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자인하다

B2 verb #9,000 most common 8 min read

자인하다

jainhada Top 9,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 자인하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 자인하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word '자인하다' is quite advanced and not typically taught. However, you can think of it as a very serious way of saying 'I made a mistake.' At this stage, you should focus on the basic word '인정하다' (to admit) or just '잘못했어요' (I did wrong). '자인하다' is like saying 'I acknowledge my own fault' in a very grown-up way. You won't need to use it in basic conversations about food, family, or hobbies. Just remember that Korean has many different ways to say 'I'm sorry' or 'I admit it,' and this is one of the most formal ones used in books or the news. If you see it, look for the 'Ja' (自) which means 'self,' and 'In' (認) which means 'admit.' This will help you remember it's about yourself admitting something.

For A2 learners, '자인하다' is a word you might see in a simple news headline or a storybook. It means 'to admit something about yourself.' While you would usually use '인정하다' (to admit) in your own speaking, '자인하다' is used when someone is being very honest about their own limits. For example, if a soccer player says they are not good enough, a newspaper might say '그는 실력 부족을 자인했다' (He admitted his lack of skill). It's a formal verb. You can identify it by the '-하다' ending. Try to recognize it when reading, but don't worry about using it in daily chat yet. Focus on understanding that it's a 'self-admission' of a weakness or a fault.

At the B1 level, you are starting to encounter more formal and specific vocabulary. '자인하다' is a great word to know for reading news articles or watching dramas. It specifically means to admit a fault, a mistake, or a limitation that belongs to you. It's different from '고백하다' (to confess a secret/love) because '자인하다' is more about facts and less about emotions. It's often used with words like '실수' (mistake) or '한계' (limit). When you use this word, it makes you sound more professional and precise. In a workplace context, admitting a project failed by saying '실패를 자인합니다' sounds more responsible than just saying '실패했어요.' Start noticing how it's used in formal contexts to describe people taking responsibility.

B2 is the level where you should actively start using '자인하다' in your formal writing and speaking. This word is essential for discussing topics like politics, ethics, and self-improvement. It conveys a nuanced sense of 'self-recognition' of one's own shortcomings. You should be able to distinguish it from '시인하다' (to admit a fact/accusation) and '인정하다' (to acknowledge). '자인하다' is the best choice when the subject is voluntarily admitting a personal failure or a hard truth about themselves. For example, in an essay about leadership, you might write about the importance of '자신의 한계를 자인하는 태도' (the attitude of admitting one's own limits). It shows a high level of linguistic sophistication and an understanding of Korean Hanja-based vocabulary.

At the C1 level, you should master the subtle nuances of '자인하다' across various domains. In legal contexts, understand its role in describing a defendant's admission of disadvantageous facts. In literature, appreciate how it is used to depict a character's internal realization and growth. You should also be comfortable with its noun form '자인' and related expressions like '자인을 받아내다' (to extract an admission). You can use it to add weight and gravity to your arguments. For instance, when critiquing a social issue, you might point out that a certain institution has yet to '자인하다' its historical mistakes. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's formal register and its focus on personal accountability and the objective recognition of internal truths.

For C2 learners, '자인하다' is a tool for precise and high-level expression. You should understand its historical and etymological roots in Hanja (自認) and how it fits into the broader landscape of Korean verbs of admission. You can use it to navigate complex discussions where the distinction between admitting a fact (시인), confessing a hidden truth (고백/자백), and acknowledging a personal limitation (자인) is crucial. At this level, you might use '자인하다' in philosophical or academic discourse to discuss the human condition or institutional responsibility. Your mastery should include the ability to use the word in sophisticated sentence structures, such as '자인하지 않을 수 없는' (cannot help but admit) or '자인하는 바이다' (is what one admits), reflecting a deep command of formal and literary Korean styles.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

자인하다 in 30 Seconds

Formal verb meaning to admit personal faults or limits.
Rooted in Hanja: 自 (self) + 認 (admit).
Used in news, legal contexts, and serious literature.
Focuses on self-recognition rather than external pressure.

