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Vocabulary
재배하다

B1 verb #9,000 most common 10 min read

재배하다

jaebaehada Top 9,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 재배하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 재배하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '재배하다' often, as it is a bit formal. Instead, you usually use '키우다' (to grow/raise). However, it is good to recognize '재배하다' when you see it in a grocery store. It simply means 'to grow a plant'. Think of it like this: if you have a tomato plant in a pot, you are 'growing' it. In Korean, when farmers grow many tomatoes to sell, they call it '재배'. A1 learners should focus on the basic structure: [Plant Name] + 을/를 + 재배해요. For example, '사과를 재배해요' means 'I grow apples'. You might see this word on food packaging or in very simple stories about farms. Remember, it is only for plants, not for babies or dogs!

At the A2 level, you can start using '재배하다' to describe hobbies or family activities related to gardening. If your grandmother has a small vegetable garden, you can say '할머니가 채소를 재배하세요'. Notice the honorific '하세요' is used for elders. You will also see this word in basic weather reports or news about food prices. For instance, '비가 안 와서 배추 재배가 힘들어요' (Because it's not raining, growing cabbage is hard). At this level, try to distinguish between '심다' (to plant) and '재배하다' (to cultivate/grow over time). '심다' is just the first step, while '재배하다' is the whole process until the plant is ready to eat.

At the B1 level, '재배하다' becomes a very useful word for discussing topics like the environment, health, and regional specialties. You should be able to use it in the passive form '재배되다' (to be cultivated). For example, '이 차(tea)는 보성에서 재배되었습니다' (This tea was cultivated in Boseong). You can also start using compound nouns like '유기농 재배' (organic cultivation) or '시설 재배' (greenhouse cultivation). B1 learners should understand that '재배하다' implies a systematic effort. It's often used when talking about the economy of a region, such as '이 지역은 포도 재배로 유명합니다' (This region is famous for grape cultivation). You are moving beyond simple 'growing' to 'agriculture'.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '재배하다' in academic or professional discussions. You might talk about '수경 재배' (hydroponics) or '유전자 변형 작물 재배' (cultivation of GMO crops). You should also be able to use the word in complex sentence structures, such as '기후 변화로 인해 인삼 재배 가능 지역이 북상하고 있습니다' (Due to climate change, the areas capable of ginseng cultivation are moving north). At this level, you understand the nuance that '재배하다' is a technical term used in geography, biology, and economics. You can also use it to discuss the 'cultivation' of mushrooms or medicinal herbs, which requires specific techniques and environments.

At the C1 level, '재배하다' is used in the context of deep socioeconomic analysis. You might discuss the '재배 면적의 변화' (changes in cultivation area) and its impact on food security. You should be able to distinguish '재배하다' from more specialized terms like '경작하다' (to till/farm land) or '양식하다' (to farm aquatic life). C1 learners use this word to describe the historical development of agriculture, such as the introduction of new cultivation techniques during the Joseon Dynasty. You might also use it metaphorically in very specific literary contexts, though '함양하다' is usually preferred for abstract concepts. Your usage should reflect a high degree of precision regarding the methods and scale of production.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '재배하다' and its related technical jargon. You can engage in high-level debates about '정밀 농업' (precision agriculture) and how '재배 기술' (cultivation technology) is evolving with AI and IoT. You understand the legal and ethical implications of '재배권' (cultivation rights) for certain patented seeds. You can read and write complex scientific papers or policy documents where '재배' is a central theme. Your vocabulary includes related Hanja-based terms like '연작' (continuous cropping) or '윤작' (crop rotation) that occur within the context of '재배'. You can discuss the nuances of '재배' in different cultures and how it has shaped human civilization.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

재배하다 in 30 Seconds

A formal verb specifically for cultivating plants and crops.
Used primarily in agricultural, scientific, and professional contexts.
Cannot be used for people, animals, or body parts (use 키우다/기르다 instead).
Implies the entire cycle from planting to harvesting with human effort.

The Korean verb 재배하다 (jaebe-hada) is a sophisticated term primarily used in the context of agriculture and horticulture. While the English language often uses the general word 'grow' for everything from children and hair to plants and businesses, Korean is much more specific. 재배하다 specifically refers to the act of planting, nurturing, and harvesting crops or plants, usually with a specific purpose such as food production, commercial sale, or scientific study. It carries a nuance of 'cultivation' rather than just 'growing' naturally in the wild.

Agricultural Context: This word is the standard term used by farmers, agricultural scientists, and in news reports when discussing the production of rice, vegetables, fruits, or flowers. If you are talking about the industrial or systematic growing of plants, this is the most appropriate verb. For example, '우리 고향에서는 사과를 많이 재배합니다' (In my hometown, we cultivate many apples).
Technical and Formal Nuance: Unlike '키우다' or '기르다', which can be used for pets or children, 재배하다 is strictly reserved for the plant kingdom. It implies a level of care, technology, and systematic effort involved in the growth process. You will find this word in academic textbooks, botanical garden descriptions, and government agricultural policies.

