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B1 verb 10 min read

세밀화하다

semilhwahada
Examples 세밀화하다 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 세밀화하다 in your Level:
At the A1 level, '세밀화하다' is a very advanced word that you probably won't use. However, you can understand it by looking at its parts. '세' means 'small' and '하다' means 'to do'. So, it means 'to do something in a small, detailed way'. Think of it as the opposite of 'big' or 'simple'. If you are drawing a picture of a cat, and you draw every single hair on the cat's body, you are '세밀화' (detailing) the cat. In A1, we usually say '자세히' (detailedly) or '작게' (small). For example, '자세히 그려요' (Draw it in detail). You might see this word in very basic art books or when a teacher tells you to look closely at something. It is good to know that '~화하다' is a common way to make verbs in Korean. Even if you don't use this specific word, seeing it helps you learn how Korean words are built from smaller parts.
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For A2 learners, '세밀화하다' is a word you might encounter in reading passages about hobbies like drawing or in simple business news. It means 'to make something detailed'. At this level, you should start distinguishing between '자세하다' (to be detailed - adjective) and '세밀화하다' (to make detailed - verb). If you are writing a plan for a trip, and you write down every bus time and every restaurant name, you are '세밀화' your travel plan. You can use it like this: '여행 계획을 세밀화했어요.' (I detailed my travel plan). This sounds much more 'grown-up' than just saying '계획을 많이 썼어요' (I wrote a lot of plans). It shows that you are paying attention to the small things. Remember, '세밀' comes from the word for 'fine' or 'thin', so think of a very thin pen making tiny marks on a paper. That is the feeling of '세밀화하다'.
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At the B1 level, you are expected to use more specific vocabulary. '세밀화하다' is perfect for describing your work process or academic tasks. Instead of always using '설명하다' (to explain), you can use '세밀화하다' when you are breaking down a complex topic. For example, if you are talking about a project at work, you can say, '업무 내용을 세밀화해서 보고하겠습니다' (I will detail the work content and report it). This word is very useful for the TOPIK II exam, especially in the writing section. It helps you avoid repeating simple words. You should also recognize the noun form '세밀화' (a detailed painting) and the adjective form '세밀하다' (to be minute/detailed). Use '세밀화하다' when you want to emphasize the *process* of adding detail. It implies that you are being very careful and thorough, which is a great quality to express in a professional or academic setting.
B2 learners should be comfortable using '세밀화하다' in formal writing and discussions. You should understand its nuance compared to '상세화하다' and '구체화하다'. While '상세화하다' is a direct synonym for 'detailing', '세밀화하다' often implies a higher degree of precision, almost like a technical or artistic refinement. You will see this word frequently in editorials, technical manuals, and high-level business proposals. At this level, you can use it in complex sentence structures: '정부는 정책의 실효성을 높이기 위해 집행 과정을 세밀화하기로 결정했다' (The government decided to detail the execution process to increase the policy's effectiveness). You should also be aware of the passive form '세밀화되다'. For example, '계획이 세밀화됨에 따라 예산 산출이 가능해졌다' (As the plan became detailed, budget calculation became possible). Mastery of this word shows you can handle professional Korean nuances.
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At the C1 level, '세밀화하다' is a tool for precision in expression. You should be able to use it to discuss abstract concepts or complex systems. For instance, in a literary critique, you might discuss how an author '세밀화' the internal conflicts of a character. In a scientific context, you might discuss '세밀화된' data models. You should also be able to use it metaphorically. For example, '사회적 안전망을 세밀화하다' (to detail/refine the social safety net) implies not just adding information, but making the system so precise that no one falls through the cracks. You should be sensitive to the 'technical' versus 'artistic' weight the word carries depending on the context. Using '세밀화하다' in a debate shows that you are focusing on the granular level of the argument, which can be a powerful rhetorical strategy. Your ability to use such Hanja-derived verbs correctly is a hallmark of high-level proficiency.
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For C2 speakers, '세밀화하다' is part of a vast repertoire of precise verbs. You use it instinctively to distinguish between the 'materialization' of an idea (구체화), the 'segmentation' of a market (세분화), and the 'microscopic detailing' of a process (세밀화). You might use it in philosophical or high-stakes legal contexts where every 'fine' detail matters. You understand the historical and artistic roots of the word, perhaps even connecting it to the 'Semilhwa' tradition of the Goryeo or Joseon dynasties, and using that cultural weight to color your speech. In a C2 context, the word might be used to describe the 'refinement' of a theory over decades of research. You can also play with the word's formality to create specific tones in your writing—choosing it over '상세화하다' to sound more academic or over '자세히 다루다' to sound more authoritative. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it's a precision instrument for thought.
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Examples

