This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #4,000 most common 9 min read

획득

hoekdeuk Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 획득 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 획득 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 획득 frequently in your own speaking, but you might see it in simple games or apps. Think of it as a very fancy way to say 'get' or 'get a point.' In Korean, the most basic word for 'get' is '얻다' or '받다' (receive). However, if you play a mobile game in Korean, when you finish a level, you might see '100 Gold 획득!' This just means you got 100 gold. At this stage, focus on recognizing the word when it appears in these digital contexts. You can think of the '득' part as being related to 'gain' or 'profit.' When you see this word, just remember: 'I just earned something!' It's a positive word that usually means you did something right and got a reward for it. Don't worry about using it in sentences yet; just look for it in games and apps.

At the A2 level, you can begin to distinguish between 'getting' something casually and 'obtaining' something through a small effort. While you will still mostly use '받다' (receive) or '얻다' (get), you can start using 획득 when talking about points in a game or a simple mission. For example, if you are talking about a Korean variety show like 'Running Man,' you can say '런닝맨 멤버들이 힌트를 획득했어요' (The Running Man members acquired a hint). This level is about expanding your vocabulary to include more formal versions of basic concepts. You should also recognize that 획득 is a noun, and to make it an action, you add '하다.' So, '획득하다' is the verb form. Try to notice this word in news headlines about sports, as it is very common there. If you see a headline like '한국, 금메달 획득,' you now know it means Korea got a gold medal.

As a B1 learner, you should be able to use 획득 in appropriate formal and semi-formal contexts. This is the level where the distinction between '얻다' and '획득하다' becomes important. You should use 획득하다 when discussing achievements that require a specific process or effort. Common examples include '점수를 획득하다' (to get points), '자격증을 획득하다' (to get a certification), and '정보를 획득하다' (to get information). You are now moving beyond simple objects and starting to talk about abstract but formal gains. For instance, in a business or academic setting, you might talk about '데이터 획득' (data acquisition). You should also be aware of common collocations like '승리 획득' (gaining victory). In your writing, using 획득 instead of 얻다 when describing a study result or a competition outcome will significantly improve the professional tone of your Korean. Practice using it with the object particle '을/를' to form complete, natural sentences.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 획득 compared to its close synonyms like '취득,' '입수,' and '확보.' You should know that 획득 is the go-to word for competitive gains (medals, points, victory) and information gathering. You should be able to use it in complex sentences involving clauses, such as '치열한 경쟁을 뚫고 마침내 승권을 획득하는 데 성공했다' (Succeeded in finally acquiring the right to win after breaking through fierce competition). At this stage, you should also understand its use in business terms like '고객 획득' (customer acquisition) and be able to discuss the strategies involved. Your understanding should extend to the passive-sounding noun forms used in reports, such as '획득 경위' (the details/process of acquisition). You should also be comfortable using it in more abstract senses, like '신뢰 획득' (gaining trust), though acknowledging that this is a more deliberate and strategic form of trust-building than just '얻다.'

At the C1 level, you should be using 획득 with precision in professional, academic, and literary contexts. You should understand the historical and legal weight the word can carry, such as in '주권 획득' (acquisition of sovereignty) or '참정권 획득' (acquisition of suffrage). You should be able to analyze texts that use 획득 to describe the systematic gathering of intelligence or the strategic acquisition of market share. Your vocabulary should be rich enough to use 획득 in philosophical or high-level sociological discussions about how individuals or groups 'acquire' capital (social, cultural, or economic). You should also be sensitive to the tone it sets—using 획득 in a casual setting would be a conscious choice for stylistic effect (like being mock-serious or hyper-formal). You should also be able to handle complex noun phrases where 획득 is a component, such as '지식 획득 프로세스의 효율성' (the efficiency of the knowledge acquisition process).

At the C2 level, your mastery of 획득 is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You understand the deep Hanja roots (獲 and 得) and how they influence the word's usage across different domains of Korean society—from ancient history to modern data science. You can use the word in high-stakes legal arguments, academic dissertations, and sophisticated creative writing. You are aware of the subtle differences in connotation when 획득 is used in military strategy versus marketing analytics. You can effortlessly switch between 획득 and its most obscure synonyms depending on the desired register and rhetorical goal. Furthermore, you can critique the use of the word in media, recognizing when it is used to emphasize a particular narrative of 'effort' or 'conquest.' Your usage of 획득 is not just grammatically perfect but also contextually and culturally flawless, reflecting a deep understanding of the Korean ethos of achievement and acquisition.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

획득 in 30 Seconds

Formal word for 'acquisition' or 'attainment'.
Used for medals, points, degrees, and information.
Implies a process, effort, or competition.
Common in gaming, sports, and professional reports.