"농부들은 비닐하우스에서 딸기를 재배하며 겨울을 보냅니다."
— Translation: Farmers spend the winter cultivating strawberries in greenhouses.

When using this word, you are highlighting the process of 'cultivation'. It’s not just about the plant getting bigger; it’s about the human effort to make it grow optimally. This is why it is often paired with methods of growing, such as '유기농 재배' (organic cultivation) or '수경 재배' (hydroponic cultivation). It signifies a deliberate act of farming.

In daily conversation, if you have a small pot on your windowsill, you might use '키우다' (to raise). However, if you have a vegetable garden (텃밭) and you are seriously producing food for your family, switching to 재배하다 adds a layer of seriousness and pride to your gardening efforts. It suggests you are not just keeping a plant alive, but actively farming it.

"이 지역은 기후가 따뜻해서 감귤을 재배하기에 아주 적합합니다."
— Translation: This region has a warm climate, making it very suitable for cultivating tangerines.

Academic Usage: In environmental science or geography, you will encounter terms like '재배 한계선' (the cultivation limit line), which refers to the northernmost or southernmost latitude where a specific crop can be grown. This highlights the word's role in describing systematic agricultural distribution.

Ultimately, 재배하다 is a bridge between simple gardening and professional agriculture. Whether you are discussing the history of rice in Korea or the future of vertical farming in smart cities, this verb is your essential tool for describing the human endeavor of growing life from the soil.

Using 재배하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a transitive verb. This means it always takes an object—the specific plant, crop, or flower being grown. The typical sentence structure follows the [Subject] + [Object] + [을/를] + [재배하다] pattern. Because it is a '하다' verb, it is easily conjugated into various tenses and politeness levels, making it versatile for both casual and formal settings.

Basic Declarative Form: In the present tense, you use '재배해요' (polite) or '재배한다' (plain/written). For example: '할아버지는 마당에서 상추를 재배하세요' (Grandfather cultivates lettuce in the yard). Here, the honorific '-시-' is added because the subject is the grandfather.
Past and Future Tense: Past tense: '재배했다' (cultivated). '작년에는 콩을 재배했습니다' (Last year, we cultivated beans). Future tense: '재배할 것이다' (will cultivate). '내년에는 새로운 품종의 쌀을 재배할 계획입니다' (Next year, we plan to cultivate a new variety of rice).

"최근에는 도시인들이 아파트 베란다에서 채소를 재배하는 사례가 늘고 있습니다."
— Translation: Recently, there is an increasing number of cases where city dwellers cultivate vegetables on their apartment balconies.

One of the most common ways you will see this word used is in the passive-like noun form '재배되다' (to be cultivated). This is used when the focus is on the crop rather than the person growing it. For example, '이 인삼은 금산에서 재배되었습니다' (This ginseng was cultivated in Geumsan). This is particularly common in product labeling and marketing.

Furthermore, 재배하다 is often used in the form of a noun phrase modifying another noun. For example, '재배 방법' (cultivation method), '재배 기술' (cultivation technology), and '재배 면적' (cultivation area). These phrases are essential for discussing the logistics and science of farming. If you are reading an article about climate change, you might see '재배 적지' (the optimal place for cultivation), referring to how shifting temperatures change where crops can grow.

"스마트 팜 기술을 이용하면 1년 내내 일정한 품질의 작물을 재배할 수 있습니다."
— Translation: Using smart farm technology, it is possible to cultivate crops of consistent quality all year round.

Finally, remember that 재배하다 implies the entire cycle. If you only mean 'to plant', use '심다'. If you only mean 'to harvest', use '수확하다'. 재배하다 covers the whole journey from the seed in the ground to the mature plant ready for use. It is a verb of process and dedication.

While you might not hear 재배하다 in a K-pop song about heartbreak, it is a staple of everyday Korean life in several specific contexts. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word and use it naturally. It is a word that connects the urban consumer to the rural producer.

At the Grocery Store or Market: When you buy produce in Korea, you will see labels like '무농약 재배' (pesticide-free cultivation) or '유기농 재배' (organic cultivation). Shopkeepers might boast, '이건 제가 직접 재배한 거예요' (I cultivated this myself). In this context, the word acts as a mark of quality and authenticity.
On Television Documentaries: Korea has many popular programs like '6시 내고향' (My Hometown at 6:00) that feature rural life. Narrators frequently use 재배하다 to describe the hard work of farmers. You will hear phrases like '평생을 배추 재배에 바친 농부' (A farmer who dedicated his life to cabbage cultivation).

"뉴스 리포터: 올해는 가뭄 때문에 쌀 재배에 큰 차질이 예상됩니다."
— Translation: News Reporter: This year, due to the drought, major setbacks are expected in rice cultivation.

In the business and economic world, 재배하다 is used when discussing exports and imports. Economic analysts might discuss how Korea is '재배 면적을 확대하고 있다' (expanding the cultivation area) for certain high-value crops like strawberries or shine muscat grapes to increase exports to Southeast Asia. Here, it sounds professional and data-driven.

