기후 in 30 Seconds
- Gihu means climate, the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific region.
- It is different from 'nalssi' (weather), which refers to short-term daily changes.
- Commonly used in academic, scientific, and environmental contexts like 'climate change'.
- Essential for discussing geography, nature, and global environmental issues in Korean.
The Korean word 기후 (Gihu) is a critical noun that translates directly to 'climate' in English. While it is often discussed in the same breath as weather, it carries a much more significant and long-term weight in the Korean language. To understand 기후, one must distinguish it from 날씨 (nalssi), which refers to the daily, short-term atmospheric conditions. 기후 represents the statistical pattern of weather in a specific region over a period of thirty years or more. In modern Korean society, this word has moved from the back pages of geography textbooks to the front lines of daily news, social activism, and international policy discussions. It is the cornerstone of conversations regarding environmental preservation, global warming, and the changing seasons of the Korean peninsula.
- Scientific Context
- In a scientific or academic setting, 기후 is used to categorize regions. For example, Korea is often described as having a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, known as 온대 기후 (ondae gihu). When researchers discuss the greenhouse effect, they inevitably use the term 기후 변화 (gihu byeonhwa), meaning climate change.
- Societal Context
- Beyond science, the word appears in discussions about agriculture, architecture, and even traditional clothing. The 기후 of a region dictates what crops can grow and how houses are built. For instance, the traditional Korean house, or Hanok, was designed specifically to handle the local 기후, featuring Ondol for cold winters and Daecheongmaru for hot summers.
지구 온난화로 인해 전 세계의 기후가 급격하게 변하고 있습니다. (Due to global warming, the world's climate is changing rapidly.)
When people use 기후, they are usually looking at the big picture. You wouldn't use it to ask if you need an umbrella today; that would be 날씨. However, if you are discussing why it hasn't snowed in Seoul for three consecutive winters, you are discussing a shift in the 기후. It is a word of observation, analysis, and often, concern. In the context of the IELTS exam, particularly Task 2, this word is indispensable. It allows you to discuss environmental impacts, government regulations, and sustainable living with the necessary level of formality and precision.
이 지역은 농사를 짓기에 아주 적합한 기후 조건을 갖추고 있습니다. (This region has climate conditions very suitable for farming.)
- Geographical Classification
- Korean geography classes teach students about various types of 기후, such as 열대 (tropical), 건조 (arid), 온대 (temperate), 냉대 (subarctic), and 한대 (polar). Each of these terms is paired with 기후 to describe the environment of different countries.
영국은 비가 자주 내리는 해양성 기후로 유명합니다. (The UK is famous for its oceanic climate where it rains frequently.)
Finally, 기후 is used metaphorically in some contexts to describe the 'atmosphere' or 'climate' of an era or a political situation, though this is less common than its literal environmental meaning. In most cases, sticking to the environmental definition will serve you best. It is a word that demands a certain level of seriousness and is almost always found in written reports, news broadcasts, and educational materials rather than extremely casual slang-filled conversations.
Using 기후 (Gihu) correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its role as a noun and the common particles that accompany it. Because it is a formal and conceptual word, it often functions as the subject or the modifier of a sentence. It frequently appears with the subject marker -가/이 or the topic marker -는/은 when describing the characteristics of a place.
- Subjective Use
- When 기후 is the main focus, we use it to state facts about the environment. For example, 'The climate is warm' becomes 기후가 따뜻합니다. In this structure, you are defining the inherent nature of the region's weather patterns.
한국의 기후는 사계절이 뚜렷한 것이 특징입니다. (A characteristic of Korea's climate is that the four seasons are distinct.)
Another common way to use 기후 is as a modifier for other nouns. In Korean, you can simply place 기후 before another noun to create a compound concept. Common examples include 기후 변화 (climate change), 기후 위기 (climate crisis), and 기후 조건 (climate conditions). These phrases are used extensively in academic writing and news reporting to discuss the environmental challenges facing the modern world.
우리는 변화하는 기후에 적응하기 위해 노력해야 합니다. (We must make an effort to adapt to the changing climate.)
- Complex Sentences
- In more advanced Korean, 기후 is often used with causative structures. For instance, 'The climate influenced the culture' would be 기후가 문화에 영향을 주었습니다. This shows a relationship between the environment and human behavior, a common theme in social science essays.