The Korean word 획득 (Hwoek-deuk) is a formal noun that translates to 'acquisition,' 'attainment,' or 'obtaining.' Unlike the common native Korean verb '얻다' (eod-da), which can be used for receiving almost anything—from a cold to a gift—획득 carries a much heavier weight of effort, systematic process, or formal achievement. It is deeply rooted in Hanja (獲: to catch/hunt and 得: to obtain), suggesting a sense of pursuing something and successfully securing it. In modern Korean society, you will encounter this word most frequently in contexts involving legal rights, academic qualifications, competitive sports, and digital gaming environments.

Formal Achievement: Used when someone earns a degree, a license, or a specific professional status after a long period of study or testing. For example, '학위 획득' (acquisition of a degree).

그 선수는 피나는 노력 끝에 마침내 올림픽 금메달을 획득했습니다. (After blood-sweating effort, that athlete finally acquired the Olympic gold medal.)

In the realm of information technology and data science, 획득 is the standard term for 'data acquisition' (데이터 획득). This refers to the technical process of gathering signals or information from various sources. Similarly, in business, it is used for 'customer acquisition' (고객 획득), describing the strategic effort to bring in new clients. The word implies that the thing being obtained is valuable and required a specific set of actions to reach. It is not something that happens by accident; it is the result of a targeted pursuit.

Competitive Victory: In sports or gaming, this refers to gaining points, items, or the win itself. '점수 획득' (obtaining points) is a very common phrase during sports broadcasts.

Furthermore, 획득 is used in legal and political contexts. When a country gains independence or a citizen gains a specific right, this word is employed to emphasize the legitimacy and the process of that gain. For instance, '시민권 획득' (acquisition of citizenship) or '참정권 획득' (acquisition of the right to vote). These are not casual events; they are milestones that involve legal frameworks and often historical struggles. Using 획득 honors the gravity of these achievements.

우리 팀은 이번 협상을 통해 유리한 조건을 획득하는 데 성공했습니다. (Our team succeeded in acquiring favorable terms through this negotiation.)

Gaming Context: Whenever you pick up a rare item or gain experience points in a Korean RPG, the screen will likely display '아이템 획득!' or '경험치 획득!'

Using 획득 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that usually functions as the object of a sentence or combines with '하다' to form a verb. Because it is a formal Sino-Korean word, it pairs best with other formal vocabulary. You wouldn't typically use it when talking about getting a snack from the kitchen, but you would use it when discussing the results of a high-stakes competition or a professional certification process.

Grammatical Structure: [Noun] + 획득: This is the noun form. Example: '면허 획득' (License acquisition).
[Noun] + 을/를 획득하다: This is the active verb form. Example: '정보를 획득하다' (To acquire information).

그는 각고의 노력 끝에 박사 학위를 획득했다. (He acquired a doctoral degree after strenuous effort.)

When constructing sentences, consider the 'source' or the 'method' of acquisition. Often, the sentence will include a phrase like '~을 통해' (through...) or '~의 결과로' (as a result of...). This highlights the process that led to the acquisition. For example, '훈련을 통해 기술을 획득하다' (To acquire skills through training). This emphasizes that the skill didn't just appear; it was earned through a specific, deliberate activity.

Passive vs. Active: While '획득하다' is active, you can use '획득되다' for a more passive tone, though it is less common. It is better to use '획득이 이루어지다' (Acquisition was achieved) in highly formal reports.

In business contexts, you'll see 획득 used with '비용' (cost). '고객 획득 비용' (Customer Acquisition Cost - CAC) is a standard term. Here, 획득 functions as a modifier for the noun that follows. Understanding these compound structures is key for B1 and B2 level learners who are moving into professional or academic Korean. You might also see '신규 획득' (new acquisition), referring to gaining new users or assets.

이번 이벤트에서 한정판 스킨을 획득할 수 있는 기회를 놓치지 마세요! (Don't miss the chance to acquire a limited edition skin in this event!)

Abstract Concepts: You can also acquire abstract things like '신뢰' (trust) or '인기' (popularity), though '얻다' is more common for these. Using 획득 implies a more strategic or hard-won gain of that trust.

If you are a fan of Korean variety shows or sports broadcasts, you have heard 획득 hundreds of times. In shows like 'Running Man' or '2 Days & 1 Night,' cast members often have to complete missions to '획득' food, hints, or tools. The word adds a sense of stakes and formality to the game, making the prize feel like a hard-earned trophy rather than just a simple gift. The announcer might shout, '드디어 힌트 획득!' (Finally, acquired the hint!) to build excitement.

Sports Journalism: Headline: '대한민국, 양궁에서 금메달 3개 획득' (South Korea acquires 3 gold medals in archery). This is the standard way to report medals and rankings.

