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Vocabulary
유리하다

B1 adjective 8 min read

유리하다

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 유리하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 유리하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '유리하다' often, but it's helpful to know it means 'good for something' in a strategic way. Think of it as 'Good (좋아요) + Advantage.' If you are playing a game and you have more points, you are in a '유리한' spot. It is like saying 'This is better for me.' You might see it in simple games or when talking about who is winning. Just remember: '유리하다' = 'It helps me win.' Don't confuse it with '유리' which means 'glass'! At this stage, focus on the basic form '유리해요' (it is advantageous).

At the A2 level, you can start using '유리하다' with the particle '~에'. For example, '건강에 유리해요' (It is advantageous for health). Although '좋아요' is simpler, '유리해요' sounds more specific and smart. It means that something gives you a benefit or makes things easier for you. You can use it when talking about why you chose a certain school or a certain product. '가격이 싸서 유리해요' (It's advantageous because the price is cheap). It shows you are thinking about the benefits and reasons behind your choices.

At the B1 level, you should use '유리하다' to describe competitive situations or strategic choices. This is the level where the word is most commonly introduced. You should understand the difference between '유리하다' (advantageous) and '불리하다' (disadvantageous). You can use it in sentences like '영어를 잘하면 취업에 유리합니다' (Being good at English is advantageous for getting a job). You should also be able to use the noun-modifying form '유리한' to describe things like '유리한 위치' (an advantageous position) or '유리한 조건' (favorable conditions).

At the B2 level, you should be able to use '유리하다' in more formal contexts like business meetings or academic discussions. You can compare different options using '~보다 유리하다'. For example, '이 방식이 저 방식보다 시간 단축 면에서 훨씬 유리합니다' (This method is much more advantageous than that one in terms of saving time). You should also understand its nuance compared to synonyms like '유익하다' (beneficial) or '이롭다' (profitable). You should be comfortable using it to analyze trends, such as '현재 시장 상황이 우리 회사에 유리하게 돌아가고 있습니다' (The current market situation is turning in our company's favor).

At the C1 level, you should use '유리하다' with sophisticated collocations and in complex grammatical structures. Phrases like '유리한 고지를 선점하다' (to preoccupy an advantageous high ground/position) should be part of your vocabulary. You can use it to discuss abstract concepts like legal advantages, political leverage, or economic theories. You should understand how the word functions in idiomatic expressions and be able to detect subtle nuances in news editorials or literary texts where '유리하다' might imply a certain level of calculation or even opportunism depending on the context.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '유리하다'. You can use it to explain complex strategic frameworks or philosophical arguments about advantage and benefit. you understand the Hanja roots (有 + 利) deeply and can relate it to other words in the same family. You can use it with absolute precision, distinguishing it from '우세하다', '유용하다', or '효율적이다' in high-stakes professional environments. You can also use the word ironically or metaphorically in creative writing to describe a character's situational luck or calculated maneuvering in a way that sounds perfectly natural to a native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

유리하다 in 30 Seconds

유리하다 means being in a favorable or advantageous position, often used in competitive, professional, or strategic contexts.
It is commonly paired with the particle ~에 (for a goal/field) or ~에게 (for a person/group receiving the benefit).
The word is derived from Hanja (有利), literally meaning 'to have profit' or 'to have benefit'.
Its opposite is 불리하다 (disadvantageous), and it is distinct from 유익하다 (beneficial/instructive).

The Korean word 유리하다 (有利하다) is a descriptive verb (adjective) that translates most directly to "being advantageous," "being favorable," or "having the upper hand." It is a combination of two Hanja characters: 유 (有) meaning 'to have' and 리 (利) meaning 'profit,' 'benefit,' or 'advantage.' Therefore, at its core, the word describes a situation or condition where one possesses a benefit that others might not have, or where circumstances are aligned in one's favor.

Strategic Advantage: In competitive environments like sports, business, or gaming, this word is used to describe who has the better position to win. For example, playing a home game makes the situation 유리하다 for the local team.

홈 경기라서 우리 팀에게 상황이 매우 유리하다.

"Since it is a home game, the situation is very advantageous for our team."

Beyond sports, it is frequently used in professional and academic contexts. When applying for a job, having a specific certification might make you 유리하다 compared to other candidates. In negotiations, having more information than the other party puts you in a 유리한 고지 (advantageous high ground). It is not just about luck; it is about the structural or situational benefits that exist at a given moment.

Economic Benefit: When comparing financial products, like savings accounts or insurance policies, Koreans use this word to describe which option yields more profit or has better terms for the consumer.

