Explanation at your level:
You use 상의 when you want to talk to someone to make a plan. It is like saying 'Let's talk about it together.'
When you have a problem, you ask for help. You say 'I will 상의 with my friend.' It means you share your ideas to choose the best way.
In B1 level, you use it to describe collaborative decision-making. It is more than just talking; it is about reaching a consensus. You might say, 'I need to 상의 with my manager before I sign this.'
At this level, you recognize the nuance of professional etiquette. Using 상의 shows you are respectful of hierarchy and teamwork. It is a key term in business emails and meetings.
Advanced users understand that 상의 implies a formal structure. It is often used in legal or administrative contexts where the process of consultation is as important as the outcome itself.
At the mastery level, you appreciate the Sino-Korean weight of the word. It carries a sense of duty and deliberation that simple words like 'talk' lack. It is used in formal reports and academic discourse regarding policy-making.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means consultation or discussion.
- Used to reach an agreement.
- Very common in business.
- Often used with 'with' (와/과).
The word 상의 is a fundamental term in Korean used to describe the process of deliberation or consultation. Think of it as a bridge between having a problem and finding a solution.
When you use this word, you are signaling that you value someone else's input. It isn't just a casual chat; it carries a weight of purpose. Whether you are 상의 with your boss about a project or with a family member about a life change, the focus is always on mutual agreement.
Like many academic and formal terms in Korean, 상의 is derived from Sino-Korean roots (Hanja). Specifically, it combines 商 (to consult/discuss) and 議 (to deliberate/opinion).
Historically, these characters were used in Confucian administrative settings to describe the high-level discussions held by officials. Over centuries, the word moved from the royal court into everyday business and personal life, maintaining its core meaning of respectful, purposeful dialogue.
You will most commonly see this paired with the verb 하다 (to do). Saying 상의하다 turns the noun into a verb, making it the most frequent way to express the action.
It is used in both professional and personal contexts. In business, it sounds professional and responsible. In personal life, it shows that you are considerate of others' feelings before making a big move.
While 상의 is a direct noun, it appears in many set phrases. 1. 상의를 거치다 (to go through a consultation process). 2. 긴밀히 상의하다 (to consult closely). 3. 상의 끝에 (after much deliberation). 4. 상의할 것이 있다 (I have something to consult with you about). 5. 상의 대상 (the subject of consultation).
The pronunciation is straightforward: 'sang-ui'. Note the slight glide between the 'ng' and the 'u' sound.
Grammatically, it acts as a standard noun. It is often followed by particles like -와/과 (with) to indicate who you are talking to. For example: 선생님과 상의했습니다 (I consulted with the teacher).
Fun Fact
Used in royal court records for centuries.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'sang' as in sang a song, plus 'ui' like the 'we' sound.
Similar to UK, clear 'ng' sound.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing 'ui' as 'oo'
- Dropping the 'ng' sound
- Adding extra syllables
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Requires correct particles
Commonly used
Clear pronunciation
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
와/과 (With)
친구와 상의하다
Noun + 하다
상의하다
Noun + 끝에
상의 끝에
Examples by Level
친구와 상의해요.
Consult with a friend.
Noun + particle + verb.
부모님과 상의하겠습니다.
선생님께 상의 드려요.
우리 상의할 게 있어요.
결정 전에 상의하세요.
팀원들과 상의 중입니다.
상의가 필요합니다.
누구와 상의할까요?
상의 끝에 결정했어요.
중요한 일은 상의해야 합니다.
전문가와 상의해 보세요.
미리 상의하지 않아서 미안해요.
그 문제로 상의 좀 할까요?
상의를 거쳐야 승인이 납니다.
충분히 상의한 결과입니다.
상의 없이 혼자 결정하지 마세요.
우리 상의할 시간이 있을까요?
부서 간의 긴밀한 상의가 필요합니다.
변호사와 상의하는 것이 좋겠습니다.
상의 절차를 무시해서는 안 됩니다.
그는 상의 끝에 사표를 냈습니다.
지속적인 상의를 통해 해결합시다.
상의 대상은 누구인가요?
상의를 거친 후 보고하겠습니다.
원만한 상의를 기대합니다.
본 사안은 이사회와의 상의가 필수적입니다.
상의를 거치지 않은 독단적인 결정은 위험합니다.
전문가 그룹과의 상의를 통해 도출된 결론입니다.
상의를 생략하는 것은 절차상 문제가 있습니다.
다양한 이해관계자와의 상의가 선행되어야 합니다.
긴급 상의를 요청합니다.
상의의 내용을 기록으로 남겨주세요.
상의를 통해 갈등을 조정했습니다.
국가 간의 상의를 통해 평화 협정을 논의했습니다.
상의의 본질은 경청에 있습니다.
제도적 상의 체계를 구축해야 합니다.
상의를 통한 합의 도출은 민주주의의 핵심입니다.
전문적 식견을 갖춘 이들과의 상의가 유익했습니다.
상의 과정에서 많은 난관이 있었습니다.
