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B1 noun 13 min read

조언

joeon

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 조언 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 조언 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '조언' (jo-eon) as 'help words.' Even though it is a B1 level word, you might hear it when someone wants to help you. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex Hanja roots. Just remember that it means 'advice.' You will mostly use it with '주세요' (please give). For example, '조언 주세요' means 'Please give me advice.' It is a very useful word because it shows you want to learn from others. You might hear it in a classroom when a teacher says they will give you advice on your Korean speaking. Just focus on the sound 'jo-eon' and associate it with a lightbulb icon or a helping hand. It's a noun, so you can put '을' after it: '조언을...' In very simple terms, it's what you ask for when you don't know what to do. You can use it with friends or teachers. Even if your Korean is not perfect, saying '조언 부탁해요' (Advice, please) is a great way to start a conversation with a native speaker. It makes people want to help you!

At the A2 level, you should start using '조언' in simple sentences with common verbs. You probably know '하다' (to do) and '듣다' (to hear/listen). You can combine these: '조언을 하다' (to give advice) and '조언을 듣다' (to listen to advice). You should also learn the polite way to ask for it: '조언을 좀 해주세요' (Please give me some advice). At this level, you are starting to understand social status, so remember that when an older person gives you '조언,' you should listen carefully and say '감사합니다.' You can also use it with '친구' (friend) or '선생님' (teacher). For example, '선생님께 조언을 들었어요' (I heard advice from my teacher). You might see this word in simple reading passages about hobbies or school life. It's a step up from just saying '도움' (help) because it specifically means help through words and suggestions. Try to use it when you are talking about making a decision, like which food to eat or which movie to watch.

As a B1 learner, '조언' is a key vocabulary word for you. You are now expected to use it in more complex situations, like discussing problems, career goals, or personal feelings. You should move beyond simple '하다' and '듣다' and start using '조언을 구하다' (to seek advice) and '조언을 따르다' (to follow advice). This is the level where you distinguish between '조언' and '충고.' Remember that '조언' is usually more supportive and '충고' is more like a stern lecture. You should be able to describe the advice using adjectives like '유익한' (useful) or '진심 어린' (heartfelt). For example, '그는 나에게 유익한 조언을 많이 해주었다' (He gave me a lot of useful advice). You will also encounter '조언' in more formal contexts, like business emails or news articles. Understanding how to use '조언' correctly will help you sound more natural and sophisticated in your daily interactions in Korea. It's an essential word for building relationships and showing that you value other people's opinions.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '조언' in a wide range of professional and academic contexts. You should understand the nuance of phrases like '조언을 아끼지 않다' (to not spare advice) and be able to use it to express deep gratitude to a mentor. You should also be familiar with related professional terms like '자문' (consultation) and '제언' (proposal) and know when '조언' is the more appropriate, softer choice. At this level, you can use '조언' to facilitate discussions: '여러분의 조언을 바탕으로 이 문제를 해결해 봅시다' (Let's solve this problem based on everyone's advice). You should also be able to handle the passive or indirect forms, such as '조언을 받다' or '조언에 따라.' Your ability to use '조언' with appropriate honorifics (like '조언해 주셔서 감사합니다') should be second nature. You might also encounter it in literature or more complex social commentary, where the act of giving or receiving advice reflects the power dynamics between characters.

At the C1 level, you have a deep, nuanced understanding of '조언' and its place in the Korean linguistic landscape. You can use it to discuss abstract concepts of mentorship, leadership, and social responsibility. You understand the historical and cultural weight of '助言' (조언) and how it differs from other forms of guidance like '교시' (instruction) or '훈계' (admonition). You can use '조언' in highly formal speeches or written reports to frame suggestions in a way that is both authoritative and respectful. You are also aware of the negative connotations of 'unsolicited advice' and can use terms like '훈수' or '간섭' to describe when '조언' crosses the line. Your usage of '조언' is characterized by a high degree of collocations, such as '조언의 손길을 내밀다' (to reach out with a hand of advice) or '조언을 귀담아듣다' (to listen intently to advice). You can analyze how '조언' is used in media to shape public opinion or provide social support.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '조언' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You can use the word in the most sophisticated contexts, including legal, philosophical, and high-level political discourse. You understand the subtle shift in meaning when '조언' is used in different registers, and you can manipulate these nuances to achieve specific rhetorical effects. You are familiar with classical Korean literature and historical documents where similar concepts of counsel and advice are discussed, and you can draw parallels to modern usage. You can provide a deep critique of how '조언' is delivered in various social structures and how it impacts interpersonal harmony (Inhwa). Whether you are drafting a formal policy '제언' or offering '조언' to a high-level executive, you do so with perfect command of honorifics, tone, and cultural sensitivity. The word '조언' is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a tool you use with precision to navigate the complexities of Korean society at the highest levels.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

조언 in 30 Seconds

조언 (Jo-eon) means 'advice' and is a noun used when giving or seeking helpful suggestions to solve problems.
It comes from Hanja meaning 'help' and 'word,' emphasizing its supportive and constructive nature in social interactions.
Commonly paired with verbs like '구하다' (seek), '하다' (give), and '따르다' (follow) in various formal and informal contexts.
It is softer and more polite than '충고' (stern advice), making it the standard choice for professional and friendly guidance.