In daily conversation, you might hear this when friends are debating which route to take to avoid traffic. If one path is shorter and has fewer lights, it is 유리하다. It implies a logical, objective benefit rather than just a subjective preference. It is a word of calculation and assessment, often used when weighing pros and cons to make a decision.

영어를 잘하면 취업할 때 훨씬 유리해요.

"If you are good at English, it is much more advantageous when looking for a job."

Finally, it is important to distinguish this from similar-sounding words. While '유리' (glass) is a common noun, '유리하다' as an adjective never refers to glass. In the context of ethics, '윤리' (ethics) sounds similar but is unrelated. '유리하다' is strictly about the presence of a '利' (profit/advantage). Whether you are discussing international trade, a game of chess, or choosing a major in university, this word helps you define who holds the better cards in the game of life.

Using 유리하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical patterns, specifically how it interacts with particles. The most common structure is [Noun] + 에 유리하다, which means "to be advantageous for [Noun]." This [Noun] is typically the goal, the situation, or the condition you are aiming for.

The ~에 Particle: This indicates the field or target of the advantage. For example, '건강에 유리하다' (advantageous for health) or '성공에 유리하다' (advantageous for success).

이 비타민은 면역력을 높이는 데 유리합니다.

"This vitamin is advantageous in increasing immunity."

Another crucial pattern is [Noun] + 에게 유리하다, which means "to be advantageous to [Person/Group]." This identifies the recipient of the benefit. If a new law is passed that lowers taxes for small businesses, you would say the law is '소상공인에게 유리하다'.

When modifying a noun directly, it becomes 유리한. For example, '유리한 조건' (favorable conditions), '유리한 위치' (an advantageous position), or '유리한 고지' (advantageous high ground). This is very common in news reports and formal writing. You might read about a company securing a '유리한 조건' for a merger, meaning they got a deal that benefits them significantly.

우리는 협상에서 유리한 위치를 차지했습니다.

"We took an advantageous position in the negotiations."

Negative Form: The opposite of '유리하다' is '불리하다' (不利하다), where '불' means 'not.' You can also use '유리하지 않다' for a softer negation.

In complex sentences, you can use the connective form 유리해서 (because it is advantageous) or 유리하지만 (it is advantageous, but...). For instance: '이 위치가 장사하기에 유리해서 이곳으로 결정했어요' (I decided on this place because it is advantageous for doing business). Mastering these variations allows you to express strategic thoughts clearly in Korean.

You will encounter 유리하다 in various professional and competitive settings. It is a staple of news broadcasts, particularly in the sports and economy sections. Sportscasters use it constantly to describe the flow of a game. If a baseball team has runners on all bases with no outs, the commentator will say, "공격 측이 매우 유리한 상황입니다" (The attacking side is in a very advantageous situation).

News & Media: Reporters use it to analyze political elections or market trends. "이번 정책은 대기업보다 중소기업에 더 유리할 것으로 보입니다" (This policy is expected to be more favorable to small businesses than large corporations).

선거 결과는 야당에게 유리하게 흘러가고 있습니다.

"The election results are flowing in a direction favorable to the opposition party."

In the corporate world, this word is used during strategy meetings. Teams evaluate different projects based on which one is more 유리하다 in terms of market share or profit margins. If you are a student, you'll hear it from career counselors or teachers discussing university entrance exams. They might say that having a high score in mathematics is 유리하다 for applying to engineering schools.

Even in entertainment, such as variety shows or reality competitions (like 'Running Man' or 'Physical: 100'), players often discuss who has the 유리한 position based on their physical strength or the rules of the game. If a player gets a special item or power-up, they are said to be in a 유리한 state. It highlights the strategic element of the game.

키가 크면 이 게임에서 훨씬 유리해요.

"Being tall is much more advantageous in this game."

Finally, in legal contexts, lawyers will argue that certain evidence is 유리하다 for their client's case. It is a word that bridges the gap between everyday practical benefits and high-stakes professional advantages. Whether you are listening to a K-drama about corporate intrigue or a simple vlog about shopping tips, 유리하다 is the go-to word for describing a 'win-win' or 'better' scenario.

While 유리하다 is a common B1-level word, learners often make specific errors in its usage. One of the most frequent mistakes is confusing it with 유익하다 (有益하다). While both involve a benefit, '유익하다' means "instructive," "beneficial," or "useful" in a helpful sense (like a '유익한 책' - a helpful book), whereas '유리하다' is about having a competitive advantage or a favorable position.

유리하다 vs. 유익하다: Use '유익하다' when something is good for your mind or growth. Use '유리하다' when something helps you win or succeed against others/obstacles.