The Korean verb 자인하다 (自認--) is a sophisticated term primarily used to describe the act of admitting or acknowledging a personal shortcoming, a mistake, or a specific fact about oneself that might be difficult to face. Derived from Hanja (Chinese characters), where 'Ja' (自) means 'self' and 'In' (認) means 'to recognize' or 'to admit,' the word literally translates to 'self-acknowledgment.' Unlike the more common word 인정하다 (to admit/acknowledge in general), 자인하다 carries a weight of formality and internal reflection. It is frequently employed in literature, legal contexts, political discourse, and formal self-critiques.

Formal Admission: When a public figure admits to a failure in policy or a personal lapse in judgment, the media often uses '자인하다' to emphasize the gravity of the admission.
Internal Realization: In literary works, a character might '자인하다' their own limitations or their inability to change a situation, highlighting a moment of painful self-awareness.

그는 자신의 실수를 솔직하게 자인했다.

In everyday conversation, you might not hear this word often unless the speaker is being deliberately formal or dramatic. For instance, if you are discussing a deep personal realization or a professional failure, using '자인하다' elevates the conversation. It suggests a level of maturity and the courage to look inward. It is not just saying 'yes, that happened,' but rather 'I recognize this truth about myself.' This nuance makes it a powerful tool for expressiveness in high-level Korean communication.

정부는 정책의 실패를 자인하며 대책을 마련했다.

Legal Nuance: In a legal setting, '자인' refers to a defendant's admission of facts that are disadvantageous to them, which is a crucial step in judicial proceedings.

Understanding the context is key. While '인정하다' can be used for admitting a mistake, '자인하다' specifically points the finger at the 'self.' You cannot '자인하다' someone else's mistake; it is strictly an internal-to-external process. This reflexive nature is what sets it apart from synonyms like '시인하다' (to admit a fact) or '고백하다' (to confess). When you use '자인하다', you are taking ownership of a personal truth, often one that is uncomfortable or humbling.

패배를 자인하는 것은 결코 쉬운 일이 아니다.

Using 자인하다 requires an understanding of its formal tone. It typically follows a noun phrase ending in the object markers -을/를. Common objects include 실수 (mistake), 한계 (limitation), 잘못 (fault), or 패배 (defeat). Because it is a '하다' verb, its conjugation follows standard patterns, but it is rarely found in very casual 반말 (informal speech) unless used ironically or in a very serious heart-to-heart conversation.

그는 스스로의 무능함을 자인하고 사임했다.

Sentence Structure: [Subject] + [Object]-을/를 + 자인하다. The subject is almost always a person or a collective entity like a company or government.

In complex sentences, you might see it paired with connective endings like -면서 (while) or -고 (and). For example, '잘못을 자인하면서도 사과하지 않았다' (While admitting the mistake, they did not apologize). This shows that the admission of fact (자인) is distinct from the act of apologizing (사과). '자인' is about the cognitive recognition of a fact, whereas '사과' is the social act of seeking forgiveness.

우리는 우리의 부족함을 자인해야 발전할 수 있다.

Another common pattern is using the noun form 자인 followed by verbs like 하다 or 받다. For example, '자인을 받아내다' means 'to extract a confession/admission.' This is frequently seen in crime dramas or news reports where investigators are trying to get a suspect to admit to their actions. However, the verb form '자인하다' remains the most versatile for general use in formal writing and speech.

범인은 결국 자신의 범행을 자인했습니다.

When writing in an academic or professional capacity, '자인하다' helps maintain an objective yet humble tone. Instead of saying 'I don't know much about this,' which sounds too casual, a researcher might write, '본 연구의 한계를 자인하며...' (Acknowledging the limitations of this study...). This demonstrates academic integrity and a high command of the Korean language. It signals to the reader that the writer is capable of critical self-evaluation.

You are most likely to encounter 자인하다 in formal media and literature. News broadcasts often use it when reporting on political scandals or corporate failures. For example, a news anchor might say, '해당 기업은 기술적 결함을 자인했습니다' (The company in question admitted to technical defects). This phrasing is preferred over '인정했습니다' because it sounds more official and definitive, implying that the company has formally taken responsibility for the information.

정치인은 자신의 실언을 자인하고 대국민 사과를 했다.

