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B2 noun 10분 분량

실상

silsang

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 실상 30초 만에

설명 실상 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use '실상' (silsang) in your own speaking yet, as it is quite an advanced word. However, you can think of it as a fancy way to say 'the real story.' Imagine you see a big, beautiful cake in a window, but when you eat it, it tastes bad. The '실상' is that the cake is not good. At this level, just remember that Korean has special words for 'reality' that are different from 'fact' (사실). You might see it in simple news headlines. If you see '실상,' just think: 'Oh, this is about what is REALLY happening, not just what it looks like.' It's like the difference between a movie poster and the actual movie. The poster is the 'image,' and the movie itself is the '실상.' You won't use this in basic greetings or ordering food, but it's a good word to recognize if you are watching Korean TV. It helps you understand that Korean speakers like to distinguish between how things look and how they truly are. Just keep it in your 'passive' vocabulary for now. If you want to say 'really' at this level, stick to '진짜' or '정말.' '실상' is for when you want to be a detective!

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As an A2 learner, you are starting to understand more complex sentences. '실상' (silsang) is a word you might hear when people are talking about things not being what they seem. You can start using it in the simple phrase '실상은...' which means 'In reality...' or 'Actually...' For example, if your friend says, 'That person looks very happy,' you could say, '실상은 그렇지 않아요' (In reality, that's not the case). This is a step up from using '사실은.' It makes you sound a bit more serious and thoughtful. You should also recognize it when it's used with '의' like '학교의 실상' (the reality of school). This means we are going to talk about the real life of students, not just the grades. At this level, try to notice when '실상' appears in subtitles. It often appears when a secret is being told or when a reporter is showing something hidden. It's a noun, so you treat it like any other object. You can say '실상을 알아요' (I know the reality). It's a great word to help you move from basic descriptions to expressing your own observations about the world. Don't worry about using it perfectly every time, but try to spot the difference between 'what people say' and the '실상.'

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use '실상' (silsang) to provide contrast in your speaking and writing. This word is very useful for the 'Intermediate' task of comparing and contrasting. When you are asked to talk about a social issue, such as 'The life of office workers in Korea,' you can use '실상' to show you understand the depth of the topic. For example: '겉으로는 성공한 것처럼 보이지만 실상은 아주 힘들어요' (On the outside they look successful, but the reality is very hard). This structure—[Appearance] + [But] + [실상은]—is a classic B1/B2 pattern. You should also start using collocations like '실상을 파악하다' (to grasp the reality). If you are preparing for the TOPIK II exam, '실상' is a high-frequency word in the reading section, especially in articles about the environment, economy, or education. It often introduces the 'main idea' or the 'problem' that the author wants to address. You should be able to distinguish '실상' from '실제' (practical reality) and '사실' (simple fact). Think of '실상' as the 'true state of affairs.' It's more than just a fact; it's the whole situation. Using this word correctly will help you achieve a higher score in speaking because it shows you can handle abstract concepts and nuanced truths.

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For B2 learners, '실상' (silsang) is an essential tool for critical analysis. At this level, you are expected to discuss complex topics in detail and express opinions on abstract matters. '실상' allows you to discuss the discrepancy between public perception and actual facts. You should use it in formal reports or debates. For instance, '정부의 정책이 발표되었지만, 그 실상을 들여다보면 허점이 많습니다' (The government's policy was announced, but if you look into the reality, there are many loopholes). Notice the verb '들여다보다' (to look into), which pairs perfectly with '실상.' You should also be comfortable with the adverbial usage '실상 알고 보면' (if you actually find out). At B2, you need to understand the nuances of Hanja-based vocabulary. '실' (Real) and '상' (State/Shape) tell you that this word is about the 'actual condition.' You can use it to critique media representations or corporate branding. It's also common in literature to describe a character's internal state versus their external actions. In your writing, use '실상' to transition from a general observation to a specific, deeper truth. This shows a high level of logical flow and vocabulary range. You should also be able to recognize it in fast-paced news broadcasts or documentaries without needing a dictionary, understanding it as the 'unvarnished truth' of the subject at hand.

At the C1 level, your use of '실상' (silsang) should be precise and sophisticated. You should understand its role in discourse as a way to deconstruct myths or '허상' (illusions). In academic or professional settings, you might use it to discuss the '실상과 이론의 괴리' (the gap between reality and theory). This is a very advanced phrase that shows a deep understanding of Korean intellectual vocabulary. You should also be able to use '실상' in various grammatical constructions, such as '실상인즉' (the reality of the matter is...) or '실상에 부합하다' (to correspond to reality). At this level, you can use the word to provide a nuanced critique of societal structures. For example, discussing the '실상' of the 'Hell Joseon' phenomenon or the '실상' of the Fourth Industrial Revolution's impact on labor. You should also be aware of the historical and cultural weight the word can carry in investigative journalism. It's not just about 'what's real,' but about the 'ethical imperative to reveal what's real.' Your speaking should reflect this weight. Instead of just stating facts, you use '실상' to set the stage for a revelation or a significant point of contention. You should also be able to explain the difference between '실상,' '실태,' and '실체' to lower-level learners, demonstrating your mastery of the Korean lexicon and its subtle distinctions in formal registers.

