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조응하다

B2 verb #7,000 most common 8 min read

조응하다

jo-eunghada Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 조응하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 조응하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word '조응하다' is way too difficult to use yourself, but you can think of it as a very fancy way to say 'match' or 'go together.' Imagine you have two puzzle pieces. When they fit perfectly together, that is a bit like '조응하다.' In simple Korean, we usually use words like '같아요' (same) or '맞아요' (correct/fits). You don't need to speak this word yet, but if you see it, just remember it means two things are working together or matching in a very organized way. It's like how a 'hello' usually matches with another 'hello'—they belong together in a conversation. At this level, focus on simpler words like '어울리다' (to suit/match) for clothes or '맞다' (to be right/fit) for answers. You will encounter '조응하다' much later in your studies when you start reading complex books or news.

For A2 learners, '조응하다' is still an advanced vocabulary item. At this stage, you are learning how to connect sentences and use basic particles. '조응하다' is a word that describes how those connections work. For example, if you say 'Because I am hungry...' you must finish the sentence with something that 'matches' that start, like '...I will eat.' In a very formal sense, those two parts '조응' (correspond) to each other. You might hear this word if you watch a Korean teacher explaining grammar on YouTube. They might say that the beginning of a sentence must 'match' the end. Instead of '조응하다,' you will mostly use '어울리다' (to match/suit) or '비슷하다' (to be similar). Just remember that '조응하다' is the 'boss version' of these words, used in serious writing.

At the B1 level, you are starting to encounter more Hanja-based (Chinese character) vocabulary. '조응하다' (照應--) is one of those words. The first character '조' (照) means to shine or reflect, and '응' (應) means to respond. So, '조응하다' is when one thing 'reflects and responds' to another. This is very common in formal writing. For example, in a formal letter, your greeting should correspond to the person's status. While you might not use it in daily conversation, you should start recognizing it in news articles or intermediate reading passages. It often appears when talking about how two different things—like a person's dream and their reality—either match up or don't match up. It's more formal than '맞다' and more structural than '일치하다.'

B2 is the level where you should actively understand and occasionally use '조응하다.' At this stage, you are expected to handle abstract concepts. This word is perfect for describing logical consistency in essays. If you are writing a TOPIK II essay, using '조응하다' instead of '맞다' will significantly increase your vocabulary score. You use it to describe how your arguments correspond to your evidence, or how the structure of a paragraph is balanced. It is particularly useful in literary analysis—for instance, describing how the setting of a story corresponds to the mood of the characters. You should also be aware of the particle usage: 'A가 B와 조응하다.' This shows you understand the relational nature of the verb. It's a key word for discussing harmony, symmetry, and logical flow.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '조응하다' and be able to distinguish it from similar terms like '호응하다,' '부합하다,' and '상응하다.' You will use '조응하다' to discuss complex systems, linguistic structures, and philosophical ideas. For example, you might analyze how a poem's meter 'corresponds' to its emotional rhythm, or how a government's economic policy 'corresponds' to global market trends. At this level, you recognize that '조응' implies a deeper, often structural or reciprocal relationship than simple matching. It's about the 'architecture' of ideas. You can use it to critique a lack of coherence in a text, noting that the 'predicate does not correspond to the subject' (주술 조응의 불일치). This is a word for precision and high-level analysis.

For C2 learners, '조응하다' is a versatile tool for academic and professional excellence. You understand its roots in classical literary theory and its application in modern structuralism. You can use it to discuss the 'correspondence theory of truth' or the 'structural correspondence' in architectural history. You are comfortable using it in the passive or nominalized forms (조응, 조응성) to discuss the abstract quality of harmony within a system. You can also identify when the word is being used metaphorically in high-level prose to describe the 'resonance' between the human soul and nature. At this level, '조응하다' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a conceptual framework for explaining how different parts of a complex whole relate to and fulfill one another in a logical, aesthetic, or structural way.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

조응하다 in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning to correspond or match logically.
Commonly used in grammar, literature, and academic writing.
Implies structural balance and reciprocal relationship between two parts.
Typically follows the pattern 'A가 B와 조응하다' (A corresponds with B).