이번 라운드에서 승점 3점을 획득하며 리그 1위로 올라섰습니다. (By acquiring 3 points in this round, they rose to 1st place in the league.)

Another major area is the gaming world. Korea is a global hub for e-sports and MMORPGs. In these games, the user interface (UI) will constantly use 획득. When you defeat a boss and loot it, a message pops up: '희귀 아이템 획득' (Rare item acquired). Gamers also talk about '아이템 획득 확률' (Item drop rate/acquisition probability). If you hang out in Korean gaming forums like Inven or DC Inside, you'll see this word used in almost every thread discussing strategy and rewards.

News and Documentaries: When reporting on intelligence gathering or military operations, 획득 is used for '첩보 획득' (acquiring intelligence) or '영토 획득' (acquiring territory).

In educational settings, teachers might use it when discussing requirements for graduation. '졸업 이수 학점 획득' (Acquiring credits required for graduation). It emphasizes that students must actively work to earn their credits. Similarly, in the workplace, during a performance review, a manager might mention that an employee has '획득'ed a new certification that benefits the company. It is a word that signals progress and tangible results in a professional or competitive environment.

기업들은 빅데이터를 통해 고객 정보를 획득하고 이를 마케팅에 활용합니다. (Companies acquire customer information through big data and utilize it for marketing.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 획득 is overusing it in casual conversation. While it's grammatically correct to say '시장에서 사과를 획득했다' (I acquired an apple at the market), it sounds incredibly strange and robotic—like something a video game character or a legal document would say. For everyday actions like buying or receiving things, the native Korean word '얻다' or the specific verb '사다' (to buy) is much more appropriate.

Mistake 1: Casual Overuse: Incorrect: 친구한테 선물을 획득했어요. (I acquired a gift from a friend.)
Correct: 친구한테 선물을 받았어요. (I received a gift from a friend.)

Don't use 획득 for things given freely or casually. It requires effort or a formal process.

Another common confusion is between 획득 and 취득 (Chwi-deuk). While they both mean 'acquisition,' 취득 is almost exclusively used for licenses, certifications, and legal ownership of property. You '취득' a driver's license (운전면허 취득) or '취득' real estate (부동산 취득). 획득 is broader and can be used for points, medals, and information. If you use 획득 for a driver's license, people will understand you, but it won't sound as 'official' as 취득.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 취득: Context: Professional Licenses.
Better: 자격증을 취득하다.
Acceptable but less precise: 자격증을 획득하다.

A third mistake involves the particle usage. Some learners forget that 획득 is a noun and try to use it as a standalone verb without '하다'. Remember that in Korean, Sino-Korean nouns need '하다' to function as verbs. Also, ensure you are using the object particle '을/를' correctly. While '점수 획득' is a valid compound noun, in a full sentence like 'He got points,' it should be '그는 점수를 획득했다.'

틀린 표현: 정보를 획득되다 (Passive error). 옳은 표현: 정보를 획득하다.

Understanding the family of words related to 'getting' things will help you choose the most precise term for your context. Korean has many synonyms for 획득, each with a slightly different flavor. Choosing the right one is the hallmark of an advanced speaker.

얻다 (Eod-da): The most common, native Korean word. It can be used for physical objects, help, a cold, or a nickname. It is much more casual than 획득.
취득하다 (Chwi-deuk-ha-da): Specific to licenses, degrees, and legal rights. It implies 'taking possession' of a formal status.
입수하다 (Ip-su-ha-da): Often used for 'obtaining' information, documents, or evidence. It has a slight 'investigative' feel. For example, '기밀 서류를 입수하다' (To obtain classified documents).

획득 vs 입수: 획득 is about the achievement of getting it; 입수 is about the act of getting your hands on it.

Other alternatives include 확보하다 (Hwak-bo-ha-da), which means 'to secure' or 'to ensure.' You use this when you need to make sure you have enough of something, like '예산을 확보하다' (To secure a budget) or '자리를 확보하다' (To secure a seat). While 획득 is about the gain, 확보 is about the security of having it. Another related word is 수집하다 (Su-jip-ha-da), which means 'to collect.' Use this for data, stamps, or samples where the focus is on the gathering process.

차지하다 (Cha-ji-ha-da): Meaning 'to occupy' or 'to take up,' this is used when you gain a position or a certain percentage. '1위를 차지하다' (To take 1st place).

Finally, consider 수령하다 (Su-ryeong-ha-da), which means 'to receive' something that was officially sent to you, like a passport or a prize money check. It’s more about the act of physical receipt than the effort of gaining. By mastering these nuances, you will be able to describe the process of 'getting' things with the precision of a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient texts, 획득 was often used in the context of capturing prisoners of war or wild animals. Today, it has evolved into a much broader term used for everything from video game loot to digital data.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /hwøkdɯk/

US /hwɛkdɯk/

The stress is even across both syllables, but the first syllable '획' is slightly more emphatic in formal speech.

