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지배력

B2 noun #4,000 most common 9 min read

지배력

jibaeryeok Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 지배력 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 지배력 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '지배력' (Jibae-ryeok) is a very difficult word. You don't need to use it yet. However, you can think of it as a very strong version of '힘' (him), which means 'power' or 'strength.' Imagine a king in a story. The king has the 'power' to tell everyone what to do. That power is his '지배력.' In simple terms, it is the 'power to lead' or 'power to control.' You might see it in simple stories about kings or strong animals in the forest. For now, just remember that 'ryeok' (력) at the end of a word usually means 'power' or 'ability,' like 'undong-ryeok' (athletic ability). This will help you understand many other Korean words later!

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more specific nouns. '지배력' is used when someone or something is the 'boss' of a situation. You might hear it in basic news about big companies like Samsung. People might say Samsung has a lot of 'power' in the market. In Korean, that specific power is '시장 지배력' (market dominance). You can also use it for self-control, like 'the power to control my feelings.' Even if you don't use the word in speaking, if you see it in a reading passage, try to associate it with 'control' or 'ruling.' It is a combination of 'Ji-bae' (to rule) and 'Ryeok' (power).

At the B1 level, '지배력' becomes a useful word for discussing social issues and business. You should understand that it refers to a sustained state of control. It is different from just 'winning' once. If a team wins every game, they have '지배력' over the league. You will often see this word paired with the verb '행사하다' (haeng-sa-ha-da), which means 'to exercise' or 'to use.' For example, '지배력을 행사하다' means to exercise dominance. You can use this word when writing essays about leadership or the influence of social media. It adds a more professional and precise tone to your Korean than just using '힘' (power).

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '지배력' accurately in various contexts. This is the level where the word is most commonly introduced. You should distinguish it from '권력' (political power) and '영향력' (influence). '지배력' implies a structural or systemic ability to control outcomes. In business, it refers to 'market dominance' where a company can set prices. In psychology, it refers to 'self-mastery.' You should be comfortable using patterns like '~에 대한 지배력을 강화하다' (to strengthen dominance over...) or '지배력이 약화되다' (dominance is weakened). This word is essential for reading Korean newspapers and understanding economic reports.

At the C1 level, you should explore the nuanced and abstract applications of '지배력.' It is used in academic discourse to discuss 'cultural hegemony' (문화적 지배력) or 'ideological dominance' (사상적 지배력). You should be able to discuss how '지배력' is maintained through both 'hard power' (물리적 힘) and 'soft power' (영향력). In literature, '지배력' might describe a character's internal struggle to maintain control over their destiny or their passions. At this level, you should also understand legal terms like '시장 지배적 사업자' (a market-dominant player) and the ethical implications of how dominance is used in society.

At the C2 level, '지배력' is a tool for deep philosophical and socio-political analysis. You can use it to critique historical power structures, such as the 'colonial dominance' (식민 지배력) or the shifting 'geopolitical dominance' (지정학적 지배력) in the modern world. You should be able to use the word in complex rhetorical structures, perhaps debating the paradox of how increasing 'technological dominance' might lead to a loss of 'individual autonomy.' Your usage should show an understanding of how '지배력' interacts with concepts like 'legitimacy' (정당성) and 'resistance' (저항). At this level, the word is not just about control, but about the very nature of authority and order.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

지배력 in 30 Seconds

지배력 (Jibae-ryeok) means 'dominance' or 'control,' referring to the power to lead or govern a specific domain like business or politics.
It is a B2-level noun commonly used in formal contexts such as news reports, economic analyses, and academic discussions about power dynamics.
Commonly paired with verbs like '행사하다' (exercise), '강화하다' (strengthen), and '잃다' (lose), it describes both external and internal control.
It differs from 'influence' (영향력) by implying a stronger, more structural form of authority and the ability to dictate rules.

The Korean word 지배력 (Jibae-ryeok) is a sophisticated noun that translates most directly to 'dominance,' 'control,' or 'governing power.' At its core, it represents the capacity of an entity—be it a person, a corporation, a nation, or even an abstract concept like an emotion—to exert authority and maintain a leading position over others. Understanding this word requires looking at its Hanja roots: 支 (Ji) meaning to support or branch out, 配 (Bae) meaning to distribute or match, and 力 (Ryeok) meaning power. Together, they form a concept of 'the power to distribute and support a specific order,' which we interpret as dominance.