The Korean word 조언 (Jo-eon) is a noun that translates most directly to 'advice' or 'counsel' in English. It is composed of two Hanja (Sino-Korean) characters: 助 (조), meaning 'to help' or 'to assist,' and 言 (언), meaning 'word' or 'speech.' Therefore, the etymological heart of the word is 'words that help.' In the context of Korean social dynamics, 조언 is a vital communicative tool used to bridge the gap between a problem and its potential solution through the medium of shared wisdom. It is considered a constructive and generally positive term, often used when someone with more experience or a different perspective offers guidance to another person. Unlike mere 'suggestions' (제안) which might be about a simple choice of action, or 'warnings' (경고) which focus on negative consequences, 조언 implies a deeper level of care and a desire to see the recipient succeed or improve their situation.

Semantic Range: 조언 covers everything from professional consulting to a friend's tip on how to handle a breakup. It is the standard term used in both formal and informal settings to describe the act of giving helpful input.

선생님께서 저의 미래를 위해 진심 어린 조언을 해주셨어요.

In Korean culture, the act of seeking 조언 is often seen as a sign of humility and respect. By asking someone for their 조언, you are acknowledging their expertise, experience, or wisdom. This is particularly prevalent in 'Seonbae-Hubae' (senior-junior) relationships within schools or workplaces. A Hubae (junior) who frequently asks for 조언 is often viewed as being 'open-minded' and 'eager to learn,' which are highly valued traits. However, giving 조언 unsolicited can sometimes be tricky. If the social gap is too large or the relationship isn't close, offering 조언 might be perceived as overstepping or 'Kkondae' (preachy) behavior. Therefore, native speakers often use softening phrases like '제 생각에는...' (In my opinion...) or '주제넘을 수도 있지만...' (It might be out of line, but...) before offering their 조언 to ensure the recipient feels respected rather than lectured.

Social Hierarchy: In Korea, the flow of 조언 usually moves from top to bottom (senior to junior), but modern culture is increasingly encouraging 'lateral advice' among peers and even 'reverse advice' in technical fields.

친구의 조언 덕분에 어려운 결정을 내릴 수 있었습니다.

The word is also frequently found in media, especially in talk shows or advice columns (상담 코너). You will see it in headlines like '전문가가 들려주는 육아 조언' (Parenting advice from an expert) or '성공을 위한 5가지 조언' (5 tips for success). In these contexts, 조언 serves as a hook to attract people looking for improvement. It is a word that promises value and growth. Furthermore, it is important to distinguish 조언 from '충고' (Chung-go). While both mean advice, 충고 is often much stronger, more direct, and can sometimes carry a tone of reprimand or stern correction. If someone gives you 충고, they are often telling you that you are doing something wrong. 조언, on the other hand, is more focused on the 'helping' aspect, making it the safer and more versatile word for learners to use in most daily situations.

Usage in Media: You will often hear this word in K-dramas when a mentor character speaks to the protagonist during a moment of crisis, usually beginning with '한 가지 조언을 하자면...' (If I were to give one piece of advice...).

그는 전문가의 조언을 무시하고 사업을 시작했다가 실패했습니다.

선배님의 조언은 언제나 큰 힘이 됩니다.

면접을 앞두고 형에게 몇 가지 조언을 구했습니다.

Mastering the use of 조언 involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the specific verbs it typically pairs with. In Korean, nouns like 조언 act as the core of a phrase, and their meaning is activated by the surrounding particles and verbs. The most common way to use 조언 is with the verb 하다 (to do), which forms 조언하다 (to advise). However, in natural conversation, it is frequently used as an object: 조언을 하다 (to give advice) or 조언을 주다 (to provide advice). When you are the one receiving the help, you would use 조언을 듣다 (to listen to/receive advice) or 조언을 받다 (to get advice). For a more formal or desperate tone, 조언을 구하다 (to seek/request advice) is the preferred choice.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 조언을 구하다 (To seek advice) 2. 조언을 아끼지 않다 (To not spare advice/to give generously) 3. 조언을 따르다 (To follow advice) 4. 조언을 무시하다 (To ignore advice)

어려운 문제가 생길 때마다 나는 아버지께 조언을 구한다.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the particles. If you are giving advice TO someone, you use the dative particle ~에게 or the honorific ~께. For example, '동생에게 조언을 해주었다' (I gave advice to my younger sibling). If the advice is ABOUT a certain topic, you use ~에 대한 or ~에 대하여. For example, '건강에 대한 조언' (Advice regarding health). This structure is essential for specifying the context of the counsel. Furthermore, 조언 can be modified by various adjectives to describe the quality of the advice. '진심 어린 조언' (heartfelt advice), '유익한 조언' (useful advice), '현실적인 조언' (realistic advice), and '뼈아픈 조언' (painful but true advice) are all common expressions that add nuance to your Korean.

Adjective Modifiers: - 따뜻한 조언 (Warm/kind advice) - 냉철한 조언 (Cool-headed/objective advice) - 아낌없는 조언 (Generous/unsparing advice)

그의 조언은 매우 현실적이어서 큰 도움이 되었다.

In professional writing, you might see 조언 used in passive or indirect forms. For instance, '전문가의 조언에 따라...' (According to the expert's advice...) or '조언을 바탕으로...' (Based on the advice...). These phrases are incredibly useful for citing sources of information or justifying a decision. Another advanced usage is the phrase '조언을 아끼지 않다.' This is a highly idiomatic way to say that someone gave a lot of help or guidance without holding back. It is a common way to praise a mentor or a supportive colleague during a speech or in a letter of recommendation. By using these varied structures, you can move beyond simple sentences and express complex ideas about guidance and mentorship.

