At the A1 level, you can think of 보수적 (Bosujeok) as a word for 'old-style' or 'very careful'. Imagine someone who likes old things and doesn't like new or scary changes. For example, if your grandfather only likes to wear suits and doesn't like modern music, you can say he is 보수적. At this level, don't worry about politics. Just use it for people who are 'strict' or 'traditional'. It's like saying someone is 'not modern'. You will mostly see it as 보수적인 before a noun, like 보수적인 사람 (a conservative person). It's a useful word to describe parents or teachers who have many rules. Just remember: it's about keeping things the same because you think the old way is better.
At the A2 level, you can start using 보수적 to describe styles and simple choices. You might use it to talk about clothes—보수적인 옷 means clothes that are not flashy and cover the body well (modest). You can also use it to talk about rules at home or school. If a school has very strict rules about hair or uniforms, it is a 보수적인 학교. You are learning that -적 makes a noun into a 'type' of thing. So 보수 (keeping/protecting) + (type) = 'the type that keeps things as they are'. Try using it in simple sentences like 'My friend is conservative' (제 친구는 보수적이에요).
At the B1 level, you should understand that 보수적 is the opposite of 진보적 (progressive). You can use it to discuss opinions on social issues, like marriage or work culture. For example, you can say, 'Many Korean companies are still conservative' (많은 한국 기업들은 여전히 보수적입니다). You should also start using the adverbial form 보수적으로. If you are planning a trip and you want to be careful with money, you are 'planning conservatively' (보수적으로 계획하다). This level is about moving beyond just 'strict' to 'cautious' and 'traditional in values'. It's a key word for describing the 'vibe' of a place or a group.
At the B2 level, 보수적 becomes a tool for discussing society and professional strategy. You should be able to use it in a business context, such as 보수적인 투자 전략 (a conservative investment strategy) or 보수적인 추정치 (a conservative estimate). You understand that being 보수적 isn't always bad; in finance, it means being 'safe' and 'reliable'. You can also use it to describe the editorial line of a newspaper or the platform of a political party. You should be comfortable using it with complex nouns: 보수적인 가치관 (conservative values), 보수적인 성향 (conservative tendency). You can now distinguish between someone being 'stubborn' (완고하다) and someone having 'conservative views' (보수적인 견해).
At the C1 level, you use 보수적 to analyze deep-seated cultural and institutional structures. You can discuss how 유교적 가치관 (Confucian values) contribute to a 보수적인 사회 구조 (conservative social structure). You are aware of the subtle connotations: how the word can be used as a shield against criticism or as a label for political identity. You can use it in academic writing or high-level business reports to describe 'risk-averse' behavior. You might use phrases like 보수적인 관점에서 바라보다 (to look at from a conservative perspective). You also understand related terms like 수구적 (reactionary) and can explain why 보수적 is a more neutral or positive term compared to it.
At the C2 level, you master the philosophical and rhetorical nuances of 보수적. You can engage in debates about the role of 보수주의 (conservatism) in a rapidly changing digital economy. You can use the word to describe nuanced positions, such as 'fiscally conservative but socially liberal'. You understand how the word's meaning shifts depending on the speaker's own position—how a 'moderate' might be called 보수적 by a radical, and 진보적 by a hardliner. You can use it in literary analysis to describe a character's internal conflict between their 보수적 본능 (conservative instinct) and the necessity of change. Your usage is precise, context-aware, and culturally grounded.

보수적 30초 만에

  • 보수적 means conservative or traditional, focusing on preserving the status quo.
  • It is used in social, political, and financial contexts to describe a cautious approach.
  • Grammatically, it functions as a noun, modifier (보수적인), or adverb (보수적으로).
  • The opposite is 진보적 (progressive), and it is often associated with stability and safety.

