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수출하다

B1 verb #8,000 most common 9 min read

수출하다

suchulhada Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 수출하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 수출하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand that '수출하다' means 'to sell things to other countries.' It is the opposite of '수입하다' (to buy from other countries). You can use it in simple sentences like '한국은 자동차를 수출해요' (Korea exports cars). Focus on the basic idea of products moving from Korea to another place like the USA, China, or Japan. Think of it as 'sending and selling.' You don't need to know complex economic theories yet, just that big companies like Samsung and Hyundai '수출해요.'

At the A2 level, you can start using '수출하다' with basic connectors and time markers. For example, '작년에 우리 회사는 화장품을 많이 수출했습니다' (Last year, our company exported a lot of cosmetics). You should be able to identify the object being exported (marked with 을/를) and the destination (marked with 에/로). You might also learn the noun '수출' (export) and use it with verbs like '늘다' (to increase) or '줄다' (to decrease). '수출이 늘었어요' (Exports increased) is a very common A2 sentence.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '수출하다' in more professional and varied contexts. You can discuss the reasons for exporting, using patterns like '-기 위해서' (in order to). For example, '수출하기 위해서 품질을 개선해야 합니다' (We need to improve quality in order to export). You should also understand the passive form '수출되다' (to be exported) and use adverbs like '주로' (mainly) or '직접' (directly). You can talk about Korea's 'cultural exports' (문화 수출) like K-pop and K-dramas, showing you understand the word's broader application.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '수출하다' in discussions about the economy, trade policies, and global markets. You can use complex structures like '수출함에 따라' (as we export) or '수출하는 데 있어서' (in exporting). You should know related terms like '수출 실적' (export performance), '수출 규제' (export restrictions), and '수출 시장' (export market). You can explain the impact of exchange rates on exporting: '환율이 오르면 수출하는 기업들에게 유리합니다' (If the exchange rate rises, it is advantageous for exporting companies).

At the C1 level, '수출하다' is used in nuanced academic or high-level business debates. You can discuss '수출 주도형 성장' (export-led growth) and its pros and cons. You should be able to use the word in formal reports, using advanced grammar like '-을/를 막론하고' (regardless of) or '-에 기여하다' (contribute to). For example, '신기술 수출은 국가 경쟁력 강화에 크게 기여한다' (Exporting new technology contributes greatly to strengthening national competitiveness). You understand the metaphorical uses and can discuss the 'export' of political systems or ideologies.

At the C2 level, your command of '수출하다' is native-like. You can use it in highly specialized fields like international law, macroeconomics, or sociology. You can articulate complex arguments about '수출 다변화' (export diversification) or '수출 의존도' (export dependency). You can use the word with sophisticated literary devices or in subtle diplomatic contexts. You might analyze the 'export' of social problems or environmental impacts. Your usage is precise, choosing between '수출하다,' '반출하다,' or '공급하다' based on the exact legal and commercial nuances of the situation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

수출하다 in 30 Seconds

수출하다 means 'to export' and is used when a country or company sells goods/services to a foreign market.
It is composed of Hanja: 輸 (transport) + 出 (out) + 하다 (to do). It is a vital word in Korean economics.
The opposite is 수입하다 (to import). Common objects include cars, semiconductors, and cultural content like K-pop.
Used in formal, business, and daily news contexts to describe Korea's global trade activities and economic health.

The Korean verb 수출하다 (suchul-hada) is a cornerstone of economic and business vocabulary, essential for anyone looking to understand South Korea's global presence. At its most fundamental level, it means 'to export.' It is composed of the Hanja characters 輸 (수 - to transport/convey) and 出 (출 - to go out), combined with the active verb 하다 (to do). In a literal sense, it describes the act of carrying goods or services out of the country to be sold in international markets. For English speakers, this maps directly to the word 'export,' but the cultural weight of this word in Korea is immense due to the nation's export-led economic growth model, often referred to as the 'Miracle on the Han River.'

Economic Context: In South Korea, '수출하다' is not just a business term; it is a symbol of national development. Because Korea lacks significant natural resources, its economy relies heavily on importing raw materials and '수출하다'-ing high-value finished products like semiconductors, automobiles, and ships.
Cultural Context: In recent years, the term has expanded beyond physical goods. You will frequently hear about '문화 수출' (cultural export), referring to the global spread of K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean food. When BTS performs abroad or 'Parasite' wins an Oscar, Koreans describe it as successfully '수출하다'-ing Korean culture.