Formal vs. Informal: Formal: '귀하의 조언을 정중히 부탁드립니다.' (I formally request your advice.) Informal: '나한테 조언 좀 해줘.' (Give me some advice.)

그녀는 나의 조언을 귀담아듣지 않았다.

부모님은 내가 진로를 결정할 때 많은 조언을 해주셨다.

박사님의 조언에 따라 실험 방법을 변경했습니다.

If you are living in Korea or consuming Korean media, 조언 (Jo-eon) is a word you will encounter daily. It is a staple of the 'wisdom-sharing' culture that permeates various aspects of life. In the workplace, it is perhaps most common. During performance reviews, project meetings, or casual coffee breaks, seniors (Sadaenim, Timjangnim) will offer 조언 to their juniors. You might hear a manager say, '김 대리, 내가 한 가지 조언을 하자면...' (Manager Kim, if I could give you one piece of advice...). In this context, it is expected that the junior listens attentively and perhaps even takes notes, as ignoring the 조언 of a superior can be seen as a lack of professional respect. The word isn't just for heavy topics; it can even be used for small things like '맛집 조언' (advice on good restaurants) or '코디 조언' (advice on what to wear/styling).

Workplace Context: In Korean offices, '조언' is the polite way to frame feedback. Instead of saying 'You did this wrong,' a boss might say, 'I have some advice (조언) for your next report.'

팀장님께 보고서 작성에 대한 조언을 들으러 갔어요.

In the world of Korean entertainment, particularly variety shows and talk shows, '조언' is a central theme. Shows like 'Hello Counselor' (안녕하세요) or various 'healing' programs revolve entirely around celebrities or experts giving 조언 to people with life problems. You will hear the hosts say, '이분께 어떤 조언을 해주고 싶으신가요?' (What kind of advice would you like to give this person?). In these settings, the 조언 is often emotional and empathetic. Similarly, in K-dramas, the 'mentor' character is a recurring trope—an older, wiser figure who provides the protagonist with the crucial 조언 needed to overcome the antagonist or their own internal struggles. These scenes are often marked by a shift in music and a serious tone, highlighting the importance of the words being spoken.

Media & Entertainment: YouTube 'mentor' channels are huge in Korea. Titles often include '인생 조언' (Life advice) or '20대를 위한 조언' (Advice for those in their 20s).

유튜브에서 재테크에 관한 조언을 많이 들어요.

Education is another major domain for this word. Teachers constanty give 조언 to students regarding their study habits, university entrance exams (Suneung), and career paths. Parents, too, are seen as the primary source of 조언 for their children. In a Korean household, a child might say, '어머니의 조언대로 열심히 공부했어요' (I studied hard following my mother's advice). Even among friends, the word is used when things get serious. If a friend is going through a hard time, you might say, '내가 조언 하나 해도 될까?' (Can I give you one piece of advice?). This phrasing is a polite way to ask for permission before entering their personal space with your opinions. Whether it's a formal consultation with a lawyer (법률 조언) or a casual chat about dating, 조언 is the linguistic vehicle for sharing life's lessons.

Academic/Professional Services: - 법률 조언 (Legal advice) - 의학적 조언 (Medical advice) - 투자 조언 (Investment advice)

변호사에게 법률적인 조언을 구하는 것이 좋겠어요.

의사 선생님의 조언에 따라 식단을 바꿨습니다.

많은 사람들의 조언이 저에게 큰 위로가 되었습니다.

While 조언 (Jo-eon) is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often encounter a few pitfalls due to the subtle nuances of Korean social etiquette and the differences between Korean and English grammar. The biggest mistake is confusing 조언 with its synonym 충고 (Chung-go). In English, 'advice' is a very broad term that covers everything. In Korean, however, 충고 is often unsolicited and comes from a place of authority or moral superiority. If you tell a friend, '내가 충고 하나 할게' (I'm going to give you some advice), it can sound quite harsh, like you are scolding them. It's much safer and more polite to use '조언' in almost all peer-to-peer or junior-to-senior interactions. Using 충고 incorrectly can make you sound arrogant or overly critical.

Mistake 1: Using '충고' for friendly advice: Avoid saying '충고해 줄게' to a friend unless you are intentionally being stern. Use '조언해 줄게' instead to sound helpful and supportive.

Incorrect: 친구에게 충고를 구했다. (Sounds like you asked for a lecture.) Correct: 친구에게 조언을 구했다. (Sounds like you asked for help.)

Another common mistake involves the verbs paired with 조언. English speakers often try to translate 'take advice' literally as '조언을 가져가다' or '조언을 잡다.' This is incorrect. In Korean, the proper way to say you followed or accepted advice is 조언을 따르다 (to follow advice) or 조언을 받아들이다 (to accept/take in advice). Additionally, learners sometimes forget to use honorifics when receiving advice from someone of higher status. If a teacher gives you advice, saying '조언 고마워' is too informal. You must say '조언해 주셔서 감사합니다' or '조언 감사드립니다' to show proper respect. The failure to use the '주시-' honorific (which shows the other person did something FOR you) is a very common marker of a non-native speaker.

Mistake 2: Incorrect Verb Collocations: Don't say '조언을 만들다' (make advice). Use '조언을 하다' (give advice) or '조언을 건네다' (offer/pass advice).

Incorrect: 그의 조언을 가져갔어요. (I took his advice - literal translation error.) Correct: 그의 조언을 따랐어요. (I followed his advice.)