The term 보수적 (Bosujeok) is a cornerstone of Korean social and political discourse. At its linguistic core, it is composed of the Hanja 보 (保 - to protect/preserve), 수 (守 - to defend/guard), and the suffix 적 (的 - -ish/like). Together, they describe a disposition that seeks to maintain the status quo, uphold traditional values, and exercise caution toward rapid change or radical innovation. In the Korean context, this word carries deep historical weight, often tied to the legacy of Confucianism, which emphasizes hierarchy, stability, and the preservation of ancestral customs. When you describe someone or something as 보수적, you are noting their preference for the 'tried and true' over the 'new and experimental'.

Social Dimension
Refers to individuals who value traditional family structures, respect for elders, and established social norms. It often implies a resistance to modern shifts in gender roles or social hierarchy.
Political Dimension
Describes ideologies that favor market stability, national security, and incremental reform rather than revolutionary change. It is the direct antonym of '진보적' (progressive).
Financial Dimension
Used to describe investment strategies that prioritize capital preservation over high-risk, high-reward opportunities. A '보수적 투자자' (conservative investor) prefers bonds over volatile stocks.

"우리 부모님은 결혼에 대해 매우 보수적인 생각을 가지고 계신다."

— (My parents have very conservative thoughts regarding marriage.)

Understanding 보수적 requires looking at the spectrum of change. It isn't necessarily 'anti-progress' but rather 'pro-stability'. In a fast-paced society like South Korea, which underwent the 'Miracle on the Han River', the tension between 보수적 values and rapid modernization is a constant theme in literature, film, and daily life. It is the anchor that prevents the ship from drifting too far, even if it sometimes slows the journey down.

"회사의 분위기가 다소 보수적이라서 새로운 아이디어를 제안하기가 어렵다."

— (The company atmosphere is somewhat conservative, so it's hard to suggest new ideas.)

Furthermore, the word is often used to describe estimates or projections. A 보수적인 추정 (conservative estimate) is one that assumes the worst-case scenario or the lowest likely benefit to ensure safety. This usage is common in business and engineering. It reflects a mindset of 'safety first'—a core component of the 보수적 identity.

"우리는 예산을 보수적으로 잡아야 합니다."

— (We need to set the budget conservatively.)

Using 보수적 correctly involves understanding its grammatical flexibility as a 'determiner-noun' that functions as an adjective. In Korean, words ending in -적 can be used in three primary ways: as a noun, as a modifier (with -인), or as an adverb (with -으로).

1. As a Noun Modifier (보수적인 + Noun)
This is the most common form. Use it to describe a person's character, a company's culture, or a specific viewpoint.
보수적인 태도 (Conservative attitude), 보수적인 옷차림 (Conservative/modest attire).
2. As a Predicate (보수적이다)
Use this to state that something *is* conservative. You must add the copula -이다.
그는 매우 보수적이다. (He is very conservative.)
3. As an Adverb (보수적으로)
Use this to describe *how* an action is performed, especially in business or planning.
보수적으로 평가하다 (To evaluate conservatively/cautiously).

When applying 보수적 to people, be mindful of the tone. While it can be a neutral description of values, in younger circles, calling someone 보수적 might imply they are 'stiff' or 'unwilling to listen'. However, in professional settings, being 보수적 is often seen as a virtue of reliability and risk management. For example, a bank's 보수적인 운영 (conservative management) is generally viewed positively by depositors.

"패션계에서도 최근에는 보수적인 스타일이 다시 유행하고 있다."

— (In the fashion world, conservative styles have recently become trendy again.)

Another nuance is the distinction between 보수적 and 전통적 (traditional). While they overlap, 전통적 focuses on the history and origin, whereas 보수적 focuses on the resistance to change. You might have a 전통적인 결혼식 (traditional wedding) that isn't necessarily 보수적 in its social outlook, though they often go hand-in-hand.

