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보류하다

B2 verb #4,000 most common 10 min read

보류하다

boruhada Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 보류하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 보류하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '보류하다' often, but it's good to know it means 'wait.' Imagine you are playing a game and you want to stop for a second to think. You are 'holding' your move. In Korean, the word for this in a very formal way is '보류하다.' Usually, at this level, you would just say '잠시만요' (Wait a moment) or '나중에 해요' (Let's do it later). But if you see this word on a computer screen or a sign, just think 'Wait' or 'On hold.' It's like a yellow traffic light—not red (stop) and not green (go), but in the middle. You are waiting for more information before you decide what to do next. It is helpful to recognize the '보' and '류' sounds because they often appear in words about keeping things or staying in one place. Don't worry about using it in sentences yet; just remember it means 'to hold off.'

At the A2 level, you can start to understand that '보류하다' is a more formal version of '나중에 하다' (doing it later). You might see it in simple notices at a store or in a basic office setting. For example, if a price is not yet decided, a clerk might say the decision is '보류' (on hold). You should know that it is a verb ending in '하다,' so it follows the standard rules: '보류해요' (present), '보류했어요' (past), and '보류할 거예요' (future). It's most commonly used with things like '결정' (decision) or '계획' (plan). If your friend asks if you are going to buy a new car, and you haven't decided yet, you could say '결정을 보류했어요' to sound a bit more serious. It shows you are thinking carefully. Remember, it's not for small things like 'I'll eat later.' Use it for bigger things like 'I'll decide about the job later.'

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '보류하다' in professional or semi-formal situations. This is where you distinguish between 'postponing a meeting' (연기하다) and 'holding off on a decision' (보류하다). If you are working in a Korean company, you will hear your boss say '이 건은 일단 보류합시다' (Let's put this matter on hold for now). This means the project isn't cancelled, but we aren't moving forward right now. You can also use the passive form '보류되다' to describe things that are out of your control. For example, '예산 문제로 프로젝트가 보류되었습니다' (The project was put on hold due to budget issues). This level requires you to understand that '보류' is about a strategic pause. You are waiting for better conditions or more information. It's a very useful word for emails when you need to tell someone that you can't give them an answer yet.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '보류하다' with precision. You understand that it is a 'Hanja' word (保留) and can appreciate the nuance of 'retaining' a decision. You should be able to use it in complex sentences with various connectors. For instance, '충분한 검토가 이루어지지 않았으므로, 이번 안건의 승인을 보류하는 것이 타당하다고 생각합니다' (Since a sufficient review hasn't been conducted, I believe it is appropriate to hold off on the approval of this agenda item). At this level, you should also be aware of its synonyms like '유보하다' and know that '보류' is slightly more common in general business, while '유보' is more legalistic. You can use it to describe diplomatic stalemates, legal stays, or strategic business delays. You should also be comfortable using it in the '보류 중' (currently on hold) format in reports and status updates.

At the C1 level, '보류하다' becomes a tool for nuanced communication. You can use it to navigate delicate social and professional hierarchies. You understand that saying '보류하다' can be a polite way to decline a proposal without causing loss of face. You are also familiar with its usage in academic and technical literature. You might discuss '판단 보류' (suspension of judgment) in a philosophical context or '집행 보류' (stay of execution) in a legal context. Your sentences will be sophisticated, incorporating adverbs like '잠정적으로' (provisionally) or '무기한' (indefinitely). For example: '시장 상황의 불확실성이 해소될 때까지 신규 투자를 무기한 보류하기로 한 경영진의 결정은 시의적절했다' (The management's decision to indefinitely hold off on new investments until the market uncertainty is resolved was timely). You can also distinguish it from '유예하다' (to grant a grace period).

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '보류하다.' You understand its historical weight and can use it in high-level debates, legal drafting, or literary analysis. You can identify the subtle difference between '권리 보류' (reservation of rights) and '결정 보류' (holding a decision). You might use it metaphorically or in very specific idiomatic professional contexts. You are also aware of how the word has evolved in modern Korean, including its use in digital interfaces and international relations. You can speak eloquently about why a certain policy was '보류' rather than '폐기' (discarded) and what that implies for future developments. Your use of the word is seamless, and you can even play with the word in professional wordplay or highly formal presentations. You understand the administrative implications of '보류' in government white papers and can translate these nuances accurately into English.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

보류하다 in 30 Seconds

Formal verb meaning to hold off or postpone a decision/action.
Commonly used in business, law, and administration for strategic pauses.
Different from '연기하다' (rescheduling time) and '미루다' (procrastinating).
Implies waiting for more information or better conditions before proceeding.

