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보수적이다

B2 adjective #3,000 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

보수적이다

상위 3,000

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 보수적이다 30초 만에

설명 보수적이다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '보수적이다' as a way to say someone is 'strict' or 'old-fashioned.' Even though it's a B2 word, you might hear it when people talk about their parents or teachers. Just remember that it ends in '-이다', so you say '보수적이에요' to be polite. It's like saying someone likes to follow old rules and doesn't like new or 'cool' things. For example, if your dad doesn't let you stay out late, you might say he is '보수적' (conservative/strict). At this stage, focus on the simple sentence pattern: [Person] + 은/는 + 보수적이에요. This helps you describe people's personalities in a basic way. Think of it as the opposite of 'cool' or 'open' in a family setting. It's a useful word to know because Korean families often have many traditions. Even if you can't use it in complex ways yet, recognizing it will help you understand when people are talking about rules and traditions.

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At the A2 level, you can start using '보수적이다' to describe not just people, but also things like clothes or food. You can use the form '보수적인' before a noun. For example, '보수적인 옷' means conservative or modest clothes. This is helpful when shopping or talking about what to wear to a formal event like a wedding. You can also use it to explain why you do something. For example, '우리 집은 보수적이라서...' (Because my family is conservative...). This '-(이)라서' ending is very common with this word. You might also notice it being used in simple news headlines about politics. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between someone being 'strict' (무섭다) and being 'conservative' (보수적이다). One is about feeling scared, while the other is about a person's way of thinking. Try to use it when describing your hometown or your school's atmosphere. It adds a bit more detail to your descriptions than just saying 'good' or 'bad.'

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At the B1 level, you should understand '보수적이다' in professional and social contexts. You'll hear this word often when people talk about '회사 분위기' (company atmosphere). A '보수적인 회사' is one where people wear suits, use very formal language, and follow a strict hierarchy. You can also use the adverb '보수적으로' to describe how someone acts or thinks. For example, '보수적으로 생각하다' (to think conservatively). This is very useful in business meetings when you want to suggest a cautious approach. You should also be able to compare it with its opposite, '진보적이다' (progressive). In B1, you start to see the word in longer sentences with connectors like '-지만' (but) or '-는데' (background). For example, '그는 나이가 젊지만 생각이 보수적이에요' (He is young, but his thoughts are conservative). This shows you understand that being conservative isn't just about age, but about an attitude toward change and tradition.

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At the B2 level, which is the target level for this word, you should be able to use '보수적이다' accurately across all domains: politics, economics, and sociology. You should understand the nuance of '보수적인 수치' (conservative estimates) in business reports, where it means being cautious with numbers. You can engage in debates about '보수주의' (conservatism) versus '진보주의' (progressivism). You should also be aware of the cultural implications in Korea, such as how Confucianism influences '보수적인 가치관' (conservative values). At this level, you can use the word to describe complex systems, like '보수적인 금융 시스템' (a conservative financial system). You should also be able to use more advanced grammar like '-다기보다는' (rather than). For example, '그는 보수적이라기보다는 신중한 편이에요' (He is cautious rather than conservative). This shows you can distinguish between similar concepts. You are expected to use this word in essays and formal discussions about social trends and generational gaps in Korea.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the historical and philosophical roots of being '보수적이다' in the Korean context. You can discuss how the term has evolved from the early 20th century to the modern day. You should be able to identify the difference between '보수' (conservatism) and '수구' (reactionaryism) and use these terms appropriately in academic or high-level political discourse. You can use '보수적이다' to analyze literary works or historical events, discussing the '보수적인 성향' of certain historical figures. Your usage should include complex structures like '-음에도 불구하고' (despite). For example, '사회 전체가 개방적으로 변하고 있음에도 불구하고, 일부 집단은 여전히 보수적인 태도를 견지하고 있다' (Despite the society as a whole becoming more open, some groups still maintain a conservative attitude). You should also be able to use the word metaphorically or in very specific technical fields, like '보수적인 복원 작업' (conservative restoration work) in art or architecture, meaning a restoration that minimizes changes to the original.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '보수적이다' and can use it with extreme precision and rhetorical flair. You can navigate the most subtle nuances, such as when the word is used ironically or with hidden social commentary. You can lead high-level seminars on the '보수적 가치와 현대 사회의 충돌' (The conflict between conservative values and modern society). You understand the etymological roots of the Hanja (保守) and can explain how the concept differs from Western 'conservatism' due to the influence of Neo-Confucianism. You can write persuasive editorials or academic papers that use the word to frame complex arguments about national identity, economic stability, or legal precedents. At this level, you are not just using the word correctly; you are using it to shape thought and influence others' perspectives. You can also recognize and use very rare or archaic synonyms and related terms that only highly educated native speakers would know, and you can explain the '보수적' tendencies of language itself (linguistic conservatism).

