This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Korean
Vocabulary
기여하다

B2 verb #3,500 most common 10 min read

기여하다

giyeohada Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 기여하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 기여하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '기여하다' (gi-yeo-ha-da) is quite a difficult word. You don't need to use it yet! Instead, you can use the word '도와주다' (to help) or '주다' (to give). However, if you see this word, just think of it as a fancy way of saying 'helping make something good happen.' For example, if you help your mom clean, you are 'contributing' to a clean house. In Korean, we use the particle '-에' after the thing you are helping. So, '집 청소에 기여해요' means 'I contribute to house cleaning.' It's like saying 'I help with the cleaning' but in a very polite and serious way. For now, focus on '도와주다' (do-wa-ju-da), but remember that '기여하다' is for when you want to sound like a very helpful adult! You might hear it on TV when people talk about doing good things for the world. It always means something positive is happening because of someone's actions.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more 'Hanja' (Chinese character) words. '기여하다' is one of them. It means 'to contribute.' You can use it when you talk about your job or a group project. Instead of just saying 'I did some work,' you can say 'I contributed to the project' (프로젝트에 기여했어요). This makes you sound more professional. Remember the pattern: [Thing] + 에 + 기여하다. You will often see it with words like '발전' (development) or '성공' (success). For example, '회사 발전에 기여하고 싶어요' means 'I want to contribute to the company's development.' It's a great word to use in a job interview! Even if you are just a beginner, using this word shows that you are serious about your Korean studies and that you understand how to talk about goals and results. Just remember: only use it for good things. If you break something, don't use this word!

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '기여하다' in formal settings, such as writing essays or giving presentations. You should understand that it implies a positive impact on a specific goal. At this level, you can start adding adverbs to describe the contribution. For example, '크게 기여하다' (to contribute greatly) or '직접적으로 기여하다' (to contribute directly). You should also be aware of the noun form '기여' (contribution). For example, '그의 기여는 정말 컸어요' (His contribution was really big). You will encounter this word frequently in news articles about the economy, technology, and society. It's an important word for understanding the 'cause and effect' of positive events in Korean society. Also, start noticing the difference between '기여하다' and '도움이 되다'. While both mean helping, '기여하다' is more about the specific result or achievement you helped reach.

At the B2 level, '기여하다' is a core part of your vocabulary. You should use it naturally to describe complex relationships between actions and outcomes. You should be able to use the grammar pattern '-는 데(에) 기여하다' to show that an action contributed to a certain process. For example, '신제품을 개발하는 데 기여했다' (Contributed to developing a new product). You should also understand the nuance that distinguishes '기여하다' from '공헌하다' (to contribute significantly/selflessly) and '이바지하다' (to contribute/devote). At this level, you should be able to identify '기여도' (degree of contribution) in professional reports and understand how it's used to evaluate performance. You should also be able to use it in the passive-like structure '기여하는 바가 크다' (the part that contributes is large) to emphasize the significance of an action. This is the level where you move from just knowing the definition to understanding the professional and social weight the word carries.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep mastery of '기여하다' and its related terms. You can use it to discuss abstract concepts, such as how a specific philosophy contributes to social harmony or how a grammatical structure contributes to the nuance of a sentence. You should be able to use it in highly formal academic writing, such as '본 연구는 기존 이론의 한계를 극복하는 데 기여하고자 한다' (This study aims to contribute to overcoming the limitations of existing theories). You should also be sensitive to the collocations of the word, such as '상당한 기여' (considerable contribution), '결정적인 기여' (decisive contribution), and '사회적 기여' (social contribution). You should be able to discuss the ethical implications of '기여' in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and understand how the word is used in political discourse to frame policies as beneficial to the public. Your usage should reflect a sophisticated understanding of how individual actions aggregate to create social value.

At the C2 level, '기여하다' is a tool for precise and nuanced expression. You can use it to dissect complex historical or social phenomena, evaluating the multi-faceted ways various factors '기여' to a situation. You should be able to appreciate and use the word in literary or high-level journalistic contexts where the choice of '기여하다' over '공헌하다' or '이바지하다' conveys a specific rhetorical intent. You can use the word to engage in high-level debates about economic models, scientific breakthroughs, or cultural shifts, articulating the exact nature of a contribution with precision. You should also be familiar with archaic or highly specialized variations and how the concept of '기여' has evolved in Korean legal and administrative language. At this level, you don't just use the word; you understand its place in the broader tapestry of Korean intellectual and professional life, using it to build compelling arguments and provide insightful analyses of the world around you.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

기여하다 in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning 'to contribute' to a positive goal or outcome.
Always used with the particle '-에' to indicate the target of the contribution.
Commonly found in professional, academic, and news contexts.
Carries a strong positive connotation, unlike 'being the cause' of something bad.