The Korean verb 보류하다 (bo-ryu-ha-da) is an essential term for anyone navigating professional, academic, or formal environments in South Korea. At its core, it means to hold, reserve, or postpone a decision, action, or the implementation of a plan until a later time. Unlike simple words for 'waiting' or 'delaying,' 보류하다 carries a weight of intentionality and formality. It is often used when a situation lacks sufficient information to proceed, or when a strategic pause is necessary to avoid a mistake. In the world of business, you will frequently hear this word in boardrooms when a proposal is not yet ready for a final 'yes' or 'no.' It is not a rejection, but rather a state of suspension.

Etymological Nuance: The word is composed of the Hanja characters 保 (보), meaning 'to protect' or 'to keep,' and 留 (류), meaning 'to stay' or 'to remain.' Together, they literally translate to 'keeping something in its current state' or 'retaining the status quo.'

This nuance is vital: you aren't just moving a date; you are keeping the decision in your hands without letting it go forward. For example, if a company is considering a merger but the market is volatile, they might '보류' the final decision. This doesn't mean the merger is cancelled; it means the 'go-ahead' is being held back.

신중한 검토를 위해 결정을 잠시 보류하기로 했습니다.

Translation: We have decided to hold off on the decision for a careful review.

Beyond business, you might encounter this in administrative contexts, such as when a visa application is 'on hold' (보류 상태) or when a legislative bill is 'tabled.' It is a word that suggests a high level of control and careful deliberation. In everyday life, it can be used for smaller things, like holding off on buying a new phone until the next model comes out, but it still maintains a slightly more serious tone than the colloquial '미루다' (to put off). Understanding the distinction between '보류' (holding the decision) and '연기' (rescheduling the time) is the hallmark of a B2-level speaker.

Common Contexts: 1. Corporate Strategy: Delaying an investment. 2. Legal: Suspending a judgment. 3. Personal: Waiting to commit to a major life change.

그 안건은 다음 회의까지 보류합시다.

Translation: Let's table that agenda item until the next meeting.

In summary, 보류하다 is your go-to word for strategic postponement.

Using 보류하다 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical patterns and the specific objects it takes. Most commonly, it follows the structure [Object] + 을/를 보류하다. The object is usually a decision (결정), a plan (계획), an answer (답변), or an action (집행).

Pattern 1: [Noun] + 을/를 보류하다: This is the standard transitive usage. Example: '그들은 예산 집행을 보류했다' (They held off on the budget execution).

Another common pattern is using the '기' nominalizer to turn a verb phrase into an object. For example, '결정하기를 보류하다' (to hold off on deciding). However, it's more natural in Korean to simply say '결정을 보류하다'.

상황이 불확실해서 발표를 보류하고 있어요.

Translation: I am holding off the announcement because the situation is uncertain.

It is also important to note the passive construction, 보류되다, which means 'to be postponed' or 'to be put on hold.' This is used when the focus is on the plan or decision itself rather than the person making it. '그 계획은 보류되었다' (That plan was put on hold).

Formal vs. Informal Conjugations: In formal settings: 보류하겠습니다 (I will hold off), 보류했습니다 (I held off). In neutral settings: 보류해요, 보류했어요. In very formal written reports: 보류함, 보류함이 타당함.

새 프로젝트 착수를 보류하는 것이 좋겠습니다.

Translation: It would be better to hold off on starting the new project.

You will often see it paired with conditional clauses like '-ㄹ지 말지' (whether to or not). '갈지 말지 결정을 보류했어요' (I held off on the decision of whether to go or not). This shows that the speaker is in a state of deliberation.

조건이 맞지 않아 계약을 보류했습니다.

Translation: We held off on the contract because the conditions didn't match.

Mastery of this verb allows you to express complex organizational delays with precision.

Common Adverbs: 일시적으로 (temporarily), 무기한 (indefinitely), 전면 (completely - as in 'completely holding off').

그 안건은 무기한 보류되었습니다.

Translation: That agenda item has been postponed indefinitely.

