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B2 noun #4,000 most common 7 min read

모순

mosun
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 모순 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 모순 in your Level:
At the A1 level, '모순' (mosun) is quite a difficult word. You don't need to use it yet. Instead, you can think of it as 'saying something wrong' or 'lying.' Imagine someone says 'I like apples' but then says 'I hate apples.' That is a contradiction. For now, just remember that '모순' means when two things cannot happen at the same time. You might hear it in very basic stories about the 'Spear and Shield.' If you see this word, just think: 'Something is not right' or 'The words don't match.' Focus on simpler words like '틀려요' (it's wrong) or '달라요' (it's different) for now.
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At the A2 level, you can start to understand '모순' as a word for when someone's words and actions are different. For example, if a teacher says 'Don't use phones' while they are using their own phone, that is a '모순.' You can use the phrase '말과 행동이 달라요' (words and actions are different) as a simpler version. '모순' is a more 'grown-up' word for this. You might see it in simple news headlines or in school books. Try to remember the story of the man selling the 'best spear' and the 'best shield'—if the spear can break anything and the shield can block anything, what happens when they meet? That 'problem' is called '모순.'
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At the B1 level, you should be able to recognize '모순' in intermediate reading passages. You should understand that it refers to logical inconsistencies. You can start using it in sentences like '그의 이야기는 모순이 있어요' (His story has a contradiction). This is more formal than saying 'his story is weird.' You will often see it used with the word '논리' (logic), as in '논리적 모순' (logical contradiction). It's a great word to use when you are writing an essay about a problem or a character in a book. It shows that you have a higher vocabulary and can think critically about what you are reading.
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At the B2 level, you should use '모순' (contradiction) and '모순되다' (to be contradictory) naturally in debates and formal writing. You should understand the nuance that '모순' usually points to a flaw that needs to be resolved. You can distinguish between '모순' (a logical error) and '역설' (a paradox). You should be comfortable with collocations like '모순에 빠지다' (to fall into a contradiction) or '모순을 지적하다' (to point out a contradiction). This word is essential for discussing social issues, politics, and complex human emotions in Korean. You can use it to describe systemic issues, such as '사회의 모순' (contradictions of society).
At the C1 level, '모순' becomes a tool for deep philosophical and analytical discussion. You should be able to discuss '구조적 모순' (structural contradictions) within economic or social systems. You understand how the word functions in literature to describe the complexity of human nature—where a person can harbor '모순된 감정' (contradictory feelings). You should also be familiar with related Hanja idioms like '자가당착' (self-contradiction) and use them to vary your speech. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the dialectical process, where contradictions lead to new syntheses. You can identify contradictions not just in speech, but in abstract theories and historical movements.
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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '모순.' You can use it with precision in academic papers, high-level legal arguments, or literary criticism. You understand the subtle historical weight the word carries from its origins in the Han Feizi. You can use it to deconstruct complex arguments, identifying '내적 모순' (internal contradictions) that others might miss. You are also aware of how the word is used in modern Korean culture, such as in the works of Yang Gui-ja, to describe the existential condition of humanity. You can manipulate the word across various registers, from sharp political critique to nuanced psychological analysis, without ever sounding unnatural.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

모순 in 30 Seconds

  • 모순 (Mosun) means 'contradiction' and comes from the Hanja for 'spear' (矛) and 'shield' (盾).
  • It is used to describe logical inconsistencies, hypocrisy in behavior, or systemic flaws in society and philosophy.
  • The verb form is 모순되다 (to be contradictory), and the adjective form is 모순적이다 (to be contradictory/paradoxical).
  • It is a B2-level word frequently found in news, academic writing, and serious literature to critique or analyze situations.

The Korean word 모순 (Mosun) is a profound noun that translates most directly to "contradiction" or "inconsistency." It is a term deeply rooted in East Asian philosophy and literature, specifically originating from a famous story in the Han Feizi, a Chinese legalist text. The term is composed of two Hanja characters: 矛 (모 - spear) and 盾 (순 - shield). This etymological root provides the perfect mental image for understanding the word: an unstoppable spear meeting an impenetrable shield. In modern Korean, it is used to describe any situation where two facts, statements, or actions cannot both be true at the same time, or where someone's behavior directly opposes their stated beliefs.

