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응집성

B1 noun #9,000 most common 7 min read

응집성

eungjipseong Top 9,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 응집성 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 응집성 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '응집성' (eung-jip-seong) is quite a difficult word. You don't need to use it yet! Think of it as 'sticking together.' Imagine you are building a LEGO house. If the pieces stick together well, that is like '응집성.' In simple Korean, we usually say '잘 어울려요' (they go well together) or '연결돼요' (they are connected). You might hear this word if a teacher is talking about how to write a good sentence, but for now, just remember that it means things are working together as one team. It's a 'big word' for 'unity.' Don't worry about using it in your daily life until you reach a higher level of Korean study.

At the A2 level, you are starting to write short paragraphs. '응집성' is the secret ingredient that makes a paragraph easy to read. Even if you don't use the word itself, you are practicing the concept when you use words like '그리고' (and), '하지만' (but), and '그래서' (so). These words create '응집성' because they connect your thoughts. If you write 'I like apples. I go to school,' there is no cohesion. But if you say 'I like apples, so I eat one every day before school,' you have created a small bit of '응집성.' Recognizing this word in a reading test will help you understand that the question is asking about how the story flows or how the sentences are linked.

At the B1 level, you should start recognizing '응집성' in academic contexts and TOPIK preparation. It specifically refers to 'cohesion'—how sentences are grammatically and logically linked. To have good '응집성' in your writing, you need to use pronouns (like '이것', '그것') and transition words correctly. It's also used to describe how a group of people stays united. For example, a sports team with high '응집성' plays better because they trust each other. At this level, you should be able to understand a sentence like '이 글은 응집성이 부족해요' (This writing lacks cohesion) and know that you need to add better connecting words between your ideas.

At the B2 level, '응집성' becomes an essential part of your vocabulary for formal writing and debates. You are expected to not only understand the term but also use it to critique arguments or describe social phenomena. You will learn the difference between '응집성' (cohesion - the surface links) and '일관성' (coherence/consistency - the deeper logical flow). In a business context, you might discuss '조직 응집성' (organizational cohesion) to explain why a company is successful. You should be comfortable using this word in the subjective case (응집성이 높다/낮다) and as a noun to describe a specific quality of a text or group. It is a key term for expressing complex ideas about structure and unity.

For C1 learners, '응집성' is a nuanced tool used to analyze sophisticated texts and social dynamics. You will encounter it in literary criticism, sociological papers, and high-level journalism. You should understand its etymological roots (凝 - congeal, 集 - gather) and how that imagery applies to abstract concepts like 'social cohesion' or 'narrative integrity.' At this level, you can discuss how a lack of '응집성' in a political discourse leads to social fragmentation. You will also distinguish it from '결속력' (binding power), noting that '응집성' is an inherent quality while '결속력' often implies an external force or active effort to stay together. Your writing should demonstrate high '응집성' through advanced rhetorical devices.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '응집성' and can use it across multiple domains—from the physical properties of matter to the most abstract philosophical arguments. You can appreciate the stylistic choice of a writer who intentionally breaks '응집성' to create a sense of chaos or alienation (often seen in modernist literature). You understand how '응집성' operates on multiple layers: lexical, grammatical, and thematic. In professional settings, you might use the term to lead discussions on 'strategic alignment' or 'policy cohesion.' You are aware of the word's weight and formality, using it with precision to convey the exact degree of structural unity in any given system or text.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

응집성 in 30 Seconds

응집성 refers to the logical and grammatical 'stickiness' that holds sentences together in a text, making it easy for readers to follow the flow.
It is also used in physics to describe molecular attraction and in sociology to describe how united a group or community remains under pressure.
Commonly paired with adjectives like '높다' (high), '낮다' (low), or '부족하다' (insufficient), it is a formal word used in academic and professional contexts.
Mastering this concept is vital for high-level Korean writing, as it moves your skills from simple sentences to complex, persuasive, and professional narratives.

The Korean word 응집성 (凝集性) is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily to 'cohesion' or 'cohesiveness.' At its core, it describes the quality of different parts sticking together to form a unified, logical, and functional whole. While it has roots in physical sciences—describing how molecules of the same substance attract each other—it is most frequently encountered by language learners in the context of linguistics, logic, and writing. When a teacher tells you that your essay lacks 응집성, they aren't saying your ideas are bad; they are saying your ideas aren't 'glued' together well. The sentences might be grammatically correct individually, but they don't flow into one another, making the overall message disjointed.