한국은 전 세계에 반도체를 수출하다.
(Korea exports semiconductors to the whole world.)

You will encounter this word in news broadcasts, business meetings, and history textbooks. It is a formal and neutral word, suitable for both academic writing and professional conversation. It follows the standard '하다' verb conjugation rules, making it relatively easy for beginners to use once they understand the basic sentence structure of 'Subject + Object + Verb.' Typically, the destination country is marked with the particle -에 (to) or -로 (toward), while the product being sold is marked with -을/를.

The word is versatile. It can be used for small-scale business (e.g., a small farm exporting organic pears) or massive governmental trade deals. It is also used metaphorically in sports; when a famous Korean baseball player signs with a Major League Baseball team in the US, fans might jokingly say they are '수출하다'-ing talent. Understanding this word is key to grasping the narrative of modern Korea as a global player.

Using 수출하다 correctly requires an understanding of Korean syntax, specifically how to connect the 'exporter,' the 'product,' and the 'destination.' In a standard declarative sentence, the structure is: [Exporter]이/가 [Product]을/를 [Destination]에/로 수출합니다. For example, '우리 회사가 화장품을 미국에 수출합니다' (Our company exports cosmetics to the US). Notice how the destination '미국' (USA) takes the particle '에' to indicate the direction of the trade flow.

Tense Conjugation: Past: 수출했다 (exported), Present: 수출한다/수출해요 (exports/is exporting), Future: 수출할 것이다 (will export). In business reports, you will often see the formal ending '수출하였습니다' or '수출하고 있습니다.'
Passive vs. Active: If you want to say something 'is exported,' you use the form '수출되다.' For example, '이 차는 유럽으로 수출됩니다' (This car is exported to Europe). Using '수출하다' requires a subject that is actively performing the act of selling/sending.

우리는 내년부터 새로운 기술을 수출할 계획입니다.
(We plan to export new technology starting from next year.)

When talking about the quantity or value of exports, you often use adverbs like '많이' (a lot), '대량으로' (in large quantities), or '활발히' (actively). For instance, '한국은 케이팝을 활발히 수출하고 있습니다' (Korea is actively exporting K-pop). In more complex B1-level sentences, you might use connectors like '-기 위해' (in order to). Example: '수출하기 위해 제품의 질을 높였습니다' (We improved the product quality in order to export it).

Another common pattern involves the use of '수출용' (for export). If you see a product in Korea labeled '수출용,' it means it is a version of the product specifically made to be sent abroad. You can use '수출하다' to explain this: '이 제품은 수출하기 위해 따로 만들었습니다' (This product was made separately for export). As you progress to higher levels, you will learn to use '수출하다' with causative or permissive structures, such as '정부가 기업들이 더 많이 수출하게 도와줍니다' (The government helps companies export more).

In South Korea, 수출하다 is a daily word in the media. Because the country's GDP is so tied to international trade, the 'export performance' (수출 실적) is reported almost every day on the news. You will hear news anchors say things like, '지난달 수출이 10% 증가했습니다' (Exports increased by 10% last month), or '반도체를 가장 많이 수출하는 나라입니다' (It is the country that exports semiconductors the most). If you are watching business news or reading the economy section of a newspaper like the Chosun Ilbo, this word will appear in almost every paragraph.

In the Office: If you work for a Korean company, you will hear this in meetings regarding logistics, sales, and strategy. Managers might ask, '우리가 이 제품을 동남아시아에 수출할 수 있을까요?' (Can we export this product to Southeast Asia?). It is a practical, essential term for any international business professional.
In Education: Students learn '수출하다' very early in social studies classes. The history of Korea's transition from an agricultural society to a global industrial powerhouse is told through the lens of what the country was able to '수출하다' at different times—from wigs and textiles in the 60s to high-tech electronics today.

정부는 중소기업의 수출을 지원하기로 했습니다.
(The government decided to support the exports of small and medium-sized enterprises.)

Beyond the news and office, you'll hear it in documentaries about the 'Korean Wave' (한류). Critics often discuss how Korea 'exports' its culture as a form of soft power. You might hear a podcast host say, '한국은 이제 드라마와 영화를 전 세계에 수출하는 문화 강국입니다' (Korea is now a cultural powerhouse that exports dramas and movies to the whole world). Even in casual conversations about the economy, people might worry about '수출이 안 되면 경제가 힘들어요' (If we can't export, the economy will be difficult).