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For C2 learners, '실상' (silsang) is a word that you manipulate with stylistic flair. You can use it in philosophical discussions about the nature of reality itself, perhaps referencing Buddhist concepts of '실상' (Dharmata/True Nature) where it refers to the ultimate, unchanging reality behind the world of appearances. In this context, it transcends its everyday usage in news and becomes a metaphysical term. In high-level creative writing or persuasive oratory, you might use '실상' to create dramatic irony or to challenge the listener's fundamental assumptions. You should be comfortable using it in complex, multi-clause sentences with archaic or highly formal endings, such as '그 실상을 규명하는 것이 우리 시대의 과제라 하겠다' (It could be said that identifying that reality is the task of our era). Your understanding of the word should be so deep that you can identify its use in classical Korean literature or high-level political manifestos. You should be able to play with the contrast between '실상' and '명분' (justification/pretext), discussing how actions are often taken for a '명분' while their '실상' is purely pragmatic or self-serving. At C2, '실상' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a conceptual lens through which you analyze and describe the intricacies of the human condition and the structures of society. You use it to provide the 'definitive word' on a subject, signaling that you have reached the core of the matter.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

실상 30초 만에

실상 refers to the 'true state' or 'actual reality' of a situation, often contrasted with a misleading surface appearance.
It is a Hanja-based noun (實狀) commonly used in formal contexts like news, documentaries, and academic writing.
The word is frequently used as '실상은' to mean 'in reality' or 'actually' when correcting a misconception.
Common collocations include '실상을 파헤치다' (uncover the reality) and '실상을 파악하다' (grasp the reality).

The Korean word 실상 (silsang) is a powerful noun that translates to 'the true state of affairs,' 'the actual reality,' or 'the underlying truth' of a situation. At its core, it refers to the objective reality that exists beneath a surface appearance or a common misconception. In the CEFR B2 level context, it is often used when there is a discrepancy between what is perceived and what is actually happening. You will frequently encounter this word in investigative journalism, academic papers, and serious discussions where a speaker aims to peel back layers of superficiality to reveal the core facts. For example, a company might appear profitable on paper, but the 실상 might reveal deep-seated debt and mismanagement. Understanding 실상 requires an appreciation for the Korean cultural tendency to maintain '체면' (chemeon) or 'face.' Often, the public-facing image (겉모습) is carefully curated, while the 실상 is kept hidden or is only known to insiders.

Etymology: The word is derived from Hanja: 實 (실) meaning 'real' or 'fruit' and 狀 (상) meaning 'shape' or 'state.' Together, they literally mean the 'real shape' of things.

When using 실상, you are often inviting your listener to look past the obvious. It is not just a 'fact' (사실); it is the 'state' of those facts in a broader context. If 사실 is a single brick, 실상 is the actual condition of the entire wall, including the cracks you can't see from a distance.

소문과 실상은 전혀 달랐다.

Translation: The rumors and the actual reality were completely different.

In daily life, you might hear this when discussing social issues. For instance, while a city might look modern and wealthy, the 실상 of its elderly poverty rate might be shocking. It is a word that carries weight and implies a level of investigative depth. Use this word when you want to sound more analytical and precise. Instead of saying 'The truth is...' (진실은...), saying 'The 실상 of the matter is...' adds a layer of professional scrutiny to your statement. It is a staple in the vocabulary of anyone reading Korean news or participating in business meetings where 'real' numbers and 'real' situations are discussed.

Grammar Note: 실상 is primarily a noun but can function adverbially in the form '실상은' (actually/in reality) to contrast a previous statement.

그는 부자로 알려졌지만, 실상은 빚더미에 앉아 있다.

Translation: He is known as a rich man, but in reality, he is sitting on a pile of debt.

In summary, 실상 is your go-to word for describing the gritty, unvarnished truth of a situation that might otherwise be misunderstood or misrepresented. It is essential for B2 learners who are moving beyond basic descriptions into more critical analysis of the world around them.

Using 실상 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that often acts as the subject or a modifier in a sentence. It frequently appears in the structure '[Noun]의 실상' (The reality of [Noun]). This is common in titles or when introducing a topic of investigation. For example, '북한의 실상' (The reality of North Korea) is a common phrase in political discourse. Another very common usage is as a contrastive adverbial phrase '실상은' or '실상 알고 보면,' which translates to 'In reality...' or 'If you actually look into it...'

Common Verb Pairings: 실상을 파헤치다 (to dig into/uncover the reality), 실상을 알리다 (to inform/reveal the reality), 실상을 파악하다 (to grasp/understand the reality).