Business Context: In the corporate world, this word is ubiquitous. It refers to '시장 지배력' (market dominance). When a company like Samsung or Apple holds a significant share of the market such that they can influence prices and trends, they are said to have strong 지배력. It is not just about being big; it is about the ability to dictate the rules of the game.

그 기업은 혁신적인 기술을 통해 세계 시장에서 압도적인 지배력을 행사하고 있습니다.

(That company is exercising overwhelming dominance in the global market through innovative technology.)

Beyond business, the word is used in political science to describe the authority a government has over its territory or the influence a superpower has over international relations. It implies a steady, sustained control rather than a fleeting moment of power. If someone has '지배력' over a group, it suggests that the group follows their lead, often without question or because the power structure is so firmly established.

Psychological Usage: Interestingly, Koreans also use this word in a psychological sense. '자기 지배력' (self-dominance/self-control) refers to one's ability to master their own impulses and emotions. If you are easily swayed by anger, your 지배력 over your emotions is considered weak. This usage highlights that the word isn't always about external control; it can be about internal mastery.

진정한 리더는 타인에 대한 지배력보다 자신에 대한 지배력을 먼저 갖춰야 한다.

(A true leader must first possess self-control rather than dominance over others.)

In sports, you will hear commentators talk about a team's '경기 지배력' (game dominance). This doesn't just mean they are winning; it means they are controlling the tempo, the ball possession, and the flow of the game. They are making the opponent play according to their strategy. This nuance of 'controlling the environment' is what sets 지배력 apart from other power-related words.

Sociological Nuance: In social discussions, this word can have a slightly heavy or even negative connotation if used in the context of oppression. However, in most academic and professional settings, it is a neutral, descriptive term used to analyze power dynamics. It describes 'who is in charge' and 'to what extent they can influence outcomes.'

Using 지배력 correctly involves understanding its collocation with specific verbs and its role as a subject or object in complex sentences. Because it is a B2-level word, it appears frequently in news reports, essays, and debates. The most common way to use it is as an object of the verb 행사하다 (to exercise/wield) or 확대하다 (to expand).

Grammar Pattern: [Noun] + 에 대한 지배력: This is the standard way to specify what is being controlled. For example, '시장에 대한 지배력' (dominance over the market) or '감정에 대한 지배력' (control over emotions). The particle '에 대한' connects the target of the control to the word 지배력.

그는 자신의 감정에 대한 지배력을 잃고 화를 냈다.

(He lost control over his emotions and got angry.)

When discussing trends or changes in power, you will often use 강화하다 (strengthen) or 약화되다 (be weakened). In business news, you might see '지배력을 공고히 하다,' which means 'to solidify one's dominance.' This is a very formal and high-level expression often used when a market leader launches a new product to keep competitors away.

Using with '잃다' (To Lose): When a leader or a company is failing, we say they are 'losing their grip' or 'losing dominance.' In Korean, this is '지배력을 잃다.' This can apply to a king losing control of his court or a tech giant losing its share to a startup.

새로운 경쟁자의 등장으로 기존 기업의 지배력이 약화되었습니다.

(With the emergence of new competitors, the dominance of existing companies has weakened.)

In a more abstract sense, '지배력' can be the subject of a sentence using the particle '이/가'. For example, '지배력이 미치다' (dominance reaches/extends to). This describes the range or scope of someone's influence. '그의 지배력이 미치는 곳' refers to the areas or people under his control.

Context: Sports Commentary: In sports, you might hear: '중원을 장악하며 경기 지배력을 높였습니다.' (By seizing the midfield, they increased their dominance over the game.) Here, 지배력 describes the tactical superiority and control of the match flow.

While 지배력 is not a word you would use to buy apples at a market, it is a word you will hear every single day if you watch the news, read business journals, or listen to political debates in Korea. It is a 'power word' used to analyze structures and influence.

Scenario 1: Economic News: You will hear this when reporters discuss 'Chaebols' (large Korean conglomerates). They talk about '경영권 지배력' (managerial control/dominance), referring to how much ownership a founding family has over a group of companies. If a family has a low percentage of shares but high 지배력, it is often a topic of intense public debate.

공정거래위원회는 거대 플랫폼 기업의 시장 지배력 남용을 조사하고 있습니다.

