채택하다
채택하다 in 30 Seconds
- A formal verb meaning 'to adopt' or 'officially select' an idea, policy, or method for use.
- Used primarily in business, government, and academic settings to denote a formal decision.
- Commonly paired with nouns like technology, proposal, agenda, and strategy.
- Should not be used for personal choices like food or for adopting children/pets.
The Korean verb 채택하다 (chaetaekhada) is a sophisticated term that translates most accurately to 'to adopt' or 'to select' in a formal or official capacity. While the common word '선택하다' (seontaekhada) covers general choosing, 채택하다 is reserved for scenarios where a specific idea, method, policy, or proposal is officially accepted and put into practice. It implies a process of evaluation followed by a formal decision to make something the standard or the chosen path forward. Imagine a board of directors reviewing three different marketing strategies; when they finally settle on one and decide to implement it, they are 채택-ing that strategy.
- Formal Context
- This word is ubiquitous in business meetings, government legislation, and academic research. It signifies that an option has moved from being a mere suggestion to an active protocol.
- Adoption of Technology
- When a company decides to use a specific software across all its branches, they 'adopt' that technology, which is perfectly described by 채택하다.
- Acceptance of Opinions
- In a debate, if one side's argument is so compelling that it is integrated into the final resolution, that argument has been 채택-ed.
우리 회사는 내년부터 유연 근무제를 채택하기로 했습니다. (Our company has decided to adopt a flexible working system starting next year.)
The word is composed of two Hanja characters: 採 (채) meaning 'to pick' or 'to gather', and 擇 (택) meaning 'to select'. Together, they create a nuance of 'picking out the best option to use'. You won't hear this word much in casual conversations about what to eat for lunch, but you will hear it constantly in news reports regarding new government policies or corporate announcements.
그 제안은 위원회에서 만장일치로 채택되었습니다. (That proposal was adopted unanimously by the committee.)
Understanding this word is crucial for B2 level learners because it marks the transition from basic communication to professional and academic fluency. It allows you to describe complex decision-making processes with precision. In the context of Korean society, where consensus and formal procedures are highly valued, knowing when and how to use 채택하다 shows a deep understanding of social hierarchy and professional etiquette.
새로운 교육 방식이 전국의 학교에서 채택되고 있다. (New educational methods are being adopted in schools across the country.)
정부는 새로운 환경 정책을 채택하여 발표했다. (The government adopted and announced a new environmental policy.)
그의 아이디어는 프로젝트의 핵심 전략으로 채택되었다. (His idea was adopted as the core strategy of the project.)
Using 채택하다 effectively requires understanding its grammatical environment. As a transitive verb, it typically takes an object marked by the particles ~을/를. The objects are usually abstract nouns representing plans, ideas, or systems. Because it is a formal word, it is frequently used in the passive form, 채택되다 (to be adopted), especially when the focus is on the decision itself rather than the person making it.
- Active Voice
- Subject + Object + 을/를 + 채택하다. Example: '우리 팀은 새로운 디자인을 채택했다.' (Our team adopted the new design.)
- Passive Voice
- Subject + 이/가 + 채택되다. Example: '그 안건이 회의에서 채택되었다.' (That agenda item was adopted at the meeting.)
- Intentional Form
- 채택하기로 하다 (to decide to adopt). This is very common in corporate announcements.
많은 기업들이 인공지능 기술을 업무에 채택하고 있습니다. (Many companies are adopting AI technology into their work.)
In sentence construction, you will often see it paired with adverbs like 공식적으로 (officially), 만장일치로 (unanimously), or 전격적으로 (completely/suddenly). These add flavor to the 'how' of the adoption. For instance, '공식적으로 채택하다' emphasizes the legal or formal validity of the choice.
이 보고서의 제안이 정책에 채택될 가능성이 높습니다. (There is a high possibility that the proposal in this report will be adopted into policy.)
When writing in a formal style (like in an essay or business email), using 채택하다 instead of 고르다 (to pick) or 선택하다 (to choose) immediately elevates the register of your Korean. It shows you understand the weight of the decision being made. It is also common in the form of ~을/를 채택하여 to describe a sequence of events: 'They adopted X and then did Y.'
우리는 고객의 피드백을 채택하여 제품을 개선했습니다. (We adopted the customer's feedback and improved the product.)