Rhymes With

취득 (Chwi-deuk) 소득 (So-deuk) 이득 (I-deuk) 설득 (Seol-deuk) 납득 (Nap-deuk) 해득 (Hae-deuk) 체득 (Che-deuk) 습득 (Seup-deuk)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '획' as 'hok'. It must have the 'w' sound.
Pronouncing '득' as 'duk' (like duck). The Korean 'eu' sound is flatter.
Skipping the 'k' batchim (final consonant) in '획'. It should be a crisp stop.
Over-aspirating the 'h' in '획'.
Rounding the lips too much for the 'eu' sound in '득'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in contexts like games and news once you know the Hanja meaning.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal particles and appropriate collocations.

Speaking 4/5

Natural usage requires distinguishing it from '얻다' to avoid sounding too robotic.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation and frequent use in media makes it easy to pick up.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

얻다 (to get) 받다 (to receive) 공부 (study) 게임 (game) 성공 (success)

Learn Next

취득 (acquisition of license) 확보 (securing) 달성 (achievement) 입수 (obtaining info) 소유 (possession)

Advanced

쟁취 (winning through struggle) 박탈 (deprivation) 수렴 (convergence/gathering) 포착 (capture/detection)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 하다 (Verbalizing Nouns)

획득 (Noun) -> 획득하다 (Verb)

을/를 (Object Particle)

메달을 획득하다

-기 위해 (In order to)

점수를 획득하기 위해 노력했다.

-ㄴ/은 끝에 (After a long period of...)

노력한 끝에 자격증을 획득했다.

-ㄹ 수 있다 (Can/Be able to)

아이템을 획득할 수 있습니다.

Examples by Level

게임에서 점수를 획득했어요.

I got points in the game.

획득했어요 is the past tense of 획득하다.

아이템 획득!

Item acquired!

This is a common noun-only exclamation used in games.

금메달을 획득했습니다.

He/she acquired a gold medal.

습니다 is the formal ending, common in news.

코인을 획득하세요.

Please acquire coins.

세요 is the polite imperative form.

보너스 점수 획득!

Bonus points acquired!

Noun + 획득 is often used as a label.

카드를 획득하고 싶어요.

I want to acquire a card.

-고 싶어요 means 'want to'.

우리는 승리를 획득했다.

We acquired the victory.

났다 is the plain past tense.

배지를 획득했어요.

I acquired a badge.

배지 is the Koreanized word for badge.

미션을 완료하고 힌트를 획득하세요.

Complete the mission and acquire a hint.

-고 connects two actions.

그는 이번 경기에서 첫 승점을 획득했다.

He acquired his first league point in this match.

승점 refers to points earned in a league standing.

새로운 캐릭터를 획득하는 방법이 뭐예요?

What is the way to acquire a new character?

-는 방법 means 'the way to do something'.

이벤트에 참여하면 경품을 획득할 수 있습니다.

If you participate in the event, you can acquire a prize.

-ㄹ 수 있습니다 means 'can/be able to'.

정보를 획득하기 위해 인터넷을 검색했어요.

I searched the internet to acquire information.

-기 위해 means 'in order to'.

그 선수는 은메달을 획득해서 기뻐했어요.

That athlete was happy because they acquired a silver medal.

-어서/아서 indicates a reason.

쿠폰을 획득하려면 앱을 설치하세요.

To acquire a coupon, please install the app.

-려면 means 'if you intend to'.

우리 팀은 드디어 우승컵을 획득했습니다.

Our team finally acquired the championship trophy.

드디어 means 'finally'.

그는 열심히 공부해서 자격증을 획득했다.

He studied hard and acquired a certification.

자격증 is a common object for 획득.

고객의 신뢰를 획득하는 것이 가장 중요합니다.

Acquiring the customer's trust is the most important thing.

-는 것 transforms a verb phrase into a noun phrase.

인터뷰를 통해 중요한 정보를 획득했습니다.

We acquired important information through an interview.

~을 통해 means 'through' or 'via'.

이번 연구에서 유의미한 데이터를 획득했습니다.

We acquired significant data in this study.

유의미한 means 'significant' or 'meaningful'.

운전면허를 획득하기까지 3개월이 걸렸어요.

It took three months until I acquired my driver's license.

-기까지 means 'until (the point of)'.

그 나라는 마침내 독립을 획득했습니다.

That country finally acquired independence.

독립 (Independence) is a very formal object.

전략적인 제휴를 통해 시장 점유율을 획득했다.