Logical Incompatibility
This refers to a situation where two propositions are mutually exclusive. If A is true, B must be false, yet both are being claimed. For example, claiming to be a vegetarian while eating a steak is a logical 모순.
Hypocrisy and Human Behavior
Often used to describe people who demand high standards from others but do not follow them themselves. It highlights the gap between words (말) and actions (행동).

그의 말과 행동은 항상 모순된다. (His words and actions are always contradictory.)

You will encounter this word frequently in academic writing, news reports, political debates, and serious literature. It is not just a simple word for a mistake; it implies a fundamental structural or logical failure. In a social context, identifying a 모순 is often a way to critique a system or an individual's integrity. For instance, a government that promotes environmental protection while subsidizing coal mines is facing a systemic 모순.

자본주의 사회의 구조적 모순을 해결해야 합니다. (We must solve the structural contradictions of capitalist society.)

Self-Contradiction
자가당착 (Jaga-dangchak) is a related four-character idiom (Saja-seong-eo) that specifically describes someone falling into their own trap of contradiction.

이 계획에는 논리적 모순이 너무 많아요. (There are too many logical contradictions in this plan.)

Using 모순 correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its derived verb form 모순되다 (to be contradictory). Unlike simple adjectives, 모순 often requires specific particles or verbs to function effectively in a sentence. It is most commonly paired with the verb 있다 (to have/exist) or 발견하다 (to find/discover). When describing an action or a statement that is contradictory, the passive-like verb 모순되다 is the standard choice.

Subject Marker Usage
When 'contradiction' is the subject of your sentence, use '모순이'. Example: '모순이 드러나다' (The contradiction is revealed).

앞뒤가 맞지 않는 그의 설명은 모순투성이다. (His explanation, which doesn't add up, is full of contradictions.)

In formal settings, you will often see the phrase 모순에 빠지다, which means "to fall into a contradiction." This is used when a person's argument or a theory reaches a point where it invalidates itself. Another common academic phrase is 모순을 극복하다 (to overcome a contradiction), often used in historical or philosophical contexts discussing progress.

이론과 실제 사이의 모순을 어떻게 해결할까요? (How shall we resolve the contradiction between theory and practice?)

Modifying Nouns
To describe a 'contradictory situation', use the adjectival form '모순된'. Example: '모순된 상황' (A contradictory situation).

그녀는 모순적인 감정을 느끼고 있었다. (She was feeling contradictory emotions.)

When discussing literature or movies, you might describe a character as having a 모순적인 성격 (contradictory personality), meaning they have traits that seem to clash but coexist. This adds depth to the description, suggesting complexity rather than just a simple flaw.

While 모순 might sound like a word reserved for philosophy professors, it is surprisingly common in everyday high-level discourse in Korea. You will hear it most frequently in the following contexts: political news, corporate meetings, legal proceedings, and intellectual discussions among friends. In the news, anchors often use it to point out the discrepancy between a politician's campaign promises and their actual legislative votes. It carries a weight of intellectual scrutiny.

뉴스 리포터: "정부의 이번 정책은 지난달 발표와 정면으로 모순됩니다." (News Reporter: "The government's current policy directly contradicts last month's announcement.")

In a workplace setting, a manager might use the word when reviewing a project proposal that has conflicting goals—for example, wanting to reduce costs significantly while simultaneously increasing the quality of raw materials. They might say, "이 계획은 예산 절감과 품질 향상이라는 두 목표 사이에서 모순을 보이고 있습니다" (This plan shows a contradiction between the two goals of budget reduction and quality improvement).

드라마 대사: "사랑하면서 증오한다는 게 얼마나 큰 모순인지 아니?" (Drama line: "Do you know how big of a contradiction it is to love and hate at the same time?")

You will also find it in the titles of books and essays. One of the most famous modern Korean novels is titled 모순 (The Contradictions) by Yang Gui-ja. The book explores the inherent contradictions in life and human relationships, showing how people often live lives that are the opposite of what they truly desire. This literary usage highlights how the word extends into the emotional and existential realms of the Korean language.

The most common mistake English speakers make when using 모순 is confusing it with the word for "difference" (차이) or "disagreement" (반대). While all contradictions are differences, not all differences are contradictions. A contradiction implies a logical impossibility where two things cannot coexist. If you just mean that two people have different opinions, 모순 is too strong a word and would sound unnatural.

