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B2 noun #2,500 most common 7 min read

주장

jujang
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 주장 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 주장 in your Level:
At the A1 level, '주장' is a bit advanced, but you can understand it as 'saying what you want' or 'my idea.' Think of it as a stronger version of '말해요' (speak). When you want to tell someone your favorite color or what you want to eat very strongly, you are making a simple '주장.' At this stage, just remember that '주장해요' means 'I say/claim strongly.' You might hear it in simple stories where a character insists on something. It is helpful to recognize the sound 'ju-jang' when people are talking about their ideas.
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At the A2 level, you can start using '주장' to describe people's personalities or simple actions. You might learn the phrase '주장이 강하다' to describe a friend who is very firm about their choices. You can also use '주장하다' when talking about simple facts you believe are true. For example, '저는 숙제를 했다고 주장해요' (I claim that I did my homework). You are moving beyond just 'thinking' (생각해요) to 'asserting' (주장해요). It's a great word to use when you want to show you have a clear mind.
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At the B1 level, '주장' becomes a key word for expressing opinions in discussions. You will use it to talk about the main point of a news article or a short essay. You should know how to use the indirect quotation '-다고 주장하다' to report what others say. You'll also encounter it in social contexts, like discussing rules or plans. Understanding the difference between '의견' (opinion) and '주장' (claim) is important here. You are starting to see '주장' as a tool for persuasion and structured communication.
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At the B2 level, you should master '주장' in academic and professional contexts. This is the level where you use it to identify the 'thesis statement' of a text. You should be able to use collocations like '주장을 뒷받침하다' (support a claim) or '주장을 반박하다' (refute a claim). You will see this word constantly in TOPIK II reading and writing tasks. You should also understand the nuance of '자기 주장,' and how it relates to self-confidence and assertiveness in Korean culture. Your usage should be precise and logically sound.
At the C1 level, you recognize the subtle legal and rhetorical implications of '주장.' You can distinguish between a '근거 없는 주장' (groundless claim) and a '타당한 주장' (valid claim) with ease. You use '주장' to navigate complex debates, recognizing when someone is using it as a rhetorical device. You also understand how '주장' functions in Korean literature and high-level journalism to frame narratives. Your ability to critique a '주장' using advanced vocabulary like '논리적 허점' (logical loophole) is expected at this level.
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At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '주장' across all domains, including law, philosophy, and high-level diplomacy. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its Hanja roots deeply. You can use '주장' to discuss abstract concepts like 'the claim of the soul' or 'existential assertions.' You are also sensitive to the sociolinguistic weight of the word—how '주장' can be used to empower or marginalize voices in a discourse. You can write complex critiques of philosophical '주장' with perfect grammatical and stylistic accuracy.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

주장 in 30 Seconds

  • 주장 (Jujang) means 'claim' or 'assertion' and is used to express a firm stance or argument in both daily and formal Korean contexts.
  • It is often paired with the verb '하다' to form '주장하다' (to claim) and frequently uses indirect quotation markers like '-다고'.
  • In social settings, '주장이 강하다' describes someone who is assertive or stubborn, while in academic settings, it refers to a thesis.
  • Distinguishing it from '의견' (opinion) is crucial; '주장' is more forceful and usually requires evidence or logical support to be effective.

The Korean noun 주장 (主張 - Jujang) is a multi-faceted term that fundamentally refers to the act of putting forward a specific opinion, belief, or claim with conviction. In its most basic sense, it translates to 'assertion,' 'claim,' or 'argument.' However, its nuance shifts depending on the social and linguistic context. In an academic or formal setting, 주장 represents the central thesis of a paper or the primary stance of a debater. In daily life, it can describe someone's insistence on a particular course of action or their firm belief in a certain fact. The word is composed of two Hanja characters: 主 (주) meaning 'master' or 'main,' and 張 (장) meaning 'to stretch' or 'to expand.' Together, they evoke the image of 'expanding one's main point' or 'stretching out one's master idea' to be heard by others.