When you are writing an essay or a report, 실상 serves as a transition word that prepares the reader for a revelation. It shifts the narrative from the 'perceived' to the 'actual.' For example: '겉으로는 평화로워 보이지만, 실상은 갈등이 심각하다' (It looks peaceful on the surface, but in reality, the conflict is serious). Here, 실상 anchors the second clause, providing the necessary weight to the counter-argument.

우리는 사건의 실상을 정확히 파악해야 합니다.

Translation: We must accurately grasp the true state of the incident.

In more formal settings, you might use '실상' to politely correct someone. Instead of saying they are wrong, you might say, '실상은 이렇습니다' (The reality is like this), and then provide the facts. This sounds more objective and less confrontational.

Noun Phrases: 생활의 실상 (the reality of daily life), 경제의 실상 (the reality of the economy), 교육의 실상 (the reality of education).

그 영화는 전쟁의 실상을 적나라하게 보여주었다.

Translation: That movie vividly showed the true reality of war.

In academic writing, you might use it to discuss the '실상과 허상' (reality and illusion/image). This pairing is classic in Korean philosophy and social science, used to critique how media or politics creates a '허상' (false image) that masks the '실상.' To use it effectively, always ensure there is a context of 'discovery' or 'clarification.' It is not used for simple, obvious truths (like 'the sky is blue'), but for truths that require some level of investigation or realization. By mastering '실상,' you demonstrate a high level of linguistic sophistication, showing that you can navigate the nuances of truth and perception in Korean society.

You will encounter 실상 in several specific environments in South Korea. First and foremost is the news media. Investigative programs like 'PD Notebook' or 'Unanswered Questions' (그것이 알고 싶다) frequently use the word 실상 to describe the hidden truth behind crimes, political scandals, or social phenomena. When a reporter says, '우리는 그 현장의 실상을 취재했습니다' (We covered the reality of that scene), they are promising the viewer a look at what is 'really' going on, often involving something shocking or transformative.

Media Usage: Used in headlines to grab attention: '충격적인 실상' (Shocking reality), '베일에 싸인 실상' (The reality shrouded in a veil).

Secondly, you will hear it in academic and professional lectures. Professors use 실상 when discussing the actual implementation of a theory. For example, a law professor might talk about how a law looks on the books versus the '실상' of how it is enforced in the courts. This distinction is crucial for higher-level learning.

이 제도의 실상은 운영 방식에서 차이가 납니다.

Translation: The reality of this system differs in its operational method.

In documentaries, the narrator often uses 실상 to introduce a transition from a beautiful landscape to a difficult human struggle. It serves as a narrative bridge. You might also hear it in serious documentaries about nature, revealing the '실상' of survival in the wild. In daily conversation, it is slightly more formal but common when people are gossiping or sharing 'the real story' about someone. '걔네 사이 되게 좋아 보이지? 근데 실상은 맨날 싸워.' (They look like they get along great, right? But in reality, they fight every day.) Here, 실상 adds a dramatic effect, signaling that the speaker has 'exclusive' or 'deeper' knowledge.

Literature and Art: In novels, authors use 실상 to describe the inner turmoil of a character who appears calm on the outside. It is a tool for psychological depth.

Finally, in the legal field, lawyers and judges use 실상 to refer to the 'actual facts of the case' (사건의 실상) as opposed to the claims made by either side. It is about reaching the definitive, objective truth that will determine the verdict. Hearing this word should immediately trigger your 'critical thinking' mode, as it implies that what you've seen or heard so far might only be half the story.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 실상 is confusing it with similar words like 사실 (fact) or 진실 (truth). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. '사실' is a specific, verifiable piece of information. '진실' is the moral or absolute truth. '실상' is the *state* or *condition* of reality. You wouldn't say 'That's a 실상' to mean 'That's a fact.' Instead, you would say 'The 실상 of the situation is...'

Mistake: Using 실상 for simple facts: Incorrect: 내가 어제 학교에 간 것은 실상이다. (That I went to school yesterday is the reality.) -> Correct: 사실이다. (It's a fact.)

Another mistake is using it in overly casual contexts where it might sound too 'heavy.' If you are talking about what you ate for lunch, using 실상 would be weird and overly dramatic unless there's a huge conspiracy about your sandwich. It is a 'high-register' word.

실상과 사실의 차이점을 아는 것이 중요합니다.

Translation: It is important to know the difference between 'the actual state' and 'a fact.'

Learners also sometimes struggle with the particle usage. Should it be '실상은' or '실상이'? '실상은' is much more common because it usually introduces a contrast (Actual state *as for*...). If you use '실상이,' you are making 'the reality' the specific subject of a verb, like '실상이 드러났다' (The reality was revealed). A third common error is mispronunciation. The 'ㄹ' followed by 'ㅅ' can be tricky. Ensure the 'ㄹ' is clear and doesn't blend too much into the 'ㅅ,' though in fast speech, the 'ㅅ' might become slightly tensed (실쌍).