They acquired market share through a strategic alliance.

시장 점유율 means 'market share'.

포인트를 획득하여 현금처럼 사용할 수 있습니다.

You can acquire points and use them like cash.

-하여 is a formal version of -해서.

회사는 신규 고객 획득을 위해 대규모 마케팅을 시작했다.

The company started large-scale marketing to acquire new customers.

신규 고객 획득 is a standard business term.

그는 법정 투쟁 끝에 친권을 획득하는 데 성공했다.

He succeeded in acquiring parental rights after a legal battle.

친권 refers to parental rights/custody.

유전자 정보를 획득하는 기술이 비약적으로 발전했다.

Technology for acquiring genetic information has developed rapidly.

비약적으로 means 'rapidly' or 'by leaps and bounds'.

그 후보는 유권자들의 압도적인 지지를 획득했다.

That candidate acquired overwhelming support from the voters.

압도적인 means 'overwhelming'.

군사 기밀을 획득하려는 간첩의 시도가 적발되었다.

A spy's attempt to acquire military secrets was detected.

-으려는 indicates an intention or attempt.

이번 계약을 통해 독점 판매권을 획득하게 되었습니다.

Through this contract, we have come to acquire exclusive selling rights.

-게 되다 indicates a change in state or a result.

자격 획득 요건이 이전보다 훨씬 까다로워졌다.

The requirements for acquiring the qualification became much stricter than before.

까다로워지다 means 'to become picky/strict'.

그는 올림픽에서 두 개의 메달을 획득하며 영웅이 되었다.

He became a hero by acquiring two medals at the Olympics.

-하며 means 'while' or 'and thus'.

시민 혁명은 참정권 획득을 향한 민중의 의지에서 비롯되었다.

The civil revolution originated from the people's will toward acquiring the right to vote.

비롯되다 means 'to originate' or 'to start from'.

언어 획득 장치(LAD)는 인간이 언어를 배우는 본능적 능력을 설명한다.

The Language Acquisition Device (LAD) explains humans' instinctive ability to learn language.

언어 획득 is the technical term for 'language acquisition'.

기업은 데이터 획득 과정에서 개인정보 보호법을 준수해야 한다.

Companies must comply with the Personal Information Protection Act during the data acquisition process.

준수해야 한다 means 'must comply/obey'.

그 철학자는 진정한 자유의 획득은 자기 절제에서 온다고 주장했다.

The philosopher argued that the acquisition of true freedom comes from self-discipline.

주장했다 means 'argued' or 'claimed'.

영토 획득을 목적으로 한 전쟁은 국제 사회의 비난을 면치 못했다.

A war aimed at acquiring territory could not escape the condemnation of the international community.

-를 면치 못하다 is an idiomatic expression meaning 'cannot avoid/escape'.

그는 학문적 성취를 통해 사회적 지위를 획득하고자 노력했다.

He strove to acquire social status through academic achievement.

-고자 하다 expresses a formal intent.

문화 자본의 획득은 계급 재생산에 중요한 역할을 한다.

The acquisition of cultural capital plays an important role in class reproduction.

문화 자본 (Cultural Capital) is a sociological term.

해당 기술의 특허권 획득은 시장에서의 경쟁 우위를 보장한다.

Acquiring the patent rights for the technology guarantees a competitive edge in the market.

경쟁 우위 means 'competitive advantage'.

역사적 정당성 획득은 권위주의 정권이 가장 고심하는 부분 중 하나이다.

Acquiring historical legitimacy is one of the parts that authoritarian regimes worry about the most.

고심하다 means 'to worry/agonize over'.

담론의 주도권 획득을 위한 언론사들 간의 프레임 전쟁이 치열하다.

The frame war between media outlets to acquire leadership in discourse is fierce.

담론의 주도권 means 'leadership/hegemony in discourse'.

인공지능의 지식 획득 방식은 인간의 그것과는 근본적으로 상이하다.

The way AI acquires knowledge is fundamentally different from that of humans.

상이하다 is a formal word for 'different'.

그 작가는 고통의 승화를 통해 예술적 구원을 획득하려 했다.

The author tried to acquire artistic salvation through the sublimation of pain.

승화 means 'sublimation' (turning something negative into positive/art).

국가 간의 자원 획득 경쟁은 지정학적 긴장을 고조시키고 있다.

The competition for resource acquisition between nations is heightening geopolitical tensions.

고조시키다 means 'to heighten/escalate'.

법적 권리의 획득이 곧 실질적인 권익의 향상을 의미하는 것은 아니다.

The acquisition of legal rights does not necessarily mean the improvement of actual interests.

실질적인 means 'actual' or 'substantial'.

그는 선거 과정에서의 절차적 민주주의 획득을 최우선 과제로 삼았다.