Another modern context is the 'Home Gardening' (홈 가드닝) trend. On social media platforms like Instagram or YouTube, influencers show off their indoor gardens. While they might use '키우기' (raising) for the hobby aspect, when they explain the technical steps—like the soil type or light requirements—they often switch to 재배 to sound more knowledgeable. '방울토마토 재배 꿀팁!' (Pro-tips for cultivating cherry tomatoes!) is a very common video title.

"학교 선생님: 우리 학교 텃밭에서 아이들과 함께 고구마를 재배하고 있습니다."
— Translation: School Teacher: We are cultivating sweet potatoes with the children in our school garden.

Lastly, in environmental discussions, you’ll hear about '대체 작물 재배' (cultivating alternative crops) as a response to global warming. Scientists use this word to describe the transition from traditional crops to tropical ones as Korea's climate becomes more subtropical. In all these cases, 재배하다 conveys a sense of purpose, method, and the vital relationship between humans and the earth.

For English speakers, the biggest challenge with 재배하다 is its specificity. In English, 'grow' is a catch-all word, but in Korean, using the wrong verb for 'growing' can sound very strange or even comical to native speakers. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Growing People or Animals: Never use 재배하다 for children, pets, or livestock. If you say '아이를 재배해요', it sounds like you are farming your child in a field. For people and animals, always use 키우다 or 기르다. 재배하다 is strictly for plants and fungi (like mushrooms).
Mistake 2: Growing Hair or Fingernails: Similarly, you cannot '재배' your hair or beard. In English, we 'grow a beard', but in Korean, you '기르다' a beard (수염을 기르다). Using 재배하다 here would imply you are treating your face like a plot of agricultural land.

"Wrong: 저는 강아지를 재배하고 싶어요. (X)"
"Right: 저는 강아지를 키우고 싶어요. (O)"
— Note: You raise (키우다) a puppy; you don't cultivate (재배하다) it.

Another common error is confusing 재배하다 with 경작하다 (to farm/till). While similar, 경작하다 focuses more on the act of working the land (plowing, tilling), whereas 재배하다 focuses on the plant's growth cycle. If you are talking about the crop itself, 재배하다 is usually the safer and more common choice.

Finally, be careful with the object particles. Since 재배하다 is a transitive verb, you must use 을/를. Learners sometimes mistakenly use the subject particle 이/가 because they are thinking of the plant 'growing' (intransitive) rather than the person 'cultivating' it (transitive). For example, '쌀이 재배하다' is grammatically incorrect; it should be '쌀을 재배하다' (cultivate rice) or '쌀이 재배되다' (rice is cultivated).

"Confusing: 숲에서 버섯이 재배해요. (X)"
"Correct: 농장에서 버섯을 재배해요. (O)"
— Note: Mushrooms don't 'cultivate' in the forest; humans 'cultivate' them on a farm.

In summary: use 재배하다 for plants and crops, especially in a productive or technical context. Avoid using it for people, animals, or body parts. Ensure you use the correct object particles and focus on the human effort involved in the growth process.

To truly master the Korean vocabulary related to 'growing', you need to understand the subtle differences between 재배하다 and its synonyms. Each word carries a slightly different 'flavor' and is used in different social or practical settings. Here is a breakdown of the most common alternatives.

키우다 (Kiu-da) vs 재배하다

키우다 is the most common, everyday word for 'to raise' or 'to grow'. It is used for children, pets, and plants. It is less formal than 재배하다. If you are talking about your hobby of growing flowers at home, 키우다 is the most natural choice. 재배하다 sounds like you are a professional farmer.

Example: '집에서 화초를 키워요' (I raise plants at home) vs '대규모로 화초를 재배해요' (I cultivate plants on a large scale).

기르다 (Gireu-da) vs 재배하다

기르다 is very similar to 키우다, but it often emphasizes the process of 'nurturing' or 'training' over a long period. It is frequently used for hair, habits, and livestock. While you can use it for plants, 재배하다 remains the specific agricultural term.

Example: '머리를 기르다' (to grow hair) vs '콩나물을 재배하다' (to cultivate bean sprouts).

가꾸다 (Gakkuda) vs 재배하다

가꾸다 means 'to tend', 'to groom', or 'to beautify'. It is used for gardens (정원을 가꾸다) or one's appearance (외모를 가꾸다). It focuses on the aesthetic care and maintenance. 재배하다 is about production; 가꾸다 is about beauty and care.

Example: '정원을 예쁘게 가꿨어요' (I tended the garden beautifully).

Comparison Summary Table

Word	Subject	Nuance
재배하다	Crops, Plants	Agricultural, Systematic, Productive
키우다	Humans, Animals, Plants	General, Casual, Growth in size
기르다	Humans, Animals, Hair, Habits	Nurturing, Long-term development
가꾸다	Gardens, Appearance	Tending, Beautifying, Grooming

For more formal or technical contexts, you might also encounter 경작하다 (to cultivate/till land) and 양식하다 (to farm/culture aquatic life). If you are talking about fish or seaweed, you should use 양식하다 instead of 재배하다. For example, '김을 양식하다' (to farm seaweed).