신기술 채택 여부를 두고 회의가 길어졌다. (The meeting grew long over whether to adopt the new technology.)
국회는 새로운 법안을 채택하기 위해 표결에 들어갔다. (The National Assembly entered a vote to adopt the new bill.)
In South Korea, you will encounter 채택하다 most frequently in news broadcasts, newspapers, and professional settings. If you watch a Korean news segment about a new law being passed or a international treaty being signed, the reporter will almost certainly use the word 채택. It is the language of 'officialdom'.
- News & Media
- 'UN 안보리에서 새로운 결의안이 채택되었습니다.' (A new resolution was adopted at the UN Security Council.) Reporters use this to denote authoritative action.
- Corporate Environment
- In a Korean office, during a presentation, a manager might say, '이 아이디어를 이번 분기 전략으로 채택합시다.' (Let's adopt this idea as our strategy for this quarter.)
- Academic Papers
- Researchers use it to describe the methodology they chose: '본 연구에서는 다음과 같은 실험 방법을 채택하였다.' (In this study, the following experimental method was adopted.)
그 논문은 학술지 게재를 위해 채택되지 못했다. (That paper was not adopted/accepted for publication in the academic journal.)
Another common place is in the context of competitions or open calls for ideas (공모전). When a participant's entry is chosen as the winner and used for the intended purpose, it is said to be '채택'ed. You might see a banner saying '당신의 아이디어를 채택합니다!' (We will adopt your idea!).
정부는 저출산 대책으로 새로운 복지 모델을 채택했다. (The government adopted a new welfare model as a countermeasure for the low birth rate.)
In everyday life, you might hear it in school settings when discussing textbook selection: '우리 학교는 이 교과서를 채택했다' (Our school adopted this textbook). It implies a formal committee or board made the decision. It is rarely used in casual 'chitchat' among friends unless they are discussing something formal in a semi-serious or joking professional tone.
그 기업은 블록체인 기술을 결제 시스템에 채택하기로 결정했다. (The company decided to adopt blockchain technology for its payment system.)
표준 규격으로 채택된 디자인은 매우 심플하다. (The design adopted as the standard specification is very simple.)
회의에서 제안된 안건 중 세 가지만 채택되었습니다. (Among the items proposed at the meeting, only three were adopted.)
The most common mistake learners make with 채택하다 is using it in place of 선택하다 (to choose) or 고르다 (to pick) in casual or personal contexts. While all these words involve making a choice, 채택하다 is too heavy for simple personal decisions.
- Incorrect Context
- Saying '나는 오늘 점심으로 비빔밥을 채택했다' (I adopted bibimbap for lunch today) sounds very strange and overly dramatic. You should use '선택했다' or '골랐다' instead.
- Confusion with 입양하다
- In English, 'adopt' can mean adopting a child or a pet. In Korean, 채택하다 is ONLY for ideas, policies, or methods. For children or pets, you must use 입양하다 (ibyanghada).
- Passive/Active Confusion
- Learners often forget to use 채택되다 when the subject is the policy. '정책이 채택했다' is wrong; it must be '정책이 채택되었다'.
Wrong: 강아지를 채택했어요. (I adopted a puppy.)
Right: 강아지를 입양했어요. (I adopted a puppy.)
Another nuance is the difference between 채택하다 and 수용하다 (to accept/embrace). While 채택하다 means you officially pick something to use, 수용하다 is broader and can mean accepting an opinion without necessarily making it the 'official rule'.
Wrong: 새로운 직원을 채택했다. (Adopted a new employee.)
Right: 새로운 직원을 채용했다. (Hired a new employee.)
Finally, be careful with the object particles. Since 채택하다 is a 'doing' verb, it always needs an object marker ~을/를. If you are describing the state of being adopted, you must switch the particle to ~이/가 and the verb to 채택되다.
그 방안은 효율성이 떨어져 채택되지 않았다. (That plan was not adopted because it was inefficient.)
우리는 그의 창의적인 아이디어를 적극 채택했다. (We actively adopted his creative idea.)
전문가들은 이 방식이 국제 표준으로 채택되어야 한다고 주장한다. (Experts argue that this method should be adopted as an international standard.)
To master 채택하다, you must understand how it relates to other Korean words for choosing and accepting. Each has a specific niche.
- 선택하다 (Seontaekhada)
- The most general word for 'to choose'. You can use it for lunch, clothes, or life paths. 채택하다 is a specific type of '선택' that involves official use.