News & Media: Used to report on formal admissions of guilt or failure by public entities or figures.
Legal Dramas: In courtroom scenes, a prosecutor might ask a witness if they are ready to '자인' their involvement in a crime.

In literary contexts, such as novels or essays, '자인하다' is used to explore the internal state of a character. It describes the moment a protagonist stops lying to themselves and accepts a harsh truth. This usage is deeply emotional and reflective. For instance, a character might '자인하다' their loneliness or their jealousy, marking a turning point in their personal growth. It provides a more profound sense of realization than simpler verbs.

그녀는 마음속 깊이 자신의 질투심을 자인했다.

Furthermore, in the workplace, especially in senior management or HR, '자인하다' might appear in performance reviews or official reports. If an employee needs to document a project's failure, they might use this word to show they are taking full accountability. It conveys a sense of professional dignity—the ability to admit fault without making excuses. It is a word that commands respect because of the vulnerability it implies.

감독은 전술의 실패를 자인하며 다음 경기를 기약했다.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 자인하다 is using it for positive admissions. You cannot '자인하다' that you are talented or that you won an award. It is almost exclusively reserved for admitting something negative, such as a fault, a weakness, or a mistake. If you want to acknowledge something positive, use 인정하다 (to recognize/admit) or 자부하다 (to take pride in).

Incorrect Usage: ❌ 저는 제가 천재임을 자인합니다. (I admit I am a genius.) - This sounds very strange because 'genuineness' is positive.
Correct Usage: ✅ 저는 제 부족함을 자인합니다. (I admit my shortcomings.)

Another mistake is confusing 자인하다 with 시인하다. While they are similar, 시인하다 (是認--) is more about admitting that a certain fact is true, often in response to an external accusation. 자인하다 has a stronger nuance of 'self-recognition.' You '자인' something that comes from within your own history or character. If a witness admits they saw a crime, they are '시인'ing the fact. If a criminal admits they did the crime, they are '자인'ing their guilt.

그는 사실을 시인했지만, 자신의 잘못을 자인하지는 않았다.

Learners also sometimes forget the reflexive nature of the word. You cannot '자인하다' someone else's mistake. For example, saying '나는 친구의 실수를 자인했다' (I admitted my friend's mistake) is grammatically correct but logically flawed in Korean. You should use '인정하다' or '대신 사과하다' (apologize on their behalf) in such cases. '자인' is a solo journey of admitting one's own truth.

Lastly, pay attention to the level of formality. Using '자인하다' in a very casual setting, like talking to your younger sibling about why you forgot to buy milk, can sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic. While it's not 'wrong,' it creates a stylistic mismatch. Stick to '인정하다' or '말하다' for minor everyday slips, and save '자인하다' for the big moments of self-accountability.

There are several words in Korean that translate to 'to admit' or 'to acknowledge,' and choosing the right one depends on the context and the 'what' being admitted. The most common synonym is 인정하다. This is the 'all-purpose' word. It can be used for admitting mistakes, acknowledging someone's talent, or accepting a fact. If you are unsure which word to use, 인정하다 is almost always a safe bet.

인정하다 (Acknowledge/Recognize): General use. '실력을 인정하다' (recognize someone's skill) is a common positive use.
시인하다 (Admit/Affirm): Used when admitting that a specific claim or fact is true, often under pressure or in a formal inquiry.

그는 자신의 혐의를 시인했다.

Another close relative is 고백하다 (to confess). While 자인하다 is about acknowledging a fault or fact, 고백하다 is about revealing a secret, often one related to feelings (like love) or hidden actions. You '고백' your love or your sins. '자인' is more about the objective truth of one's own failure or state. For instance, you '자인' your lack of experience during a job interview, but you '고백' that you were the one who broke the vase.

고백하다 (Confess): To reveal something hidden or secret, often with an emotional component.
자백하다 (Confess Guilt): Specifically used for confessing to a crime or a wrongdoing, usually to an authority figure.

Finally, there is 수긍하다 (to accept/agree with). This word is used when you are presented with an argument or a situation and you find it reasonable enough to accept. It's less about admitting your own fault and more about agreeing with an external point. Comparing these words helps highlight that 자인하다 is uniquely focused on the self-reflective admission of personal limits or errors in a formal register.