The Korean verb 조응하다 (jo-eung-ha-da) is a sophisticated term primarily used in formal, academic, and literary contexts to describe a relationship of correspondence, harmony, or structural balance between two elements. Derived from the Hanja characters 照 (to shine/reflect) and 應 (to respond), the word literally suggests a 'reflective response'—where one part of a system or text mirrors or fulfills the requirements of another. Unlike simple verbs for 'matching' or 'fitting,' 조응하다 carries a nuance of logical necessity and structural integrity. It is most frequently encountered when discussing grammar, where a subject must 'correspond' to its predicate, or in literary criticism, where a motif at the start of a story finds its echo or resolution at the end.

Linguistic Context: In linguistics, this term describes the syntactic relationship between components. For example, a plural subject must logically align with a plural verb form in many languages; in Korean, certain honorific markers in the subject must 'correspond' with specific honorific endings in the verb.
Literary and Artistic Context: Critics use this word to describe how different parts of a work of art relate to one another. If a poem begins with an image of the rising sun and ends with a setting sun, these two images are said to 'correspond' (조응) to create a sense of closure and thematic unity.

문장의 주어와 서술어가 문법적으로 올바르게 조응해야 문장이 자연스럽다. (The subject and predicate of a sentence must grammatically correspond for the sentence to be natural.)

Beyond literature, the word is used in architecture and design to describe how different parts of a building or space relate to each other. If the windows on the left side of a building are placed to match the windows on the right, they are in a state of '조응'. It implies a conscious effort to create symmetry and balance. In social sciences, it might describe how a policy 'responds' to a specific social need in a structured way. It is not just a reaction, but a planned, logical alignment. For learners, mastering this word signals a transition from basic conversational Korean to a high-intermediate or advanced level of expression, as it allows for the discussion of abstract concepts like symmetry, logic, and structural harmony.

건축물의 좌우 대칭이 완벽하게 조응하고 있다. (The left and right symmetry of the building correspond perfectly.)

Using 조응하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical patterns. Most commonly, it follows the pattern 'A가 B와/과 조응하다' (A corresponds with B) or 'A와 B가 조응하다' (A and B correspond). Because it is a formal verb, it is rarely used in casual spoken conversation but is a staple of written reports, academic papers, and formal speeches. It is often used to emphasize the relationship between a cause and an effect, or a premise and a conclusion.

Grammatical Correspondence: In Korean grammar studies, we often talk about '호응' (ho-eung) and '조응' (jo-eung). While '호응' is more about the call-and-response of specific words (like '결코' needing a negative ending), '조응' is broader, referring to the structural balance of the entire sentence architecture.
Logical Alignment: When presenting an argument, you might say your evidence 'corresponds' to your claim. This suggests that the evidence is not just related, but specifically structured to support that specific claim.

이 소설의 서사는 초반의 복선과 후반의 결말이 긴밀하게 조응한다. (The narrative of this novel shows a close correspondence between the early foreshadowing and the final conclusion.)

When you want to describe a lack of harmony, you can use the negative form or antonyms, but sticking to '조응하지 않다' (does not correspond) maintains the formal tone. For example, if a person's actions do not match their words in a formal setting, a critic might say, '그의 행동은 그의 말과 조응하지 않는다.' This sounds much more professional and analytical than simply saying 'they are different.' In professional environments, using this word can help you describe complex systems where one change necessitates a corresponding change elsewhere.

새로운 정책은 국민의 요구와 유기적으로 조응해야 성공할 수 있다. (The new policy must organically correspond with the demands of the people to succeed.)

You are unlikely to hear 조응하다 at a grocery store or a casual dinner with friends. Instead, you will encounter it in environments where intellectual rigor and precise communication are valued. This includes university lecture halls, news broadcasts discussing political strategy, literary podcasts, and high-end art galleries. In these settings, the word is used to elevate the discussion from simple observation to structural analysis.