- 선정하다 (Seonjeonghada)
- To select or single out from a group. Often used for people (candidates) or locations (site selection). '장소를 선정하다' (Select a location).
- 도입하다 (Doiphada)
- To introduce or bring in. While 채택하다 is the act of choosing, 도입하다 is the act of bringing it in and starting to use it. They are often used together.
- 수용하다 (Suyonghada)
- To accept, accommodate, or embrace. Used for accepting criticism or diverse opinions.
비교:
1. 아이디어를 채택하다 (Adopt an idea for use).
2. 우승자를 선정하다 (Select a winner).
3. 의견을 수용하다 (Accept an opinion).
Choosing the right word depends on the 'object' and the 'result'. If the result is a formal implementation, 채택하다 is your best bet. If the result is just picking one out of many, 선정하다 or 선택하다 works better. If you are talking about bringing a foreign system into your country, 도입하다 (introduce) is very common.
회사는 새로운 로고를 선정했고, 그것을 공식 디자인으로 채택했다. (The company selected a new logo and adopted it as the official design.)
유럽의 교육 제도를 도입하기로 하고 구체적인 방안을 채택했다. (They decided to introduce Europe's education system and adopted specific plans.)
다양한 목소리를 수용하여 최종안을 채택했습니다. (By accepting various voices, we adopted the final plan.)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The 'Taek' in 'Chaetaek' is the same 'Taek' in 'Seontaek' (Choice). Both words involve selection, but 'Chae' adds the nuance of 'gathering' or 'taking up' for use.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'Chae' like 'Jae' (unaspirated).
- Pronouncing 'Taek' like 'Daek'.
- Making the 'ae' sound too much like 'ah'.
- Forgetting the stop sound at the end of 'Taek' (the 'k' is unreleased).
- Pronouncing it too slowly, making the 'h' too strong.
Difficulty Rating
Common in news and formal texts, requiring knowledge of Hanja roots for full nuance.
Requires understanding of formal register and correct particle usage (~을/를 vs ~이/가).
Used in professional settings; sounds out of place in casual conversation.
Frequent in broadcasts and podcasts about business or politics.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Passive form: ~되다
그 안건이 채택되었다. (That agenda was adopted.)
Intentional: ~기로 하다
새로운 방식을 채택하기로 했다. (Decided to adopt a new method.)
Nominalization: ~음/기
아이디어의 채택이 늦어졌다. (The adoption of the idea was delayed.)
Reason: ~어서/아 서
효율적이어서 채택했다. (Adopted it because it was efficient.)
Purpose: ~기 위해
성공을 위해 이 전략을 채택했다. (Adopted this strategy for success.)
Examples by Level
그들은 이 이름을 채택했어요.
They adopted this name.
Simple past tense with -했어요.
우리는 새 규칙을 채택해요.
We adopt a new rule.
Present tense with -해요.
이 아이디어를 채택할까요?
Shall we adopt this idea?
-ㄹ까요 used for suggestions.
학교에서 이 책을 채택해요.
The school adopts this book.
Topic marker '에서' for locations of action.
그 계획은 채택되었어요.
That plan was adopted.
Passive form -되었어요.
사장님이 제 제안을 채택했어요.
The boss adopted my proposal.
Subject marker -님이 for respect.
우리는 파란색을 채택하기로 했어요.
We decided to adopt the color blue.
-기로 하다 means 'decide to'.
이 방법은 채택되지 않았어요.
This method was not adopted.
Negative passive form -되지 않았다.
정부는 새로운 법을 채택하기로 결정했습니다.
The government decided to adopt a new law.
Formal ending -습니다.
회의에서 내 의견이 채택되어서 기뻐요.
I'm happy because my opinion was adopted at the meeting.
Reasoning connector -어서.
어떤 디자인을 채택할지 고민 중이에요.
I am thinking about which design to adopt.
-ㄴ/은/는 중이다 means 'in the middle of'.
회사는 유연 근무제를 채택했습니다.
The company adopted a flexible working system.
Direct object with -를.
그 방법은 효율적이어서 채택되었습니다.
That method was adopted because it is efficient.
Adjective + 어서 (because).
우리는 이 기술을 채택하기로 합의했어요.
We agreed to adopt this technology.
Verb + 기로 합의하다 (agree to do).
새로운 교육 방식이 채택될 거예요.