Linguistic Context: In writing, 응집성 refers to the grammatical and lexical links that connect sentences. This includes the use of pronouns, conjunctions (like 'therefore' or 'however'), and the repetition of key themes that guide a reader through a text without confusion.
Scientific Context: In physics and chemistry, it describes the internal 'stickiness' of a material. For example, the way water droplets form a bead on a surface is a result of high 응집성 among water molecules.
Social Context: It is often used to describe the unity of a group or organization. A team with high 응집성 works harmoniously toward a single goal, with members supporting each other's roles effectively.

이 논문은 문장 간의 응집성이 부족하여 논리가 명확하지 않습니다.
— Translation: This paper lacks cohesion between sentences, so the logic is not clear.

Understanding 응집성 is essential for moving from an intermediate to an advanced level of Korean. It allows you to move beyond simple 'Subject-Object-Verb' structures and start building complex arguments. In Korean society, which values harmony and 'woori' (we-ness), the concept of parts forming a strong whole is culturally significant. Whether you are discussing the structural integrity of a new building or the logical flow of a K-drama plot, this word provides the precision needed to describe how things 'hold together.'

팀의 응집성을 높이기 위해 워크숍을 준비했습니다.
— Translation: We prepared a workshop to increase the team's cohesiveness.

To visualize this, imagine a brick wall. Each brick is a sentence. The cement between the bricks is the 응집성. Without the cement, the wall might stand for a moment, but any pressure will cause it to collapse. In your Korean journey, learning how to apply this 'linguistic cement' is what transforms a collection of words into a powerful narrative.

Using 응집성 correctly requires understanding its role as a formal noun. It is rarely used in casual, everyday speech (like talking to friends about what to eat), but it is a staple in academic, professional, and literary settings. It most commonly appears with verbs like 있다 (to have), 없다 (to lack), 높이다 (to increase/heighten), and 떨어지다 (to decrease/fall).

With Existence Verbs: You describe whether a text or group possesses this quality.
Example: "이 글은 전체적으로 응집성이 있다." (This text has cohesion overall.)
With Evaluative Adjectives: Used to judge the quality of work.
Example: "응집성이 부족한 문장은 독자를 혼란스럽게 한다." (Sentences lacking cohesion confuse the reader.)

좋은 수필은 주제를 향한 강력한 응집성을 보여줍니다.
— Translation: A good essay shows strong cohesion toward the theme.

When writing about 응집성, you can also use it as a modifier. For instance, 응집성 있는 구성 (a cohesive structure). This is particularly useful when giving feedback on someone's work or describing a well-organized event. In scientific papers, you might see 물질의 응집성 (the cohesiveness of matter), referring to the physical attraction between particles.

그의 연설은 응집성이 떨어져서 요점을 파악하기 힘들었다.
— Translation: His speech lacked cohesion, making it hard to grasp the main point.

You will encounter 응집성 in several specific environments. Understanding these domains will help you recognize the nuance of the word depending on the speaker's intent.

1. University Lectures and Seminars: Professors in the humanities or social sciences frequently use this word when discussing literature, philosophy, or social structures. They might analyze the 응집성 of a narrative or the 응집성 of a community during a crisis.
2. Business Strategy Meetings: In a corporate setting, managers talk about 'organizational cohesion' (조직의 응집성). They use it to describe how well different departments are working together or how aligned the employees are with the company's vision.
3. News and Documentaries: News anchors might use the term when reporting on social issues, such as the 'loosening of social cohesion' (사회적 응집성의 약화) in urban areas.

현대 사회에서는 공동체의 응집성을 유지하는 것이 중요한 과제입니다.
— Translation: In modern society, maintaining community cohesion is an important task.

In a creative context, like a movie review or a book critique, you might hear a critic say that a story lacks 응집성 because the subplots don't connect to the main ending. It's a high-level way of saying the story felt 'all over the place.' If you are watching a debate on Korean TV (like '100-Minute Debate'), you will likely hear the panelists questioning the 응집성 of their opponent's arguments.