Academic Lectures: Professors in humanities or social sciences use this word to explain theories. A sociology professor might discuss how social structures 'correspond' to economic shifts, emphasizing the deep, invisible links between different parts of society.
News and Editorials: Political commentators use '조응하다' when analyzing a candidate's platform. They might ask whether a candidate's proposed budget 'corresponds' with their promises of tax cuts, looking for logical consistency or contradictions.

뉴스 앵커: '이번 예산안이 정부의 복지 정책 기조와 어떻게 조응하는지 분석해 보겠습니다.' (News Anchor: 'We will analyze how this budget proposal corresponds with the government's welfare policy stance.')

In the world of literature and film, '조응하다' is a favorite of critics. When a director uses a specific color palette that 'corresponds' to a character's emotional state, this word perfectly captures that artistic intent. It suggests that the color wasn't chosen randomly, but was part of a deliberate, structured response to the narrative needs. Even in legal settings, a judge might examine how a defendant's testimony 'corresponds' with the physical evidence presented in court. The word implies a standard of truth and consistency that must be met.

평론가: '이 영화의 음악은 주인공의 내면 심리와 절묘하게 조응합니다.' (Critic: 'The music of this film corresponds exquisitely with the protagonist's inner psychology.')

Because 조응하다 is an advanced Hanja-based word, learners often make mistakes regarding its register and specific meaning. The most common error is using it in contexts that are too casual, making the speaker sound unnaturally stiff or pretentious. Another frequent mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding or related verbs like '대응하다' (to respond/react) or '응답하다' (to answer).

Confusing with '대응하다' (Dae-eung-ha-da): '대응하다' usually means to take action in response to something (like a crisis or a customer complaint). '조응하다' is about a structural or logical match. You '대응' to an emergency, but your answer '조응's to the question's logic.
Misusing the Register: Do not say '내 신발이 내 옷이랑 조응해' (My shoes correspond with my clothes) to a friend. Instead, use '어울려' (match/look good together). '조응하다' is for formal or abstract analysis.

❌ 틀린 예: '친구의 질문에 조응했다.' (Incorrect: 'I corresponded to my friend's question' - sounds like a robot.)
✅ 옳은 예: '친구의 질문에 대답했다.' (Correct: 'I answered my friend's question.')

Another subtle mistake is forgetting the required particles. Since 조응하다 describes a relationship between two things, it almost always needs the particle '와/과' (with). Using it without a clear reference point makes the sentence feel incomplete. Additionally, some learners confuse it with '호응하다' (to respond favorably/echo). While '호응' implies a positive reaction or applause, '조응' is neutral and focuses on the structural fit. If an audience claps, they '호응' to the performance; if the performance's theme matches the stage design, they '조응' with each other.

비논리적인 문장은 주어와 술어가 서로 조응하지 않는 경우가 많다. (Illogical sentences often have subjects and predicates that do not correspond with each other.)

To truly master 조응하다, it helps to see where it sits among its synonyms. Korean has many words for 'matching' or 'responding,' each with a specific flavor. Understanding these differences allows you to choose the most precise word for your context.

부합하다 (Bu-hap-ha-da): This means to 'coincide' or 'tally with.' It is often used for facts, conditions, or standards. While '조응' is about structural balance, '부합' is about whether something meets a specific criterion. (e.g., 'His actions coincide with our goals.')
상응하다 (Sang-eung-ha-da): This means to 'be equivalent to' or 'correspond to' in terms of value or level. It's often used for rewards or punishments. (e.g., 'A reward corresponding to your effort.')
일치하다 (Il-chi-ha-da): This means to 'match' or 'be identical.' It is the most common word for saying two things are the same. '조응' is more about 'fitting together' than being 'identical.'

비교 분석:
1. 의견이 일치하다 (Opinions are identical/agree).
2. 조건에 부합하다 (Meets the conditions).
3. 구조가 조응하다 (The structure corresponds/balances).