Mistake: Using it for simple disagreement
Incorrect: "제 생각은 당신의 생각과 모순입니다." (My thought is a contradiction to yours.) Correct: "제 생각은 당신의 생각과 다릅니다." (My thought is different from yours.)

Another error is the incorrect use of the verb form. Many learners try to say 모순하다 (to contradict), but as mentioned earlier, 모순되다 (to be contradicted/to be contradictory) is the correct intransitive form. If you want to say "That contradicts the facts," you should use ~와/과 모순되다 or ~에 모순되다.

틀린 표현: 그 말은 사실을 모순한다. (Wrong)
옳은 표현: 그 말은 사실과 모순된다. (Right)

Finally, learners often confuse 모순 with 역설 (paradox). While they are similar, a 모순 is usually seen as a flaw or an error that needs to be fixed, whereas an 역설 is often a literary device or a deep truth that appears contradictory but contains a deeper meaning. Calling someone's lie a 'paradox' would be too kind; it is a 'contradiction'.

To truly master 모순, you must know how it relates to other terms involving conflict or inconsistency. Depending on the nuance you want to convey—whether it's a logical error, a social conflict, or a literary device—you might choose a different word.

역설 (Yeok-seol) - Paradox
A statement that seems self-contradictory but expresses a possible truth. Example: "The silent scream." In Korean, this is used more in literature and philosophy.
상충 (Sang-chung) - Conflict/Clash
Used when two interests, opinions, or values clash with each other. It is less about logic and more about competing forces. Often used in law: '이해 상충' (Conflict of interest).
불일치 (Bul-il-chi) - Discrepancy/Mismatch
A neutral term for when two things don't match. Used for data, numbers, or simple records. If the bank balance doesn't match the receipt, it's a '불일치', not necessarily a '모순'.

그의 주장은 과학적 사실과 상충한다. (His claim clashes with scientific facts.)

If you are looking for a more colloquial way to say someone is being contradictory, you can use the phrase 말이 안 맞다 (the words don't match) or 앞뒤가 안 맞다 (the front and back don't match). These are very common in daily conversation when you notice someone is lying or confused.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The story involves a merchant who bragged his spear could pierce anything and his shield could block anything. A passerby asked what happens if the spear hits the shield. The merchant couldn't answer.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mo.sun/
US /moʊ.sun/
The stress is balanced, but slightly more emphasis is often placed on the first syllable '모'.
Rhymes With
보존 (bo-jon) 공존 (gong-jon) 결론 (gyeol-lon) 의논 (ui-non) 담론 (dam-ron) 영혼 (yeong-hon) 결혼 (gyeol-hon) 교훈 (gyo-hun)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing '순' like the English word 'sun' (it should be more like 'soon').
  • Adding an 'r' sound to '모'.
  • Making the 'n' in '순' too soft; it should be a clear alveolar nasal.
  • Pronouncing it as three syllables (mo-su-un).
  • Swapping the vowels (mu-son).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and literature, requires understanding of context.

Writing 5/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding overly formal or aggressive.

Speaking 4/5

Used in debates; pronunciation of '순' needs care.

Listening 4/5

Often spoken quickly in news broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

다르다 말 행동 이유 생각

Learn Next

역설 상충 개연성 합리적 논리

Advanced

변증법 지양 이율배반 안티노미 정반합

Grammar to Know

~와/과 (Comparison with nouns)

사실과 모순되다.

~되다 (Passive/State formation)

모순되다.

~적 (Changing noun to adjective)

모순적.

~투성이 (Full of something negative)

모순투성이.

~기 위한 (For the purpose of)

모순을 해결하기 위한 노력.

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Examples by Level

1

이것은 모순이에요.

This is a contradiction.

모순 + 이에요 (to be)

2

말이 모순됩니다.

The words are contradictory.

모순되다 (to be contradictory)

3

그것은 모순이 아닙니다.

That is not a contradiction.

모순 + 이 아니다 (to not be)

4

모순을 알아요?

Do you know (what) contradiction (is)?

Object marker '을' used with '알다'

5

이야기에 모순이 있어요.

There is a contradiction in the story.

모순 + 이 있다 (to exist)

6

모순은 나빠요.

Contradiction is bad.

Topic marker '은' used for generalization.

7

너무 모순적이에요.

It is so contradictory.

Adjective form '모순적' + 이다

8

왜 모순이에요?

Why is it a contradiction?

Interrogative '왜' (why)

1

그의 말은 모순투성이에요.