❌ 이 책은 시험에 유익해요 (Incorrect if you mean it gives you an advantage).
✅ 이 책은 시험에 유리해요 (Correct if the book gives you a competitive edge).

Another common mistake involves particle usage. English speakers often want to use '~를' (object particle) because they think "to have an advantage [something]." However, in Korean, you must use ~에 or ~에게. Saying "성공을 유리하다" is grammatically incorrect; it must be "성공에 유리하다."

Furthermore, learners sometimes use '유리하다' when they should use '편하다' (comfortable/convenient). If a supermarket is close to your house, it is '편하다' (convenient), not necessarily '유리하다' unless you are specifically talking about a competition or a strategic benefit (like saving time to study more). '유리하다' usually implies a comparison—it's better than something else in a functional way.

❌ 집이 역에서 가까워서 유리해요 (Awkward in casual context).
✅ 집이 역에서 가까워서 편해요 (Natural for convenience).

Lastly, be careful with the word 유리 (遊離), which is a rare scientific term meaning 'isolation' or 'separation.' While spelled the same in Hangul, the context will always make it clear. For 99% of learners, 'advantageous' is the meaning you need. Just keep the particle '~에' in mind, and you will avoid the most common pitfalls.

To truly master Korean, you should know the nuances between 유리하다 and its synonyms. While '유리하다' is the most common word for 'advantageous,' there are several alternatives depending on the formality and the specific type of benefit being discussed.

유리하다 vs. 이롭다 (利롭다): '이롭다' also means 'beneficial' or 'profitable.' However, '이롭다' is often used for things that are good for your health, the environment, or your general well-being. '유리하다' is more about a relative advantage in a specific situation or competition.

운동은 건강에 이롭다 (Exercise is beneficial for health).
경험이 많으면 취업에 유리하다 (Having experience is advantageous for employment).

Another high-level alternative is 우세하다 (優勢하다). This means 'to be superior' or 'to have the upper hand' in terms of power, numbers, or strength. While '유리하다' describes the condition that gives an advantage, '우세하다' describes the state of being ahead. For example, if a team is winning 3-0, they are '우세하다'.

득이 되다 (得이 되다): This is a more idiomatic expression literally meaning "to become a gain." It is often used in casual conversation to say something will be 'good for you' or 'profitable.' "그 사람과 친하게 지내는 게 너한테 득이 될 거야" (Being close to that person will be to your advantage/gain).

In formal reports, you might see 호조건 (好條件), which means 'favorable conditions.' While '유리하다' is an adjective, '호조건' is a noun that describes the same concept. For example, '유리한 조건에서 계약했다' can be shortened to '호조건으로 계약했다.' Knowing these variations will help you understand different registers of Korean, from the casual '득이 되다' to the formal and strategic '유리하다'.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 利 (리) originally depicted a knife cutting grain, symbolizing the harvest or 'profit' gained from labor. Combined with 有 (to have), it literally means 'possessing the harvest.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ju.ɾi.ɦa.da/

US /ju.ri.hɑ.dɑ/

The stress is even across all syllables, as is typical in Korean, but a slight emphasis can be placed on the second syllable 'ri' in emotional speech.

Rhymes With

수리하다 (to repair) 요리하다 (to cook) 처리하다 (to process) 정리하다 (to organize) 분리하다 (to separate) 관리하다 (to manage) 승리하다 (to win) 격리하다 (to isolate)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'yu' like 'oo' (should be a 'y' sound).
Over-emphasizing the 'h' in 'ha' (it is often very soft or almost silent between vowels).
Pronouncing the 'r' as an English liquid 'r' (it should be a light tap/flap).
Confusing the pitch with '유리' (glass), which is usually pronounced with a slightly different intonation in sentences.
Making the 'd' in 'da' too aspirated like a 't'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and books, easily recognizable Hanja roots.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct particle usage (~에/에게).

Speaking 3/5

Useful for expressing opinions and strategies.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but don't confuse with 'glass' (유리).

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

좋다 (good) 이익 (profit) 조건 (condition) 위치 (position) 이기다 (to win)

Learn Next

불리하다 (disadvantageous) 우세하다 (superior) 협상하다 (to negotiate) 전략 (strategy) 경쟁 (competition)

Advanced

기득권 (vested interest) 선점하다 (to preoccupy) 국면 (phase) 조성하다 (to create) 메커니즘 (mechanism)

Grammar to Know

~에 유리하다 (Advantageous for something)

이 비타민은 피로 회복에 유리하다.