급격한 기후 변화는 생태계에 큰 위협이 됩니다. (Rapid climate change is a great threat to the ecosystem.)
Finally, when comparing two different regions, 기후 is the standard of comparison. You might say 동남아시아의 기후는 한국과 매우 다릅니다 (The climate of Southeast Asia is very different from Korea). Here, 기후 acts as the bridge that allows for a geographical and environmental comparison. Whether you are writing a formal essay or explaining your preference for a certain country's weather patterns, mastering the use of 기후 will significantly elevate your Korean proficiency.
The word 기후 (Gihu) is ubiquitous in specific domains of Korean life, particularly those involving information dissemination and education. Unlike some words that are strictly academic, 기후 has become a household term due to the increasing visibility of environmental issues. You will hear it most frequently in the following contexts.
- News and Documentaries
- Every evening, Korean news channels feature segments on 'Climate and Environment.' News anchors use 기후 when reporting on international climate summits (기후 정상회의) or local shifts in temperature records. Documentaries about the North Pole or the Amazon rainforest will use this word to explain why these regions are critical to the planet's health.
오늘 뉴스에서는 기후 위기에 대응하기 위한 새로운 정책을 발표했습니다. (On the news today, they announced new policies to respond to the climate crisis.)
In the classroom, from elementary school to university, 기후 is a staple of the curriculum. Students learn about the 몬순 기후 (monsoon climate) of Asia and how it affects rice farming. If you are a student in Korea, you will encounter this word in geography, biology, and social studies textbooks. It is also a very common topic for the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) exam, where reading passages often discuss environmental protection.
이 식물은 열대 기후에서만 자랄 수 있습니다. (This plant can only grow in a tropical climate.)
- Travel and Immigration
- When Koreans plan to move abroad or go on long vacations, they often research the 기후 of their destination. You might hear someone say, 'I want to live in a place with a mild climate' (온화한 기후에서 살고 싶어요). In this context, it expresses a lifestyle preference based on long-term environmental comfort.
호주의 기후는 한국과 반대입니다. (The climate of Australia is the opposite of Korea's.)
Lastly, in the corporate world, especially in industries like construction, energy, and logistics, 기후 is a factor in strategic planning. Companies must consider how regional climates affect their operations. Therefore, if you work in a professional Korean environment, you will hear this word during meetings about sustainability or risk management. It is a word that signifies you are looking at the 'big picture' of the environment.
Even for intermediate learners, the word 기후 (Gihu) can be tricky because it is frequently confused with other words related to weather and environment. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.
- Mistake 1: Confusing 기후 with 날씨
- This is the most frequent error. Learners often say 오늘 기후가 좋아요 (Today's climate is good) when they mean 오늘 날씨가 좋아요 (Today's weather is good). Remember: 기후 is for general, long-term patterns. You cannot use it to describe the weather on a specific day.
(X) 이번 주말 기후가 어때요?
(O) 이번 주말 날씨가 어때요? (How is the weather this weekend?)
Another subtle mistake is confusing 기후 with 기상 (gisang). While 기상 also relates to atmospheric phenomena, it is usually used in technical or official contexts like 기상청 (Meteorological Administration) or 기상 예보 (weather forecast). 기상 focuses on the physical state of the atmosphere at a given moment or in the short term, whereas 기후 is the statistical average.
(X) 내일의 기후를 알려주세요.
(O) 내일의 일기 예보를 알려주세요. (Please tell me tomorrow's weather forecast.)
- Mistake 2: Incorrect Particle Usage
- Learners sometimes struggle with which particles to use when 기후 is part of a compound noun. In phrases like 'climate change,' you do not need a particle between the words: 기후 변화 is correct, not 기후의 변화 (though the latter is grammatically possible, it sounds less natural in a professional context).
우리는 기후 위기에 대해 토론했습니다. (We discussed the climate crisis.)
Finally, be careful not to use 기후 when you mean 'environment' in a general sense. If you are talking about protecting nature, 환경 (hwangyeong) is usually more appropriate. 기후 is specifically about the weather patterns, while 환경 encompasses everything—pollution, wildlife, and the atmosphere. Using 기후 too broadly can make your sentences sound overly technical or slightly off-topic.
To truly master the word 기후 (Gihu), it is helpful to compare it with related terms. Korean has several words that touch upon the environment and weather, each with its own specific nuance and register.