(The Fair Trade Commission is investigating the abuse of market dominance by giant platform companies.)

In this context, the word is often paired with '남용' (abuse). '시장 지배력 남용' (Abuse of market dominance) is a specific legal term used in anti-trust cases.

Scenario 2: Academic Lectures: In sociology or political science lectures at a Korean university, professors use 지배력 to discuss Foucault's theories on power or Gramsci's hegemony. It is the academic standard for describing the mechanism of how one group leads another.

문화적 지배력은 물리적인 힘보다 훨씬 더 강력할 수 있습니다.

(Cultural dominance can be much more powerful than physical force.)

This highlights '문화적 지배력' (cultural dominance/hegemony), a concept very relevant in the era of Hallyu (the Korean Wave), as Korea discusses its own increasing influence on the global stage.

Scenario 3: Sports and E-sports: In a League of Legends match or a soccer game, if one team is completely shutting down the other, the caster will shout about their '압도적인 지배력' (overwhelming dominance). It conveys that the outcome is no longer in doubt because one side has total control over the map or the field.

When learning 지배력, English speakers often confuse it with other 'power' words in Korean. Because English uses 'power' or 'control' for many different situations, it's easy to pick the wrong Korean synonym.

Mistake 1: 지배력 vs. 권력 (Gwon-ryeok): '권력' specifically refers to political or official power held by an individual or office (like a President or a Judge). '지배력' is broader and refers to the *capacity* to control. You *have* 권력 (authority), but you *exercise* 지배력 (dominance) over a situation. You wouldn't say '시장 권력' for market dominance; it must be '시장 지배력'.

❌ 대통령의 시장 지배력 (Incorrect for political office)
✅ 대통령의 통치 권력 (Correct for political power)

Another common error is using it where 영향력 (Yeong-hyang-ryeok - Influence) is more appropriate. Influence is the ability to affect someone's choices, while dominance is the ability to control them. If you suggest something and people listen, you have 영향력. If you command something and they must obey, you have 지배력.

Mistake 2: Using the wrong verb: Students often use '지배력을 하다' (to do dominance). This is grammatically incorrect. You must use '지배력을 행사하다' (exercise) or '지배하다' (the verb form: to dominate/rule). '지배력' is a noun representing a quality or capacity, so it needs a verb that means 'to use' or 'to possess'.

❌ 그는 지배력을 했어요.
✅ 그는 지배력을 행사했어요. (He exercised dominance.)

Finally, watch out for '통제력' (Tong-je-ryeok - Control). While similar, 통제력 is often used for technical control (like controlling a machine) or restrictive control (stopping something from happening). 지배력 is more about leading and being the 'boss' of a situation.

To truly master 지배력, you should understand how it sits within a family of related terms. Depending on the context, you might want to use a word that is more specific or has a different nuance.

지배력 vs. 주도권 (Ju-do-gwon): 주도권 means 'the initiative' or 'the upper hand.' While 지배력 is a state of being in control, 주도권 is often about who is currently leading the action. In a negotiation, you might lose the '주도권' (the lead) even if you still have '지배력' (overall power) in the market.
지배력 vs. 통제력 (Tong-je-ryeok): 통제력 is 'control' or 'restraint.' It is used frequently for self-control (자기 통제력) or controlling a process. '지배력' sounds more like 'ruling over,' whereas '통제력' sounds more like 'regulating' or 'managing.'

그는 시장의 지배력을 가졌지만, 부하 직원들에 대한 통제력은 부족했다.

(He had market dominance, but lacked control over his subordinates.)

If you want to describe a softer form of power, use 영향력 (Influence). If you want to describe the legal right to give orders, use 권한 (Authority). If you are talking about physical strength or the 'might' of a nation, 국력 (National power) or simply 힘 (Power/Force) are better choices.

In academic writing, '패권' (Pae-gwon - Hegemony) is often used as a synonym for '지배력' when discussing international relations. For example, '미국의 세계 패권' (U.S. global hegemony) describes the ultimate level of '지배력' on a global scale. Choosing between these words depends on how formal you want to be and whether you are focusing on the *right* to rule or the *fact* of ruling.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'Ji' (支) in Jibae is the same 'Ji' used in 'Ji-jeom' (branch store), implying that dominance is about extending one's branches over a territory.

