At the A1 level, you don't need to use '구성' (guseong) often in your own speaking, but you might see it in very simple contexts. Think of it as a way to say 'made of' or 'parts.' For example, if you see a picture of a family, a teacher might say '가족 구성' to mean 'who is in the family.' It is a bit formal for a beginner, but it is good to recognize it as a word that talks about 'what is inside' a group or a thing. You can remember it by thinking of 'group' or 'parts.' At this stage, just focus on the fact that it means things coming together to make one thing.
At the A2 level, you can start using '구성' in simple sentences, especially with the verb '구성되다' (to be composed of). You might use it to describe your family, your class, or a simple recipe. For example, '우리 반은 10명으로 구성되어 있어요' (Our class is composed of 10 people). This is a great way to sound more professional than just saying '있어요' (there is). You should also learn the word '구성원' (member), which is a very common way to talk about people in a group. It helps you describe the 'makeup' of things around you in a slightly more organized way.
At the B1 level, '구성' becomes a very important word for writing and discussing more complex topics. You will use it to talk about the 'structure' of an essay or a story. If you are writing a Korean essay, you need to think about the '구성' (introduction, body, conclusion). You will also hear this word in the news or in documentaries when they talk about how a government is formed or how a team is put together. You should understand the difference between '구성' (composition) and '구조' (structure). '구성' is more about the parts and the members, while '구조' is more about the physical frame. This is the level where you start using it to describe abstract things like the 'composition of a plot' in a movie.
At the B2 level, you should be able to use '구성' fluently in academic and professional settings. You will use it to discuss '인적 구성' (human resources makeup), '성분 구성' (chemical/ingredient composition), and '시스템 구성' (system configuration). You should be comfortable using the Hanja roots (構 and 成) to understand related words like '재구성' (reconstruction) or '구성 요소' (component). You will also encounter it in literary analysis, where the '구성' of a poem or novel is analyzed for its artistic merit. You should be able to critique the '구성' of a presentation, noting if it is '탄탄하다' (solid) or '허술하다' (loose/weak).
At the C1 level, '구성' is used in highly nuanced ways. You will encounter it in legal texts (the composition of a crime or '범죄 구성 요건'), philosophical debates (the social construction of reality), and advanced scientific papers. You should understand how '구성' interacts with concepts like '유기적' (organic), as in '유기적인 구성' (an organic composition where all parts are perfectly interconnected). You will also use it to describe the 'reconstruction' of historical events or crime scenes ('사건의 재구성'). At this level, you are expected to use the word to describe the fundamental makeup of complex systems and abstract theories with precision.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of '구성' and its place within the broader Korean vocabulary. You can use it to discuss the 'ontological composition' of being or the 'structuralist composition' of society in academic discourse. You understand the subtle poetic nuances when a writer talks about the 'composition of light' in a painting or the 'composition of silence' in a musical piece. You can effortlessly switch between '구성', '조직', '체계', and '형성' to convey the exact shade of meaning required. You are also familiar with historical and archaic uses of the word in classical literature and can explain its Hanja etymology in depth to others.

구성 in 30 Seconds

  • Refers to the composition, structure, or makeup of a whole.
  • Used for social groups, physical substances, and abstract works like literature.
  • Commonly paired with -하다 (to compose) or -되다 (to be composed).
  • Essential for discussing organization and logical arrangement in formal contexts.

The Korean word 구성 (Guseong) is a foundational noun that translates most directly to 'composition,' 'structure,' 'organization,' or 'makeup.' At its core, it describes the specific way in which various individual elements are brought together, arranged, and integrated to create a unified whole. Whether you are talking about the physical ingredients of a chemical compound, the structural layout of a literary novel, the demographic makeup of a population, or the organizational hierarchy of a corporate team, 구성 is the word you need. It is derived from the Hanja characters 構 (얽을 구), meaning to frame or build, and 成 (이룰 성), meaning to achieve or complete. Together, they imply a 'completed framework.'

