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Vocabulary
상론하다

B2 verb #9,000 most common 11 min read

상론하다

sangnonhada Top 9,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 상론하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 상론하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '상론하다' is too difficult to use, but you can understand its core idea through simple words. '상론하다' means 'to talk a lot about one thing very carefully.' Imagine you have a favorite toy. If you tell your friend only its name, that is simple. If you tell your friend about its color, size, how it works, and why you love it for a long time, you are doing something like '상론하다.' In A1, we use '많이 말해요' (talk a lot) or '자세히 말해요' (talk in detail). You won't see this word in basic books, but it is good to know that Korean has special words for talking seriously. When you see '상' in a word, it often means 'detailed.' So, '상론하다' is a 'detailed talk.' Don't worry about using it yet; just remember it's for very smart or formal situations.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more specific verbs. '상론하다' is a formal verb that means 'to explain something with many details.' It is much more formal than '설명해요' (explain). You might see this word in a news subtitle or a formal announcement. For example, if a teacher says, 'I will talk about the test rules in detail,' a formal way to write that is '시험 규칙을 상론하겠습니다.' However, as an A2 student, you should continue using '자세히 설명하다' in your own speaking. '상론하다' is a word you 'read' rather than 'speak.' It comes from Chinese characters: '상' means detail and '론' means discussion. If you see this word in a reading passage, look for the topic before it (with 을/를) to know what is being discussed in detail.

At the B1 level, you should be able to recognize '상론하다' in professional or academic contexts. This word is used when a speaker or writer wants to provide a thorough analysis of a topic. It's common in '비문학' (non-fiction) reading passages. For instance, in a text about the environment, the author might say, 'The causes of pollution will be discussed in detail (상론할 것이다) in the next paragraph.' You should understand that '상론하다' implies a high level of depth. It's not just a quick explanation; it's a 'treatise-like' discussion. You can start using it in your formal writing practice, like when writing an essay for TOPIK. Instead of always using '설명하다,' using '상론하다' shows that you have a high-level vocabulary and understand the nuance of academic discussion.

At the B2 level, '상론하다' is a key vocabulary word for achieving fluency in formal Korean. It is defined as discussing or arguing a specific point with great meticulousness. At this level, you should distinguish between '상론하다' (detailed discussion), '상술하다' (detailed description), and '부연하다' (elaboration). '상론하다' is particularly useful when you are presenting a logical argument or analyzing a complex issue. In a debate, you might say, '그 부분에 대해서는 제가 상론해 보겠습니다' (I will elaborate on that part in detail). It suggests that you have a deep understanding of the subject. You should also be comfortable with its passive form '상론되다' and using it in various sentence patterns like '~에 대해 상론할 가치가 있다' (It is worth discussing in detail).

At the C1 level, you should master the stylistic nuances of '상론하다.' This word is a hallmark of '학술적 문체' (academic style). It is used to signal the transition from a general overview to a specialized analysis. A C1 learner should be able to use '상론하다' to structure complex arguments in essays or professional reports. It conveys a sense of intellectual authority. You should also understand its relationship with other Hanja-based words like '약술하다' (to summarize) and '개괄하다' (to outline). In a high-level professional environment, using '상론하다' appropriately demonstrates that you respect the formality of the situation and are capable of handling sophisticated discourse. You should also be aware of the 'redundancy' issue—where adding '자세히' before '상론하다' might be considered tautological in very strict contexts.

At the C2 level, '상론하다' is used with effortless precision. You understand that this word doesn't just mean 'to talk a lot,' but rather to provide a comprehensive, analytical, and structured discourse on a subject. You can use it to critique academic works, noting where an author failed to '상론' a crucial variable. You are also aware of its historical and Hanja roots, recognizing the '론' (論) as the same character used in '논어' (The Analects) or '자본론' (Das Kapital), which emphasizes the 'theory' and 'discourse' aspect of the word. In C2 level discourse, '상론하다' is not just a verb but a tool for managing the flow of information and establishing the scope of an intellectual inquiry. You can use it in highly formal speeches, legal briefs, or philosophical treatises with perfect register and tone.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

상론하다 in 30 Seconds

상론하다 is a formal verb meaning to discuss or explain a topic in great detail.
It is primarily used in academic, legal, and professional writing or speeches.
The word emphasizes analytical depth and thoroughness rather than just simple explanation.
It is the formal opposite of '약술하다' (to summarize briefly).

The Korean verb 상론하다 (詳論--) is a sophisticated term primarily used in formal, academic, or professional contexts. Derived from Hanja (Chinese characters), it combines 詳 (상), meaning 'detailed' or 'minute,' and 論 (론), meaning 'to discuss' or 'to argue.' Therefore, the literal and functional meaning of the word is to 'discuss in great detail' or to 'elaborate extensively' on a specific subject. Unlike the general term '설명하다' (to explain), which can be used in any casual setting, 상론하다 implies a structured, intellectual, or analytical approach to a topic. You won't typically hear someone '상론' their lunch plans with a friend; instead, you'll find this word in the pages of a doctoral thesis, the transcript of a high-level government briefing, or the concluding remarks of a philosophical essay.