He made the acquisition of procedural democracy in the election process his top priority.

~로 삼다 means 'to make something one's (priority/goal/etc.)'.

무형 자산의 획득 및 관리는 현대 기업 경영의 핵심 역량이다.

The acquisition and management of intangible assets are core competencies of modern corporate management.

무형 자산 means 'intangible assets'.

Synonyms

습득 취득 쟁취 입수 확보

Antonyms

상실 손실

Common Collocations

점수를 획득하다

자격을 획득하다

정보를 획득하다

승리를 획득하다

메달을 획득하다

시민권을 획득하다

아이템을 획득하다

신뢰를 획득하다

학위를 획득하다

권리를 획득하다

Common Phrases

획득 확률

— The probability or chance of acquiring something, usually used for item drops in games.

이 아이템의 획득 확률은 1% 미만입니다.

신규 고객 획득

— The act of gaining new customers for a business.

회사는 신규 고객 획득을 위해 광고를 집행했다.

데이터 획득

— The process of gathering and securing data for analysis.

센서를 통해 실시간으로 데이터를 획득합니다.

경험치 획득

— Gaining experience points in a game or training program.

퀘스트를 완료하면 경험치 획득이 가능합니다.

자격 획득 요건

— The necessary conditions or requirements to attain a qualification.

자격 획득 요건을 꼼꼼히 확인하세요.

영토 획득

— The acquisition of land or territory, often through war or treaties.

고구려는 활발한 정복 전쟁으로 영토 획득에 힘썼다.

지위 획득

— Gaining a certain social or professional status.

그는 성공적인 프로젝트를 통해 높은 지위를 획득했다.

우선권 획득

— Gaining the right to do something before others.

예약자들은 입장 우선권을 획득하게 됩니다.

승인 획득

— Obtaining official approval or permission.

정부로부터 판매 승인을 획득하는 것이 어렵다.

지지 획득

— Gaining support or endorsement from people.

대통령 후보는 젊은 층의 지지 획득에 집중했다.

Often Confused With

획득 vs 취득

취득 is for official licenses and property. 획득 is for medals, points, and info.

획득 vs 습득

습득 often refers to picking up a lost item or learning a skill over time. 획득 is more about the achievement of getting it.

획득 vs 입수

입수 focuses on the act of obtaining physical documents or information, often secretly.

Idioms & Expressions

"불로소득을 획득하다"

— To acquire unearned income, such as from real estate or stocks without working for it.

그는 땅값이 올라 불로소득을 획득했다.

Formal/Economic

"우위를 획득하다"

— To gain the upper hand or a superior position in a situation.

우리 팀은 경기 초반에 우위를 획득했다.

Formal

"주도권을 획득하다"

— To take the initiative or leadership in a negotiation or conflict.

협상에서 주도권을 획득하는 것이 유리하다.

Formal

"면죄부를 획득하다"

— To gain an exemption from blame or punishment (metaphorical).

그는 사과를 통해 사회적 면죄부를 획득하려 했다.

Formal/Social

"어부지리로 획득하다"

— To gain something while others are fighting (literally 'the fisherman's profit').

두 나라가 싸우는 사이 제3국이 어부지리로 이익을 획득했다.

Literary

"거저 획득하다"

— To acquire something easily or for free, often implying luck.

그는 운 좋게 정보를 거저 획득했다.

Informal

"피땀 어린 노력으로 획득하다"

— To acquire something through blood, sweat, and tears (great effort).

그는 피땀 어린 노력으로 학위를 획득했다.

Emotive/Formal

"천신만고 끝에 획득하다"

— To acquire something after a thousand hardships and ten thousand sufferings.

그는 천신만고 끝에 승리를 획득했다.

Literary

"불법적으로 획득하다"

— To acquire something through illegal means.

그는 해킹을 통해 개인정보를 불법적으로 획득했다.

Legal

"정당하게 획득하다"

— To acquire something through fair and legal means.

우리는 경쟁을 통해 정당하게 계약을 획득했다.

Formal

Easily Confused

획득 vs 취득 (Chwi-deuk)

Both mean 'acquisition' and are formal.

취득 is specifically for certifications (자격증), licenses (면허), and ownership of physical assets like buildings. 획득 is used for competitive prizes, points, and general information.

운전면허를 취득했다 (Correct). 운전면허를 획득했다 (Understandable but less natural).

획득 vs 습득 (Seup-deuk)

Both involve 'getting' something.

습득 is used for finding lost items (분실물 습득) or learning and internalizing a new skill/knowledge (기술 습득). 획득 is the achievement of getting the thing itself.

외국어 기술을 습득하다 (To learn/acquire a language skill).

획득 vs 수집 (Su-jip)

Both involve getting things.