Choosing the right word depends on your intent. If you want to sound like a professional in the field of botany or agriculture, or if you are discussing food production on a significant scale, 재배하다 is your best choice. It shows you understand the technical nature of Korean agricultural vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 培 (배) also contains the radical for 'earth' (土), emphasizing the connection to the soil and the physical act of nurturing the land.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕɛ.bɛ.ɦa.da/

US /dʒeɪ.beɪ.hɑː.dɑː/

The stress is relatively even across all syllables, typical of Korean, but a slight emphasis on the first syllable '재' is common.

Rhymes With

방해하다 (banghaehada) 항해하다 (hanghaehada) 오해하다 (ohaehada) 매매하다 (maemaehada) 예배하다 (yebaehada) 지배하다 (jibaehada) 분배하다 (bunbaehada) 선배 (seonbae)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '재' as 'je' with a long 'e' like 'see'.
Confusing the sound of 'ㅐ' (ae) and 'ㅔ' (e), though they sound almost identical in modern Korean.
Failing to aspirate the 'ㅎ' in '하다' properly.
Pronouncing the 'b' in 'bae' too forcefully like a 'p'.
Incorrectly pausing between '재배' and '하다'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and labels, but requires knowing Hanja roots for full context.

Writing 4/5

Learners often forget it's transitive or use it for non-plants.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to conjugate, but choosing it over '키우다' takes practice.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation and usually follows a specific noun (crop name).

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

식물 (Plant) 나무 (Tree) 농부 (Farmer) 밭 (Field) 키우다 (To grow/raise)

Learn Next

수확하다 (To harvest) 비료 (Fertilizer) 농약 (Pesticide) 기후 (Climate) 토양 (Soil)

Advanced

경작 (Tillage) 품종 개량 (Variety improvement) 식량 안보 (Food security) 수경법 (Hydroponics)

Grammar to Know

-기 시작하다 (Start doing)

지난달부터 상추를 재배하기 시작했어요.

-기 위해서 (In order to)

좋은 쌀을 재배하기 위해서 노력이 필요합니다.

-는 것 (Nominalization)

식물을 재배하는 것은 인내심이 필요해요.

-아/어지다 (Become/Passive)

기술의 발달로 재배가 쉬워졌습니다.

-ㄹ 수 있다 (Can do)

추운 겨울에도 딸기를 재배할 수 있어요.

Examples by Level

저는 토마토를 재배해요.

I grow tomatoes.

Basic present tense: 재배 + 해요.

농부가 쌀을 재배합니다.

The farmer grows rice.

Formal present tense: 재배 + 합니다.

우리 집에서 상추를 재배해요.

We grow lettuce at our house.

Locative particle '에서' used with the verb.

꽃을 재배하고 싶어요.

I want to grow flowers.

-고 싶다 (want to) attached to the stem.

할머니는 사과를 재배하세요.

Grandmother grows apples.

Honorific -시- added for 'grandmother'.

딸기를 재배하는 것은 재미있어요.

Growing strawberries is fun.

-는 것 (nominalizer) to make 'growing' a subject.

여기에서 무엇을 재배해요?

What do you grow here?

Question form using the object '무엇' (what).

우리는 감자를 재배했습니다.

We grew potatoes.

Past tense: 재배 + 했습니다.

요즘 집에서 콩나물을 재배하는 사람이 많아요.

These days, many people grow bean sprouts at home.

Relative clause: 재배하는 (that grows).

이곳은 포도를 재배하기에 좋은 곳입니다.

This is a good place for growing grapes.

-기에 (for doing something) attached to the stem.

농부들이 밭에서 옥수수를 재배하고 있어요.

Farmers are growing corn in the field.

Present progressive: -고 있다 (is doing).

작년보다 더 많은 배추를 재배할 거예요.

We will grow more cabbage than last year.

Future tense: -ㄹ 거예요.

직접 재배한 채소라서 정말 싱싱해요.

Because these are vegetables I grew myself, they are very fresh.

Past relative clause: 재배한 (that I grew).

학교에서 아이들과 식물을 재배했습니다.

We grew plants with children at school.

Use of '와/과' (with) for people.

어떤 채소를 재배하고 싶으세요?

What kind of vegetables do you want to grow?

Honorific question: -고 싶으세요.

겨울에는 비닐하우스에서 오이를 재배해요.

In winter, they grow cucumbers in greenhouses.

Time and place particles: 겨울에, 비닐하우스에서.

이 지역은 예전부터 인삼 재배로 유명했습니다.

This region has been famous for ginseng cultivation since long ago.

Noun form '재배' used with the particle '로' (for/by).

유기농으로 재배된 사과는 가격이 조금 비쌉니다.

Apples grown organically are a bit expensive.

Passive form: 재배된 (cultivated/grown).