Formal Usage: 상론하다 is most common in written academic discourse where a researcher promises to expand upon a point in a later chapter. For example, '이 문제는 제3장에서 상론하기로 한다' (This issue will be discussed in detail in Chapter 3).

When using 상론하다, the speaker or writer is signaling that they are not merely touching upon the surface of a topic but are prepared to peel back its layers. It suggests a comprehensive treatment of the subject matter, addressing nuances, counterarguments, and historical context. It is a 'heavy' word, carrying the weight of authority and meticulousness. In the modern era, while digital communication tends toward brevity, 상론하다 remains a vital anchor in Korean intellectual life, ensuring that complex ideas receive the thorough examination they deserve.

본 보고서에서는 기후 변화가 농업에 미치는 영향을 상론하고 있습니다. (This report discusses in detail the impact of climate change on agriculture.)

Analytical Context: In legal or policy-making environments, 상론하다 is used to ensure that all stakeholders understand the intricacies of a new regulation or law. It implies an absence of ambiguity.

정부 대변인은 새로운 경제 정책의 기대 효과를 상론하며 국민들의 협조를 구했다. (The government spokesperson explained the expected effects of the new economic policy in detail and asked for the public's cooperation.)

Furthermore, the word is often used as a transition in long-form writing. It bridges a general statement with a deep dive, acting as a signpost for the reader that the upcoming section will require more focus. It is synonymous with intellectual rigor. If a professor asks you to '상론' your thesis statement, they are asking for more than just a summary; they want a full-scale analytical breakdown of your logic and evidence.

교수님은 세미나에서 근대 철학의 흐름을 상론하셨다. (The professor discussed the flow of modern philosophy in detail during the seminar.)

Nuance of 'Discussion': While '상세히 설명하다' focuses on the clarity of the explanation, 상론하다 focuses on the '论' (discussion/argument), suggesting that the details are being presented to support a specific viewpoint or analysis.

비평가는 작가의 초기 작품 세계를 상론함으로써 그의 천재성을 입증했다. (The critic proved the author's genius by discussing his early work in detail.)

이 책은 인공지능의 윤리적 문제를 상론하는 데 많은 지면을 할애하고 있다. (This book devotes many pages to discussing the ethical issues of artificial intelligence in detail.)

Using 상론하다 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical environment and formal register. As a transitive verb, it typically takes an object marked with the particles ~을/를 (the topic being discussed). It is also frequently paired with ~에 대하여 or ~에 대해 (concerning/about) to specify the subject matter. Because it is a formal word, it is almost always conjugated in polite or formal speech levels, such as the 하십시오체 (-습니다) or 해요체 (-아요/어요), though the latter is rarer for this specific word unless in a formal lecture setting.

Common Pattern 1: [Topic]을/를 상론하다: Directly discussing the object. '원인을 상론하다' (to discuss the causes in detail).

In academic writing, you will often see the word in the passive or causative-adjacent forms like 상론되어 있다 (to be discussed in detail) or as a connective like 상론하자면 (if I were to discuss it in detail). These structures help maintain the objective and professional tone required in scholarly work. It is also common to see it used with adverbs that emphasize thoroughness, such as 자세히 (in detail), 심도 있게 (in depth), or 광범위하게 (extensively), although '상론' already contains the meaning of 'detail,' so these can sometimes be slightly redundant but are used for emphasis.

역사적 배경을 상론하는 과정에서 새로운 사실이 밝혀졌다. (In the process of discussing the historical background in detail, new facts were revealed.)

Common Pattern 2: [Topic]에 대해 상론하다: Discussing about a topic. '이 이론에 대해 상론할 필요가 있다' (There is a need to discuss this theory in detail).

Another important aspect is the medium. 상론하다 is almost exclusively used for verbal or written communication that is planned and structured. You wouldn't use it for a sudden realization or a casual chat. It implies a 'treatise' (論). If you are writing a business proposal, you might use 상론하다 to describe the section where you analyze market risks. It gives the impression that your analysis is backed by data and careful thought.

그는 자신의 주장을 뒷받침하기 위해 여러 사례를 상론했다. (He discussed several cases in detail to support his argument.)

다음 절에서는 이 현상의 심리학적 기제를 상론하고자 한다. (In the next section, I intend to discuss the psychological mechanisms of this phenomenon in detail.)

Common Pattern 3: [Topic]이/가 상론되다: The passive form. '해결 방안이 논문에서 상론되었다' (The solution was discussed in detail in the thesis).

구체적인 수치는 부록에서 상론하고 있으니 참고하시기 바랍니다. (Please refer to the appendix, as specific figures are discussed there in detail.)

전문가는 이번 사태의 구조적 원인을 상론하며 대책을 촉구했다. (The expert discussed the structural causes of this incident in detail and urged for measures.)

In everyday Korean life, you are unlikely to hear 상론하다 at a grocery store or in a casual K-drama dialogue unless the character is a professor, lawyer, or a very formal individual. However, if you consume Korean media that deals with intellectual or professional topics, you will encounter it frequently. It is a staple of news analysis programs, where experts are brought in to '상론' (elaborate) on complex geopolitical issues or economic trends. When an anchor says, '이 부분은 전문가를 모시고 상론해 보겠습니다,' they are telling the audience that they are moving from a summary of the news to a deep-dive analysis.