~에게 유리하다 (Advantageous to someone)

새로운 법은 서민들에게 유리하다.

~보다 유리하다 (More advantageous than...)

온라인 쇼핑이 오프라인보다 가격 면에서 유리하다.

~하는 데 유리하다 (Advantageous for doing something)

이 신발은 달리는 데 유리하다.

유리하게 작용하다 (To work/act advantageously)

그의 경험이 이번 프로젝트에 유리하게 작용했다.

Examples by Level

이 게임은 저에게 유리해요.

This game is advantageous to me.

Simple present tense with ~에게 (to/for).

키가 크면 농구에 유리해요.

If you are tall, it's advantageous for basketball.

Conditional ~면 (if) + ~에 유리하다.

그는 유리한 위치에 있어요.

He is in an advantageous position.

Noun modifying form '유리한'.

이것은 우리 팀에 유리합니다.

This is advantageous for our team.

Formal polite ending -습니다.

돈이 많으면 생활에 유리해요.

If you have a lot of money, it's advantageous for living.

~에 유리하다 for life/living.

누구에게 더 유리해요?

To whom is it more advantageous?

Question form with '누구에게' (to whom).

비타민은 몸에 유리해요.

Vitamins are advantageous for the body.

Using '유리하다' as 'beneficial' in a simple way.

공부는 성공에 유리해요.

Studying is advantageous for success.

Subject + Noun + ~에 유리하다.

자격증이 있으면 취업에 유리해요.

If you have a certificate, it's advantageous for employment.

Using ~에 (for) to indicate the field of advantage.

컴퓨터를 잘하면 회사 생활이 유리해요.

If you are good at computers, company life is advantageous.

Subject (생활) + Adjective (유리해요).

이 방법이 저 방법보다 유리해요.

This method is more advantageous than that method.

Comparison using ~보다 (than).

한국어를 배우는 것은 한국 여행에 유리해요.

Learning Korean is advantageous for traveling in Korea.

Gerund phrase (배우는 것) as subject.

그 선수는 키가 커서 배구에 유리합니다.

That player is tall, so they are advantageous for volleyball.

Reasoning clause ~아/어서 (because).

우리는 유리한 조건을 찾고 있어요.

We are looking for favorable conditions.

Directly modifying the noun '조건' (conditions).

아침 일찍 가는 것이 시간 관리에 유리해요.

Going early in the morning is advantageous for time management.

Noun phrase ~는 것 + ~에 유리하다.

이 카드는 포인트 적립에 유리합니다.

This card is advantageous for accumulating points.

Specific benefit context.

외국어 능력은 글로벌 기업 취업에 매우 유리한 요소입니다.

Foreign language ability is a very advantageous factor for getting a job at a global company.

Modifying '요소' (factor).

홈 경기장은 응원 소리 덕분에 홈 팀에게 유리하게 작용합니다.

The home stadium acts advantageously for the home team thanks to the cheering sounds.

Adverbial form '유리하게' (advantageously).

상대방의 약점을 아는 것은 협상에서 유리한 고지를 점하게 해줍니다.

Knowing the opponent's weakness allows one to occupy an advantageous high ground in negotiations.

Idiomatic phrase '유리한 고지를 점하다'.

이 신제품은 가격 경쟁력 면에서 다른 제품들보다 훨씬 유리합니다.

This new product is much more advantageous than other products in terms of price competitiveness.

Noun + 면에서 (in terms of).

경력이 많은 지원자가 신입 사원보다 훨씬 유리할 거예요.

An applicant with a lot of experience will be much more advantageous than a new employee.

Future conjecture ~을 거예요.

지리적 위치가 좋아서 이 가게는 사업에 매우 유리합니다.

The geographical location is good, so this store is very advantageous for business.

Compound sentence with '지리적 위치' (geographical location).

비가 오면 수비 팀보다 공격 팀에게 더 유리할 수도 있습니다.

If it rains, it might be more advantageous for the attacking team than the defending team.

Possibility ~을 수도 있다.

전략을 잘 세우는 것이 승리에 유리한 길입니다.

Developing a good strategy is the advantageous path to victory.

Metaphorical use of '길' (path/way).

금리 인상은 저축을 많이 하는 사람들에게 유리한 환경을 조성합니다.

The interest rate hike creates a favorable environment for people who save a lot.

Economic context with '조성하다' (to create/build).

이 계약 조건은 우리 회사에 일방적으로 유리하게 작성되었습니다.

These contract terms were written in a way that is unilaterally advantageous to our company.

Adverb '일방적으로' (unilaterally).

정보의 비대칭성은 시장에서 특정 집단에게 유리하게 작용할 수 있습니다.