기후가 변하면서 커피를 재배하는 지역이 늘고 있어요.

As the climate changes, the areas growing coffee are increasing.

-면서 (while/as) indicates simultaneous actions or states.

수경 재배 기술 덕분에 도심에서도 채소를 키울 수 있습니다.

Thanks to hydroponic cultivation technology, we can grow vegetables even in the city center.

덕분에 (thanks to) with the noun form '재배'.

농약을 쓰지 않고 건강하게 작물을 재배하고 싶어요.

I want to grow crops healthily without using pesticides.

-지 않고 (without doing) and adverb '건강하게'.

이 약초는 깊은 산속에서만 재배가 가능합니다.

This medicinal herb can only be cultivated deep in the mountains.

Noun '재배' + '가 가능하다' (is possible).

정부는 쌀 재배 면적을 줄이기로 결정했습니다.

The government decided to reduce the rice cultivation area.

-기로 결정하다 (decide to do).

버섯을 재배하는 방법은 생각보다 복잡합니다.

The method of cultivating mushrooms is more complex than you think.

Noun phrase: 재배하는 방법 (way of cultivating).

스마트 팜은 정보 통신 기술을 활용하여 작물을 재배하는 농장입니다.

A smart farm is a farm that utilizes ICT to cultivate crops.

-하여 (by doing) to show means/method.

대량 재배를 위해서는 체계적인 관리 시스템이 필수적입니다.

For mass cultivation, a systematic management system is essential.

-를 위해서 (for the sake of/to achieve).

이 식물은 습도가 높은 곳에서 잘 재배되는 특징이 있습니다.

This plant has the characteristic of being well-cultivated in high-humidity areas.

Passive present: 재배되는 (being cultivated).

유전자 변형 기술로 재배된 옥수수가 안전한지에 대한 논란이 있습니다.

There is a controversy over whether corn grown with genetic modification technology is safe.

-는지에 대한 (about whether or not).

특수 작물 재배를 통해 농가 소득을 올릴 수 있습니다.

Through the cultivation of special crops, farm household income can be increased.

통해 (through) with noun '재배'.

지구 온난화로 인해 제주도에서 열대 과일을 재배하기 시작했습니다.

Due to global warming, they have started cultivating tropical fruits in Jeju Island.

-기 시작하다 (start to do).

이 지역 토양은 차(tea)를 재배하기에 최적의 조건을 갖추고 있습니다.

The soil in this region has the optimal conditions for cultivating tea.

-기에 (for doing) and '갖추고 있다' (possess/be equipped with).

버려진 공장을 채소 재배 단지로 개조하는 프로젝트가 진행 중입니다.

A project to convert abandoned factories into vegetable cultivation complexes is underway.

Noun phrase: 재배 단지 (cultivation complex).

전통적인 재배 방식과 현대 기술의 결합이 농업의 미래를 바꿀 것입니다.

The combination of traditional cultivation methods and modern technology will change the future of agriculture.

Noun '결합' (combination) of two concepts.

특정 작물의 과잉 재배는 가격 폭락으로 이어질 위험이 있습니다.

Over-cultivation of a specific crop carries the risk of leading to a price collapse.

Compound noun: 과잉 재배 (over-cultivation).

식량 자급률을 높이기 위해서는 주요 곡물의 재배를 장려해야 합니다.

To increase the food self-sufficiency rate, the cultivation of major grains must be encouraged.

-어야 합니다 (must/should) expresses necessity.

희귀 식물을 불법으로 재배하여 판매하는 행위는 법으로 금지되어 있습니다.

The act of illegally cultivating and selling rare plants is prohibited by law.

Adverbial '불법으로' (illegally) modifying '재배하여'.

토양 오염이 심각한 지역에서는 작물 재배가 전면 금지되었습니다.

In areas with severe soil pollution, crop cultivation has been completely banned.

Passive past: 금지되었습니다 (was banned).

대체 작물 재배를 통해 기후 변화에 능동적으로 대응해야 합니다.

We must respond actively to climate change through the cultivation of alternative crops.

Adverb '능동적으로' (actively) with '대응하다' (respond).

이 품종은 병충해에 강해 화학 비료 없이도 재배가 용이합니다.

This variety is resistant to pests and diseases, making it easy to cultivate even without chemical fertilizers.

Adjective '용이하다' (to be easy/convenient).

도시 재생 사업의 일환으로 옥상 재배가 널리 확산되고 있습니다.

As part of urban regeneration projects, rooftop cultivation is widely spreading.

Noun '일환' (part/link) in a formal context.

품종 개량을 통해 척박한 땅에서도 재배가 가능한 신품종을 개발했습니다.

Through variety improvement, we developed new varieties that can be cultivated even in barren land.

Adjective '척박하다' (barren) modifying '땅'.

재배 한계선의 북상은 한반도 생태계 전반에 걸쳐 큰 변화를 예고합니다.

The northward shift of the cultivation limit line foretells major changes throughout the Korean Peninsula's ecosystem.