Register Errors: Using 실상 in a K-pop fan chat might sound like you are writing a thesis. Stick to '사실' or '진짜' in those settings.

Finally, don't confuse 실상 (silsang) with 시상 (sisang - award ceremony) or 실성 (silseong - losing one's mind). These are phonetically similar but worlds apart in meaning. Always look at the Hanja roots if you are unsure: 실 (Real) + 상 (State). If the context is about 'how things really are,' you have the right word.

Understanding the synonyms of 실상 helps you choose the right word for the right nuance. The most common alternative is 실제 (silje), which also means 'reality.' However, '실제' is often used to mean 'practical' or 'real-life' as opposed to 'theoretical.' For example, '실제 상황' (real situation/drill). 실상 is more about the 'true nature' or 'hidden state.'

실상 vs. 진실 (Truth): 진실 is the 'ultimate truth,' often with a moral or emotional weight. 실상 is the 'factual state,' often more descriptive and analytical.
실상 vs. 실체 (Entity/Substance): 실체 refers to the 'physical substance' or the 'true identity' of something. If you are trying to find out who is behind a crime, you are looking for the '실체.' If you are looking at how a system works, you are looking for the '실상.'

Another similar word is 현상 (hyeonsang), which means 'phenomenon' or 'current state.' While 실상 looks for the *true* state, 현상 looks at the *observable* state. They are often used together to describe the gap between what we see (현상) and what is actually happening (실상).

우리는 겉으로 드러난 현상보다 그 실상을 봐야 한다.

Translation: We must look at the true reality rather than the phenomena revealed on the surface.

In journalistic writing, you might see '실태' (siltae), which means 'actual condition' or 'status quo.' 실태 is very similar to 실상 but is almost exclusively used for social problems or statistical conditions, like '고용 실태' (employment status). 실상 is broader and can be used for abstract concepts or personal situations.

Summary Table: - 사실: Fact (A specific truth). - 실제: Reality (Practical/Non-theoretical). - 실상: True State (Underlying reality). - 실태: Actual Condition (Statistical/Problem-oriented).

Choosing the right word demonstrates your grasp of Korean nuance. If you want to emphasize that something is a 'hidden truth' that you've discovered, '실상' is your best bet. If you want to talk about 'real-world application,' use '실제.' If you are reporting on 'survey results,' use '실태.'

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The character 實 (실) also means 'fruit.' In ancient thought, the fruit is the 'real' result of a tree's growth, hence the meaning of 'reality' or 'truth.'

발음 가이드

UK /ɕil.sʰaŋ/

US /ɕil.sʰaŋ/

Stress is even, but the first syllable '실' is slightly higher in pitch.

라임이 맞는 단어

일상 (ilsang - daily life) 비상 (bisang - emergency) 이상 (isang - ideal) 상상 (sangsang - imagination) 증상 (jeungsang - symptom) 책상 (chaeksang - desk) 세상 (sesang - world) 항상 (hangsang - always)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing '실' as 'sil' with a hard English 'L'. It should be a light flap.
Pronouncing '상' as 'sang' like English 'sing'. It should have a clear 'ah' sound.

난이도

독해 4/5

Common in news and essays, requires understanding context.

쓰기 4/5

Requires knowing proper collocations like '파헤치다'.

말하기 3/5

Useful for contrast but '사실은' is more common in casual speech.

듣기 4/5

Frequent in documentaries and news broadcasts.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

사실 (fact) 진짜 (real) 모습 (appearance) 다르다 (different) 생각하다 (think)

다음에 배울 것

실태 (condition) 실체 (substance) 본질 (essence) 괴리 (gap/discrepancy) 왜곡 (distortion)

고급

제행무상 (impermanence) 제법실상 (true nature of all things) 허상 (illusion)

알아야 할 문법

~의 (Possessive)

사회[의] 실상 (The reality [of] society)

~은/는 (Topic Marker for Contrast)

실상[은] 그렇지 않다 (Actually, it is not like that)

~와/과 다르다 (Different from)

실상[과] 다르다 (Different [from] reality)

~을/를 통해 (Through)

실상[을 통해] 배우다 (Learn [through] reality)

~기 위해 (In order to)

실상을 파악하[기 위해] (In order to grasp the reality)

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수준별 예문

이것은 실상과 달라요.

This is different from the real thing.

'실상' is the noun, '과' means 'with/from', '달라요' means 'is different.'

실상은 아주 예뻐요.

In reality, it is very pretty.

'실상은' here acts as 'actually' or 'in reality.'

그의 실상을 보세요.

Look at his real self.

'의' is the possessive particle.

실상이 궁금해요.

I am curious about the reality.

'이' is the subject particle.

실상을 말해 주세요.

Please tell me the reality.

'을' is the object particle.

실상은 그렇지 않아요.

Actually, it's not like that.

'그렇지 않아요' is a common negation.

뉴스에서 실상을 봤어요.

