinded by material things," the word used is 물질. It captures the essence of the tangible, the measurable, and the consumable.

Economic and Social Context
It is used to describe resources and capital. 물질적 지원 (material support) refers to providing physical goods or money rather than emotional encouragement.

그는 물질적인 것보다 마음의 평화를 더 중요하게 여깁니다. (He values peace of mind more than material things.)

In summary, use 물질 when you are speaking about the physical world in a broad, abstract, or scientific way. It is a word that bridges the gap between the high-tech world of laboratory research and the everyday philosophical struggle between wanting more 'stuff' and finding inner peace. Whether you are discussing the composition of a star or the greed of a villain in a K-drama, 물질 is the essential term for the physical reality of our existence.

Using 물질 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that can function in various grammatical structures. It often appears as the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or as a modifier when combined with the possessive particle -적 (making it 물질적, meaning 'materialistic' or 'physical'). In scientific writing, it is frequently paired with descriptive adjectives that specify the type of matter being discussed.

As a Subject
When 물질 is the subject, it often describes the properties or behavior of a substance.
Example: 이 물질은 물에 잘 녹습니다. (This substance dissolves well in water.)

위험한 물질이 공기 중으로 배출되었습니다. (Dangerous substances were released into the air.)

One of the most common ways to use this word is in its adjectival form, 물질적 (mul-jil-jeok). This allows you to describe things that are related to physical matter or wealth. You will frequently hear phrases like 물질적 보상 (material reward), 물질적 가치 (material value), or 물질적 풍요 (material wealth/abundance). This form is essential for discussing social issues and personal values in Korean.

As a Modifier (-적)
Use this to describe nouns that involve physical goods or money.
Example: 우리는 물질적인 도움을 받았습니다. (We received material help.)

In academic or formal settings, 물질 is often used in compound words to define specific fields of study or phenomena. For example, 물질대사 (metabolism) literally translates to 'matter exchange' or 'substance replacement.' Similarly, 물질 문명 (material civilization) refers to the technological aspects of a society. Understanding these compounds helps you grasp how the concept of 'matter' is applied to biology, history, and sociology.

사람의 몸 안에서는 끊임없이 물질대사가 일어납니다. (Metabolism constantly occurs inside the human body.)

Finally, when using 물질 in daily conversation, it often carries a slightly negative or critical nuance when contrasted with emotions. If someone says, "Everything is just matter," they might be expressing a nihilistic view. Conversely, if they say, "Material wealth isn't everything," they are using 물질 to represent the physical world in a broader philosophical sense. By mastering these different contexts, you can use 물질 to express complex ideas about both the physical universe and the human condition.

You will encounter the word 물질 in a variety of real-world settings in Korea, ranging from evening news broadcasts to university lecture halls. It is a high-frequency word in media because it is essential for reporting on science, health, the environment, and economics. Understanding where you are likely to hear it will help you tune your ears to its specific nuances.

Environmental News
This is perhaps the most common place to hear the word today. News reports about fine dust (미세먼지), water pollution, or factory leaks will always use the word 물질. You will hear phrases like 오염 물질 (pollutants) or 발암 물질 (carcinogens). If there is a public health warning, 물질 is almost certainly going to be mentioned.

공장 근처에서 유해 물질이 검출되어 주민들이 대피했습니다. (Harmful substances were detected near the factory, so residents evacuated.)

In educational settings, from middle school science to advanced university research, 물질 is the standard term for matter. Teachers will explain the 물질의 세 가지 상태 (the three states of matter): solid (고체), liquid (액체), and gas (기체). In this context, it is a neutral, technical term used to describe the physical properties of the world. It is also found in biology textbooks when discussing 유전 물질 (genetic material) like DNA.

Documentaries and Philosophy
Korean documentaries often explore the tension between rapid economic growth and spiritual well-being. Here, you will hear the word 물질주의 (materialism). Narrators might talk about how modern society is focused on 물질적 풍요 (material abundance) while neglecting the soul. It is a key word in any discussion about the 'Korean Miracle' (the Han River Miracle) and its social consequences.

Finally, you will see it on product labels and safety warnings. If a product is made of a certain material, or if it contains hazardous chemicals, the word 물질 will appear in the fine print. For example, 가연성 물질 (flammable substance) is a common warning sign on trucks or in warehouses. Whether it is a warning on a cleaning product or a philosophical debate on a talk show, 물질 is everywhere in the linguistic landscape of Korea.