While 응집성 is a powerful word, it is easy to misuse if you don't understand its specific constraints. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '일관성' (Consistency): While related, they are different. 일관성 means staying the same over time or across different parts (consistency). 응집성 means the parts are tightly connected (cohesion). A person can be 'consistent' in their behavior, but a group is 'cohesive' in their unity.
Mistake 2: Using in Casual Conversation: If you say to a friend, "우리 우정의 응집성이 좋네" (Our friendship's cohesion is good), it sounds like you're reading from a textbook. Use '우리가 정말 잘 맞네' (We really get along) or '사이가 좋네' (We have a good relationship) instead.

❌ 이 비빔밥은 맛의 응집성이 있네요.
✅ 이 비빔밥은 재료들이 조화롭네요. (The ingredients in this bibimbap are harmonious.)

Another mistake is overusing the word in a single paragraph. Because it is a heavy, four-syllable Sino-Korean word, using it too often can make your writing feel stiff. Professional writers often alternate between 응집성 and related terms like 결속력 (binding power) or 유대감 (sense of bond) to maintain a natural flow.

To truly master 응집성, you should know its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. This allows you to choose the perfect word for every situation.

응집성 vs. 일관성 (Cohesion vs. Consistency): 응집성 is about the connection between parts. 일관성 is about the lack of contradiction. A story can have cohesion (sentences follow each other) but lack consistency (the main character's name changes halfway through).
응집성 vs. 결속력 (Cohesion vs. Binding Power): 결속력 is more commonly used for social groups, like sports teams or political parties. While 응집성 is a 'quality,' 결속력 is the 'force' that keeps them together.
응집성 vs. 통일성 (Cohesion vs. Unity): 통일성 is the state of being one. In writing, 통일성 means all sentences support one main idea, while 응집성 means those sentences are linked together smoothly.

문장의 응집성은 독자의 이해를 돕지만, 주제의 통일성은 글의 목적을 달성하게 합니다.
— Translation: Cohesion of sentences helps the reader's understanding, but unity of theme achieves the purpose of the writing.

In physics, you might use 응집력 (cohesive force) instead of 응집성 (cohesiveness). The former focuses on the 'power' of attraction, while the latter focuses on the 'state' or 'property' of being cohesive. Using these interchangeably is usually fine in general conversation, but in technical writing, the distinction matters.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 凝 (응) is also used in words like '응고' (solidification/clotting) and '응시' (staring/gazing intently—as if your eyes are 'frozen' on something).

Pronunciation Guide

UK ɯŋ.dʑip.s͈ʌŋ

US ɯŋ.dʑip.s͈ʌŋ

In Korean, syllables generally have equal weight, but a slight emphasis on the first syllable '응' is common in formal speech.

Rhymes With

가능성 (Possibility) 적합성 (Suitability) 일관성 (Consistency) 창의성 (Creativity) 전문성 (Professionalism) 다양성 (Diversity) 안정성 (Stability) 중요성 (Importance)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '집' as 'jib' with a voiced 'b' (it should be an unvoiced stop).
Pronouncing '성' like 'song' (it should be 'seong').
Missing the nasal 'ng' in the first syllable.
Over-emphasizing the 'j' sound.
Making the 's' in 'seong' too soft; it often tenses up after 'p'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in academic texts, but requires context to understand which type of cohesion is meant.

Writing 5/5

Hard to use naturally without a strong grasp of formal Korean connectors.

Speaking 4/5

Rarely used in daily speech; sounds very intellectual.

Listening 3/5

Easy to hear once you know the -성 suffix pattern.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

연결 (Connection) 조직 (Organization) 글 (Writing) 팀 (Team) 부족 (Lack)

Learn Next

일관성 (Consistency) 개연성 (Probability/Likelihood) 타당성 (Validity) 객관성 (Objectivity) 주관성 (Subjectivity)

Advanced

상호텍스트성 (Intertextuality) 담화 분석 (Discourse analysis) 결속 기제 (Cohesive device) 사회 통합 (Social integration)

Grammar to Know

The Suffix -성 (性)

가능 (Possible) + 성 = 가능성 (Possibility)

Connecting Adverbs (접속 부사)

그래서, 그러나, 게다가 are essential for creating 응집성.

Noun Modifying Form (~는/은)

응집성이 있는 글 (A writing that has cohesion).