Information asymmetry can act advantageously for specific groups in the market.

Academic term '정보의 비대칭성' (information asymmetry).

재판에서 증인의 증언은 피고인에게 매우 유리한 증거가 되었습니다.

In the trial, the witness's testimony became very advantageous evidence for the defendant.

Legal context with '피고인' (defendant).

환율 하락은 수출 기업보다 수입 기업에게 더 유리한 상황입니다.

A drop in the exchange rate is a more favorable situation for importing companies than exporting companies.

Comparison of '수출' (export) vs '수입' (import).

그 후보는 대중적인 인지도가 높아서 선거에서 매우 유리한 위치에 있습니다.

That candidate has high public recognition, so they are in a very advantageous position in the election.

Causal connection '인지도가 높아서'.

기술적 우위는 장기적으로 시장 점유율 확보에 유리하게 작용할 것입니다.

Technological superiority will act advantageously in securing market share in the long run.

Business strategy context with '시장 점유율' (market share).

상황이 우리에게 유리하게 전개되고 있으니 조금 더 기다려 봅시다.

The situation is developing in our favor, so let's wait a little longer.

Verb '전개되다' (to develop/unfold).

정부는 신재생 에너지 산업에 유리한 법적 기반을 마련하기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.

The government is striving to establish a favorable legal foundation for the renewable energy industry.

Formal phrase '법적 기반을 마련하다' (establish legal foundation).

다국적 기업들은 조세 피난처를 활용하여 세제 혜택 면에서 유리한 고지를 차지하곤 합니다.

Multinational corporations often occupy an advantageous position in terms of tax benefits by utilizing tax havens.

Complex noun phrase '조세 피난처' (tax haven).

이번 판결은 향후 유사한 사건의 소송 진행에 있어 원고에게 유리한 선례가 될 것입니다.

This ruling will serve as a favorable precedent for the plaintiff in the proceedings of similar future cases.

Legal term '선례' (precedent) and '원고' (plaintiff).

그 작가는 시대적 배경을 자신에게 유리하게 해석하여 독특한 문학적 세계를 구축했습니다.

The author interpreted the historical background in their favor to construct a unique literary world.

Abstract usage in literature/interpretation.

지정학적 요충지를 선점하는 것은 국가 안보 측면에서 매우 유리한 전략입니다.

Preoccupying a geopolitical strategic point is a very advantageous strategy in terms of national security.

Political/Military term '지정학적 요충지' (geopolitical strategic point).

인공지능 기술의 발전은 데이터 자산이 풍부한 기업들에게 압도적으로 유리한 국면을 조성하고 있습니다.

The advancement of AI technology is creating an overwhelmingly favorable phase for companies rich in data assets.

Adverb '압도적으로' (overwhelmingly) and noun '국면' (phase/aspect).

협상 전문가들은 침묵을 적절히 활용하여 자신들에게 유리한 분위기를 이끌어냅니다.

Negotiation experts appropriately utilize silence to draw out an atmosphere favorable to themselves.

Psychological strategy context.

이러한 규제 완화 조치는 외국 자본 유치에 유리한 여건을 형성할 것으로 기대됩니다.

These deregulation measures are expected to form favorable conditions for attracting foreign capital.

Formal expectation phrase '~을 것으로 기대됩니다'.

역사적 수정주의는 특정 정치 세력에게 유리한 서사를 제공하기 위해 종종 동원되기도 합니다.

Historical revisionism is often mobilized to provide a favorable narrative for specific political forces.

Academic term '역사적 수정주의' (historical revisionism) and '서사' (narrative).

자본의 논리는 시장의 효율성이라는 명목 하에 기득권층에게 유리한 구조를 고착화시킬 위험이 있습니다.

The logic of capital risks solidifying a structure favorable to the vested interests under the pretext of market efficiency.

Sociological term '기득권층' (vested interests) and '고착화시키다' (to solidify).

담론의 주도권을 잡는 것은 사회적 합의 과정에서 유리한 고지를 점령하는 핵심적인 수단입니다.

Seizing the initiative in discourse is a key means of occupying an advantageous position in the process of social consensus.

Philosophical term '담론' (discourse).

진화론적 관점에서 볼 때, 환경에 적응하는 변이는 생존과 번식에 있어 절대적으로 유리한 형질로 남게 됩니다.

From an evolutionary perspective, variations that adapt to the environment remain as traits that are absolutely advantageous for survival and reproduction.

Scientific term '변이' (variation) and '형질' (trait).