If you are looking for a more poetic or literary alternative, you might use '맞물리다' (to interlock/mesh). This word provides a more visual, physical sense of two things fitting together like gears. However, '조응하다' remains the superior choice for formal writing where logic and symmetry are the focus. In linguistics specifically, '호응하다' is the most direct alternative when talking about word pairs, but '조응하다' is used when discussing the broader structural integrity of the text.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In classical Chinese literature, this term was used to describe how the first part of a poem 'shines' upon the last part, creating a circle of meaning.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ɕo.ɯŋ.ɦa.da/

US /t͡so.ʊŋ.hɑ.dɑ/

The stress is even, but slightly more emphasis can be placed on the first syllable '조' (Jo).

Rhymes With

적응하다 (jeog-eung-ha-da) 반응하다 (ban-eung-ha-da) 상응하다 (sang-eung-ha-da) 호응하다 (ho-eung-ha-da) 순응하다 (sun-eung-ha-da) 대응하다 (dae-eung-ha-da) 감응하다 (gam-eung-ha-da) 공응하다 (gong-eung-ha-da)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '조' like '주' (Ju).
Missing the 'ng' sound in '응' (Eung).
Pronouncing '응' as '잉' (Ing).
Stressing the 'ha' too much.
Merging '조' and '응' into one syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Requires knowledge of Hanja-based academic vocabulary.

Writing 5/5

Difficult to use correctly without understanding formal register and particles.

Speaking 5/5

Rarely used in speech; sounds very stiff if used incorrectly.

Listening 4/5

Common in news and lectures, but might be missed by lower-level learners.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

맞다 어울리다 반응하다 일치하다 관계

Learn Next

부합하다 상응하다 귀결되다 수렴하다 발산하다

Advanced

구조주의 상호텍스트성 유기적 개연성 필연성

Grammar to Know

A와 B의 호응 (Agreement)

결코 ~하지 않다 (Never ~ do not)

주어-서술어 일치 (Subject-Predicate Agreement)

나는 학생이다 (I am a student)

격조사 '와/과' (Comitative Particle)

너와 나 (You and I)

동사의 명사형 '-성' (Noun derivation)

조응 + 성 = 조응성 (Correspondence)

피동 표현 '-되다' (Passive voice)

조응되다 (To be corresponded)

Examples by Level

이 그림과 저 그림이 잘 조응해요.

This picture and that picture match well (very formal).

A와 B가 조응하다 pattern.

색깔이 서로 조응합니다.

The colors correspond with each other.

Formal ending -ㅂ니다.

질문과 답이 조응해요.

The question and answer match.

Simple subject-verb structure.

두 노래가 조응해요.

The two songs correspond.

Dual subject.

글자와 소리가 조응해요.

The letters and sounds match.

Abstract relationship.

앞과 뒤가 조응해요.

The front and back match.

Spatial relationship.

이것은 그것과 조응해요.

This corresponds with that.

Pronoun usage.

우리는 서로 조응해요.

We correspond with each other (poetic).

Plural subject.

주어와 동사가 잘 조응해야 합니다.

The subject and verb must correspond well.

-해야 하다 (must).

이 계획은 목적과 조응하지 않아요.

This plan does not correspond with the purpose.

Negation -지 않다.

이야기의 시작과 끝이 조응해요.

The beginning and end of the story correspond.

N의 N structure.

좌우가 조응하는 건물입니다.

It is a building where the left and right correspond.

Adjective form -는.

그의 말은 행동과 조응합니까?

Does his word correspond with his action?

Question form -ㅂ니까?

두 친구의 성격이 조응해요.

The two friends' personalities correspond.

Possessive marker -의.

이 지도는 실제 땅과 조응해요.

This map corresponds with the actual land.

Comparison with '와'.

음악이 춤과 잘 조응하고 있어요.

The music is corresponding well with the dance.

Progressive -고 있다.

환경 정책이 시대적 요구와 조응하고 있다.

Environmental policy is corresponding to the demands of the times.

Abstract noun usage.

이 소설은 현실 세계와 긴밀히 조응한다.

This novel closely corresponds with the real world.

Adverb '긴밀히'.

건축의 미학은 자연과 조응할 때 완성된다.

The aesthetics of architecture are completed when it corresponds with nature.

-을 때 (when).

데이터가 가설과 조응하는지 확인하세요.

Check if the data corresponds with the hypothesis.