Academic Lectures: University professors are perhaps the most frequent users of this word. They use it to structure their lectures: '지난 시간에는 개괄적으로 살펴보았으니, 오늘은 상론해 봅시다' (Since we looked at it generally last time, let's discuss it in detail today).

You will also see it constantly in non-fiction books and journalism. Long-form investigative reports often use 상론하다 to introduce a section that provides evidence for a claim. In the legal world, during a trial, a lawyer might say they will '상론' the evidence in their final argument. It implies that the evidence is complex and requires a methodical explanation to be fully understood. In religious contexts, a pastor or monk might '상론' a specific scripture or sutra to provide the congregation with a deeper spiritual understanding.

시사 프로그램에서 패널들이 부동산 정책의 문제점을 상론하고 있다. (On a current affairs program, panels are discussing the problems of real estate policy in detail.)

Business Reports: In a corporate setting, during a strategic planning meeting, a manager might use this word to indicate they are moving into the detailed data analysis phase of the presentation.

법정에서 변호인은 피고인의 무죄를 입증할 증거들을 상론했다. (In court, the lawyer discussed the evidence to prove the defendant's innocence in detail.)

Even in the digital age, you'll find this word in high-quality blog posts or YouTube video essays that aim for an educational or professional tone. A tech reviewer might '상론' the technical specifications of a new processor, or a film critic might '상론' the symbolism in a director's work. It distinguishes the content as being 'expert' or 'in-depth' rather than just a quick overview. When you encounter '상론하다,' prepare your mind for a deep dive; the speaker is about to get serious and thorough.

다큐멘터리 해설자는 멸종 위기종의 생태를 상론하며 환경 보호를 강조했다. (The documentary narrator discussed the ecology of endangered species in detail and emphasized environmental protection.)

경제학자는 인플레이션의 원인을 상론하는 칼럼을 기고했다. (The economist contributed a column discussing the causes of inflation in detail.)

Government White Papers: Official documents often use '상론' to refer to sections where specific data or methodologies are explained to ensure transparency and accountability.

신문 사설은 정부의 외교 전략을 상론하며 비판적인 시각을 제시했다. (The newspaper editorial discussed the government's diplomatic strategy in detail and presented a critical perspective.)

The most common mistake learners make with 상론하다 is a register mismatch. Because the word is so formal, using it in a casual conversation with friends or family feels incredibly awkward and 'robotic.' For instance, saying '우리 내일 뭐 먹을지 상론해 보자' (Let's discuss in detail what we'll eat tomorrow) sounds like you're treating lunch like a state secret or a academic symposium. In such cases, you should use '자세히 이야기하다' or '의논하다' instead.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '상담하다' (To Consult): Learners often confuse the two because of the shared '상' (詳/相). '상담하다' is for seeking advice or counseling (e.g., with a doctor or teacher), while '상론하다' is for explaining/discussing a topic comprehensively.

Another error is redundancy. Since '상론' already implies 'detailed' (詳), adding '자세히' (in detail) right before it—as in '자세히 상론하다'—can sometimes be seen as repetitive by strict grammarians. While it is common in spoken Korean for emphasis, in high-level academic writing, it’s better to just use '상론하다' on its own or use a more descriptive adverb like '심층적으로' (in-depth). Additionally, learners sometimes forget that '상론하다' is a transitive verb and omit the object particle, which can make the sentence feel incomplete.

❌ 어제 친구랑 연애 고민을 상론했어.
✅ 어제 친구랑 연애 고민을 상담했어 / 자세히 이야기했어.

Mistake 2: Overuse in Simple Explanations: Don't use 상론하다 if the explanation is short. The word promises a 'long and detailed' discourse. If you only talk for 30 seconds, you haven't '상론'ed anything.

❌ 숙제하는 법을 상론해 줄게. (Sounds too grand for homework instructions.)
✅ 숙제하는 법을 설명해 줄게.

Finally, be careful with the passive form. While '상론되다' is correct, learners sometimes try to use '상론당하다' (to be detailed-discussed-suffered), which is grammatically incorrect. Always use '되다' for the passive voice with this verb. Also, ensure you don't confuse it with '상술하다' (to describe in detail). While very similar, '상술하다' is more about the description/narration, whereas '상론하다' emphasizes the discussion/argumentative aspect.

❌ 이 문제는 다음 페이지에서 상론당할 것이다.
✅ 이 문제는 다음 페이지에서 상론될 것이다.

Mistake 3: Confusing with '소론' (Short Essay): '소론' (小論) means a minor discussion or short paper. '상론' (詳論) is a detailed discussion. They are opposites in terms of depth.

❌ 시간이 없으니 상론합시다.
✅ 시간이 없으니 약술합시다 (Let's summarize) / 간단히 말합시다.