법문의 모호성은 때때로 법 기술자들에 의해 강자에게 유리하게 자의적으로 해석될 여지가 다분합니다.

The ambiguity of legal texts is often prone to being interpreted arbitrarily in favor of the strong by legal technicians.

Advanced term '자의적' (arbitrary) and '다분하다' (to be plenty/likely).

게임 이론은 참가자들이 각자 자신에게 가장 유리한 선택을 한다는 전제 하에 최적의 해법을 도출합니다.

Game theory derives optimal solutions under the premise that participants each make the choice most advantageous to themselves.

Formal premise phrase '~한다는 전제 하에'.

정보의 홍수 속에서 비판적 사고 능력은 자신에게 유리한 정보를 선별해내는 가장 강력한 무기가 됩니다.

In a flood of information, critical thinking ability becomes the most powerful weapon for selecting information advantageous to oneself.

Metaphorical usage of '무기' (weapon).

문화적 자본의 축적은 계층 이동에 있어 보이지 않는 유리한 사다리 역할을 수행합니다.

The accumulation of cultural capital serves as an invisible advantageous ladder for social mobility.

Sociological metaphor '문화적 자본' (cultural capital).

Synonyms

이롭다 도움이 되다 유익하다 득이 되다 편리하다

Antonyms

불리하다 해롭다

Common Collocations

유리한 조건

유리한 고지

취업에 유리하다

건강에 유리하다

유리하게 작용하다

상황이 유리하다

유리한 위치

유리한 판결

경쟁에서 유리하다

유리한 고지를 선점하다

Common Phrases

유리한 고지를 점하다

— To occupy an advantageous position or have the upper hand.

협상에서 유리한 고지를 점하는 것이 중요하다.

유리하게 돌아가다

— For a situation to turn in one's favor.

일이 우리에게 유리하게 돌아가고 있다.

유리한 입장에 서다

— To stand in a favorable position.

그는 이번 사건으로 유리한 입장에 섰다.

유리한 조건을 제시하다

— To offer favorable terms or conditions.

그 회사는 우리에게 유리한 조건을 제시했다.

유리한 고지를 차지하다

— To take an advantageous high ground (figurative).

우리는 시장에서 유리한 고지를 차지했다.

전혀 유리하지 않다

— To be not advantageous at all.

이 계획은 우리에게 전혀 유리하지 않다.

유리한 기회를 잡다

— To seize a favorable opportunity.

그는 유리한 기회를 놓치지 않았다.

유리한 판세를 형성하다

— To create a favorable trend or situation.

그 후보는 자신에게 유리한 판세를 형성했다.

유리한 결과를 이끌어내다

— To draw out a favorable result.

그녀는 협상을 통해 유리한 결과를 이끌어냈다.

유리한 증거를 수집하다

— To collect evidence that is advantageous to one's case.

변호사는 유리한 증거를 수집하는 데 집중했다.

Often Confused With

유리하다 vs 유리 (Glass)

Spelled the same in Hangul, but '유리' is a noun meaning glass, while '유리하다' is an adjective meaning advantageous.

유리하다 vs 유익하다 (Beneficial)

Used for things that are good for growth or learning, while '유리하다' is for competitive advantage.

유리하다 vs 윤리 (Ethics)

Sounds similar but means moral principles.

Idioms & Expressions

"유리한 고지를 선점하다"

— To get a head start and secure a superior position before others.

신기술 개발로 시장에서 유리한 고지를 선점했다.

Formal/Strategic

"자기 논에 물 대기"

— To act only in one's own interest (often related to '유리하게' making things favorable for oneself).

그의 제안은 결국 자기 논에 물 대기 식의 유리한 조건뿐이었다.

Proverbial

"판을 새로 짜다"

— To rearrange the situation to make it favorable.

상황이 불리해지자 그는 유리한 방향으로 판을 새로 짰다.

Metaphorical

"손바닥 뒤집듯"

— To change a situation easily (can be used when a favorable situation flips).

유리했던 상황이 손바닥 뒤집듯 바뀌었다.

Informal

"배수진을 치다"

— To burn one's bridges (making a desperate move to create a favorable outcome).

그는 유리한 고지를 점하기 위해 배수진을 쳤다.

Historical/Strategic

"어부지리"

— To gain an advantage from a conflict between two others.

두 회사가 싸우는 동안 우리 회사가 어부지리로 유리한 계약을 맺었다.

Hanja Idiom (Saja-seong-eo)

"운이 따르다"

— To be lucky (which often makes a situation '유리하다').

이번 시험은 운이 따라서 나에게 유리한 문제가 많이 나왔다.