-는지 확인하다.

그의 이론은 실제 사례와 조응하지 않는다.

His theory does not correspond with actual cases.

Formal negation.

빛과 그림자가 조응하여 아름다운 풍경을 만든다.

Light and shadow correspond to create a beautiful landscape.

-아/어서 (reason/sequence).

수요와 공급이 조응해야 시장이 안정된다.

Supply and demand must correspond for the market to stabilize.

Economic context.

전통과 현대가 조응하는 디자인입니다.

It is a design where tradition and modernity correspond.

Noun modification.

시의 운율이 감정의 흐름과 절묘하게 조응한다.

The rhythm of the poem corresponds exquisitely with the flow of emotion.

Literary register.

작가의 의도가 독자의 반응과 조응하지 못할 때도 있다.

There are times when the author's intention fails to correspond with the reader's reaction.

-지 못하다 (cannot/fail to).

이 건물의 외관은 내부 구조와 유기적으로 조응하고 있다.

The exterior of this building corresponds organically with the internal structure.

Adverb '유기적으로'.

주어와 서술어의 조응 관계를 파악하는 것이 중요하다.

It is important to understand the correspondence relationship between the subject and the predicate.

Nominalization -는 것.

새로운 법안은 헌법 정신과 조응해야 한다.

The new bill must correspond with the spirit of the constitution.

Legal context.

그의 철학은 동양과 서양의 사상이 조응된 결과이다.

His philosophy is the result of the correspondence between Eastern and Western thoughts.

Passive/Resultative -되다.

심리적 상태가 신체적 반응과 조응하는 현상을 연구한다.

They study the phenomenon where psychological states correspond with physical reactions.

Scientific context.

이 화가는 색채와 형태가 완벽히 조응하는 화풍을 가졌다.

This painter has a style where color and form correspond perfectly.

Artistic context.

이 텍스트는 상호텍스트성 관점에서 다른 고전들과 긴밀히 조응한다.

This text closely corresponds with other classics from the perspective of intertextuality.

Academic terminology.

거시 경제 지표가 미시적 시장 상황과 조응하지 않는 괴리가 발생했다.

A discrepancy occurred where macro-economic indicators did not correspond with micro-market conditions.

Complex noun phrases.

구조주의 비평에서 기표와 기의의 조응은 핵심적인 개념이다.

In structuralist criticism, the correspondence between the signifier and the signified is a core concept.

Specialized field (Linguistics).

예술가의 내면 세계가 시대의 아픔과 조응할 때 위대한 작품이 탄생한다.

Great works are born when the artist's inner world corresponds with the pain of the era.

Philosophical tone.

정치적 수사와 실제 정책 사이의 조응성을 검증해야 한다.

The correspondence between political rhetoric and actual policy must be verified.

Nominalized '조응성'.

이 건축물은 주변 경관과 조응하도록 설계되었다.

This building was designed to correspond with the surrounding landscape.

-하도록 (so that/in order to).

언어의 변화는 사회 구조의 변화와 불가피하게 조응한다.

Changes in language inevitably correspond with changes in social structure.

Adverb '불가피하게'.

인간의 이성은 우주의 질서와 조응한다는 것이 그의 주장이다.

His claim is that human reason corresponds with the order of the universe.

Indirect quotation -는다는 것.

본 논문은 주체와 타자의 조응 양상을 현상학적 관점에서 고찰한다.

This paper examines the patterns of correspondence between the self and the other from a phenomenological perspective.

High-level academic research terminology.

서사 구조의 다층적 조응은 작품의 심미적 완결성을 높여준다.

The multi-layered correspondence of the narrative structure enhances the aesthetic completeness of the work.

Advanced literary criticism.

신경망의 활동이 인지적 기능과 어떻게 조응하는지는 현대 뇌과학의 화두이다.

How neural network activity corresponds with cognitive functions is a major topic in modern neuroscience.

Scientific inquiry structure.

개인의 실존적 결단이 보편적 윤리와 조응하는 지점을 찾아야 한다.

We must find the point where an individual's existential decision corresponds with universal ethics.

Existential philosophy.