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

보수적이다 30초 만에

Describes an attitude of keeping traditions and resisting fast change.
Used for people, politics, business culture, and financial estimates.
The opposite of 'progressive' (진보적이다) and 'open' (개방적이다).
Often seen in Korean family dynamics and large corporate structures.

The term 보수적이다 (bosujeog-ida) is a foundational adjective in the Korean language used to describe a mindset, policy, or cultural stance that prioritizes the preservation of existing traditions, values, and systems over rapid innovation or radical change. Derived from the Hanja 보수 (保守), which literally means 'to protect and guard,' it encapsulates a worldview where the wisdom of the past is seen as a necessary anchor for the present. In South Korean society, this word carries significant weight, often appearing in discussions ranging from family dynamics and fashion choices to corporate culture and national politics.

Societal Context: In Korea, being described as 보수적이다 can be both a compliment and a critique. In a professional setting, a '보수적인 기업 문화' (conservative corporate culture) might imply stability and long-term reliability, but it might also suggest a lack of flexibility or a strict hierarchical structure that resists new ideas. In personal relationships, older generations are often described as 보수적이다 regarding marriage, gender roles, or social etiquette, reflecting the deep-seated influence of Confucian values that emphasize filial piety and social order.
Political Nuance: Politically, the term identifies individuals or parties that favor market-oriented economic policies, strong national security, and the maintenance of traditional social norms. It is the direct antonym of 진보적이다 (jinbojeog-ida), which means progressive. When a Korean person says, '저는 정치적으로 좀 보수적이에요,' they are identifying themselves with a specific spectrum of the electorate that values gradual reform over disruptive shifts.

우리 할아버지는 생각보다 아주 보수적이다.
— Translation: My grandfather is much more conservative than I thought.

Understanding the nuance of this word requires looking at the specific domain it is applied to. For instance, in finance, a 보수적인 투자 (conservative investment) refers to low-risk options like bonds or savings accounts rather than volatile stocks. In fashion, 보수적인 옷차림 (conservative attire) implies modest, formal, or traditional clothing that avoids being flashy or revealing. The word acts as a descriptor for anything that 'plays it safe' or 'sticks to the rules.'

그 회사는 분위기가 너무 보수적이라서 젊은 직원들이 힘들어해요.
— Translation: Because that company's atmosphere is so conservative, young employees find it difficult.

Common Collocations: Frequent pairings include 보수적인 성향 (conservative tendency), 보수적인 시각 (conservative viewpoint), and 보수적인 태도 (conservative attitude). These are used to categorize behaviors in a neutral, descriptive way without necessarily passing judgment.

Ultimately, 보수적이다 is a versatile tool for navigating the complexities of Korean social hierarchy. It allows speakers to categorize the level of openness to change in a person or institution. Whether discussing the strictness of a school's dress code or the cautious nature of a bank's lending policy, this word provides the necessary linguistic framework to describe the preference for the 'tried and true' over the 'new and uncertain.'

Mastering the use of 보수적이다 involves understanding its grammatical flexibility as a descriptive verb (adjective) and its various conjugation patterns. Because it ends in -이다, it follows the same conjugation rules as the copula 'to be,' but functions to describe a quality. Below, we break down how to integrate this word into your daily Korean speech and writing across different levels of formality.

Noun Modification: To describe a noun, you change 보수적이다 to 보수적인. For example: 보수적인 사회 (a conservative society), 보수적인 생각 (a conservative thought), or 보수적인 부모님 (conservative parents). This is the most common way to use the word as an attribute.
Sentence Endings: In polite conversation, you would say 보수적이에요 (bosujeog-ieyo). In formal settings, such as a news broadcast or a business presentation, use 보수적입니다 (bosujeog-imnida). If you are talking to close friends or subordinates, the informal 보수적이야 (bosujeog-iya) is appropriate.

그의 의견은 지나치게 보수적이라서 합의점을 찾기 어려웠습니다.
— Translation: His opinion was excessively conservative, so it was difficult to find a point of agreement.

You can also use the adverbial form 보수적으로 (bosujeog-euro) to describe how an action is performed. This is frequently used in business contexts when discussing estimates or projections. If a manager asks you to be '보수적으로' when calculating a budget, they are telling you to be cautious, underestimate potential gains, and overestimate potential costs to avoid future deficits.

예산을 보수적으로 잡는 것이 안전합니다.
— Translation: It is safe to set the budget conservatively.

Comparisons: When comparing levels of conservatism, use 더 (more) or 덜 (less). Example: A 정당보다 B 정당이 더 보수적이다 (Party B is more conservative than Party A). To express 'very' or 'extremely,' use 매우, 아주, or 지나치게.