His words are full of contradictions.

-투성이 means 'full of' or 'covered with'.

2

선생님 말씀에 모순이 있어요.

There is a contradiction in what the teacher said.

Honorific '말씀' used for teacher's speech.

3

이 계획은 모순이 많습니다.

This plan has many contradictions.

Adjective '많다' (many/much).

4

말과 행동이 모순됩니다.

Words and actions are contradictory.

Connecting '말' (word) and '행동' (action) with '과'.

5

모순을 해결하고 싶어요.

I want to resolve the contradiction.

-고 싶다 (want to).

6

이것은 논리적인 모순입니다.

This is a logical contradiction.

Adjective '논리적인' (logical).

7

모순된 상황이 발생했어요.

A contradictory situation occurred.

Past tense '발생했다'.

8

그 영화는 모순이 없어요.

That movie has no contradictions (is consistent).

Negative '없다' (not exist).

1

정책들 사이에 모순이 발견되었습니다.

A contradiction was discovered between the policies.

Passive form '발견되다' (to be discovered).

2

그녀의 행동은 그녀의 가치관과 모순된다.

Her actions contradict her values.

Comparison marker '과' used with '모순되다'.

3

우리는 사회의 모순을 바로잡아야 합니다.

We must correct the contradictions of society.

-아/어야 하다 (must/should).

4

자기 모순에 빠지지 않도록 주의하세요.

Be careful not to fall into self-contradiction.

Compound '자기 모순' (self-contradiction).

5

이 이론은 몇 가지 모순을 포함하고 있다.

This theory contains several contradictions.

-고 있다 (progressive/state).

6

모순을 지적하는 것은 중요합니다.

It is important to point out contradictions.

Gerund '-는 것' as subject.

7

현실과 이상의 모순을 느낍니다.

I feel the contradiction between reality and ideals.

Nouns '현실' (reality) and '이상' (ideal).

8

그의 주장은 모순점이 너무 명확하다.

The contradictions in his argument are too clear.

Noun '모순점' (point of contradiction).

1

이 법안은 헌법 정신과 정면으로 모순된다.

This bill directly contradicts the spirit of the constitution.

Adverb '정면으로' (directly/head-on).

2

인간은 누구나 모순적인 존재입니다.

Humans are all contradictory beings.

Adjective '모순적인' (contradictory).

3

자본주의의 내적 모순이 위기를 초래했다.

The internal contradictions of capitalism caused the crisis.

Noun '내적 모순' (internal contradiction).

4

그 작가는 삶의 모순을 날카롭게 파헤친다.

The author sharply delves into the contradictions of life.

Adverb '날카롭게' (sharply).

5

이 데이터는 이전 연구 결과와 모순됩니다.

This data contradicts previous research results.

Formal ending '-습니다'.

6

그녀는 사랑과 증오라는 모순된 감정에 휩싸였다.

She was engulfed in the contradictory emotions of love and hate.

Passive '휩싸이다' (to be engulfed).

7

모순을 극복하기 위한 대안이 필요하다.

An alternative is needed to overcome the contradiction.

-기 위한 (for the purpose of).

8

그의 침묵은 그가 한 말과 모순을 이룬다.

His silence forms a contradiction with what he said.

Phrase '모순을 이루다' (to form a contradiction).

1

구조적 모순을 타파하지 않고는 발전이 없다.

Without breaking down structural contradictions, there is no progress.

-지 않고는 (without doing...).

2

헤겔의 변증법은 모순의 지양을 통해 정립된다.

Hegel's dialectic is established through the sublation of contradictions.

Philosophical term '지양' (sublation/Aufheben).

3

그의 철학은 자가당착의 모순에 빠져 있다.

His philosophy is stuck in a self-contradictory loop.

Idiom '자가당착' (self-contradiction).

4

이 제도는 효율성과 공정성 사이의 모순을 안고 있다.

This system carries a contradiction between efficiency and fairness.

Verb '안다' (to hold/carry/embrace).

5

현대 문명의 모순을 비판적으로 고찰해야 한다.

We must critically examine the contradictions of modern civilization.

Verb '고찰하다' (to examine/consider).

6

그녀의 소설은 인간 존재의 근원적 모순을 탐구한다.

Her novel explores the fundamental contradictions of human existence.

Adjective '근원적' (fundamental/root).

7

정치적 수사와 실제 정책 사이의 모순이 극에 달했다.