I saw the reality on the news.

'에서' indicates the location of the action.

실상은 더 어려워요.

Actually, it is more difficult.

'더' means 'more.'

겉모습만 보고 실상을 모르면 안 돼요.

You shouldn't just look at the appearance and not know the reality.

'~면 안 돼요' means 'you shouldn't.'

실상은 우리가 생각한 것과 달라요.

The reality is different from what we thought.

'~ㄴ 것' turns a verb into a noun phrase.

그 영화는 가난의 실상을 보여줘요.

That movie shows the reality of poverty.

'의' connects 'poverty' and 'reality.'

사람들은 실상을 알고 싶어 해요.

People want to know the reality.

'~고 싶어 하다' is used for the third person wanting something.

실상은 생각보다 복잡해요.

Actually, it is more complex than I thought.

'~보다' is used for comparison.

그는 친절해 보이지만 실상은 무서워요.

He looks kind, but in reality, he is scary.

'~어 보이다' means 'to look like.'

우리는 사건의 실상을 조사했어요.

We investigated the reality of the incident.

'조사하다' means 'to investigate.'

실상은 아무도 몰라요.

Actually, nobody knows.

'아무도' means 'nobody.'

이 보고서는 한국 교육의 실상을 잘 담고 있다.

This report contains the reality of Korean education well.

'담고 있다' means 'contains' or 'holds.'

화려한 무대 뒤의 실상은 고통스럽기도 하다.

The reality behind the glamorous stage is sometimes painful.

'~기도 하다' means 'it is also...' or 'sometimes...'

실상을 파악하기 위해 현장을 직접 방문했다.

I visited the site personally to grasp the reality.

'~기 위해' means 'in order to.'

소문만 믿지 말고 실상을 확인해 보세요.

Don't just believe rumors; try to check the reality.

'~지 말고' means 'don't do X, but...'

그 정책의 실상은 국민들에게 잘 알려지지 않았다.

The reality of that policy is not well known to the citizens.

'알려지지 않았다' is the passive negative form.

실상은 그가 말한 것보다 훨씬 더 심각합니다.

Actually, it is much more serious than what he said.

'훨씬' is an intensifier meaning 'much more.'

우리는 광고에 속지 말고 실상을 봐야 합니다.

We must look at the reality and not be fooled by advertisements.

'~어 야 합니다' means 'must.'

실상은 돈 문제가 가장 큽니다.

In reality, the money problem is the biggest.

'가장' means 'the most.'

정치인들의 화려한 공약과 실상은 거리가 멀다.

There is a long distance between politicians' glamorous promises and reality.

'거리가 멀다' is an idiom meaning 'to be far from' or 'to be different.'

그 다큐멘터리는 아프리카 기아의 실상을 고발했다.

The documentary exposed the reality of famine in Africa.

'고발하다' means 'to expose' or 'to accuse/report.'

실상은 이론적으로 설명하기 어려운 부분이 많다.

In reality, there are many parts that are difficult to explain theoretically.

'~기 어렵다' means 'is difficult to...'

우리는 겉으로 드러난 현상 너머의 실상을 꿰뚫어 보아야 한다.

We must see through to the reality beyond the phenomena revealed on the surface.

'꿰뚫어 보다' means 'to see through' or 'to penetrate.'

실상은 그 기업이 파산 위기에 처해 있다는 것이다.

The reality is that the company is facing a crisis of bankruptcy.

'~ㄴ다는 것이다' is used to state a fact or conclusion.

언론은 사건의 실상을 왜곡 없이 보도해야 할 책임이 있다.

The media has a responsibility to report the reality of the incident without distortion.

'왜곡 없이' means 'without distortion.'

실상을 알고 나니 그에 대한 실망감이 커졌다.

After finding out the reality, my disappointment in him grew.

'~고 나니' means 'after doing [action], I realized...'

이 문제는 실상을 정확히 진단하는 것부터 시작해야 합니다.

This problem must start from accurately diagnosing the reality.

'진단하다' means 'to diagnose.'

자본주의의 실상을 비판적으로 고찰하는 논문들이 쏟아져 나오고 있다.

Theses critically examining the reality of capitalism are pouring out.

'고찰하다' is a formal word for 'examine' or 'study.'

실상과 허상 사이에서 대중은 종종 방향을 잃곤 한다.

Between reality and illusion, the public often loses their way.

'~곤 하다' indicates a frequent or habitual action.

그 작가는 소설을 통해 인간 내면의 추악한 실상을 가감 없이 드러냈다.

Through his novel, the author revealed the ugly reality of the human interior without addition or subtraction.

'가감 없이' means 'without exaggeration or omission.'

실상은 법적 제도와 현실 사이의 괴리를 극복하는 데에 있다.

The reality lies in overcoming the gap between the legal system and reality.

'~는 데에 있다' means 'lies in...' or 'is about...'