A new teaching method will be adopted.
Future tense -ㄹ 거예요.
이 안건은 만장일치로 채택되었습니다.
This agenda item was adopted unanimously.
Adverbial '로' for 'by means of/in a state of'.
위원회는 전문가의 조언을 채택하여 보고서를 작성했다.
The committee adopted the expert's advice and wrote the report.
-하여 is the written form of -해서.
많은 기업들이 친환경 정책을 채택하고 있는 추세이다.
It is a trend that many companies are adopting eco-friendly policies.
-는 추세이다 means 'is a trend/tendency'.
그의 제안이 채택될 가능성은 매우 낮습니다.
The possibility of his proposal being adopted is very low.
-ㄹ 가능성 means 'possibility of'.
우리는 최신 보안 시스템을 채택함으로써 안전을 강화했다.
We strengthened security by adopting the latest security system.
-음으로써 means 'by doing/through'.
새로운 로고가 공식적으로 채택되었음을 알립니다.
We announce that the new logo has been officially adopted.
-음을 알리다 (to announce that...).
시민들의 의견을 채택하는 것이 민주주의의 기본입니다.
Adopting the opinions of citizens is the basis of democracy.
-는 것 (nominalizing a verb).
어떤 기술을 채택하느냐에 따라 성공 여부가 결정된다.
Success is determined by which technology is adopted.
-느냐에 따라 (depending on whether...).
그 학교는 학생들의 요구를 적극 채택하여 시설을 개선했다.
The school actively adopted the students' demands and improved the facilities.
Adverb '적극' (actively).
정부는 경제 활성화를 위해 파격적인 대책을 채택했다.
The government adopted radical measures for economic revitalization.
-기 위해 (in order to).
이 논문에서 채택한 연구 방법론은 매우 독창적이다.
The research methodology adopted in this paper is very original.
Noun-modifying form -ㄴ (past).
양국은 평화 유지를 위한 공동 선언문을 채택하기로 했다.
The two countries decided to adopt a joint declaration for maintaining peace.
Noun phrase '공동 선언문'.
새로운 표준 규격이 채택되면서 산업계에 큰 변화가 예상된다.
As the new standard is adopted, major changes in the industry are expected.
-으면서 (as/while).
회사는 비용 절감을 위해 자동화 시스템을 전격 채택했다.
The company adopted an automated system completely to reduce costs.
Adverb '전격' (completely/suddenly).
그 안건이 채택되지 못한 이유에 대해 설명해 주십시오.
Please explain the reason why that agenda item could not be adopted.
-지 못한 (could not).
국제 사회는 기후 위기에 대응하기 위한 협약을 채택했다.
The international community adopted a convention to respond to the climate crisis.
Noun phrase '국제 사회'.
우리는 타사의 성공 사례를 채택하여 우리 방식에 맞게 수정했다.
We adopted success stories from other companies and modified them to fit our style.
-에 맞게 (in accordance with).
헌법 재판소는 이 법률이 위헌이라는 결정을 채택했다.
The Constitutional Court adopted a decision that this law is unconstitutional.
Noun clause -는 결정.
그 학설은 학계에서 널리 채택되어 정설로 굳어졌다.
That theory was widely adopted in academia and became an established theory.
-로 굳어지다 (to become fixed/established).
기업의 사회적 책임을 강조하는 경영 철학을 채택해야 한다.
We must adopt a management philosophy that emphasizes corporate social responsibility.
Noun-modifying form -는 (present).
이 시스템은 사용자의 편의성을 최우선으로 하여 채택되었습니다.
This system was adopted with user convenience as the top priority.
-을 최우선으로 하여 (making ... the top priority).
정치적 이해관계로 인해 합의안이 채택되지 못하고 표류하고 있다.
Due to political interests, the agreement is not being adopted and is drifting.
-로 인해 (due to).
본 연구는 질적 연구 방법과 양적 연구 방법을 혼합하여 채택하였다.
This study adopted a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Formal past tense -하였다.
새로운 인사 제도의 채택은 조직 문화에 큰 반향을 일으켰다.
The adoption of the new personnel system caused a huge stir in the organizational culture.
Noun form '채택'.
그 제안이 채택됨으로써 얻을 수 있는 기대 효과를 분석했다.
We analyzed the expected effects that can be obtained by adopting that proposal.
-됨으로써 (by becoming).