Lastly, be careful with the particle ~에게. Sometimes learners use ~에 (location particle) instead of ~에게 (people particle). You give advice 'to' a person, so it must be '선생님에게' or '선배님께.' Also, when talking about the subject of the advice, don't just use the noun; use ~에 대한. For example, instead of '공부 조언' (which is okay but simple), '공부에 대한 조언' is more grammatically complete and sophisticated. Avoiding these small errors will make your Korean sound much more natural and empathetic, which is the whole point of using a word like 조언.

Mistake 3: Forgetting the Helper Verb: When someone gives you advice, they are doing a favor. Therefore, using '-어 주다' (e.g., 조언해 주다) is almost always required to sound natural.

선생님, 저에게 조언 좀 해주실 수 있나요? (Natural and polite request.)

Incorrect: 친구가 나에게 조언했다. (Grammatically okay, but sounds a bit robotic.) Correct: 친구가 나에게 조언을 해주었다. (Sounds warm and natural.)

부모님의 조언을 무시하면 나중에 후회할 거예요.

Korean is a language rich in synonyms, each carrying a different weight of formality, urgency, and social direction. While 조언 (Jo-eon) is the most versatile word for 'advice,' knowing its alternatives will help you navigate different social contexts with precision. The most closely related word is 충고 (Chung-go). As mentioned before, 충고 is more direct and often unsolicited. It is like 'stern advice' or 'admonishment.' Another word is 제언 (Je-eon), which is very formal and often used in academic or policy-making contexts to mean 'proposal' or 'formal suggestion.' Then there is 권고 (Gwon-go), which translates to 'recommendation' or 'exhortation,' often used by official bodies (like a 'government recommendation').

조언 vs. 충고: 조언: Supportive, helpful, requested or offered gently. (e.g., Friend giving dating tips.)
충고: Corrective, stern, often unsolicited. (e.g., Father telling son to stop wasting money.)

그는 나에게 따뜻한 조언을 아끼지 않았다. (Positive/Supportive)

For more casual settings, you might hear 도움말 (Doum-mal). Literally 'help-words,' this is often used in software (the 'Help' menu) or as a very soft way to offer a tip. If you are giving a suggestion that is more of a 'hint' or a 'tip,' you can use 팁 (the loanword 'Tip') or 비결 (Bi-gyeol), which means 'secret' or 'know-how.' In a professional consultancy context, the word 자문 (Ja-mun) is used. '자문을 구하다' means to seek professional consultation from an expert or a specialized committee. This is much more formal than simply asking for 조언. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the right level of 'help' for the right situation.

Formal Alternatives: - 제언 (Je-eon): Formal proposal/suggestion. - 권고 (Gwon-go): Official recommendation. - 자문 (Ja-mun): Professional consultation.

정부는 전문가들의 권고를 받아들여 정책을 수정했다.

In literary or highly formal speech, you might encounter 훈수 (Hun-su). This word specifically refers to giving advice to players in a game (like Baduk or Chess) from the sidelines. Metaphorically, it's used when someone interferes in someone else's business with unwanted advice. If someone is giving you advice you didn't ask for and it's annoying, you might say, '훈수 두지 마세요' (Stop giving me sideline advice/Don't back-seat drive). On the opposite end of the spectrum, 가르침 (Ga-reu-chim) means 'teachings' or 'lessons' and is used when the advice is so profound that it feels like a life lesson from a master. By mastering these synonyms, you gain a deeper understanding of the Korean social landscape and the various ways people try to help (or interfere with) each other.

Casual/Specific Terms: - 도움말 (Doum-mal): Help/tips (casual/UI). - 팁 (Tip): Tip (loanword, very common). - 훈수 (Hun-su): Sideline/unwanted advice.

그는 내 일에 사사건건 훈수를 두려 한다.

교수님의 가르침을 잊지 않겠습니다.

전문가의 자문을 받아 프로젝트를 완성했습니다.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 助 (Jo) also appears in words like '협조' (cooperation) and '보조' (assistance), while 言 (Eon) is found in '언어' (language) and '발언' (statement).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕo.ʌn/

US /tɕo.ʌn/

In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, but the first syllable '조' often carries a slightly higher pitch.

Rhymes With

초원 (Chowon - Meadow) 학원 (Hagwon - Academy) 공원 (Gongwon - Park) 병원 (Byeongwon - Hospital) 정원 (Jeongwon - Garden) 응원 (Eungwon - Cheering) 심원 (Simwon - Profound) 소원 (Sowon - Wish)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '조' like English 'jaw' (too open).
Pronouncing '언' like 'on' (too rounded).
Adding a 'w' sound between '조' and '언' (it should be two distinct syllables).
Making the 'o' sound too long like 'jooo-eon'.
Failing to aspirate the 'j' sound correctly (it's a light 'ch' sound).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is easy to read, but it often appears in complex sentences.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of specific verb collocations like '구하다' or '따르다'.

Speaking 3/5

Commonly used, but honorifics must be handled carefully.

Listening 3/5

Easy to recognize due to its distinct two-syllable sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

말 (Word/Speech) 도움 (Help) 선생님 (Teacher) 듣다 (To listen) 하다 (To do)

Learn Next

충고 (Stern advice) 상담 (Counseling) 의견 (Opinion) 제안 (Suggestion) 결정 (Decision)

Advanced

자문 (Consultation) 제언 (Formal proposal) 권고 (Official recommendation) 훈계 (Admonition)

Grammar to Know

~에게/께 (Dative particles for people)

선생님께 조언을 구했다.