You will encounter 보수적 in a variety of high-stakes and everyday environments in Korea. It is a 'high-frequency' word in media and professional life. Here are the primary domains where it surfaces:

  • Political News & Debates: This is the most obvious arena. News anchors frequently discuss 보수 진영 (the conservative camp) versus 진보 진영 (the progressive camp). You'll hear it during election cycles, policy debates, and discussions on North Korean relations.
  • Corporate Culture: Employees often describe their company culture as 보수적 if it has a strict hierarchy, formal dress codes, or slow decision-making processes. Large conglomerates (Chaebols) are often characterized this way.
  • Finance and Investment: Financial advisors use 보수적 to describe low-risk portfolios. If a market forecast is described as 보수적, it means the analyst is being cautious and not overestimating growth.
  • Social Commentary: In talk shows or documentaries about social change (like LGBTQ+ rights or changing marriage trends), experts often discuss the 보수적인 사회 분위기 (conservative social atmosphere) of Korea.
  • Education: Discussions about school uniforms, hair regulations, or teaching methods often involve the word 보수적 to describe schools that stick to traditional pedagogy.

"그 신문사는 논조가 매우 보수적이라서 중장년층 독자가 많다."

— (That newspaper has a very conservative editorial tone, so it has many middle-aged and elderly readers.)

In K-Dramas, you'll often hear this word when a younger character is complaining about their strict parents or a rigid boss. It serves as a linguistic shorthand for the generational gap. When a character says, "우리 아빠는 너무 보수적이야!" (My dad is so conservative!), they are usually referring to his strict rules about dating or curfews.

While 보수적 is a versatile word, learners often trip up on its nuance or use it where a more specific word would be better. Here are the most common pitfalls:

1. Confusing with 'Stuffy' (답답하다)
If someone is simply annoying because they are slow to understand or the situation is claustrophobic, use 답답하다. 보수적 implies a value system, not just a feeling of frustration.
2. Confusing with 'Old-fashioned' (구식이다)
구식이다 refers to things that are out of date (like technology or old clothes). 보수적 refers to the *choice* to stick to traditions. You can be 보수적 while using the latest iPhone.
3. Over-negative Connotation
In some English contexts, 'conservative' can be a harsh criticism. In Korean, it is often a neutral or even positive descriptor in business (meaning 'careful'). Don't assume it's always an insult.

"틀린 표현: 이 컴퓨터는 너무 보수적이야. (X)"
"옳은 표현: 이 컴퓨터는 너무 구식이야. (O)"

— (Correction: You can't call a computer 'conservative'; it's 'old-fashioned'.)

Another mistake is the misuse of the particle -적. Learners sometimes try to use it as a standalone adjective without -이다 or -인. Remember: 보수적 사람 is wrong; 보수적인 사람 is right. Also, avoid using it to describe physical 'preservation' (like preserving a building); for that, use 보존 (preservation).

To truly master 보수적, you should understand the words that live in its neighborhood. Each has a slightly different flavor:

전통적 (Traditional)
Focuses on the historical continuity. 전통적인 가옥 (traditional house). It is more about the 'what' than the 'attitude'.
완고하다 (Stubborn/Obstinate)
A more negative term for someone who refuses to change their mind. While a 보수적 person might be 완고, 완고 is purely about the personality trait of being unyielding.
수구적 (Reactionary)
A much stronger, often political term. It describes a desire to return to the past or a fierce resistance to any progress. It is usually derogatory.
안정적 (Stable)
In financial contexts, 보수적 and 안정적 are often used together. 안정적인 투자 (stable investment) is the goal of a 보수적인 투자자.

"그는 보수적이라기보다는 단순히 완고한 것이다."

— (He isn't so much conservative as he is simply stubborn.)

Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to describe a value system (보수적), a historical style (전통적), a personality flaw (완고하다), or a desired outcome (안정적). Mastering these distinctions will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

난이도

알아야 할 문법

-적 (suffix)

-인 (modifier)

-으로 (adverb)

-이다 (copula)

-에 대해 (about)

수준별 예문

1

우리 할아버지는 조금 보수적이에요.

My grandfather is a little conservative.

보수적 + 이다 (to be)

2

보수적인 옷을 입으세요.

Please wear conservative clothes.

보수적인 (modifier form)

3

그 선생님은 보수적이에요.

That teacher is conservative.

Subject + 보수적이다

4

저는 보수적인 스타일이 좋아요.

I like conservative styles.

Object + -이/가 좋다

5

우리 집은 보수적이에요.

My family is conservative.