Finally, in the gaming industry—a huge part of Korea's economy—you'll hear about '게임 수출' (game export). Since many Korean MMOs and mobile games are played globally, the act of '수출하다'-ing these digital goods is a point of pride. In summary, whether you are looking at a shipping container in Busan port or watching a K-pop video on YouTube, the concept of '수출하다' is happening all around you in Korea.

While 수출하다 is straightforward, English speakers often make mistakes with its directionality and its confusion with similar-sounding words. The most common error is mixing it up with 수입하다 (suip-hada), which means 'to import.' Since both start with '수' (su), beginners frequently swap them. Remember: 출 (chul) means 'out' (like in '출구' - exit), so '수출' is 'sending out.'

Particle Confusion: Students often use the wrong particle for the destination. They might use '에서' (from) instead of '에' (to). Remember: [Product]을/를 [Country]에 수출하다. If you use '에서,' it sounds like you are exporting *inside* that country or *from* that country, which changes the meaning entirely.
Active vs. Passive Mix-ups: Another mistake is saying '제품이 수출해요' (The product exports). Products don't export themselves! You must say '회사가 제품을 수출해요' (The company exports the product) or '제품이 수출돼요' (The product is exported).

❌ 일본에서 김치를 수출해요.
✅ 일본에 김치를 수출해요.
(Correct: I export Kimchi to Japan. Wrong: I export Kimchi from Japan - unless you are a Japanese company.)

There is also a confusion with the word '보내다' (to send). While '보내다' is a general term for sending anything, '수출하다' is specifically for trade and business. You wouldn't '수출하다' a letter to your friend; you would '보내다' it. '수출하다' implies a commercial transaction across national borders. Using '수출하다' for personal items makes you sound like a robotic economist!

Lastly, watch out for the subject-object agreement. In English, we can say 'Export is growing.' In Korean, you would say '수출이 늘고 있다' (The export [noun] is increasing). Don't try to use the verb '수출하다' as a noun without the proper nominalization (like '수출하는 것'). Stick to '수출' when you need a noun and '수출하다' when you need an action.

To enrich your Korean vocabulary, it is helpful to know words related to 수출하다. While '수출하다' is the standard term, depending on the context, you might use other verbs to describe the movement of goods or the act of international selling.

내보내다 (Naebonaeda): This is a native Korean word meaning 'to send out.' It is less formal than '수출하다.' You might hear this in casual conversation: '우리 물건을 해외로 내보내고 있어요' (We are sending our goods abroad). It is more descriptive and less 'business-heavy.'
판매하다 (Panmaehada): Meaning 'to sell,' this word is often used alongside export. You might say '해외에 판매하다' (sell overseas) instead of '수출하다.' '수출하다' emphasizes the logistics of crossing borders, while '판매하다' emphasizes the commercial transaction.
유통하다 (Yutonghada): Meaning 'to distribute.' This is used when a company manages the supply chain of products across different regions, including international ones. It's a more technical term often found in logistics.

이 회사는 제품을 수출하기보다 국내에서 판매하는 데 집중합니다.
(This company focuses on selling domestically rather than exporting products.)

Another interesting alternative is 반출하다 (banchul-hada). This means 'to carry out' and is often used in legal or customs contexts. For example, if you are taking a cultural relic out of the country, the legal term used would be '반출,' not '수출,' because it's not necessarily for trade. Similarly, 해외 진출 (haewoe jinchul) means 'advancing into overseas markets.' While not a direct synonym for '수출하다,' it is the broader strategic term that encompasses exporting, setting up foreign offices, and global marketing.

In academic or high-level economic discussions, you might also hear 교역하다 (gyoyeokhada), which means 'to trade.' This is a reciprocal term that covers both exporting and importing between two entities. For example, '두 나라는 활발히 교역하고 있다' (The two countries are actively trading). Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to sound like a business executive (수출), a logistics manager (유통), or just a regular person talking about selling things (판매).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Hanja character 輸 (수) originally depicted a cart (車) transporting goods. In modern Korean, this same '수' is used in '수송' (transport) and '수혈' (blood transfusion - literally transporting blood).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /su.tɕʰul.ɦa.da/

US /su.tɕʰul.ɦa.da/

The stress is relatively even, but a slight emphasis often falls on the second syllable 'chul'.