~에 대한 (Regarding/About)

건강에 대한 조언을 들었다.

-어 주다 (Helper verb for doing favors)

친구가 조언을 해주었다.

~을 바탕으로 (Based on)

조언을 바탕으로 다시 시작했다.

~에 따라 (According to)

그의 조언에 따라 행동했다.

Examples by Level

선생님, 조언 주세요.

Teacher, please give me advice.

Uses simple imperative form '주세요' with the noun '조언'.

조언이 필요해요.

I need advice.

Uses the subject particle '이' with the verb '필요하다' (to need).

친구의 조언은 좋아요.

My friend's advice is good.

Uses the possessive particle '의' and the adjective '좋다'.

엄마, 조언 고마워요.

Mom, thanks for the advice.

A simple way to express gratitude using '고마워요'.

조언을 들어요.

I listen to advice.

Uses the object particle '을' with the verb '듣다'.

이 조언은 쉬워요.

This advice is easy.

Uses the demonstrative '이' (this) and '쉽다' (to be easy).

조언을 써요.

I write down the advice.

Uses the verb '쓰다' (to write).

한국어 조언을 해요.

Give Korean language advice.

Uses the object '한국어 조언' and the verb '하다'.

선생님께 조언을 좀 구하고 싶어요.

I want to seek some advice from my teacher.

Uses '~께' (honorific to) and '~고 싶다' (want to).

그의 조언 덕분에 성공했어요.

I succeeded thanks to his advice.

Uses '~ 덕분에' (thanks to).

어떤 조언을 해줄까요?

What kind of advice should I give you?

Uses the question form '~을까요?'.

부모님 조언을 잘 들어야 해요.

You must listen to your parents' advice well.

Uses '~아야/어야 하다' (must/should).

저는 친구에게 조언을 해주었어요.

I gave my friend some advice.

Uses the helper verb '~어 주다' (to do for someone).

조언을 받으면 기분이 좋아요.

When I get advice, I feel good.

Uses '~으면' (if/when).

그 조언은 정말 유익해요.

That advice is really useful.

Uses the adjective '유익하다' (to be useful).

조언을 따르기가 힘들어요.

It is hard to follow the advice.

Uses the nominalizer '~기' and '힘들다'.

진로 문제로 고민할 때 선배님의 조언이 큰 힘이 되었어요.

When I was worried about my career, my senior's advice was a great strength.

Uses '~할 때' (when) and '힘이 되다' (to be a strength).

전문가의 조언을 바탕으로 계획을 세웠습니다.

I made a plan based on the expert's advice.

Uses '~을 바탕으로' (based on).

그녀는 나의 진심 어린 조언을 무시했다.

She ignored my heartfelt advice.

Uses '진심 어린' (heartfelt) and '무시하다' (to ignore).

도움이 필요하시면 언제든지 조언을 해드릴게요.

If you need help, I'll give you advice anytime.

Uses honorific '해드리다' and '언제든지' (anytime).

현실적인 조언을 듣고 싶어서 상담을 신청했어요.

I applied for counseling because I wanted to hear realistic advice.

Uses '현실적인' (realistic) and '~어서' (because).

조언을 아끼지 않고 도와주셔서 정말 감사합니다.

Thank you so much for helping and not sparing any advice.

Uses the idiom '조언을 아끼지 않다'.

때로는 쓴 조언이 약이 될 때가 있다.

Sometimes, bitter advice can be medicine.

Uses the metaphor '약이 되다' (to become medicine).

그의 조언은 항상 명확하고 정확하다.

His advice is always clear and accurate.

Uses adjectives '명확하다' and '정확하다'.

면접관은 지원자들에게 실질적인 조언을 건넸다.

The interviewer offered practical advice to the applicants.

Uses '실질적인' (practical) and '건네다' (to hand over/offer).

주변의 조언에 귀를 기울이는 것도 중요한 능력이다.

Listening carefully to advice from those around you is also an important ability.

Uses the idiom '귀를 기울이다' (to listen carefully).

그의 조언은 내 인생의 전환점이 되었다.

His advice became a turning point in my life.

Uses '전환점' (turning point).

법률적인 조언이 필요하다면 변호사를 찾아가 보세요.

If you need legal advice, try visiting a lawyer.

Uses '법률적인' (legal) and '~어 보다' (try doing).

상사의 조언을 어떻게 받아들여야 할지 고민입니다.

I'm worried about how I should accept my boss's advice.

Uses '~어야 할지' (how to/whether to).

그는 자신의 경험을 바탕으로 아낌없는 조언을 해주었다.

He gave unsparing advice based on his own experience.

Uses '경험을 바탕으로' and '아낌없는' (unsparing).

아무리 좋은 조언이라도 본인이 실천하지 않으면 소용없다.

No matter how good the advice is, it's useless if you don't put it into practice.

Uses '아무리 ~라도' (no matter how) and '소용없다' (useless).

전문가들의 조언을 종합하여 최종 결정을 내렸습니다.

We made the final decision by synthesizing the advice of experts.

Uses '종합하다' (to synthesize) and '결정을 내리다' (to make a decision).

그의 조언은 단순한 참견이 아니라 진정한 배려에서 나온 것이었다.

His advice was not mere interference but came from genuine consideration.

Contrastive structure '~이 아니라 ~' (not A but B).

멘토의 조언을 가슴 깊이 새기며 매일 노력하고 있습니다.

I am working hard every day, etching my mentor's advice deep in my heart.