우리는 통계 수치 뒤에 숨겨진 서민들의 실상을 외면해서는 안 된다.

We must not turn away from the reality of ordinary people hidden behind statistical figures.

'외면하다' means 'to turn away' or 'to ignore.'

실상인즉, 이번 협상은 양측 모두에게 손해였다.

The reality of the matter is that this negotiation was a loss for both sides.

'실상인즉' is a formal way to introduce the 'true story.'

기술 발전의 실상은 우리가 기대했던 유토피아와는 거리가 멀었다.

The reality of technological progress was far from the utopia we expected.

'~와는 거리가 멀다' is a strong contrastive expression.

실상을 규명하기 위한 청문회가 열렸지만 성과가 없었다.

A hearing was held to clarify the reality, but there was no result.

'규명하다' means 'to investigate and clarify.'

현상계의 실상을 깨닫는 것이야말로 고통에서 벗어나는 유일한 길이다.

Realizing the true nature of the phenomenal world is indeed the only way to escape suffering.

'~야말로' is an emphatic particle meaning 'indeed' or 'precisely.'

실상과 명분의 이분법적 사고를 넘어서는 통찰이 요구되는 시점이다.

This is a point where insight that transcends the dichotomous thinking of reality and justification is required.

'이분법적' means 'dichotomous.'

그 철학자는 존재의 실상이 공(空)임을 주장하며 세상을 놀라게 했다.

The philosopher surprised the world by asserting that the true state of existence is emptiness.

'~임' is a nominalized form of '이다' (to be).

실상에 대한 총체적 인식이 결여된 상태에서의 정책 수립은 위험하다.

Establishing policy in a state lacking a holistic perception of reality is dangerous.

'결여되다' means 'to be lacking.'

역사의 실상은 승자의 기록에 의해 종종 은폐되거나 왜곡되기도 한다.

The reality of history is often concealed or distorted by the records of the winners.

'은폐되다' means 'to be concealed.'

실상은 언어라는 매체를 통해 온전히 전달될 수 없는 성질의 것이다.

Reality is of a nature that cannot be fully conveyed through the medium of language.

'~의 것이다' indicates a characteristic or nature.

사회적 담론이 실상을 반영하지 못할 때 대중의 불신은 깊어진다.

When social discourse fails to reflect reality, public distrust deepens.

'담론' means 'discourse.'

실상을 직시하는 용기야말로 진정한 변혁의 시작이다.

The courage to look reality straight in the eye is indeed the beginning of true transformation.

'직시하다' means 'to look straight at' or 'to face squarely.'

자주 쓰는 조합

실상을 파헤치다

실상을 파악하다

실상을 알리다

실상을 드러내다

실상과 다르다

실상을 직시하다

실상을 숨기다

실상을 규명하다

실상을 보여주다

실상에 부합하다

자주 쓰는 구문

실상은 이렇습니다

— Used to introduce a correction or detailed explanation. 'The reality is like this.'

오해가 있으신데, 실상은 이렇습니다.

실상 알고 보면

— Used when something is different from its first impression. 'If you actually find out...'

실상 알고 보면 그도 불쌍한 사람이다.

베일에 싸인 실상

— Used for a reality that is hidden or mysterious. 'A reality shrouded in a veil.'

베일에 싸인 실상이 곧 공개될 예정이다.

충격적인 실상

— Used to describe a surprising or disturbing reality. 'A shocking reality.'

다큐멘터리는 공장의 충격적인 실상을 보여주었다.

실상과 허상

— A pair meaning 'reality and illusion'.

예술은 실상과 허상의 경계에 있다.

생활의 실상

— The reality of daily life.

이 소설은 1950년대 생활의 실상을 그렸다.

경제의 실상

— The reality of the economy.

지표는 좋지만 경제의 실상은 어둡다.

현장의 실상

— The reality of the scene/field.

현장의 실상을 모르는 정책은 실패한다.

사건의 실상

— The true state of the incident.

검찰은 사건의 실상을 밝히기 위해 수사를 확대했다.

인간의 실상

— The true nature of humanity.

전쟁은 인간의 실상을 적나라하게 드러낸다.

자주 혼동되는 단어

실상 vs 사실

Facts are specific points; 실상 is the overall state of reality.

실상 vs 실제

실제 is often 'practical/applied'; 실상 is 'true/underlying'.

실상 vs 진실

진실 is the absolute 'truth'; 실상 is the 'actual state'.

관용어 및 표현

"실상이 드러나다"

— To have the hidden truth come to light.

그의 거짓말이 들통나면서 실상이 드러났다.

Neutral

"실상을 꿰뚫어 보다"

— To see through appearances to the core truth.

그는 상대방의 실상을 꿰뚫어 보는 능력이 있다.

Formal

"실상과 동떨어지다"

— To be far removed from reality.

그의 계획은 실상과 너무 동떨어져 있다.

Neutral

"실상을 외면하다"

— To turn a blind eye to the reality.