세밀화하다 in 30 Seconds

  • 세밀화하다 means to detail or elaborate on something with extreme precision and care.
  • It is a formal verb (Hanja-based) used in business, art, and academic settings.
  • The word implies breaking down a general concept into its smallest, most intricate parts.
  • Commonly used when refining plans, drawings, reports, or complex scientific observations.
The Korean verb 세밀화하다 (semilhwahada) is a sophisticated term that translates most accurately to 'to detail,' 'to elaborate,' or 'to make something minute and precise.' It is derived from the Hanja roots 細 (세 - fine/thin), 密 (밀 - dense/close), and 化 (화 - to change/become), followed by the active verb suffix 하다. When you use this word, you are describing the process of taking a broad concept, a rough sketch, or a general plan and breaking it down into its smallest, most intricate components. This is not merely about 'explaining'; it is about the structural refinement of information.
Technical Context
In engineering or software development, this word is used when a high-level architecture is broken down into specific technical specifications. It implies a transition from the abstract to the granular.

우리는 프로젝트의 각 단계를 세밀화하여 보고서를 작성했다. (We detailed each stage of the project and wrote the report.)

In daily life, you might encounter this word in artistic circles or academic settings. For instance, an artist might '세밀화하다' a sketch by adding fine lines and textures, or a researcher might '세밀화하다' a hypothesis by defining every variable with extreme precision. It carries a connotation of diligence and thoroughness. Using this word suggests that the subject has put significant effort into ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Artistic Nuance
In art, it refers specifically to the style of 'Semilhwa' (detailed painting), but as a verb, it describes the act of adding those minute details that give a work its realistic quality.

작가는 꽃잎의 결을 하나하나 세밀화하는 작업에 몰두했다. (The artist was absorbed in the task of detailing every single grain of the flower petals.)

Furthermore, in the realm of policy-making or business strategy, '세밀화하다' is essential. A vague goal like 'increasing sales' must be '세밀화' into specific targets, demographics, and timelines to be actionable. It is the bridge between a dream and a reality. When you describe a plan as '세밀화된' (detailed), it inspires confidence because it shows that potential obstacles have been considered at a microscopic level.

정부는 복지 정책을 더욱 세밀화할 필요가 있다고 밝혔다. (The government stated that there is a need to further detail the welfare policy.)

Academic Register
Used in research papers to describe the process of operationalizing variables or clarifying complex theories into testable components.

이 논문은 기존의 이론을 현대적 관점에서 세밀화하고 있다. (This paper is detailing the existing theory from a modern perspective.)

In summary, 세밀화하다 is your go-to word for 'drilling down.' Whether you are an artist, a businessman, or a student, mastering this word allows you to communicate the depth and rigor of your work. It moves beyond the surface level and dives into the 'nitty-gritty' of any subject matter.
Using 세밀화하다 correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature; you are almost always detailing *something*. The object of the sentence takes the particles ~을/를. Because it is a formal word, it is frequently used in the ~아/어/여야 하다 (must do) or ~ㄹ 필요가 있다 (need to) patterns.
Business Strategy
When presenting a business plan, you would say: '우리는 마케팅 전략을 세밀화해야 합니다' (We must detail our marketing strategy). This sounds much more professional than '자세히 짜야 합니다'.

고객의 요구사항을 세밀화하여 제품 개발에 반영했습니다. (We detailed the customer requirements and reflected them in the product development.)

