Explanation at your level:
You use 받아들이다 to say 'yes' to a gift. If someone gives you a present, you take it. That is the basic meaning.
At this level, you use it for simple things like accepting an invitation or a request from a friend. It means you are happy to agree.
Now you can use it for abstract ideas. You might accept a new rule at work or accept that something is true even if it is hard.
You use it to describe complex social situations. For example, accepting a difficult change in life or acknowledging someone's opinion during a debate.
At an advanced level, it implies deep psychological integration. You are not just agreeing; you are internalizing a concept or a cultural paradigm.
Mastery involves using it in literary contexts where the word signifies a profound shift in character development or philosophical stance.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means to accept or internalize.
- Used for both physical and abstract concepts.
- Commonly used in formal and daily contexts.
- Antonym is 거부하다 (reject).
받아들이다 is a fundamental Korean verb that acts as a bridge between the outside world and your inner self. Think of it as opening your hands to catch what is being thrown your way.
Whether you are accepting an apology, admitting a truth, or welcoming a new guest, this word covers the transition from external to internal. It is a very versatile verb used in both daily life and formal business settings.
The word is a compound of 받다 (to receive) and 들이다 (to cause to enter). Historically, it evolved to describe the physical act of bringing something inside, like bringing a guest into your home.
Over centuries, the meaning expanded from physical movement to psychological states. It reflects the Korean cultural emphasis on harmony and acceptance of social roles, making it a cornerstone of interpersonal communication.
You will hear this word when someone accepts a suggestion (제안을 받아들이다) or accepts reality (현실을 받아들이다). It is used frequently in professional settings when discussing terms or conditions.
It is generally considered a neutral, standard verb. You can use it with friends, colleagues, or in an essay without sounding out of place or impolite.
1. 조건을 받아들이다: To accept the terms (e.g., in a contract). 2. 사실로 받아들이다: To take as a fact. 3. 운명을 받아들이다: To accept one's fate. 4. 사과를 받아들이다: To accept an apology. 5. 문화적 차이를 받아들이다: To embrace cultural differences.
This is a regular verb. In the present tense, it becomes 받아들입니다 (formal) or 받아들여요 (polite). It follows standard conjugation rules for verbs ending in '다'.
Pronunciation tip: The 'ㄹ' sound in '들' should be clearly articulated, and the '이' transition is smooth. It sounds rhythmic and steady in conversation.
Fun Fact
It combines the physical action of taking something with the spatial action of moving it into a space.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear syllables.
Clear syllables.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing ㄹ
- Merging syllables
- Wrong stress
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb conjugation
받아들이다 -> 받아들였다
Object marker
을/를
Negation
안 받아들이다
Examples by Level
선물을 받아들이다.
Accept the gift.
Basic verb usage.
제안을 받아들였어요.
사과를 받아들이다.
도움을 받아들이다.
초대를 받아들이다.
결과를 받아들이다.
현실을 받아들이다.
의견을 받아들이다.
조건을 받아들이다.
그는 패배를 받아들였다.
새로운 문화를 받아들이다.
그녀의 조언을 받아들이다.
변화를 받아들이다.
비판을 받아들이다.
사실을 받아들이다.
요청을 받아들이다.
운명을 받아들이다.
상대방의 입장을 받아들이다.
과학적 사실을 받아들이다.
사회적 관습을 받아들이다.
감정을 받아들이다.
책임을 받아들이다.
실수를 받아들이다.
제안을 기꺼이 받아들이다.
도전을 받아들이다.
그는 자신의 한계를 겸허히 받아들였다.
시대의 흐름을 받아들이다.
다양성을 받아들이다.
고통을 받아들이다.
새로운 가치관을 받아들이다.
패러다임을 받아들이다.
상황을 냉정하게 받아들이다.
불편한 진실을 받아들이다.
운명론적 세계관을 받아들이다.
심오한 철학적 진리를 받아들이다.
역사의 비극을 받아들이다.
내면의 어둠을 받아들이다.
숭고한 이상을 받아들이다.
비타협적인 현실을 받아들이다.
모순된 감정을 받아들이다.
예술적 영감을 받아들이다.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"마음으로 받아들이다"
To accept something sincerely.
그의 진심을 마음으로 받아들였다.
neutral"기꺼이 받아들이다"
To accept willingly.
도움을 기꺼이 받아들였다.
neutral"겸허히 받아들이다"
To accept humbly.
비판을 겸허히 받아들였다.
formal"어쩔 수 없이 받아들이다"
To accept reluctantly.
결과를 어쩔 수 없이 받아들였다.
neutral"열린 마음으로 받아들이다"
To accept with an open mind.