For English speakers learning Korean, the biggest challenge with 물질 is distinguishing it from several other words that translate to "thing," "material," or "object." Because English uses these words interchangeably in many contexts, learners often default to the wrong Korean term. Understanding the specific boundaries of 물질 will prevent you from sounding unnatural or confusing your listeners.

Mistake 1: 물질 vs. 물건 (mul-geon)
This is the most frequent error. 물건 refers to a specific, discrete physical object—something you can pick up, like a bag, a phone, or a chair. 물질, on the other hand, refers to the substance or matter that things are made of.
Incorrect: 이 물질은 제 가방이에요. (This substance is my bag.)
Correct: 이 물건은 제 가방이에요. (This object/thing is my bag.)

가방은 물건이지만, 가방을 만드는 가죽은 물질의 일종입니다. (A bag is an object, but the leather that makes the bag is a type of substance/material.)

Another common confusion is between 물질 and 재료 (jae-ryo) or 소재 (so-jae). While all three can translate to "material," they have different uses. 재료 is used for ingredients in cooking or materials used to build or create something specific (like wood for a house). 소재 is often used for the 'raw material' or the 'subject matter' of a story or film. 물질 is more scientific and general. You wouldn't call salt a 물질 when you are cooking; you would call it a 재료.

Mistake 2: Overusing 'Material' for 'Physical'
In English, we might say "I need some material for my project." If you mean information or data, you should use 자료 (ja-ryo), not 물질. 물질 is strictly for physical, tangible matter. If you are referring to the physical world as opposed to the digital world, 물질 is appropriate, but for 'data,' it is not.

Lastly, be careful with the word 물체 (mul-che). This means 'physical body' or 'object' and is used in physics to describe an entity that moves or has force applied to it. While 물질 is the substance, 물체 is the body made of that substance. If an unidentified flying object is spotted, it's an 'unidentified flying 물체' (UFO), not a 물질. Keeping these distinctions in mind will help you navigate the complex world of Korean nouns for 'things' with precision.

To truly master the word 물질, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Korean has a rich vocabulary for describing the physical world, and choosing the right word depends entirely on the context—whether you are in a kitchen, a science lab, a furniture store, or a philosophy seminar.

물질 (Substance/Matter) vs. 재료 (Material/Ingredient)
물질: General, scientific, abstract (e.g., "Matter is made of atoms.")
재료: Practical, specific, used for making something (e.g., "The ingredients for this cake are flour and sugar.")

건축 재료를 사러 갔지만, 그 나무라는 물질 자체의 성질에 대해 고민하게 되었습니다. (I went to buy building materials, but I ended up thinking about the properties of the substance called wood itself.)

Another important comparison is with 소재 (so-jae). This word is often used for the "raw material" of an industry or the "subject matter" of a creative work. For example, the 신소재 (new material) used in a smartphone or the 이야기 소재 (story material) for a novel. While 물질 describes the physical nature, 소재 describes the utility or the source of something.

물질 (Matter) vs. 성분 (Ingredient/Component)
물질: The whole substance (e.g., "This substance is liquid.")
성분: The parts that make up the substance (e.g., "What are the components/ingredients of this medicine?")

Finally, consider 자원 (ja-won), meaning "resources." While 물질 refers to the stuff itself, 자원 refers to matter that has economic value or can be used by humans, like 천연 자원 (natural resources). If you are discussing the environment, you might talk about how 유해 물질 (harmful substances) are destroying our 자연 자원 (natural resources). By understanding these nuances, you can choose the most precise word for any situation, moving beyond simple translations to true linguistic fluency.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The character 質 (질) also appears in 'quality' (품질) and 'protein' (단백질), highlighting its connection to the fundamental 'nature' or 'makeup' of things.

発音ガイド

UK /mul.t͡ɕil/
US /mul.t͡ɕil/
The stress is equal on both syllables, typical of Korean words.
韻が合う語
품질 (pum-jil - quality) 성질 (seong-jil - nature/temper) 본질 (bon-jil - essence) 특질 (teuk-jil - characteristic) 체질 (che-jil - constitution) 기질 (gi-jil - temperament) 단백질 (dan-baek-jil - protein) 지질 (ji-jil - geology/lipid)
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the first 'l' (ㄹ) too heavily like an English 'r'.
  • Failing to tense the 'j' (ㅈ) in the second syllable; it sounds more like 'jil' after the 'l' sound.
  • Pronouncing 'mul' like 'mull' in 'mulling over'.