Pronunciation Guide

UK t͡ɕibɛɾjʌk̚

US t͡ɕibɛɾjʌk̚

The primary stress is on the first syllable '지', but the final syllable '력' is pronounced with a sharp release.

Rhymes With

노력 (No-ryeok - Effort) 능력 (Neung-ryeok - Ability) 권력 (Gwon-ryeok - Power) 영향력 (Yeong-hyang-ryeok - Influence) 폭력 (Pok-ryeok - Violence) 강력 (Gang-ryeok - Strong) 협력 (Hyeop-ryeok - Cooperation) 기억력 (Gi-eong-ryeok - Memory)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ryeok' as two syllables 'ree-ok'. It should be one fluid syllable.
Making the 'j' sound too hard like 'J' in 'Judge'. It's closer to a soft 'ch'.
Confusing the vowel 'ae' (애) with 'e' (에), though in modern Seoul speech they are almost identical.
Missing the stop 'k' at the end of 'ryeok'.
Over-emphasizing the 'r' sound; it should be a light tap of the tongue.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and books, but requires knowledge of Hanja-based concepts.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct collocation with verbs like '행사하다'.

Speaking 3/5

Used in debates or professional talks, less in daily casual chat.

Listening 4/5

Often spoken quickly in news reports.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

힘 (Power) 다스리다 (To rule) 시장 (Market) 영향 (Influence) 강하다 (To be strong)

Learn Next

권력 (Political power) 장악하다 (To seize control) 패권 (Hegemony) 독점 (Monopoly) 통제 (Control)

Advanced

상부구조 (Superstructure) 이데올로기 (Ideology) 헤게모니 (Hegemony) 정당성 (Legitimacy)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 에 대한 (About/Over)

시장**에 대한** 지배력 (Dominance over the market)

Causative Verbs (-히/기/리/이)

지배력을 넓**히**다 (To expand dominance)

Formal Verb endings (-습니다/합니다)

지배력을 행사**합니다**.

Noun + 을/를 통한 (Through...)

혁신**을 통한** 지배력 강화 (Strengthening dominance through innovation)

Passive voice (-되다)

지배력은 경쟁에 의해 약화**된다**. (Dominance is weakened by competition.)

Examples by Level

왕은 큰 지배력을 가지고 있어요.

The king has great dominance (power).

지배력 is the object, marked by -을.

사자는 숲에서 지배력이 강해요.

The lion has strong dominance in the forest.

강하다 (to be strong) describes the 지배력.

그는 지배력을 원해요.

He wants dominance (power).

원하다 (to want) is the verb.

지배력이 무엇인가요?

What is dominance?

Asking for a definition.

돈은 지배력이 있어요.

Money has power (dominance).

있다 (to have/exist) is used here.

지배력을 보여주세요.

Show your dominance.

Imperative form -주세요.

그녀는 지배력이 없어요.

She has no dominance.

없다 is the opposite of 있다.

우리는 지배력이 필요해요.

We need dominance (control).

필요하다 (to need) takes the subject marker -이.

이 회사는 시장 지배력이 커요.

This company's market dominance is large.

시장 지배력 is a common compound noun.

그는 팀에서 지배력을 행사해요.

He exercises dominance in the team.

행사하다 is the standard verb for 'using' power.

지배력을 잃지 마세요.

Don't lose your dominance/control.

-지 마세요 is the negative imperative.

그의 지배력은 대단해요.

His dominance is amazing.

대단하다 means great or amazing.

아이들은 지배력을 배우고 싶어해요.

Children want to learn about dominance (control).

-고 싶어하다 is used for third-person desires.

이 게임에서 지배력이 중요해요.

Dominance is important in this game.

중요하다 means to be important.

그녀는 자기 지배력이 부족해요.

She lacks self-control/dominance.

부족하다 means to be lacking.

지배력을 키우는 법을 배워요.

Learn how to grow your dominance.

-는 법 means 'the way to' or 'how to'.

정부는 물가에 대한 지배력을 강화하려고 합니다.

The government intends to strengthen its control over prices.

-에 대한 (about/over) is used to show the target.

그 선수는 경기 지배력이 아주 뛰어납니다.

That player's game dominance is very outstanding.

뛰어나다 means to be outstanding/excellent.

회사는 새로운 시장에서 지배력을 넓혔습니다.