수집 is 'collecting' many things (stamps, data, samples). 획득 is 'acquiring' a specific thing, often as a result of effort.

우표를 수집하다 (To collect stamps).

획득 vs 확보 (Hwak-bo)

Both are formal words for getting something.

확보 means 'to secure' or 'to make sure you have it.' It implies keeping it safe or ensuring you have enough. 획득 is just the gain.

예산을 확보하다 (To secure a budget).

획득 vs 입수 (Ip-su)

Both are used for information.

입수 specifically means 'to get one's hands on' a document or info, often through an investigation or a leak. 획득 is a more general formal gain.

비밀 문서를 입수했다 (Obtained a secret document).

Sentence Patterns

저는 [Noun]을/를 획득했어요.

저는 점수를 획득했어요.

[Effort] 끝에 [Noun]을/를 획득했습니다.

노력 끝에 자격증을 획득했습니다.

[Noun] 획득이 가능합니다.

포인트 획득이 가능합니다.

[Noun]을/를 획득하는 데 성공했다.

우승컵을 획득하는 데 성공했다.

[Noun] 획득을 위해 [Action]하다.

정보 획득을 위해 조사하다.

[Abstract Noun]의 획득은 [Result]을/를 의미한다.

참정권의 획득은 민주주의의 발전을 의미한다.

[Method]을/를 통한 [Noun] 획득.

협상을 통한 주도권 획득.

[Complex Noun] 획득의 절차적 정당성.

권리 획득의 절차적 정당성을 확보해야 한다.

Word Family

Nouns

획득자 (Acquirer/Gainer)

획득물 (Acquired object/prize)

획득처 (Place of acquisition)

비획득 (Non-acquisition)

Verbs

획득하다 (To acquire)

획득되다 (To be acquired)

취득 (Acquisition of license)

입수 (Obtaining info)

확보 (Securing)

수집 (Collecting)

차지 (Occupying/taking)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in media, gaming, and professional settings. Moderate in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 획득 for receiving a gift. → 받다 (Bad-da)
획득 implies effort or a formal process. Receiving a gift is a passive, social act, so '받다' is the correct choice.
Using 획득 for all types of 'getting' in daily life. → 얻다 (Eod-da)
얻다 is the general word. Using 획득 for getting a snack or a phone number sounds unnaturally formal and robotic.
Saying '자격증을 획득되다'. → 자격증을 획득하다.
획득하다 is the active form. 획득되다 is passive and sounds awkward when you are the one who did the work.
Confusing 획득 with 취득 for a driver's license. → 취득 (Chwi-deuk)
While 획득 is understandable, '취득' is the specific legal term for getting licenses and certifications.
Using 획득 without the object particle in a formal sentence. → 정보를 획득했다.
In formal writing, the object particle '을/를' should not be omitted, even though it's common in casual speech.

Tips

Gaming Context

If you are playing a game in Korean, '획득' is the most common word you will see on the screen. It means you've successfully looted an item or gained points. It's the ultimate 'reward' word.

Professional Reports

When writing a business proposal or a report, use '획득' to describe gaining market share, new clients, or data. It sounds much more authoritative than using simple verbs like '얻다'.

Medals and Points

In sports journalism, '획득' is mandatory for medals. '금메달 획득' is the standard phrase. Using '따다' (to pick/win) is common in speech, but '획득' is the official term.

Rights and Citizenship

For high-level legal concepts like '시민권' (citizenship) or '참정권' (voting rights), '획득' is the most appropriate word to describe the formal process of gaining these rights.

Hanja Power

Remember the character '득' (得). It appears in many words related to gain, like '이득' (profit), '소득' (income), and '취득' (acquisition). Learning this root helps you guess the meaning of many other words.

Deuk-tem (득템)

Don't be afraid to use the slang '득템했다' when you buy something nice at a discount or find a cool vintage item. It's a friendly way to show you know the '획득' root.

Effort Matters

Only use '획득' when there is some level of effort, competition, or formal procedure involved. If something just falls into your lap, '얻다' is better.

Gaining Trust

While '신뢰를 얻다' is common, '신뢰를 획득하다' is used in business or politics to describe a systematic effort to win over a group of people.

Degrees and Credits

When discussing your academic achievements in a resume, use '학위 획득' or '학점 획득' to emphasize the formal completion of your requirements.

Avoid Casual Overuse

Don't say '커피를 획득했어' when you just got a coffee. It sounds like you went on a dangerous quest to get it. Just say '커피 샀어' or '커피 가져왔어'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'H-W-E-K' (Heck) of a 'DEUK' (Duck) that you caught! You had to hunt it (획) and now you have it (득).