Finally, notice how 보수적이다 interacts with psychological verbs. For instance, 보수적이라고 생각하다 (to think [someone] is conservative) or 보수적으로 보이다 (to look/appear conservative). These patterns allow for nuanced descriptions of perceptions rather than just stating facts.

The word 보수적이다 is ubiquitous in South Korean life, appearing in high-stakes political debates as well as casual dinner table conversations. Because Korea has undergone rapid modernization in the last 60 years, the tension between 'conservative' and 'progressive' values is a constant theme in media and daily life. Here are the primary contexts where you will encounter this word.

In the Media and News: Flip through any Korean newspaper like the Chosun Ilbo or watch a news segment on KBS, and you will hear political commentators discussing 보수 진영 (the conservative camp). The word is used to describe the ideological stance of the People Power Party (국민의힘) or the general voting behavior of older demographics in regions like Gyeongsang-do. It is the standard term for right-leaning political thought.
In Corporate Environments: In the business world, especially within large conglomerates known as Chaebols (like Samsung or Hyundai), you will hear employees discuss the 보수적인 문화 (conservative culture). This usually refers to a strict adherence to rank, a formal dress code, and a slow decision-making process that requires multiple levels of approval. Young job seekers often weigh whether a company is '보수적' (conservative) or '수평적' (horizontal/flat hierarchy) before applying.

“우리 부장님은 정말 보수적이셔서 새로운 제안을 잘 안 받아들이셔.”
— Translation: "My department manager is so conservative that he doesn't really accept new suggestions."

금융계는 다른 업계에 비해 상대적으로 보수적인 편입니다.
— Translation: The financial sector tends to be relatively conservative compared to other industries.

Educational Contexts: Teachers and professors might use this word when discussing historical analysis or literature. A '보수적인 해석' (conservative interpretation) of a classic text would be one that sticks to traditional academic views rather than applying modern, revisionist theories.

Whether you're listening to a podcast about the economy or chatting with a Korean friend about their wedding plans, 보수적이다 serves as a key indicator of the underlying values being discussed. It is a word that describes the 'status quo' and the people who fight to maintain it.

While 보수적이다 is a common word, learners often face pitfalls regarding its meaning, homonyms, and social connotations. Avoiding these mistakes will make your Korean sound more natural and precise.

1. Confusing with '보수' (Salary/Repair): The word 보수 has multiple meanings depending on the Hanja. One 보수 (報酬) means 'remuneration' or 'pay.' Another 보수 (補修) means 'repair' or 'maintenance' (like fixing a building). If you say '보수가 많아요,' people will think you have a high salary, not that you are very conservative. Always look for the -적이다 suffix to ensure you are talking about the adjective 'conservative.'
2. Assuming a Negative Connotation: In some Western contexts, 'conservative' can be used as a slight or a synonym for 'old-fashioned.' In Korean, while it can be used critically, it is often used as a neutral descriptor of a stable, reliable, or traditional approach. Calling a bank '보수적' is often a sign of trust in its stability. Don't assume the person you are talking to is offended by the term unless the context is clearly negative.

❌ 이 건물은 보수적이에요 (to mean 'This building is under repair').
✅ 이 건물은 보수 중이에요 (This building is under repair).

3. Incorrect Particle Usage with '보수적으로': When using the adverbial form, learners sometimes forget it modifies a verb. You cannot say '그는 보수적으로예요.' You must say '그는 보수적으로 행동해요' (He acts conservatively) or '그는 보수적인 사람이에요' (He is a conservative person).

Finally, avoid over-applying the term to things that are simply 'old.' If something is just aged, use 오래되다. 보수적이다 refers to the *choice* or *tendency* to keep things as they are, involving a psychological or systemic preference, not just a physical state.

While 보수적이다 is the most common term for 'conservative,' Korean offers several alternatives depending on whether you want to sound more academic, more critical, or more descriptive. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

전통적이다 (Traditional): Focus: Cultural heritage and customs. Unlike '보수적이다,' which can imply a resistance to change, 전통적이다 focuses on the beauty or history of long-standing customs. You would use this for a '전통적인 혼례' (traditional wedding) or '전통적인 가옥' (traditional house).
고지식하다 (Stiff / Old-fashioned): Focus: Personality and lack of flexibility. This is a more informal and slightly negative word. It describes someone who is so honest and law-abiding or traditional that they are inflexible and boring. If someone is '보수적' because they are stubborn, you might call them 고지식하다.
수구적이다 (Reactionary): Focus: Extreme political or social resistance. This is a very strong, often derogatory term used in political discourse. It describes a stance that doesn't just want to maintain the status quo but wants to return to a past state or aggressively blocks any progress. It is much harsher than 보수적이다.