The Use of Pronouns (지시어)

Using '이', '그', '저' to refer back to previous nouns creates 응집성.

Formal Sentence Endings (~습니다/합니다)

Usually paired with 응집성 because of its formal register.

Examples by Level

이 팀은 응집성이 좋아요.

This team has good cohesion.

응집성 (cohesion) + 이 (subject marker) + 좋아요 (is good).

글의 응집성이 중요해요.

The cohesion of writing is important.

글 (writing) + 의 (possessive) + 응집성 (cohesion).

우리는 응집성이 필요해요.

We need cohesion.

필요해요 (need) takes the subject marker '이/가' on the object.

응집성이 무엇인가요?

What is cohesion?

무엇인가요 (what is it) is a polite question form.

응집성이 있으면 강해요.

If there is cohesion, it is strong.

~으면 (if) indicates a condition.

친구들과의 응집성을 느껴요.

I feel cohesion with my friends.

느껴요 (feel) is the present tense of 느끼다.

이 물건은 응집성이 없어요.

This thing has no cohesion.

없어요 (don't have/not exist) is the opposite of 있어요.

응집성을 배웁니다.

I learn about cohesion.

배웁니다 is the formal present tense.

좋은 글은 응집성이 있어야 합니다.

A good piece of writing must have cohesion.

~어야 합니다 (must/should) expresses necessity.

문장 사이의 응집성을 확인하세요.

Please check the cohesion between sentences.

~세요 (please) is a polite command.

이 그룹은 응집성이 부족해 보여요.

This group looks like it lacks cohesion.

~어 보여요 (looks like/seems) describes an appearance.

응집성을 높이려면 노력이 필요합니다.

To increase cohesion, effort is needed.

~려면 (in order to) expresses intention.

이야기의 응집성이 떨어지면 재미없어요.

If the story's cohesion falls, it's not fun.

떨어지면 (if it falls/decreases).

이 액체는 응집성이 매우 강합니다.

This liquid has very strong cohesion.

매우 (very) is an adverb.

응집성을 키우기 위해 대화합시다.

Let's talk to build cohesion.

~기 위해 (in order to) + ~읍시다 (let's).

그의 설명은 응집성이 부족했습니다.

His explanation lacked cohesion.

부족했습니다 is the past formal tense.

접속사를 사용하면 글의 응집성이 높아집니다.

Using conjunctions increases the cohesion of the writing.

높아집니다 (becomes higher) uses the ~어지다 (become) pattern.

사회적 응집성은 국가 발전의 기초입니다.

Social cohesion is the foundation of national development.

사회적 (social) modifies 응집성.

이 논문은 논리적 응집성이 뛰어납니다.

This paper has excellent logical cohesion.

뛰어납니다 (is excellent/outstanding).

조직의 응집성을 강화하기 위한 전략이 필요해요.

We need a strategy to strengthen organizational cohesion.

강화하기 위한 (for strengthening) modifies 전략.

문단 내에서 주제의 응집성을 유지하세요.

Maintain the cohesion of the theme within the paragraph.

내에서 (within).

응집성이 없는 주장은 설득력이 없습니다.

Arguments without cohesion are not persuasive.

설득력 (persuasive power).

물 분자 사이의 응집성 때문에 표면 장력이 생깁니다.

Surface tension occurs because of the cohesion between water molecules.

때문에 (because of) indicates a cause.

우리는 팀워크를 통해 응집성을 높였습니다.

We increased cohesion through teamwork.

통해 (through/via).

글의 응집성을 평가하는 기준은 여러 가지가 있다.

There are several criteria for evaluating the cohesion of writing.

평가하는 (evaluating) is a present participle modifying 기준.

정보의 응집성이 떨어지면 메시지 전달이 어렵다.

If the cohesion of information falls, message delivery is difficult.

전달 (delivery/transmission).

그 소설은 구성의 응집성이 다소 느슨하다.

The novel's structural cohesion is somewhat loose.

느슨하다 (to be loose/slack).

다양성 속에서 응집성을 찾는 것이 현대 사회의 과제다.

Finding cohesion within diversity is a challenge for modern society.

속에서 (within/inside).

응집성 있는 문체를 구사하기 위해 노력해야 한다.

One must strive to use a cohesive writing style.

구사하다 (to command/use a language or skill).