- 기후 vs. 날씨 (Nalssi)
- 기후 is the long-term average (climate), while 날씨 is the daily state (weather). You use 날씨 for small talk about the sun or rain, and 기후 for scientific or geographic discussions.
- 기후 vs. 기상 (Gisang)
- 기상 refers to atmospheric phenomena and is often used in technical terms like 기상 이변 (unusual weather changes) or 기상 관측 (meteorological observation). It is more about the physics of the air than the long-term regional pattern.
- 기후 vs. 풍토 (Pungto)
- 풍토 is a unique word that combines 'climate' with 'soil' or 'local characteristics.' It refers to the natural environment of a region as it affects the people living there. It is often used in cultural contexts, such as 풍토병 (endemic disease) or 한국의 풍토 (the natural and cultural environment of Korea).
그 나라는 기후뿐만 아니라 풍토도 우리와 많이 다릅니다. (That country is very different from us not only in climate but also in its local natural environment.)
When writing an essay, you might also consider 환경 (hwangyeong). While 기후 is a subset of the environment, 환경 is much broader. If you are discussing pollution or conservation, 환경 is the better choice. However, if your focus is specifically on temperature, rainfall, and seasons, 기후 is the precise term required.
최근 기상 이변이 잦아지는 것은 심각한 기후 위기의 증거입니다. (The fact that unusual weather events are becoming more frequent recently is evidence of a serious climate crisis.)
In summary, choose 기후 for long-term patterns, 날씨 for today, 기상 for technical atmospheric data, and 풍토 for the combined natural/cultural essence of a place. Understanding these distinctions will prevent confusion and ensure your Korean is both accurate and sophisticated.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
In the traditional East Asian calendar, a year was divided into 24 'jeolgi' (solar terms), and every 5 days was called a 'hu' (候). Thus, 'gihu' literally meant the passage of air and time.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing '기' too strongly like 'kee' with a sharp puff of air.
- Pronouncing '후' like 'hoo' but forgetting to make it a distinct syllable.
- Confusing it with '기구' (instrument/organization).
- Confusing it with '기호' (symbol/preference).
- Mumbling the 'h' sound in the middle.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize in texts but often appears in complex scientific sentences.
Requires knowledge of formal particles and compound noun structures.
Pronunciation is straightforward, but must be distinguished from 'nalssi'.
Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in news broadcasts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun + -로 인해 (Due to N)
기후 변화로 인해 해수면이 상승합니다.
Noun + -에 따른 (According to/Resulting from N)
기후 변화에 따른 생태계 변화.
Noun + -에 적응하다 (To adapt to N)
새로운 기후에 적응해야 합니다.
Noun + -를 위해 (For/In order to N)
기후 보호를 위해 노력합시다.
Noun + -가 뚜렷하다 (N is distinct)
한국은 기후가 뚜렷합니다.
Examples by Level
한국의 기후는 어때요?
How is Korea's climate?
Subject marker '-는' used for the topic.
기후가 아주 좋아요.
The climate is very good.
Subject marker '-가' used for the subject.
저는 따뜻한 기후를 좋아해요.
I like warm climates.
Adjective '따뜻한' modifies the noun.
이곳은 기후가 덥습니다.
This place has a hot climate.
Formal ending '-습니다'.
기후와 날씨는 달라요.
Climate and weather are different.
Particle '-와' meaning 'and'.
추운 기후는 싫어요.
I don't like cold climates.
Adjective '추운' modifies '기후'.
여기는 기후가 변해요.
The climate changes here.
Verb '변해요' (to change).
기후 공부를 해요.
I study the climate.
Object marker '-를' is optional here but implied.
제주도는 기후가 온화합니다.
Jeju Island has a mild climate.
Adjective '온화하다' (to be mild).
어떤 기후에서 살고 싶어요?
What kind of climate do you want to live in?
Particle '-에서' indicates location.
영국은 비가 많이 오는 기후예요.
The UK is a climate where it rains a lot.
Noun-modifying form '-는'.
기후 때문에 옷이 달라요.
Clothes are different because of the climate.
'-때문에' indicates reason.
이 식물은 더운 기후에서 자라요.
This plant grows in a hot climate.
Verb '자라다' (to grow).
기후가 건강에 중요해요.
Climate is important for health.
Particle '-에' indicates target/relation.
세계의 기후는 다양합니다.
The world's climates are diverse.
Adjective '다양하다' (to be diverse).
기후에 대해 배우고 싶어요.