The Korean verb 기여하다 (gi-yeo-ha-da) is a sophisticated and essential term in the Korean language, primarily used to describe the act of contributing or playing a significant role in achieving a positive outcome. It is derived from the Hanja characters 寄 (기 - to send/entrust) and 與 (여 - to give/participate). When you use this word, you are not just saying that someone 'gave' something; you are emphasizing that their input—whether it be effort, money, time, or talent—served as a vital building block for a larger success or development. This word is frequently encountered in professional, academic, and social contexts where progress and collective achievement are discussed.

Nuance of Purpose: Unlike the simple verb '주다' (to give), '기여하다' implies a sense of purpose and direction. You contribute 'to' something, usually marked by the particle '에'. For instance, you contribute to the community, to the economy, or to a project's success.

그의 연구는 의학 발전에 크게 기여했다. (His research contributed greatly to the advancement of medicine.)

In daily conversation, while it might feel a bit formal for casual settings like 'contributing to a potluck,' it is the standard word for discussing one's impact on a team, a company, or society. It suggests a level of maturity and recognition of the value provided. When a manager evaluates an employee, they look for how much that person has '기여' (contribution) to the company's growth. In the context of history, we talk about how certain figures '기여' to the independence or modernization of the nation.

Common Contexts: You will see this word in news headlines regarding economic growth, in recommendation letters describing a candidate's strengths, and in scientific journals explaining the significance of a new discovery.

자원봉사자들은 지역 사회에 기여하고 싶어 합니다. (Volunteers want to contribute to the local community.)

Furthermore, '기여하다' is often paired with adverbs like '크게' (greatly), '상당히' (considerably), or '직접적으로' (directly) to quantify the level of impact. It is a 'positive' verb; one rarely uses it to describe contributing to a disaster or a failure unless used sarcastically. It carries the weight of constructive effort. Understanding this word helps you move from basic Korean to a more professional and articulate level of expression.

새로운 기술은 생산성 향상에 기여한다. (New technology contributes to productivity improvement.)

우리는 환경 보호에 기여할 의무가 있다. (We have an obligation to contribute to environmental protection.)

그녀의 조언이 프로젝트 완성에 결정적으로 기여했다. (Her advice contributed decisively to the completion of the project.)

Social Responsibility: In modern Korean society, the concept of '사회적 기여' (social contribution) is very important for corporations, often referred to as CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). Companies strive to show how they contribute to the public good.

Using 기여하다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the common patterns it follows. As a verb that indicates a relationship between an actor and a goal, it almost always requires a target marked by the dative particle -에. This '에' translates to 'to' or 'towards' in English. For example, '발전에 기여하다' means 'to contribute to development.'

Sentence Structure: [Subject] + [Goal]-에 + [Adverb] + 기여하다. Example: 저는 팀의 성공에 크게 기여하고 싶습니다. (I want to contribute greatly to the team's success.)

When conjugating '기여하다', it follows the standard '하다' verb rules. In the present tense, it becomes '기여해요' (polite) or '기여합니다' (formal). In the past tense, it is '기여했어요' or '기여했습니다'. Because it is a B2 level word, you will often see it in the '-(으)ㅁ으로써' form (by means of) or '-(으)로써 기여하다' (to contribute as/by being). This adds a layer of complexity, explaining *how* the contribution was made.

그는 정직한 세금 납부로 국가 재정에 기여하고 있다. (He is contributing to the national finance by paying taxes honestly.)

Another important aspect is the use of the noun form 기여. You can say '기여를 하다' (to make a contribution) or '기여가 크다' (the contribution is great). This flexibility allows speakers to emphasize the contribution itself rather than the action. In academic writing, you might see '기여도' (degree of contribution), which measures how much something helped.

이 프로젝트에서 당신의 기여가 매우 컸습니다. (Your contribution to this project was very large.)

Formal Usage: In speeches, you might hear '기여하는 바가 크다', which is a very formal way of saying 'the contribution is significant.' This is common in award ceremonies or official reports.

신제품 개발은 회사의 수익 증대에 기여할 것으로 보입니다. (The development of new products is expected to contribute to the company's profit increase.)

It is also worth noting that '기여하다' can take multiple subjects. For instance, '기술과 자본이 산업 발전에 기여했다' (Technology and capital contributed to industrial development). Here, both elements work together. The versatility of this verb makes it a powerhouse for describing cause-and-effect relationships where the effect is positive.