The contradiction between political rhetoric and actual policy has reached its peak.

Phrase '극에 달하다' (to reach its peak).

8

논리적 모순을 배제하는 것이 과학적 방법론의 기초다.

Excluding logical contradictions is the basis of scientific methodology.

Verb '배제하다' (to exclude).

1

이 텍스트는 층위마다 상이한 모순들을 내포하고 있다.

This text contains different contradictions at every level.

Verb '내포하다' (to imply/contain).

2

시대적 모순을 온몸으로 겪어낸 지식인의 고뇌가 느껴진다.

One can feel the agony of an intellectual who endured the contradictions of the era with their whole body.

Compound verb '겪어내다' (to endure through).

3

법적 조항들 간의 모순을 해결하기 위한 위헌 법률 심판이 청구되었다.

A constitutional trial was requested to resolve contradictions between legal provisions.

Legal terminology.

4

그의 예술 세계는 형식의 파괴와 질서의 회복이라는 모순적 합일점을 지향한다.

His artistic world aims for a contradictory point of union: the destruction of form and the restoration of order.

Noun '합일점' (point of union).

5

언어라는 매체 자체가 가지는 근본적 모순이 소통을 방해한다.

The fundamental contradiction inherent in the medium of language itself hinders communication.

Apposition '언어라는 매체' (the medium called language).

6

전통과 근대의 모순적 공존이 한국 사회의 독특한 역동성을 형성했다.

The contradictory coexistence of tradition and modernity formed the unique dynamism of Korean society.

Noun '공존' (coexistence).

7

이데올로기의 모순이 극명하게 드러나는 역사적 현장을 목격했다.

I witnessed a historical site where the contradictions of ideology were clearly revealed.

Adverb '극명하게' (clearly/vividly).

8

주체와 객체의 모순을 변증법적으로 지양함으로써 자아를 완성한다.

The self is completed by dialectically sublating the contradiction between subject and object.

Adverb '변증법적으로' (dialectically).

Synonyms

불일치 상충 이율배반 어긋남

Antonyms

일치 조화 병행

Common Collocations

모순에 빠지다
모순을 해결하다
모순을 지적하다
모순을 드러내다
구조적 모순
논리적 모순
내적 모순
모순을 극복하다
모순이 생기다
모순투성이

Common Phrases

말의 모순

— A contradiction in what someone says.

그의 말의 모순을 찾아내기란 쉽지 않다.

행동의 모순

— A contradiction in how someone acts compared to their words.

행동의 모순은 신뢰를 떨어뜨린다.

시대의 모순

— The contradictions inherent in a specific time period.

그 소설은 시대의 모순을 잘 보여준다.

감정의 모순

— Feeling two opposite emotions at once.

사랑과 미움이라는 감정의 모순을 느꼈다.

이론적 모순

— A flaw within a theoretical framework.

이론적 모순을 해결하는 것이 연구의 목적이다.

현실적 모순

— A contradiction found in real-life practice.

이상과 현실 사이에는 늘 현실적 모순이 존재한다.

제도의 모순

— Flaws within a legal or social system.

제도의 모순 때문에 피해자가 생겼다.

자기 모순

— Contradicting oneself.

그는 자기 모순적인 발언으로 비난을 받았다.

앞뒤 모순

— Inconsistency between the beginning and end of something.

앞뒤 모순이 있는 주장은 설득력이 없다.

역사적 모순

— Contradictions that arise from historical developments.

역사적 모순을 해결하는 것은 후대의 몫이다.

Often Confused With

모순 vs 차이

Difference. A simple difference is not necessarily a logical contradiction.

모순 vs 반대

Opposite/Against. To be against something is a choice; to be in contradiction is a logical state.

모순 vs 역설

Paradox. A paradox often contains a hidden truth, while a contradiction is usually seen as an error.

Idioms & Expressions

"모순 (矛盾)"

— The original story of the spear and shield.

그 이야기는 모순의 유래가 되었다.

Historical
"자가당착 (自家撞着)"

— One's own words and actions do not match (hitting oneself).

그의 변명은 자가당착에 불과하다.

Formal
"이율배반 (二律背反)"

— Antinomy; two laws or principles that contradict each other.

자유와 질서는 때로 이율배반적이다.

Philosophical
"표리부동 (表裏不同)"

— Being double-faced; outside and inside are different.