To truly grasp 보류하다, one must listen to the environments where it thrives. It is a 'high-register' word. You will hear it most frequently in news broadcasts, corporate meetings, and legal dramas. For example, a news anchor might report, '정부는 이번 정책 시행을 보류하기로 했습니다' (The government has decided to hold off on implementing this policy). In this context, the word conveys a sense of officialdom and gravity. It’s not just that they are 'late'; it’s an administrative decision to pause.

In the Office: During a performance review or a project kickoff, a manager might say, '승진을 보류하다' (to hold off on a promotion) if the employee hasn't met certain criteria yet. This is a very common, albeit stressful, use of the word.

Another place you’ll encounter it is in the world of online shopping or banking. If a transaction is flagged for security reasons, the status might show as '결제 보류' (payment on hold). Here, the word is used as a technical status.

서류 미비로 인해 처리가 보류되었습니다.

Translation: Processing has been put on hold due to insufficient documentation.

In legal contexts, such as a courtroom or a law firm, lawyers use 보류하다 to discuss the suspension of a trial or the withholding of evidence. It suggests a strategic move to wait for a better opportunity or more clarity. You will also hear it in sports, particularly regarding player transfers or contract negotiations. If a player is '보류' (reserved), it means they cannot move to another team without permission.

News & Media: Headlines often use '보류' to describe stalled diplomatic talks or delayed infrastructure projects. It sounds more objective and professional than '미뤄진' (delayed).

양측의 의견 차이로 협상이 보류되었습니다.

Translation: Negotiations have been put on hold due to a difference in opinion between both sides.

Even in high-end customer service, if a representative needs to check with a manager, they might say, '잠시 보류하고 확인해 보겠습니다' (I will put this on hold for a moment and check). This creates a sense of professional procedure.

추가 데이터가 올 때까지 판단을 보류합시다.

Translation: Let's reserve judgment until more data arrives.

Finally, in university settings, a professor might '보류' a grade if there’s a suspicion of plagiarism or if a student hasn't completed all requirements. It’s a word that implies a temporary stop in a formal process.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 보류하다 with other words for 'postpone' or 'delay,' such as 연기하다 (yeon-gi-ha-da) or 미루다 (mi-ru-da). While they all involve doing something later, their usage is quite specific.

보류하다 vs. 연기하다: 연기하다 is used for scheduled events. You 연기 a meeting, a concert, or a wedding. 보류하다 is for decisions or the execution of a plan. You don't '보류' a wedding date (unless you are holding off on the *decision* to get married), you '연기' it.

Another mistake is using 보류하다 in very casual, low-stakes situations. If you are just putting off washing the dishes, you shouldn't say '설거지를 보류해요.' That sounds overly dramatic and robotic, like a government announcement about dishes. In that case, use '미루다' (to put off/procrastinate).

X 숙제를 보류했어요.
O 숙제를 미뤘어요.

Note: Use '미루다' for personal procrastination like homework.

A subtle mistake involves the difference between 보류하다 and 유보하다 (yu-bo-ha-da). 유보하다 is even more formal and is often used in legal or academic writing to mean 'to reserve' or 'to withhold' (like 'withholding judgment'). While they are often interchangeable, 보류하다 is much more common in daily professional life.

Object Choice: You cannot '보류' a person. You can only '보류' an abstract concept like a decision, a payment, or a plan. If you want to say you are putting someone on hold on the phone, the specific term is '전화를 끊지 말고 기다려 주세요' or simply '잠시만요,' not '당신을 보류합니다.'

판단을 보류하는 것과 포기하는 것은 다릅니다.

Translation: Holding off on a judgment is different from giving up.

Finally, avoid using the passive '보류되다' when you are the one making the decision in a proactive way. Using '보류했습니다' shows you are in control. Using '보류되었습니다' sounds like it happened due to external circumstances. Choosing the right voice (active vs. passive) is key to sounding natural in Korean corporate culture.

To enrich your Korean vocabulary, it is helpful to look at the synonyms and alternatives to 보류하다. Each word has a slightly different nuance that can change the tone of your sentence.

1. 연기하다 (Yeon-gi-ha-da): This means to postpone a time or date. Use this for meetings, events, or deadlines. It implies that a new time will be set. 보류하다 implies the whole thing might not happen at all.
2. 미루다 (Mi-ru-da): The most common, informal way to say 'put off.' It can mean procrastination or simply shifting a task to later. It is used in daily life (e.g., '숙제를 미루다').
3. 유보하다 (Yu-bo-ha-da): Very formal. Often used in legal or academic contexts for 'reserving' rights or 'withholding' judgment. It is a close synonym to 보류하다 but even more high-level.

