Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'figure out' when you need to solve a problem or understand something through mental effort and logic.
- Use it for mental solutions: 'I figured out the answer.' (max 20 words)
- It is separable: 'Figure it out' is correct, but 'Figure out it' is wrong.
- Focus on the process: It implies you thought hard to find the result.
Overview
figure out 한다는 것의 의미입니다. 퍼즐 조각이 마침내 딱 들어맞을 때 느끼는 그 만족스러운 «아하!» 하는 기분이죠.figure out은 여러분이 배우게 될 가장 유용한 구동사 중 하나입니다.figuring out 하고 있는 것입니다.How This Grammar Works
figure와 연결 부품인 out이 있죠. 이 둘이 합쳐지면 도형을 그린다는 뜻의 원래 figure와는 완전히 다른 새로운 의미가 만들어집니다.figure out의 특징 중 하나는 분리 가능(separable)하다는 것입니다. 즉, 해결하려는 대상을 두 단어 사이에 넣을 수 있다는 뜻입니다. figure out the password라고 해도 되고 figure the password out이라고 해도 됩니다.it, them, her와 같은 짧은 대명사를 쓸 때는 반드시 중간에 넣어야 합니다.figure it out이라고 말해야 하죠. figure out it이라고 하면 원어민들이 당황할 수 있습니다.
Formation Pattern
figure out (습관이나 일반적인 사실)
figured out (어제 해결한 일)
figuring out (지금 해결하고 있는 일)
figure out the bill. | 나는 계산서를 계산한다. |
figured out the code. | 나는 암호를 풀었다. |
figure it out | 그것을 해결하다/이해하다 |
When To Use It
figure out이 최고의 친구가 될 것입니다.- 기술: "I can't
figure outhow to turn off these notifications!" (이 알림을 어떻게 끄는지 모르겠어!) - 사회생활: "I'm trying to
figure outif he likes me." (그가 나를 좋아하는지 알아내려고 노력 중이야.)
Common Mistakes
- 1대명사 함정: 절대
figure out it이라고 하지 마세요. 항상figure it out입니다. - 2
Find out과의 혼동: 노력 없이 정보를 알게 되었을 때는find out을 씁니다. 머리를 써서 답을 찾아냈을 때는figure out을 씁니다.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
- Understand: 일반적인 '이해하다'라는 단어입니다.
figure out은 그 이해에 도달하는 과정에 더 가깝습니다. - Find out: 단순한 발견을 의미합니다.
I
found outthe library is closed.
Quick FAQ
격식 있는 표현인가요, 아니면 비격식 표현인가요?
중립적입니다! 친구에게도, 상사에게도 쓸 수 있습니다.
사람에게도 쓸 수 있나요?
네, 그 사람의 숨은 의도나 성격을 파악했다는 의미가 됩니다.
Conjugating 'Figure Out'
| Tense | Subject | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
I / You / We / They
|
figure out
|
I figure out the puzzle.
|
|
Present Simple
|
He / She / It
|
figures out
|
She figures out the cost.
|
|
Past Simple
|
All subjects
|
figured out
|
They figured it out.
|
|
Present Continuous
|
I
|
am figuring out
|
I am figuring it out now.
|
|
Present Perfect
|
He / She
|
has figured out
|
He has figured out the way.
|
|
Future
|
All subjects
|
will figure out
|
We will figure it out later.
|
Separability Patterns
| Object Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Noun
|
Figure [Noun] Out
|
Figure the answer out.
|
|
Noun
|
Figure Out [Noun]
|
Figure out the answer.
|
|
Pronoun
|
Figure [Pronoun] Out
|
Figure it out. (Correct)
|
|
Pronoun
|
Figure Out [Pronoun]
|
Figure out it. (Incorrect)
|
Meanings
To reach an understanding or find a solution to a problem by thinking about it deeply or performing calculations.
Solving a puzzle/problem
To find the answer to a specific question or technical issue.
“Can you figure out this math problem?”