Another common usage is in the passive-like causative form 세밀화되다 (to be detailed), though '세밀화하다' is the active choice. When you are describing a process, you might use the connective ~함으로써 (by doing). For example, '공정을 세밀화함으로써 효율성을 높였다' (By detailing the process, we increased efficiency).
Scientific Observation
In biology or chemistry, researchers '세밀화하다' their observations of cellular structures or chemical reactions. '현미경으로 관찰한 내용을 세밀화하여 기록했다' (The observations through the microscope were detailed and recorded).

실험 데이터를 세밀화하면 새로운 패턴을 발견할 수 있습니다. (If you detail the experimental data, you can discover new patterns.)

In educational settings, a teacher might ask students to '세밀화하다' their essays. This doesn't just mean making them longer; it means providing more specific examples and clearer logic. '주장을 세밀화하기 위해 구체적인 사례를 들어보세요' (To detail your argument, please provide specific examples).

역사적 사실을 세밀화하여 재구성하는 작업이 필요하다. (A task of detailing and reconstructing historical facts is necessary.)

Legal and Formal Documents
Contracts or laws are '세밀화' to prevent loopholes. '계약서의 조항을 더욱 세밀화하여 분쟁을 방지해야 한다' (The clauses of the contract must be further detailed to prevent disputes).

법안의 내용을 세밀화하는 과정에서 많은 논란이 있었다. (There was much controversy in the process of detailing the contents of the bill.)

By using this verb, you signal that you are operating at a high level of cognitive or professional engagement. It is a word that demands attention to the 'small things' that make up the whole.
While you might not hear 세밀화하다 in a casual conversation at a fried chicken shop, it is ubiquitous in professional, academic, and artistic environments in Korea. If you watch Korean news (like KBS or JTBC), you will hear news anchors and experts use it when discussing government plans, economic forecasts, or social issues. For example, when discussing urban planning, an expert might say, '도시 설계도를 세밀화하는 작업이 지연되고 있습니다' (The work of detailing the city blueprints is being delayed).
In the Office
During a 'hoe-ui' (meeting), a manager might tell a subordinate, '이 기획안은 너무 포괄적이니 내용을 좀 더 세밀화해 오세요' (This proposal is too broad, so please come back with the content more detailed).

다음 회의 전까지 업무 분장을 세밀화해 주십시오. (Please detail the division of duties before the next meeting.)

In documentaries, especially those about nature, history, or traditional crafts, the narrator will use this word to describe the intricate work of artisans or the complex structures of the natural world. '장인은 도자기의 문양을 세밀화하는 데 며칠을 보냅니다' (The artisan spends several days detailing the patterns of the pottery). It highlights the 'hon' (soul) and effort put into the craft.
Art Exhibitions
Curators use this word in exhibition guides to describe the technique of the artist. '이 작품은 자연의 미세한 변화를 세밀화하여 표현했습니다' (This work expressed the minute changes in nature by detailing them).

전통 회화의 기법을 세밀화하여 현대적으로 재해석했습니다. (The techniques of traditional painting were detailed and reinterpreted in a modern way.)

In the world of tech and gaming, developers '세밀화하다' the graphics or the world-building elements. In a developer interview, you might hear, '우리는 게임 속 캐릭터의 표정을 더욱 세밀화하는 데 집중했습니다' (We focused on further detailing the facial expressions of the characters in the game). This usage connects the word to modern technology and high-end production values.

데이터 분석 기법을 세밀화하여 예측의 정확도를 높였습니다. (By detailing the data analysis techniques, we increased the accuracy of the predictions.)

Government Briefings
Spokespeople use this word to reassure the public that a plan is comprehensive. '방역 수칙을 세밀화하여 국민의 안전을 지키겠습니다' (We will protect the safety of the citizens by detailing the quarantine rules).

정부는 지원 대상을 더욱 세밀화하여 사각지대를 없애기로 했습니다. (The government decided to further detail the support targets to eliminate blind spots.)

In all these cases, the word signals a move from the general to the specific, from the rough to the refined.
One of the most common mistakes learners make with 세밀화하다 is confusing it with similar-sounding words like 세분화하다 (sebunhwahada). While they are related, they are not identical. '세분화하다' means 'to subdivide' or 'to segment' (breaking a whole into parts), whereas '세밀화하다' focuses on the *detail* and *precision* within those parts.
Confusion with 세분화하다
Mistake: '시장을 세밀화하다' (Detailing the market). Correct: '시장을 세분화하다' (Segmenting the market). Use '세밀화하다' when you are adding details to a plan *within* a segment.