I want to learn about the climate.
'-에 대해' means 'about'.
기후 변화로 인해 얼음이 녹고 있습니다.
Ice is melting due to climate change.
'-로 인해' indicates cause (formal).
기후 위기를 해결하기 위해 노력합시다.
Let's work together to solve the climate crisis.
'-기 위해' indicates purpose.
이 나라는 기후가 건조해서 물이 부족해요.
This country lacks water because the climate is dry.
'-아서/어서' indicates reason.
기후 조건이 농사에 큰 영향을 줍니다.
Climate conditions have a big impact on farming.
'-에 영향을 주다' (to influence).
많은 동물이 기후 변화로 멸종 위기입니다.
Many animals are endangered due to climate change.
Noun '멸종 위기' (endangered).
기후에 적응하는 것은 쉽지 않습니다.
Adapting to the climate is not easy.
'-는 것' makes a verb phrase into a noun.
지구의 기후가 점점 뜨거워지고 있어요.
The Earth's climate is getting hotter and hotter.
'-아/어지다' indicates becoming.
우리는 기후 변화의 심각성을 알아야 합니다.
We must know the seriousness of climate change.
'-아야/어야 하다' indicates necessity.
기후 변화 협약이 성공적으로 체결되었습니다.
The climate change agreement was successfully signed.
Passive voice '체결되다'.
기후 변화는 단순히 환경 문제가 아닙니다.
Climate change is not simply an environmental issue.
'-가 아니다' for negation.
과학자들은 기후 재앙을 경고하고 있습니다.
Scientists are warning of a climate disaster.
'-고 있다' for present progressive.
기후 변화에 따른 경제적 손실이 막대합니다.
Economic losses due to climate change are enormous.
'-에 따른' means 'according to' or 'resulting from'.
정부는 기후 대응을 최우선 과제로 삼았습니다.
The government made climate response its top priority.
'-로 삼다' means 'to make/treat as'.
기후 변화의 원인은 탄소 배출량 증가입니다.
The cause of climate change is the increase in carbon emissions.
Noun '원인' (cause).
해수면 상승은 기후 변화의 직접적인 결과입니다.
Sea level rise is a direct result of climate change.
Adjective '직접적인' (direct).
기후 스마트 농업이 새로운 대안으로 떠오르고 있습니다.
Climate-smart agriculture is emerging as a new alternative.
'-로 떠오르다' (to emerge as).
기후 정의는 사회적 약자를 보호하는 것을 포함합니다.
Climate justice includes protecting the socially vulnerable.
'-를 포함하다' (to include).
기후 위기는 인류의 생존을 위협하는 중대한 사안입니다.
The climate crisis is a critical issue threatening human survival.
Adjective '중대한' (critical/grave).
기후 모델링을 통해 미래의 온도를 예측할 수 있습니다.
Future temperatures can be predicted through climate modeling.
'-를 통해' (through/by means of).
전 세계적으로 기후 난민이 급증하고 있는 추세입니다.
Climate refugees are rapidly increasing worldwide.
'-는 추세이다' (to be a trend).
기후 변화가 생태계의 균형을 완전히 무너뜨렸습니다.
Climate change has completely destroyed the balance of the ecosystem.
Verb '무너뜨리다' (to collapse/destroy).
기후 민감도는 온실가스 농도 변화에 대한 반응을 의미합니다.
Climate sensitivity refers to the response to changes in greenhouse gas concentrations.
'-를 의미하다' (to mean/refer to).
기후 변화에 대한 국제적 공조가 절실히 필요합니다.
International cooperation on climate change is desperately needed.
Adverb '절실히' (desperately).
기후 변화의 가속화는 돌이킬 수 없는 결과를 초래할 것입니다.
The acceleration of climate change will cause irreversible consequences.
'-를 초래하다' (to cause/bring about).
기후 위기는 자본주의적 생산 방식의 구조적 모순을 드러냅니다.
The climate crisis reveals the structural contradictions of the capitalist mode of production.
Abstract noun '모순' (contradiction).
기후학적 관점에서 볼 때, 현재의 온난화는 전례가 없는 현상입니다.
From a climatological perspective, current warming is an unprecedented phenomenon.
'-ㄴ 관점에서 볼 때' (from the perspective of).
기후 변화의 비가역적 임계점을 넘지 않도록 주의해야 합니다.