그는 표리부동한 사람이라 믿을 수 없다.

Formal
"언행불일치 (言行不一致)"

— Inconsistency between words and actions.

정치인들의 언행불일치는 고질적인 문제다.

Formal
"어불성설 (語不成說)"

— Words that do not make sense or form a proper statement.

그의 주장은 어불성설이라 대꾸할 가치도 없다.

Formal
"동상이몽 (同床異夢)"

— Sleeping in the same bed but dreaming different dreams.

그들은 같은 팀이지만 동상이몽 중이다.

General
"양두구육 (羊頭狗肉)"

— Hanging a sheep's head but selling dog meat (deception).

그 광고는 양두구육의 전형이다.

Formal
"면종복배 (面從腹背)"

— Obeying to the face but betraying behind the back.

그는 면종복배하는 태도를 보였다.

Formal
"견강부회 (牽強附會)"

— Drawing a forced analogy or far-fetched interpretation.

그의 논리는 견강부회에 가깝다.

Formal

Easily Confused

모순 vs 역설 (Paradox)

Both involve things that don't seem to match.

Contradiction (모순) is usually a flaw or error. Paradox (역설) is a literary device or deep truth that only *appears* contradictory.

The 'silent scream' is a paradox. Saying 'I am lying' is a contradiction.

모순 vs 상충 (Conflict)

Both involve clashing elements.

Conflict (상충) is about opposing forces or interests. Contradiction (모순) is about logical incompatibility.

Interest rates and inflation have a conflicting (상충) relationship. Being a 'honest liar' is a contradiction (모순).

모순 vs 불일치 (Mismatch)

Both mean things don't match.

Mismatch (불일치) is neutral and often used for data. Contradiction (모순) is stronger and implies a logical or moral failure.

The numbers don't match (불일치). His testimony contradicts (모순) the evidence.

모순 vs 배치 (Discrepancy)

Both mean going against something.

Discrepancy (배치) is usually used when something goes against a set rule or standard.

His actions go against (배치) the company policy.

모순 vs 충돌 (Collision)

Both involve things hitting each other.

Collision (충돌) is physical or a clash of opinions. Contradiction (모순) is abstract and logical.

The cars collided (충돌). Their opinions clashed (충돌).

Sentence Patterns

A2

A는 B와 모순이에요.

그의 말은 행동과 모순이에요.

B1

A에 모순이 있습니다.

이 계획에 모순이 있습니다.

B2

A는 B와 정면으로 모순된다.

이 법은 헌법과 정면으로 모순된다.

B2

A는 모순투성이다.

그의 주장은 모순투성이다.

C1

A의 내적 모순을 지양하다.

자본주의의 내적 모순을 지양하다.

C1

A와 B 사이의 모순을 해결하다.

현실과 이상 사이의 모순을 해결하다.

C2

모순적 공존을 꾀하다.

전통과 현대의 모순적 공존을 꾀하다.

C2

A라는 모순을 안고 있다.

그는 사랑과 증오라는 모순을 안고 있다.

Word Family

Nouns

모순 (contradiction)
모순점 (point of contradiction)
자기모순 (self-contradiction)
구조적 모순 (structural contradiction)

Verbs

모순되다 (to be contradictory)

Adjectives

모순적 (contradictory)

Related

역설 (paradox)
상충 (clash)
불일치 (mismatch)
반대 (opposite)
배치 (discrepancy)
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How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal speech, academic writing, and news.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '모순하다' instead of '모순되다'. → 모순되다

    '모순되다' is the standard intransitive verb form used to describe the state of being contradictory.

  • Using '모순' for a simple disagreement. → 반대 / 차이

    '모순' implies logical impossibility, not just having a different opinion.

  • Confusing '모순' with '역설'. → Context dependent

    A '모순' is a flaw; an '역설' (paradox) is often a meaningful literary device.

  • Pronouncing '순' like 'sun' in English. → Soon

    The Korean 'u' (ㅜ) sound is more like 'oo' in 'boot'.

  • Using '모순' for physical collisions. → 충돌

    '모순' is for abstract logic; '충돌' is for physical objects or clashing interests.

Tips

Spear and Shield

Remember Mo (Spear) and Sun (Shield). They can't both be the best at the same time!

Verb Choice

Always use '모순되다' when you want to say something 'is contradictory'.

News Watching

Listen for this word in political news to see how they critique policies.