결정을 보류하다 vs. 시간을 연기하다.

Comparison: Holding a decision vs. rescheduling a time.

Other related words include 지체하다 (to delay/be tardy) and 중단하다 (to stop/suspend). 지체하다 often has a negative connotation of being slow or causing a bottleneck.

4. 중단하다 (Jung-dan-ha-da): To stop or discontinue something that was already in progress. While 보류하다 stops something from *starting* or being *finalized*, 중단하다 stops something that is *currently happening*.

공사가 예산 부족으로 중단되었습니다.

Example: Construction was stopped due to lack of budget.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to choose the exact level of formality and the specific type of delay you want to convey. For a B2 learner, being able to swap 보류하다 for 유보하다 in a formal essay, or for 미루다 in a chat with friends, demonstrates high linguistic flexibility.

판단을 유보하는 태도가 필요할 때도 있습니다.

Translation: There are times when an attitude of withholding judgment is necessary.

In summary, use 보류하다 for formal 'holding' of decisions, 연기하다 for 'rescheduling,' and 미루다 for 'procrastinating' or 'pushing back' tasks.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 留 (류) is also found in '유학' (studying abroad - staying elsewhere) and '체류' (staying/sojourn).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bo.ɾju.ɦa.da/

US /boʊ.rju.hɑ.dɑ/

The stress is even across all syllables, typical of Korean, but a slight emphasis on 'ryu' is common in speech.

Rhymes With

공유하다 (to share) 소유하다 (to possess) 분류하다 (to classify) 교류하다 (to exchange) 류 (flow/class) 자유하다 (to be free) 치유하다 (to heal) 비유하다 (to compare)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ryu' as 'ryo' (보료하다), which changes the meaning.
Making the 'r' sound too much like an English 'L'.
Over-emphasizing the 'h' in 'ha-da'.
Confusing the 'bo' with 'po'.
Shortening the 'yu' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and formal texts, requiring Hanja understanding.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal sentence endings and object particles.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but context choice is key.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognizable in formal broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

하다 기다리다 결정 계획 나중에

Learn Next

유보하다 유예하다 중단하다 추진하다 집행

Advanced

판단 유보 집행 유예 잠정적 불확실성 타당성

Grammar to Know

Passive voice with -되다

결정이 보류되었다. (The decision was put on hold.)

Nominalization with -기

결정하기를 보류했다. (I held off on deciding.)

Causative with -시키다

그는 계획을 보류시켰다. (He made the plan be put on hold.)

Adverbial form -적으로

일시적으로 보류하다. (To hold off temporarily.)

Intentional -겠다

답변을 보류하겠습니다. (I will hold off on the answer.)

Examples by Level

결정을 보류해요.

I hold the decision.

Simple present tense.

잠시 보류합시다.

Let's hold for a moment.

-읍시다 (Let's) ending.

계획을 보류했어요.

I held the plan.

Past tense.

이것은 보류예요.

This is on hold.

Noun + 이다.

아직 보류 중이에요.

It is still on hold.

중 (middle/in progress).

보류하고 싶어요.

I want to hold off.

-고 싶다 (want to).

왜 보류해요?

Why are you holding off?

Interrogative.

보류하지 마세요.

Don't hold off.

-지 마세요 (Don't).

답변을 잠시 보류하겠습니다.

I will hold off on the answer for a moment.

-겠습니다 (Formal future/intent).

그 일은 보류하는 게 어때요?

How about holding off on that work?

-는 게 어때요 (How about).

결정이 보류되어서 기다려야 해요.

The decision was put on hold, so I have to wait.

Passive 보류되다 + -어서 (reason).

새 차 사는 걸 보류했어요.

I held off on buying a new car.

Noun clause with -는 것.

회의에서 결정을 보류하기로 했어요.

We decided to hold off on the decision at the meeting.

-기로 하다 (decide to).

상황을 보고 보류할게요.

I'll see the situation and then hold off.

-ㄹ게요 (Promise future).

보류된 계획이 다시 시작됐어요.

The plan that was on hold has started again.

Noun-modifying form -ㄴ.

너무 오래 보류하지 마세요.