이 시의 상징 체계는 고대 신화의 모티프와 치밀하게 조응하고 있다.

The symbolic system of this poem corresponds meticulously with the motifs of ancient myths.

Detailed analysis.

자유 민주주의의 가치가 법치주의의 원칙과 조응할 때 사회 정의가 실현된다.

Social justice is realized when the values of liberal democracy correspond with the principles of the rule of law.

Political philosophy.

형식과 내용의 조응은 예술 비평의 고전적인 기준 중 하나이다.

The correspondence between form and content is one of the classical criteria of art criticism.

Art theory.

우주론적 질서와 인간의 도덕률이 조응한다는 천인감응설을 분석한다.

It analyzes the theory of 'Cheon-in-gam-eung,' which posits that the cosmological order and human morality correspond.

Traditional philosophical analysis.

Synonyms

대응하다 일치하다 부합하다 맞물리다 호응하다

Antonyms

어긋나다 상충하다 배치되다

Common Collocations

주어와 서술어가 조응하다

긴밀하게 조응하다

유기적으로 조응하다

현실과 조응하다

시대 정신과 조응하다

구조적으로 조응하다

논리적으로 조응하다

절묘하게 조응하다

서로 조응하다

필연적으로 조응하다

Common Phrases

조응 관계

— A relationship of correspondence. It describes how two things are linked.

두 사건 사이의 조응 관계를 분석했다.

조응을 이루다

— To achieve or form a correspondence. Used for harmony.

색채가 조응을 이루어 아름답다.

조응이 맞다

— To be in correspondence. Often used in grammar contexts.

이 문장은 주어와 술어의 조응이 맞지 않는다.

조응성을 가지다

— To have the quality of correspondence.

이 디자인은 높은 조응성을 가지고 있다.

조응을 꾀하다

— To seek or plan for correspondence.

정부는 정책 간의 조응을 꾀하고 있다.

조응의 원리

— The principle of correspondence.

건축가는 조응의 원리를 중요하게 생각했다.

내적 조응

— Internal correspondence. Used in literary or psychological analysis.

이 소설은 내적 조응이 뛰어난 작품이다.

상호 조응

— Mutual correspondence.

두 문화는 상호 조응하며 발전했다.

조응적 태도

— A corresponding or responding attitude.

상대방의 질문에 조응적 태도를 보였다.

조응 체계

— A system of correspondence.

언어는 복잡한 조응 체계로 이루어져 있다.

Often Confused With

조응하다 vs 대응하다

Dae-eung-ha-da means to react or take action against something, while Jo-eung-ha-da means a structural match.

조응하다 vs 호응하다

Ho-eung-ha-da implies a positive response or applause, whereas Jo-eung-ha-da is a neutral structural term.

조응하다 vs 적응하다

Jeog-eung-ha-da means to adapt to a new environment, which is completely different from matching structures.

Idioms & Expressions

"수미조응 (首尾照應)"

— The beginning and the end correspond with each other perfectly. Used in literature.

이 소설은 수미조응의 형식을 갖추고 있다.

Literary/Formal

"천인조응 (天人照應)"

— The idea that heaven (nature) and humans respond to each other.

동양 철학에는 천인조응의 사상이 담겨 있다.

Philosophical

"심리적 조응"

— When one's internal feelings match external reality or actions.

작품 속 배경은 인물의 심리적 조응을 보여준다.

Academic

"공간적 조응"

— Symmetry or balance in physical space.

이 정원은 공간적 조응이 잘 되어 있다.

Artistic

"논리적 조응"

— Consistency in reasoning.

그의 논문은 논리적 조응이 부족하다.

Academic

"음양조응"

— The correspondence and balance of Yin and Yang.

전통 건축은 음양조응을 중시했다.

Cultural

"문법적 조응"

— Grammatical agreement or correspondence.

한국어 학습자는 문법적 조응을 어려워한다.

Educational

"감각적 조응"

— When different senses correspond (e.g., seeing a sound).

그의 시는 시각과 청각의 감각적 조응이 나타난다.

Literary

"시대적 조응"

— Matching the needs or spirit of the times.