Korean has a rich set of vocabulary for 'explaining' and 'discussing,' each with its own nuance. Understanding the alternatives to 상론하다 will help you choose the right word for every level of formality and detail. The most direct synonym is 상술하다 (詳述--). While both mean 'to explain in detail,' 상술하다 focuses more on the 'narration' or 'description' (述), whereas 상론하다 focuses on the 'discussion' or 'logic' (論). If you are describing a process, use 상술하다; if you are discussing a theory or a complex problem, use 상론하다.

상론하다 vs. 상술하다: 상론하다: Focus on analysis, argument, and discussion. (Ideal for academic papers).
상술하다: Focus on detailed description or listing of facts. (Ideal for manuals or reports).

Another common alternative is 부연하다 (敷衍--), which means 'to elaborate' or 'to expand upon.' Use this when you have already made a point and want to add more detail to make it clearer. It is slightly less formal than 상론하다 but still very professional. If you want to say 'to explain in depth,' you can use 심층적으로 설명하다. This is a great phrase for intermediate learners because it uses the familiar '설명하다' with a powerful adverb.

작가는 소설의 배경을 상술하여 독자의 몰입을 도왔다. (The author described the background of the novel in detail to help the reader's immersion.)

상론하다 vs. 논술하다: 상론하다: Emphasizes the 'detail' (상).
논술하다: Emphasizes the 'writing' (술) and the 'logic' (논). Often refers to the act of writing an essay.

For the opposite meaning, use 약술하다 (略述--) or 요약하다 (要約--). 약술하다 means 'to state briefly' or 'to summarize.' It is the formal antonym of 상론하다. If a form asks you to '약술하십시오,' it wants a short summary. If it asks you to '상론하십시오,' it wants a full, detailed explanation. Knowing these pairs is essential for navigating Korean bureaucracy and academic requirements.

회의의 주요 내용을 약술한 보고서를 제출하세요. (Please submit a report summarizing the main contents of the meeting.)

이 부분은 이미 앞에서 부연했으므로 넘어가겠습니다. (Since this part was already elaborated on earlier, I will move on.)

Quick Comparison: 설명하다: General (Explain)
의논하다: Interactive (Discuss with others)
상론하다: Formal/Dense (Discuss in detail)
약술하다: Brief (State briefly)

그는 자신의 철학을 논술하며 대중과 소통했다. (He communicated with the public by writing out his philosophy logically.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 詳 (상) contains the radical for 'speech' (言) and 'sheep' (羊). In ancient times, 'sheep' often symbolized something good or detailed in Chinese characters.

Pronunciation Guide

UK sʰaŋ.non.ɦa.da

US sʰaŋ.non.ɦa.da

Stress is evenly distributed across syllables, typical of Korean, but the '상' (sang) and '론' (ron/non) carry the semantic weight.

Rhymes With

강론하다 (to lecture/preach) 토론하다 (to debate) 추론하다 (to infer) 결론하다 (to conclude) 변론하다 (to plead) 언론하다 (to speak out) 물론하다 (to be regardless) 의론하다 (to discuss)

Common Errors

Pronouncing as 'sang-ron-ha-da' (with a clear 'r' sound).
Failing to nasalize the 'ㄹ'.
Making the 'ㅇ' sound too weak.
Pronouncing 'ㅎ' too strongly in '하다'.
Confusing the pitch with '상담하다'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in formal texts but requires knowledge of Hanja-based vocabulary.

Writing 5/5

Hard to use correctly without sounding too stiff or pedantic.

Speaking 5/5

Rarely used in daily speech; mostly for presentations.

Listening 4/5

Must recognize nasalization [상논하다] to catch it in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

설명하다 자세히 논의하다 상세하다 내용

Learn Next

상술하다 부연하다 약술하다 개괄하다 고찰하다

Advanced

함의하다 천착하다 방증하다 규명하다 피력하다

Grammar to Know

Nasalization (비음화)

상론 [상논], 국물 [궁물]

~고자 하다 (Intention/Goal)

이 문제를 상론하고자 합니다.

~ㄴ 바와 같이 (As...)

앞서 상론한 바와 같이...

~기에는 (For doing...)

상론하기에는 시간이 부족하다.

Passive with ~되다

원인이 상세히 상론되었다.

Examples by Level

선생님이 책 내용을 상론해요.

The teacher discusses the book content in detail.

상론해요 is the polite present form.

우리는 이 문제를 상론합시다.

Let's discuss this problem in detail.

-합시다 is a formal 'let's' ending.

그는 계획을 상론했습니다.

He discussed the plan in detail.

상론했습니다 is the past formal form.

이유를 상론해 주세요.

Please discuss the reason in detail.

-해 주세요 is a polite request.

뉴스에서 사건을 상론해요.

The news discusses the incident in detail.

상론해요 is used for formal media reporting.

저는 한국 문화를 상론하고 싶어요.

I want to discuss Korean culture in detail.

-고 싶어요 expresses a desire.

아버지는 정치를 상론하십니다.

My father discusses politics in detail.

-시- is an honorific suffix.

책에서 역사를 상론합니다.

The book discusses history in detail.

상론합니다 is the most formal present form.

보고서에서 원인을 상론할 거예요.