Don't hold off for too long.

Adverbial use of '너무 오래'.

예산이 부족해서 사업을 보류했습니다.

We held off on the project because the budget was insufficient.

Professional past tense.

신중한 검토를 위해 발표를 보류 중입니다.

We are currently holding off on the announcement for a careful review.

-중입니다 (Formal progress).

그 안건은 다음 회의로 보류되었습니다.

That agenda item was tabled until the next meeting.

Passive with destination particle -로.

지금은 결정을 보류하는 것이 현명합니다.

It is wise to hold off on the decision right now.

Adjective '현명하다' (wise).

서류가 부족하면 승인이 보류될 수 있습니다.

If documents are lacking, approval may be put on hold.

-ㄹ 수 있다 (possibility).

양측의 합의가 안 되어 계약을 보류했습니다.

The contract was put on hold because the two sides couldn't agree.

-가 안 되어 (reason).

일단 보류하고 나중에 다시 이야기합시다.

Let's hold off for now and talk again later.

Connective -고.

보류 상태가 생각보다 길어지고 있어요.

The 'on hold' status is lasting longer than expected.

-어지다 (become/change).

시장 상황이 불안정하여 투자를 일시적으로 보류하기로 결정했습니다.

Due to unstable market conditions, we decided to temporarily hold off on investment.

Adverb '일시적으로'.

정부는 해당 법안의 시행을 무기한 보류한다고 발표했습니다.

The government announced that it would indefinitely hold off on the implementation of the bill.

Plain style -ㄴ다고 (reporting).

추가적인 데이터가 확보될 때까지 판단을 보류하는 것이 좋겠습니다.

It would be better to reserve judgment until additional data is secured.

-ㄹ 때까지 (until).

그 프로젝트는 타당성 검토 결과가 나올 때까지 보류된 상태입니다.

The project is in a state of being on hold until the feasibility study results come out.

Noun phrase '보류된 상태'.

우리는 그 제안을 수락할지 말지 결정을 보류하고 있습니다.

We are holding off on the decision of whether to accept that proposal or not.

-ㄹ지 말지 (whether or not).

인사위원회는 그의 승진을 당분간 보류하기로 했습니다.

The personnel committee decided to hold off on his promotion for the time being.

Noun '인사위원회' (personnel committee).

결제 보류 사유를 확인하려면 고객 센터에 문의하세요.

To check the reason for the payment hold, please contact the customer center.

Noun '사유' (reason/cause).

논란이 일자 영화 제작사는 개봉을 전격 보류했습니다.

As controversy arose, the movie production company suddenly held off on the release.

-자 (as soon as/since).

검찰은 증거 불충분으로 기소를 보류하고 추가 수사를 진행하기로 했다.

The prosecution decided to hold off on the indictment due to insufficient evidence and proceed with further investigation.

Legal terminology.

양국 간의 영토 분쟁으로 인해 외교 협상이 전면 보류되는 사태가 발생했다.

Due to the territorial dispute between the two countries, a situation occurred where diplomatic negotiations were completely put on hold.

Complex noun phrases.

그 학자는 새로운 이론의 타당성이 입증되기 전까지는 판단을 보류해야 한다고 주장한다.

The scholar argues that judgment should be reserved until the validity of the new theory is proven.

Academic tone.

회사는 경영 악화로 인해 신입 사원 채용 계획을 잠정 보류하기로 발표했다.

The company announced that it decided to provisionally hold off on the recruitment plan for new employees due to worsening management.

Adverb '잠정적으로'.

이번 사안은 민감한 정치적 문제를 포함하고 있어 결정을 보류할 수밖에 없었다.

This matter includes sensitive political issues, so there was no choice but to hold off on the decision.

-ㄹ 수밖에 없다 (no choice but to).

법원은 피고인의 건강 상태를 고려하여 형의 집행을 보류했다.

The court held off on the execution of the sentence considering the defendant's health condition.

Legal '집행 보류'.

기존의 방침을 고수할 것인지, 아니면 변경할 것인지에 대한 논의가 보류되었다.

Discussions on whether to stick to the existing policy or change it have been put on hold.

-ㄴ지에 대한 (regarding whether).

프로젝트의 위험 요소가 제거되지 않는 한, 착공을 보류하는 것이 원칙이다.

As long as the risk factors of the project are not removed, it is a principle to hold off on starting construction.