Abstract Composition
In literature and art, it refers to the plot structure or the arrangement of visual elements. For example, a movie with a 'tight composition' (탄탄한 구성) is one where every scene serves a purpose and the pacing is perfect.
Social and Human Makeup
It is frequently used to describe the members of a group. When a committee is formed, the act of selecting members and defining their roles is called '구성.' The members themselves are referred to as '구성원' (composition members).
Physical and Technical Structure
In science and engineering, it refers to the components of a substance or a system. A computer's hardware configuration or the chemical composition of an alloy uses this term to denote the specific parts that make up the entity.

이 소설은 탄탄한 구성 덕분에 독자들에게 큰 인기를 끌고 있습니다.

— Translation: This novel is gaining great popularity among readers thanks to its solid structure.

In everyday life, you will encounter this word in news reports discussing the '구성' of a new government cabinet, in school when learning about the '구성' of an essay (introduction, body, conclusion), and in business when discussing the '구성' of a project team. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between technical jargon and common descriptive language. Understanding '구성' allows you to describe not just what something is, but how it is built from the inside out. It implies a sense of intentionality—that the parts didn't just fall together, but were organized with a specific purpose or logic in mind.

우리 팀은 다양한 분야의 전문가들로 구성되어 있습니다.

— Translation: Our team is composed of experts from various fields.
Common Collocations
구성 요소 (Component/Element), 구성원 (Member), 재구성 (Reconstruction/Restructuring), 구성하다 (To compose/organize).

Using 구성 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. Most commonly, it functions as a noun that can be turned into a verb by adding -하다 (to compose/organize) or -되다 (to be composed/organized). The passive form 구성되다 is exceptionally frequent in Korean when describing the makeup of a group or object.

물은 수소와 산소로 구성되어 있습니다.

— Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen.

When you want to describe the quality of a composition, you use adjectives like 탄탄하다 (solid/tight), 치밀하다 (elaborate/meticulous), or 단순하다 (simple). In literary criticism, you might say a plot's 구성 is weak (구성이 허술하다), meaning the story doesn't hold together well. In a business context, you might discuss the '인적 구성' (human makeup) of a department, focusing on the diversity of skills and backgrounds.

Sentence Pattern: A는 B로 구성되다
This is the standard way to say 'A is composed of B.' Note the use of the particle -로/으로 to indicate the materials or members. Example: '가족은 네 명으로 구성되어 있어요.' (The family is composed of four people.)
Sentence Pattern: B가 A를 구성하다
The active form where the components are the subject. Example: '세포가 생물체를 구성합니다.' (Cells compose living organisms.)

In creative writing, 구성 is often used to discuss the 'architecture' of the narrative. A writer might spend weeks on the '구성 단계' (composition stage) before writing a single word of dialogue. This involves outlining chapters, character arcs, and thematic development. Similarly, in music, it refers to the arrangement of instruments and the progression of sections (verse, chorus, bridge).

정부는 새로운 위원회의 구성안을 발표했습니다.

— The government announced the plan for the composition of the new committee.

You will hear 구성 in a variety of high-stakes and professional environments. It is not a word typically used in very casual slang, but it is essential for adult-level conversation. In a news broadcast, the anchor might talk about the '세대 구성' (generational makeup) of voters in an upcoming election. This refers to the percentage of young vs. old voters and how that 'composition' might influence the outcome.

In the Workplace
During a strategy meeting, a manager might say, '팀 구성을 다시 해야 할 것 같습니다' (I think we need to reorganize the team composition). Here, it implies moving people around or adding new members to optimize performance.
In Academic Settings
Teachers often critique students' essays by saying '구성이 논리적이지 않아요' (The composition is not logical). This means the flow of ideas from the introduction to the conclusion is disjointed.

이 제품은 친환경 소재로 구성되어 있어 안전합니다.

— This product is composed of eco-friendly materials, so it is safe.