문제를 해결하려면 실상을 외면해서는 안 된다.

Formal

"실상에 눈을 뜨다"

— To finally realize the true state of things.

그는 여행을 통해 세상의 실상에 눈을 떴다.

Literary

"실상을 덮다"

— To cover up the reality.

돈으로 실상을 덮으려 했지만 소용없었다.

Neutral

"실상을 낱낱이 밝히다"

— To reveal the reality in every detail.

보고서는 기업의 비리 실상을 낱낱이 밝혔다.

Formal

"실상을 왜곡하다"

— To distort the reality.

일부 언론이 실상을 왜곡하여 보도했다.

Formal

"실상을 오해하다"

— To misunderstand the reality.

우리는 그의 의도에 대한 실상을 오해하고 있었다.

Neutral

"실상을 직시하다"

— To face the reality squarely.

실상을 직시하는 것은 아픈 일이다.

Formal

혼동하기 쉬운

실상 vs 실태

Both mean 'actual state'.

실태 is used for statistics and social problems (e.g., poverty rate). 실상 is broader and can be more abstract or personal.

고용 실태 (Employment status) vs. 삶의 실상 (Reality of life).

실상 vs 실체

Both involve 'truth'.

실체 refers to the 'substance' or 'identity' of something hidden. 실상 refers to the 'condition' or 'state'.

비밀 단체의 실체 (Identity of secret group) vs. 운영의 실상 (Reality of operation).

실상 vs 현실

Both translate to 'reality'.

현실 is the 'present world' or 'current situation'. 실상 is the 'true state' (often hidden).

현실을 직시하다 (Face the current world) vs. 실상을 파헤치다 (Uncover the hidden truth).

실상 vs 진상

Both mean 'truth/reality'.

진상 is often used in 'finding the truth' of a crime (진상 규명). It can also mean a 'difficult customer' in modern slang.

사건의 진상 (Truth of the case) vs. 사건의 실상 (True state of the case).

실상 vs 본질

Both mean 'core truth'.

본질 is the 'essence' or 'nature' (philosophical). 실상 is the 'actual state' (descriptive).

문제의 본질 (Essence of the problem) vs. 문제의 실상 (Actual state of the problem).

문장 패턴

실상은 [Adjective]요.

실상은 어려워요.

겉으로는 [A]지만 실상은 [B]다.

겉으로는 웃지만 실상은 슬프다.

[Noun]의 실상을 알다.

전쟁의 실상을 알다.

실상을 파악하는 것이 중요하다.

사건의 실상을 파악하는 것이 중요하다.

실상 알고 보면 [Sentence].

실상 알고 보면 그는 좋은 사람이다.

실상과 허상의 차이.

실상과 허상의 차이를 분석하다.

실상인즉 [Sentence].

실상인즉 모든 것이 오해였다.

실상을 직시할 용기.

우리는 실상을 직시할 용기가 필요하다.

어휘 가족

명사

실상 (reality)

실제 (reality/practicality)

실태 (actual condition)

실체 (substance)

동사

실상화하다 (to realize/actualize - rare)

형용사

실상적인 (realistic - rare, '실제적인' is more common)

사용법

frequency

Common in media and academic writing; moderate in daily speech.

자주 하는 실수

Using '실상' as a simple adverb for 'really'. → 진짜 or 정말
'실상' is a noun meaning 'actual state.' While '실상은' means 'actually,' it's too heavy for 'I really like this.' Use '진짜' instead.
Confusing '실상' with '시상' (award). → 실상
'시상' is an award ceremony. '실상' is reality. They sound similar but are very different.
Using '실상' for simple, obvious facts. → 사실
If you say 'The fact that I am a student is 실상,' it sounds weird. Use '사실' for basic data. Use '실상' for complex situations.
Misplacing the topic marker. → 실상은 (Actually...)
Learners often forget the '은' when using it to mean 'In reality,' which makes the sentence flow poorly.
Pronouncing it as 'Silsang' with an English 'S'. → [ɕil.sʰaŋ]
The 's' in Korean is often slightly tensed or palatalized depending on the vowel. Practice with a native audio.

팁

Contrast is Key

Use '실상' when there is a clear difference between what people see and what is actually happening. It's the perfect word for 'peeling back the layers.'

Adverbial Use

Remember that '실상은' can act as an adverb meaning 'Actually' or 'In reality' at the start of a clause.

Learn Collocations

Don't just learn the word; learn phrases like '실상을 파헤치다' (uncover the reality) to sound more like a native speaker.

Formal Writing

In essays, use '실상' instead of '진짜' or '정말' to increase the academic tone of your work.

News Keywords

When you hear '실상' on the news, get ready for an investigative report. It's a 'hook' word for viewers.

Social Media Critique

Use '실상' to talk about the 'reality' of social media life versus the 'image.' It's a very relevant topic in modern Korea.

Authoritative Tone

Using '실상은 이렇습니다' in a presentation makes you sound like you have done your research and know the deep facts.