그는 비판의 타당성을 수긍했다.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The character '認' (인) contains the radical '言' (speech), suggesting that admission is fundamentally an act of speaking or verbalizing a truth.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ɕa.in.ɦa.da/

US /dʒa.in.ha.da/

In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, but a slight emphasis can be placed on the first syllable '자' to clarify the meaning.

Rhymes With

확인하다 (hwak-in-ha-da) 부인하다 (bu-in-ha-da) 시인하다 (si-in-ha-da) 사인하다 (sa-in-ha-da) 날인하다 (nal-in-ha-da) 공인하다 (gong-in-ha-da) 용인하다 (yong-in-ha-da) 묵인하다 (muk-in-ha-da)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '자' as '차' (cha).
Skipping the 'n' in '인'.
Pronouncing '하' too strongly like a Western 'H'.
Merging '인' and '하' into '이냐' (inya).
Forgetting the length of the 'a' sound in '자'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and books, but requires knowledge of Hanja-based nuances.

Writing 5/5

Hard to use correctly without sounding overly dramatic or formal.

Speaking 5/5

Rarely used in daily conversation; mostly for formal presentations or serious talks.

Listening 4/5

Important for understanding news broadcasts and formal dramas.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

인정하다 잘못 실수 자기 하다

Learn Next

시인하다 자백하다 용인하다 묵인하다 공인하다

Advanced

회고하다 반성하다 성찰하다 자성하다 참회하다

Grammar to Know

Object Marker 을/를

실수를 자인하다.

Connective -면서 (While)

잘못을 자인하면서도 고치지 않는다.

Nominalizer -음 (That...)

틀렸음을 자인하다.

Quotation -라고 (As...)

자신을 범인이라고 자인했다.

Reason -기 때문에 (Because)

자인했기 때문에 용서받았다.

Examples by Level

그는 잘못을 자인했어요.

He admitted the mistake.

Basic past tense: 자인하다 -> 자인했어요.

저는 제 실수를 자인합니다.

I admit my mistake.

Formal polite ending: -합니다.

선생님, 제 잘못을 자인해요.

Teacher, I admit my fault.

Polite ending: -해요.

그는 실수를 자인하고 사과했어요.

He admitted the mistake and apologized.

Connective -고 (and).

우리는 부족함을 자인해요.

We admit our shortcomings.

Plural subject '우리는'.

그녀는 패배를 자인했어요.

She admitted defeat.

Noun '패배' (defeat) + object marker '를'.

그는 자기 잘못을 자인할 거예요.

He will admit his own fault.

Future tense: -(으)ㄹ 거예요.

잘못을 자인하는 것은 좋아요.

Admitting a mistake is good.

Noun phrase: -는 것 (the act of...).

선수는 자신의 한계를 자인했습니다.

The athlete admitted his limits.

Formal past tense: -했습니다.

그는 결국 범행을 자인했어요.

He eventually admitted to the crime.

Adverb '결국' (eventually).

회사 측은 기술적 결함을 자인했습니다.

The company admitted technical defects.

Subject '측' (side/party).

우리는 실력을 자인하고 더 노력해야 해요.

We must admit our skill level and work harder.

Must/Should: -해야 해요.

그는 스스로의 무지를 자인했다.

He admitted his own ignorance.

Plain style past: -했다.

감독은 전술의 실패를 자인했다.

The coach admitted the failure of the tactics.

Possessive marker '의'.

그녀는 자신의 실수를 자인하며 울었다.

She cried while admitting her mistake.

Connective -며 (while).

잘못을 자인하기가 쉽지 않아요.

It's not easy to admit a mistake.

Gerund -기 + subject marker '가'.

정부는 정책의 한계를 자인하고 수정안을 발표했다.

The government admitted the limits of the policy and announced a revision.

Noun '한계' (limit) is a common object for 자인하다.

그는 자신의 무책임함을 자인하며 사직서를 제출했다.

Admitting his irresponsibility, he submitted his resignation.

Using -며 to show simultaneous action/reason.

실패를 자인하는 것은 용기 있는 행동이다.

Admitting failure is a courageous act.

