Meaning
To develop and enhance one's abilities.
Cultural Background
The 'Spec' (스펙) culture involves building a 'specification' of skills to be competitive. '실력을 키우다' is the verb used to describe this lifelong process. Companies often have 'Self-Development' (자기계발) budgets for employees to 'grow their skills' through outside classes. In the world-famous Korean e-sports scene, '실력을 키우다' is used by pro-gamers in interviews to stay humble despite being the best. Parents often use this phrase to encourage children, focusing on the 'growth' rather than just the 'grade'.
Use with '꾸준히'
Pair it with '꾸준히' (consistently) to sound like a dedicated learner: '꾸준히 실력을 키우고 있습니다.'
Don't use for 'Talent'
If you are born with it, use '재능이 있다'. '실력을 키우다' is only for things you worked for.
Meaning
To develop and enhance one's abilities.
Use with '꾸준히'
Pair it with '꾸준히' (consistently) to sound like a dedicated learner: '꾸준히 실력을 키우고 있습니다.'
Don't use for 'Talent'
If you are born with it, use '재능이 있다'. '실력을 키우다' is only for things you worked for.
Humble Bragging
If someone praises you, say '아니에요, 실력을 더 키워야 해요' to show modesty.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '키우다'.
저는 내년에 영어 실력을 더 ( ) 싶어요.
'-고 싶다' is the standard way to express a desire.
Which sentence is the most natural for a job interview?
질문: 본인의 장점은 무엇입니까?
'키워오다' (have been growing) shows a history of effort and is very professional.
Match the field with the most appropriate '실력' phrase.
1. 요리 2. 한국어 3. 축구
Each context uses '실력을 키우다' to reach a specific goal.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
가: 이번 시험 점수가 너무 안 좋아서 속상해요. 나: 너무 걱정 마세요. 이번 기회에 부족한 ( ) 생각하면 돼요.
In a discouraging situation, 'growing your skills' is the positive way to look forward.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises저는 내년에 영어 실력을 더 ( ) 싶어요.
'-고 싶다' is the standard way to express a desire.
질문: 본인의 장점은 무엇입니까?
'키워오다' (have been growing) shows a history of effort and is very professional.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each context uses '실력을 키우다' to reach a specific goal.
가: 이번 시험 점수가 너무 안 좋아서 속상해요. 나: 너무 걱정 마세요. 이번 기회에 부족한 ( ) 생각하면 돼요.
In a discouraging situation, 'growing your skills' is the positive way to look forward.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! '게임 실력을 키우다' is very common among Korean gamers.
'키우다' is more common in daily speech. '기르다' sounds a bit more formal or literary, often used for 'habits' or 'character'.
Yes, it means 'to raise the level of skill'. It's slightly more formal than '키우다'.
Absolutely. It's one of the best phrases to show you are a growth-oriented candidate.
No, for personality or character, use '인성을 함양하다' or '성격을 고치다'.
Not necessarily. It just implies you are moving from your current level to a higher one.
Yes, '회사의 실력을 키우다' is used to mean increasing the company's overall capability.
You can say '실력이 늘었어요' (My skill has increased/grown).
No, it is standard Korean and appropriate for all ages.
Yes, '체력을 키우다' (to grow physical stamina/strength) is a very common collocation.
Related Phrases
실력을 쌓다
synonymTo accumulate skills/experience
실력을 발휘하다
builds onTo demonstrate one's skills
기량을 닦다
specialized formTo polish one's technique
능력을 향상시키다
similarTo improve ability