Clear ㄹ

Make sure the 'ㄹ' doesn't disappear. It should be 'Sil-sang', not 'Si-sang'.

Hanja Connection

Associate '실' with 'Reality' and '상' with 'Status'. Real-Status = 실상.

Vivid Adjectives

Combine '실상' with words like '적나라한' (vivid/raw) to make your descriptions more powerful.

암기하기

기억법

'Sil' sounds like 'Seal'. 'Sang' sounds like 'Song'. Imagine a SEAL singing a SONG about the REALITY of the ocean.

시각적 연상

A magnifying glass looking at a fake-looking plastic fruit that reveals a real, juicy center.

Word Web

사실 (fact) 진실 (truth) 실상 (reality) 실제 (practical) 현실 (current reality) 실태 (condition) 실체 (entity) 본질 (essence)

챌린지

Try to describe a movie plot where the ending reveals a '실상' that is different from the beginning.

어원

Derived from Middle Korean, using Hanja characters 實 (실) and 狀 (상).

원래 의미: The real or actual appearance/state of an object or situation.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

문화적 맥락

No specific sensitivities, but using it to expose someone's personal life can be seen as intrusive or gossipy.

In English, we might say 'The reality of the situation' or 'The truth of the matter.' '실상' is slightly more formal than 'actually.'

'실상' is a common word in the titles of investigative news programs like 'PD Notebook'. Buddhist texts often use '실상' to refer to 'Dharmata' or the true nature of reality.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Journalism

사건의 실상을 파헤치다
현장의 실상을 보도하다
충격적인 실상

Business

시장의 실상을 파악하다
경영의 실상을 공개하다
실상에 기반한 계획

Daily Conversation

실상은 말이야...
알고 보니 실상은...
실상과 다르네

Academic Writing

이론과 실상의 괴리
실상을 고찰하다
실상에 부합하는 모델

Law/Legal

사건의 실상을 규명하다
실상을 왜곡하여 증언하다
실상을 숨기다

대화 시작하기

"요즘 한국 사회의 실상에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"유명인들의 화려한 삶 뒤에 숨겨진 실상은 무엇일까요?"

"우리가 알고 있는 역사의 실상이 사실과 다를 수도 있을까요?"

"그 영화가 보여준 전쟁의 실상이 너무 충격적이지 않았나요?"

"회사 경영의 실상을 직원들에게 투명하게 공개해야 할까요?"

일기 주제

내가 알고 있던 사실과 실상이 달랐던 경험에 대해 써보세요.

사회적으로 잘 알려지지 않은 우리 주변의 실상은 무엇인가요?

'실상과 허상'이라는 주제로 짧은 글을 작성해 보세요.

뉴스를 통해 알게 된 충격적인 실상에 대해 자신의 의견을 써보세요.

겉모습보다 실상을 아는 것이 왜 중요한지 설명해 보세요.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, '실상' is generally considered a formal or serious word. It is frequently used in news broadcasts, investigative journalism, and academic writing. While it can be used in daily conversation, it usually adds a tone of seriousness or contrast. For a more casual 'actually,' Koreans typically use '사실은' or '실제로는.'

Yes, you can use it to describe the 'true reality' of a person's life or character, often in contrast to their public image. For example, '그의 실상을 알면 놀랄 거예요' (You'll be surprised if you know his true reality). However, '본모습' (true self) is also very common for people.

'사실' (fact) refers to a specific piece of information that is true and can be verified. '실상' (actual state) refers to the broader, often hidden, reality of a situation. Think of '사실' as a single point and '실상' as the whole picture.

Yes, '실상은' is very commonly used at the beginning of a sentence or a clause to mean 'In reality...' or 'Actually...' It serves as a transition word to provide a contrasting truth to what was previously mentioned.

The 'ㄹ' in '실상' is a 'lateral' sound, but since it's at the end of a syllable followed by 'ㅅ', it's a light touch of the tongue to the roof of the mouth. It shouldn't be a heavy 'L' sound like in English 'full.'

It can be, but it is more frequently used to reveal something negative, difficult, or surprising that was hidden. For example, '겉으로는 무뚝뚝하지만 실상은 따뜻한 사람이다' (He looks blunt on the outside but is actually a warm person).

It means 'Reality and Illusion.' This is a common philosophical or critical pairing used to discuss how things appear versus how they really are, often used in media criticism or art.

Yes, '실상' is a common vocabulary word in the TOPIK II (Intermediate/Advanced) reading and listening sections. It often appears in articles about social issues, education, and the economy.

You can, but it might sound a bit formal or dramatic. If you are sharing a 'real secret' or correcting a big misunderstanding, it works well. For simple corrections, '사실은' is more natural.

Yes, it is 實狀. 實 (실) means 'real, solid, fruit' and 狀 (상) means 'shape, state, appearance.' Understanding these helps you remember that it's about the 'real state' of things.

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