“그분은 참 고지식해서 융통성이 전혀 없어요.”
— Translation: "That person is so old-fashioned/stiff that they have no flexibility at all."

안정적이다 (Stable / Secure): Focus: Reliability. In financial or career contexts, '보수적' is often synonymous with '안정적.' A 보수적인 투자 is an 안정적인 투자. If you want to emphasize the benefit of not taking risks, this is a great alternative.

By knowing these synonyms, you can tailor your speech to be more expressive. Whether you are praising the stability of a '보수적인' company or gently complaining about a '고지식한' friend, you now have the tools to describe the spectrum of tradition and caution in Korean.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The '적' (的) suffix was popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through Japanese translations of Western concepts, turning nouns into adjectives.

발음 가이드

UK bo.su.dʑʌk.i.da

US boʊ.su.dʒʌk.i.dɑ

The primary stress is on the first syllable '보' (Bo), with a secondary stress on the third syllable '적' (Jeok).

라임이 맞는 단어

민주적이다 (minjujeog-ida) 열정적이다 (yeoljeongjeog-ida) 적극적이다 (jeokgeukjeog-ida) 부정적이다 (bujeongjeog-ida) 긍정적이다 (geungjeongjeog-ida) 합리적이다 (hamnijeog-ida) 상대적이다 (sangdaejeog-ida) 절대적이다 (jeoldaejeog-ida)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing '보' as '부' (bu).
Making the 'j' in 'jeok' too sharp like a 'ch'.
Dragging the 'k' sound at the end of 'jeok' instead of a quick stop.
Confusing the pitch accent in dialects.
Misplacing the stress on the final 'da'.

난이도

독해 4/5

Common in news and literature, but requires understanding of Hanja-based words.

쓰기 4/5

Requires correct conjugation of '-적이다' forms.

말하기 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but nuanced usage is key.

듣기 3/5

Easy to recognize in political or family-related discussions.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

전통 변화 생각 사람 이다

다음에 배울 것

진보적이다 개방적이다 혁신적이다 가치관

고급

수구적이다 온건하다 강경하다 이데올로기

알아야 할 문법

Noun + 적 (的) suffix

경제적 (economic), 사회적 (social), 보수적 (conservative).

-적이다 to -적인 (Adjective form)

보수적인 사람 (A conservative person).

-적이다 to -적으로 (Adverb form)

보수적으로 생각하다 (To think conservatively).

-(이)라서 (Causal connector)

보수적이라서 변화가 싫어요.

-ㄴ 편이다 (Tendency)

그는 보수적인 편이다.

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수준별 예문

우리 아버지는 조금 보수적이에요.

My father is a bit conservative.

보수적 + 이에요 (polite ending)

이 학교는 보수적입니까?

Is this school conservative?

보수적 + 입니까 (formal question)

저는 보수적인 사람이 아니에요.

I am not a conservative person.

보수적인 (modifies '사람')

선생님은 아주 보수적이야.

The teacher is very conservative.

보수적 + 이야 (informal ending)

보수적인 옷을 입으세요.

Please wear conservative clothes.

보수적인 (modifies '옷')

그 영화는 너무 보수적이에요.

That movie is too conservative.

너무 (too) + 보수적이에요

우리 집은 보수적입니다.

Our family is conservative.

보수적 + 입니다 (formal statement)

보수적인 생각이 싫어요.

I don't like conservative thoughts.

보수적인 (modifies '생각')

부모님이 보수적이라서 일찍 집에 가야 해요.

Because my parents are conservative, I have to go home early.

-이라서 (because)

그 회사는 분위기가 보수적인 편이에요.

The atmosphere of that company is on the conservative side.

-ㄴ 편이다 (tend to be)

면접 때는 보수적인 정장이 좋아요.

For an interview, a conservative suit is good.

보수적인 (modifies '정장')

한국 사회는 아직 조금 보수적입니다.

Korean society is still a bit conservative.

아직 (still) + 보수적입니다

그는 나이가 어리지만 생각이 보수적이에요.

He is young, but his thoughts are conservative.

-지만 (but)

너무 보수적으로 생각하지 마세요.

Don't think too conservatively.

보수적으로 (adverb) + 생각하다

보수적인 가치관을 가진 사람들이 많아요.

There are many people with conservative values.

-를 가진 (having)

전통을 지키는 것은 보수적인 것이 아니에요.

Keeping traditions is not [necessarily] a conservative thing.

-는 것 (nominalizing 'to keep')

금융권은 다른 업종보다 훨씬 보수적이에요.

The financial sector is much more conservative than other industries.

-보다 훨씬 (much more than)

그의 보수적인 태도 때문에 팀원들이 힘들어합니다.