“We need to figure out why the car won't start.”
Understanding someone's behavior
To comprehend the reasons behind a person's actions or personality.
“I can't figure him out; he's so mysterious.”
“She's hard to figure out because she never talks about herself.”
Calculating amounts
To compute a total or a cost using mathematics.
“We need to figure out the total cost of the wedding.”
“I'm trying to figure out how much tax I owe.”
Planning a method
To decide on a course of action or a way to achieve a goal.
“Let's figure out a way to get there by 5 PM.”
“They are figuring out how to expand the business.”
Reference Table
| Structure | Object Type | Example | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
figure out + Noun
|
Noun
|
I need to figure out the puzzle.
|
Solve/understand a problem
|
명사는 중간에도 올 수 있어요: 'figure the puzzle out'.
|
|
figure + Noun + out
|
Noun
|
I need to figure the puzzle out.
|
Solve/understand a problem
|
짧은 명사구일 때 특히 흔하게 사용돼요.
|
|
figure + Pronoun + out
|
Pronoun (it, them)
|
Can you figure it out?
|
Solve/understand a problem
|
대명사는 *반드시* 중간에 와야 해요.
|
|
figure out + how to + Verb
|
Infinitive clause
|
We figured out how to fix the Wi-Fi.
|
Discover a method or process
|
기술을 배우거나 방법을 알아낼 때 아주 흔해요.
|
|
figure out + Question Word
|
Question clause
|
She figured out why it broke.
|
Understand reason/details
|
'what', 'where', 'when', 'who', 'how' 등이 포함돼요.
|
|
figure out + (a) solution/plan
|
Noun phrase
|
Let's figure out a solution quickly.
|
Devise a plan or resolution
|
문제 해결 논의에서 자주 사용돼요.
|
|
figure out + someone
|
Person (object)
|
It took time to figure out my new boss.
|
Understand someone's personality/motives
|
덜 흔하지만 충분히 올바른 표현이에요.
|
|
figure out (intransitive)
|
None (implied object)
|
Don't worry, I'll figure out.
|
Solve the situation (object implied)
|
목적어가 문맥상 명확할 때 사용돼요.
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
We must ascertain the cause of the discrepancy. (Workplace problem)
We need to figure out what went wrong. (Workplace problem)
Let's figure this out. (Workplace problem)
Gotta suss it out. (Workplace problem)
'Figure Out' 사용법
무엇을 'Figure Out'하나요
- a solution 무언가를 해결하는 방법
- how to + Verb 무언가를 하는 방법
- a person 그 사람의 성격/동기
언제 사용하나요
- Complex problems 퍼즐, 수학 방정식
- New situations 새 앱 배우기, 새 직장
- Hidden meanings 암호 메시지, 미묘한 신호
'Figure Out' vs. 'Find Out'
'Figure Out' 사용법: 결정 흐름도
생각해서 문제 해결 또는 무언가를 이해해야 하나요?
목적어가 대명사(it, them)인가요?
'Figure Out'의 일상 사용
기술 문제
- • 새 앱 사용법 알아내기
- • 와이파이가 왜 안 되는지 알아내기
- • 기능 사용법 알아내기
사회적 상황
- • 누가 무엇을 의미했는지 알아내기
- • 친구의 기분 파악하기
- • 그룹 계획 세우기
학업/업무
- • 수학 문제 풀기
- • 프로젝트 전략 세우기
- • 복잡한 텍스트 이해하기
일상생활
- • 가구 조립 방법 알아내기
- • 최적의 경로 찾기
- • 레시피 이해하기
수준별 예문
I can figure out the answer.
I can find the answer using my brain.
Can you figure it out?
Can you solve it?
He figures out the game.
He understands how to play.
We figured out the price.
We calculated the cost.
I need to figure out the bus schedule.
I need to understand the bus times.
She couldn't figure out the instructions.
She didn't understand the manual.
Let's figure out where to eat.
Let's decide on a restaurant.
Did you figure them out?