Technical term: 재배 한계선 (cultivation limit line).

수출용 고품질 과수 재배에는 고도의 숙련된 기술과 세심한 관리가 요구됩니다.

Cultivating high-quality fruit trees for export requires highly skilled techniques and meticulous management.

Passive '요구됩니다' (is required) in a formal report style.

스마트 팜의 확산은 노동 집약적인 전통 재배 방식의 종말을 고하고 있습니다.

The spread of smart farms signals the end of labor-intensive traditional cultivation methods.

Idiomatic '종말을 고하다' (to signal the end).

바이오 에너지 원료 작물 재배가 식량 생산과 충돌하는 윤리적 문제가 제기됩니다.

Ethical issues are raised where the cultivation of bio-energy raw material crops conflicts with food production.

Passive '제기됩니다' (is raised/posed).

정밀 농업은 센서 데이터를 기반으로 재배 환경을 실시간으로 최적화합니다.

Precision agriculture optimizes the cultivation environment in real-time based on sensor data.

Adverbial '실시간으로' (in real-time).

자생 식물의 상업적 재배는 생물 다양성 보존과 지역 경제 활성화를 동시에 도모합니다.

The commercial cultivation of indigenous plants promotes both biodiversity conservation and local economic revitalization.

Verb '도모하다' (to promote/aim for).

기후 시나리오에 따른 재배 적지 예측 모델은 농업 정책 수립의 핵심 근거가 됩니다.

The prediction model for optimal cultivation sites according to climate scenarios serves as a key basis for establishing agricultural policy.

Noun phrase: 재배 적지 (optimal cultivation site).

Common Collocations

유기농 재배

수경 재배

대량 재배

시설 재배

직접 재배하다

재배 면적

재배 기술

재배 적지

노지 재배

재배가 용이하다

Common Phrases

쌀을 재배하다

— To cultivate rice. The most fundamental agricultural phrase in Korea.

한국인은 수천 년 동안 쌀을 재배해 왔습니다.

채소를 재배하다

— To grow vegetables. Common in gardening and farming contexts.

주말 농장에서 채소를 재배하는 재미가 쏠쏠해요.

대규모로 재배하다

— To cultivate on a large scale. Used for industrial farming.

이 기업은 해외에서 커피를 대규모로 재배합니다.

정성껏 재배하다

— To cultivate with great care. Emphasizes the effort put in.

농부님이 정성껏 재배하신 과일이라 맛이 아주 좋아요.

친환경으로 재배하다

— To cultivate in an eco-friendly manner.

지구를 위해 친환경으로 채소를 재배하고 있습니다.

비닐하우스에서 재배하다

— To grow in a greenhouse. Common for winter farming in Korea.

겨울에도 비닐하우스에서 딸기를 재배합니다.

품종을 재배하다

— To cultivate a specific variety/breed of plant.

우리는 병충해에 강한 품종을 재배하기로 했습니다.

약초를 재배하다

— To cultivate medicinal herbs.

산속에서 귀한 약초를 재배하는 분을 만났습니다.

도시에서 재배하다

— To cultivate in the city (urban farming).

도시에서도 옥상 공간을 활용해 작물을 재배할 수 있어요.

인공적으로 재배하다

— To cultivate artificially (e.g., lab or controlled environment).

식물 공장에서는 모든 환경을 조절하여 인공적으로 재배합니다.

Often Confused With

재배하다 vs 지배하다

Sounds similar but means 'to rule' or 'to dominate'. Don't confuse 'ruling' a country with 'growing' a plant.

재배하다 vs 제작하다

Means 'to produce' or 'to manufacture' (goods, movies). Use '재배하다' for living plants, not manufactured items.

재배하다 vs 배제하다

Means 'to exclude'. It sounds like a reversal of '재배' but has no relation to plants.

Idioms & Expressions

"콩 심은 데 콩 나고 팥 심은 데 팥 난다"

— You reap what you sow. (Literally: Beans grow where you plant beans, and red beans grow where you plant red beans.)

노력한 만큼 결과가 나오는 법이니, 콩 심은 데 콩 나고 팥 심은 데 팥 난다는 말을 믿으렴.

Proverb

"뿌린 대로 거둔다"

— One reaps what one sows. Closely related to the concept of cultivation and results.

남에게 상처를 주면 결국 뿌린 대로 거두게 될 거야.

Common Saying

"농사는 하늘이 짓는다"

— Farming is done by the heavens. (Meaning: Success in cultivation depends on luck/nature.)

아무리 재배 기술이 좋아도 농사는 하늘이 짓는 것이라 날씨가 도와줘야 해요.

Traditional Saying

"자식 농사"

— Raising children (metaphorically comparing it to farming/cultivation).

그 집은 자식 농사를 아주 잘 지어서 아이들이 다 훌륭해요.

Metaphor

"손이 많이 가다"

— To require a lot of work (common in cultivation contexts).

인삼 재배는 손이 많이 가는 작업이라 힘들어요.