Because of his conservative attitude, team members are having a hard time.

- 때문에 (because of)

이번 프로젝트의 성공 가능성을 보수적으로 예측했습니다.

We predicted the success probability of this project conservatively.

보수적으로 (adverbial use in business)

보수적인 사회에서는 변화가 느리게 일어납니다.

In a conservative society, change happens slowly.

보수적인 (modifies '사회')

그 정치인은 보수적인 성향이 강합니다.

That politician has a strong conservative tendency.

성향이 강하다 (to have a strong tendency)

결혼에 대해서는 아직 보수적인 시각이 많습니다.

There are still many conservative viewpoints regarding marriage.

시각 (viewpoint)

보수적인 집단은 새로운 아이디어를 거부하곤 합니다.

Conservative groups often reject new ideas.

-곤 하다 (to do something often/habitually)

예산을 보수적으로 잡아서 다행이에요.

It's a relief that we set the budget conservatively.

-아서 다행이다 (relief that...)

그 기업은 경영 방식이 매우 보수적이라 혁신이 어렵습니다.

That company's management style is very conservative, so innovation is difficult.

-라 (shortened '이라서')

보수적인 관점에서 보면 이 문제는 해결하기 쉽지 않습니다.

From a conservative perspective, this problem is not easy to solve.

관점에서 보면 (looking from the perspective of)

그 나라는 종교적인 이유로 매우 보수적인 법을 유지하고 있다.

That country maintains very conservative laws for religious reasons.

유지하고 있다 (maintaining)

젊은 세대는 기성세대의 보수적인 가치관에 반발하곤 한다.

The younger generation often rebels against the conservative values of the older generation.

반발하다 (to rebel/oppose)

보수적인 투자자들은 원금 보장을 가장 중요하게 생각합니다.

Conservative investors consider the protection of the principal to be most important.

중요하게 생각하다 (to consider important)

그의 논문은 기존 이론을 보수적으로 해석하고 있습니다.

His thesis is interpreting existing theories conservatively.

해석하고 있다 (interpreting)

사회 변화에 따라 보수적인 집단도 조금씩 변하고 있습니다.

According to social changes, even conservative groups are changing little by little.

-에 따라 (according to)

보수적인 성향의 신문사들은 정부의 정책을 지지하는 편이다.

Newspapers with conservative tendencies tend to support government policies.

성향의 (of a tendency)

그 철학자는 보수적인 가치가 공동체의 안정을 유지한다고 주장했다.

The philosopher argued that conservative values maintain the stability of the community.

-고 주장하다 (to argue that...)

급격한 사회 변동기에는 보수적인 목소리가 커지기 마련이다.

In times of rapid social change, conservative voices are bound to get louder.

-기 마련이다 (to be bound to happen)

법원은 이번 사건에 대해 상당히 보수적인 판결을 내렸습니다.

The court handed down a considerably conservative ruling on this case.

판결을 내리다 (to hand down a ruling)

보수적인 교육 방식이 창의성을 저해한다는 비판이 있다.

There is criticism that conservative education methods hinder creativity.

-ㄴ다는 비판이 있다 (there is criticism that...)

그 예술가는 전통 기법을 보수적으로 계승하면서도 현대적 감각을 더했다.

The artist conservatively inherited traditional techniques while adding a modern touch.

-면서도 (while also)

보수적인 경제 정책은 단기적인 성장보다 장기적인 안정을 목표로 한다.

Conservative economic policies aim for long-term stability rather than short-term growth.

-를 목표로 한다 (to aim for)

그 정당은 보수적인 유권자들의 지지를 얻기 위해 공약을 수정했다.

The party revised its pledges to gain the support of conservative voters.

-기 위해 (in order to)

문화적 보수주의는 외래 문화의 무분별한 수용을 경계한다.

Cultural conservatism is wary of the indiscriminate acceptance of foreign cultures.

경계하다 (to be wary of/guard against)

해당 학설은 학계의 보수적인 분위기 속에서 오랫동안 외면받아 왔다.

The theory has long been ignored amidst the conservative atmosphere of the academic world.

-아/어 오다 (have been doing... over time)

보수적 리얼리즘은 사회의 모순을 있는 그대로 묘사하는 데 주력한다.

Conservative realism focuses on depicting social contradictions as they are.

-는 데 주력하다 (to focus on doing...)

그의 보수적인 역사관은 민족주의적 색채를 강하게 띠고 있다.

His conservative view of history has a strong nationalistic tone.

색채를 띠다 (to take on a color/tone)

언어의 보수적인 성질 때문에 문법 규범은 쉽게 변하지 않는다.

Because of the conservative nature of language, grammatical norms do not change easily.