We must be careful not to cross the irreversible tipping point of climate change.
Adjective '비가역적' (irreversible).
기후 담론은 이제 과학적 논의를 넘어 정치적 투쟁의 장이 되었습니다.
Climate discourse has now moved beyond scientific discussion into an arena of political struggle.
'-를 넘어' (beyond).
기후 변화에 대한 회의론은 과학적 데이터에 의해 반박되었습니다.
Skepticism about climate change has been refuted by scientific data.
Passive voice '반박되다'.
기후 복원력은 현대 도시 계획에서 가장 중요한 요소 중 하나입니다.
Climate resilience is one of the most important factors in modern urban planning.
Noun '복원력' (resilience).
기후 정치는 자원 배분과 정의의 문제를 핵심으로 합니다.
Climate politics centers on issues of resource distribution and justice.
'-를 핵심으로 하다' (to center on).
기후 시스템의 복잡성은 단순한 선형적 예측을 불가능하게 만듭니다.
The complexity of the climate system makes simple linear predictions impossible.
'-를 불가능하게 만들다' (to make impossible).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To have a mild or temperate climate.
이 지역은 기후가 온화해서 살기 좋아요.
— To have a dry or arid climate.
사막 지역은 기후가 매우 건조합니다.
— To adapt to a certain climate.
새로운 나라의 기후에 적응하는 데 시간이 걸려요.
— To stop or prevent climate change.
우리는 기후 변화를 막기 위해 힘을 합쳐야 합니다.
— For the climate to change.
지구 온난화로 전 세계 기후가 변하고 있습니다.
— To have distinct climate patterns (like seasons).
한국은 사계절 기후가 뚜렷합니다.
— To be influenced by the climate.
농작물은 기후 영향을 많이 받습니다.
— To have a hot climate.
적도 근처는 기후가 매우 덥습니다.
— To have a cold climate.
북극은 기후가 매우 춥습니다.
— To be sensitive to climate changes.
생태계는 기후에 매우 민감합니다.
Often Confused With
Daily weather vs. long-term climate. This is the most common confusion.
Technical atmospheric phenomena vs. general climate patterns.
The word for 'instrument' or 'organization' sounds similar but is unrelated.
Idioms & Expressions
— The environment or climate shapes a person's character or culture.
기후가 사람을 만든다는 말처럼, 이곳 사람들은 매우 여유롭습니다.
Philosophical— The climate crisis reflects how poorly humanity has treated the Earth.
기후 위기는 인류의 성적표라는 생각으로 반성해야 합니다.
Metaphorical— To understand the long-term patterns or 'atmosphere' of a situation.
그는 시대의 기후를 읽는 능력이 탁월합니다.
Metaphorical— Nature fighting back through climate disasters.
최근의 홍수는 기후의 역습이라고 볼 수 있습니다.
Journalistic— To demand fairness in dealing with climate change impacts.
청년들이 거리에서 기후 정의를 외치고 있습니다.
Political— The area most affected by climate change.
투발루는 기후 변화의 최전선에 있는 국가입니다.
Journalistic— Time is running out to solve climate issues.
기후 시계가 멈추지 않고 빠르게 돌아가고 있습니다.
Metaphorical— Barriers caused by climate conditions.
험난한 기후 장벽을 뚫고 탐험에 성공했습니다.
Literary— The benefits provided by a good climate.
이곳은 천혜의 기후 혜택을 받은 땅입니다.
General— A total disaster caused by climate change.
우리는 기후 재앙을 막기 위한 마지막 기회에 서 있습니다.
UrgentEasily Confused
Both relate to atmospheric conditions.
Nalssi is short-term (today, tomorrow), while Gihu is long-term (30+ years).
오늘 날씨가 좋아요 (O), 오늘 기후가 좋아요 (X).
Both are used in environmental contexts.
Gisang is technical and focuses on current physical states; Gihu is statistical and geographical.
기상 예보 (weather forecast), 온대 기후 (temperate climate).
Both are related to nature.
Hwangyeong is the broad environment (nature, pollution, etc.); Gihu is specifically about weather patterns.
환경 보호 (protecting environment), 기후 변화 (climate change).
Both describe a region's characteristics.
Pungto includes the soil and cultural atmosphere; Gihu is strictly about the weather patterns.
이 지역의 풍토병 (endemic disease of this region).
Temperature is a part of climate.
Gion is just the temperature (degrees); Gihu includes rain, wind, and all weather patterns.
