Meaning
To receive a chance or favorable circumstance.
Cultural Background
In a highly competitive society, 'obtaining a chance' is often seen as a result of 'Spec' (specifications/qualifications). People spend years building their resume just to 'obtain the chance' to interview at top companies like Samsung. There is a cultural emphasis on 'humility' when obtaining a chance. Even if you worked hard, saying you 'obtained' it through the help of elders or the situation is considered virtuous. The term 'Geum-su-jeo' (Gold Spoon) refers to those who obtain opportunities easily due to family wealth, contrasting with 'Dirt Spoons' who struggle to even get a single chance. Trainees often talk about 'obtaining the chance to debut' after years of practice. It is the ultimate goal of the trainee system.
Use the Humble Form
In interviews, say '얻게 되었습니다' instead of '얻었습니다' to sound more professional and humble.
Don't drop the marker
In formal writing, always include the object marker '를'. In speaking, '기회 얻었어' is fine.
Meaning
To receive a chance or favorable circumstance.
Use the Humble Form
In interviews, say '얻게 되었습니다' instead of '얻었습니다' to sound more professional and humble.
Don't drop the marker
In formal writing, always include the object marker '를'. In speaking, '기회 얻었어' is fine.
Combine with '소중한'
Adding '소중한' (precious) before '기회' makes you sound very sincere and grateful.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '기회를 얻다'.
열심히 공부해서 장학금을 받을 (____).
Obtaining a scholarship opportunity is a positive achievement, so '얻었어요' is the correct collocation.
Which sentence is the most natural for a job interview?
면접관에게 할 말로 가장 적절한 것은?
While the applicant 'obtains' (얻다) the chance, the interviewer 'gives' (주다) the chance. This is the most polite response.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 이번에 유학 가신다면서요? B: 네, 운 좋게 (____).
The speaker is explaining their good fortune in getting a chance to study abroad.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises열심히 공부해서 장학금을 받을 (____).
Obtaining a scholarship opportunity is a positive achievement, so '얻었어요' is the correct collocation.
면접관에게 할 말로 가장 적절한 것은?
While the applicant 'obtains' (얻다) the chance, the interviewer 'gives' (주다) the chance. This is the most polite response.
A: 이번에 유학 가신다면서요? B: 네, 운 좋게 (____).
The speaker is explaining their good fortune in getting a chance to study abroad.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsTechnically yes, but '당첨되다' (to be picked) is much more common. '기회를 얻다' implies you can now *do* something with that win.
'얻다' sounds like you secured it or it's a significant event. '받다' is more passive and sounds a bit like a direct translation from English.
Yes, '찬스' (chance) is a very common loanword in casual Korean, especially in sports or games.
Use '기회를 놓쳤어요'.
Yes! '그녀와 데이트할 기회를 얻었어' (I got a chance to date her) sounds like you are very happy about it.
Related Phrases
기회를 잡다
similarTo seize an opportunity
기회를 놓치다
contrastTo miss an opportunity
기회를 엿보다
builds onTo watch for an opportunity
기회가 주어지다
specialized formA chance is given