Did you solve the problems?
I'm trying to figure out why the computer is slow.
I am investigating the cause of the slow computer.
It took me ages to figure out her true intentions.
It took a long time to understand what she really wanted.
We have to figure out a way to save money.
We must find a method for saving.
Once you figure it out, it's actually quite easy.
After you understand the process, it is simple.
Scientists are still figuring out the long-term effects.
Researchers are still analyzing the future consequences.
I've finally figured out how to balance work and life.
I have discovered the solution to my schedule issues.
He's a tough nut to crack, but I'll figure him out eventually.
He is difficult to understand, but I will succeed.
The detective figured out the motive behind the crime.
The investigator deduced the reason for the act.
It's imperative that we figure out the logistical bottlenecks.
We must identify and solve the supply chain issues.
The nuances of the treaty are difficult to figure out.
The subtle details of the agreement are hard to grasp.
I can't quite figure out what he's hinting at.
I am unable to decipher his subtext.
Having figured out the algorithm, she optimized the code.
After understanding the logic, she improved the program.
The philosopher spent his life figuring out the nature of being.
The thinker dedicated his time to understanding existence.
One might never truly figure out the labyrinthine bureaucracy of this city.
It is possible to never understand the complex systems here.
The sheer complexity of the data makes it impossible to figure out at a glance.
The data is too hard to understand immediately.
She has an uncanny ability to figure out people's weaknesses.
She is exceptionally good at identifying flaws in others.
혼동하기 쉬운
Learners use 'figure out' for any new information they get.
These are almost identical and often interchangeable.
Learners think 'solve' is always better because it's a single word.
자주 하는 실수
I figure out it.
I figure it out.
I figure out my keys.
I found my keys.
He figure out.
He figures out.
I figured out to the answer.
I figured out the answer.
I am figure out the problem.
I am figuring out the problem.
I figured out that he is here.
I found out that he is here.
Can you figure out me?
Can you figure me out?
I figured out how do it.
I figured out how to do it.
The answer was figured out by me.
I figured out the answer.
I figured out the solution of the problem.
I figured out the solution to the problem.
I figured out to solve the issue.
I figured out how to solve the issue.
문장 패턴
I finally figured out ___.
It's hard to figure out ___.
We need to figure out a way to ___.
Have you figured out ___ yet?
Real World Usage
I can't figure out why my laptop won't connect to the printer.
I'm good at figuring out creative solutions to complex problems.
I really like her, but I can't figure her out yet.
Did you figure out the answer to question five?
We need to figure out which train goes to the airport.
Lmk when u figure it out.
'머리를 써서' 해결할 때
figure out을 써요. 마치 십자말풀이를 푸는 것처럼, 바로 아는 게 아니라 과정을 거쳐야 할 때 좋죠. I need to figure out this new recipe.
대명사는 꼭 '가운데'에!
figure와 out 사이에 넣어야 해요. figure out it이라고 하면 아주 부자연스럽고 틀린 표현이니 조심하세요! Can you help me figure it out?
'왜' 그런지 궁금할 때
figure out이 딱이에요. 주로 why, what, how to 같은 의문사와 함께 쓰이면서 설명을 찾으려는 노력을 나타내죠. I need to figure out why my computer is so slow.
만능 문제 해결사
figure out은 영어를 쓰는 문화권에서 문제를 해결하는 아주 흔하고 자연스러운 방법이에요. 카페 대화부터 취업 면접까지 어디서든 들을 수 있을 거예요! "Let's figure out a way to finish this project on time."Smart Tips
Say 'I'm trying to figure this out' instead of 'I'm doing this math'. It sounds more like you are actively solving it.
Imagine the pronoun is a sandwich filling and 'figure' and 'out' are the bread. The filling must stay inside!
Use 'figure out' with 'logistics' or 'strategy'.
Use 'can't figure [person] out'. It's a very common idiomatic way to express confusion.