교육은 국가의 미래에 기여하는 가장 확실한 방법입니다. (Education is the most certain way to contribute to the nation's future.)

많은 사람들이 평화 유지에 기여하고 있습니다. (Many people are contributing to peace maintenance.)

Negative Patterns (Rare): While rare, if you want to say something *didn't* contribute, use '기여하지 못했다' (could not contribute) or '기여하지 않았다' (did not contribute). This often sounds like a critique of performance.

While 기여하다 might not be the first word you use when buying apples at a market, it is omnipresent in the 'serious' side of Korean life. If you turn on the news, read a business report, or attend a university lecture, you will hear it constantly. It is the language of progress and evaluation.

In the Corporate World: Korean companies are obsessed with 'performance' and 'contribution.' During annual reviews (인사고과), employees are often asked to list their '기여도' (degree of contribution). A manager might say, '이번 분기 매출에 크게 기여하셨네요' (You contributed greatly to this quarter's sales).

In news broadcasts, especially economic or political segments, '기여하다' is the go-to word to explain why the GDP grew or why a new policy is beneficial. For example, '반도체 수출이 경제 성장에 기여했다' (Semiconductor exports contributed to economic growth). It provides a logical link between an action and a positive result.

이번 신제품은 우리 회사의 브랜드 가치를 높이는 데 기여할 것입니다. (This new product will contribute to raising our company's brand value.)

In academia and science, this word is vital. Researchers use it to justify their work. In the conclusion of a paper, they will state how their findings '기여하다' to the field. '본 연구는 기후 변화 이해에 기여하고자 합니다' (This study aims to contribute to the understanding of climate change). It is a word that builds credibility and shows the significance of one's work.

Public Service and Non-Profits: Charities and NGOs use this word to thank donors. Instead of just saying 'thank you for the money,' they say '사회 공헌과 발전에 기여해 주셔서 감사합니다' (Thank you for contributing to social contribution and development). It elevates the act of giving to a higher social level.

시민들의 자발적인 참여가 민주주의 발전에 기여했습니다. (Citizens' voluntary participation contributed to the development of democracy.)

You will also hear it in documentaries. When discussing historical inventions, the narrator might say, '이 발명품은 인류의 삶의 질을 향상시키는 데 큰 기여를 했습니다' (This invention made a great contribution to improving the quality of human life). It is a word that paints a picture of legacy and lasting impact.

한글은 문맹률을 낮추는 데 결정적으로 기여했습니다. (Hangeul contributed decisively to lowering the illiteracy rate.)

스포츠는 국민 화합에 기여할 수 있습니다. (Sports can contribute to national harmony.)

Daily Professional Life: If you work in a Korean office, using '기여하다' in your emails or presentations will make you sound professional and goal-oriented. It shows you understand the 'big picture' of the company's objectives.

While 기여하다 is a useful word, learners often make specific errors in its usage, mostly related to particles, formality, and confusing it with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words.

Mistake 1: Wrong Particle: The most common mistake is using the object particle '-를/을' instead of the dative particle '-에'. Learners often say '성공을 기여하다' (incorrect) because they think of 'contribute' as taking a direct object. However, in Korean, you contribute *to* something. Correct: '성공에 기여하다'.

Think of it this way: '기여하다' is like 'giving your effort toward a goal.' The goal is the destination, so '-에' is required. If you use '-를', it sounds like you are 'contributing the success itself,' which doesn't make sense logically.

❌ 지역 사회를 기여하다 (Contribute the community - Wrong)
✅ 지역 사회에 기여하다 (Contribute to the community - Correct)

Mistake 2: Negative Contexts: Learners sometimes use '기여하다' for bad things, like 'He contributed to the accident.' In Korean, '기여하다' has a strong positive connotation. For negative contributions, use '원인이 되다' (to be the cause) or '초래하다' (to bring about/result in).

Using '기여하다' for a negative event can sound sarcastic or simply like a linguistic error. If you say someone 'contributed' to a company's bankruptcy, a Korean speaker will be confused unless you are making a sharp joke.

❌ 그 실수는 실패에 기여했다 (That mistake contributed to failure - Awkward)
✅ 그 실수가 실패의 원인이 되었다 (That mistake was the cause of the failure - Natural)

Mistake 3: Overuse in Casual Settings: While not grammatically wrong, using '기여하다' with friends for small things like 'thanks for contributing to the dinner' sounds overly stiff. Use '도와주다' (to help) or '보태다' (to add/supplement) instead.