심리학에서는 집단 응집성이 개인의 만족도에 미치는 영향을 연구한다.

Psychology studies the effect of group cohesion on individual satisfaction.

미치는 영향 (influence exerted).

이 이론은 내부 응집성이 결여되어 비판을 받았다.

This theory was criticized for lacking internal cohesion.

결여되어 (lacking/devoid of).

브랜드 이미지는 마케팅 활동의 응집성에서 비롯된다.

Brand image stems from the cohesion of marketing activities.

비롯된다 (to originate/stem from).

텍스트의 응집성은 어휘적 연쇄와 문법적 결합을 통해 실현된다.

Textual cohesion is realized through lexical chains and grammatical combinations.

실현된다 (to be realized/implemented).

민족주의는 국가적 응집성을 강화하는 도구로 사용되기도 한다.

Nationalism is sometimes used as a tool to strengthen national cohesion.

~기도 한다 (also happens/sometimes does).

작가는 의도적으로 응집성을 파괴하여 현대인의 소외감을 표현했다.

The author intentionally destroyed cohesion to express the alienation of modern people.

의도적으로 (intentionally).

데이터 간의 응집성을 분석하여 유의미한 패턴을 찾아내야 합니다.

We must find meaningful patterns by analyzing the cohesion between data points.

유의미한 (meaningful/significant).

경제적 불평등은 사회의 응집성을 저해하는 주요 요인이다.

Economic inequality is a major factor that hinders social cohesion.

저해하는 (hindering/impeding).

법체계의 응집성이 확보되어야 법적 안정성이 유지될 수 있다.

Legal stability can be maintained only when the cohesion of the legal system is secured.

확보되어야 (must be secured).

그 연설가는 복잡한 논증을 응집성 있게 엮어내는 능력이 탁월하다.

The speaker has an outstanding ability to weave complex arguments together cohesively.

엮어내는 (weaving/knitting together).

공동체의 응집성은 위기 상황에서 더욱 빛을 발한다.

The cohesion of a community shines even more in times of crisis.

빛을 발한다 (to shine/show true value).

담론의 응집성은 발화자와 청자 사이의 상호 텍스트적 맥락에 의존한다.

The cohesion of discourse depends on the intertextual context between the speaker and the listener.

의존한다 (to depend on).

포스트모더니즘 문학에서는 전통적인 서사적 응집성이 해체되는 양상을 보인다.

In postmodern literature, there is a trend where traditional narrative cohesion is deconstructed.

해체되는 (being deconstructed).

거시적 관점에서 볼 때, 문화적 응집성은 문명의 존속을 결정짓는 핵심 기제이다.

From a macro perspective, cultural cohesion is a core mechanism that determines the survival of a civilization.

결정짓는 (deciding/determining).

해당 이론의 내부적 응집성을 검증하기 위해 엄밀한 논리적 분석이 수행되었다.

A rigorous logical analysis was conducted to verify the internal cohesion of the theory.

수행되었다 (was performed/carried out).

도시 계획에 있어서 공간적 응집성은 주민의 삶의 질과 직결된다.

In urban planning, spatial cohesion is directly linked to the quality of life of residents.

직결된다 (to be directly connected).

정치적 양극화는 민주주의 체제의 응집성을 근본적으로 위협하고 있다.

Political polarization is fundamentally threatening the cohesion of the democratic system.

위협하고 있다 (is threatening).

언어학적 응집성 장치들은 단순한 연결을 넘어 의미의 층위를 형성한다.

Linguistic cohesive devices go beyond simple connection to form layers of meaning.

층위 (layer/stratum).

예술 작품에서 형식과 내용의 응집성은 미적 가치를 완성하는 필수 요소이다.

In a work of art, the cohesion of form and content is an essential element that completes aesthetic value.

필수 요소 (essential element).

Synonyms

결합력 통일성 연관성 밀착성

Antonyms

분산 단절 비일관성

Common Collocations

응집성이 높다

응집성이 떨어지다

사회적 응집성

논리적 응집성

조직 응집성

응집성을 강화하다

응집성을 해치다

내부 응집성

응집성을 확보하다

집단 응집성

Common Phrases

응집성 있는 글

— A cohesive piece of writing. It refers to a text where sentences are logically linked.

응집성 있는 글을 쓰려면 접속어를 잘 사용해야 합니다.