In the world of technology, '시스템 구성' (system configuration) is a common phrase. When you buy a new computer, the '구성 품목' (included items/components) list tells you exactly what is in the box. If you are into photography or art, '구도와 구성' (composition and framing) are the two most discussed elements of a great shot. While '구도' is the physical angle, '구성' is the intentional placement of subjects within that frame to create a specific feeling or message.

사건의 재구성을 통해 진실을 밝혀내야 합니다.

— We must reveal the truth through the reconstruction of the incident.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 구성 with similar-sounding or related words like 구조 (structure), 조직 (organization), or 작성 (writing/filling out). While they overlap, their specific applications are distinct.

구성 vs. 구조
Think of 구조 as the 'skeleton'—the hard, unchanging frame. Think of 구성 as the 'ingredients' or 'membership.' You talk about the '구조' of a building (beams, floors) but the '구성' of the people living inside it or the '구성' of the interior design elements.
구성 vs. 조직
조직 usually refers to a formal organization like a company, a biological tissue, or the act of organizing a group into a hierarchy. 구성 is broader; it describes the makeup of that organization. You '조직' (organize) a club, and then you look at its '구성' (who is in it).

Another mistake is using 구성 when you simply mean 'making' something. If you are making a sandwich, you don't usually say you are '구성-ing' it unless you are a food scientist discussing its nutritional makeup. For everyday creation, use '만들다'. Save '구성' for when you are talking about the logical arrangement of parts or the formal assembly of a group.

잘못된 표현: 이 책은 5장으로 구성해요. (X)
올바른 표현: 이 책은 5장으로 구성되어 있어요. (O)

To truly master 구성, you should understand its synonyms and how they differ in register and context. Korean has many words for 'making' or 'organizing,' and choosing the right one shows high proficiency.

조성 (Joseong) - Creation/Formation
Often used for creating an atmosphere, a park, or a fund. While '구성' is about the parts, '조성' is about the act of bringing something into existence. Example: '분위기 조성' (creating an atmosphere).
형성 (Hyeongseong) - Formation/Molding
Used for things that develop over time, like '인격 형성' (personality formation) or '여론 형성' (formation of public opinion). It implies a process of taking shape.
배합 (Baehap) - Mixture/Combination
Used specifically for mixing ingredients, colors, or chemicals in specific ratios. You '구성' a team, but you '배합' colors on a palette.

In more formal or academic writing, you might see 체계 (system/hierarchy). While '구성' tells you what's in the box, '체계' tells you how those things work together in a functional system. For example, '언어의 구성' (the components of language) vs. '언어의 체계' (the systematic rules of language). Choosing '구성' is the safest bet when you are simply listing or describing the parts that make up a whole.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 構 (Gu) originally depicted a wooden frame of a house, emphasizing the structural aspect of composition.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ku.sʌŋ/
US /ku.sʌŋ/
Even stress on both syllables.
Rhymes With
정성 (Jeongseong) 형성 (Hyeongseong) 반성 (Banseong) 달성 (Dalseong) 함성 (Hamseong) 음성 (Eumseong) 행성 (Haengseong) 본성 (Bonseong)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'eo' like 'o' (Gusong).
  • Aspirating the 'k' in 'ku' too much (Kuseong).
  • Making the 'u' sound too long like 'koo'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and books, easy to recognize.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of particles like -로/으로.

Speaking 3/5

Useful for professional descriptions.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with '구조'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

부분 (Part) 전체 (Whole) 만들다 (To make) 사람 (Person)

Learn Next

구조 (Structure) 조직 (Organization) 형성 (Formation) 체계 (System)

Advanced

구성주의 (Constructivism) 구성 요건 (Constitutive elements) 재구성 (Reconstruction)

Grammar to Know

-로/으로 구성되다

물은 수소와 산소로 구성된다.

-을/를 구성하다

그는 위원회를 구성했다.

Noun + 간의 구성

부품 간의 구성이 중요하다.