Neutral

"기회를 엿보다"

— To watch for a favorable chance.

그는 유리한 기회를 엿보고 있다.

Neutral

"세를 과시하다"

— To show off one's power to maintain a favorable position.

그 팀은 경기 초반부터 세를 과시하며 유리한 분위기를 만들었다.

Formal

"뒷배가 든든하다"

— To have strong support (making one's position '유리하다').

그는 뒷배가 든든해서 승진에 유리하다.

Idiomatic/Informal

Easily Confused

유리하다 vs 유익하다

Both mean 'good' or 'beneficial'.

유익하다 is 'helpful/instructive' (e.g., a good book), while 유리하다 is 'advantageous' (e.g., a good position in a race).

유익한 책 (A helpful book) vs 유리한 위치 (An advantageous position).

유리하다 vs 이롭다

Both relate to profit or benefit.

이롭다 is often used for health or general goodness; 유리하다 is for situational advantage.

몸에 이로운 음식 (Food good for the body) vs 나에게 유리한 조건 (Conditions advantageous to me).

유리하다 vs 유용하다

Both mean 'useful'.

유용하다 is 'handy/useful' as a tool; 유리하다 is 'favorable' as a circumstance.

유용한 도구 (A useful tool) vs 유리한 기회 (A favorable opportunity).

유리하다 vs 편하다

Sometimes a favorable situation is also comfortable.

편하다 is about physical or mental comfort/convenience; 유리하다 is about strategic benefit.

가까워서 편하다 (It's convenient because it's close) vs 가까워서 출근에 유리하다 (It's advantageous for commuting because it's close).

유리하다 vs 우세하다

Both imply winning.

우세하다 describes being stronger/ahead; 유리하다 describes the condition that makes you stronger/ahead.

실력이 우세하다 (Superior in skill) vs 상황이 유리하다 (The situation is favorable).

Sentence Patterns

N + 에 유리해요

건강에 유리해요.

V-는 것이 N에 유리하다

일찍 일어나는 것이 공부에 유리하다.

N + 보다 유리하다

이게 저것보다 훨씬 유리해요.

N + 에게 유리하게 작용하다

이 상황은 우리에게 유리하게 작용합니다.

유리한 N + 을/를 차지하다

유리한 위치를 차지했어요.

유리한 고지를 점하다

우리는 협상에서 유리한 고지를 점했습니다.

N + 면에서 유리하다

비용 면에서 훨씬 유리합니다.

N + 에 유리한 국면을 조성하다

정부는 기업에 유리한 국면을 조성하고 있다.

Word Family

Nouns

유리 (有利) Advantage/Profit

유리성 (有利性) Advantageousness

불리 (不利) Disadvantage

Verbs

유리해지다 To become advantageous

유리하게 하다 To make (something) advantageous

Adjectives

유리하다 Advantageous

불리하다 Disadvantageous

이익 (profit)

혜택 (benefit)

조건 (condition)

위치 (position)

상황 (situation)

How to Use It

frequency

Very frequent in news, sports, business, and education contexts.

Common Mistakes

유리를 하다 → 유리하다
유리하다 is a single adjective. You don't need the object particle '를' between '유리' and '하다'.
성공을 유리하다 → 성공에 유리하다
You must use the particle '~에' to indicate what the advantage is for.
유익한 위치 → 유리한 위치
A position is 'advantageous' (유리한), not 'instructive' (유익한).
유리한 책 → 유익한 책
A book is usually 'beneficial/helpful' (유익한), unless it specifically gives you a competitive edge in a contest.
유리해요 (to mean glass) → 유리예요
To say 'It is glass', use the noun '유리' + the copula '예요'. '유리해요' means 'It is advantageous'.

Tips

Particle Precision

Always use ~에 or ~에게. Avoid using ~를 with 유리하다. This is a common mistake for English speakers who think of 'having' an advantage.

Learn the Pair

Always learn 유리하다 and 불리하다 (disadvantageous) together. They are the north and south poles of situational analysis in Korean.

Gaming Context

If you watch Korean streamers, you will hear '유리하다' constantly. It's the best way to hear the word used in a high-energy, natural setting.

Professional Tone

In job applications, use '유리하다' to explain why your skills make you a better candidate. It sounds more objective than '좋다'.

Don't Overuse

While useful, don't use it for simple preferences. If you like ice cream, say '좋아해요', not '아이스크림이 나에게 유리해요' (unless it's a competition!).

The 'Lee' connection

The '리' (Lee) in 유리 is the same '리' in '이익' (profit). If you see '리', think of 'benefit'.