이 영화는 시대적 조응을 통해 성공했다.

Critical

"유기적 조응"

— Organic correspondence where parts work like a living body.

조직의 각 부서가 유기적으로 조응해야 한다.

Business

Easily Confused

조응하다 vs 반응하다

Both involve 'responding' (응).

반응하다 is a biological or chemical reaction; 조응하다 is a logical/structural correspondence.

약에 반응하다 (react to medicine) vs. 문법이 조응하다 (grammar corresponds).

조응하다 vs 순응하다

Both end in '응하다'.

순응하다 means to conform or comply with rules/nature; 조응하다 means to match or balance.

사회에 순응하다 (conform to society) vs. 대칭이 조응하다 (symmetry corresponds).

조응하다 vs 부합하다

Both mean 'to match.'

부합하다 is about matching a set of criteria or facts; 조응하다 is about the internal balance of a system.

조건에 부합하다 (meet conditions) vs. 서사가 조응하다 (narrative corresponds).

조응하다 vs 상응하다

Both mean 'to correspond.'

상응하다 is about matching in value or level (e.g., pay matching work); 조응하다 is about structural fit.

노력에 상응하다 (match effort) vs. 주어에 조응하다 (match subject).

조응하다 vs 일치하다

The most general word for matching.

일치하다 means things are exactly the same; 조응하다 means they are structurally related or balanced.

답이 일치하다 (answers are the same) vs. 구조가 조응하다 (structures are balanced).

Sentence Patterns

A가 B와 조응하다

이론이 실제와 조응한다.

A와 B가 조응하다

주어와 술어가 조응한다.

A와 B가 긴밀히 조응하다

두 사건이 긴밀히 조응한다.

A에 조응하는 B

수요에 조응하는 공급.

A와 B의 조응 관계

형식과 내용의 조응 관계.

A가 B와 유기적으로 조응하다

도시가 자연과 유기적으로 조응하다.

A가 B와 조응하지 않다

말이 행동과 조응하지 않는다.

A와 B의 조응을 꾀하다

디자인의 조응을 꾀하다.

Word Family

Nouns

조응 Correspondence, symmetry, response.

조응성 The quality or property of correspondence.

Verbs

조응되다 To be corresponded (passive form).

조응시키다 To cause to correspond (causative form).

Adjectives

조응적인 Corresponding, reciprocal.

호응 (response/agreement)

상응 (equivalence)

대응 (reaction)

부합 (coincidence)

일치 (match)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written academic/literary Korean; rare in spoken Korean.

Common Mistakes

Using '조응하다' for answering a phone. → 전화를 받다
조응하다 is a structural match, not a physical act of answering.
Saying '내 신발이 옷과 조응해'. → 어울려
조응하다 is too formal for fashion; use 어울리다.
Using '을/를' as a particle. → 와/과
조응하다 is intransitive and requires the comitative particle.
Confusing it with '적응하다' (adapt). → 조응하다
They sound similar but '적응' is about survival/adjustment, '조응' is about matching.
Using it to mean 'agree' in a meeting. → 동의하다 / 찬성하다
조응하다 is about logical fit, not personal agreement.

Tips

Use in Essays

When writing a TOPIK essay, use '조응하다' to describe the relationship between your introduction and conclusion. It shows high-level vocabulary skills.

Particle Check

Always remember to use '와/과' with this verb. 'A가 B와 조응하다' is the standard bridge.

Hanja Roots

Learning the Hanja 照 (Jo) and 應 (Eung) will help you remember other words like '조명' (lighting) and '반응' (reaction).

Artistic Analysis

If you are an art or architecture student, this is a must-know word for describing symmetry and environmental harmony.

Formal Presentations

Use it to link your data to your claims: '이 데이터는 우리의 가설과 조응합니다.'

News Context

Listen for this word when news anchors talk about '민심' (public sentiment) and '정책' (policy).

Literature Tip

In novels, look for '조응' when a character's internal state is reflected in the weather or scenery.

Don't Overuse

Because it's so formal, using it too much in a single paragraph can make your writing feel heavy. Mix it with '일치하다' or '부합하다'.