Idiom '가슴 깊이 새기다' (to etch deep in one's heart).

사회 초년생들에게 가장 필요한 것은 현실적인 조언과 격려이다.

What new members of society need most is realistic advice and encouragement.

Uses '사회 초년생' (newcomer to society) and '~는 것이다' (the thing is).

부모님의 조언이 때로는 간섭처럼 느껴질 수도 있지만, 그 밑바탕에는 사랑이 있다.

While parents' advice can sometimes feel like interference, there is love at the foundation.

Uses '간섭' (interference) and '밑바탕' (foundation).

전문가로서 조언을 드리자면, 이 투자는 신중하게 결정하셔야 합니다.

Giving advice as an expert, you must decide on this investment carefully.

Uses '~로서' (as a/in the capacity of).

현자의 조언 한 마디가 어지러운 마음을 차분하게 가라앉혔다.

A single word of advice from the wise man calmed my troubled mind.

Uses '가라앉히다' (to calm/settle).

조언을 구하기 전에 스스로 충분히 고민해 보는 과정이 필요하다.

Before seeking advice, a process of thinking deeply on one's own is necessary.

Uses '~기 전에' (before doing).

그의 조언은 날카롭지만 문제의 핵심을 정확히 꿰뚫고 있었다.

His advice was sharp, but it accurately pierced the core of the problem.

Uses '꿰뚫다' (to pierce/see through).

국가 정책 수립 과정에서 각계각층의 조언을 수렴하는 것은 필수적이다.

Gathering advice from all walks of life during the national policy establishment process is essential.

Uses '수렴하다' (to gather/collect opinion) and '각계각층' (all walks of life).

그의 조언은 시대의 흐름을 읽는 통찰력에서 비롯된 것이었다.

His advice stemmed from an insight that read the trends of the times.

Uses '통찰력' (insight) and '~에서 비롯되다' (to stem from).

학자로서의 양심을 걸고 드리는 조언이니 부디 숙고해 주시기 바랍니다.

This is advice I give with my conscience as a scholar, so please deliberate on it.

Uses '숙고하다' (to deliberate/ponder) and '양심을 걸다' (to bet one's conscience).

때때로 침묵은 그 어떤 조언보다도 강력한 메시지를 전달한다.

Sometimes silence conveys a more powerful message than any advice.

Uses '침묵' (silence) and '강력한' (powerful).

그의 조언은 마치 어둠 속의 등불처럼 갈 길을 잃은 나를 인도해 주었다.

His advice guided me, who was lost, like a lamp in the darkness.

Simile '등불처럼' (like a lamp) and '인도하다' (to lead/guide).

조언의 가치는 그것을 받아들이는 사람의 그릇에 따라 달라진다.

The value of advice varies depending on the capacity of the person receiving it.

Metaphor '그릇' (bowl/capacity) and '~에 따라' (depending on).

역사적 사례를 통한 조언은 현재의 위기를 극복하는 데 큰 실마리를 제공한다.

Advice through historical examples provides a great clue for overcoming the current crisis.

Uses '실마리' (clue/lead) and '극복하다' (to overcome).

전문적인 조언과 개인적인 감정 사이에서 균형을 잡는 것이 중요하다.

It is important to strike a balance between professional advice and personal feelings.

Uses '균형을 잡다' (to strike a balance).

Synonyms

충고 도움말 권고 팁

Antonyms

비난

Common Collocations

조언을 구하다

조언을 아끼지 않다

조언을 따르다

조언을 해주다

조언을 무시하다

진심 어린 조언

유익한 조언

조언을 얻다

조언을 부탁하다

조언을 건네다

Common Phrases

조언 한 마디

— A single word of advice. Often used when asking for a quick tip.

저에게 조언 한 마디만 해주세요.

조언 감사드립니다

— Thank you for the advice. Standard formal thank-you phrase.

귀한 조언 감사드립니다.

조언을 참고하다

— To refer to or keep advice in mind. Polite way to say you'll consider it.

보내주신 조언 참고하겠습니다.

조언자 역할을 하다

— To play the role of an advisor. Used in professional/mentorship contexts.

그는 나의 든든한 조언자 역할을 한다.

조언을 바탕으로

— Based on the advice. Used when explaining the foundation of a decision.

조언을 바탕으로 계획을 수정했다.

현실적인 조언

— Realistic advice. Advice that is practical and doable.

저에게는 현실적인 조언이 필요해요.

조언을 구하러 오다

— To come to seek advice. Common in stories and workplace settings.

그가 나에게 조언을 구하러 왔다.

따뜻한 조언

— Warm/kind advice. Used when the advice was emotionally supportive.

선배님의 따뜻한 조언에 힘이 났어요.

쓴 조언

— Bitter advice. Hard-to-swallow truths that are ultimately helpful.

가끔은 쓴 조언도 들어야 한다.

조언을 귀담아듣다

— To listen intently to advice. Shows you are taking it seriously.

그는 부모님의 조언을 귀담아듣지 않는다.

Often Confused With

조언 vs 충고

Chung-go is more direct and can feel like a reprimand. Jo-eon is always supportive.

조언 vs 제안

Je-an is a suggestion or a proposal for an action. Jo-eon is broader guidance.

조언 vs 경고

Gyeong-go is a warning. Jo-eon focuses on how to improve, not just what to avoid.

Idioms & Expressions

"조언을 아끼지 않다"

— To give advice generously and without hesitation. Literally 'to not spare advice.'

그는 후배 양성을 위해 조언을 아끼지 않았다.