유엔 총회는 인권 보호를 위한 포괄적인 결의안을 만장일치로 채택했다.
The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a comprehensive resolution for the protection of human rights.
Highly formal vocabulary '포괄적인', '만장일치'.
해당 기술이 국제 표준으로 채택되느냐가 국가 경쟁력의 관건이다.
Whether the technology in question is adopted as an international standard is the key to national competitiveness.
-느냐가 관건이다 (whether ... is the key).
증거 능력이 부족한 자료는 법정에서 증거로 채택될 수 없다.
Materials lacking evidentiary capacity cannot be adopted as evidence in court.
Legal term '증거 능력'.
시대적 요구에 부응하여 새로운 가치 체계를 채택할 시점이다.
It is time to adopt a new value system in response to the demands of the times.
-에 부응하여 (in response to).
그 정당은 민심을 얻기 위해 과감한 개혁안을 채택하여 발표했다.
The political party adopted and announced a bold reform plan to win public support.
Noun phrase '민심' (public sentiment).
기술적 한계로 인해 당초 계획했던 방식은 채택되지 못했다.
Due to technical limitations, the method originally planned could not be adopted.
Adverb '당초' (originally).
학계의 권위자들은 그의 이론을 새로운 패러다임으로 채택하기 시작했다.
Authorities in the field have begun to adopt his theory as a new paradigm.
Term '패러다임' (paradigm).
정책 결정 과정에서 소수의 의견까지 채택하는 포용력이 필요하다.
In the policy-making process, the inclusivity to adopt even minority opinions is necessary.
Noun '포용력' (inclusivity/tolerance).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Whether or not something is adopted. Used in meetings to discuss the status of a proposal.
채택 여부를 내일까지 알려주세요.
— The agenda item that was adopted. Refers to the specific item chosen in a meeting.
채택된 안건을 중심으로 논의합시다.
— The possibility of being adopted. Used when evaluating the likelihood of success for a plan.
이 아이디어는 채택 가능성이 높아요.
— Official adoption. Refers to the moment a choice becomes legally or formally binding.
다음 달에 공식 채택될 예정입니다.
— Selection of an excellent work. Often used in contests or competitions.
우수작 채택 시 상금이 지급됩니다.
— Adoption of a suggestion/proposal. Common in office environments.
직원들의 제안 채택률이 높아졌다.
— Adoption of a method. Describes picking a specific way to do things.
우리는 비대면 방식을 채택했다.
— Adoption of technology. Refers to a company or country starting to use a tech.
신기술 채택은 필수적이다.
— Adoption of a resolution. Specifically used in political or diplomatic contexts.
국회에서 결의안을 채택했다.
— Sudden or complete adoption. Used when a decision is made swiftly or comprehensively.
회사는 새 시스템을 전격 채택했다.
Often Confused With
English 'adopt' can be used for children/pets, but Korean '채택하다' is only for ideas/methods. Use '입양하다' for living beings.
General choice vs. formal adoption. You '선택' a menu, but you '채택' a strategy.
Both start with 'Chae', but '채용' is specifically for hiring employees, while '채택' is for ideas.
Idioms & Expressions
— To accept something as evidence in a legal sense. This is a fixed legal expression.
판사는 그 사진을 증거로 채택했다.
Legal— To be officially selected as a standard textbook. This is a very common phrase in education.
그의 소설이 교과서로 채택되었다.
Education— To be adopted by everyone's agreement without a single opposing vote.
안건이 만장일치로 채택되었습니다.
Formal— To take something up as a core strategy for a goal.
우리는 공격적인 마케팅을 전략으로 채택했다.
Business— To make something the official standard for an industry or group.
이 기술은 국제 표준으로 채택될 가치가 있다.
Technical— To adopt something in a formal, official manner following all procedures.
우리는 이 규정을 정식으로 채택했다.
Formal— To pick an idea and use it for a project.
팀장님이 내 아이디어를 채택해 주셨다.
Business— Choosing what to talk about in a formal meeting.
회의 시작 전 안건 채택이 우선이다.
Formal— To adopt a new system or institution within a society or company.
한국은 대통령 중심제를 채택하고 있다.
Political— To adopt a specific measure or plan to solve a problem.
정부는 미세먼지 저감 방안을 채택했다.
PoliticalEasily Confused
Both involve choosing.