❌ 오늘 저녁 준비에 기여해 줘서 고마워 (Thanks for contributing to dinner prep - Too formal)
✅ 오늘 저녁 준비 도와줘서 고마워 (Thanks for helping with dinner prep - Natural)

Finally, confusion with '공헌하다' (gong-heon-ha-da) is common. '공헌하다' is even more formal and usually implies a much larger, often historical or heroic, contribution. For your daily work, '기여하다' is usually the safer and more common choice.

그는 인류 평화에 공헌했다. (He contributed [sacrificially/greatly] to world peace.)

Korean has several words that overlap with 기여하다. Choosing the right one depends on the scale of the contribution and the level of formality required.

공헌하다 (Gong-heon-ha-da): This is the 'big brother' of 기여하다. It implies a very large, often selfless contribution to a great cause, like science, peace, or the nation. It is often used for historical figures or major philanthropists.

이바지하다 (I-ba-ji-ha-da): This is a pure Korean word (not Hanja-based) that means to contribute or devote oneself to something. It sounds a bit more traditional and literary. It is often used in formal mission statements, like 'to contribute to the development of national culture.'

교육은 인재 양성에 이바지한다. (Education contributes to the nurturing of talented people.)

도움이 되다 (Do-um-i doe-da): Literally 'to become a help.' This is the most versatile and common way to say something was helpful or contributed in a less formal way. You can use this for everything from a vitamin helping your health to a friend helping with homework.

If you are unsure which word to use, '도움이 되다' is always a safe bet for casual or neutral situations. '기여하다' is best for professional or written contexts. '공헌하다' is for major achievements.

이 책은 공부에 큰 도움이 된다. (This book is a big help to my studies.)

보태다 (Bo-tae-da): This means 'to add to' or 'to supplement.' It is used when you are adding a small amount of something to a larger whole, like adding a little bit of money to a fund or adding your voice to a discussion. It feels more concrete and physical than 기여하다.

In summary, choose your word based on the 'vibe' of the situation. Are you writing a resume? Use '기여하다'. Are you talking about a legendary scientist? Use '공헌하다'. Are you helping a friend move? Use '도와주다'. This nuance is what separates intermediate learners from advanced speakers.

작은 힘이라도 보태고 싶습니다. (I want to add even a small amount of strength/help.)

그의 발견은 과학계에 공헌한 바가 매우 크다. (His discovery contributed greatly to the scientific world.)

Quick Comparison Table

기여하다: Professional, impact-focused, positive.
공헌하다: High-level, sacrificial, historical.
이바지하다: Formal, traditional, literary.
도움이 되다: Casual, general, versatile.
보태다: Concrete, adding a small part.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '與' (여) is also found in the word '여야' (Yeo-ya), which refers to the ruling and opposition parties in politics, showing the concept of 'participation'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ki.jʌ.ɦa.da

US ki.jʌ.ɦa.da

The stress is even across all syllables, as is typical in Korean phonology.

Rhymes With

수여하다 (su-yeo-ha-da) 부여하다 (bu-yeo-ha-da) 참여하다 (cham-yeo-ha-da) 장려하다 (jang-ryeo-ha-da) 배려하다 (bae-ryeo-ha-da) 우려하다 (u-ryeo-ha-da) 고려하다 (go-ryeo-ha-da) 격려하다 (gyeok-ryeo-ha-da)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'yeo' as 'yo'.
Omitting the 'h' sound in 'ha'.
Putting too much stress on the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and books, but requires knowledge of Hanja-based vocabulary.

Writing 5/5

Requires correct particle usage (-에) and formal tone.

Speaking 4/5

Used in professional settings; sounds a bit stiff for very casual talk.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, often heard in formal broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

주다 돕다 발전 성공 사회

Learn Next

공헌하다 이바지하다 활성화 증대 촉진

Advanced

매개하다 상호작용 상생 시너지

Grammar to Know

Dative Particle -에

발전**에** 기여하다.

Noun-modifying form -는

기여하**는** 사람.

Nominalizer -는 데

성공하**는 데** 기여하다.

Formal Ending -습니다

기여하**였습니다**.

Adverbial form -게

크**게** 기여하다.

Examples by Level

저는 친구를 도와서 파티에 기여했어요.

I helped my friend and contributed to the party.

Simple use of 기여하다 to mean helping out.

우리는 깨끗한 공원에 기여해요.

We contribute to a clean park.

Using -에 to show where the contribution goes.

노래는 기분을 좋게 하는 데 기여해요.

Music contributes to making one feel good.

Using -는 데 to show the effect.

꽃은 정원을 예쁘게 만드는 데 기여해요.

Flowers contribute to making the garden pretty.