잘못된 표현: 시장을 세밀화하다 (X) -> 시장을 세분화하다 (O)

Another error is using it in overly casual contexts. If you tell your friend to 'detail' their weekend plans using '세밀화하다', it sounds like you are asking for a formal project report. Instead, use '자세히 말해줘' (tell me in detail). Using high-level vocabulary in low-level situations can make you sound sarcastic or unnaturally stiff.
Misusing the Part of Speech
Learners sometimes use '세밀하다' (adjective: to be detailed/fine) when they mean the action '세밀화하다'. '계획이 세밀하다' means the plan *is* detailed. '계획을 세밀화하다' means *to make* the plan detailed.

계획이 세밀하다 (The plan is detailed) vs 계획을 세밀화하다 (To detail the plan).

A third mistake is forgetting the Hanja roots. If you confuse '세밀' (細密) with '세면' (洗面 - washing face) or '세무' (稅務 - tax affairs), you might end up with nonsensical sentences. Always remember that '세' (細) here means 'fine' like a thin thread.

설명서를 더욱 세밀화하여 초보자도 이해할 수 있게 하세요. (Detail the manual further so even beginners can understand.)

Overcomplicating Simple Actions
Don't use '세밀화하다' for 'cleaning' or 'organizing' a room. That would be '청소하다' or '정리하다'. '세밀화하다' is strictly for information, art, or design.

방을 세밀화하다 (X) -> 방을 구석구석 청소하다 (O)

Finally, be careful with the object. You '세밀화' a *content* or a *plan*, not a person. You cannot '세밀화' a teacher, but you can '세밀화' a teacher's lecture notes.
To truly master 세밀화하다, you must see how it sits among its synonyms. The most common alternative is 구체화하다 (guchehwahada). While '세밀화하다' means to add fine details, '구체화하다' means 'to make concrete' or 'to materialize'. You might have a vague idea (abstract) and you '구체화' it into a plan. Once you have that plan, you '세밀화' it to make it perfect.
세밀화하다 vs 구체화하다
'구체화하다' is about giving form to an idea. '세밀화하다' is about refining that form with microscopic detail. Example: '아이디어를 구체화하고, 그 내용을 세밀화했다' (I materialized the idea and then detailed its contents).

꿈을 구체화하는 것이 첫 번째 단계라면, 계획을 세밀화하는 것은 두 번째 단계입니다. (If materializing a dream is the first step, detailing the plan is the second.)

Another close relative is 상세화하다 (sangsehwahada). This is perhaps the closest synonym, meaning 'to detail'. However, '세밀화하다' often carries a stronger sense of 'fine-tuning' and 'precision,' whereas '상세화하다' is a bit more general. In many professional contexts, they are interchangeable.
세밀화하다 vs 세분화하다
As mentioned before, '세분화하다' (subdivide) is about categorization. If you have a large group of people, you '세분화' them into age groups. If you have a single person's profile, you '세밀화' the description of their personality.

우리는 타겟 고객을 세분화하고, 각 그룹에 대한 마케팅 전략을 세밀화했다. (We segmented the target customers and detailed the marketing strategy for each group.)

For a simpler alternative, use 자세히 설명하다 (to explain in detail). This is the most common way to express the idea in spoken Korean. If you are a beginner or intermediate learner, this is much safer to use. '세밀화하다' is for when you want to impress or when the context truly demands technical precision.

복잡한 이론을 대중을 위해 단순화하는 것도 중요하지만, 전문가를 위해서는 세밀화하는 것이 필요합니다. (Simplifying complex theories for the public is important, but detailing them for experts is necessary.)

Related Verb: 묘사하다
'묘사하다' (to describe/depict) is often used in literature. While '세밀화하다' focuses on the technical precision, '묘사하다' focuses on the vividness of the image created in the reader's mind.

소설가는 주인공의 심리를 아주 세밀하게 묘사했다. (The novelist described the protagonist's psychology very minutely/detailedly.)