Colloquial

"풍년이 들다"

— To have a bumper crop/rich harvest.

올해는 날씨가 좋아서 쌀 농사가 풍년이 들었어요.

Agricultural

"땀 흘려 일하다"

— To work hard (sweat), often associated with the labor of cultivation.

농부들이 땀 흘려 재배한 곡식을 헛되이 버리지 마세요.

Neutral

"씨를 뿌리다"

— To sow seeds (the start of the cultivation process).

희망의 씨를 뿌리는 마음으로 일을 시작합시다.

Metaphorical

"가뭄에 콩 나듯"

— Very rarely (Literally: Like beans sprouting in a drought).

그는 바빠서 고향에 가뭄에 콩 나듯 내려온다.

Idiom

"제철 과일"

— Fruits in season (referring to the natural cycle of cultivation).

재배 기술이 발달해도 제철 과일이 가장 맛있는 법이죠.

Common

Easily Confused

재배하다 vs 키우다

Both mean 'to grow'.

키우다 is general (kids, pets, plants). 재배하다 is specific to plants and usually implies a larger scale or purpose.

강아지를 키워요 (O) / 강아지를 재배해요 (X)

재배하다 vs 기르다

Both mean 'to raise'.

기르다 is often used for hair, habits, or livestock. 재배하다 is only for plants.

수염을 길러요 (O) / 수염을 재배해요 (X)

재배하다 vs 심다

Both relate to plants.

심다 means just the act of putting a seed/plant in the ground. 재배하다 is the whole process until harvest.

나무를 심었어요 (I planted a tree).

재배하다 vs 경작하다

Both are agricultural.

경작하다 emphasizes tilling the soil and working the land. 재배하다 emphasizes the growth and care of the crop.

땅을 경작하다 (To till the land).

재배하다 vs 양식하다

Both mean 'to farm'.

양식하다 is specifically for aquatic life (fish, seaweed). 재배하다 is for land plants.

물고기를 양식하다 (To farm fish).

Sentence Patterns

저는 [Plant]을/를 재배해요.

저는 오이를 재배해요.

[Person]은/는 [Plant]을/를 재배하세요.

어머니는 꽃을 재배하세요.

[Place]은/는 [Plant] 재배로 유명해요.

제주도는 귤 재배로 유명해요.

[Plant]을/를 재배하는 방법

토마토를 재배하는 방법

[Method]로 재배된 [Plant]

수경 재배로 재배된 상추

[Plant] 재배 면적이 [Increase/Decrease]하다

쌀 재배 면적이 감소하고 있습니다.

[Plant] 재배가 용이하다/어렵다

이 작물은 기후 때문에 재배가 어렵습니다.

[Plant] 재배 한계선이 북상하다

사과 재배 한계선이 북상하고 있다.

Word Family

Nouns

재배 (Cultivation)

재배자 (Cultivator/Grower)

재배법 (Cultivation method)

재배지 (Cultivation site)

재배학 (Agronomy/Study of cultivation)

Verbs

재배되다 (To be cultivated - Passive)

재배시키다 (To make someone cultivate)

Adjectives

재배적인 (Cultivational - rarely used)

재배 가능한 (Cultivable)

농업 (Agriculture)

작물 (Crops)

원예 (Horticulture)

수확 (Harvest)

파종 (Sowing)

How to Use It

frequency

High in agricultural, economic, and technical contexts; medium in daily life.

Common Mistakes

강아지를 재배해요. → 강아지를 키워요.
You cannot 'cultivate' a dog. Use '키우다' for animals.
머리를 재배하고 있어요. → 머리를 기르고 있어요.
Hair is 'nurtured' (기르다), not 'cultivated' (재배하다).
쌀이 재배해요. → 쌀을 재배해요.
Rice is the object. You need the object particle '을'.
정신을 재배하다. → 정신을 함양하다.
For abstract concepts like 'spirit', use '함양하다' instead of the agricultural '재배하다'.
물고기를 재배하다. → 물고기를 양식하다.
For aquatic life, the specific term is '양식하다'.

Tips

Scale Matters

Use '재배하다' when talking about more than just a hobby. It implies a productive activity, like farming or a serious garden.

Object Particle

Always use 을/를 with '재배하다'. The plant is the object being acted upon by the person.

Shopping Tip

Look for the word '재배' on vegetable packaging in Korean supermarkets to know how it was grown (e.g., organic, pesticide-free).

Smooth 'H'

In '재배하다', the 'h' sound in 'ha' is soft. Don't over-emphasize it, but don't drop it entirely.

Root Knowledge

Remember 栽 (plant) + 培 (nourish). This helps you remember that the word is about the whole process, not just planting.

No Humans!

Never use this for people. It's a common mistake for English speakers who use 'grow' for everything.

Regional Pride

Koreans are proud of their regional '재배' specialties. Mentioning '보성 녹차 재배' or '상주 곶감 재배' shows great cultural knowledge.

Topic Choice

This is a great word for TOPIK writing tasks about the environment, health, or rural development.