Visual Association

Imagine a gamer reaching out and grabbing a floating gold coin labeled '획득'. The '획' is the reaching, and '득' is the gold in their hand.

Word Web

Gold Medal Game Points License Information Effort Victory Data Rights

Challenge

Try to find the word '획득' on a Korean website or app today. Usually, gaming sites or news sports sections are the best places to look.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 獲得. The first character 獲 (hwoek) means 'to catch,' 'to hunt,' or 'to seize.' The second character 得 (deuk) means 'to get,' 'to obtain,' or 'to gain profit.'

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to catching prey during a hunt and bringing it home. It combined the idea of active pursuit and successful possession.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived vocabulary).

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but avoid using it for 'acquiring' people (like friends or partners) as it sounds dehumanizing and objectifying.

In English, 'acquisition' sounds very business-like. In Korean, 획득 is slightly more versatile and used commonly in sports and games where English speakers might just say 'got' or 'won.'

Olympic broadcasts: '대한민국 금메달 획득!' is a classic phrase. RPG Games: '아이템을 획득하였습니다' is the most standard system message. History books: Discussing '주권 획득' regarding Korean independence from Japan.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sports & Competitions

금메달 획득
승점 획득
순위 획득
우승컵 획득

Gaming

아이템 획득
경험치 획득
스킬 획득
보상 획득

Academic & Career

학위 획득
자격증 획득
학점 획득
라이선스 획득

Business & Marketing

고객 획득
시장 점유율 획득
특허권 획득
수익 획득

Information & Science

데이터 획득
정보 획득
지식 획득
샘플 획득

Conversation Starters

"어제 경기에서 우리 팀이 점수를 획득했나요? (Did our team get points in yesterday's match?)"

"이 자격증을 획득하려면 얼마나 공부해야 해요? (How long do I need to study to acquire this certificate?)"

"게임에서 그 전설 아이템을 어떻게 획득했어요? (How did you acquire that legendary item in the game?)"

"새로운 정보를 획득하는 가장 좋은 방법이 뭐라고 생각하세요? (What do you think is the best way to acquire new information?)"

"박사 학위를 획득하는 것이 정말 힘들었나요? (Was it really hard to acquire a doctoral degree?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 올해 획득하고 싶은 가장 큰 목표는 무엇인가요? (What is the biggest goal I want to acquire/achieve this year?)

살면서 가장 힘들게 획득한 것은 무엇인가요? 그 과정에 대해 써보세요. (What is the thing you acquired with the most difficulty in your life? Write about the process.)

현대 사회에서 정보를 획득하는 능력은 왜 중요한가요? (Why is the ability to acquire information important in modern society?)

다른 사람의 신뢰를 획득하기 위해 내가 노력하고 있는 점은 무엇인가요? (What am I doing to acquire the trust of others?)

내가 게임이나 취미 생활에서 획득한 가장 소중한 것은 무엇인가요? (What is the most precious thing I acquired in a game or hobby?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that would sound very strange. When you buy something, use '사다' (to buy) or '구매하다' (to purchase). 획득 is for things you earn through effort, competition, or a formal process, not just for a simple transaction.

얻다 is the general, native Korean word for 'get.' It can be used for anything. 획득 is a formal, Sino-Korean word used for specific achievements like medals, points, or rights. Use 얻다 with friends and 획득 in professional reports or when talking about games/sports.

Generally, yes. Since it implies effort and achievement, it is usually used for desirable things like medals, points, and rights. You wouldn't say you '획득'ed a disease; for that, you use '걸리다' or '얻다' (in a negative sense).

It is '고객 획득 비용' (Go-gaek Hwoek-deuk Bi-yong). This is a very common term in Korean marketing and business.

You '획득' the points or the trophy from the game, but for the act of winning itself, you usually use '이기다' (to win) or '승리하다' (to be victorious). So, '승리를 획득하다' is possible, but '승리했다' is more common.

Yes! '득템' (Deuk-tem) is a very popular slang word. It combines '득' (from 획득) and '템' (from the English word 'item'). It literally means 'to acquire an item' and is used when you get something cool or a good deal.

It's rare. For 'love,' '얻다' is much more natural (사랑을 얻다). Using 획득 would make love sound like a trophy or a strategic goal, which might sound cold or overly formal.

Yes, very often. Scientists use it for '데이터 획득' (data acquisition) or '샘플 획득' (sample acquisition). It sounds much more professional than native Korean alternatives.

The Hanja is 獲得. 獲 (hwoek) means to catch/hunt, and 得 (deuk) means to get/obtain. Knowing this helps you remember that the word involves 'catching' something through effort.

Yes, but '경험을 쌓다' (to build experience) or '경험을 얻다' is more common in daily speech. '경험치 획득' is specifically for 'Experience Points' (XP) in games.