Particle Pairing

Use '~와/과' when comparing two things that contradict each other.

Idiom Power

Learn '자가당착' to sound more advanced when talking about self-contradiction.

Not Just Different

Only use '모순' when two things *cannot* both be true. Otherwise, use '다르다'.

Literature Link

Read the novel '모순' by Yang Gui-ja to see the word used in an emotional context.

Academic Tone

Use '구조적 모순' when writing about social or economic problems.

Polite Critique

Say '조금 모순이 있는 것 같아요' to point out a flaw gently.

Hanja Roots

Knowing 矛 (Spear) and 盾 (Shield) helps you remember the meaning forever.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a Spear (모) hitting a Shield (순). If both are 'the best,' it's a MO-SUN (contradiction)!

Visual Association

Imagine a logo with a spear and a shield crossed, but both are broken or glowing with conflict.

Word Web

Logic Spear Shield Hypocrisy Conflict Philosophy Hanja Truth

Challenge

Try to find one '모순' in a news article today and write a sentence about it using '모순을 발견했다'.

Word Origin

Originates from the Chinese Hanja 矛 (Spear) and 盾 (Shield). It comes from a story in the book 'Han Feizi'.

Original meaning: A situation where an 'unstoppable spear' and an 'impenetrable shield' are sold by the same person.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Calling someone's words a '모순' is a direct challenge to their logic. Use it carefully in polite company.

In English, we might use 'hypocrisy' for people or 'paradox' for ideas, but Korean uses '모순' for both.

Yang Gui-ja's novel '모순' Han Feizi's 'Spear and Shield' story Hegelian Dialectics (often translated using '모순')

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Politics

  • 정책의 모순
  • 공약과 실제의 모순
  • 정치적 모순
  • 모순을 비판하다

Philosophy

  • 내적 모순
  • 논리적 모순
  • 모순의 지양
  • 존재의 모순

Workplace

  • 계획의 모순
  • 데이터의 모순
  • 모순을 해결하다
  • 상충하는 목표

Daily Life

  • 말의 모순
  • 행동의 모순
  • 모순을 느끼다
  • 앞뒤가 안 맞다

Literature

  • 삶의 모순
  • 인간의 모순
  • 모순된 캐릭터
  • 모순을 탐구하다

Conversation Starters

"당신은 삶에서 가장 큰 모순이 무엇이라고 생각하나요?"

"말과 행동이 모순되는 사람을 본 적이 있나요?"

"이 계획의 논리적 모순을 어떻게 해결하면 좋을까요?"

"사회 구조적 모순 중에서 가장 시급한 문제는 무엇일까요?"

"사랑과 미움이 동시에 존재하는 것이 모순이라고 생각하시나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 한 말이나 행동 중에서 모순된 것이 있었는지 돌아보고 써보세요.

사회의 어떤 부분이 가장 모순적이라고 느껴지는지 논리적으로 설명해 보세요.

양귀자의 소설 '모순'의 제목이 왜 '모순'일지 자신의 생각을 적어보세요.

자신이 가진 두 가지 상충하는 가치관과 그 사이의 모순을 어떻게 다루는지 써보세요.

기술의 발전이 가져온 편리함과 그 이면의 모순에 대해 에세이를 작성해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It comes from an ancient Chinese story about a man selling a spear (모) that can pierce anything and a shield (순) that can block anything. If both are true, it's a contradiction.

Yes, you can say '그는 모순적인 사람이다' to mean he is contradictory or hypocritical.

Yes, but mostly when discussing something serious. For casual things, '말이 안 맞다' is more common.

A contradiction (모순) is a logical error; a paradox (역설) is a literary device that holds a deeper truth.

You can say '자기 모순' or use the idiom '자가당착'.

Yes, '모순하다' is almost never used. '모순되다' is the standard verb form.

It's better to use '불일치' for simple data mismatches, but if the numbers lead to a logical impossibility, '모순' works.

Usually, yes, as it points out a flaw. However, in literature, it can describe the complex beauty of human nature.

It rhymes with 'soon' in English, with a clear 'n' sound at the end.

It is generally considered a B2 level word because of its abstract and formal nature.

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Test Yourself 25 questions

writing

Write a sentence using '모순에 빠지다'.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Describe a '모순적인 상황' in 2 sentences.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Pronounce the word '모순' clearly.

Read this aloud:

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/ 25 correct

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