Adjective + 구성

치밀한 구성이 돋보인다.

재- (Prefix for 're-')

사건의 재구성

Examples by Level

1

가족 구성을 말해 보세요.

Tell me about your family composition.

Noun + 을/를 (Object marker)

2

이 팀은 세 명이에요.

This team is three people. (Simple way to say composition)

Informal polite ending -이에요

3

우리 반 구성을 봐요.

Look at our class composition.

Imperative -봐요

4

이것은 물의 구성이에요.

This is the composition of water.

Possessive marker -의

5

축구 팀은 11명이에요.

A soccer team is 11 people.

Topic marker -은

6

그림의 구성을 보세요.

Look at the composition of the picture.

Noun + 의 + Noun

7

책의 구성이 좋아요.

The book's organization is good.

Subject marker -이

8

노래 구성을 알아요?

Do you know the song's structure?

Question form

1

우리 팀은 5명으로 구성되어 있습니다.

Our team is composed of 5 people.

-으로 구성되어 있다 (State of being composed of)

2

이 요리는 채소로 구성됩니다.

This dish is composed of vegetables.

-로 구성되다 (Passive form)

3

위원회 구성을 마쳤습니다.

We finished forming the committee.

Past tense -았습니다

4

이 책은 세 부분으로 구성돼요.

This book is composed of three parts.

Shortened form of 되어 -> 돼

5

가족 구성원이 몇 명이에요?

How many family members are there?

구성원 (Member)

6

시험은 세 과목으로 구성됩니다.

The exam consists of three subjects.

Formal ending -습니다

7

이 세트는 여러 물건으로 구성되어 있어요.

This set is composed of several items.

Polite ending -어 있어요

8

마을 구성을 살펴봅시다.

Let's look at the village layout.

Suggestive -읍시다

1

이 소설은 독특한 구성을 가지고 있습니다.

This novel has a unique structure.

Adjective + Noun

2

발표의 구성을 논리적으로 짜야 합니다.

You must organize the presentation's structure logically.

-게 (Adverbializer)

3

인구 구성이 고령화되고 있습니다.

The population composition is aging.

-고 있다 (Progressive)

4

이 영화는 액션과 로맨스의 구성이 잘 어울려요.

This movie's composition of action and romance fits well.

Subject marker -이

5

팀 구성을 변경할 계획입니다.

We plan to change the team composition.

-ㄹ 계획이다 (Plan to)

6

문장의 구성을 분석해 보세요.

Try analyzing the sentence structure.

-어 보다 (Try doing)

7

이 물질의 화학적 구성을 알아봅시다.

Let's find out the chemical composition of this substance.

Scientific context

8

기사의 구성이 아주 탄탄하네요.

The article's structure is very solid.

Exclamatory ending -네요

1

정부는 국무위원 구성안을 심의했습니다.

The government deliberated on the proposal for the composition of cabinet members.

Formal vocabulary: 심의하다

2

이 단체는 다양한 국적의 사람들로 구성되어 있습니다.

This organization is composed of people of various nationalities.

Noun + 의 + Noun

3

사건의 재구성을 통해 범인을 잡았습니다.

They caught the criminal through the reconstruction of the incident.

재구성 (Reconstruction)

4

이 프로그램은 10개의 에피소드로 구성될 예정입니다.

This program is scheduled to consist of 10 episodes.

-ㄹ 예정이다 (Scheduled to)

5

그의 논문은 논리적인 구성이 돋보입니다.

His thesis stands out for its logical structure.

돋보이다 (To stand out)

6

대기 구성 성분 중 질소가 가장 많습니다.

Among the components of the atmosphere, nitrogen is the most abundant.

Superlative context

7

위원회는 전문가 7명으로 구성하기로 했습니다.

It was decided to compose the committee with 7 experts.

-기로 하다 (Decide to)

8

이 건물의 공간 구성이 매우 효율적입니다.

The spatial organization of this building is very efficient.