Subject phrase '실패를 자인하는 것'.

그는 비판을 겸허히 수용하며 자신의 과오를 자인했다.

He humbly accepted the criticism and admitted his errors.

Adverb '겸허히' (humbly) often pairs with such admissions.

피고인은 법정에서 자신의 죄를 자인했습니다.

The defendant admitted his crime in court.

Legal context usage.

우리는 서로의 차이를 자인하고 존중해야 합니다.

We must admit and respect our differences.

Formal 'must' ending: -해야 합니다.

그 작가는 초기 작품의 미흡함을 자인했다.

The author admitted the inadequacies of their early works.

Noun '미흡함' (inadequacy/insufficiency).

자신의 약점을 자인할 때 비로소 성장할 수 있다.

One can only grow when they admit their weaknesses.

Condition -할 때 (when) + adverb '비로소' (finally/at last).

그는 자신의 주장이 틀렸음을 자인할 수밖에 없었다.

He had no choice but to admit that his argument was wrong.

-ㄹ 수밖에 없었다 (had no choice but to...).

회사는 경영 부실을 자인하며 구조조정을 단행했다.

The company admitted to poor management and carried out restructuring.

Noun '경영 부실' (poor management).

그는 스스로를 패배자라고 자인하며 괴로워했다.

He suffered, admitting to himself that he was a loser.

Indirect quotation '-라고' used with 자인하다.

자신의 무지를 자인하는 것이 지혜의 시작이다.

Admitting one's ignorance is the beginning of wisdom.

Abstract concept usage.

그는 자신의 실책을 자인하고 책임을 지기로 했다.

He admitted his blunder and decided to take responsibility.

Decided to: -기로 했다.

현실적인 한계를 자인하지 않으면 해결책을 찾을 수 없다.

Unless you admit realistic limits, you cannot find a solution.

Conditional negative: -지 않으면.

그는 동료들 앞에서 자신의 편견을 솔직하게 자인했다.

He honestly admitted his prejudice in front of his colleagues.

Noun '편견' (prejudice).

과거의 잘못을 자인하는 용기가 필요하다.

The courage to admit past mistakes is needed.

Modifying noun: -는 용기.

그 학자는 자신의 이론에 허점이 있음을 자인하며 논문을 철회했다.

The scholar admitted there were flaws in his theory and withdrew the paper.

Noun '허점' (flaw/loophole) + '-음' nominalizer.

본 연구는 표본의 편향성을 자인하며 결과 해석에 주의를 당부한다.

This study acknowledges the bias of the sample and urges caution in interpreting the results.

Academic register, third-person perspective.

그는 권력의 유혹 앞에 굴복했음을 자인하는 글을 남겼다.

He left a writing admitting that he had succumbed to the temptation of power.

Complex noun modification '굴복했음을 자인하는 글'.

조직의 구조적 모순을 자인하지 않는 한 혁신은 불가능하다.

Innovation is impossible unless the structural contradictions of the organization are acknowledged.

-는 한 (as long as / unless...).

그는 자신의 무능력을 자인하기보다 남을 탓하는 데 급급했다.

He was too busy blaming others rather than admitting his own incompetence.

-기보다 (rather than) + -는 데 급급하다 (busy doing...).

피고가 자신의 범행을 자인함에 따라 재판은 급물살을 탔다.

As the defendant admitted to his crime, the trial gained rapid momentum.

-함에 따라 (according to / as a result of).

우리는 인간으로서의 근원적 한계를 자인할 수밖에 없는 존재다.

We are beings who cannot help but admit our fundamental human limitations.

Philosophical usage.

그는 자신의 비겁함을 자인하는 순간 진정한 자유를 얻었다.

The moment he admitted his cowardice, he gained true freedom.

-는 순간 (the moment that...).

해당 기관은 과거의 인권 침해 사실을 자인하고 공식 사과문을 발표하기에 이르렀다.

The institution went as far as admitting past human rights violations and issuing an official apology.

-기에 이르렀다 (reached the point of...).

자신의 내면적 결핍을 자인하는 과정은 고통스럽지만 성숙을 위해 필수적이다.

The process of admitting one's inner deficiencies is painful but essential for maturity.