성질 (nature/property)

보수적인 관료 사회에서 파격적인 개혁을 기대하기는 어렵다.

It is difficult to expect radical reform in a conservative bureaucratic society.

기대하기는 어렵다 (it is hard to expect)

그 비평가는 보수적인 미학을 바탕으로 현대 미술을 신랄하게 비판했다.

The critic harshly criticized modern art based on conservative aesthetics.

-를 바탕으로 (based on)

보수적인 가치 체계가 무너질 때 사회적 혼란이 야기될 수 있다.

Social chaos can be caused when conservative value systems collapse.

야기될 수 있다 (can be caused/triggered)

그는 보수적인 신념을 지키기 위해 자신의 안위마저 포기했다.

He even gave up his own safety to protect his conservative beliefs.

-마저 (even/as a last resort)

동의어

전통적이다 폐쇄적이다 고수하다

반의어

진보적이다 개방적이다 혁신적이다

자주 쓰는 조합

보수적인 성향

보수적인 가치관

보수적인 옷차림

보수적인 투자

보수적인 시각

보수적인 기업 문화

보수적인 해석

보수적인 분위기

보수적으로 잡다

보수적인 입장

자주 쓰는 구문

생각이 보수적이다

— To have conservative thoughts or a traditional mindset.

그는 젊지만 생각이 꽤 보수적이다.

태도가 보수적이다

— To have a conservative attitude or approach to things.

그의 보수적인 태도가 변화를 가로막고 있다.

보수적인 편이다

— To be on the conservative side (a softer way to say it).

우리 부모님은 교육에 대해 보수적인 편이시다.

보수적으로 접근하다

— To approach something cautiously or traditionally.

이 문제는 보수적으로 접근하는 것이 좋겠습니다.

정치적으로 보수적이다

— To be politically conservative.

그 지역 주민들은 정치적으로 보수적이다.

보수적인 관점

— A conservative point of view.

보수적인 관점에서 이 정책을 비판했다.

보수적인 집단

— A conservative group or organization.

보수적인 집단의 반대에 부딪혔다.

보수적인 성격

— A conservative or cautious personality.

그녀는 보수적인 성격이라 모험을 즐기지 않는다.

보수적인 정당

— A conservative political party.

그는 보수적인 정당에 가입했다.

보수적인 사회

— A conservative society.

보수적인 사회에서는 관습을 깨기 어렵다.

자주 혼동되는 단어

보수적이다 vs 보수 (報酬)

Means 'salary' or 'reward'. Context usually clarifies, but learners often mix them up.

보수적이다 vs 보수 (補修)

Means 'repair' or 'maintenance' (of buildings/roads).

보수적이다 vs 전통적 (Traditional)

Focuses on the history, while '보수적' focuses on the resistance to change.

관용어 및 표현

"구관이 명관이다"

— An old official is a good official. (Similar to 'the old ways are best'—a conservative sentiment).

새 법보다 옛날 방식이 낫네. 역시 구관이 명관이야.

Informal/Proverb

"돌다리도 두들겨 보고 건너라"

— Even a stone bridge should be tapped before crossing. (Encourages a conservative, cautious approach).

보수적인 투자자들은 항상 돌다리도 두들겨 보고 건너는 법이다.

Common Proverb

"옛날 사람"

— Literally 'person from the past.' Used to describe someone with very conservative/old-fashioned views.

우리 할아버지는 정말 옛날 사람이라서 여자가 일하는 걸 싫어하셔.

Informal/Slang-ish

"꼰대"

— A pejorative term for an older person who is conservative, bossy, and out of touch.

그 부장님은 정말 전형적인 꼰대야.

Slang (Negative)

"틀에 박히다"

— To be stuck in a mold. Describes a conservative, unoriginal way of thinking.

그의 보수적인 생각은 너무 틀에 박혀 있다.

Neutral

"고인 물"

— Stagnant water. Used for a conservative group that doesn't accept new people or ideas.

이 조직은 보수적인 사람들만 모인 고인 물이다.

Slang (Negative)

"뿌리 깊은 나무"

— A deep-rooted tree. Often used positively for conservative values that are strong and stable.

우리 가문은 보수적이지만 뿌리 깊은 나무처럼 흔들리지 않는다.

Literary/Positive

"법대로 해라"

— Do it by the law. Often used by conservative types who refuse to make exceptions.

그는 너무 보수적이라 융통성 없이 법대로만 하려고 한다.

Neutral

"안전 제일"

— Safety first. The core mantra of a conservative approach.

우리 회사의 보수적인 경영 철학은 안전 제일이다.

Common Motto

"철밥통"

— Iron rice bowl. Refers to secure, conservative jobs (like civil servants) that are hard to lose.