Neutral/Formal

"귀에 못이 박히도록 조언하다"

— To give the same advice so many times that it feels like a callus in the ear.

어머니는 귀에 못이 박히도록 조언하셨다.

Informal/Exaggerated

"뼈아픈 조언"

— Advice that is painful to hear because it hits a sore spot or truth.

그의 뼈아픈 조언이 나를 깨우쳤다.

Neutral

"조언의 손길을 내밀다"

— To offer a helping hand in the form of advice.

어려운 시기에 그가 조언의 손길을 내밀어 주었다.

Literary

"조언을 거름으로 삼다"

— To use advice as fertilizer (to grow from it).

그의 조언을 거름으로 삼아 더 성장하겠습니다.

Formal/Poetic

"조언 한 마디가 천 냥 빚을 갚는다"

— A single word of advice can solve a huge problem (variation of a common proverb).

그때의 조언 한 마디가 천 냥 빚을 갚은 격이었다.

Informal

"조언을 금과옥조로 여기다"

— To regard advice as an invaluable rule or treasure.

그는 스승님의 조언을 금과옥조로 여긴다.

Formal/Literary

"조언을 한 귀로 듣고 한 귀로 흘리다"

— To let advice go in one ear and out the other.

그는 내 조언을 한 귀로 듣고 한 귀로 흘렸다.

Informal

"조언의 갈증을 느끼다"

— To feel a 'thirst' for advice (desperately needing it).

그는 새로운 사업을 앞두고 조언의 갈증을 느꼈다.

Literary

"조언을 등불로 삼다"

— To use advice as a lamp/light to guide one's way.

여러분의 조언을 등불로 삼아 나아가겠습니다.

Formal/Poetic

Easily Confused

조언 vs 충고

Both mean 'advice' in English.

Chung-go is often unsolicited and comes from a place of authority or moral correction. Jo-eon is supportive and helpful speech. You 'seek' 조언, but you usually 'receive' 충고.

친구에게는 조언을 하고, 잘못한 사람에게는 충고를 한다.

조언 vs 제언

Both end in 'eon' (speech) and involve suggestions.

Je-eon is much more formal and usually refers to a specific proposal in an academic or policy context. Jo-eon is general advice.

논문 마지막에 정책적 제언을 썼다.

조언 vs 권고

Both involve telling someone what to do.

Gwon-go is an official recommendation, often with some pressure to comply. Jo-eon is a personal or professional tip.

의사가 수술을 권고했다.

조언 vs 자문

Both relate to expert help.

Ja-mun is formal consultation, often paid for or provided by an official advisor. Jo-eon can be given by anyone.

변호사의 자문을 받았다.

조언 vs 훈수

Both involve giving tips.

Hun-su is specifically 'sideline advice' and is often perceived as annoying or unwanted interference.

바둑 두는데 훈수 두지 마세요.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] + 조언 주세요.

공부 조언 주세요.

[Person]에게 조언을 듣다.

엄마에게 조언을 들었어요.

[Topic]에 대한 조언을 구하다.

취업에 대한 조언을 구하고 싶어요.

[Person]의 조언 덕분에 [Result].

형의 조언 덕분에 문제를 해결했어요.

[Person]은 조언을 아끼지 않는다.

우리 팀장님은 조언을 아끼지 않으신다.

조언을 바탕으로 [Action].

전문가 조언을 바탕으로 투자했습니다.

조언을 귀담아듣는 자세가 필요하다.

성공하려면 조언을 귀담아듣는 자세가 필요하다.

조언의 가치는 실천에 달려 있다.

아무리 훌륭한 조언의 가치라도 실천에 달려 있다.

Word Family

Nouns

조언자 (Advisor/Counselor)

조언서 (Written advice/Letter of advice)

Verbs

조언하다 (To advise)

조언받다 (To receive advice)

Adjectives

조언적 (Advisory)

도움 (Help)

상담 (Consultation)

멘토 (Mentor)

지침 (Guideline)

충고 (Advice/Warning)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation, media, and professional writing.

Common Mistakes

Using '조언' for a stern scolding. → Use '충고' instead.
조언 is supportive. If you are correcting someone's bad behavior, 조언 is too soft; 충고 is the correct term.
Saying '조언을 물어보다'. → Say '조언을 구하다'.
While '물어보다' is grammatically possible, '구하다' (to seek) is the standard collocation for asking for advice.
Translating 'Take advice' as '조언을 가져가다'. → Say '조언을 따르다' or '조언을 받아들이다'.
You don't physically 'take' advice in Korean. You 'follow' (따르다) it or 'accept' (받아들이다) it.
Using informal language with a teacher's advice. → Use '조언해 주셔서 감사합니다'.
Advice from a superior is a favor. You must use honorifics to show gratitude.
Confusing '조언' with '제안'. → Use '조언' for guidance, '제안' for a specific plan or idea.
If you are proposing a plan for a project, it's a 제안. If you are giving tips on how to manage the project, it's 조언.

Tips

Pair with '해주다'

Always try to use '조언을 해주다' instead of just '조언하다' when you want to sound warm and helpful. The '해주다' adds a sense of doing a favor.

Ask Permission

Before giving advice to a peer, ask '내가 조언 하나 해도 될까?' (Can I give you one piece of advice?). This is very polite in Korean culture.

Use '구하다' for Seeking

When you are the one looking for help, '조언을 구하다' is the most natural and sophisticated verb to use.