Efficient (효율적)

1

범죄의 구성 요건을 충족해야 처벌이 가능합니다.

Punishment is possible only if the constitutive elements of the crime are met.

Legal terminology: 구성 요건

2

작가는 파격적인 구성을 통해 주제를 전달합니다.

The author conveys the theme through an unconventional structure.

Literary context

3

사회적 구성주의 관점에서 교육을 바라봅니다.

Education is viewed from the perspective of social constructivism.

Academic: 구성주의 (Constructivism)

4

이 교향곡은 4악장 구성으로 이루어져 있습니다.

This symphony consists of a four-movement structure.

Musical terminology

5

단백질의 아미노산 구성을 분석하는 연구입니다.

This is a study analyzing the amino acid composition of proteins.

Scientific research context

6

내러티브의 유기적인 구성이 이 영화의 핵심입니다.

The organic composition of the narrative is the core of this movie.

Advanced adjective: 유기적

7

정치적 이해관계에 따라 위원회 구성이 지연되고 있습니다.

The formation of the committee is being delayed due to political interests.

-에 따라 (According to)

8

신화의 구조와 구성을 비교 분석한 논문입니다.

This is a paper comparing and analyzing the structure and composition of myths.

Comparative analysis

1

존재의 본질적 구성을 탐구하는 형이상학적 질문입니다.

It is a metaphysical question exploring the essential composition of existence.

Philosophical context

2

언어적 구성물로서의 자아에 대해 토론해 봅시다.

Let's discuss the self as a linguistic construct.

Advanced concept: 구성물 (Construct)

3

이 텍스트는 파편화된 이미지들의 병렬적 구성으로 이루어져 있습니다.

This text consists of a parallel composition of fragmented images.

Literary theory

4

거시 경제의 구성 지표들을 면밀히 검토해야 합니다.

The constituent indicators of the macroeconomy must be closely examined.

Economic terminology

5

헌법의 구성 원리는 민주주의에 기반하고 있습니다.

The organizing principles of the constitution are based on democracy.

Political science

6

시공간의 구성을 재정의하는 물리학 이론입니다.

It is a physics theory that redefines the composition of space-time.

Theoretical physics

7

예술 작품의 형식적 구성미가 극에 달했습니다.

The formal beauty of the artwork's composition has reached its peak.

Aesthetic terminology: 구성미

8

담론의 구성을 통해 권력 관계를 분석할 수 있습니다.

Power relations can be analyzed through the construction of discourse.

Sociological theory

Antonyms

분해 해체

Common Collocations

구성 요소
구성원
인적 구성
재구성하다
탄탄한 구성
가족 구성
화학적 구성
시스템 구성
위원회를 구성하다
공간 구성

Common Phrases

구성되다

— To be composed of or made up of.

이 책은 5장으로 구성되어 있다.

구성을 짜다

— To plan or organize a structure (usually for a story or plan).

발표 구성을 짜는 중이에요.

구성미

— The beauty of a composition (in art or design).

이 그림은 구성미가 뛰어나다.

구성안

— A draft or plan for a composition/organization.

새로운 팀 구성안을 제출하세요.

구성 물질

— The constituent materials of something.

우주의 구성 물질을 연구하다.

인구 구성

— The demographic makeup of a population.

인구 구성의 고령화 문제.

문장 구성

— The structure of a sentence.

문장 구성이 어색합니다.

극적 구성

— Dramatic structure/composition.

이 연극은 극적 구성이 훌륭하다.

내용 구성

— The organization of content.

보고서의 내용 구성을 확인하세요.

회원 구성

— The makeup of members in a club or group.

회원 구성이 다양해졌습니다.

Often Confused With

구성 vs 구조

Structure. Use for physical frames or skeletons.

구성 vs 조직

Organization. Use for formal institutions or biological tissues.

구성 vs 형성

Formation. Use for the process of taking shape over time.