Primary Definition
A forceful statement of fact or belief, often requiring evidence or logical backing in formal contexts.
Interpersonal Nuance
Can imply 'insistence' (고집) if used negatively, but generally refers to standing one's ground.
Legal Context
A formal allegation or plea made by a party in a legal proceeding.

그의 주장은 논리적으로 매우 타당합니다. (His claim is logically very valid.)

Understanding 주장 requires recognizing that it is not just an 'opinion' (의견). While an opinion can be passive or subjective, a 주장 is active and seeks to persuade or establish a truth. When you make a 주장, you are essentially saying, 'This is how it is, and here is why you should believe it.' This is why the word is so common in Korean news, where reporters summarize the 'claims' of different political parties or organizations. It is also a staple in the TOPIK II writing section, where students are asked to present their 주장 on social issues.

양측의 주장이 팽팽하게 맞서고 있습니다. (The claims of both sides are clashing sharply.)

In psychological terms, someone with a 'strong claim' (주장이 강하다) is often seen as assertive or even stubborn. This phrase is frequently used to describe personality types. If a child insists on wearing a specific outfit despite the weather, a parent might say, "우리 아이는 자기 주장이 강해요" (Our child has a strong will/insistence). Thus, while the word is highly academic, it is deeply rooted in describing human behavior and the strength of one's ego or conviction.

근거 없는 주장은 설득력이 없습니다. (Claims without evidence lack persuasiveness.)

Using 주장 correctly involves understanding its common verb pairings and the grammatical structures that support it. The most frequent combination is 주장하다 (to claim/assert). This verb is transitive and usually takes the object marker -을/를. For example, "무죄를 주장하다" (to claim innocence). When reporting what someone else claimed, you often use the indirect quotation form: "~라고 주장하다."

Verb Form
주장하다 (To assert, to claim, to insist)
Adjective Form
주장하는 (Asserting/Claiming - used as a modifier)
Common Particle
주장에 따르면 (According to the claim...)

In writing, 주장 often acts as the subject of a sentence to describe the nature of an argument. Phrases like "주장이 엇갈리다" (claims are conflicting) or "주장을 뒷받침하다" (to support a claim) are essential for advanced Korean proficiency. If you are writing an essay, you might start a paragraph with "필자의 주장은 다음과 같다" (The writer's argument is as follows).

그는 자신이 옳다고 끝까지 주장했습니다. (He insisted until the end that he was right.)

Another important usage is in the phrase 자기 주장 (self-assertion). In modern Korean society, there is a growing emphasis on '자기 주장을 분명히 하는 것' (clearly making one's own claims/standing up for oneself), which marks a shift from more traditional, collectivist values where individual assertions were sometimes discouraged. However, balance is key; having '주장이 너무 강하다' (too strong an insistence) can still be a social critique.

전문가들은 경제 위기가 올 것이라고 주장합니다. (Experts claim that an economic crisis will come.)

When analyzing a text, look for the '핵심 주장' (core argument). This is usually found in the introduction or conclusion. In debates, you will hear '반대 주장' (counter-argument) and '재주장' (re-assertion/rebuttal). Mastering these variations allows you to navigate complex discussions in Korean with precision.

You will encounter 주장 in a variety of high-stakes environments. The most common is the News and Media. News anchors frequently use the word to report on political disputes, legal battles, or scientific findings. For instance, "정부는 정책의 효과를 주장하고 있지만, 야당은 반대하고 있습니다" (The government claims the policy is effective, but the opposition party disagrees).

Legal Settings
Lawyers make '주장' in court to defend their clients.
Academic Contexts
Professors and students discuss the '주장' of various theories.
Corporate Meetings
Managers '주장' for a specific strategy or budget allocation.

뉴스에서 검찰의 주장을 보도했습니다. (The news reported the prosecution's claim.)

In Education, from elementary school through university, students are taught how to form a logical 주장. In the Korean SAT (Suneung) or TOPIK exams, reading comprehension passages often revolve around identifying the author's 주장. Understanding this word is therefore critical for academic success in Korea.