難易度

読解 3/5

Common in news and textbooks, but requires context to distinguish from synonyms.

ライティング 4/5

Using the correct Hanja-based synonyms like 소재 vs 물질 can be tricky.

スピーキング 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but usage in abstract debates is advanced.

リスニング 3/5

Clearly pronounced, often followed by technical descriptions.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

물건 (thing) 과학 (science) 돈 (money) 몸 (body) 정신 (spirit)

次に学ぶ

성질 (property) 본질 (essence) 원소 (element) 분자 (molecule) 가치관 (values)

上級

유물론 (materialism/philosophy) 초전도체 (superconductor) 물질대사 (metabolism) 엔트로피 (entropy)

知っておくべき文法

N + -적 (Adjective-forming suffix)

물질 -> 물질적 (Materialistic/Physical)

N + -주의 (Ideology suffix)

물질 -> 물질주의 (Materialism)

N + -성 (Property suffix)

물질 -> 물질성 (Materiality)

N + -대사 (Exchange/Metabolism)

물질 + 대사 -> 물질대사 (Metabolism)

A-ㄴ/은 + N (Adjective modifying noun)

위험한 물질 (Dangerous substance)

レベル別の例文

1

이것은 신비한 물질입니다.

This is a mysterious substance.

이것 (this) + 은 (topic marker) + 물질 (substance) + 입니다 (is).

2

물질은 아주 작아요.

Matter is very small.

물질 (matter) + 은 (topic marker) + 아주 (very) + 작아요 (is small).

3

우유에는 좋은 물질이 많아요.

There are many good substances in milk.

우유 (milk) + 에 (in) + 는 (topic marker) + 좋은 (good) + 물질 (substance).

4

그것은 어떤 물질이에요?

What kind of substance is that?

어떤 (what kind of) + 물질 (substance) + 이에요 (is it)?

5

물질은 색이 없어요.

The substance has no color.

색 (color) + 이 (subject marker) + 없어요 (there is not).

6

이 물질은 뜨거워요.

This substance is hot.

이 (this) + 물질 (substance) + 은 (topic marker) + 뜨거워요 (is hot).

7

물질을 만지지 마세요.

Please do not touch the substance.

물질 (substance) + 을 (object marker) + 만지지 마세요 (don't touch).

8

공기는 물질이에요.

Air is matter.

공기 (air) + 는 (topic marker) + 물질 (matter) + 이에요 (is).

1

공기 중에는 여러 가지 물질이 섞여 있어요.

Various substances are mixed in the air.

섞여 있어요 (is mixed).

2

이 액체는 위험한 물질입니다.

This liquid is a dangerous substance.

위험한 (dangerous) + 물질 (substance).

3

우리는 새로운 물질을 발견했습니다.

We discovered a new substance.

발견했습니다 (discovered - formal).

4

이 가루는 어떤 물질로 만들어졌나요?

What substance is this powder made of?

만들어졌나요 (was it made)?

5

몸에 해로운 물질을 피해야 해요.

You must avoid substances harmful to the body.

해로운 (harmful) + 피해야 해요 (must avoid).

6

이 물질은 냄새가 아주 강해요.

This substance has a very strong smell.

냄새 (smell) + 가 (subject marker) + 강해요 (is strong).

7

물질의 상태가 변하고 있어요.

The state of the matter is changing.

상태 (state) + 가 (subject marker) + 변하고 있어요 (is changing).

8

식물은 햇빛으로 물질을 만들어요.

Plants make substances using sunlight.

햇빛으로 (with/using sunlight).

1

현대 사회는 물질적인 풍요를 누리고 있습니다.

Modern society is enjoying material abundance.

물질적인 (materialistic/physical) + 풍요 (abundance).

2

과학자들은 이 물질의 성질을 연구하고 있습니다.

Scientists are researching the properties of this substance.

성질 (properties/nature) + 연구하고 있습니다 (is researching).