Showing a positive physical change.

비는 나무가 자라는 데 기여해요.

Rain contributes to trees growing.

Natural cause and effect.

책은 지식을 얻는 데 기여해요.

Books contribute to gaining knowledge.

Abstract contribution.

운동은 건강에 기여해요.

Exercise contributes to health.

Health context.

웃음은 행복에 기여해요.

Laughter contributes to happiness.

Emotional contribution.

그는 팀의 승리에 기여했습니다.

He contributed to the team's victory.

Formal past tense -했습니다.

자원봉사는 사회에 기여하는 좋은 일입니다.

Volunteering is a good thing that contributes to society.

Noun modifying form -하는.

새로운 앱은 생활을 편리하게 하는 데 기여해요.

The new app contributes to making life convenient.

Technology context.

열심히 공부해서 나라에 기여하고 싶어요.

I want to study hard and contribute to the country.

-고 싶어요 for desire.

이 기계는 시간을 절약하는 데 기여합니다.

This machine contributes to saving time.

Efficiency context.

그녀의 아이디어는 프로젝트 성공에 기여했어요.

Her idea contributed to the project's success.

Workplace context.

나무를 심는 것은 환경에 기여하는 일이에요.

Planting trees is something that contributes to the environment.

-는 것 noun phrase.

친절한 말 한마디가 화목한 분위기에 기여해요.

A single kind word contributes to a harmonious atmosphere.

Social harmony context.

관광 산업은 지역 경제 활성화에 크게 기여하고 있습니다.

The tourism industry is contributing greatly to revitalizing the local economy.

Use of '크게' to quantify contribution.

그 학자의 연구는 역사적 사실을 밝히는 데 기여했습니다.

The scholar's research contributed to uncovering historical facts.

Academic context.

재활용은 자원 절약과 환경 보호에 기여합니다.

Recycling contributes to resource saving and environmental protection.

Environmental context.

인터넷은 정보의 대중화에 결정적으로 기여했습니다.

The internet contributed decisively to the democratization of information.

Adverb '결정적으로' (decisively).

외국어 능력은 개인의 경력 발전에 기여할 수 있습니다.

Foreign language skills can contribute to an individual's career development.

Potentiality -ㄹ 수 있다.

기업들은 사회 공헌 활동을 통해 지역 사회에 기여합니다.

Companies contribute to the local community through social contribution activities.

-를 통해 (through).

이 신기술은 에너지 효율을 높이는 데 기여할 것으로 기대됩니다.

This new technology is expected to contribute to increasing energy efficiency.

-ㄹ 것으로 기대되다 (is expected to).

그 가수는 한국 문화를 세계에 알리는 데 기여했어요.

That singer contributed to making Korean culture known to the world.

Cultural context.

정부의 새로운 정책이 실업률을 낮추는 데 기여할지 주목됩니다.

It is being watched whether the government's new policy will contribute to lowering the unemployment rate.

-지 주목되다 (is being watched whether).

그의 헌신적인 노력은 난민 구호 활동에 지대한 기여를 했습니다.

His dedicated efforts made a profound contribution to refugee relief activities.

Use of '지대한' (profound/immense).

다양한 의견 수렴은 민주적 의사결정에 기여하는 바가 큽니다.

Gathering diverse opinions contributes significantly to democratic decision-making.

-하는 바가 크다 (the part that... is large).

스마트 농업 기술은 식량 문제 해결에 기여할 잠재력이 있습니다.

Smart agricultural technology has the potential to contribute to solving food problems.

Noun '잠재력' (potential).

꾸준한 독서는 사고의 폭을 넓히는 데 기여합니다.

Steady reading contributes to broadening the scope of one's thinking.

Intellectual development context.

예술은 인간의 정서적 풍요로움에 기여하는 중요한 요소입니다.

Art is an important element that contributes to human emotional richness.

Philosophical context.

이번 협정은 양국 간의 우호 증진에 기여할 것으로 보입니다.

This agreement is seen as likely to contribute to promoting friendship between the two countries.

-ㄹ 것으로 보이다 (it seems that).

소비자의 피드백은 제품의 품질 향상에 직접적으로 기여했습니다.

Consumer feedback contributed directly to the improvement of product quality.

Business context.

본 논문은 현대 철학의 난제를 해결하는 데 일정 부분 기여하고자 합니다.

This thesis intends to contribute in part to resolving the difficult problems of modern philosophy.

Academic intention -고자 하다.

급격한 기후 변화는 생태계의 불균형을 초래하며, 이는 종의 멸종에 기여할 수 있습니다.

