Meaning
To have many acquaintances and connections, often useful for social or business purposes.
Cultural Background
Networking is often formalized through 'Alumni Associations' ({동창회|同窓會}). Having a wide network within your university alumni is considered a massive career advantage. The term 'Inmaek-gwan-ri' (Network Management) is a recognized skill. Professionals often keep detailed records of people they meet, including their birthdays and family events, to keep their 'veins' wide. While older generations value traditional ties, younger Koreans are increasingly using social media like LinkedIn and 'Open Kakao Chats' to build 'digital 인맥'. It is considered polite to introduce people within your network to others, as this 'shares' the width of your network and builds trust.
Use with '편이다'
Instead of saying '인맥이 넓어요', it sounds more natural and humble to say '인맥이 넓은 편이에요' (I'm on the side of having a wide network).
Don't use for family
You don't say you have a 'wide network' of cousins. Use '가족이 많다' instead.
Meaning
To have many acquaintances and connections, often useful for social or business purposes.
Use with '편이다'
Instead of saying '인맥이 넓어요', it sounds more natural and humble to say '인맥이 넓은 편이에요' (I'm on the side of having a wide network).
Don't use for family
You don't say you have a 'wide network' of cousins. Use '가족이 많다' instead.
The power of 'Sunbae'
In Korea, your 'Sunbae' (seniors) are the primary source of your 'Inmaek'. Treat them well!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle and adjective form.
그는 정계에 인맥___ 아주 ___. (He has a very wide network in politics.)
The subject particle '이' is used with the adjective '넓다'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I want to expand my network'?
인맥을 어떻게 하고 싶어요?
'넓히다' is the causative verb meaning 'to make wide/expand'.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
When would you say '인맥이 넓으시네요'?
'인맥' specifically refers to professional or influential connections.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 이번 프로젝트를 도와줄 전문가를 찾기가 너무 힘드네요. B: 김 부장님께 여쭤보세요. 그분은 ________.
A wide network is the most relevant trait for finding an expert.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
인맥이 넓다 vs. 친구가 많다
Practice Bank
4 exercises그는 정계에 인맥___ 아주 ___. (He has a very wide network in politics.)
The subject particle '이' is used with the adjective '넓다'.
인맥을 어떻게 하고 싶어요?
'넓히다' is the causative verb meaning 'to make wide/expand'.
When would you say '인맥이 넓으시네요'?
'인맥' specifically refers to professional or influential connections.
A: 이번 프로젝트를 도와줄 전문가를 찾기가 너무 힘드네요. B: 김 부장님께 여쭤보세요. 그분은 ________.
A wide network is the most relevant trait for finding an expert.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsUsually, yes. It implies social competence. However, in some contexts, it can imply someone is too busy with 'business' relationships and lacks deep friendships.
Not really. '인맥' implies a two-way connection where you can actually ask for a favor. For followers, just use '팔로워가 많다'.
There isn't a direct single idiom, but you could say '인맥이 좁다' (network is narrow) or '아는 사람이 별로 없다'.
90% the same. '발이 넓다' is more about being a social butterfly, while '인맥이 넓다' sounds a bit more professional/strategic.
You use '인맥을 쌓다' (build a network) or '네트워킹을 하다' (to do networking).
Yes, but back it up with examples. Say '저는 다양한 활동을 통해 업계에 넓은 인맥을 쌓아왔습니다.'
Technically yes ({혈연}), but usually when people say '인맥', they are talking about school, work, or social connections.
It involves sending holiday greetings, attending weddings/funerals, and meeting for coffee to maintain the connection.
No, that sounds like a direct translation from English and is unnatural in Korean.
It is neutral-to-formal. It's perfectly fine in a newspaper or a business meeting.
It means a 'golden network'—connections to very rich, powerful, or famous people.
In Korean, social reach is visualized as a horizontal field or a spreading web, hence 'wide'.
Related Phrases
발이 넓다
synonymTo have wide feet (be well-connected)
마당발
similarA person with a wide social circle
인맥을 쌓다
builds onTo build a network
인맥이 두텁다
similarTo have a thick/deep network
낙하산
contrastParachute (nepotism)