토론 대회에서 학생들은 자신의 주장을 펼쳤습니다. (In the debate competition, students laid out their arguments.)

In Daily Life, you might hear it in less formal but still serious situations. If two friends are arguing about where to eat, one might say, "너는 왜 항상 네 주장만 하니?" (Why do you always only insist on your own way?). Here, it takes on a slightly more emotional tone, referring to one's personal preference being pushed onto others.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 주장 with 의견 (Opinion). While they are related, 의견 is much softer. If you say "제 의견입니다," you are simply sharing a thought. If you say "제 주장입니다," you are signaling that you are ready to prove it or that it is a firm stance. Using 주장 in a very casual, low-stakes setting might sound overly formal or aggressive.

Mistake 1: Overuse in Casual Settings
Saying '내 주장은 치킨 먹자' sounds like a legal decree. Use '내 생각에는' instead.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 고집 (Stubbornness)
'주장' is the act of stating a point; '고집' is the refusal to change it. They overlap but are not identical.

[Wrong] 점심 메뉴에 대한 제 주장은 김밥입니다.
[Right] 점심 메뉴에 대한 제 의견은 김밥입니다.

Another mistake is failing to use the correct particles. Since 주장 is often followed by a clause, learners sometimes forget the -다고 quotation marker. For example, "그는 배고프다 주장했다" is grammatically awkward; it should be "그는 배고프다고 주장했다."

Finally, learners often struggle with the nuance of 주장이 강하다. While it can mean 'assertive' (positive), in many Korean social contexts, it is a polite way of saying someone is 'difficult' or 'uncompromising.' Context is key to determining whether it is a compliment or a complaint.

To truly master 주장, you should understand its synonyms and how they differ in shade. The most common related words are 견해 (Viewpoint), 논거 (Logical ground), and 소신 (Conviction).

의견 (Opinion)
General thoughts or feelings about something. Less forceful than 주장.
견해 (Viewpoint/Outlook)
A more formal, intellectual way to express how one sees a particular issue.
소신 (Conviction)
A firm belief that one holds onto regardless of outside pressure. More personal than 주장.
고집 (Stubbornness)
Insisting on one's way even when it is irrational or harmful.

그는 자신의 소신에 따라 주장을 굽히지 않았습니다. (He did not bend his claim, following his convictions.)

While 주장 is the act of stating the point, 논거 is the evidence that supports it. You cannot have a strong 주장 without a solid 논거. In a debate, you might say, "주장은 알겠으나 논거가 부족합니다" (I understand your claim, but your evidence is lacking).

In legal or extremely formal contexts, you might see 언명 (Declaration/Statement) or 단언 (Assertion/Affirmation). These are much stronger and imply a high level of certainty. 주장 remains the most versatile and widely used term across all levels of formality.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Indirect Quotation (-다고 하다)

Topic Markers (-은/는)

Object Markers (-을/를)

Adnominal endings (-는/은)

Causative forms

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Examples by Level

1

제 주장은 이겁니다.

My claim is this.

주장 (noun) + -은 (topic marker)

2

친구는 사과가 맛있다고 주장해요.

My friend claims apples are delicious.

-다고 주장하다 (indirect quote)

3

자기 주장을 말하세요.

Please say your claim.

자기 (self) + 주장 (claim)

4

그의 주장은 간단해요.

His claim is simple.

간단하다 (to be simple)

5

누구의 주장입니까?

Whose claim is it?

누구의 (whose)

6

저는 아니라고 주장했어요.

I claimed it wasn't me.

아니라고 (saying 'no')

7

주장이 너무 많아요.

There are too many claims.

많다 (to be many)

8

이 주장을 들어보세요.

Please listen to this claim.

들어보다 (to try listening)

1

그 아이는 주장이 아주 강해요.

That child is very assertive.

주장이 강하다 (to have a strong will)

2

선생님은 공부가 중요하다고 주장하십니다.

The teacher claims that studying is important.