Rapid climate change causes ecosystem imbalance, which can contribute to the extinction of species.

Scientific causal link.

전통 건축 양식의 보존은 민족적 정체성을 확립하는 데 기여합니다.

The preservation of traditional architectural styles contributes to establishing national identity.

Cultural identity context.

투명한 경영은 기업의 신뢰도를 높이고 장기적인 성장에 기여합니다.

Transparent management increases corporate credibility and contributes to long-term growth.

Business ethics context.

언어는 문화를 전달하고 보존하는 데 핵심적인 역할을 하며 기여합니다.

Language plays a key role and contributes to conveying and preserving culture.

Linguistic context.

사회적 약자를 위한 정책은 사회 통합에 기여하는 필수적인 장치입니다.

Policies for the socially underprivileged are essential mechanisms that contribute to social integration.

Political science context.

과학적 발견은 인류의 보편적 가치를 실현하는 데 기여해야 합니다.

Scientific discoveries should contribute to realizing the universal values of humanity.

Ethical imperative -해야 한다.

비판적 사고는 건전한 여론 형성에 기여하는 민주 시민의 자질입니다.

Critical thinking is a quality of democratic citizens that contributes to the formation of sound public opinion.

Civic education context.

구조주의 언어학은 언어의 체계성을 규명하는 데 획기적으로 기여한 바 있다.

Structural linguistics has contributed breakthroughs in clarifying the systematic nature of language.

Historical academic fact -ㄴ 바 있다.

거시 경제적 변수들이 시장의 변동성에 어떻게 기여하는지 분석하는 것이 관건이다.

The key is to analyze how macroeconomic variables contribute to market volatility.

Analytical context -는지 분석하다.

포스트모더니즘은 거대 서사의 해체를 통해 문화적 다양성 확보에 기여하였다.

Postmodernism contributed to securing cultural diversity through the deconstruction of grand narratives.

High-level cultural theory.

법치주의의 확립은 국가 권력의 남용을 방지하고 인권 신장에 기여하는 근간이다.

The establishment of the rule of law is the foundation for preventing the abuse of state power and contributing to the promotion of human rights.

Legal and political philosophy.

인공지능의 윤리적 가이드라인 제정은 기술 남용 방지에 기여할 중차대한 과제이다.

Enacting ethical guidelines for AI is a crucial task that will contribute to preventing technology abuse.

Modern ethical challenge.

나노 기술의 비약적 발전은 난치병 치료의 새로운 지평을 여는 데 기여하고 있다.

The rapid development of nanotechnology is contributing to opening new horizons in the treatment of incurable diseases.

Medical breakthrough context.

심미적 체험은 자아의 내면적 성숙과 영혼의 고양에 기여하는 숭고한 과정이다.

Aesthetic experience is a sublime process that contributes to the inner maturity of the self and the elevation of the soul.

Spiritual/Aesthetic philosophy.

국제 사회의 공조는 지구촌 공동의 번영에 기여하는 유일한 길이다.

International cooperation is the only way to contribute to the common prosperity of the global village.

Global political context.

Synonyms

공헌하다 이바지하다 돕다 협력하다 보탬이 되다

Antonyms

해치다 방해하다

Common Collocations

발전에 기여하다

성공에 기여하다

크게 기여하다

사회에 기여하다

경제 성장에 기여하다

직접적으로 기여하다

결정적으로 기여하다

상당히 기여하다

이해를 돕는 데 기여하다

평화 유지에 기여하다

Common Phrases

기여하는 바가 크다

— The contribution is significant. Used in formal evaluations.

그의 역할이 기여하는 바가 컸습니다.

기여도를 평가하다

— To evaluate the degree of contribution. Common in HR.

직원들의 기여도를 평가하고 있습니다.

사회적 기여

— Social contribution. Often refers to CSR activities.

우리 회사는 사회적 기여를 중시합니다.

기여할 기회

— An opportunity to contribute.

사회에 기여할 기회를 갖고 싶습니다.

기여를 인정받다

— To have one's contribution recognized.

그는 팀에서의 기여를 인정받았다.

실질적인 기여

— Substantial or practical contribution.

실질적인 기여를 하는 것이 중요합니다.

기여를 아끼지 않다

— To not spare any effort in contributing.

그는 지원에 기여를 아끼지 않았다.

기여를 요구하다

— To demand a contribution.

모두의 적극적인 기여를 요구합니다.

기여를 약속하다

— To promise a contribution.

그는 지역 발전에 기여를 약속했다.

기여를 바탕으로

— Based on the contribution.

여러분의 기여를 바탕으로 성공했습니다.