오늘 기온이 높아요 (The temperature is high today).
Sentence Patterns
N의 기후는 어때요?
영국의 기후는 어때요?
저는 ~한 기후를 좋아해요.
저는 따뜻한 기후를 좋아해요.
기후 변화로 인해 ~.
기후 변화로 인해 날씨가 이상해요.
기후 위기에 대응하기 위해 ~.
기후 위기에 대응하기 위해 정책을 만듭니다.
기후 변화에 따른 ~의 심각성.
기후 변화에 따른 환경 파괴의 심각성.
기후 복원력을 강화하는 것은 ~.
기후 복원력을 강화하는 것은 도시의 생존 전략입니다.
~은/는 기후의 영향을 받습니다.
농작물은 기후의 영향을 받습니다.
기후 조건이 ~에 적합하다.
기후 조건이 포도 재배에 적합하다.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High in educational and news contexts; Medium in daily conversation.
-
오늘 기후가 어때요?
→
오늘 날씨가 어때요?
You cannot use '기후' for daily weather. Use '날씨' instead.
-
기후의 변화
→
기후 변화
While grammatically okay, the compound noun '기후 변화' is much more natural in professional contexts.
-
기후를 예보하다
→
일기를 예보하다 / 기상을 예보하다
You forecast the weather (일기/기상), not the climate (기후).
-
기후를 보호합시다
→
환경을 보호합시다
You protect the environment (환경), though you can fight '기후 변화'.
-
기후가 뜨거워요
→
날씨가 더워요 / 기온이 높아요
Climate itself isn't 'hot' in a daily sense; it 'is hot' (덥다) as a characteristic, but usually we describe the '기온' (temperature).
Tips
Context Matters
Use '기후' when discussing geography or global issues. Use '날씨' for daily life and making plans.
Learn Compounds
Learning '기후 변화' and '기후 위기' as single units will help you sound more natural in discussions.
TOPIK Success
Practice writing about the environment using '기후'. It's a high-scoring topic in the TOPIK writing section.
News Watching
Watch Korean weather reports; they often distinguish between '오늘의 날씨' (today's weather) and '기후 변화 뉴스' (climate change news).
Four Seasons
When talking about Korea's seasons, '기후' is the perfect word to explain why the country has such distinct changes.
Particle Choice
Remember to use '-에' with '적응하다' (adapt) and '-로 인해' (due to) for formal causes.
Compare Regions
Use '기후' to compare your home country with Korea in speaking practice to build fluency.
Scientific Terms
If you are interested in science, learn '기후대' (climate zones) to describe the world's geography.
Global Citizenship
Using '기후 위기' shows you are aware of global issues, which is great for conversation with educated native speakers.
Easy Recall
Associate '기후' (Gihu) with 'Giant History'—the history of weather.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'GI' as 'Global' and 'HU' as 'Humans.' The Global climate affects all Humans over a long time.
Visual Association
Imagine a globe (기) wearing a giant hat (후) to protect itself from the sun over many years.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to write three sentences comparing the climate of your home country with the climate of Korea using '기후'.
Word Origin
Derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters). '기' (氣) refers to air, energy, or spirit, and '후' (候) refers to time, season, or wait.
Original meaning: Originally referred to the 'periods' or 'seasons' of the year in ancient East Asian calendars.
Sino-KoreanCultural Context
None. This is a neutral scientific and descriptive term.
In English-speaking countries, 'climate' is often used in political debates. Similarly, in Korea, it is a key topic for NGOs and government policy.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Geography Class
- 세계의 기후
- 기후대 구분
- 강수량과 기후
- 기후의 특징
Environmental News
- 기후 변화 협약
- 기후 위기 대응
- 탄소 중립
- 지구 온난화
Travel Planning
- 온화한 기후
- 여행하기 좋은 기후
- 건조한 기후
- 기후에 맞는 옷
Agriculture
- 기후와 농사
- 적합한 기후
- 기후 변화의 영향
- 시설 재배
Biology
- 기후와 생태계
- 적응 능력
- 서식지 변화
- 멸종 위기
Conversation Starters
"당신 고향의 기후는 한국과 어떻게 다른가요? (How is the climate of your hometown different from Korea?)"
"최근 기후 변화를 피부로 느끼고 있나요? (Do you personally feel the recent climate change?)"