The '~에 대한' Rule

To specify the topic of the advice, use '[Topic]에 대한 조언'. This makes your sentences clear and grammatically correct.

Identify Context

If you hear '조언' in a K-drama, pay attention to the relationship between the characters. It's usually a key moment of mentorship.

Vary Adjectives

Don't just use '좋은 조언'. Try '유익한' (useful), '현실적인' (realistic), or '따뜻한' (warm) to make your writing more vivid.

Accepting Advice

Even if you don't agree with the advice, say '참고하겠습니다' (I will refer to it) to remain polite and save face for the other person.

Watch the Honorifics

When receiving advice from a boss or teacher, use '조언해 주셔서 감사합니다' with the honorific '-시-' and the formal ending.

Hanja Roots

Remember 助 (Help) + 言 (Word). It's 'helping words'. This will help you remember the meaning forever.

Consultation vs. Advice

In a legal or medical context, '자문' is more professional, but '조언' is still commonly used for general guidance from an expert.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Joe' (조) and 'Earn' (언). Joe needs to earn some money, so he asks for 'Joe-eon' (advice) on how to do it.

Visual Association

Imagine a lightbulb (idea) coming from one person's mouth and entering another person's ear. That lightbulb is the '조언'.

Word Web

조언 (Advice) 상담 (Counseling) 멘토 (Mentor) 성장 (Growth) 해결 (Solution) 지혜 (Wisdom) 도움 (Help) 경험 (Experience)

Challenge

Try to ask three different people for '조언' today in Korean. Use the phrase '조언 좀 해주세요' (Please give me some advice).

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean Hanja characters. 助 (Jo) means to help, assist, or aid. 言 (Eon) means word, speech, or to speak.

Original meaning: The original meaning is 'words that help' or 'speech that assists.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to give 조언 to someone significantly older than you unless they ask for it, as it can be seen as 'teaching your grandmother to suck eggs' (arrogance).

In English, 'advice' is uncountable, but in Korean, '조언' is a regular noun. You can say '한 가지 조언' (one piece of advice).

The TV show '안녕하세요' (Hello Counselor) is a prime example of public 조언 culture. Famous Korean monks like Haemin Sunim are known for their spiritual 조언. The phrase '아낌없는 조언' is a standard part of award acceptance speeches in Korea.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

팀장님께 조언을 구하다
업무에 대한 조언
조언 감사드립니다
조언을 참고하겠습니다

School/Education

선생님의 진로 조언
공부 방법에 대한 조언
조언을 듣고 공부하다
유익한 조언

Friendship/Personal Problems

친구에게 조언을 해주다
따뜻한 조언 한 마디
조언 좀 해줄래?
진심 어린 조언

Professional Services

법률 조언을 받다
의사의 조언에 따르다
투자 조언 전문가
전문적인 조언

Media/Internet

인생 조언 유튜브
조언 부탁드립니다 (post ending)
성공을 위한 조언
명확한 조언

Conversation Starters

"혹시 이 문제에 대해 조언을 해주실 수 있나요? (Could you possibly give me some advice on this problem?)"

"제가 중요한 결정을 내려야 하는데 조언이 필요해요. (I have to make an important decision and I need advice.)"

"선배님의 조언을 듣고 싶은데 시간 괜찮으세요? (I'd like to hear your advice, do you have time?)"

"한국어 공부를 어떻게 하면 좋을지 조언 좀 해주세요. (Please give me some advice on how to study Korean well.)"

"그 친구에게 어떤 조언을 해주는 게 좋을까요? (What kind of advice would be good to give that friend?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 누군가에게 들은 가장 유익한 조언은 무엇이었나요? (What was the most useful advice you heard from someone today?)

내가 다른 사람에게 조언을 해준다면 어떤 주제로 하고 싶나요? (If you were to give advice to others, what topic would you choose?)

인생에서 가장 기억에 남는 조언은 무엇인가요? (What is the most memorable advice in your life?)

조언을 듣는 것과 스스로 결정하는 것 중 무엇이 더 중요한가요? (Which is more important: listening to advice or deciding for yourself?)

조언을 무시해서 후회했던 경험이 있나요? (Have you ever regretted ignoring advice?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, '조언' is perfectly fine to use with friends. It sounds more sincere and serious than just asking for a 'tip'. You can say '조언 좀 해줘' (Give me some advice).

Yes, '조언' is the standard noun for advice. '도움말' is usually used in software help menus or very simple hints. In most conversations, use '조언'.

The most common formal way is '조언 감사드립니다' or '조언해 주셔서 감사합니다'. Both are widely used in professional settings.

Yes, you can add '하다' to make '조언하다'. However, using the object form '조언을 하다' or '조언을 해주다' often sounds more natural in spoken Korean.

'팁' is a loanword from English and is used for quick, casual suggestions. '조언' is used for more substantial or serious guidance.

Use '충고' when you want to strongly correct someone's behavior or give a stern warning. For example, a parent telling a child to stop lying would be '충고'.

Use the verb '구하다' (to seek). For example: '전문가에게 조언을 구하고 싶습니다' (I would like to seek advice from an expert).

Yes, it is very common. Phrases like '귀하의 조언에 감사드립니다' (Thank you for your advice) are standard professional etiquette.

In English, 'advice' is uncountable. In Korean, '조언' is a noun that can be counted, but we usually just say '많은 조언' (much advice) or '몇 가지 조언' (a few pieces of advice).

It means to give advice very generously. It is a high compliment used to describe a very helpful mentor or teacher.