Possessive + Noun + 보수적이다

6

너무 보수적인 생각이에요.

That is a very conservative thought.

Adverb '너무' + 보수적인

7

보수적인 색깔을 골랐어요.

I chose conservative colors.

Past tense verb

8

그는 보수적인 사람이에요.

He is a conservative person.

Noun + -이다

1

이 회사는 분위기가 보수적입니다.

This company has a conservative atmosphere.

Topic marker -는

2

보수적인 부모님 때문에 힘들어요.

It's hard because of my conservative parents.

Reason marker -때문에

3

그는 옷을 보수적으로 입어요.

He dresses conservatively.

Adverbial form -으로

4

보수적인 방법으로 문제를 풀어요.

Solve the problem in a conservative way.

Instrumental marker -으로

5

전통적인 것은 보통 보수적이에요.

Traditional things are usually conservative.

Noun clause -는 것

6

그 영화는 내용이 좀 보수적이에요.

The movie's content is a bit conservative.

Subject -이/가

7

보수적인 선택을 하는 것이 안전해요.

It is safe to make a conservative choice.

Gerund -하는 것

8

그녀는 생각보다 보수적이지 않아요.

She is not as conservative as I thought.

Negation -지 않다

1

한국 사회는 아직 결혼에 대해 보수적이다.

Korean society is still conservative about marriage.

Prepositional phrase -에 대해

2

예산을 보수적으로 책정해야 합니다.

We need to set the budget conservatively.

Necessity -해야 하다

3

그 정치인은 보수적인 성향을 띠고 있다.

That politician has conservative tendencies.

Idiom '성향을 띠다'

4

너무 보수적인 태도는 변화를 방해해요.

A too conservative attitude hinders change.

Subject -는

5

그는 금융 투자에 있어서 매우 보수적이다.

He is very conservative when it comes to financial investment.

Phrase -에 있어서

6

보수적인 관점에서 보면 그건 위험해요.

From a conservative perspective, that is dangerous.

Perspective -관점에서

7

우리 학교는 교칙이 꽤 보수적인 편이에요.

Our school's rules are on the conservative side.

Approximation -는 편이다

8

그는 보수적인 가치관을 중요하게 생각한다.

He considers conservative values important.

Adverbial '중요하게'

1

은행은 대출 심사 시 보수적인 기준을 적용한다.

Banks apply conservative criteria when reviewing loans.

Time marker -시

2

이번 수익률 전망치는 보수적으로 잡았습니다.

The profit yield forecast was set conservatively.

Past tense '잡았습니다'

3

그의 보수적인 발언이 논란이 되었다.

His conservative remarks became a controversy.

Result marker -이 되다

4

기술 산업에서도 보수적인 접근이 필요할 때가 있다.

Even in the tech industry, there are times when a conservative approach is needed.

Inclusion marker -도

5

그 신문은 보수적인 독자층을 겨냥하고 있다.

The newspaper is targeting a conservative readership.

Targeting '겨냥하다'

6

변화하는 시대에 보수적인 생각만 고집해서는 안 된다.

In a changing era, one should not insist only on conservative thoughts.

Prohibition -해서는 안 된다

7

그 단체는 보수적인 사회 운동을 전개하고 있다.

The organization is carrying out a conservative social movement.

Progressive -고 있다

8

보수적인 색채가 강한 지역구입니다.

It is a constituency with a strong conservative color.

Modifier '강한'

1

기득권층은 대개 보수적인 입장을 견지하기 마련이다.

The establishment tends to maintain a conservative stance.

Inevitability -기 마련이다

2

그 학자의 이론은 지나치게 보수적이라는 비판을 받는다.

The scholar's theory is criticized for being excessively conservative.

Quotation -는다는 비판

3

급진적인 개혁보다는 보수적인 점진주의를 택했다.

They chose conservative incrementalism over radical reform.

Comparison -보다는

4

보수적인 법 해석이 판결의 핵심이었다.

A conservative interpretation of the law was the core of the ruling.

Possessive -의

5

그는 보수적인 도덕관을 사회의 근간으로 여긴다.