Rhymes With

구출하다 (to rescue) 매출하다 (to sell - rare verb form) 출출하다 (to feel slightly hungry) 도출하다 (to derive) 제출하다 (to submit) 배출하다 (to emit/produce) 지출하다 (to spend) 연출하다 (to direct/produce)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '수출' as '수술' (surgery).
Failing to aspirate the 'ch' in 'chul'.
Pronouncing the final 'l' like an English 'l' in 'ball' rather than a light Korean 'ㄹ'.
Confusing the pitch with '수입' (import).
Merging 'chul' and 'ha' too quickly, losing the 'h' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is common, but the contexts (economy/business) involve complex Hanja words.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct particle usage (을/를, 에/로).

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward as long as 'chul' is aspirated.

Listening 3/5

Can be easily confused with '수입' or '수술' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

팔다 보내다 나라 물건 하다

Learn Next

수입하다 무역 경제 시장 관세

Advanced

경상수지 보호무역 자유무역협정 환율 공급망

Grammar to Know

-기 위해(서)

수출하기 위해서 열심히 일합니다.

-아/어야 하다

수출하려면 품질이 좋아야 합니다.

Passive -되다

이 제품은 전 세계로 수출됩니다.

Noun modifying -는

자동차를 수출하는 회사입니다.

-ㄹ 때

수출할 때 세금을 냅니다.

Examples by Level

한국은 배를 수출해요.

Korea exports pears.

Simple present tense using -해요.

삼성은 핸드폰을 수출합니다.

Samsung exports mobile phones.

Formal present tense -합니다.

우리는 미국에 옷을 수출해요.

We export clothes to America.

Destination marked with -에.

이 회사는 무엇을 수출해요?

What does this company export?

Interrogative form.

중국에 화장품을 수출해요.

(I/We) export cosmetics to China.

Subject is omitted, common in Korean.

자동차를 많이 수출해요.

(They) export many cars.

Adverb '많이' used before the verb.

사과를 수출하고 싶어요.

I want to export apples.

-고 싶다 (want to).

일본에 김치를 수출합니까?

Do you export Kimchi to Japan?

Formal question ending.

작년에 라면을 처음으로 수출했습니다.

Last year, we exported ramen for the first time.

Past tense -했습니다.

우리 나라는 배를 많이 수출하는 나라예요.

Our country is a country that exports many ships.

Noun modifying form -하는.

수출하기 전에 검사를 해야 해요.

We must inspect before exporting.

-기 전에 (before doing).

유럽으로 과일을 수출하고 있어요.

We are exporting fruit to Europe.

Present progressive -고 있다.

베트남에 커피를 수출할 거예요.

We will export coffee to Vietnam.

Future tense -ㄹ 거예요.

수출을 많이 해서 돈을 벌었어요.

We earned money because we exported a lot.

Reason connector -아서/어서.

이 제품은 수출용이라서 싸요.

This product is cheap because it's for export.

Noun '수출용' (for export use).

어디로 물건을 수출합니까?

Where do you export goods to?

Directional particle -로.

중소기업이 해외 시장에 제품을 수출하기는 쉽지 않습니다.

It is not easy for small businesses to export products to overseas markets.

Nominalized verb -하기는.

한국은 이제 드라마와 영화 같은 문화를 수출합니다.

Korea now exports culture such as dramas and movies.

Broadening the object to abstract concepts.

품질이 좋아야 외국에 수출할 수 있습니다.

The quality must be good to be able to export abroad.

-아/어야 (must... to...).

정부는 수출을 장려하기 위해 세금을 줄여주었습니다.

The government reduced taxes to encourage exports.

-기 위해 (in order to).

이 차는 미국으로 수출되는 모델입니다.

This car is a model that is exported to the US.

Passive form '수출되는'.

동남아시아 국가들로 수출을 확대하고 있습니다.

We are expanding exports to Southeast Asian countries.

Noun '수출' as an object of '확대하다'.

수출할 때 필요한 서류가 무엇인가요?

What are the documents needed when exporting?

-ㄹ 때 (when doing).

그 회사는 기술력을 바탕으로 전 세계에 제품을 수출해요.

That company exports products worldwide based on its technology.

-을 바탕으로 (based on).

수출 의존도가 높은 경제 구조는 위험할 수 있습니다.

An economic structure with high export dependency can be dangerous.

Compound noun '수출 의존도'.

환율 변동은 제품을 수출하는 기업에 큰 영향을 미칩니다.

Exchange rate fluctuations have a big impact on companies that export products.

-에 영향을 미치다 (to influence).

원자재 가격이 오르면 수출 경쟁력이 떨어질 수 있습니다.

If raw material prices rise, export competitiveness may drop.

Conditional -면.

정부는 새로운 수출 판로를 개척하기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.