3

물질보다 정신적인 가치가 더 중요할 때가 있습니다.

There are times when spiritual values are more important than material things.

~보다 (than) + 정신적인 (spiritual/mental).

4

그 공장은 유해 물질을 무단으로 배출했습니다.

The factory illegally discharged harmful substances.

무단으로 (without permission/illegally).

5

물질대사가 원활해야 건강을 유지할 수 있습니다.

Metabolism must be smooth to maintain health.

물질대사 (metabolism) + 원활해야 (must be smooth).

6

이 약은 특정 물질에 반응하는 원리입니다.

This medicine works on the principle of reacting to a specific substance.

반응하는 (reacting) + 원리 (principle).

7

물질적 지원뿐만 아니라 정서적 지지도 필요합니다.

Not only material support but also emotional support is needed.

~뿐만 아니라 (not only... but also).

8

플라스틱은 분해되지 않는 물질입니다.

Plastic is a substance that does not decompose.

분해되지 않는 (not decomposing).

1

정부는 대기 중 오염 물질의 농도를 규제하기 시작했습니다.

The government has begun to regulate the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere.

농도 (concentration) + 규제하기 (regulating).

2

그 소설은 물질만능주의에 빠진 현대인을 비판합니다.

The novel criticizes modern people who have fallen into mammonism (material-almighty-ism).

물질만능주의 (mammonism/materialism).

3

우주의 대부분은 암흑 물질로 이루어져 있다고 합니다.

It is said that most of the universe consists of dark matter.

이루어져 있다고 합니다 (is said to be composed of).

4

이 신소재는 가볍지만 강철보다 강한 물질입니다.

This new material is a substance that is light but stronger than steel.

신소재 (new material) + 강철 (steel).

5

화학 물질의 오남용은 생태계에 치명적인 영향을 미칩니다.

The misuse and abuse of chemical substances have a fatal impact on the ecosystem.

오남용 (misuse and abuse) + 치명적인 (fatal).

6

그는 물질적 욕망을 버리고 산으로 들어갔습니다.

He gave up material desires and went into the mountains.

욕망 (desire) + 버리고 (giving up).

7

이 연구는 방사성 물질의 반감기를 측정하는 것이 목적입니다.

The purpose of this study is to measure the half-life of radioactive substances.

반감기 (half-life) + 측정하는 것 (measuring).

8

물질의 최소 단위인 원자에 대해 배워봅시다.

Let's learn about the atom, the smallest unit of matter.

최소 단위 (smallest unit).

1

물질 문명의 발달은 인류에게 편리함을 주었지만 소외를 낳기도 했습니다.

The development of material civilization gave humanity convenience but also gave birth to alienation.

소외 (alienation) + 낳기도 했습니다 (also gave birth to).

2

칸트는 물질 세계와 정신 세계의 관계를 심도 있게 고찰했습니다.

Kant deeply considered the relationship between the material world and the mental world.

심도 있게 (deeply) + 고찰했습니다 (considered/examined).

3

이 논문은 초전도 물질의 상온 구현 가능성을 탐구합니다.

This paper explores the possibility of implementing superconducting substances at room temperature.

초전도 (superconducting) + 상온 구현 (room temperature implementation).

4

자본주의 사회에서 물질적 가치는 종종 도덕적 가치를 압도합니다.

In capitalist societies, material values often overwhelm moral values.

압도합니다 (overwhelms).

5

유전 물질의 변형은 예기치 못한 돌연변이를 유발할 수 있습니다.

Modification of genetic material can cause unexpected mutations.

예기치 못한 (unexpected) + 유발할 수 (can cause).

6

그 화가는 물질의 질감을 극대화하여 표현하는 것으로 유명합니다.

The painter is famous for expressing the texture of matter to the maximum.

질감 (texture) + 극대화하여 (maximizing).

7

물질의 가변성은 불교의 제행무상 사상과 일맥상통합니다.

The variability of matter is in line with the Buddhist idea of impermanence.

가변성 (variability) + 일맥상통합니다 (is in line with).

8

반물질의 존재는 현대 물리학의 가장 흥미로운 과제 중 하나입니다.

The existence of antimatter is one of the most interesting challenges in modern physics.

반물질 (antimatter) + 과제 (task/challenge).

1

물질적 토대가 빈약한 상태에서의 민주주의는 사상누각에 불과할 수 있다.