The Mirror Trick

Visualize a mirror (照) responding (應) to your movements. That is the essence of 조응.

Balance is Key

Remember that this word is deeply tied to the Korean cultural value of balance and harmony.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jo' as 'Joint' and 'Eung' as 'Echo.' A 'Joint Echo' is when two things are joined because they echo each other perfectly.

Visual Association

Imagine a mirror. When you move, your reflection moves in a way that 'corresponds' to you. That is '조응'.

Word Web

Symmetry Grammar Logic Balance Reflection Response Harmony Structure

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using '조응하다' to describe: 1. A building, 2. A book's ending, and 3. A government policy.

Word Origin

From the Hanja 照應 (조응). 照 (Jo) means 'to shine,' 'to illuminate,' or 'to reflect.' 應 (Eung) means 'to respond' or 'to answer.'

Original meaning: Originally, it described the way light reflects off a surface or how a sound echoes, implying a natural, structural response.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).

Cultural Context

This is a neutral, academic word with no specific cultural sensitivities or taboos.

The English word 'correspond' is the closest match, but '조응하다' is more limited to formal/structural contexts than the English word (which can also mean writing letters).

Used frequently in 'The History of Korean Literature' to describe the 'Sumi-sang-eung' (head-tail correspondence) structure. Commonly found in CSAT (Suneung) Korean Language exam questions. Often used in the titles of academic papers regarding structuralism.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Literary Criticism

복선과 결말의 조응
은유적 조응
시각적 조응
주제적 조응

Linguistics

주술 조응
성분 간의 조응
문법적 조응
대명사 조응

Architecture

공간적 조응
대칭적 조응
자연과의 조응
조형적 조응

Politics/Policy

민심과의 조응
정책적 조응
시대적 요구에 조응
국제 정세와의 조응

Philosophy

이성과 실재의 조응
도덕률과의 조응
실존적 조응
우주적 조응

Conversation Starters

"이 소설의 결말이 초반부와 어떻게 조응한다고 생각하세요?"

"새로운 디자인이 우리 브랜드의 이미지와 잘 조응하나요?"

"정부의 이번 정책이 국민들의 기대와 조응한다고 보십니까?"

"건축가가 주변 환경과의 조응을 위해 어떤 노력을 했을까요?"

"이 문장에서 주어와 서술어가 조응하지 않는 부분을 찾으셨나요?"

Journal Prompts

나의 꿈과 현재의 삶이 어떻게 조응하고 있는지 써보세요. (Write about how your dreams and current life correspond.)

내가 좋아하는 예술 작품에서 형식과 내용이 어떻게 조응하는지 분석해 보세요.

평소 나의 말과 행동이 얼마나 조응하는지 반성하는 글을 써보세요.

우리 사회의 법이 시대의 변화와 잘 조응하고 있다고 생각하는지 서술하세요.

최근에 본 영화에서 음악과 영상이 조응했던 인상 깊은 장면을 설명해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically you could in a very poetic or architectural sense, but it would sound very strange. It's better to use '어울리다' (match/suit) for clothes.

It stands for '주어(Subject)-술어(Predicate) 조응.' It refers to the grammatical rule that the subject and predicate must match in honorifics, number, and logic.

No, it is an advanced academic word. You will hear it in news, lectures, or read it in books, but not in casual conversation.

‘호응’ is a response to a call or an action (like an audience reacting to a singer), while ‘조응’ is a structural or logical match (like a subject matching a verb).

You say '조응하지 않는다' or '조응이 맞지 않는다.' The latter is very common when talking about grammar mistakes.

Yes, it is 照應. 照 means to shine/reflect, and 應 means to respond.

Only in a very abstract or literary way, like saying two people's souls 'correspond' with each other. In normal contexts, use '잘 맞다' or '통하다'.

Yes, it is a standard Sino-Korean term used in both North and South Korea, primarily in formal contexts.

Yes, it is a verb formed by adding '하다' to the noun '조응'.

It is generally considered a B2 or C1 level word because of its formal and abstract nature.