The government is making efforts to open up new export channels.

Metaphorical '판로를 개척하다'.

수출 실적이 예상보다 저조하여 대책을 마련해야 합니다.

Export performance is lower than expected, so we must prepare measures.

Reason connector -하여 (formal).

반도체는 한국의 전체 수출액에서 큰 비중을 차지합니다.

Semiconductors account for a large portion of Korea's total export value.

-에서 비중을 차지하다 (to occupy a portion).

자유무역협정(FTA) 덕분에 수출이 더욱 활발해졌습니다.

Thanks to Free Trade Agreements (FTA), exports have become more active.

- 덕분에 (thanks to).

그 기업은 친환경 에너지를 해외로 수출하기 시작했습니다.

The company has started exporting eco-friendly energy overseas.

-하기 시작하다 (start to).

지속 가능한 성장을 위해서는 수출 품목의 다변화가 절실합니다.

For sustainable growth, diversification of export items is desperately needed.

Advanced noun '다변화' (diversification).

수출 규제 조치는 양국 간의 외교적 갈등을 심화시켰습니다.

Export restriction measures deepened the diplomatic conflict between the two countries.

Causative -시키다.

한국의 수출 주도형 경제 모델은 많은 개발도상국의 본보기가 되었습니다.

Korea's export-led economic model has become a role model for many developing countries.

Complex noun '수출 주도형'.

글로벌 공급망의 불안정은 수출 기업들에게 유례없는 도전을 안겨주었습니다.

Instability in global supply chains has presented unprecedented challenges to export companies.

Advanced vocabulary '유례없는' (unprecedented).

문화 콘텐츠를 수출하는 것은 단순한 경제적 이익 이상의 가치를 지닙니다.

Exporting cultural content holds value beyond simple economic profit.

- 이상의 가치를 지니다.

보호무역주의의 확산은 수출 중심 국가들에게 큰 위협이 되고 있습니다.

The spread of protectionism is becoming a major threat to export-oriented countries.

Abstract concept '보호무역주의' (protectionism).

기술력을 바탕으로 고부가가치 제품을 수출하는 전략이 필요합니다.

A strategy to export high-value-added products based on technological prowess is necessary.

Economic term '고부가가치' (high value-added).

수출 시장의 다각화를 통해 특정 국가에 대한 의존도를 낮춰야 합니다.

We must lower dependency on specific countries through the diversification of export markets.

Advanced noun '다각화' (diversification/multi-faceted).

수출 경쟁력 제고를 위해 원천 기술 확보에 사활을 걸고 있습니다.

They are staking everything on securing original technology to enhance export competitiveness.

Idiom '사활을 걸다' (to stake one's life/death).

대외 의존도가 높은 우리 경제의 특성상 수출 부진은 치명적일 수 있습니다.

Given the nature of our economy with high external dependency, an export slump can be fatal.

Structure '-의 특성상' (given the nature of).

정부는 수출 기업의 애로 사항을 청취하고 맞춤형 지원 대책을 발표했습니다.

The government listened to the difficulties of export companies and announced customized support measures.

Formal vocabulary '애로 사항' (difficulties/bottlenecks).

디지털 서비스 수출은 기존의 물적 자원 수출과는 다른 패러다임을 요구합니다.

The export of digital services requires a different paradigm from the existing export of physical resources.

Academic term '패러다임' (paradigm).

수출 호조세가 지속되면서 경상수지 흑자 폭이 확대되었습니다.

As the export boom continued, the current account surplus widened.

Economic terms '호조세' and '경상수지'.

선진국으로의 기술 수출은 국가적 위상을 한 단계 격상시키는 계기가 되었습니다.

The export of technology to developed nations served as an opportunity to elevate the national status by one level.

Formal verb '격상시키다' (to elevate/upgrade).

수출입 균형을 맞추기 위한 다각적인 외교 노력이 병행되어야 합니다.

Multilateral diplomatic efforts to balance exports and imports must be carried out in parallel.

Advanced passive '병행되어야 하다'.

글로벌 경기 침체 국면에서도 우리 기업들은 수출 시장을 선도하고 있습니다.

Even in the phase of a global economic recession, our companies are leading the export market.

Complex structure '- 국면에서도'.

Synonyms

내보내다 판매하다

Antonyms

수입하다

Common Collocations

자동차를 수출하다

수출을 장려하다

수출이 늘다

대량으로 수출하다

기술을 수출하다

수출 판로를 찾다

문화 수출

수출 실적

수출용 제품

수출을 중단하다

Common Phrases

수출 효자 상품

— A product that performs exceptionally well in exports, like a 'dutiful child.'