Complex abstract nouns: '내면적 결핍' (inner deficiency).

그는 시대적 흐름을 읽지 못한 자신의 실책을 통렬히 자인했다.

He bitterly admitted his blunder in failing to read the trends of the times.

Adverb '통렬히' (bitterly/keenly).

논리학에서 전제의 오류를 자인하는 것은 논증의 붕괴를 의미한다.

In logic, admitting an error in a premise means the collapse of the argument.

Specialized academic context.

정치적 정당성을 잃은 정권은 결국 자신들의 실정을 자인할 수밖에 없었다.

The regime, having lost political legitimacy, had no choice but to admit its misgovernment.

Noun '실정' (misgovernment/misrule).

그는 자신의 천박함을 자인함으로써 오히려 대중의 연민을 샀다.

By admitting his own vulgarity, he paradoxically gained the public's sympathy.

-함으로써 (by doing/through).

인간이 만물의 영장이라는 오만을 버리고 자연 앞에서의 미미함을 자인해야 한다.

Humans must discard the arrogance of being the masters of all things and admit their insignificance before nature.

High-level literary rhetoric.

그는 자신의 학문적 성취가 선대 학자들의 업적에 빚지고 있음을 자인했다.

He acknowledged that his academic achievements owed a debt to the work of preceding scholars.

Metaphorical use of '빚지고 있음' (owing a debt).

Synonyms

인정하다 고백하다 시인하다 수긍하다

Antonyms

부인하다 부정하다

Common Collocations

실수를 자인하다

한계를 자인하다

잘못을 자인하다

패배를 자인하다

범행을 자인하다

무능을 자인하다

부족함을 자인하다

실책을 자인하다

과오를 자인하다

무지를 자인하다

Common Phrases

자인하는 바이다

— A formal way to say 'This is what I admit.' Used at the end of statements.

본인의 불찰임을 자인하는 바입니다.

자인하지 않을 수 없다

— To be in a situation where one cannot help but admit something.

증거가 명확하여 자인하지 않을 수 없었다.

자인을 받아내다

— To succeed in getting someone to admit something.

경찰은 끈질긴 추궁 끝에 자인을 받아냈다.

자인에 이르다

— To reach the point of admitting something.

그는 오랜 고민 끝에 자인에 이르렀다.

자인하기에 앞서

— Before admitting something.

자인하기에 앞서 사실 관계를 확인해야 한다.

자인할 용기

— The courage to admit one's faults.

그는 자인할 용기가 없는 사람이다.

자인하는 태도

— An attitude of acknowledging one's shortcomings.

자인하는 태도가 성장의 밑거름이 된다.

자인을 거부하다

— To refuse to admit something.

그는 끝까지 자신의 과오를 자인하기를 거부했다.

자인할 수밖에

— Having no choice but to admit.

결과가 이렇게 나왔으니 자인할 수밖에 없다.

자인한 사실

— A fact that has been admitted.

그가 자인한 사실은 충격적이었다.

Often Confused With

자인하다 vs 시인하다

시인하다 is more about admitting an external fact or accusation, while 자인하다 is about admitting something internal or personal.

자인하다 vs 자백하다

자백하다 is specifically for crimes or guilty acts, whereas 자인하다 can be used for general limitations or non-criminal mistakes.

자인하다 vs 사인하다

사인하다 means 'to sign' (a document). They sound similar but have completely different meanings.

Idioms & Expressions

"패배를 자인하다"

— To 'throw in the towel' or formally accept that one has lost.

그는 선거 결과가 나오기도 전에 패배를 자인했다.

Formal

"두 손 두 발 다 들고 자인하다"

— To completely give up and admit everything (informal/vivid).

결국 그는 두 손 두 발 다 들고 자신의 잘못을 자인했다.

Informal

"자신의 한계를 자인하다"

— To face the music regarding one's own capabilities.

그는 무리한 도전을 멈추고 자신의 한계를 자인했다.

Neutral

"과오를 자인하고 용서를 구하다"

— To admit one's errors and seek forgiveness.

그는 대중 앞에 서서 과오를 자인하고 용서를 구했다.