Idioms & Expressions

"뼈대를 구성하다"

— To form the skeleton/framework of something (often used for ideas).

이 이론이 우리 연구의 뼈대를 구성합니다.

Neutral
"진용을 구성하다"

— To form a lineup or a team (often in sports or politics).

새로운 내각의 진용을 구성했습니다.

Formal
"틀을 구성하다"

— To set the frame or mold for something.

사고의 틀을 구성하는 것이 중요합니다.

Neutral
"진영을 구성하다"

— To form a camp or faction.

두 세력이 대립하는 진영을 구성했다.

Formal
"판을 구성하다"

— To set the stage or create the environment for an event.

새로운 비즈니스 판을 구성하고 있습니다.

Informal/Business
"맥락을 구성하다"

— To build a context.

이야기의 맥락을 구성하는 요소들.

Academic
"그림을 구성하다"

— To envision or plan a big picture.

미래의 그림을 구성해 보세요.

Neutral
"논리를 구성하다"

— To build a logical argument.

탄탄한 논리를 구성해야 설득력이 있다.

Academic
"세계를 구성하다"

— To construct a world (often in fiction).

작가는 자신만의 독특한 세계를 구성한다.

Literature
"사건을 재구성하다"

— To reconstruct an event to understand it better.

경찰은 범행 현장에서 사건을 재구성했다.

Formal

Easily Confused

구성 vs 구조

Both mean 'structure' in English.

구조 is the skeleton/frame; 구성 is the ingredients/membership.

건물의 구조 (building structure) vs. 팀의 구성 (team composition).

구성 vs 조직

Both relate to groups.

조직 is the entity or the act of organizing; 구성 is the makeup of that entity.

회사 조직 (company organization) vs. 부서 구성 (department makeup).

구성 vs 조성

Both involve creating something.

조성 is about creating an environment or fund; 구성 is about the internal parts.

분위기 조성 (creating atmosphere) vs. 성분 구성 (ingredient composition).

구성 vs 형성

Both involve making a whole.

형성 is a natural or gradual process of development; 구성 is an intentional arrangement.

인격 형성 (personality formation) vs. 논리 구성 (logic composition).

구성 vs 편성

Both involve organizing.

편성 is used for schedules, budgets, or military units; 구성 is more general.

방송 편성 (TV scheduling) vs. 내용 구성 (content organization).

Sentence Patterns

A2

A는 B로 구성되어 있다

우리 가족은 4명으로 구성되어 있어요.

B1

A의 구성을 짜다

여행 계획의 구성을 짜고 있어요.

B1

탄탄한 구성을 가지다

이 영화는 탄탄한 구성을 가지고 있어요.

B2

A를 구성하는 요소

행복을 구성하는 요소는 무엇일까요?

B2

인적 구성을 다양화하다

회사는 인적 구성을 다양화하기로 했습니다.

C1

사건을 재구성하다

탐정은 사건을 논리적으로 재구성했다.

C1

유기적인 구성을 보이다

그의 연설은 유기적인 구성을 보였다.

C2

A의 구성 원리

우주의 구성 원리를 탐구하는 학자들.

Word Family

Nouns

구성원 (Member)
구성 요소 (Component)
구성안 (Plan)
구성비 (Composition ratio)
재구성 (Reconstruction)

Verbs

구성하다 (To compose/organize)
구성되다 (To be composed of)
재구성하다 (To reconstruct)

Adjectives

구성적 (Constitutive/Structural)

Related

구조 (Structure)
조직 (Organization)
형성 (Formation)
조성 (Creation)
배합 (Mixture)

How to Use It

frequency

High in written and formal spoken Korean.

Common Mistakes
  • 팀을 구성되다 팀으로 구성되다

    The passive '되다' requires the particle '-로/으로'.

  • 건물의 구성 건물의 구조

    For physical buildings, '구조' (structure) is more common than '구성'.

  • 사람을 구성하다 사람들로 팀을 구성하다

    You compose a group *using* people, you don't compose the people themselves.