새로운 문화를 열린 마음으로 받아들이다.
neutral"그대로 받아들이다"
To accept as it is.
상황을 그대로 받아들이다.
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean receive.
받다 is physical, 받아들이다 is abstract/social.
선물을 받다 vs 현실을 받아들이다.
Both mean accept.
인정하다 is to admit/acknowledge truth.
잘못을 인정하다.
Both mean accept.
수용하다 is more formal/academic.
의견을 수용하다.
Often used in same context.
Antonym.
제안을 거부하다.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + Object + 을/를 + 받아들이다
나는 제안을 받아들였다.
Subject + Object + 을/를 + 기꺼이 + 받아들이다
그는 도전을 기꺼이 받아들였다.
Subject + 겸허히 + 받아들이다
우리는 결과를 겸허히 받아들였다.
Subject + Object + 을/를 + 사실로 + 받아들이다
그는 그것을 사실로 받아들였다.
Subject + Object + 을/를 + 그대로 + 받아들이다
상황을 그대로 받아들여야 한다.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Spelling error; the root is 들이다.
Grammar nuance in negation.
Wrong context; 받아들이다 is for acceptance.
받아들이다 is for abstract or social acceptance.
Specific legal term vs general acceptance.
Tips
Break it down
Remember 받 (receive) + 들 (enter).
Use with reality
현실을 받아들이다 is a very common phrase.
Politeness
Use formal endings in business.
Conjugation
It is a regular verb.
Flow
Keep the rhythm steady.
Spelling
Always use '들' not '드'.
Roots
It implies bringing something into your space.
Flashcards
Pair with synonyms.
Context
Use it for abstract concepts.
Negation
Use 안 or 지 않다.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a door (들이다) that you open to let something in (받다).
Visual Association
Opening a door to welcome a guest.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 things you accept today.
Word Origin
Korean
Original meaning: To receive and bring inside.
Cultural Context
None.
Direct translation of 'accept'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- 제안을 받아들이다
- 조건을 받아들이다
- 결과를 받아들이다
In relationships
- 사과를 받아들이다
- 입장을 받아들이다
- 마음을 받아들이다
In life
- 현실을 받아들이다
- 운명을 받아들이다
- 변화를 받아들이다
In debate
- 의견을 받아들이다
- 비판을 받아들이다
- 사실을 받아들이다
Conversation Starters
"어떤 상황을 받아들이기 힘들었나요?"
"새로운 문화를 받아들이는 것은 왜 중요한가요?"
"당신은 비판을 잘 받아들이는 편인가요?"
"운명을 받아들여야 한다고 생각하나요?"
"어떤 제안을 기꺼이 받아들일 수 있나요?"
Journal Prompts
오늘 내가 받아들여야 했던 현실은 무엇인가?
내가 가장 최근에 받아들인 조언은 무엇인가?
변화를 받아들이는 나만의 방법은?
어떤 상황에서 거절 대신 받아들임을 선택했는가?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIt is neutral and standard.
Yes, but '받다' is more common for simple objects.
No, it is active; '받아들여지다' is the passive form.
받아들였다.
받아들일 것입니다.
It can mean to accept as true.
Yes, to accept someone into a group.
Very common in daily conversation.
Test Yourself
나는 선물을 ___.
Accepting a gift.
Which means to accept a suggestion?
Correct collocation.
받아들이다 can mean to reject something.
It is the opposite of reject.
Word
Meaning
Common phrase.
Subject-Object-Verb.
Score: /5
Summary
받아들이다 is the essential verb for accepting reality, ideas, and people into your life.
- Means to accept or internalize.
- Used for both physical and abstract concepts.
- Commonly used in formal and daily contexts.
- Antonym is 거부하다 (reject).
Break it down
Remember 받 (receive) + 들 (enter).
Use with reality
현실을 받아들이다 is a very common phrase.
Politeness
Use formal endings in business.
Conjugation
It is a regular verb.
Example
그는 현실을 받아들였다.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More emotions words
아파하다
A2To feel pain or sorrow.
감탄스럽다
A2To be admirable or wonderful; to inspire awe.
감탄
A2Admiration or marvel; a feeling of wonder.
감탄하다
A2To admire or to marvel; to express wonder.
기특하다
B1Admirable for a good deed or thought; commendable.
충고
B1Guidance or recommendations offered with regard to prudent future action; advice.
애정
B1Affection; a gentle feeling of fondness or liking.
애틋하다
B2To be tender, fond, or wistful.
살갑다
B2To be warm, friendly, affectionate.
~ㄹ까 봐
A2Grammatical pattern meaning 'for fear that' or 'worrying that'.