The company expanded its dominance in the new market.

넓히다 is the causative form of 넓다 (to be wide).

감정에 대한 지배력을 잃으면 안 됩니다.

You must not lose control over your emotions.

-면 안 되다 means 'must not'.

그의 지배력은 서서히 약해지고 있습니다.

His dominance is gradually weakening.

-고 있다 shows an ongoing action.

독점 기업은 시장 지배력을 남용할 수 있습니다.

Monopoly companies can abuse their market dominance.

남용하다 means to abuse or misuse.

리더십은 지배력과는 다른 개념입니다.

Leadership is a different concept from dominance.

-와/과 다르다 means to be different from.

그들은 서로의 지배력을 인정했습니다.

They recognized each other's dominance/power.

인정하다 means to recognize or admit.

기술적 우위가 시장 지배력으로 이어졌습니다.

Technological superiority led to market dominance.

-으로 이어지다 means to lead to or result in.

그 정치가는 당 내 지배력을 공고히 했습니다.

That politician solidified his dominance within the party.

공고히 하다 is a formal way to say 'solidify'.

언론의 지배력이 여론 형성에 큰 영향을 미칩니다.

The dominance of the media significantly affects the formation of public opinion.

영향을 미치다 is a set phrase for 'to exert influence'.

그는 자신의 지배력을 과시하기 위해 무리한 요구를 했다.

He made unreasonable demands to show off his dominance.

과시하다 means to show off or flaunt.

글로벌 기업들의 지배력 확대에 대한 우려가 커지고 있다.

Concerns over the expansion of global companies' dominance are growing.

-에 대한 우려 (concerns about/over).

인간은 자연에 대한 지배력을 갖게 되면서 오만해졌다.

As humans gained dominance over nature, they became arrogant.

-게 되다 indicates a change in state.

그 감독은 팀 전체에 대한 지배력이 매우 강합니다.

That director has a very strong grip/dominance over the entire team.

전체에 대한 (over the whole).

과거의 지배력을 회복하기는 쉽지 않을 것입니다.

It will not be easy to recover past dominance.

회복하다 means to recover or restore.

지배력의 원천은 단순히 무력이 아니라 지식에 있습니다.

The source of dominance lies in knowledge, not simply military force.

원천 (source/origin) and -에 있다 (lies in).

그 학자는 문화적 지배력이 어떻게 형성되는지 분석했다.

The scholar analyzed how cultural dominance is formed.

-는지 분석하다 (analyze how...).

자본의 지배력은 때로 법의 테두리를 넘어서기도 한다.

The dominance of capital sometimes goes beyond the boundaries of the law.

테두리를 넘어서다 (to go beyond boundaries).

그는 내면의 지배력을 통해 고난을 극복해 나갔다.

He overcame hardships through inner dominance (self-mastery).

-를 통해 (through/via).

국가 간의 지배력 다툼은 역사 속에서 반복되어 왔다.

The struggle for dominance between nations has been repeated throughout history.

-어 오다 indicates an action continuing from the past.

디지털 기술의 지배력이 일상생활의 모든 면에 침투해 있다.

The dominance of digital technology has permeated all aspects of daily life.

침투하다 (to permeate/infiltrate).

권위주의 체제는 공포를 통해 지배력을 유지하려 한다.

Authoritarian regimes try to maintain dominance through fear.

체제 (system/regime) and 유지하다 (to maintain).

지배력을 잃은 지도자는 결국 자리에서 물러나게 되었다.

The leader who lost dominance eventually ended up stepping down.

물러나게 되다 (to end up stepping down).

헤게모니 이론은 지배력이 어떻게 동의를 통해 유지되는지 설명한다.

Hegemony theory explains how dominance is maintained through consent.

동의 (consent/agreement).

언어적 지배력은 사고의 틀을 규정하는 강력한 수단이다.

Linguistic dominance is a powerful means of defining the framework of thought.

사고의 틀 (framework of thought).

그 기업의 독점적 지배력은 시장의 자정 작용을 마비시켰다.

The company's monopolistic dominance paralyzed the market's self-purification function.

자정 작용 (self-purification/self-regulation).

지배력의 분산은 민주주의 사회의 핵심적인 가치 중 하나이다.

The dispersal of dominance (power) is one of the core values of a democratic society.