-는 한 (as long as).

국제 사회의 제재가 강화됨에 따라, 북한은 핵실험을 잠정 보류하는 태도를 보였다.

As international sanctions strengthened, North Korea showed an attitude of provisionally holding off on nuclear tests.

Geopolitical context.

철학적 회의주의는 확고한 근거가 없는 모든 지식에 대해 판단을 보류할 것을 권고한다.

Philosophical skepticism recommends reserving judgment on all knowledge that lacks a firm basis.

Philosophical '판단 보류' (Epoché).

해당 특허권의 유효성에 대한 분쟁이 해결될 때까지 로열티 지급이 보류되었다.

Royalty payments have been put on hold until the dispute over the validity of the patent is resolved.

Intellectual property context.

정치적 이해관계가 복잡하게 얽혀 있어 해당 안건은 상임위원회에서 보류된 채 방치되고 있다.

Due to the complex entanglement of political interests, the agenda item is being left neglected after being put on hold in the standing committee.

-ㄴ 채 (in the state of).

일부 주주들은 배당금 지급 보류 결정에 대해 강하게 반발하며 소송을 제기했다.

Some shareholders strongly protested the decision to hold off on dividend payments and filed a lawsuit.

Corporate litigation context.

예술가는 작품의 해석을 독자에게 맡기기 위해 자신의 의도에 대한 설명을 보류했다.

The artist held off on explaining their intentions to leave the interpretation of the work to the readers.

Aesthetic context.

기술적 결함이 발견됨에 따라 차세대 전투기의 도입 사업이 전면 보류되기에 이르렀다.

As technical defects were discovered, the project to introduce next-generation fighters reached the point of being completely put on hold.

-기에 이르다 (to reach the point of).

역사적 진실이 규명되지 않은 사안에 대해 섣부른 평가를 보류하는 것은 학자의 도리이다.

It is a scholar's duty to reserve hasty evaluations on matters where historical truth has not been clarified.

Ethical/Academic context.

Synonyms

미루다 연기하다 유예하다 지연시키다

Antonyms

실행하다 결행하다

Common Collocations

결정을 보류하다

계획을 보류하다

승인을 보류하다

판단을 보류하다

집행을 보류하다

안건을 보류하다

발표를 보류하다

지급을 보류하다

무기한 보류하다

잠정 보류하다

Common Phrases

일단 보류

— Hold off for now. Used in meetings to move past a topic.

그 문제는 일단 보류하고 다음으로 넘어갑시다.

보류 중

— In a state of being on hold. Common in system statuses.

현재 서류가 보류 중입니다.

전면 보류

— Total suspension. Used when a whole project stops.

신규 채용이 전면 보류되었습니다.

보류 상태

— The status of being on hold.

계약이 보류 상태에 머물러 있다.

판단 보류

— Suspension of judgment.

판단 보류는 지혜로운 태도일 수 있다.

결제 보류

— Payment on hold.

결제 보류 메시지가 떴어요.

보류 사유

— Reason for the hold.

보류 사유를 설명해 주세요.

보류 통보

— Notice of postponement/hold.

합격 보류 통보를 받았다.

보류지

— Reserved land (real estate term).

단지 내 보류지 매각 공고가 났다.

보류 선수

— Reserved player (sports term).

그는 보류 선수 명단에 포함되었다.

Often Confused With

보류하다 vs 연기하다

Used for moving a scheduled date. 보류하다 is for pausing a decision.

보류하다 vs 미루다

Commonly used for procrastination. 보류하다 is more formal and strategic.

보류하다 vs 취소하다

Means to cancel entirely. 보류하다 means it might happen later.

Idioms & Expressions

"결정을 보류하다"

— To sit on the fence or wait for a better time.

그는 마지막까지 결정을 보류했다.

Formal

"판단을 보류하다"

— To keep an open mind by not deciding yet.

그의 의도에 대해 판단을 보류합시다.

Academic

"숨을 죽이고 보류하다"

— To hold off while waiting intensely (metaphorical).

상황을 보며 숨을 죽이고 보류 중이다.

Literary

"도마 위에 올리고 보류하다"

— To discuss something then table it.

문제를 도마 위에 올렸으나 결국 보류했다.

Neutral

"보류의 미학"

— The beauty of waiting/not deciding (ironic or philosophical).

그는 보류의 미학을 아는 사람이다.