Democracy in a state where the material foundation is poor can be nothing more than a house built on sand.

물질적 토대 (material foundation) + 사상누각 (house built on sand).

2

양자 역학은 물질의 입자성과 파동성이라는 이중성을 규명해냈다.

Quantum mechanics has identified the duality of matter: its particle nature and wave nature.

입자성 (particle nature) + 파동성 (wave nature) + 규명해냈다 (identified/clarified).

3

포스트모더니즘은 물질과 정신의 이분법적 사고를 해체하려 시도한다.

Postmodernism attempts to deconstruct the dichotomous thinking of matter and spirit.

이분법적 사고 (dichotomous thinking) + 해체하려 (to deconstruct).

4

물질의 순환 과정에서 에너지는 보존되지만 엔트로피는 증가한다.

In the process of matter cycling, energy is conserved, but entropy increases.

순환 (cycle) + 보존되지만 (is conserved but).

5

그 철학자는 물질적 소유가 인간의 본질적 자유를 억압한다고 주장했다.

The philosopher argued that material possession oppresses the essential freedom of human beings.

본질적 (essential) + 억압한다고 (that it oppresses).

6

희토류는 첨단 산업에서 없어서는 안 될 핵심 물질로 부상했다.

Rare earth elements have emerged as an indispensable core substance in high-tech industries.

없어서는 안 될 (indispensable) + 부상했다 (emerged).

7

물질의 궁극적 구조를 파악하려는 인간의 열망은 가속기 건설로 이어졌다.

Humanity's desire to grasp the ultimate structure of matter led to the construction of accelerators.

궁극적 구조 (ultimate structure) + 이어졌다 (led to).

8

현대 미학에서 물질성은 작품의 의미를 형성하는 결정적 요소로 작용한다.

In modern aesthetics, materiality acts as a decisive factor in shaping the meaning of a work.

물질성 (materiality) + 결정적 요소 (decisive factor).

類義語

反対語

よく使う組み合わせ

유해 물질
화학 물질
물질적 풍요
물질적 보상
오염 물질
방사성 물질
물질대사
발암 물질
물질적 지원
암흑 물질

よく使うフレーズ

물질 만능주의

— The belief that money and material possessions are the most important things (Mammonism).

물질 만능주의는 현대 사회의 병폐 중 하나다.

물질 문명

— Civilization characterized by high levels of technological and physical development.

물질 문명은 눈부시게 발전했다.

물질적 가치

— The worth of something in terms of money or physical use.

물질적 가치보다 정신적 가치를 중시한다.

물질적 욕심

— Greed for physical things or money.

그는 물질적 욕심이 너무 많다.

위험 물질

— Dangerous substances that require careful handling.

위험 물질 표지판을 확인하세요.

유전 물질

— Genetic material, specifically DNA or RNA.

세포 안에는 유전 물질이 들어 있다.

물질의 상태

— The physical state of matter (solid, liquid, gas).

물질의 상태는 온도에 따라 변한다.

물질 특성

— The specific physical or chemical properties of a substance.

각 물질의 특성을 파악해야 한다.

순수 물질

— A pure substance that is not mixed with other things.

이것은 불순물이 없는 순수 물질이다.

물질적 풍요로움

— The state of being rich in physical goods and resources.

물질적 풍요로움이 행복을 보장하지는 않는다.

よく混同される語

물질 vs 물건

물건 is a specific object (e.g., a phone), while 물질 is the substance (e.g., plastic).

물질 vs 재료

재료 is specifically for ingredients or building components, while 물질 is the general scientific term for matter.

물질 vs 소재

소재 is used for raw industrial materials or the subject matter of creative works.

慣用句と表現

"물질에 눈이 어둡다"

— To be blinded by material greed or money.

그는 물질에 눈이 어두워 친구를 배신했다.

Common
"정신이 물질을 지배한다"

— Mind over matter; the idea that the spirit can control physical reality.

정신이 물질을 지배한다는 믿음으로 버텼다.

Philosophical
"물질로 때우다"

— To compensate for a mistake or lack of sincerity with money or goods.

미안한 마음을 물질로 때우려 하지 마라.

Informal
"물질 공세"

— A 'material offensive'; trying to win someone over by giving them lots of gifts or money.