I will discuss the causes in detail in the report.

-ㄹ 거예요 is the future tense.

교수님이 경제를 상론하시고 있어요.

The professor is discussing the economy in detail.

-고 있다 expresses progressive action.

이 부분은 나중에 상론합시다.

Let's discuss this part in detail later.

나중에 means 'later'.

그녀는 자신의 꿈을 상론했다.

She discussed her dream in detail.

상론했다 is the plain past tense.

우리는 해결책을 상론해야 해요.

We must discuss the solution in detail.

-어야 하다 expresses necessity.

기사에서 그 영화를 상론했어요.

The article discussed that movie in detail.

기사 means 'article'.

상론하기에는 시간이 부족해요.

Time is insufficient to discuss it in detail.

-기에는 means 'for doing something'.

이 주제를 상론해 볼까요?

Shall we try discussing this topic in detail?

-어 볼까요? suggests trying an action.

이 논문은 기후 변화의 영향을 상론하고 있다.

This thesis is discussing the effects of climate change in detail.

논문 means 'thesis' or 'academic paper'.

발표자는 새로운 기술의 장점을 상론했다.

The presenter discussed the advantages of the new technology in detail.

발표자 means 'presenter'.

정부는 복지 정책의 방향을 상론할 계획이다.

The government plans to discuss the direction of welfare policy in detail.

~ㄹ 계획이다 means 'plan to'.

그 문제는 다음 장에서 상론하기로 한다.

That issue will be discussed in detail in the next chapter.

-기로 하다 expresses a decision or promise.

전문가는 시장 상황을 심도 있게 상론했다.

The expert discussed the market situation in depth.

심도 있게 means 'in-depth'.

우리는 예산안을 상론할 필요가 있습니다.

We need to discuss the budget proposal in detail.

~ㄹ 필요가 있다 means 'need to'.

비평가는 감독의 연출 스타일을 상론했다.

The critic discussed the director's directing style in detail.

연출 means 'directing'.

그 이론은 여러 학자들에 의해 상론되었다.

That theory was discussed in detail by many scholars.

상론되었다 is the passive past form.

본고에서는 한국의 저출산 문제를 상론하고자 한다.

In this paper, I intend to discuss Korea's low birth rate issue in detail.

본고 means 'this paper' (formal).

피고인의 알리바이를 상론하는 과정에서 모순이 발견되었다.

Contradictions were found in the process of discussing the defendant's alibi in detail.

모순 means 'contradiction'.

그는 칸트의 정언 명령을 철학적으로 상론했다.

He discussed Kant's categorical imperative in detail philosophically.

정언 명령 means 'categorical imperative'.

이 보고서는 신재생 에너지의 효율성을 상론하고 있습니다.

This report is discussing the efficiency of renewable energy in detail.

효율성 means 'efficiency'.

작가는 작품의 창작 동기를 후기에서 상론했다.

The author discussed the motivation for creating the work in detail in the afterword.

후기 means 'afterword' or 'epilogue'.

경제학자는 인플레이션의 구조적 원인을 상론하며 대안을 제시했다.

The economist discussed the structural causes of inflation in detail and suggested alternatives.

대안 means 'alternative'.

세미나에서는 4차 산업혁명의 명암을 상론할 예정이다.

The seminar is scheduled to discuss the light and dark (pros and cons) of the 4th Industrial Revolution in detail.

명암 literally means 'light and dark'.

이 문제는 앞서 상론한 바와 같이 매우 복잡합니다.

As discussed in detail earlier, this problem is very complex.

~ㄴ 바와 같이 means 'as (done) before'.

현대 사회의 소외 현상을 사회학적 관점에서 상론해 봅시다.

Let's discuss the phenomenon of alienation in modern society from a sociological perspective in detail.

소외 means 'alienation'.

그 논문은 조선 후기 실학사상의 변천 과정을 상론하고 있다.

The thesis discusses the transition process of Silhak (practical learning) thought in the late Joseon Dynasty in detail.

변천 means 'transition/change'.

변호인은 증거 자료의 신빙성을 상론함으로써 무죄를 주장했다.

The lawyer argued for innocence by discussing the credibility of the evidence in detail.

신빙성 means 'credibility'.

이 책은 양자역학의 기본 원리를 대중의 눈높이에서 상론한다.

This book discusses the basic principles of quantum mechanics in detail from the public's perspective.

눈높이 means 'eye level' or 'perspective level'.

정치적 양극화의 심화 원인을 다각도로 상론할 필요가 있다.

There is a need to discuss the causes of deepening political polarization in detail from various angles.

양극화 means 'polarization'.

보고서는 도시 재생 사업의 기대 효과와 한계를 상론하고 있다.

The report discusses the expected effects and limitations of the urban regeneration project in detail.

도시 재생 means 'urban regeneration'.

철학자는 인간 존재의 본질을 형이상학적으로 상론했다.

The philosopher discussed the essence of human existence metaphysically in detail.

형이상학적 means 'metaphysical'.

이 연구는 인공지능 윤리 가이드라인의 필요성을 상론한다.

This research discusses the necessity of AI ethics guidelines in detail.