Formal

"스스로 무덤을 파고 자인하다"

— To dig one's own grave and be forced to admit a mistake.

거짓말을 하다가 결국 스스로 무덤을 파고 자인하게 되었다.

Idiomatic

"입이 열 개라도 자인할 수밖에 없다"

— Even with ten mouths (many excuses), one has to admit it.

증거가 너무 확실해서 입이 열 개라도 자인할 수밖에 없었다.

Idiomatic

"뼈아프게 자인하다"

— To admit something with great pain or regret.

그는 자신의 무관심이 부른 결과를 뼈아프게 자인했다.

Literary

"솔직담백하게 자인하다"

— To admit something in a straightforward and clean manner.

그는 비판에 대해 솔직담백하게 자인하는 모습을 보였다.

Neutral

"자인하고 물러나다"

— To admit fault and resign from a position.

장관은 실책을 자인하고 물러났다.

Formal

"자인의 길을 걷다"

— To choose the path of admitting the truth (metaphorical).

그는 회피 대신 자인의 길을 걷기로 결심했다.

Literary

Easily Confused

자인하다 vs 인정하다

Both mean 'to admit'.

인정하다 is general and can be positive or negative. 자인하다 is formal and almost always negative/self-reflective.

실력을 인정하다 (Positive) vs 한계를 자인하다 (Negative/Formal).

자인하다 vs 고백하다

Both involve telling a truth.

고백하다 is for secrets or emotions (love). 자인하다 is for acknowledging faults or facts formally.

사랑을 고백하다 vs 잘못을 자인하다.

자인하다 vs 자부하다

Both start with '자' (self).

자부하다 means to take pride in oneself (positive). 자인하다 means to admit a fault (negative).

실력을 자부하다 vs 부족함을 자인하다.

자인하다 vs 자인 (Sign)

Sounds like the English word 'sign'.

In Korean, 'sign' is '사인'. '자인' is a Hanja word for self-admission.

여기에 사인해 주세요 (Sign here) vs 자인을 받아내다 (Get an admission).

자인하다 vs 시인 (Poet)

Homonym of '시인하다'.

시인 (Poet) is a noun. 시인하다 (Admit) is a verb. Context clears this up.

그는 유명한 시인이다 vs 그는 잘못을 시인했다.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]을/를 자인하다

실수를 자인하다.

[Noun]임을 자인하다

실패임을 자인하다.

[Verb]-었음을 자인하다

틀렸음을 자인하다.

[Noun]의 한계를 자인하다

정책의 한계를 자인하다.

[Noun]라고 스스로 자인하다

자신을 죄인이라고 스스로 자인하다.

자인하지 않을 수 없는 [Noun]

자인하지 않을 수 없는 사실.

자인하는 바이다

본인의 불찰임을 자인하는 바이다.

[Noun]의 미흡함을 자인하며

논문의 미흡함을 자인하며.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written media, academic texts, and formal speeches. Low frequency in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using it for others: '그의 실수를 자인했다.' → 인정했다 or 대신 사과했다.
'자인' is only for self-admission.
Using it for positive things: '성공을 자인하다.' → 성공을 자부하다 or 인정하다.
'자인' is reserved for admitting negative facts or limits.
Confusing with '사인하다'. → 문서에 사인하다.
'사인' is a signature; '자인' is an admission.
Using in casual 반말: '나 자인해.' → 나 인정해.
The word is too formal for most casual contexts.
Confusing with '시인하다' in personal contexts. → 내 잘못을 자인했다.
While similar, '시인' is more about factual truth, '자인' is more about personal accountability.

Tips

Pair with '한계'

One of the most natural ways to use this word is '한계를 자인하다' (to admit one's limits). It sounds very native and sophisticated.

Keep it Formal

Only use this word in formal or very serious settings. Using it in casual chat might make you sound like a news reporter.

Use with -음

You can use the nominalizer '-음' to say 'admit that...'. For example: '틀렸음을 자인하다' (admit that I was wrong).

Watch the News

If you want to hear this word in context, watch Korean news segments about political or corporate apologies.

Self-Reflection

In a journal or essay, use '자인하다' to describe a moment of personal growth where you had to face a hard truth about yourself.