He regards conservative moral views as the foundation of society.

Regard as -로 여기다

6

경제 위기 상황에서는 보수적인 운용이 필수적이다.

In an economic crisis, conservative management is essential.

Essential -필수적이다

7

그 예술가는 기법 면에서 매우 보수적인 태도를 취한다.

The artist takes a very conservative stance in terms of technique.

Aspect marker -면에서

8

보수적인 관습이 현대화의 걸림돌이 되기도 한다.

Conservative customs sometimes become a stumbling block to modernization.

Stumbling block '걸림돌'

1

보수적 가치의 재발견이 현대 철학의 화두로 떠올랐다.

The rediscovery of conservative values has emerged as a hot topic in modern philosophy.

Emergence '화두로 떠오르다'

2

그의 논문은 보수적 담론의 한계를 날카롭게 지적했다.

His thesis sharply pointed out the limitations of conservative discourse.

Adverbial '날카롭게'

3

정치적 보수주의와 문화적 보수성은 별개의 문제일 수 있다.

Political conservatism and cultural conservativeness can be separate issues.

Separate -별개의

4

그 정책은 보수적인 유권자들의 결집을 이끌어냈다.

The policy brought about a rallying of conservative voters.

Result '이끌어내다'

5

보수적인 세계관은 안정을 추구하는 인간의 본능에 기초한다.

A conservative worldview is based on the human instinct to seek stability.

Based on -에 기초하다

6

그는 보수적 색채를 탈피하고 중도적인 입장을 취하려 노력했다.

He tried to shed his conservative color and take a moderate stance.

Shedding '탈피하다'

7

사법부의 보수적 경향은 헌법 해석에 지대한 영향을 미친다.

The conservative tendency of the judiciary has a profound impact on constitutional interpretation.

Profound impact '지대한 영향'

8

보수적인 역사 인식은 때로 민족주의와 결합하기도 한다.

A conservative perception of history sometimes combines with nationalism.

Combination '결합하다'

동의어

전통적인 안정적인 완고한 수구적인

반의어

자주 쓰는 조합

보수적인 태도
보수적인 성향
보수적인 분위기
보수적인 가치관
보수적인 투자
보수적인 집단
보수적인 시각
보수적으로 평가하다
보수적으로 잡다
정치적으로 보수적

자주 쓰는 구문

보수적인 옷차림
보수적인 사회
보수적인 견해
보수적인 입장
보수적인 정책
보수적인 추정
보수적인 문화
보수적인 방식
보수적인 인물
보수적인 판단

자주 혼동되는 단어

보수적 vs 전통적

Focuses on history, while 보수적 focuses on the attitude of resisting change.

보수적 vs 답답하다

A feeling of being stifled, whereas 보수적 is a set of values.

보수적 vs 구식이다

Refers to outdated objects/tech, while 보수적 refers to mindsets.

혼동하기 쉬운

보수적 vs

보수적 vs

보수적 vs

문장 패턴

사용법

nuance

In finance, it means 'safe'. In social life, it means 'traditional'. In politics, it means 'right-wing'.

colloquial

Young people might use '꼰대' (kkondae) as a derogatory slang for a 보수적 person.

자주 하는 실수
  • Using '보수적' for a broken machine (use '고장' or '수리').
  • Saying '보수적 사람' instead of '보수적인 사람'.
  • Thinking it only applies to old people.
  • Using it as a synonym for 'boring'.
  • Confusing it with '보수' meaning 'salary'.

Learn the Pair

Always learn '보수적' and '진보적' together to understand the full spectrum of Korean social thought.

The '-인' Rule

Remember that '-적' words need '-인' to modify a noun. Practice saying '보수적인 생각' ten times.

Respect the Nuance

In Korea, being conservative about family is often seen as a sign of a 'good upbringing' (가정 교육).

Be Conservative

When presenting data to a Korean boss, use '보수적인 수치' (conservative figures) to show you are reliable.

Avoid Slang

Use '보수적' instead of '꼰대' in formal situations to avoid being rude.

News Keywords

When you hear '보수' on the news, look for words like '안정' (stability) and '전통' (tradition).