가이드라인 means 'guideline'.

포스트모더니즘 담론에서 주체성의 해체 문제를 상론하는 것은 불가피하다.

In postmodern discourse, it is inevitable to discuss the problem of the deconstruction of subjectivity in detail.

해체 means 'deconstruction'.

저자는 자본주의 체제의 내재적 모순을 마르크스주의적 시각에서 상론했다.

The author discussed the inherent contradictions of the capitalist system from a Marxist perspective in detail.

내재적 means 'inherent'.

법학계에서는 헌법 제10조의 행복추구권을 상론하는 논의가 활발하다.

In the legal community, discussions detailing the right to pursue happiness in Article 10 of the Constitution are active.

행복추구권 means 'right to pursue happiness'.

디지털 트랜스포메이션이 기업 경영에 미치는 파급 효과를 상론하고자 합니다.

I intend to discuss the ripple effects of digital transformation on corporate management in detail.

파급 효과 means 'ripple effect'.

이 평론은 시인의 시어에 담긴 상징적 의미를 세밀하게 상론하고 있다.

This critique discusses the symbolic meanings embedded in the poet's poetic language in detail and meticulously.

시어 means 'poetic language'.

유전공학의 발전이 가져올 윤리적 딜레마를 상론하는 세미나가 열렸다.

A seminar was held to discuss the ethical dilemmas that the development of genetic engineering will bring in detail.

유전공학 means 'genetic engineering'.

그 비평은 영화의 미장센과 서사 구조의 상관관계를 상론했다.

The critique discussed the correlation between the movie's mise-en-scène and narrative structure in detail.

미장센 means 'mise-en-scène'.

국제 사회의 분쟁 해결을 위한 다자간 협력 방안을 상론할 시점이다.

It is time to discuss in detail the multilateral cooperation plans for resolving disputes in the international community.

다자간 means 'multilateral'.

Synonyms

상세히 논하다 부연하다 설명하다 논술하다

Antonyms

약술하다 생략하다

Common Collocations

원인을 상론하다

배경을 상론하다

필요성을 상론하다

영향을 상론하다

사례를 상론하다

이론을 상론하다

과정을 상론하다

차이점을 상론하다

문제점을 상론하다

대책을 상론하다

Common Phrases

상론한 바와 같이

— As discussed in detail above. Common in academic writing.

상론한 바와 같이, 이 문제는 해결이 시급합니다.

상론할 가치가 있다

— It is worth discussing in detail. Used to emphasize importance.

이 주제는 현대 사회에서 상론할 가치가 충분하다.

나중에 상론하기로 하고

— Deciding to discuss in detail later. Used to postpone a topic.

세부 사항은 나중에 상론하기로 하고 일단 넘어갑시다.

심도 있게 상론하다

— To discuss in detail and in depth. Emphasizes thoroughness.

우리는 이 안건을 심도 있게 상론해야 합니다.

여기서 상론하지 않겠다

— I will not discuss in detail here. Used to limit scope.

기술적인 부분은 복잡하므로 여기서 상론하지 않겠습니다.

구체적으로 상론하다

— To discuss specifically and in detail.

보고서의 결론 부분에서 해결책을 구체적으로 상론했다.

상론을 피하다

— To avoid detailed discussion.

그는 민감한 질문에 대해서는 상론을 피했다.

상론이 필요하다

— A detailed discussion is necessary.

이 사건의 진상을 밝히기 위해서는 상론이 필요하다.

다각도로 상론하다

— To discuss in detail from various angles.

전문가들은 이번 정책의 효과를 다각도로 상론했다.

길게 상론하다

— To discuss in detail at length.

할아버지는 집안의 역사를 길게 상론하셨다.

Often Confused With

상론하다 vs 상담하다

Means to consult or seek advice. 상론하다 is to discuss a topic in detail.

상론하다 vs 상론 (相論)

A homonym meaning 'to argue with each other' (rarely used compared to 詳論).

상론하다 vs 의논하다

Means to discuss/deliberate to reach a decision. 상론하다 is more about the depth of explanation.

Idioms & Expressions

"입이 아프도록 상론하다"

— To discuss in detail until one's mouth hurts (repeatedly).

그는 그 문제의 위험성을 입이 아프도록 상론했다.

Neutral/Informal

"하나부터 열까지 상론하다"

— To discuss everything from A to Z in detail.

팀장은 프로젝트의 진행 상황을 하나부터 열까지 상론했다.

Neutral

"뼈대를 세우고 상론하다"

— To establish a framework and then discuss in detail.

논문의 뼈대를 세우고 각 장을 상론하기 시작했다.

Academic

"귀에 못이 박히도록 상론하다"

— To discuss in detail so much that it's like a nail in the ear.

어머니는 예절의 중요성을 귀에 못이 박히도록 상론하셨다.

Informal

"밑바닥부터 상론하다"

— To discuss in detail from the very bottom/basics.

우리는 이 사업의 타당성을 밑바닥부터 상론해 봐야 한다.

Neutral

"침이 마르도록 상론하다"

— To discuss in detail with great praise (until the saliva dries).