보수적인 사람들은 철밥통 같은 직업을 선호한다.

Slang/Colloquial

혼동하기 쉬운

보수적이다 vs 고지식하다

Both mean 'old-fashioned'.

고지식하다 implies being simple-minded and inflexible to the point of being foolish. 보수적이다 is a broader ideological or social stance.

그는 보수적이지만 고지식하지는 않아서 말이 잘 통해요.

보수적이다 vs 엄격하다

Conservative people are often strict.

엄격하다 means 'strict' regarding rules or discipline. You can be progressive but still be a strict teacher.

선생님은 개방적이지만 수업 시간에는 아주 엄격하세요.

보수적이다 vs 완고하다

Both imply a lack of change.

완고하다 is more about stubbornness and refusing to listen to others' opinions.

할아버지는 생각이 너무 완고하셔서 설득하기 힘들어요.

보수적이다 vs 안정적이다

Conservative choices are often stable.

안정적이다 focuses on the result (stability/safety), while 보수적이다 focuses on the method (sticking to the old ways).

보수적인 경영 덕분에 회사가 안정적입니다.

보수적이다 vs 수구적이다

Both are 'right-wing'.

수구적이다 is a negative term for someone who blocks all progress. 보수적이다 is a neutral or self-identified term.

그의 주장은 보수적인 게 아니라 수구적이다.

문장 패턴

[Subject]은/는 보수적이에요.

우리 형은 보수적이에요.

보수적인 [Noun]이/가 좋아요.

보수적인 옷이 좋아요.

[Subject]은/는 보수적인 편이에요.

그 회사는 보수적인 편이에요.

보수적으로 [Verb]하다.

보수적으로 투자하다.

생각보다 보수적이라서 [Result].

생각보다 보수적이라서 놀랐어요.

보수적인 시각에서 보면 [Opinion].

보수적인 시각에서 보면 틀린 말은 아니에요.

[Noun]의 보수적인 성향이 [Action].

그의 보수적인 성향이 결정을 늦췄다.

보수적인 가치를 견지하면서도 [Contrast].

보수적인 가치를 견지하면서도 변화를 수용했다.

어휘 가족

명사

보수 (Conservatism / Maintenance)

보수주의 (Conservatism - the ideology)

보수파 (The conservative faction)

보수주의자 (A conservative person)

동사

보수하다 (To maintain / To repair - note different Hanja context)

보수화되다 (To become conservative)

형용사

보수적이다 (To be conservative)

사용법

frequency

Very high in media, high in business, moderate in daily casual conversation.

자주 하는 실수

보수적 사람 → 보수적인 사람
You must use the adjective-modifying form '-적인' before a noun.
그는 보수적이에요 (to mean 'He has a high salary') → 그는 보수가 많아요
'보수적이다' is only for 'conservative'. '보수' is the noun for 'pay'.
보수적으로이다 → 보수적이다
Don't add the adverbial '-로' before the copula '이다'.
Using '보수적이다' for 'old building' → 오래된 건물
'보수적이다' refers to mindset or systems, not physical age.
Assuming it's an insult → Using it descriptively
In many Korean contexts, being 'conservative' is seen as being 'stable' and 'principled'.

팁

Adverbial Nuance

Use '보수적으로' when you want to tell someone to 'play it safe' or 'be cautious'. For example: '수치를 보수적으로 잡으세요' (Please set the figures conservatively).

Modifying Nouns

Always remember to change it to '보수적인' when it comes before a noun. '보수적 사람' is incorrect; it must be '보수적인 사람'.

Respecting Elders

If you are describing an elderly person, '보수적이다' is fine, but adding '전통을 소중히 여기신다' (they value tradition) sounds much warmer and more respectful.

Don't forget the Antonym

To truly master this word, learn '진보적이다' (progressive) alongside it. They are almost always discussed together in social contexts.

Interview Tip

If a Korean interviewer asks about your work style, saying you are '보수적' might mean you follow rules well, but saying you are '개방적' might mean you are creative. Choose based on the company's culture.

Generational Gap

The word is often used to explain the '세대 차이' (generation gap). '우리 부모님은 보수적이셔서 저를 이해 못 하세요' is a very common sentiment.

The 'Jeok' Sound

Make sure the '적' (jeok) sound is short and crisp. If you lengthen it, it might sound like a different word.

Party Names

In Korea, political parties change names often, but they are always categorized as either '보수' (conservative) or '진보' (progressive) in the news.

Formal Endings

In essays, use the plain form '보수적이다'. In letters to superiors, use '보수적입니다'.

Context Clues

If you hear '보수' followed by '공사' (construction), it means 'repair'. If you hear it followed by '정당' (party), it means 'conservative'.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'Bo' (Bow) and 'Su' (Suit). A person wearing a traditional Bow and a formal Suit is likely to be '보수적이다' (conservative).