그는 그녀의 마음을 얻기 위해 물질 공세를 펼쳤다.

Common
"물질에 찌들다"

— To be weary or corrupted by a life focused only on material things.

물질에 찌든 현대 사회에서 벗어나고 싶다.

Literary
"물질의 노예"

— A slave to material things; someone who lives only for money and possessions.

우리는 물질의 노예가 되어서는 안 된다.

Social Critique
"물질적 토대"

— The material foundation; the physical resources necessary for something to exist.

예술도 물질적 토대가 있어야 발전한다.

Academic/Formal
"물질 문명의 이기"

— The conveniences of material civilization.

우리는 물질 문명의 이기를 마음껏 누리고 있다.

Formal
"물질이 개벽하다"

— To describe a radical change in the physical/material world (often used in religious contexts like Won Buddhism).

물질이 개벽하니 정신을 개벽하자.

Religious/Philosophical
"물질을 탐하다"

— To lust after or covet material wealth.

지나치게 물질을 탐하는 것은 화를 부른다.

Literary

間違えやすい

물질 vs 물체

Both refer to physical things.

물체 refers to a physical body or object as a whole unit, often in the context of physics (motion, force). 물질 refers to the substance the object is made of.

저기 떠 있는 물체(object)는 어떤 물질(substance)로 되어 있을까?

물질 vs 성분

Both relate to what things are made of.

성분 refers to the specific ingredients or chemical components within a substance. 물질 is the substance itself.

이 물질(substance)의 주요 성분(component)은 수소입니다.

물질 vs 자료

Both can translate to 'material' in English.

자료 refers to data, information, or documents. 물질 refers to physical matter only.

회의 자료(data/docs)를 준비하고, 실험에 필요한 물질(substances)도 챙기세요.

물질 vs 원료

Both relate to substances used for things.

원료 is the raw material used at the beginning of a manufacturing process (like crude oil). 물질 is the general term for any substance.

철광석은 철을 만드는 원료(raw material)인 물질(substance)이다.

물질 vs 질료

Both mean 'matter'.

질료 is a highly formal, philosophical term (from Aristotle's hylomorphism). 물질 is the standard modern term.

철학에서는 형상과 질료(matter)를 논하지만, 과학에서는 물질(matter)의 성질을 연구한다.

文型パターン

A2

이 물질은 [Adjective]-아요/어요.

이 물질은 투명해요. (This substance is transparent.)

B1

[Noun]에는 유해 물질이 들어 있어요.

담배에는 유해 물질이 들어 있어요. (Cigarettes contain harmful substances.)

B1

물질보다 [Noun]이/가 더 중요해요.

물질보다 마음이 더 중요해요. (The heart is more important than material things.)

B2

[Noun]은/는 물질적 지원을 제공한다.

정부는 난민들에게 물질적 지원을 제공한다. (The government provides material support to refugees.)

B2

물질의 상태가 [Verb]-ㄴ다.

온도가 올라가면 물질의 상태가 변한다. (When the temperature rises, the state of matter changes.)

C1

물질 문명의 발달은 [Noun]을/를 초래했다.

물질 문명의 발달은 인간 소외를 초래했다. (The development of material civilization caused human alienation.)

C1

[Noun]은/는 물질적 토대 위에 세워졌다.

이 이론은 확고한 물질적 토대 위에 세워졌다. (This theory was built on a firm material foundation.)

C2

물질의 이중성을 규명하는 것은 [Noun]이다.

물질의 이중성을 규명하는 것은 현대 물리학의 과제이다. (Clarifying the duality of matter is a task of modern physics.)

語族

名詞

물질주의 (materialism)
물질성 (materiality)
물질대사 (metabolism)
반물질 (antimatter)
암흑 물질 (dark matter)

動詞

물질화하다 (to materialize - rare, usually '구체화하다' is used)

形容詞

물질적 (material/physical)
물질만능의 (material-centered)

関連

물체 (object)
물건 (thing)
물리 (physics)
본질 (essence)
성질 (property)

使い方

frequency

High in news, science, and academic writing; moderate in daily conversation.

よくある間違い
  • Using 물질 for a specific object like a phone. 물건 (mul-geon)

    물질 refers to the substance/matter, not the specific item.