  • 이야기의 구조가 탄탄하다 이야기의 구성이 탄탄하다

    While '구조' is okay, '구성' is much more natural for narrative plots.

  • 구성을 만들다 구성을 짜다

    The idiomatic verb for planning a composition is '짜다' (to weave/plan).

Tips

Particle Match

Always pair '구성되다' with the particle '-로/으로' to indicate what something is made of.

Solidify Your Praise

Use '탄탄한 구성' to describe a well-made movie or book; it's a very common high-level expression.

Academic Tone

In essays, use '구성' to discuss your arguments' structure to sound more scholarly.

Team Building

When starting a project, use '팀 구성' to discuss who should be involved and why.

Corporate Use

In HR, '인적 구성' is the professional way to talk about the diversity and skills of employees.

Composition vs Structure

Remember: Structure (구조) is the 'what', Composition (구성) is the 'how it's put together'.

News Keywords

When you hear '구성' on the news, pay attention to the words before it to know what group is being discussed.

Korean Essays

Korean writing values a clear '구성' (Introduction-Body-Conclusion) very highly.

Hanja Power

Knowing '成' (to become/complete) helps you understand '구성' as a 'completed frame'.

LEGO Rule

Think of LEGOs: The bricks are elements, the act of building is '구성'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'GU-seong' as 'Group-Song'. A song is a group of notes put together in a specific composition.

Visual Association

Imagine a LEGO set. Each brick is a '구성 요소' (component), and the final model is the '구성' (composition).

Word Web

Member (구성원) Component (구성 요소) Structure (구조) Organization (조직) Reconstruction (재구성) Composition (구성) Form (형태) System (체계)

Challenge

Try to describe the '구성' of your favorite movie in three Korean sentences using '구성되다' and '구성 요소'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 構成.

Original meaning: To build (構) and to achieve/complete (成).

Sino-Korean.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but when discussing '인구 구성' (population makeup), be mindful of topics like aging or diversity.

English speakers often use 'structure' for everything, but in Korean, '구성' is preferred for memberships and ingredients.

사건의 재구성 (The Big Swindle, 2004 film) The concept of 'Social Construction' (사회적 구성) in sociology Musical composition (작곡/구성)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Writing

  • 논리적 구성
  • 서론의 구성
  • 본론을 구성하다
  • 결론의 구성

Business/HR

  • 팀 구성원
  • 인적 구성
  • 부서 구성
  • 조직의 구성

Science

  • 화학적 구성
  • 구성 성분
  • 대기 구성
  • 물질의 구성

Arts/Literature

  • 탄탄한 구성
  • 극적 구성
  • 화면 구성
  • 이야기의 구성

Technology

  • 시스템 구성
  • 하드웨어 구성
  • 네트워크 구성
  • 구성 파일

Conversation Starters

"새로 만든 팀의 구성은 마음에 드시나요?"

"이 소설의 구성에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"우리 사회의 인구 구성이 어떻게 변하고 있을까요?"

"발표 자료의 구성을 어떻게 짜는 게 좋을까요?"

"이 제품의 구성 품목에는 무엇이 포함되어 있나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루의 구성을 시간대별로 기록해 보세요.

당신이 생각하는 '완벽한 팀'의 인적 구성은 무엇인가요?

최근에 읽은 책이나 본 영화의 구성이 어떠했는지 비평해 보세요.

자신의 성격을 구성하는 세 가지 핵심 요소를 써 보세요.

미래에 살고 싶은 집의 공간 구성을 상상해서 적어 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, if you are talking about its nutritional '구성 성분' (components), but for making one, use '만들다'.

'구성원' is more formal and academic; '멤버' is a loanword used in casual or social contexts like a club or band.

Yes, '되다' indicates a passive state. Use '구성하다' if you want to be active.

Use '재구성하다' (jae-guseong-hada). It is common in crime stories and history.