Understanding these distinctions will help you choose the right word for the right situation, moving you closer to native-level fluency.
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Examples by Level

1

그림을 세밀화해요.

I detail the drawing.

Simple present tense with ~아요/어요.

2

계획을 세밀화해요.

I make a detailed plan.

Object marker ~을 is used with '계획'.

3

꽃을 세밀화해요.

I detail the flower (in a drawing).

Direct object '꽃' (flower).

4

지도를 세밀화해요.

I detail the map.

The verb describes adding detail to a map.

5

설명을 세밀화해요.

I make the explanation detailed.

Using '설명' (explanation) as an object.

6

인형을 세밀화해요.

I detail the doll.

Applying the verb to a physical object's design.

7

글을 세밀화해요.

I detail the writing.

Refining a piece of writing.

8

사진을 세밀화해요.

I detail the photo (editing).

Modern context of digital detailing.

1

여행 일정을 세밀화하고 싶어요.

I want to detail my travel itinerary.

~고 싶다 (want to) attached to the verb stem.

2

보고서의 내용을 세밀화하세요.

Please detail the contents of the report.

~으세요 (polite command) used for a request.

3

우리는 규칙을 세밀화했어요.

We detailed the rules.

Past tense ~았/었/였다.

4

그림의 배경을 세밀화하는 중이에요.

I am in the middle of detailing the background of the painting.

~는 중이다 (in the middle of) expressing ongoing action.

5

설명서를 세밀화하면 좋겠어요.

It would be good if you detailed the manual.

~으면 좋겠다 (it would be good if) expressing a wish.

6

준비 과정을 세밀화해야 해요.

We must detail the preparation process.

~아야/어야 하다 (must/have to).

7

데이터를 세밀화하기 시작했어요.

I started detailing the data.

~기 시작하다 (start to do).

8

이야기를 세밀화해서 말해 주세요.

Please detail the story and tell me.

~아/어/여서 (connective) showing sequence/reason.

1

프로젝트의 각 단계를 세밀화하여 추진할 계획입니다.

We plan to promote the project by detailing each stage.

~하여 (formal version of ~해서) used in professional settings.

2

고객의 피드백을 바탕으로 서비스를 세밀화했습니다.

We detailed the service based on customer feedback.

~을 바탕으로 (based on) indicating the source.

3

논문의 가설을 세밀화하는 과정이 필요합니다.

A process of detailing the thesis hypothesis is necessary.

~는 과정 (the process of -ing) as a noun phrase.

4

정부는 복지 혜택을 세밀화할 필요가 있다고 봅니다.

The government sees a need to detail welfare benefits.

~ㄹ 필요가 있다 (need to) expressing necessity.

5

작가는 인물의 심리 묘사를 세밀화하는 데 탁월합니다.

The author is excellent at detailing the psychological description of characters.

~는 데 (in the act of/at doing something).

6

업무 분장을 세밀화함으로써 혼란을 방지했습니다.

By detailing the division of duties, we prevented confusion.

~함으로써 (by doing) showing the method.

7

실험 방법을 세밀화하여 정확한 결과를 얻었습니다.

By detailing the experimental method, we obtained accurate results.

Resultative use of the connective ~하여.

8

기존의 계획을 좀 더 세밀화할 수 있을까요?

Could we detail the existing plan a bit more?

~ㄹ 수 있을까요? (Could we...?) as a polite suggestion.

1

마케팅 전략을 세밀화하여 타겟 시장을 공략해야 합니다.

We must detail the marketing strategy to target the market.

Combination of ~하여 and ~아야 하다.

2

소프트웨어의 기능을 세밀화하는 작업에 착수했습니다.

We have commenced the task of detailing the software's functions.

~에 착수하다 (to commence/start on).

3

법안의 세부 조항을 세밀화하는 과정에서 이견이 생겼습니다.

Differences of opinion arose in the process of detailing the bill's clauses.

Noun phrase '세부 조항' (detailed clauses) as object.

4

전통 문양을 세밀화하여 현대적 디자인에 접목시켰습니다.

Traditional patterns were detailed and integrated into modern design.

~에 접목시키다 (to integrate/graft onto).