  • Using 물질 for cooking ingredients. 재료 (jae-ryo)

    In cooking, we use '재료' (ingredients), not the scientific term '물질'.

  • Using 물질 for information or data. 자료 (ja-ryo)

    Even though they sound similar and both mean 'material' in English, 자료 is for data/docs.

  • Saying '물질이 좋다' to mean high quality product. 품질이 좋다 (pum-jil-i jot-da)

    For the quality of a product, use '품질' (quality), which shares the same 'jil' Hanja.

  • Confusing 물질 with 물체 in a physics problem. 물체 (mul-che)

    A '물체' is the object moving or having force applied; '물질' is what it's made of.

ヒント

Science Tip

In science, 물질 is the only word you'll need for 'matter.' Practice it with '상태' (state) and '성질' (property).

Materialism

Use '물질 만능주의' to describe a society where money is everything. It's a very common phrase in Korean essays.

Adjective Form

Master '물질적'. It's much more common than the noun itself when talking about help, values, or wealth.

Hanja Roots

Remember 物 (물) means thing. You see it in '물건' (object), '물가' (prices), and '물리' (physics).

Object vs Substance

A chair is a '물건'. The wood it's made of is a '물질'. Keep this distinction clear!

Pollution

When you see '미세먼지' (fine dust) in the news, listen for '유해 물질' (harmful substances).

Metabolism

To sound like a health expert, use '물질대사' instead of just saying your body is working well.

Mind-Body

In Korean philosophy, the world is divided into '정신' (mind/spirit) and '물질' (matter).

Safety Labels

Look for '가연성 물질' (flammable substance) on trucks or containers for safety.

Reading

You'll find this word most often in the 'Ethics' (도덕) or 'Science' (과학) sections of Korean textbooks.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'Mul' as 'Molecules' and 'Jil' as 'Jell-o'. All 'Molecules' make up the 'Jell-o' substance. Mul-Jil = Substance/Matter.

視覚的連想

Imagine a scientist in a lab coat holding a glowing green cube of 'matter'. The cube is labeled '물질'.

Word Web

Science Chemicals Money Physics Pollution Wealth Body Atoms

チャレンジ

Try to find 3 things in your room and describe them as '물질'. Then think of 3 things that are NOT '물질' (like love, air is matter but the feeling of breathing isn't, etc.).

語源

Derived from the Hanja characters 物 (물) and 質 (질).

元の意味: The physical nature or quality of things.

Sino-Korean

文化的な背景

When discussing someone's interest in money, calling it '물질적' can sound critical or judgmental.

In English, 'matter' is mostly scientific, while 'substance' is more general. In Korean, '물질' covers both, but with a stronger philosophical weight regarding wealth.

The concept of '물질 개벽' (Material Opening) in Won Buddhism. Scientific documentaries on KBS/EBS about '암흑 물질' (Dark Matter). Social critiques of '물질 만능주의' in high school ethics textbooks.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Science Laboratory

  • 물질의 성질 (properties of matter)
  • 화학적 반응 (chemical reaction)
  • 물질을 합성하다 (synthesize a substance)
  • 실험 물질 (experimental substance)

Environmental Discussion

  • 오염 물질 배출 (pollutant discharge)
  • 유해 물질 검출 (detection of harmful substances)
  • 친환경 물질 (eco-friendly substance)
  • 대기 오염 물질 (air pollutants)

Philosophy/Ethics Class

  • 물질주의 비판 (critique of materialism)
  • 정신과 물질의 조화 (harmony of spirit and matter)
  • 물질적 욕망 (material desire)
  • 가치관의 변화 (change in values)

Medical/Health Settings

  • 발암 물질 (carcinogen)
  • 유전 물질 (genetic material)
  • 물질대사 장애 (metabolic disorder)
  • 신경 전달 물질 (neurotransmitter)

Economic News

  • 물질적 지원 (material support)
  • 자원 확보 (securing resources)
  • 물질적 부의 축적 (accumulation of material wealth)
  • 재화의 이동 (movement of goods)

会話のきっかけ

"물질적인 풍요가 정말 행복을 가져다줄까요? (Does material abundance really bring happiness?)"

"우주에서 가장 신비로운 물질은 무엇이라고 생각하세요? (What do you think is the most mysterious substance in the universe?)"