응집성이 부족하다

— Lacking cohesion. Used when something is disjointed or uncoordinated.

그의 연설은 응집성이 부족해 무슨 말을 하는지 모르겠다.

응집성을 잃다

— To lose cohesion. Used when a group or text falls apart.

정체성을 잃으면 사회는 응집성을 잃게 됩니다.

응집성의 원리

— The principle of cohesion. Often used in linguistic theory.

응집성의 원리를 이해하면 좋은 글을 쓸 수 있다.

강력한 응집성

— Strong cohesion. Used to describe a very tight-knit group or argument.

이 소설은 주제를 향한 강력한 응집성을 보여준다.

응집성이 결여되다

— To be devoid of cohesion. A more formal way to say 'lacking.'

이 계획은 구체적인 목표와 응집성이 결여되어 있다.

응집성을 높이다

— To increase cohesion. An active effort to improve unity.

우리는 대화를 통해 팀의 응집성을 높이기로 했다.

응집성을 평가하다

— To evaluate cohesion. Often used in grading or analysis.

교수님은 우리 레포트의 응집성을 평가하셨다.

응집성의 약화

— The weakening of cohesion. Often used in social or physical contexts.

가족 간의 대화 단절은 응집성의 약화를 초래한다.

응집성을 바탕으로

— Based on cohesion. Used when cohesion is the foundation of something.

탄탄한 응집성을 바탕으로 승리를 거두었습니다.

Often Confused With

응집성 vs 일관성 (Consistency)

Consistency is about not changing; Cohesion is about sticking together.

응집성 vs 통일성 (Unity)

Unity is about having one purpose; Cohesion is about the links between parts.

응집성 vs 응축 (Condensation)

Condensation is making something smaller; Cohesion is making something unified.

Idioms & Expressions

"모래알 같다"

— Like grains of sand. This is the idiomatic opposite of 응집성. It describes a group that doesn't stick together.

그 부서 사람들은 응집성이 없어서 모래알 같아요.

Informal/Metaphorical

"똘똘 뭉치다"

— To bundle or clump together tightly. Describes a high degree of 응집성 in a group.

우리 팀원들은 위기 상황에서 똘똘 뭉쳤다.

Neutral/Common

"손발이 맞다"

— To have hands and feet match. Describes perfect coordination and cohesion in action.

우리 둘은 정말 손발이 잘 맞아서 일이 금방 끝나요.

Informal

"한마음 한뜻"

— One heart, one mind. Describes total emotional and ideological cohesion.

모두가 한마음 한뜻으로 응원했습니다.

Formal/Warm

"실과 바늘"

— Thread and needle. Describes two things that have inseparable cohesion.

그 둘은 실과 바늘처럼 항상 같이 다녀요.

Neutral

"톱니바퀴처럼 돌아가다"

— To turn like gears. Describes a system with perfect structural cohesion.

회사가 톱니바퀴처럼 잘 돌아가고 있습니다.

Neutral

"물과 기름"

— Water and oil. Describes two things that lack any 응집성 together.

그 두 사람은 물과 기름처럼 섞이지 않아요.

Neutral

"찰떡궁합"

— Sticky rice cake match. Describes a perfect, cohesive fit between two people.

우리는 정말 찰떡궁합인 것 같아.

Informal

"뿌리 깊은"

— Deep-rooted. Often used to describe a cohesion that is very strong and historical.

우리 마을은 뿌리 깊은 공동체 응집성을 가지고 있다.

Literary

"맥을 같이하다"

— To share the same pulse/vein. Used for ideas that have logical cohesion with each other.

이 정책은 이전 정부의 계획과 맥을 같이합니다.

Formal

Easily Confused

응집성 vs 응집력

Both share the root '응집'.

응집력 is the 'force' (power), while 응집성 is the 'quality' (nature). You have 응집성, but you apply 응집력.

물 분자 사이의 응집력은 매우 강하다.

응집성 vs 결속력

Both mean sticking together.

결속력 is almost exclusively used for people and groups. 응집성 is more general and used for writing and science.

우리 팀은 결속력이 뛰어나다.

응집성 vs 밀착

Both imply closeness.

밀착 is physical proximity or contact (sticking to a surface). 응집성 is internal unity.

마스크를 얼굴에 밀착시키세요.