The 'Spec' Culture

Understand that Koreans use this word a lot because of the competitive nature of 'spec-building' (accumulating qualifications).

News Keywords

When you hear '유리' on the news, check if it's followed by '한' or '하게'. If so, it's about an advantage, not glass.

Legal Advantage

In dramas, when a lawyer says '유리한 증거', it's a turning point in the plot. Listen for it!

Nuance Check

Remember: 유리하다 = situational edge; 유익하다 = educational benefit.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Yu' as 'You' and 'Ri' as 'Rich'. If a situation is 'Yu-Ri', then 'You' are 'Rich' in advantages!

Visual Association

Imagine a chess board where you have two queens and your opponent has none. That is a '유리한' (Yu-ri-han) situation.

Word Web

Success Strategy Win Profit Favorable Upper hand Competition Benefit

Challenge

Try to identify one thing in your life today that is '유리하다' for your future. Is it a skill? A person you know? A habit? Write it down in Korean: '[Noun]은 저에게 유리해요.'

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 有 (유) and 利 (리).

Original meaning: 有 means 'to exist' or 'to have,' and 利 means 'profit,' 'interest,' or 'benefit.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound too opportunistic. While '유리하다' is a neutral word, focusing only on what is '유리' for oneself in social settings can sometimes be perceived as being overly calculating (계산적이다).

In English, we might say 'to have an edge' or 'to be in a good spot.' '유리하다' is more formal than 'good spot' but less academic than 'possessing situational superiority.'

Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War' (translated in Korean) uses '유리' extensively to describe tactical advantages. Korean sports commentators frequently yell '유리합니다!' during turning points in games. Professional gamers (E-sports) in Korea use the term '유리' to describe 'gold leads' or 'map control'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interviews

경력이 취업에 유리해요.
자격증이 유리하게 작용했어요.
외국어 능력이 유리한 요소예요.
면접에서 유리한 질문을 받았어요.

Sports Commentary

현재 홈 팀이 유리합니다.
공격 측에 유리한 상황이에요.
유리한 고지를 선점했습니다.
판세가 유리하게 바뀌었어요.

Business Negotiations

유리한 조건을 제시합시다.
우리에게 유리한 계약이에요.
협상에서 유리한 위치에 있어요.
정보가 많을수록 유리합니다.

Daily Decision Making

이 길이 더 유리할 것 같아.
어떤 선택이 나에게 유리할까?
시간을 아끼는 게 유리해.
이 카드가 혜택 면에서 유리해.

Legal/Official Situations

증거가 피고에게 유리해요.
유리한 판결을 기대합니다.
법적으로 유리한 입장입니다.
유리한 조항을 추가했어요.

Conversation Starters

"어떤 전공이 취업에 가장 유리하다고 생각하세요?"

"축구에서 홈 경기가 왜 유리한지 아세요?"

"새로운 언어를 배우는 것이 인생에서 왜 유리할까요?"

"협상할 때 유리한 위치를 차지하는 본인만의 방법이 있나요?"

"지금 시장 상황이 우리 팀에게 유리하다고 보시나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 처한 상황 중 나에게 유리한 점 세 가지를 적어보세요.

과거에 불리한 상황을 유리하게 바꿨던 경험에 대해 써보세요.

성공을 위해 지금 나에게 가장 유리한 조건은 무엇인가요?

돈과 시간 중 무엇이 인생을 사는 데 더 유리한 자원일까요?

한국어를 배우는 것이 당신의 커리어에 어떻게 유리하게 작용할까요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. While '유리' (noun) means glass, '유리하다' (adjective) only means advantageous. To say 'It is glass,' you would say '유리예요'.

The most common opposite is '불리하다' (disadvantageous). For example, '나에게 불리한 상황' (a situation disadvantageous to me).

Yes, but it sounds a bit more 'thinking' or 'calculating' than just saying '좋아요' (it's good). You'll hear it often when people discuss games, money, or jobs.

You can say '이것이 저에게 더 유리해요' (This is more advantageous for me).

Yes, but '이롭다' or '좋다' is more common. '유리하다' would imply that the health benefit gives you an edge in something else.

You should use '~에' for the field/goal (e.g., 성공에) or '~에게' for the person (e.g., 나에게).

Almost exactly. It covers situational, strategic, and competitive benefits.

Usually, you describe the *situation* or *condition* as '유리하다'. If you say a person is '유리하다', it means they are currently in a favorable position.

Yes, it comes from 有 (to have) and 利 (profit/advantage).

'유리한' is the form used before a noun (e.g., 유리한 조건), while '유리하다' is the base form used at the end of a sentence.