Often Confused With

기여하다 vs 주다

주다 is just giving; 기여하다 is giving for a specific positive result.

기여하다 vs 돕다

돕다 is helping a person; 기여하다 is helping a goal or outcome.

기여하다 vs 일으키다

일으키다 can be for bad results (causing trouble); 기여하다 is only for good.

Idioms & Expressions

"한 팔을 거들다"

— To lend a hand. A more idiomatic way to express contributing effort.

나도 이번 일에 한 팔을 거들고 싶다.

Neutral

"힘을 보태다"

— To add strength. Common for contributing to a collective effort.

모두가 힘을 보태면 이길 수 있다.

Neutral

"밀알이 되다"

— To be a grain of wheat (that dies to produce more). To sacrifice oneself to contribute to a cause.

그는 민주주의의 밀알이 되었다.

Formal/Literary

"주춧돌이 되다"

— To become a cornerstone. To contribute as a fundamental base for something.

이 연구는 후속 연구의 주춧돌이 되었다.

Formal

"마중물이 되다"

— To be priming water. To contribute the initial spark that leads to bigger results.

정부의 지원이 민간 투자의 마중물이 되었다.

Formal/Metaphorical

"발판을 마련하다"

— To prepare a stepping stone. To contribute by creating a foundation for future success.

이번 계약은 해외 진출의 발판을 마련했다.

Formal

"다리를 놓다"

— To build a bridge. To contribute by connecting two parties or ideas.

그는 두 회사 사이의 협력에 다리를 놓았다.

Neutral

"뿌리를 내리다"

— To take root. To contribute to making something firmly established.

이 문화가 우리 사회에 뿌리를 내리는 데 기여했다.

Metaphorical

"빛을 발하다"

— To shine light. When a contribution finally shows its value.

그의 노력이 드디어 빛을 발했다.

Neutral

"밑거름이 되다"

— To become foundation manure/fertilizer. To contribute by being the base for growth.

실패의 경험이 성공의 밑거름이 되었다.

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

기여하다 vs 공헌하다

Both mean 'contribute'.

공헌하다 is for much bigger, more heroic or sacrificial acts.

인류 평화에 공헌하다 vs 팀 성공에 기여하다.

기여하다 vs 이바지하다

Both mean 'contribute'.

이바지하다 is pure Korean and sounds more formal/literary.

문화 발전에 이바지하다.

기여하다 vs 기부하다

Both involve giving.

기부하다 is specifically for giving money or goods (donate).

돈을 기부하다 vs 아이디어로 기여하다.

기여하다 vs 협력하다

Both involve helping.

협력하다 is about the process of working together.

서로 협력하다 vs 결과에 기여하다.

기여하다 vs 조력하다

Both involve helping.

조력하다 is specifically assisting a leader or a person in charge.

사장을 조력하다.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]에 기여하다

성공에 기여하다.

[Verb]-는 데 기여하다

문제를 해결하는 데 기여하다.

[Adverb] 기여하다

크게 기여하다.

기여한 바가 크다

그가 기여한 바가 크다.

기여하고자 하다

발전에 기여하고자 합니다.

[Noun]로써 기여하다

리더로서 기여하다.

기여를 규명하다

기여를 과학적으로 규명하다.

기여도가 가시적이다

기여도가 가시적이지 않다.

Word Family

Nouns

기여 (contribution)

기여자 (contributor)

기여도 (degree of contribution)

기여금 (contribution fund/donation)

Verbs

기여하다 (to contribute)

기여받다 (to receive a contribution)

Adjectives

기여적인 (contributory - rare)

공헌 (contribution/service)

이바지 (contribution)

협력 (cooperation)

봉사 (service)

지원 (support)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional and academic settings.

Common Mistakes

성공을 기여하다 → 성공에 기여하다
You contribute TO something in Korean, using the -에 particle.
사고에 기여하다 → 사고의 원인이 되다
Don't use '기여하다' for negative events like accidents.
친구를 기여하다 → 친구를 도와주다
You don't 'contribute' a person; you help them.
기여해요 (in a very formal speech) → 기여합니다 / 기여하였습니다
Use higher formality in speeches or reports.
기여한 바가 작다 → 기여한 바가 적다 / 거의 없다
When the contribution is small, '적다' (few/little) is more natural than '작다' (small size).

Tips

The '-에' Rule

Always remember the particle '-에'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.

Quantify It

Pair it with adverbs like '크게' or '상당히' to sound more like a native speaker.

Resume Power Word

Use '기여하다' instead of '했다' (did) to show impact on your resume.