발음
Stress on 'Out'
In phrasal verbs like 'figure out', the stress usually falls on the particle 'out', not the verb 'figure'.
Linking
The 'r' in 'figure' often links smoothly to the 'o' in 'out', sounding like 'fig-yer-out'.
Rising on 'Out'
Did you figure it OUT? ↗
Conveys curiosity or surprise.
암기하기
기억법
Think of the 'Figure' as a number and 'Out' as the result of a math problem.
시각적 연상
Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass looking at a giant number '8'. He is trying to 'figure' out the mystery of the number.
Rhyme
If a problem makes you shout, take some time to figure it out!
Story
A student was staring at a broken robot. He looked at the wires (the figures) and pulled one 'out'. Suddenly, he understood! He had figured it out.
Word Web
챌린지
Look at a piece of technology in your room. Try to explain in English how to 'figure out' how to change its settings.
문화 노트
'Figure out' is extremely common in the US, especially in 'can-do' culture where problem-solving is highly valued.
While 'figure out' is used, 'work out' is often a more common alternative in the UK for the same meaning.
Using 'figure out' in a meeting shows you are taking initiative. It is seen as a positive, proactive phrase.
The word 'figure' comes from the Latin 'figura' (shape/form). In the 14th century, it referred to numerical symbols.
대화 시작하기
Have you ever had a problem with your computer that you couldn't figure out?
Who is the most difficult person you've ever had to figure out?
Can you figure out the best way to learn 50 new words a week?
If you were lost in a new city without a phone, how would you figure out where to go?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
I need to ____ how to use this new software for my assignment.
Find and fix the mistake:
Can you figure out it for me? I'm really stuck.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Ella no puede descifrar el significado de la canción que escuchamos.'
Answer starts with: ["S...
Score: /4
연습 문제
8 exercisesWhich sentence is grammatically correct?
It took me an hour to figure ___ the answer.
Find and fix the mistake:
I figured out that the bus was late by asking the driver.
out / we / it / will / figure
Match the following:
No puedo entenderlo (usando 'figure out').
A: This IKEA desk is impossible to build! B: Don't worry, ___.
You can use 'figure out' for finding your lost car keys.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesI need to ____ a way to get to the airport on time for my flight.
It took them a long time to ____ the instructions for assembling the bookshelf.
He figured quickly out why his computer wasn't working.
We still haven't figured out where is the problem.
Which sentence uses 'figure out' correctly?
Choose the best option:
Translate into English: '¿Pudiste descifrar la contraseña del Wi-Fi para conectarte?'
Translate into English: 'Estoy intentando entender por qué mi planta se está muriendo.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Rearrange the words to form a question:
Match the beginning of the phrases with their correct endings:
Match the use cases with the best 'figure out' structure:
Score: /12
자주 묻는 질문 (8)
Yes, you can! With a noun like `the answer`, you can put it at the end or in the middle.
They are very similar. `Work out` is more common in British English and also means to exercise at the gym.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in neutral and semi-formal business contexts.
In English, separable phrasal verbs require pronouns to be placed between the verb and the particle.
No. While it can mean 'calculate', it more often means 'understand' or 'solve' non-numerical problems.
Yes, it means to understand someone's personality or why they are acting a certain way.
Yes, `solve`, `calculate`, or `comprehend` are good synonyms depending on the context.
The past tense is `figured out`. It is a regular verb.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Averiguar / Resolver
English distinguishes between the mental process (figure out) and the final result (solve).
Résoudre / Comprendre
French lacks the 'separable' grammar structure of English phrasal verbs.
Herausfinden / Ausrechnen
The logic of adding a particle to a verb is very similar to English.
Kaiketsu suru / Wakaru
Japanese verbs do not separate to place objects in the middle.
Yastantij / Yahul
Arabic uses prefixes and suffixes rather than separate particles like 'out'.
Nòng mǐngbái / Xiǎng chūlái
The Chinese 'chūlái' (come out) functions very similarly to the English 'out' in this context.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
관련 동영상
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