상의를 거듭한 끝에 대안을 마련했습니다.
상의의 중요성을 간과해서는 안 됩니다.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"상의를 거치다"
To go through the process of consultation.
이 일은 상의를 거쳐야 합니다.
formal"상의 끝에"
After much consultation.
상의 끝에 이사를 결정했다.
neutral"긴밀한 상의"
Close consultation.
긴밀한 상의가 필요합니다.
formal"상의 대상자"
The person to be consulted.
상의 대상자를 정하세요.
formal"상의를 생략하다"
To skip the consultation process.
상의를 생략하면 안 됩니다.
formal"상의가 안 되다"
Cannot reach a consensus.
의견이 달라 상의가 안 됩니다.
neutralEasily Confused
Both involve talking.
Expert vs Peer.
의사와 상담 / 친구와 상의
Both are discussions.
Winning vs Agreeing.
토론 대회 / 상의를 거침
Synonym.
Slightly more casual.
의논해 봅시다.
Similar formal word.
Focus on consensus.
협의 중입니다.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 와/과 + 상의하다
나는 친구와 상의했다.
Subject + 상의 끝에 + 결정하다
상의 끝에 결정했다.
상의를 거치다
상의를 거쳐야 합니다.
긴밀히 상의하다
긴밀히 상의하겠습니다.
상의 대상은 ~이다
상의 대상은 이사회입니다.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Both are correct, but 상의하다 is more efficient.
You consult 'with' a person, not consult a person.
Consulting a doctor is 상담, consulting a peer is 상의.
They are synonyms, but 상의 is slightly more formal.
Debate is about winning, consultation is about agreeing.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a table where everyone is talking.
When Native Speakers Use It
When making plans.
Cultural Insight
Showing respect by asking.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use with 'with' (와/과).
Say It Right
Clear ng sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use it for debate.
Did You Know?
It's Sino-Korean.
Study Smart
Use it in sentences.
Business Tip
Use it to show professionalism.
Verb Pattern
Noun + 하다 is key.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Sang (Song) + Ui (We) = We sing together to agree.
Visual Association
People sitting in a circle.
Word Web
Challenge
Ask a friend for their opinion using this word.
Word Origin
Sino-Korean
Original meaning: 商 (consult) + 議 (deliberate)
Cultural Context
None
Equates to 'consultation' or 'deliberation'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- 상의할 게 있습니다
- 상의를 거치겠습니다
- 긴밀히 상의 중입니다
At school
- 선생님과 상의해요
- 친구와 상의 중
- 상의가 필요해요
Personal life
- 가족과 상의할게요
- 상의 끝에 결정했어요
- 상의 좀 할까요?
Formal meetings
- 상의를 요청합니다
- 상의 절차를 따릅니다
- 상의 결과입니다
Conversation Starters
"누구와 가장 자주 상의하시나요?"
"상의 없이 결정한 적이 있나요?"
"중요한 일을 할 때 상의하는 편인가요?"
"전문가와 상의해 본 적이 있나요?"
"상의가 왜 중요하다고 생각하시나요?"
Journal Prompts
최근에 누군가와 상의했던 경험을 쓰세요.
상의 없이 결정해서 후회했던 적이 있나요?
상의를 잘하는 사람의 특징은 무엇일까요?
미래의 계획을 누구와 상의하고 싶나요?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, 상담 is for expert advice, 상의 is for mutual discussion.
Yes, it is common to use with friends for important decisions.
Usually 와/과 (with).
It is neutral to formal.
Add 하다.
Yes.
Yes, it is very common.
No, it means consultation.
Test Yourself
친구와 ___해요.
Consulting with a friend.
Which means 'to consult'?
The verb form of consultation.
상의 is a synonym for 'debate'.
It is more about cooperation than debate.
Word
Meaning
Standard definitions.
Subject-Object-Verb order.
전문가와 ___하는 것이 좋습니다.
Consulting an expert.
상의 is often used in casual slang.
It is formal/neutral.
What is the best context for '상의'?
Professional settings.
Word
Meaning
Antonyms.
Formal sentence structure.
Score: /10
Summary
상의 is the essential act of talking things through to make a better decision together.
- Means consultation or discussion.
- Used to reach an agreement.
- Very common in business.
- Often used with 'with' (와/과).
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a table where everyone is talking.
When Native Speakers Use It
When making plans.
Cultural Insight
Showing respect by asking.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use with 'with' (와/과).
Example
중요한 결정 전에 상사의 상의를 거쳤다.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More work words
주 5일제
A2A system where one works five days a week, typically Monday to Friday.
결근
A2Absence from work; not being present at work.
결근하다
A2To be absent from work.
추상적이다
A2To be abstract.
출입증
A2ID card, access card.
회계
B1The systematic recording and reporting of financial transactions.
경리
A2Accounting or bookkeeping, managing financial records.
업적
B1A notable achievement or accomplishment.
적극적이다
A2To be active, to be proactive.
적극적으로
B1In an active, proactive, or enthusiastic manner.