선정하다 is picking a candidate or location from a list. 채택하다 is taking up a plan/method to actually use it.
부지를 선정하고 (select site), 건축 방식을 채택했다 (adopt construction method).
Both relate to new systems.
채택하다 is the decision to pick it. 도입하다 is the act of bringing it in and starting to use it.
기술을 채택한 후, 다음 달에 도입하기로 했다.
Both involve accepting something.
수용하다 is broad acceptance (like accepting criticism). 채택하다 is specifically choosing to implement something.
의견을 수용해서 (accepting the opinion), 최종안으로 채택했다 (adopting it as the final plan).
Both involve 'taking' something.
취득하다 is to acquire a license, qualification, or property. 채택하다 is to pick an idea/method.
자격증을 취득하고 (acquire license), 새로운 업무 방식을 채택했다.
Both happen in meetings.
가결하다 is the legal act of passing a bill. 채택하다 is the more general act of adopting a proposal.
결의안이 가결되어 (bill passed), 공식 정책으로 채택되었다.
Sentence Patterns
N을/를 채택해요.
새 규칙을 채택해요.
N이/가 채택되었어요.
그 제안이 채택되었어요.
N을/를 채택하기로 했어요.
신기술을 채택하기로 했어요.
N을/를 공식적으로 채택하다.
정부는 이 법안을 공식적으로 채택했다.
N이/가 만장일치로 채택되다.
안건이 만장일치로 채택되었다.
N을/를 N(으)로 채택하다.
그를 증인으로 채택했다.
N의 채택 여부를 논의하다.
신규 정책의 채택 여부를 논의 중이다.
N에 부응하여 N을/를 채택하다.
시대적 요구에 부응하여 개혁안을 채택했다.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
High in news, business, and academic contexts; low in daily casual speech.
-
Using it for personal choices like food.
→
비빔밥을 선택했어요. (I chose bibimbap.)
채택하다 is too formal for personal daily choices. It sounds like you are making a government policy about your lunch.
-
Using it to mean adopting a child.
→
아이를 입양했어요. (I adopted a child.)
채택하다 is only for ideas or methods. 입양하다 is the correct word for family members or pets.
-
Using the wrong particle with the passive form.
→
안건이 채택되었다. (The agenda was adopted.)
With the passive '되다', you must use the subject particle '이/가', not the object particle '을/를'.
-
Using it for hiring people.
→
새 직원을 채용했다. (Hired a new employee.)
채용하다 is for people. 채택하다 is for plans. They sound similar but have different meanings.
-
Confusing it with '도입하다'.
→
기술을 채택하고 도입했다. (Adopted and introduced the tech.)
While similar, 채택 is the decision to pick it, and 도입 is the process of bringing it into the organization.
Tips
Formal Contexts
Always use '채택하다' in business reports or academic essays when talking about choosing a method. It adds a professional tone that '선택하다' lacks.
Passive Voice
Remember the passive form '채택되다'. In Korean news, you will hear '채택되었습니다' almost every day. It's essential for listening comprehension.
Collocations
Memorize '만장일치로 채택하다' (adopt unanimously). It's a set phrase in news and politics.
Not for People
Never use this for hiring people. Use '채용하다' (to hire). '채택하다' is for abstract things or systems.
Not for Pets
Use '입양하다' for pets and children. '채택하다' is strictly for non-living things like ideas.
TOPIK Tip
Using '채택하다' in the TOPIK II writing section (Task 53 or 54) when discussing solutions or social changes will help you earn higher vocabulary points.
News Keywords
When you hear '안건' (agenda) or '결의안' (resolution), expect '채택하다' to follow shortly after.
Consensus
In Korean culture, '채택' implies a formal agreement. It's rarely a solo decision; it usually follows a meeting or discussion.
Elevating Speech
If you want to sound like an expert in a specific field, use '채택하다' to describe the methodology you used.
Hanja Power
Learning the Hanja 擇 (Taek - select) will help you understand other words like 선택, 선정, and 택일.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Chae-Taek' as 'Check and Take'. First you 'Check' the options, then you 'Take' the best one to use officially.
Visual Association
Imagine a judge hitting a gavel down on a piece of paper. The paper says 'IDEA'. That moment of the gavel hitting is '채택하다'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to write three sentences using '채택하다' to describe decisions made by your government, your workplace, and your favorite sports team.
Word Origin
Derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters).