그는 신기술의 혁신성을 침이 마르도록 상론했다.

Neutral

"두말할 것 없이 상론하다"

— To discuss in detail without needing further words (obviously).

그의 업적은 두말할 것 없이 상론할 가치가 있다.

Formal

"실타래 풀듯 상론하다"

— To discuss in detail like untangling a ball of thread.

교수님은 복잡한 철학 개념을 실타래 풀듯 상론해 주셨다.

Literary

"밤을 새워 상론하다"

— To discuss in detail all night long.

학자들은 새로운 발견에 대해 밤을 새워 상론했다.

Neutral

"피를 토하듯 상론하다"

— To discuss in detail with extreme passion (as if spitting blood).

독립운동가는 조국 독립의 당위성을 피를 토하듯 상론했다.

Literary

Easily Confused

상론하다 vs 상술하다

Both mean 'to explain in detail' and start with '상'.

상술하다 focuses on detailed description (述), while 상론하다 focuses on detailed discussion/argument (論).

기계의 작동법을 상술하다 (Correct) vs. 기계의 작동법을 상론하다 (Awkward).

상론하다 vs 부연하다

Both involve adding more detail.

부연하다 is 'to elaborate' on a point already made. 상론하다 is the act of providing the detailed discussion itself.

그는 설명을 돕기 위해 부연했다.

상론하다 vs 논술하다

Both involve '론' (discussion/argument).

논술하다 is specifically about writing an essay logically. 상론하다 is about the depth of the discussion (can be spoken or written).

시험에서 논술 문제를 풀다.

상론하다 vs 개괄하다

Both are formal verbs about explaining a topic.

They are opposites. 개괄하다 is to summarize/outline, while 상론하다 is to go into full detail.

전체 내용을 개괄해 주세요.

상론하다 vs 설파하다

Both involve explaining a theory formally.

설파하다 emphasizes making a point known or preaching a view. 상론하다 emphasizes the meticulousness of the details.

그는 평화의 중요성을 설파했다.

Sentence Patterns

[Topic]을/를 상론하다

이론의 문제점을 상론하다.

[Topic]에 대해 상론하다

환경 오염에 대해 상론하다.

[Topic]이/가 상론되다

해결책이 보고서에서 상론되었다.

[Topic]을/를 상론하고자 하다

본고에서는 이 현상을 상론하고자 한다.

앞서 상론한 바와 같이

상론한 바와 같이, 대책이 시급하다.

[Topic]을/를 상론할 필요가 있다

이 문제를 다시 상론할 필요가 있다.

[Topic]을/를 상론하는 과정에서

진상을 상론하는 과정에서 진실이 밝혀졌다.

[Topic]을/를 상론하기에는 [Constraint]

상론하기에는 지면이 부족하다.

Word Family

Nouns

상론 (Detailed discussion/treatise)

Verbs

상론하다 (To discuss in detail)

상론되다 (To be discussed in detail)

상세 (detail)

논의 (discussion)

토론 (debate)

상술 (detailed description)

약술 (brief summary)

How to Use It

frequency

Low in daily life, High in academic/professional writing.

Common Mistakes

Pronouncing it as 'Sang-ron-ha-da'. → [상논하다]
You must nasalize the 'ㄹ' into 'ㄴ' because it follows the 'ㅇ' sound.
Using it to mean 'consultation'. → 상담하다
Learners confuse the two because they both start with '상'. 상론 is about discussion, 상담 is about advice.
Using it in a text message to a friend. → 자세히 말하다
It is too formal for texting. It makes you sound like a robot or a professor from the 19th century.
Using the passive form '상론당하다'. → 상론되다
'-당하다' is for negative actions done to you (like being hit). '-되다' is the correct passive suffix for most Hanja verbs.
Using it for a 10-second explanation. → 간단히 말하다
'상론하다' implies length and depth. If it's short, it's not '상론'.

Tips

When to use in Writing

Use it when transitioning from a general statement to a specific analysis. It acts as a professional signpost for your reader.

Hanja Root

Learning 詳 (상) will help you understand words like 상세 (detail), 상술 (elaboration), and 상보 (detailed report).

Formal Presentations

In a presentation, say '이 부분은 뒤에서 상론하겠습니다' to sound like an expert who has organized their thoughts well.

News Context

When news anchors use this word, they are often introducing a specialized guest to explain a complex topic.

Passive Voice

Use '상론되다' in academic papers to maintain an objective tone. '원인이 상론되었다' sounds more scientific than '내가 원인을 상론했다'.

Casual settings

Never use this with your younger siblings or close friends unless you want to sound like a textbook.

상론 vs 약술

If a question asks you to '상론' (discuss in detail), write a long answer. If it says '약술' (summarize), keep it short.

Thesis Writing

This is a must-know word for anyone writing a master's or doctoral thesis in Korean.

Business Reports

Use it in the 'Risk Analysis' or 'Methodology' sections of a high-level corporate report.

Intellectual Image

Using this word correctly projects an image of being well-educated and articulate in Korean society.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember 'Sang' as in 'Sang-se' (Detail) and 'Ron' as in 'To-ron' (Debate). Together, they make a 'Detailed Debate' or discussion.