Urban Farming

Use this word when talking about '도시 농업' (urban agriculture) to sound more like a serious practitioner.

Passive Form

Master '재배되다' (to be cultivated) for describing where products come from on labels or in reports.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jae-Bae' as 'Jay's Bay' of plants. Jay has a whole bay full of crops he is cultivating.

Visual Association

Imagine a farmer wearing a traditional Korean hat (gat) carefully banking up soil around a green sprout with his hands.

Word Web

Agriculture Farming Crops Greenhouse Soil Harvest Watering Plants

Challenge

Try to list five things you could '재배하다' and three things you definitely cannot '재배하다' (like a dog or a car).

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja (Sino-Korean) characters 栽培.

Original meaning: 栽 (재) means 'to plant' or 'to set in the ground'. 培 (배) means 'to earth up' or 'to nourish the roots of a plant'.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use it for humans; it can sound dehumanizing as if you are 'farming' people.

In English, we use 'grow' for everything. In Korean, using '재배하다' for a hobby might sound like you're starting a business, while using it for a farm is perfect.

6시 내고향 (6 O'Clock My Hometown) - A TV show where this word is used constantly. Samshi Saekki (Three Meals a Day) - A reality show featuring celebrities cultivating their own food. Hwang Sun-won's 'The Cranes' - Often touches upon the life of farmers and their connection to the land.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Farmer's Market

직접 재배하신 건가요?
유기농 재배인가요?
재배하신 지 얼마나 됐어요?
어디서 재배하셨어요?

In a Science Class

식물의 재배 조건을 알아봅시다.
수경 재배의 장점은 무엇인가요?
재배 일지를 작성하세요.
온도가 재배에 미치는 영향

Reading a News Article

재배 면적이 급감했습니다.
대체 작물 재배가 시급합니다.
재배 기술을 보급하다.
재배 농가의 어려움

Home Gardening

집에서 재배하기 쉬운 채소
재배 세트를 샀어요.
씨앗부터 재배하기
실내 재배 팁

Cooking Show

산지에서 재배한 신선한 재료
정성껏 재배한 나물
재배 방식에 따라 맛이 달라요.
친환경 재배 식재료

Conversation Starters

"요즘 집에서 재배하는 식물이 있으세요? (Do you have any plants you are growing at home these days?)"

"한국에서 가장 많이 재배하는 작물이 무엇인지 아세요? (Do you know what crop is most cultivated in Korea?)"

"나중에 은퇴하면 시골에서 채소를 재배하며 살고 싶으세요? (When you retire later, do you want to live in the countryside cultivating vegetables?)"

"유기농으로 재배한 음식이 정말 더 건강하다고 생각하세요? (Do you really think food grown organically is healthier?)"

"아파트 베란다에서 어떤 채소를 재배하는 게 가장 쉬울까요? (What vegetable would be easiest to cultivate on an apartment balcony?)"

Journal Prompts

만약 내가 농부라면 어떤 작물을 재배하고 싶은지, 그리고 그 이유는 무엇인지 써 보세요. (If you were a farmer, write about what crop you would want to cultivate and why.)

내가 직접 재배한 채소로 요리를 한다면 어떤 기분이 들까요? (How would it feel if you cooked with vegetables you cultivated yourself?)

도시에서 식물을 재배하는 것이 우리 삶에 어떤 긍정적인 영향을 주는지 생각해보세요. (Think about what positive effects cultivating plants in the city has on our lives.)

미래에는 우주에서도 식물을 재배할 수 있을까요? 당신의 생각을 적어보세요. (Will we be able to cultivate plants in space in the future? Write your thoughts.)

기후 변화가 우리가 재배하는 작물에 어떤 변화를 가져올지 예측해 보세요. (Predict what changes climate change will bring to the crops we cultivate.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '재배하다' is only for plants. For pets, use '키우다' or '기르다'. Using '재배하다' for an animal sounds like you are farming it for food in a very technical way.

'농사' (farming) is a broader noun that includes everything about the farming life and business. '재배' is specifically the act of growing the plants. You can say '농사를 짓다' (to do farming) but '쌀을 재배하다' (to cultivate rice).

Yes, it can be used for flowers, especially if they are being grown in a nursery or for sale. If it's just one flower in your room, '키우다' is more common.

You say '유기농 재배' (yuginong jaebe). This is a very common phrase on food labels in Korea.

Yes! Even though mushrooms are fungi, in Korean they are treated under the category of '재배' because they are farmed similarly to plants.

It means 'hydroponic cultivation'—growing plants in water without soil. It is a very popular topic in modern Korean agriculture.

Yes, it is more formal than '키우다'. You'll see it in newspapers, textbooks, and on TV news.

No. For hair, always use '기르다'. '머리를 기르다' means to grow your hair long.

It means 'cultivation site' or the place where a specific crop is grown. For example, '녹차 재배지' is a tea plantation.

There isn't one direct opposite, but '방치하다' (to neglect) or '채집하다' (to gather wild plants) are often used in contrast.