Honorific -시- added to 주장하다

3

서로의 주장이 달라요.

Each other's claims are different.

서로 (each other)

4

그는 무죄를 주장하고 있어요.

He is claiming innocence.

-고 있다 (progressive tense)

5

주장을 멈추지 마세요.

Don't stop asserting yourself.

-지 마세요 (don't do...)

6

이것은 제 개인적인 주장입니다.

This is my personal claim.

개인적인 (personal)

7

그 주장은 사실이 아니에요.

That claim is not a fact.

사실 (fact)

8

우리는 같은 주장을 했어요.

We made the same claim.

같은 (same)

1

작가의 주장을 파악하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to grasp the author's argument.

파악하다 (to grasp/understand)

2

그는 자신의 주장을 굽히지 않았습니다.

He did not bend (give up) his claim.

굽히다 (to bend/yield)

3

양측의 주장이 팽팽하게 맞서고 있습니다.

The claims of both sides are clashing sharply.

팽팽하게 (tightly/sharply)

4

근거 없는 주장은 믿기 어렵습니다.

Claims without evidence are hard to believe.

근거 (evidence/ground)

5

회의에서 제 주장을 분명히 밝혔습니다.

I clearly stated my claim at the meeting.

밝히다 (to reveal/state)

6

그의 주장은 설득력이 부족해요.

His claim lacks persuasiveness.

설득력 (persuasiveness)

7

상대방의 주장을 경청해야 합니다.

You must listen carefully to the other person's claim.

경청하다 (to listen attentively)

8

이 주장에 동의하시나요?

Do you agree with this claim?

동의하다 (to agree)

1

논문에서 핵심 주장을 서론에 배치하세요.

Place the core argument in the introduction of your thesis.

배치하다 (to arrange/place)

2

피고인은 정당방위를 주장하고 있습니다.

The defendant is claiming self-defense.

정당방위 (self-defense)

3

그 주장을 뒷받침할 자료가 필요합니다.

Materials to support that claim are needed.

뒷받침하다 (to support/back up)

4

일방적인 주장은 갈등을 일으킬 수 있습니다.

One-sided claims can cause conflict.

일방적인 (one-sided)

5

정부는 새로운 통계가 자신의 주장을 증명한다고 말합니다.

The government says new statistics prove their claim.

증명하다 (to prove)

6

그녀의 주장은 논리적인 모순이 있습니다.

There is a logical contradiction in her claim.

모순 (contradiction)

7

반대 주장을 펼치는 사람들도 많습니다.

There are many people who present opposing arguments.

펼치다 (to unfold/present)

8

주장의 타당성을 검토해 보아야 합니다.

We must examine the validity of the claim.

타당성 (validity)

1

그의 주장은 시대착오적인 면이 있습니다.

His claim has some anachronistic aspects.

시대착오적 (anachronistic)

2

학계에서는 그 주장을 정설로 받아들입니다.

The academic world accepts that claim as the established theory.

정설 (established theory)

3

주장의 일관성을 유지하는 것이 관건입니다.

Maintaining the consistency of the argument is key.

일관성 (consistency)

4

그는 교묘한 논리로 자신의 주장을 정당화했습니다.

He justified his claim with subtle/clever logic.

정당화하다 (to justify)

5

비판적인 시각에서 그의 주장을 분석했습니다.

I analyzed his claim from a critical perspective.

비판적 (critical)

6

주장이 엇갈리는 가운데 수사가 진행 중입니다.

The investigation is ongoing amidst conflicting claims.

엇갈리다 (to cross/conflict)

7

그 주장은 사회적 통념에 반하는 것입니다.

That claim goes against social norms.

통념 (common notion/norm)

8

주장의 핵심을 꿰뚫는 질문이 필요합니다.

A question that pierces the core of the argument is needed.

꿰뚫다 (to pierce/penetrate)

1

포스트모더니즘은 절대적 진리에 대한 주장을 거부합니다.

Postmodernism rejects claims of absolute truth.

절대적 (absolute)

2

그의 주장은 형이상학적 전제에 기반하고 있습니다.