시각적 연상

Imagine a shield (保) and a gate (守). A person standing in front of an old gate with a shield is trying to keep things the same.

Word Web

Tradition Stability Old-fashioned Cautious Politics Hierarchy Confucianism Safety

챌린지

Try to find three things in your own life that are '보수적'. For example, your morning routine, your favorite old clothes, or your parents' rules.

어원

Composed of the Hanja '보' (保 - to protect/keep) and '수' (守 - to guard/defend), followed by the suffix '적' (的 - attribute/quality) and the copula '이다' (to be).

원래 의미: The root '보수' (保守) literally translates to 'protecting and guarding,' referring to the act of keeping something in its original or current state.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when calling an older person '보수적' directly; they might perceive it as you calling them 'closed-minded'. It's better to use it as a description of a situation or a general tendency.

While 'conservative' in English often has a strong political 'Red vs Blue' connotation, in Korean, it is just as likely to describe someone who is shy about wearing a bikini or someone who insists on using formal language.

The movie 'Ode to My Father' (국제시장) depicts a very '보수적' but dedicated father figure. The 'Kkondae' (꼰대) trope in K-dramas often parodies extreme '보수적' behavior. Political debates between '보수' (Right) and '진보' (Left) are a staple of Korean TV news.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Family and Upbringing

보수적인 가정
부모님이 보수적이다
엄격하고 보수적이다
가풍이 보수적이다

Workplace and Career

보수적인 기업 문화
상사가 보수적이다
보수적인 업무 방식
보수적인 복장 규정

Politics and Society

보수 정당
보수적인 유권자
사회적 보수주의
보수와 진보

Finance and Economy

보수적인 투자 전략
예산을 보수적으로 잡다
보수적인 수익률 예측
보수적인 금융 정책

Fashion and Appearance

보수적인 스타일
보수적으로 입다
노출이 없는 보수적인 옷
단정한 보수적 차림

대화 시작하기

"한국 사회가 예전에 비해 많이 개방적으로 변했다고 생각하세요, 아니면 여전히 보수적이라고 생각하세요?"

"본인은 본인이 보수적인 편이라고 생각하시나요, 아니면 진보적인 편이라고 생각하시나요?"

"보수적인 기업 문화의 장점과 단점은 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"

"부모님이 보수적이셔서 힘들었던 경험이 있으신가요?"

"외국인의 눈에 비친 한국의 보수적인 모습은 무엇인가요?"

일기 주제

내가 가진 가치관 중에서 가장 보수적인 것은 무엇인지, 그리고 왜 그렇게 생각하는지 써 보세요.

보수적인 세상에서 새로운 아이디어를 제안할 때 가장 중요한 태도는 무엇일까요?

전통을 지키는 '보수'와 변화를 거부하는 '수구'의 차이에 대해 자신의 생각을 정리해 보세요.

만약 내가 보수적인 회사의 사장이 된다면, 어떤 전통을 유지하고 어떤 것을 바꿀 것인가요?

나이가 들수록 사람이 더 보수적으로 변한다는 말에 동의하시나요? 자신의 경험을 바탕으로 서술하세요.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, it is not always negative. In many contexts, such as finance or corporate management, being '보수적' implies that you are careful, reliable, and prioritize stability. However, when describing a young person's social views, it can sometimes imply they are 'boring' or 'stiff'.

The most common opposites are '진보적이다' (progressive) for politics and social issues, and '개방적이다' (open-minded) for personal attitudes and lifestyle.

Yes, you can use it for things like clothes ('보수적인 옷'), investment strategies ('보수적인 투자'), or even a design style that doesn't use modern or flashy elements.

You can say '그분은 성향이 좀 보수적이세요' using the honorific '-시-'. This sounds more respectful than the basic form.

Yes, '보수' (報酬) can mean salary or pay. However, '보수적이다' always refers to being conservative. The context of the sentence will help you distinguish them.

The '-적' (的) suffix turns a noun into an attribute. It's similar to '-ive' or '-al' in English. '보수' (preservation) + '적' (attribute) = '보수적' (conservative).

Generally, Korea is considered socially conservative due to its Confucian roots, especially regarding family and social hierarchy. However, it is also one of the most technologically progressive countries in the world.

It is a 'conservative investment,' meaning a low-risk strategy like putting money in a savings account or government bonds instead of high-risk stocks.

It's less common, but you could use it to describe someone's '보수적인 입맛' (conservative palate), meaning they only like traditional foods and don't like trying fusion or foreign dishes.

It's used to describe the '보수 진영' (conservative camp/party) or to describe a cautious '보수적인 전망' (conservative outlook) for the economy.

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