"어떤 종류의 기후에서 가장 살고 싶나요? (In what kind of climate would you most like to live?)"
"기후 위기를 해결하기 위해 우리가 할 수 있는 일은 무엇일까요? (What can we do to solve the climate crisis?)"
"한국의 기후 중에서 가장 좋아하는 계절은 언제인가요? (Which season of Korea's climate do you like best?)"
Journal Prompts
내가 생각하는 가장 이상적인 기후에 대해 설명해 보세요. (Describe what you think is the most ideal climate.)
기후 변화가 나의 일상생활에 미치는 영향에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the impact of climate change on your daily life.)
미래의 기후는 어떻게 변할지 상상해서 적어 보세요. (Imagine and write about how the future climate will change.)
기후 위기를 막기 위해 내가 실천하고 있는 작은 습관들을 나열해 보세요. (List the small habits you are practicing to prevent the climate crisis.)
기후가 다른 나라로 여행을 갔을 때 느꼈던 점을 써 보세요. (Write about what you felt when traveling to a country with a different climate.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you should use '날씨' (nalssi) for tomorrow's weather. '기후' (gihu) refers to long-term patterns over many years.
The most common phrase is '기후 변화' (gihu byeonhwa), which means 'climate change.' You will see this everywhere in the news.
Yes, it is more formal than '날씨.' It is used in textbooks, news, and academic discussions.
You say '기후 위기' (gihu wigi). It is a very common term in modern Korean activism.
Occasionally, it can refer to the 'atmosphere' or 'climate' of a time period, but '분위기' (atmosphere) or '풍토' (environment) are more common for that.
The main types are 열대 (tropical), 온대 (temperate), 냉대 (subarctic), 한대 (polar), and 건조 (arid) 기후.
It is a frequent topic in the reading and writing sections, especially regarding environmental protection and global issues.
There is no direct verb form like 'to climate.' You usually use it with verbs like '변하다' (to change) or '적응하다' (to adapt).
It means 'climatology,' the scientific study of climates.
Pronounce it as 'gi-hu'. The 'g' is soft, like 'gift', and the 'hu' is like 'who'.
Test Yourself 180 questions
'Climate change is serious.'를 한국어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'I like a warm climate.'를 한국어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'Korea has four seasons.'를 '기후'를 사용하여 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'Due to climate change, sea levels are rising.'을 한국어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
기후 위기에 대해 자신의 생각을 한 문장으로 쓰세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'We must adapt to the new climate.'를 한국어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'Climate justice protects the weak.'를 한국어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'The government signed the climate agreement.'를 한국어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'Climate affects agriculture.'를 한국어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
자신의 나라의 기후에 대해 간단히 설명해 보세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'Climate refugees are increasing.'을 한국어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'Stop climate change!'를 한국어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'What kind of climate do you like?'를 한국어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'Tropical climate is hot and humid.'를 한국어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
기후 변화의 원인 한 가지를 한국어로 쓰세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'Climate modeling is complex.'를 한국어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'Climate affects culture.'를 한국어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'Climate resilience is important for cities.'를 한국어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'Scientists warn about climate disaster.'를 한국어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
기후 변화를 막기 위해 내가 할 수 있는 일은?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
한국의 기후에 대해 말해 보세요.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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당신이 좋아하는 기후는 무엇인가요?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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기후 변화가 왜 위험하다고 생각하나요?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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기후 위기를 해결하기 위해 무엇을 해야 할까요?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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사막 기후의 특징을 설명해 보세요.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
기후 변화로 인해 우리 식탁이 어떻게 바뀔까요?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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기후 난민에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요?
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
기후 정의란 무엇이라고 생각하나요?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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미래의 기후는 어떤 모습일까요?
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
당신의 고향 기후를 자랑해 보세요.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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기후 변화를 막기 위한 개인의 노력은?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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기후와 날씨의 차이점을 설명해 보세요.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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가장 살고 싶지 않은 기후는?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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기후 변화 협약이 왜 중요한가요?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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기후 스마트 농업의 장점은?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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탄소 중립이 가능하다고 생각하나요?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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기후 변화로 사라질 위기에 처한 것은?
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
기후가 문화에 미친 영향의 사례는?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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기후 복원력을 높이는 방법은?
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
기후 변화에 대해 친구에게 설명해 보세요.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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뉴스를 듣고 주제를 고르세요. (Audio: '오늘 기후 위기에 대한 새로운 보고서가 발표되었습니다...')