Literary

"무기한 보류의 늪"

— A state where things never get decided.

프로젝트가 무기한 보류의 늪에 빠졌다.

Informal/Journalistic

"보류 도장을 찍다"

— To officially put something on hold.

결국 그 계획에 보류 도장을 찍었다.

Business

"보류 카드를 꺼내다"

— To use postponement as a strategy.

협상팀은 보류 카드를 꺼내 들었다.

Political

"일단 보류하고 보자"

— Let's just wait and see.

지금은 위험하니 일단 보류하고 봅시다.

Colloquial

"보류로 일관하다"

— To consistently avoid making a decision.

그는 보류로 일관하며 책임을 회피했다.

Critical

Easily Confused

보류하다 vs 유보하다

Both mean to hold off.

유보하다 is even more formal and often used for 'reserving' rights or judgment in legal contexts.

판단을 유보하다.

보류하다 vs 중단하다

Both involve stopping.

중단하다 stops an ongoing action. 보류하다 stops an action from starting or being finalized.

공사를 중단하다.

보류하다 vs 지체하다

Both involve delay.

지체하다 implies being slow or dragging one's feet. 보류하다 is an intentional hold.

시간을 지체하다.

보류하다 vs 정지하다

Both mean to halt.

정지하다 is a physical or system halt. 보류하다 is a decision-based hold.

기계가 정지하다.

보류하다 vs 방치하다

Both involve not doing something.

방치하다 means to neglect or leave something alone carelessly. 보류하다 is a deliberate choice.

아이를 방치하다.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]을/를 보류해요.

결정을 보류해요.

[Noun]이/가 보류되었어요.

계획이 보류되었어요.

[Reason] 때문에 보류했어요.

돈 때문에 보류했어요.

[Noun]을/를 잠정 보류하기로 했습니다.

사업을 잠정 보류하기로 했습니다.

[Noun] 여부를 보류 중입니다.

참가 여부를 보류 중입니다.

[Condition] 때까지 보류하는 것이 원칙입니다.

확인될 때까지 보류하는 것이 원칙입니다.

[Noun]의 집행을 보류하다.

형의 집행을 보류하다.

[Context]에 비추어 보류가 불가피합니다.

상황에 비추어 보류가 불가피합니다.

Word Family

Nouns

보류 (postponement/hold)

보류지 (reserved land)

보류 선수 (reserved player)

Verbs

보류되다 (to be put on hold)

보류시키다 (to make something be on hold)

Adjectives

보류된 (on hold - past participle form)

연기 (delay)

유보 (reservation)

정지 (stop)

지연 (delay)

미룸 (procrastination)

How to Use It

frequency

High in professional contexts; Medium in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Using 보류하다 for a date with a friend. → 약속을 미루다 / 연기하다
보류하다 is too formal for personal social plans.
Saying '당신을 보류합니다' on the phone. → 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
You cannot 'hold' a person using this verb; it applies to decisions or actions.
Confusing 보류 with 보료. → 보류 (postponement)
보료 is a traditional Korean mattress. Pronunciation matters!
Using 보류하다 when you mean 'cancel'. → 취소하다
보류 means it is on hold and might happen later. 취소 means it's gone.
Using 보류하다 for physical objects. → 보관하다 (to store/keep)
You don't '보류' a box; you '보관' it. You '보류' the *decision* to move the box.

Tips

Use for Deliberation

When you need more time to think in a meeting, say '보류하겠습니다' to sound thoughtful and professional.

Passive vs Active

Use '보류되었습니다' when you want to shift the responsibility to the situation, and '보류했습니다' when you are taking charge.

Pair with Adverbs

Use '일단' (for now) or '잠시' (for a moment) with 보류하다 to make it sound less permanent.

Polite No

In Korea, if someone says 'Let's hold off' (보류합시다), be prepared that they might actually mean 'No' but are being polite.

Check the Object

Ensure the object of '보류하다' is an abstract noun like 'decision,' 'plan,' or 'payment'.

Clear 'Ryu'

Practice the 'Ryu' sound. It’s a smooth transition from 'R' to 'Yu'. Avoid stopping between them.

Legal Context

In legal documents, '보류' often means a stay or a reservation of rights. Read the context carefully.

System Status

If you see '보류' on a Korean website, look for a 'Reason' (사유) field nearby to see why your action was stopped.