응집성 vs 합치

Both imply coming together.

합치 is the act of agreeing or coinciding. 응집성 is the structural quality of the result.

양측의 의견이 합치되었다.

응집성 vs 연결

Both involve joining parts.

연결 is the simple act of connecting. 응집성 is the overall quality of that connection forming a whole.

인터넷 연결이 끊겼다.

Sentence Patterns

A은/는 응집성이 있다/없다.

이 글은 응집성이 있습니다.

응집성을 높이기 위해서 ~해야 한다.

응집성을 높이기 위해서 접속사를 써야 한다.

A의 응집성이 떨어지면 B하기 어렵다.

글의 응집성이 떨어지면 이해하기 어렵다.

응집성 있는 A을/를 구성하다.

응집성 있는 문장을 구성하다.

A은/는 B의 응집성을 저해하는 요인이다.

갈등은 팀의 응집성을 저해하는 요인이다.

A을/를 통해 응집성을 확보하다.

논리적 전개를 통해 응집성을 확보하다.

A과/와 B의 응집성은 C에 직결된다.

형식과 내용의 응집성은 예술성에 직결된다.

응집성의 결여는 A의 해체로 이어진다.

응집성의 결여는 공동체의 해체로 이어진다.

Word Family

Nouns

응집 (Cohesion/Aggregation)

응집력 (Cohesive force)

응집체 (Aggregate/Cohesive body)

Verbs

응집하다 (To cohere/aggregate)

응집되다 (To be cohered/aggregated)

Adjectives

응집적이다 (To be cohesive - adjectival form)

결속

단결

통합

밀도

점성

How to Use It

frequency

Common in writing, rare in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using '응집성' for personal relationships casually. → 우리 사이가 정말 좋아요. (We have a good relationship.)
'응집성' is too formal for friends. It sounds like a scientific report.
Confusing '응집성' with '응축'. → 이 글은 응집성이 있다. (This writing is cohesive.)
'응축' means condensation (like steam to water). They are not the same.
Using '응집성' when you mean 'consistent behavior'. → 그는 일관성 있는 태도를 보였다. (He showed a consistent attitude.)
'일관성' is for behavior over time; '응집성' is for parts forming a whole.
Forgetting the subject marker '이'. → 응집성이 부족해요.
In 'A lacks B', Korean often uses 'B가/이 부족하다'.
Using '응집성' for food texture. → 이 밥은 찰기가 있어요. (This rice is sticky.)
Food stickiness uses '찰기' or '끈기', not '응집성'.

Tips

Learn the Suffix

Learning the '-성' suffix will unlock hundreds of other Korean nouns like '가능성' and '중요성'. It always indicates a quality or property.

Use Conjunctions

To show '응집성' in your writing, master the use of '따라서' (therefore), '하지만' (however), and '게다가' (furthermore).

Group with Synonyms

Store '응집성' in your brain next to '결속력' and '일관성'. Knowing how they differ will help you choose the right word in formal situations.

Subject Marker

Remember that '응집성' is usually the subject of '있다' or '없다'. Use the marker '이' (응집성이 있다).

Formal Contexts

Save this word for presentations, interviews, or academic discussions. Using it in a bar might make you look a bit too serious!

Topic Sentences

When reading, the first sentence of a paragraph often sets the '응집성' for the rest. Pay close attention to how the second sentence links to it.

Group Unity

Understand that in Korea, group cohesion is a virtue. This word carries a weight of 'strength through unity' in many social contexts.

News Keywords

If you hear '응집성' on the news, the reporter is likely talking about whether a group of people or a country is staying together or falling apart.

The Glue Image

Always visualize 'cohesion' as glue. Whether it's glue for molecules, glue for sentences, or glue for people, it's all '응집성'.

Academic Precision

For advanced learners, try to use '응집성' to describe the 'structural' unity and '일관성' to describe the 'logical' unity.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Eung-Jip-Seong' as 'Engineering Joint Strength.' It's about how well the joints (sentences) of your 'engineering project' (essay) hold together.

Visual Association

Imagine a drop of superglue (응집성) holding a chain of words together. If the glue is strong, the chain won't break.

Word Web

Writing Logic Unity Physics Teamwork Connection Grammar Flow

Challenge

Write three sentences about your favorite hobby. Then, look at those sentences and add one word (like '그래서' or '또한') to each to improve their 응집성.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja) characters: 凝 (응) + 集 (집) + 性 (성).