분산 (dispersal/distribution).

인공지능의 지배력이 커짐에 따라 인간의 존엄성에 대한 논의가 활발해지고 있다.

As the dominance of AI grows, discussions on human dignity are becoming active.

-에 따라 (according to/as ... grows).

식민지 시대의 지배력은 피지배 민족의 정체성을 말살하려 했다.

Dominance during the colonial era sought to annihilate the identity of the subject people.

말살하다 (to annihilate/wipe out).

그는 절대적인 지배력을 가졌음에도 불구하고 늘 불안해했다.

Despite having absolute dominance, he was always anxious.

-음에도 불구하고 (despite/in spite of).

지배력의 정당성은 피치자들의 자발적 복종에서 나온다.

The legitimacy of dominance comes from the voluntary obedience of the governed.

피치자 (the governed/the ruled).

Synonyms

장악력 통제력 영향력 주도권 권력

Antonyms

종속 무력함

Common Collocations

지배력을 행사하다

시장 지배력

지배력을 강화하다

지배력을 잃다

압도적인 지배력

지배력을 공고히 하다

지배력이 미치다

지배력을 약화시키다

정치적 지배력

문화적 지배력

Common Phrases

지배력을 갖다

— To have or possess dominance.

누구나 타인에 대한 지배력을 갖고 싶어 한다.

지배력을 유지하다

— To maintain dominance.

그는 20년 동안 업계의 지배력을 유지해 왔다.

지배력을 넓히다

— To expand dominance.

회사는 해외로 지배력을 넓히고 있다.

지배력을 회복하다

— To recover or restore dominance.

그는 실패 후 다시 지배력을 회복했다.

지배력을 남용하다

— To abuse dominance.

권력을 가진 자가 지배력을 남용하면 안 된다.

지배력을 상실하다

— To lose/forfeit dominance (formal).

그 국가는 전쟁 후 지배력을 상실했다.

지배력을 확보하다

— To secure dominance.

우리는 시장에서 우위를 점하며 지배력을 확보했다.

지배력이 약하다

— Dominance is weak.

그는 부하 직원들에 대한 지배력이 약하다.

지배력이 강하다

— Dominance is strong.

그녀는 감정에 대한 지배력이 아주 강하다.

지배력을 다투다

— To compete for dominance.

두 기업이 시장 지배력을 다투고 있다.

Often Confused With

지배력 vs 권력

Gwon-ryeok is specifically political power or official authority. Jibae-ryeok is broader dominance.

지배력 vs 영향력

Yeong-hyang-ryeok is influence/clout. Jibae-ryeok is direct control or rule.

지배력 vs 통제력

Tong-je-ryeok is regulatory control or restraint. Jibae-ryeok is leadership/ruling power.

Idioms & Expressions

"고삐를 죄다"

— To tighten the reins; to increase control/dominance.

사장은 직원들에 대한 지배력의 고삐를 죄었다.

Metaphorical

"손바닥 위에 놓다"

— To have something in the palm of one's hand; to have total dominance.

그는 시장을 자신의 손바닥 위에 놓고 흔든다.

Informal

"판을 짜다"

— To set the stage/frame the situation; a form of exercising 지배력.

그는 정치적 지배력을 바탕으로 판을 짰다.

Political

"쥐락펴락하다"

— To have someone or something under one's thumb; to control at will.

그는 당의 지배력을 이용해 의원들을 쥐락펴락한다.

Informal

"칼자루를 잡다"

— To hold the handle of the sword; to have the decisive power/dominance.

협상에서 우리가 칼자루를 잡고 지배력을 행사했다.

Common

"뿌리를 내리다"

— To take root; to establish a firm dominance.

그의 지배력은 이 조직에 깊이 뿌리를 내렸다.

Metaphorical

"기를 꺾다"

— To break someone's spirit; to assert dominance over someone.

그는 첫 만남에서 상대의 기를 꺾어 지배력을 확인했다.

Common

"머리 꼭대기에 앉다"

— To sit on top of someone's head; to be far superior/dominant.

그는 경쟁사들의 머리 꼭대기에 앉아 지배력을 과시한다.

Slangy

"바람을 일으키다"

— To create a wind/trend; to exert influence/dominance over a field.

그 신기술은 시장에 큰 바람을 일으키며 지배력을 가졌다.