대화를 듣고 여자가 좋아하는 기후를 고르세요. (Audio: '저는 습한 것보다 건조한 기후가 좋아요.')
설명을 듣고 어떤 단어인지 맞히세요. (Audio: '장기간의 날씨 패턴을 말하며, 30년 이상의 평균입니다.')
뉴스 리포트를 듣고 언급된 나라의 기후를 고르세요. (Audio: '영국은 전형적인 해양성 기후를 보입니다.')
대화를 듣고 남자가 왜 이사를 가려는지 맞히세요. (Audio: '여기는 기후가 너무 추워서 따뜻한 곳으로 가고 싶어요.')
강연을 듣고 기후 변화의 주범을 맞히세요. (Audio: '탄소 배출이 기후 변화의 가장 큰 원인입니다.')
대화를 듣고 여자가 걱정하는 것을 고르세요. (Audio: '기후 변화로 사과 가격이 너무 올랐어요.')
뉴스 단락을 듣고 파리 기후 협약의 목적을 맞히세요. (Audio: '지구 온도를 낮추기 위해 협약을 맺었습니다.')
설명을 듣고 기후의 종류를 맞히세요. (Audio: '일 년 내내 덥고 비가 많이 오는 지역입니다.')
대화를 듣고 두 사람이 할 일을 고르세요. (Audio: '기후 보호를 위해 나무를 심으러 가요.')
설명을 듣고 '기후 난민'의 정의를 맞히세요. (Audio: '환경 문제로 고향을 떠난 사람들을 말합니다.')
뉴스 요약을 듣고 기후 변화의 속도를 고르세요. (Audio: '기후 변화가 생각보다 빠르게 진행되고 있습니다.')
대화를 듣고 남자의 고향 기후를 고르세요. (Audio: '우리 고향은 사막 기후라 비가 거의 안 와요.')
강의의 핵심어를 고르세요. (Audio: '오늘은 기후 정의와 인권에 대해 배웁니다.')
대화를 듣고 여자가 휴가를 갈 곳의 기후를 고르세요. (Audio: '시원한 기후를 찾아서 산으로 갈 거예요.')
오늘 기후가 참 좋네요.
기후 변화를 대응해야 합니다.
한국은 열대 기후입니다.
'Save the Earth from climate change.'를 한국어로 쓰세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 기후 (Gihu) is a formal noun meaning 'climate.' It is used to describe permanent or long-term environmental patterns rather than daily weather. Example: '기후 변화' (Climate change).
- Gihu means climate, the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific region.
- It is different from 'nalssi' (weather), which refers to short-term daily changes.
- Commonly used in academic, scientific, and environmental contexts like 'climate change'.
- Essential for discussing geography, nature, and global environmental issues in Korean.
Context Matters
Use '기후' when discussing geography or global issues. Use '날씨' for daily life and making plans.
Learn Compounds
Learning '기후 변화' and '기후 위기' as single units will help you sound more natural in discussions.
TOPIK Success
Practice writing about the environment using '기후'. It's a high-scoring topic in the TOPIK writing section.
News Watching
Watch Korean weather reports; they often distinguish between '오늘의 날씨' (today's weather) and '기후 변화 뉴스' (climate change news).
Example
최근 기후 변화로 인해 폭염이 자주 발생합니다.
Related Content
More environment words
풍부하다
B1To be abundant or plentiful. Having a large quantity of something, especially resources, knowledge, or experience.
집적되다
B2To be accumulated or concentrated in one place. It is used in academic contexts to describe the concentration of population, wealth, or pollutants.
적응
B1The process of adjusting to new conditions, environments, or situations. It is often used in biology and psychology.
농업
B1The science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil and the rearing of animals. It is often discussed in relation to food security and climate change.
대기오염
B2The presence in or introduction into the air of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.
인위적
B2Not occurring naturally; created, caused, or influenced by human activity or intervention.
대기
B1The envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet. It is essential for describing air pollution and environmental issues in IELTS.
수용력
B2The maximum amount or number that a space, system, or organization can hold or handle. Often used in the context of tourism, ecology, or infrastructure limits.
이산화탄소
B1A colorless, odorless gas produced by burning carbon and organic compounds and by respiration; carbon dioxide (CO2).
탄소 배출
B2The release of carbon (especially carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere through human activities like burning fossil fuels.