Social Harmony

Use '보류' to avoid arguments. It pauses the conflict and gives everyone time to cool down.

Hanja Roots

Learning the Hanja 保 (keep) and 留 (stay) will help you remember dozens of other related words.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Bo' as 'Boldly' and 'Ryu' as 'Resting.' You Boldly let the decision Rest for a while.

Visual Association

Imagine a yellow 'Pause' button on a remote control labeled 'BO-RYU'.

Word Web

Decision Business Wait Hold Formal Hanja Pause Strategic

Challenge

Try to use '보류하겠습니다' in a professional email today to ask for more time on a project.

Word Origin

From the Hanja 保留 (보류). 保 (보) means 'to protect, keep, or hold.' 留 (류) means 'to stay, remain, or stop.'

Original meaning: To keep something in its place or to make it stay as it is.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use this word too much with subordinates as it can create a sense of indecisiveness.

In English, we might say 'table the motion' or 'put it on the back burner.' '보류하다' is closer to 'put on hold.'

Frequently used in Korean dramas like 'Misaeng' (Incomplete Life) during office meeting scenes. Common in financial news regarding the Bank of Korea's interest rate decisions. Used in sports news regarding the KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) 'reserve' list.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Meeting

이 안건은 보류합시다.
결정을 보류하겠습니다.
일단 보류하고 다음으로 넘어가죠.
보류 사유가 무엇입니까?

Online Shopping

결제가 보류되었습니다.
보류된 주문을 확인하세요.
승인 보류 상태입니다.
왜 보류되었나요?

Government/News

정책 시행을 보류했다.
무기한 보류를 선언했다.
보류 결정이 내려졌다.
전면 보류가 불가피하다.

Legal/Academic

판단을 보류해야 한다.
형의 집행을 보류하다.
증거 조사를 보류하다.
이론 적용을 보류하다.

Daily Life

그 일은 일단 보류야.
사는 걸 보류했어.
대답을 보류할게.
잠시 보류해 줘.

Conversation Starters

"이번 프로젝트 결정을 보류한 이유가 뭐예요? (What is the reason for holding off on this project decision?)"

"우리가 그 계획을 보류해야 한다고 생각하시나요? (Do you think we should hold off on that plan?)"

"언제까지 이 안건을 보류할 예정인가요? (Until when do you plan to hold off on this agenda item?)"

"결제 보류 문제를 어떻게 해결할 수 있을까요? (How can we solve the payment hold problem?)"

"판단을 보류하는 것이 지금 상황에서 최선일까요? (Is reserving judgment the best in this situation?)"

Journal Prompts

최근에 내린 결정 중에 보류하고 싶은 것이 있나요? 그 이유는 무엇인가요? (Is there a decision you've made recently that you want to hold off on? What is the reason?)

중요한 결정을 보류했을 때의 장점과 단점에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the pros and cons of holding off on an important decision.)

회사나 학교에서 프로젝트가 보류되었던 경험을 설명해 보세요. (Describe an experience where a project was put on hold at work or school.)

'보류'라는 단어가 주는 느낌은 어떤가요? 긍정적인가요, 부정적인가요? (What kind of feeling does the word 'Bo-ryu' give you? Is it positive or negative?)

인생에서 가장 오래 보류하고 있는 계획은 무엇인가요? (What is the plan you've been holding off on the longest in your life?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It sounds too formal. Use '미루다' or '연기하다' instead. Saying '보류하다' would make it sound like a business transaction.

연기 (postponement) is about time (e.g., meeting at 3 PM instead of 2 PM). 보류 (hold) is about the decision itself (e.g., deciding whether to have the meeting at all).

Not necessarily. It often implies caution and careful thinking. However, in business, it can sometimes be a polite 'no'.

Don't use '보류하다' for people. Say '잠시만 기다려 주세요' (Please wait a moment).

Technically yes, but '미루다' is much more natural for personal tasks like homework.

It refers to a 'reserved player' who is under contract and cannot move to another team without permission.

Yes, it is very common in news and reports to describe plans that have been put on hold by external factors.

It's better to say '판단을 보류하다' (reserve judgment) or '결정을 보류하다' (hold the decision).

It is 保 (보 - keep) and 留 (류 - stay).

You can say '추가 검토를 위해 결정을 잠시 보류하고자 합니다' (I would like to hold off on the decision for further review).