Metaphorical

"철권 통치"

— Iron-fisted rule; absolute and harsh 지배력.

독재자는 철권 통치로 지배력을 유지했다.

Political

Easily Confused

지배력 vs 지배

It's the root word.

지배 is the act of ruling; 지배력 is the *power* or *capacity* to do so.

그는 지배(rule)를 시작했고, 강력한 지배력(power to rule)을 보여주었다.

지배력 vs 주도권

Both involve being in charge.

주도권 is about taking the lead/initiative in a specific moment. 지배력 is a long-term state of dominance.

경기 주도권은 뺏겼지만, 리그에서의 지배력은 여전하다.

지배력 vs 강제력

Both involve force.

강제력 is the power to *compel* or force someone legally. 지배력 is broader and can be natural or structural.

법은 강제력을 가지며, 정부는 지배력을 행사한다.

지배력 vs 장악력

Both mean control.

장악력 focuses on the ability to 'seize' and hold something firmly. 지배력 is the status of being the ruler.

무대 장악력이 뛰어난 가수는 관중을 지배한다.

지배력 vs 세력

Both mean power/force.

세력 usually refers to a group or a 'force' (like a political faction). 지배력 is the quality of power itself.

새로운 세력이 등장하여 기존의 지배력에 도전했다.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]은/는 지배력이 커요.

그 나라는 지배력이 커요.

[Noun]에 대한 지배력을 얻다.

그는 팀에 대한 지배력을 얻었다.

[Noun]의 지배력이 약화되다.

회사의 지배력이 약화되었다.

[Noun]을/를 통해 지배력을 행사하다.

돈을 통해 지배력을 행사하다.

지배력의 원천은 [Noun]에 있다.

지배력의 원천은 기술에 있다.

[Noun]의 지배력을 공고히 하다.

시장 지배력을 공고히 하다.

지배력의 남용은 [Noun]을/를 초래한다.

지배력의 남용은 부패를 초래한다.

[Noun]은/는 지배력의 한계를 보여준다.

이번 사건은 지배력의 한계를 보여준다.

Word Family

Nouns

지배 (Rule/Dominance)

지배자 (Ruler)

피지배자 (The ruled)

지배구조 (Governance structure)

Verbs

지배하다 (To rule/dominate)

지배되다 (To be ruled/dominated)

Adjectives

지배적 (Dominant/Prevailing)

권력 (Power)

세력 (Force/Influence)

통제 (Control)

억압 (Oppression)

장악 (Seizure)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media and professional settings; rare in casual greetings.

Common Mistakes

지배력을 하다 → 지배력을 행사하다
'지배력' is a noun that needs a verb meaning 'to exercise' or 'to have'. '하다' is too simple and incorrect here.
시장 권력 → 시장 지배력
'권력' is for political authority. For market dominance, '지배력' is the standard term.
지배력을 잃어버리다 → 지배력을 잃다
While '잃어버리다' is okay, '잃다' is much more common and natural with '지배력'.
지배력이 강한 사람 → 지배력이 있는 사람
Both are okay, but '지배력이 있는' often refers to the *possession* of power, while '강한' refers to the *intensity* of it.
지배력을 만들다 → 지배력을 확보하다
You don't 'make' dominance; you 'secure' or 'expand' it. Use '확보하다' or '확대하다'.

Tips

Business News

When you see '지배력' in a news headline, it's almost always about market share or corporate control.

Particle Choice

Always use '-에 대한' to specify the object of dominance. Example: '기술에 대한 지배력'.

Softening it

If '지배력' sounds too strong, try using '영향력' (influence) instead.

Solidifying Power

Use the phrase '지배력을 공고히 하다' to describe a leader making their position unbreakable.

Opposite Concept

The opposite of '지배' (rule) is '피지배' (being ruled). A '피지배 계급' is a subject class.

Sports Terms

Commentators use '경기 지배력' when one team is playing much better than the other.

Chaebol Context

Understanding '경영권 지배력' is key to understanding Korean business politics.

The 'Ryeok' Rule

Associate 'Ryeok' with 'Power'. It will help you learn hundreds of other Korean words.

Hegemony

In high-level Korean, '지배력' is the standard translation for 'dominance' in social theories.