5

교육 커리큘럼을 세밀화하여 학생들의 수준에 맞췄습니다.

The educational curriculum was detailed to match the students' levels.

~에 맞추다 (to adjust to/match).

6

분석 보고서를 세밀화할수록 신뢰도가 높아집니다.

The more you detail the analysis report, the higher the reliability becomes.

~ㄹ수록 (the more... the more...).

7

현장 조사를 통해 데이터를 더욱 세밀화할 계획입니다.

We plan to further detail the data through field research.

~을 통해 (through/via) indicating the method.

8

기획안의 타당성을 검토하기 위해 내용을 세밀화했습니다.

The content was detailed to review the feasibility of the proposal.

1

그의 연구는 인간의 인지 과정을 극도로 세밀화하여 분석했다.

His research analyzed human cognitive processes by detailing them extremely.

Adverb '극도로' (extremely) modifying the verb.

2

철학적 개념을 세밀화하는 작업은 엄밀한 논리가 요구된다.

The task of detailing philosophical concepts requires rigorous logic.

Subject nominalization using ~는 작업.

3

도시 재생 사업의 마스터플랜을 세밀화하는 데 주력하고 있다.

We are focusing on detailing the master plan for the urban regeneration project.

~에 주력하다 (to focus one's efforts on).

4

이 소설은 일상적인 풍경을 세밀화하여 낯설게 보이게 한다.

This novel details everyday scenery to make it appear unfamiliar (defamiliarization).

Literary device 'defamiliarization' expressed through the verb.

5

정밀 진단을 위해 검사 항목을 대폭 세밀화하기로 했습니다.

We decided to drastically detail the test items for a precise diagnosis.

~기로 하다 (decide to) with adverb '대폭' (drastically).

6

경제 지표를 세밀화하여 분석하면 경기 변동을 예측할 수 있다.

If you detail and analyze economic indicators, you can predict business cycles.

Conditional usage ~하면.

7

작가는 전통 수묵화의 필법을 세밀화하여 독자적인 화풍을 구축했다.

The artist detailed the brushwork of traditional ink wash painting to establish a unique style.

~을 구축하다 (to establish/build).

8

공급망 관리를 세밀화함으로써 리스크를 최소화할 수 있었습니다.

By detailing supply chain management, we were able to minimize risks.

Instrumental case ~함으로써.

1

본 연구는 권력 구조의 미시적 작동 기제를 세밀화하여 규명하고자 한다.

This study aims to investigate the microscopic operating mechanisms of power structures by detailing them.

Academic purpose marker ~고자 한다 (intend to).

2

역사적 트라우마를 세밀화하여 재현하는 것은 윤리적 책임의 문제이다.

Detailing and reproducing historical trauma is a matter of ethical responsibility.

Complex subject phrase ending in ~는 것.

3

알고리즘을 세밀화할수록 인공지능의 판단력은 인간의 직관에 가까워진다.

The more the algorithm is detailed, the closer the AI's judgment gets to human intuition.

~ㄹ수록 and ~에 가까워지다 (get closer to).

4

문화적 정체성을 세밀화하여 정의하는 것은 세계화 시대의 과제이다.

Defining cultural identity in detail is a task in the era of globalization.

Nominalized verb phrase as a subject.

5

이 법률안은 개인정보 보호의 범위를 극도로 세밀화하여 규정하고 있다.

This bill stipulates the scope of personal information protection in extreme detail.

~고 있다 (progressive/state) with extreme adverb.

6

언어적 뉘앙스를 세밀화하여 번역하는 것은 번역가의 고귀한 고통이다.

Translating by detailing linguistic nuances is the translator's noble suffering.

Metaphorical usage in a formal context.

7

우주 탄생의 순간을 세밀화하여 시뮬레이션하는 데 성공했습니다.

We succeeded in simulating the moment of the universe's birth by detailing it.

~하는 데 성공하다 (succeed in doing).

8

생태계의 복잡한 상호작용을 세밀화하여 모델링하는 작업이 진행 중이다.

The work of modeling the complex interactions of the ecosystem by detailing them is underway.

Ongoing process marker ~ 진행 중이다.

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