Visual Association

Imagine a magnifying glass (상) looking at a book of theories (론). You are looking at the small details of a big argument.

Word Web

상세 (Detail) 토론 (Debate) 논문 (Thesis) 설명 (Explanation) 분석 (Analysis) 상술 (Elaboration) 약술 (Summary) 이론 (Theory)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your favorite academic subject using '상론하다.' Make sure the context is formal!

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 詳 (상) and 論 (론). 詳 (상) means 'detailed, minute, or clear,' and 論 (론) means 'to discuss, argue, or theory.'

Original meaning: To conduct a detailed discourse or provide a minute explanation of a theory.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-eo)

Cultural Context

Avoid using this word in casual settings as it can come across as condescending or overly pedantic (acting like a 'kkondae').

The closest English equivalents are 'to elaborate extensively,' 'to discuss in detail,' or 'to provide a thorough treatment of.' However, '상론하다' feels more like a single action of 'detailed discoursing.'

Often used in the prefaces of famous Korean academic works to outline the scope of the study. Commonly found in 'The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty' (조선왕조실록) when officials provided detailed reports to the King. Used by modern Korean philosophers like Ham Seok-heon in his detailed discussions of life and history.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Writing

다음 장에서 상론하겠다
이미 상론한 바와 같이
이론적 배경을 상론하다
상론의 여지가 있다

Legal Proceedings

증거의 신빙성을 상론하다
피고의 주장을 상론하다
법리적 해석을 상론하다
상론을 통해 입증하다

News Analysis

전문가와 함께 상론해 보겠습니다
사건의 전말을 상론하다
경제적 파급 효과를 상론하다
심도 있게 상론하다

Business Meetings

리스크 요인을 상론합시다
시장 분석 결과를 상론하다
세부 실행 방안을 상론하다
상론할 시간이 부족합니다

Religious Sermons

성경 구절을 상론하다
교리를 상론하여 가르치다
진리의 의미를 상론하다
깊이 있게 상론하다

Conversation Starters

"이 주제에 대해서 좀 더 상론해 주실 수 있나요? (Could you elaborate on this topic in more detail?)"

"우리가 이 문제를 상론해야 할 시점인 것 같습니다. (I think it is time for us to discuss this issue in detail.)"

"상론하기 앞서, 간단한 개요부터 말씀드리겠습니다. (Before discussing in detail, I will give a brief outline.)"

"그 부분은 너무 복잡해서 여기서 상론하기는 어렵겠네요. (That part is too complex to discuss in detail here.)"

"어떤 관점에서 이 현상을 상론하는 것이 좋을까요? (From what perspective should we discuss this phenomenon in detail?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 배운 한국어 단어 '상론하다'의 의미와 쓰임새를 상론해 보세요. (Discuss the meaning and usage of the Korean word '상론하다' that you learned today in detail.)

당신이 가장 관심 있는 학문적 주제 하나를 골라 상론해 보세요. (Choose one academic topic you are most interested in and discuss it in detail.)

최근 뉴스에서 본 중요한 이슈에 대해 자신의 의견을 상론해 보세요. (Discuss your opinion in detail regarding an important issue you saw in the news recently.)

자신의 인생 철학이나 가치관을 한 문장으로 쓰고, 그것을 상론해 보세요. (Write your life philosophy or values in one sentence and then elaborate on it in detail.)

한국어 공부를 하면서 가장 어려웠던 문법 규칙 하나를 상론해 보세요. (Discuss in detail one of the most difficult grammar rules you encountered while studying Korean.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Almost never. It is extremely formal. If you use it with friends, they might think you are joking or being overly dramatic. Use '자세히 말하다' or '의논하다' instead for daily life.

It is pronounced [상논하다]. The 'ㄹ' in '론' changes to 'ㄴ' because of the 'ㅇ' at the end of '상'. This is a standard rule in Korean phonology called nasalization.

While very similar, '상론하다' (詳論) emphasizes the 'discussion' or 'argument' part, making it better for theories and academic issues. '상술하다' (詳述) emphasizes the 'description,' making it better for processes or facts.

No, '상론하다' is for topics, issues, theories, or facts. To describe a person's appearance in detail, use '상세히 묘사하다' (describe in detail).

The most formal opposite is '약술하다' (to state briefly). Other opposites include '요약하다' (summarize) and '개괄하다' (outline).

Yes, it often appears in the Reading (읽기) section of TOPIK II, especially in academic or editorial passages. Using it in the Writing (쓰기) section can help you get a higher score.

Yes, it is used for emphasis, although technically '상론' already means 'detailed.' It's like saying 'personally, I think.' It's common but slightly redundant.

Yes, '상론되다' means 'to be discussed in detail.' For example: '이 문제는 앞에서 상론되었다' (This issue was discussed in detail earlier).

No. The word implies a thorough and lengthy treatment of a topic. If you only talk for a moment, '상론하다' is not the right word.

No. The '상' in '상론하다' is 詳 (detailed), while the '상' in '상담하다' is 相 (mutual/each other). They are different Hanja characters.