Voluntary vs Forced

While '자인하다' is often voluntary, in legal contexts it can describe an admission made under questioning. Context is key.

Remember 'Self'

Always remember the 'Ja' (自) means 'self'. This will stop you from using it for other people's actions.

Integrity

Using this word correctly shows you understand the Korean cultural value of taking responsibility for one's actions.

Interviews

During a job interview, admitting a past failure using '자인하다' can show maturity and professional integrity.

Flashcards

Put '자인하다' on a card with '한계를 자인하다' on the back to memorize the most common usage pattern.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'JA' as 'JA-gi' (self) and 'IN' as 'IN-jeong' (admit). JA-IN = Self-Admit.

Visual Association

Imagine a person looking in a mirror and nodding 'Yes, I did that' to their own reflection.

Word Web

자아 (Self) 자기 (Self) 인정 (Admit) 인식 (Awareness) 실수 (Mistake) 한계 (Limit) 잘못 (Fault) 고백 (Confess)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a time you had to admit a personal limit using '자인하다'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 自 (자) and 認 (인).

Original meaning: 自 (self) + 認 (to recognize/admit) = To recognize or admit something by oneself.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use this for other people's mistakes, as it can sound accusatory or grammatically incorrect. It is strictly for the self.

In English, we often just say 'admit' or 'own up to.' '자인하다' is more formal, similar to 'acknowledge' in a legal or academic sense.

Used frequently in the 'The King's Letters' (movie) regarding historical admissions. Commonly heard in the drama 'Stranger' (Secret Forest) during legal interrogations. A key term in Korean news coverage of the 'IMF Crisis' when leaders admitted policy failures.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal/Police

범행을 자인하다
자인서를 작성하다
자인을 강요하다
자인에 기초하다

Politics/News

실책을 자인하다
한계를 자인하다
책임을 자인하다
실패를 자인하다

Academic/Research

연구의 한계를 자인하다
오류를 자인하다
부족함을 자인하다
미흡함을 자인하다

Literature/Essays

내면의 결핍을 자인하다
비겁함을 자인하다
진실을 자인하다
스스로를 자인하다

Professional/Work

업무상 과실을 자인하다
무능력을 자인하다
잘못된 판단을 자인하다
경영 부실을 자인하다

Conversation Starters

"자신의 한계를 자인하는 것이 왜 중요하다고 생각하세요?"

"최근에 자신의 실수를 자인해 본 적이 있나요?"

"정치인이 자신의 잘못을 자인하는 것을 본 적이 있나요?"

"자인하는 태도가 리더십에 어떤 영향을 줄까요?"

"자인과 사과의 차이점은 무엇이라고 생각하시나요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 최근에 자인해야 했던 나의 한계에 대해 써보세요.

자신의 잘못을 자인했을 때 느꼈던 감정을 설명해 보세요.

자인하는 용기가 우리 삶을 어떻게 변화시키는지 적어보세요.

사회적으로 자인하는 분위기가 형성되려면 무엇이 필요할까요?

나의 부족함을 자인하고 그것을 극복하기 위한 계획을 세워보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '자인하다' is almost exclusively used for negative things like mistakes, limits, or faults. For positive things, use '인정하다' or '자부하다'.

Rarely. It's a very formal word. In daily life, Koreans usually use '인정하다' or '잘못을 말하다'.

자인하다 focuses on self-recognition of a fault. 시인하다 focuses on admitting that a specific fact or accusation is true, often during an inquiry.

No. The '자' (自) in 자인하다 means 'self'. You can only '자인' your own mistakes or facts about yourself.

Yes, it is very common in formal writing, law, and news. Understanding the Hanja (自認) helps in remembering its meaning.

You can say '제 잘못을 자인합니다' or '제 실수를 자인하는 바입니다'.

Not necessarily. It is an admission of fact. You can admit a mistake (자인) without actually saying 'I'm sorry' (사과), though they often go together.

Common objects include 실수 (mistake), 한계 (limit), 잘못 (fault), 패배 (defeat), and 무능 (incompetence).

Yes, the noun form is '자인' (admission/acknowledgment).

A student might use it in a formal essay, a research paper's limitation section, or when speaking seriously to a professor.