Group Harmony

Use this word to acknowledge others' help in a group setting to show respect.

Thesis Tip

Use '기여하고자 한다' in your introduction to state your research goals.

Positive Only

Keep it for good things. For bad things, use '원인이 되다'.

Hanja Power

Knowing '기' (send) and '여' (give) helps you remember many other words like '수여' (award).

Politeness

In formal settings, use '기여하였습니다' instead of '기여했어요'.

News Context

When you hear '경제' (economy), listen for '기여' right after it.

The '데' Pattern

Master the '-는 데 기여하다' pattern to describe complex actions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ki' (Key) and 'Yeo' (Your). Your effort is the 'Key' to success. You 'Ki-yeo' (Key-Your) it to the goal.

Visual Association

Imagine a person placing a vital missing puzzle piece into a large puzzle. That piece is the '기여' (contribution) that completes the picture.

Word Web

Success Development Impact Society Teamwork Progress Effort Goal

Challenge

Try to use '기여하다' in a sentence about your favorite hobby. How does it contribute to your life?

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja). '기' (寄) means to send, entrust, or lean on. '여' (與) means to give, participate, or be together.

Original meaning: To send and give; to provide something for a purpose.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound arrogant when talking about your own contributions. Use humble forms like '기여할 수 있어서 영광입니다' (It's an honor to be able to contribute).

English speakers might use 'contribute' for both positive and negative things ('He contributed to the mess'). In Korean, keep '기여하다' for the good stuff.

King Sejong's contribution (기여) to Hangeul. Ban Ki-moon's contribution to world peace. Samsung's contribution to the Korean economy.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

회사 성장에 기여하고 싶습니다.
제 기술이 프로젝트에 기여할 것입니다.
이전 직장에서 매출 향상에 기여했습니다.
팀워크에 기여하는 인재가 되겠습니다.

Academic Writing

본 연구는 학문적 발전에 기여한다.
이 이론은 이해를 돕는 데 기여한다.
데이터 분석이 결론 도출에 기여했다.
기존 연구에 기여하는 바가 크다.

News Report

반도체가 수출 증대에 기여했다.
새 정책이 물가 안정에 기여할 전망이다.
시민들의 참여가 변화에 기여했다.
이번 행사는 문화 교류에 기여할 것이다.

Performance Review

올해 기여도가 매우 높습니다.
팀의 목표 달성에 기여하셨습니다.
구체적인 기여 방안을 제시해 주세요.
기여를 바탕으로 승진을 결정했습니다.

Volunteer Work

지역 사회에 기여하고 싶어 왔습니다.
작은 힘이지만 기여하고 싶습니다.
봉사 활동은 사회 기여의 한 방법입니다.
여러분의 기여가 큰 힘이 됩니다.

Conversation Starters

"당신은 우리 팀의 성공에 어떻게 기여하고 싶나요?"

"한국어 공부가 당신의 인생에 어떻게 기여하고 있나요?"

"우리가 환경 보호에 기여할 수 있는 가장 쉬운 방법은 무엇일까요?"

"어떤 역사적 인물이 한국 사회에 가장 크게 기여했다고 생각하시나요?"

"자원봉사 활동이 개인의 성장에 어떻게 기여한다고 보십니까?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 다른 사람이나 사회를 위해 기여한 일에 대해 써 보세요.

앞으로 5년 안에 내 분야에서 어떻게 기여하고 싶은지 계획을 세워 보세요.

내가 받은 도움 중에서 내 인생에 가장 크게 기여한 것은 무엇인가요?

기술의 발전이 인류의 행복에 기여하는지에 대한 자신의 생각을 적어 보세요.

부모님이 내 성장에 어떻게 기여하셨는지 감사의 글을 써 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very serious. If you say you 'contributed' to making toast, people will think you're being funny.

'기여' is the act of contributing. '기여도' is the measurement or level of that contribution (e.g., 'His contribution level was 80%').

Yes, in standard Korean, it is almost exclusively used for positive or constructive outcomes.

No, you contribute to a *goal*, *state*, or *organization*. To help a person, use '도와주다'.

Yes, especially if you are reflecting on your personal growth or professional achievements.

You use '기여저' (gi-yeo-ja). For example, '주요 기여자' (major contributor).

The subject particle '-이/가' or '-은/는'. (e.g., '그가 기여했다').

Yes, '기여를 하다' and '기여하다' mean the same thing, but '기여하다' is slightly more common.

Usually, '기여' is used for daily work and performance, while '공헌' might be used for someone retiring after 30 years of great service.

Yes, it follows all standard 'Hada' verb conjugation rules.