Yes, it is the standard word for 'composition' in painting, photography, and music.

Mostly yes, but '구성' emphasizes the flow and arrangement of parts, while '구조' emphasizes the overall framework.

It means 'component' or 'element.' It is used in science, business, and philosophy.

No, you '구성' a group *with* people. Use '사람들로 팀을 구성하다'.

Yes, '범죄 구성 요건' refers to the legal elements that must be present to define a crime.

It refers to demographics—how a population is divided by age, gender, etc.

Test Yourself 185 questions

writing

Write a sentence using '구성원' to describe your team.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Translate: 'The book is composed of five chapters.'

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writing

Use '탄탄한 구성' to describe a movie you liked.

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writing

Write a sentence about the '구성 요소' of happiness.

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writing

Translate: 'We need to reorganize the team composition.'

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writing

Use '재구성하다' in a sentence about a story.

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writing

Describe the '인구 구성' of your city briefly.

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writing

Write a sentence using '구성되다' about a salad.

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writing

Translate: 'The sentence structure is a bit awkward.'

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writing

Use '구성안' in a business context.

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writing

Write a sentence about '화학적 구성' of water.

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writing

Use '사회 구성원' in a sentence about responsibility.

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writing

Translate: 'The spatial organization of this house is efficient.'

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writing

Write a sentence about the '구성' of an essay.

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writing

Use '구성미' to describe a painting.

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writing

Translate: 'The committee is composed of seven experts.'

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writing

Write a sentence about '시스템 구성'.

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writing

Use '구성 요소' in a scientific sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'The plot structure of the drama was weak.'

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writing

Write a sentence about '가족 구성'.

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speaking

Describe the composition of your family in Korean.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain what '구성 요소' means in your own words.

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speaking

Talk about the '구성' of a movie you recently watched.

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speaking

How would you suggest a team reorganization in a meeting?

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speaking

Describe the '구성' of an ideal city.

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speaking

Explain the '구성' of a typical Korean meal.

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speaking

What are the '구성 요소' of a good presentation?

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speaking

Talk about '인구 구성' changes in your country.

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speaking

How do you '구성' an essay?

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speaking

Describe a '구성원' you admire at work/school.

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speaking

What is '사건의 재구성'?

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speaking

Describe the '구성' of your favorite book.

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speaking

Why is '문장 구성' important in learning Korean?

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speaking

Talk about the '구성' of a computer system.

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speaking

What is '공간 구성' in interior design?

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speaking

Describe the '구성' of a soccer team.

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speaking

Explain '탄탄한 구성' in a story.

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speaking

Talk about the '구성원' of a successful company.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

How would you describe the '구성' of a symphony?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

What is the '구성' of a scientific experiment?

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listening

Listen to a news report about a new cabinet. What word is used for the 'makeup' of the cabinet?

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listening

A teacher is talking about an essay. She says the 'flow' is bad. What word might she use?

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listening

A scientist mentions 'hydrogen and oxygen'. What is he describing about water?

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listening

In a crime drama, the detective says 'Let's look at the timeline again.' What term is used?

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listening

A manager says 'We have 10 people in our team.' How does he formally say 'composed of'?

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listening

An artist talks about the balance of elements in a photo. What word does he use?

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listening

A student asks about the 'members' of a club. What formal word is used?

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listening

A narrator says 'The universe is made of dark matter.' What word is used for 'made of'?

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listening

A critic says 'The plot was very solid.' What phrase did he use?

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listening

A tech support person asks about your 'hardware setup'. What word is used?

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listening

A sociologist talks about 'aging society'. What phrase does he use for population makeup?

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listening

A chef lists the 'ingredients' of a complex sauce formally. What word is used?

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listening

A lawyer mentions the 'elements' required for a crime. What is the term?

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listening

A guide describes the 'layout' of a palace. What word is used?

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listening

A student is told his 'sentence building' is wrong. What word is used?

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/ 185 correct

Perfect score!

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