His argument is based on metaphysical premises.

형이상학적 (metaphysical)

3

담론의 장에서 다양한 주장이 경합하고 있습니다.

Various claims are competing in the field of discourse.

경합하다 (to compete)

4

주장의 수사학적 기교가 본질을 흐리고 있습니다.

The rhetorical skill of the argument is blurring its essence.

수사학적 (rhetorical)

5

그 주장은 존재론적 층위에서 재검토되어야 합니다.

That claim must be re-examined at an ontological level.

존재론적 (ontological)

6

권력 관계가 주장의 정당성을 규정하기도 합니다.

Power relations sometimes define the legitimacy of a claim.

규정하다 (to define/stipulate)

7

그의 주장은 파편화된 정보의 나열에 불과합니다.

His claim is nothing more than a listing of fragmented information.

~에 불과하다 (nothing more than)

8

주장의 함의를 면밀히 고찰할 필요가 있습니다.

It is necessary to closely consider the implications of the claim.

함의 (implication)

Synonyms

의견 논거 견해 단언 설파

Antonyms

양보 수용 철회

Common Collocations

주장을 펼치다 (to lay out a claim)
주장을 굽히다 (to yield a claim)
주장을 뒷받침하다 (to support a claim)
주장이 강하다 (to be assertive)
주장이 엇갈리다 (claims conflict)
핵심 주장 (core claim)
근거 없는 주장 (groundless claim)
일방적인 주장 (one-sided claim)
주장을 철회하다 (to withdraw a claim)
주장을 관철하다 (to carry through a claim)

Common Phrases

자기 주장 (self-assertion)
반대 주장 (counter-argument)
주장에 따르면 (according to the claim)
주장하는 바 (what one is claiming)
주장할 권리 (right to claim)
주장의 타당성 (validity of a claim)
주장과 실제 (claim vs. reality)
강력한 주장 (strong claim)
허위 주장 (false claim)
공통된 주장 (common claim)

Often Confused With

주장 vs 의견 (Opinion - softer)

주장 vs 고집 (Stubbornness - negative)

주장 vs 사실 (Fact - proven truth)

Idioms & Expressions

"주장이 세다 (to be very stubborn/assertive)"
"목소리를 높여 주장하다 (to claim loudly/strongly)"
"자기 주장만 내세우다 (to only push one's own claim)"
"주장의 날을 세우다 (to sharpen one's argument)"
"억지 주장을 부리다 (to make a forced/unreasonable claim)"

Easily Confused

주장 vs

주장 vs

주장 vs

주장 vs

주장 vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

nuance

Can be positive (assertive) or negative (stubborn).

formality

Highly versatile across all levels of formality.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '주장' for a simple preference like 'I want coffee.'
  • Forgetting the '-다고' marker when reporting someone's claim.
  • Confusing '주장' (claim) with '고집' (stubbornness) in a positive context.
  • Using '주장' when '의견' (opinion) would be more polite and appropriate.
  • Pronouncing '주장' as '주정' (which means drunkenness).

Tips

Indirect Quotes

When using '주장하다', remember to use the '-다고' form for verbs and '-이라고' for nouns. This is the most natural way to report a claim. For example, '그는 학생이라고 주장했다.' (He claimed he was a student.)

Synonym Nuance

Use '소신' for personal beliefs and '주장' for arguments in a discussion. '소신' sounds more noble and internal. '주장' sounds more external and communicative.

Softening Claims

In Korea, starting a sentence with '제 생각에는...' before making a '주장' makes you sound more polite. It shows you are open to other opinions. Pure '주장' can sometimes sound too aggressive.

TOPIK Writing

In the TOPIK II writing task 54, clearly stating your '주장' in the introduction is essential for a good score. Use formal endings like '-ㄴ다/는다'. This shows you can handle academic Korean.

News Keywords

When you hear '주장' on the news, the reporter is usually about to present one side of a conflict. Listen for the word '반면' (on the other hand) to hear the opposing claim. This helps you follow the logic of the report.