Original meaning: 凝 (응) means 'to congeal' or 'to freeze'; 集 (집) means 'to gather' or 'to collect'; 性 (성) means 'nature' or 'quality.' Together, it literally means 'the quality of gathering and congealing.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but be careful not to use this word in overly emotional or personal settings where simpler words like '사랑' (love) or '믿음' (trust) are more appropriate.

English speakers often use 'cohesion' and 'coherence' interchangeably, but in linguistics, 'cohesion' (응집성) is the surface structure, while 'coherence' (일관성) is the underlying meaning.

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) Writing Guidelines Korean high school 'Literature and Composition' textbooks Sociological studies on 'The Cohesion of the Korean People'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Writing

논리적 응집성을 갖추다
문단 간의 응집성
텍스트의 응집성 분석
응집성 있는 구성

Business/Management

조직의 응집성 강화
팀 응집성 향상
응집성 있는 브랜드 이미지
사내 응집성

Science/Physics

분자 간의 응집성
물질의 응집성
액체의 응집성
응집성 있는 입자

Sociology

사회적 응집성 유지
공동체 응집성
응집성의 약화
국가적 응집성

Art/Literature Critique

서사의 응집성
작품의 응집성
응집성 있는 연출
주제적 응집성

Conversation Starters

"이 글의 응집성을 높이려면 어떤 접속사를 쓰는 게 좋을까요?"

"우리 팀의 응집성을 높이기 위해 무엇을 하면 좋을까요?"

"최근 사회적 응집성이 약해지고 있다는 의견에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"이 영화는 영상미는 좋은데 스토리의 응집성이 좀 부족하지 않나요?"

"좋은 글의 기준에서 응집성이 차지하는 비중은 얼마나 될까요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 쓴 글 중에서 응집성이 가장 좋았던 글은 무엇인가요? 그 이유는 무엇입니까?

내가 속한 집단(학교, 회사 등)의 응집성을 1점부터 10점까지 매긴다면 몇 점일까요?

사회적 응집성을 해치는 가장 큰 요인은 무엇이라고 생각하는지 서술해 보세요.

응집성 있는 삶이란 무엇일까요? 자신의 가치관과 행동이 얼마나 일치하는지 적어 보세요.

오늘 하루 동안 내가 한 일들 사이에 어떤 응집성이 있었는지 찾아보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Focus on using 'cohesive devices' (결속 기제). This includes using conjunctions like '그러므로' (therefore) and '반면에' (on the other hand), and using pronouns like '이러한' (this kind of) to link back to previous sentences. Make sure every sentence naturally follows the one before it.

It is grammatically possible but sounds very cold and clinical. It's better to use '유대감' (bond) or '친밀감' (intimacy). Use '응집성' only if you are writing a sociological paper about relationships.

In Korean, '응집성' is 'cohesion' (the visible links), and '일관성' or '통합성' is closer to 'coherence' (the overall logical sense). A text can have '응집성' (connectors) but lack '일관성' (the logic doesn't make sense).

Yes, it is used in physics and chemistry to describe the attraction between like molecules, such as how water molecules stick to each other to form drops.

Use '응집성' when describing the 'quality' (e.g., The cohesion of this essay is good). Use '응집력' when describing the 'force' or 'power' (e.g., The cohesive force of the team is strong).

Common antonyms include '분산성' (dispersiveness) or '이질성' (heterogeneity). In a writing context, you might say '비논리적' (illogical) or '산만함' (distraction/scatteredness).

Usually no. For food texture, Koreans use words like '찰기' (stickiness of rice) or '점성' (viscosity/stickiness). '응집성' sounds too scientific for the kitchen.

The 'p' in '집' (jip) is an unreleased stop. Your lips should close to make the 'p' sound, but you don't release a puff of air. This makes the following 's' in '성' sound like a double 'ss' (s͈).

Very common. You will hear it in reports about '사회적 응집성' (social cohesion) or '국가적 응집성' (national cohesion), especially during times of crisis or election.

Generally, yes, as it implies order and unity. However, in some contexts (like groupthink), too much cohesion can be seen as negative, though '폐쇄성' (closedness) is more often used for that.