Softening the Blow

Use '조금 보수적인 편이에요' (on the conservative side) to sound more polite and less judgmental.

Adverb Usage

Use '보수적으로' when writing about science or finance to indicate high confidence levels.

Hanja Power

Remember 'Su' (守) means 'to guard'. A conservative person guards the old ways.

Global vs Local

Korean 'conservatism' often focuses on national security and family, which might differ from your home country.

암기하기

기억법

BO-SU: 'Keep the BOSS's SUit' (Conservative people like suits and following the boss).

어원

保 (보) - to protect/keep + 守 (수) - to guard/defend + 的 (적) - suffix for adjectives.

문화적 맥락

Modesty is often equated with being '보수적'.

A preference for real estate and savings over stocks.

Major divide between the conservative 'Right' and progressive 'Left'.

Deep roots in respecting hierarchy and tradition.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"당신은 스스로가 보수적이라고 생각하시나요?"

"한국 사회가 점점 덜 보수적으로 변하고 있다고 보시나요?"

"보수적인 투자와 공격적인 투자 중 무엇을 선호하세요?"

"부모님이 보수적이어서 힘들었던 적이 있나요?"

"회사의 보수적인 분위기가 업무에 도움이 된다고 생각하세요?"

일기 주제

내가 가진 가장 보수적인 생각은 무엇인가?

보수적인 가치가 사회에 필요한 이유는 무엇일까?

내가 만난 가장 보수적인 사람은 누구였나?

패션에서 보수적이라는 것은 어떤 의미인가?

나의 투자 성향은 보수적인가, 진보적인가?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, it is often positive in business and finance, meaning 'cautious' and 'safe'. It only becomes negative if it implies being closed-minded.

The direct opposite is '진보적' (progressive).

Rarely. It is mostly used for people, thoughts, systems, and styles. For old objects, use '구식' or '오래된'.

You can say '그는 보수주의자이다' or simply '그는 보수적이다'.

Yes, but the political context is different. In South Korea, it's a standard political term.

Yes, it means modest or classic clothes that don't show much skin or follow crazy trends.

It means to set an estimate or goal cautiously low to ensure it can be met.

It is a standard word used in both formal and informal contexts.

No, that '보수' (補修) uses different Hanja. This '보수' is 保守.

Yes, if they have traditional values or a cautious lifestyle.

셀프 테스트 180 질문

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

관련 콘텐츠

politics 관련 단어

공표하다

B2

To officially and publicly announce a law, result, or decision to everyone. It is a very formal term used by government bodies or large organizations.

권위

B1

남을 지휘하거나 다스릴 수 있는 일정한 권리와 힘. 또는 특정 분야에서 인정받는 전문적인 능력.

표방

B2

어떤 주의나 정책, 또는 정체성을 공개적으로 내세우거나 주장함. 자신의 입장이나 목표를 겉으로 드러냄.

유착

B2

서로 떨어져 있어야 할 조직이나 집단이 비정상적으로 붙거나 부적절하게 결탁한 상태.

절충하다

B2

To reconcile different opinions, interests, or methods by finding a middle ground or combining the best parts of each.

결집

B2

흩어져 있는 물건, 사람 또는 힘을 특정 목적을 위해 한곳으로 모으거나 집중시키는 행위. 주로 정치나 기술 분야에서 자주 사용됩니다.

합의

B2

둘 이상의 당사자가 서로 의견을 모아 하나로 일치시킴. 또는 그 일치된 의견.

보수적이다

B2

보수적이다; 새로운 것이나 변화를 적극적으로 받아들이기보다 전통적인 것을 유지하려는 성향이 있다. "우리 부모님은 보수적인 편이시다." / "그 회사는 분위기가 아주 보수적이다."

통제

B1

The act of directing, restricting, or managing something or someone's behavior or a situation.

수렴하다

B2

다양한 의견이나 아이디어를 통합하여 공통된 이해에 도달하거나, 수학에서 숫자나 값이 특정 지점에 점점 가까워지는 것을 의미합니다.

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