Original meaning: 採 (Chae) means 'to gather, pick, or collect'. 擇 (Taek) means 'to choose, select, or pick out'.
Sino-KoreanCultural Context
Never use '채택하다' for people (like hiring) as it can sound like you are treating them as objects or policies. Use '채용하다' instead.
In English, we use 'adopt' for policies and 'accept' for ideas. In Korean, '채택하다' covers both as long as it's formal.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Business Meeting
- 이 안건을 채택합시다.
- 새로운 전략을 채택해야 합니다.
- 아이디어가 채택되었습니다.
- 채택 여부를 결정해 주세요.
Government/Politics
- 법안이 채택되었습니다.
- 정책을 채택하기로 했습니다.
- 결의안을 채택했습니다.
- 새로운 제도를 채택했습니다.
Academic/Research
- 이 방법론을 채택했습니다.
- 이론이 학계에서 채택되었습니다.
- 표준 규격으로 채택되었습니다.
- 새로운 가설을 채택했습니다.
Education
- 교과서를 채택하다.
- 교육 방식을 채택하다.
- 학칙을 채택하다.
- 학생 의견을 채택하다.
Law/Court
- 증거로 채택하다.
- 증인을 채택하다.
- 판결문을 채택하다.
- 증거 채택을 거부하다.
Conversation Starters
"이번 회의에서 어떤 아이디어가 채택될 것 같나요? (Which idea do you think will be adopted in this meeting?)"
"정부가 새로운 탄소 중립 정책을 채택한 것에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about the government adopting a new carbon neutral policy?)"
"우리 회사가 유연 근무제를 채택하면 어떨까요? (What if our company adopted a flexible working system?)"
"최근에 학교에서 새로운 교과서를 채택했다는 소식 들으셨나요? (Did you hear the news that the school recently adopted a new textbook?)"
"당신의 제안이 채택된다면 가장 먼저 무엇을 하고 싶나요? (If your proposal is adopted, what is the first thing you want to do?)"
Journal Prompts
만약 당신이 한 나라의 지도자라면, 가장 먼저 채택하고 싶은 정책은 무엇인가요? (If you were the leader of a country, what policy would you want to adopt first?)
자신의 삶을 개선하기 위해 최근에 채택한 새로운 습관이나 방법이 있나요? (Is there a new habit or method you've recently adopted to improve your life?)
회사나 학교에서 자신의 의견이 채택되었던 경험에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about an experience where your opinion was adopted at work or school.)
왜 어떤 아이디어는 채택되고 어떤 아이디어는 거절되는지 그 이유에 대해 생각해 보세요. (Think about why some ideas are adopted and some are rejected.)
미래 사회에서 반드시 채택되어야 할 기술은 무엇이라고 생각하나요? (What technology do you think must be adopted in the future society?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that would sound very strange. '채택하다' is a formal word for adopting ideas, policies, or methods. For clothes, use '고르다' or '선택하다'. For example, '나는 오늘 이 옷을 골랐어' is natural.
'선택하다' is the general word for 'to choose'. '채택하다' is specifically 'to adopt' something formally. If you choose a path, you '선택' it. If a company chooses a new workflow to use every day, they '채택' it.
Absolutely not. In Korean, the word for adopting a child is '입양하다' (ibyanghada). Using '채택하다' for a person makes them sound like an object or a policy.
Yes, very often! In formal writing and news, the passive form '채택되다' (to be adopted) is actually more common than the active form because it focuses on the plan or policy itself.
You can say '그 아이디어는 만장일치로 채택되었습니다'. '만장일치' means 'unanimous agreement' and it is a very common collocation with this verb.
Common objects include: 의견 (opinion), 아이디어 (idea), 정책 (policy), 기술 (technology), 방법 (method), 안건 (agenda), and 결의안 (resolution).
Yes, it is considered a B2 (Upper Intermediate) level word. Using it correctly shows that you have a good command of formal and professional Korean.
The Hanja is 採擇. 採 (Chae) means to pick/gather, and 擇 (Taek) means to select. Together they mean 'to pick out and take up'.
Yes! It's one of the most common uses. '회사는 새로운 기술을 채택했다' means the company officially started using a new technology.
It sounds natural in professional settings like office meetings or presentations. However, in casual talk with friends, it sounds too stiff and formal.
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence using '채택하다' about a new technology.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '채택되다' about a proposal.