Assertiveness

To describe someone as assertive in a positive way, use '자기 주장이 뚜렷하다' (has clear self-assertion). This sounds better than '주장이 강하다', which can be negative. It implies clarity rather than stubbornness.

Supporting Claims

Always follow a '주장' with '왜냐하면' (because) or '예를 들어' (for example). A claim without support is just an opinion. In Korean logic, the evidence is as important as the claim itself.

Hierarchy

Be careful when making a '주장' to someone much older or higher in rank. Use very polite honorifics. Instead of '제 주장은...', try '제 짧은 소견으로는...' (In my humble opinion...).

Logical Fallacies

A '억지 주장' is a forced or illogical claim. Avoid this in debates. It comes from '억지' (force/unreasonableness) and '주장'. It's a great term to use when someone is being irrational.

Finding the Thesis

In reading passages, the '주장' is often found near words like '필요하다' (is necessary) or '해야 한다' (must do). These words signal that the author is making a definitive claim.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Expanding one's main idea or master thought.

Cultural Context

Younger generations value 'clear self-assertion' as a sign of honesty and competence.

The rise of TV debate shows has popularized the term '주장' in the public sphere.

Historically, expressing strong individual claims was seen as disruptive to social harmony.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"당신의 핵심 주장은 무엇입니까?"

"그 주장에 대한 근거가 있나요?"

"자기 주장이 강한 편인가요?"

"누구의 주장이 더 설득력 있나요?"

"이 주장에 동의하시나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 가장 강력하게 했던 주장은 무엇인가?

자기 주장이 강한 사람과 일할 때 어떤 느낌인가?

근거 없는 주장을 들었을 때 어떻게 반응하는가?

나의 가치관을 담은 주장을 하나 써보자.

사회 문제에 대한 나의 주장을 정리해 보자.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it can be used in daily life to describe someone's firm stance, though '의견' is more common for casual thoughts. In formal settings, it is the standard word for an argument or claim. You will hear it in both news reports and family dinners. It adapts to the context it is in.

'의견' is a general opinion or thought, while '주장' is a firm assertion that often requires proof. '의견' is like saying 'I think...', while '주장' is like saying 'I maintain that...'. '주장' carries more weight and intent to persuade. Use '의견' when you want to be collaborative.

Yes, in sports, '주장' (主將) also means the captain of a team. However, the Hanja is different (Master + General). In most contexts, the meaning is clear from the situation. A team captain '주장' leads the team, while an argument '주장' leads a discussion.

You can say '강력하게 주장합니다.' This is common in political or legal contexts. It shows you have no doubt about your position. You can also use '단호하게 주장하다' for a firm, resolute claim. These adverbs add intensity to the noun.

It depends. In a job interview, it might mean you are confident. In a social group, it might mean you are hard to get along with. It often implies that the person doesn't listen to others well. Use it with caution when describing people.

It means a 'groundless claim' or an assertion made without any evidence. It is a common phrase used to dismiss someone's argument. In debates, identifying a '근거 없는 주장' is a key strategy. It is the opposite of a '타당한 주장'.

Start with '저는 ~라고 주장합니다' to state your thesis. Then follow up with '그 이유는 다음과 같습니다' to provide evidence. This structure is very effective for scoring high. Make sure your '주장' is clear and consistent throughout the text.

It literally means 'to bend one's claim,' which means to give in or change your mind during an argument. It is often used with '않다' (not) to show someone is stubborn or firm. '주장을 굽히지 않다' is a common way to describe a hero or a villain. It shows strong will.

Yes, by adding '하다' to get '주장하다.' This is the most common way to use the word in a sentence. It functions as a regular active verb. You can use it in any tense: 주장했다, 주장하고 있다, 주장할 것이다.

It means 'self-assertion' or 'stating one's own case.' It is often used in psychology or self-help contexts in Korea. '자기 주장을 잘하는 법' (How to assert yourself well) is a popular topic. It's about finding your voice in a group.

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