"건강을 위해 피해야 할 유해 물질은 무엇이 있을까요? (What harmful substances should we avoid for our health?)"

"요즘 사람들은 너무 물질적인 것만 쫓는 것 같아요. (I think people these days only chase material things.)"

"과학 수업에서 배운 물질의 상태 변화가 기억나세요? (Do you remember the changes in states of matter you learned in science class?)"

日記のテーマ

당신에게 물질적 풍요보다 더 중요한 가치는 무엇입니까? (What value is more important to you than material abundance?)

오늘 하루 동안 당신이 접한 화학 물질들에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the chemical substances you encountered today.)

물질 문명이 우리 삶에 준 긍정적인 면과 부정적인 면을 비교해 보세요. (Compare the positive and negative aspects that material civilization has given to our lives.)

만약 당신이 새로운 물질을 발명한다면, 어떤 기능을 가졌으면 좋겠습니까? (If you invented a new substance, what functions would you want it to have?)

정신적인 행복과 물질적인 안정 사이에서 어떻게 균형을 잡고 있나요? (How do you balance spiritual happiness and material stability?)

よくある質問

10 問

Indirectly, yes. You often hear '물질적인 것' (material things) to refer to money and wealth. However, to say 'money' directly, use '돈' or '재력'.

Use 재료 when you are making something (like a cake or a house). Use 물질 when you are talking about the substance in a scientific or general physical way.

It's common in the news and in school, but in daily life, people use it mostly when talking about 'materialism' or 'physical support'.

The most common term is '유해 물질' (yu-hae mul-jil).

It means 'metabolism.' It literally translates to the exchange (대사) of substances (물질) in the body.

In most cases, it acts as a mass noun (like 'water'). You can say '여러 가지 물질' (various types of substances) to count different types.

No, it is the opposite. '정신' (jeongsin) is the word for spirit or mind.

It is the Korean term for 'Dark Matter' in physics.

You can say '물질주의적인' (materialistic) or '물질을 밝히는' (obsessed with material things/money - informal).

Not always. It can be philosophical, referring to the physical world as a whole, or economic, referring to physical assets.

自分をテスト 180 問

writing

Translate to Korean: 'This substance is dangerous.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'I value spiritual happiness over material wealth.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Harmful substances were detected in the water.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'What are the three states of matter?'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Modern people are obsessed with material things.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Metabolism is important for health.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Cigarettes contain carcinogens.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'The government provided material support.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Is this a pure substance?'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Scientists study dark matter.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'We need eco-friendly materials.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Don't be a slave to material things.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Everything is made of matter.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'The factory leaked chemical substances.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Material civilization has developed rapidly.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'He is blinded by greed.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'DNA is genetic material.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'This is a flammable substance.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'Material wealth does not guarantee happiness.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Korean: 'We must reduce pollutants.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Pronounce correctly: 물질 (mul-jil)

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Chemical substance' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Harmful substance' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Material support' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Materialism' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Metabolism' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Explain the difference between 물질 and 물건 in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Dark matter' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Carcinogen' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Three states of matter' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Pollutant' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Radioactive substance' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Material reward' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Flammable substance' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Genetic material' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Material civilization' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Material wealth' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Neurotransmitter' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Antimatter' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Material foundation' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: '물질적 풍요보다 정신적 건강이 중요합니다.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: '이 물질은 가연성이 매우 높습니다.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: '유해 물질 배출을 엄격히 규제해야 합니다.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: '물질의 세 가지 상태에 대해 배워봅시다.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: '그는 물질에 눈이 어두워 잘못된 선택을 했다.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: '암흑 물질은 우주 연구의 핵심입니다.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: '화학 물질을 다룰 때는 주의가 필요합니다.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: '물질대사가 원활하면 에너지가 넘칩니다.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: '방사성 물질의 유출 사고가 발생했습니다.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: '물질 문명의 발달이 항상 행복을 주지는 않는다.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: '유전 물질인 DNA를 분석합니다.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: '우리는 물질적 지원을 아끼지 않겠습니다.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: '순수 물질과 혼합 물질을 구분하세요.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: '신경 전달 물질이 부족하면 우울증이 생길 수 있다.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: '물질의 이중성에 대한 강의를 듣습니다.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using '물질적 풍요'.

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using '화학 물질'.

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

正解! おしい! 正解:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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