Self-Mastery

Use '자기 지배력' when talking about your goals for self-improvement and discipline.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Jee' (G) 'Bae' (Bay) where a 'Ryeok' (Rock) dominates the landscape. The Rock at G-Bay has total dominance.

Visual Association

Picture a giant hand (지배력) moving chess pieces on a board that represents the whole world.

Word Web

Power Control Boss Market Emotion Rule King Influence

Challenge

Try to use '지배력' in a sentence about your favorite sports team or a big tech company today.

Word Origin

Derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters). 支 (Ji) + 配 (Bae) + 力 (Ryeok).

Original meaning: The power (力) to distribute or assign (配) and support or branch (支) order.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word about personal relationships, as it can sound overly controlling or oppressive (like a 'toxic' relationship).

In English, we might use 'clout' or 'grip' in informal settings, but '지배력' is closer to formal terms like 'hegemony' or 'dominance'.

The 'Fair Trade Act' in Korea specifically regulates '시장 지배적 사업자' (Market-dominant players). Historical dramas often use the term when discussing the '왕권' (Royal authority) and its dominance over the '신권' (Authority of ministers). Modern K-dramas like 'Reborn Rich' focus heavily on the '지배력' within a corporate family.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business/Economics

시장 지배력 남용
독점적 지배력
지배력을 확대하다
경쟁력과 지배력

Politics

정치적 지배력
지배력을 행사하다
지배 체제
지배력을 공고히 하다

Psychology

자기 지배력
감정 지배력
내면의 지배력
지배력을 잃다

Sports

경기 지배력
중원 지배력
압도적인 지배력
지배력을 높이다

History/Sociology

식민 지배력
문화적 지배력
지배 계급
지배력의 역사

Conversation Starters

"최근 그 기업의 시장 지배력이 너무 커진 것 같지 않나요? (Don't you think that company's market dominance has grown too much lately?)"

"스포츠에서 경기 지배력이 승패에 얼마나 중요하다고 생각하세요? (How important do you think game dominance is for winning or losing in sports?)"

"자신의 감정에 대한 지배력을 유지하는 가장 좋은 방법은 무엇일까요? (What is the best way to maintain control over one's own emotions?)"

"기술의 지배력이 우리 삶을 어떻게 바꾸고 있다고 보시나요? (How do you see the dominance of technology changing our lives?)"

"리더에게 가장 필요한 것은 지배력일까요, 아니면 소통일까요? (Is what a leader needs most dominance, or communication?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 내 삶에 대해 얼마나 지배력을 가지고 있었는지 기록해 보세요. (Record how much control/dominance you had over your life today.)

시장 지배력이 큰 기업이 사회에 미치는 긍정적, 부정적 영향에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the positive and negative impacts of companies with large market dominance on society.)

내가 닮고 싶은 리더의 지배력은 어떤 모습인지 묘사해 보세요. (Describe what the dominance of a leader you want to emulate looks like.)

과거에 내가 지배력을 잃었던 순간과 그때의 교훈을 적어 보세요. (Write about a moment you lost control/dominance in the past and the lesson learned.)

미래 사회에서 인공지능의 지배력이 어디까지 미칠지 상상해 보세요. (Imagine how far the dominance of AI will reach in future society.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not necessarily. While it can imply oppression, in business (market dominance) and sports, it is often a neutral or even positive descriptor of success and control.

It sounds a bit too formal and structural. Usually, we use '권위' (authority) or '영향력' (influence) for parents. '지배력' would imply they rule you like a king.

It means self-control or self-mastery. It's the ability to rule over your own desires and emotions.

It is '시장 지배력' (Si-jang Ji-bae-ryeok). This is a very common term in economic news.

The most common and professional verb is '행사하다' (to exercise). '갖다' (to have) and '강화하다' (to strengthen) are also very common.

Yes, it consists of 支 (Ji), 配 (Bae), and 力 (Ryeok).

Influence (영향력) is when people follow you because they want to or are inspired. Dominance (지배력) is when you have the power to make them follow you.

Yes, but it might sound a bit serious. For example, '너는 동생에 대한 지배력이 대단하네' (You have great dominance over your younger sibling) sounds quite strong/formal.

Not really, but the root '지배' (rule) is used in many other words like '지배자' (ruler).

Yes, in Sino-Korean words, '력' (力) almost always refers to power, strength, or ability (e.g., 능력, 노력, 체력).