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Translate: 'The government adopted a new policy.'
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Translate: 'The idea was adopted unanimously.'
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Use '채택하기로 했다' in a sentence about a school rule.
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Write a formal announcement about a new logo being adopted.
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Describe why a certain method was adopted (use -어서).
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Write a sentence about a court adopting evidence.
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Use '채택 여부' in a question.
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Translate: 'We decided to adopt his creative idea.'
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Write about a trend of adopting eco-friendly policies.
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Use the word '공식적으로' with '채택하다'.
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Describe a situation where a proposal was NOT adopted.
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Write a sentence using '채택하여' (and then...).
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Translate: 'Which design will be adopted?'
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Write a sentence using '채택 가능성'.
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Describe a school picking a textbook.
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Use '적극' with '채택하다'.
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Translate: 'The resolution was adopted at the UN.'
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Write a sentence about a research methodology being adopted.
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Pronounce '채택하다' clearly.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'Let's adopt this idea' in formal Korean.
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You said:
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Say 'The proposal was adopted' in formal Korean.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Explain what '채택하다' means in your own words (in Korean or English).
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'We decided to adopt the new technology' in Korean.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Ask 'When will the adoption be decided?' in Korean.
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You said:
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Say 'It was adopted unanimously' in Korean.
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You said:
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Describe a time your idea was adopted (Short response).
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You said:
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Say 'This method is standard' using '채택되다'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'I hope my proposal is adopted' in Korean.
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Use '채택하다' in a sentence about the government.
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You said:
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Say 'We are considering adopting it' in Korean.
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Pronounce the collocation '만장일치로 채택' correctly.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'The school adopted a new textbook' in Korean.
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You said:
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Say 'Why wasn't it adopted?' in Korean.
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You said:
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Give a short speech (2 sentences) about a new rule at work.
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You said:
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Say 'We adopted the customer's feedback' in Korean.
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Say 'Official adoption' in Korean.
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Ask 'Which one should we adopt?' in Korean.
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Say 'It was not adopted due to budget' in Korean.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Listen and identify the verb: '그 안건은 어제 채택되었습니다.'
Listen and identify the adverb: '만장일치로 채택되었습니다.'
Listen: '새로운 기술을 채택하기로 결정했습니다.' What was decided?
Listen: '그의 의견은 채택되지 않았어요.' Was the opinion accepted?
Listen for the object: '정부는 새로운 정책을 채택했습니다.'
Listen: '채택 여부는 내일 발표됩니다.' When is the decision announced?
Listen: '이 방법은 표준으로 채택되었습니다.' What is the method now?
Listen: '적극 채택해 주셔서 감사합니다.' Why is the speaker thanking the listener?
Listen: '결의안이 유엔에서 채택되었습니다.' Where was it adopted?
Listen: '어떤 교과서를 채택할까요?' What is being chosen?
Listen: '그 보고서는 채택되지 못했다.' Did the report get adopted?
Listen: '공식적으로 채택된 로고입니다.' What is special about the logo?
Listen: '증거로 채택하기에는 부족합니다.' Is it good enough for evidence?
Listen: '전격 채택 소식에 모두 놀랐다.' How did people react to the adoption news?
Listen: '채택률이 매우 낮습니다.' Is the thing being adopted often?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
채택하다 (chaetaekhada) is the 'professional' way to say 'choose'. It is used when an organization or individual officially accepts a plan or method to be put into practice. For example: '정부는 새로운 정책을 채택했다' (The government adopted a new policy).
- A formal verb meaning 'to adopt' or 'officially select' an idea, policy, or method for use.
- Used primarily in business, government, and academic settings to denote a formal decision.
- Commonly paired with nouns like technology, proposal, agenda, and strategy.
- Should not be used for personal choices like food or for adopting children/pets.
Formal Contexts
Always use '채택하다' in business reports or academic essays when talking about choosing a method. It adds a professional tone that '선택하다' lacks.
Passive Voice
Remember the passive form '채택되다'. In Korean news, you will hear '채택되었습니다' almost every day. It's essential for listening comprehension.
Collocations
Memorize '만장일치로 채택하다' (adopt unanimously). It's a set phrase in news and politics.
Not for People
Never use this for hiring people. Use '채용하다' (to hire). '채택하다' is for abstract things or systems.
Example
정부는 새로운 경제 정책을 채택했다.
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