반도체는 한국의 수출 효자 상품입니다.

수출 1위

— Ranked number one in exports.

우리나라는 조선 분야에서 수출 1위를 기록했습니다.

수출 전선에 비상

— Emergency in the export front (used when trade is struggling).

세계 경기 침체로 수출 전선에 비상이 걸렸습니다.

수출 드라이브

— A strong push or policy to increase exports.

정부는 70년대에 강력한 수출 드라이브를 걸었습니다.

수출 효자

— Something that brings in a lot of export revenue.

김치가 새로운 수출 효자로 떠오르고 있습니다.

수출 길

— The path or route for exports.

새로운 시장이 열리면서 수출 길이 넓어졌습니다.

수출 역군

— A person or entity that works hard for the country's exports.

파독 광부와 간호사들은 과거의 수출 역군이었습니다.

수출 부진

— Sluggish exports.

수출 부진을 타개하기 위해 신시장을 개척해야 합니다.

수출 호조

— Favorable export conditions/performance.

자동차 수출 호조 덕분에 경제가 살아나고 있습니다.

수출입

— Exports and imports (trade).

수출입 절차가 복잡해서 전문가의 도움이 필요합니다.

Often Confused With

수출하다 vs 수입하다

Means to import. Remember 'Chul' is out, 'Ip' is in.

수출하다 vs 수술하다

Means to perform surgery. Common pronunciation mistake.

수출하다 vs 송출하다

Means to transmit (signals/broadcasts). Similar 'transport' meaning but for media.

Idioms & Expressions

"수출의 탑"

— An award given to companies that reach a certain dollar amount in exports.

그 회사는 올해 1억 불 수출의 탑을 수상했습니다.

formal/business

"수출 효자 노릇을 하다"

— To act as a 'dutiful child' by bringing in lots of export money.

화장품이 수출 효자 노릇을 톡톡히 하고 있습니다.

neutral

"수출로 먹고살다"

— To live off exports (describing Korea's economy).

우리나라는 수출로 먹고사는 나라입니다.

informal

"수출 전선에 서다"

— To be on the front lines of exporting.

해외 영업 사원들은 수출 전선에 서 있는 사람들입니다.

metaphorical

"수출의 문을 열다"

— To open the door to exports (start trading with a new country).

이번 계약으로 중동 수출의 문을 열었습니다.

journalistic

"수출 가도를 달리다"

— To be on the 'export highway' (performing very well).

K-푸드가 전 세계에서 수출 가도를 달리고 있습니다.

journalistic

"수출에 박차를 가하다"

— To spur or accelerate exports.

기업들이 연말을 맞아 수출에 박차를 가하고 있습니다.

formal

"수출 효자 노릇"

— The role of a successful export product.

드라마가 관광 산업에서도 수출 효자 노릇을 합니다.

neutral

"수출 길을 뚫다"

— To pierce through/open an export route.

중소기업이 독자적으로 수출 길을 뚫기는 어렵습니다.

colloquial

"수출 보국"

— Serving the country through exports (historical slogan).

과거에는 수출 보국이라는 정신으로 일했습니다.

historical

Easily Confused

수출하다 vs 수입하다

Both start with 'su' and relate to trade.

수출 is sending out; 수입 is bringing in.

우리는 석유를 수입하고 자동차를 수출합니다.

수출하다 vs 판매하다

Both involve selling.

수출하다 is specifically across national borders; 판매하다 is general selling.

국내에서 판매하는 것보다 수출하는 것이 더 이익입니다.

수출하다 vs 내보내다

Both mean 'to send out'.

내보내다 is native and casual; 수출하다 is Sino-Korean and professional.

물건을 해외로 내보내다 vs 제품을 해외로 수출하다.

수출하다 vs 유통하다

Both involve moving goods.

유통하다 focuses on the distribution chain; 수출하다 focuses on the international sale.

이 약은 전 세계에 유통되고 있습니다.

수출하다 vs 반출하다

Both mean carrying things out.

반출하다 is a legal/physical term; 수출하다 is a commercial trade term.

허가 없이 문화재를 국외로 반출하면 안 됩니다.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject]은/는 [Object]을/를 수출해요.

한국은 배를 수출해요.

[Subject]은/는 [Destination]에 [Object]을/를 수출합니다.

우리 회사는 미국에 옷을 수출합니다.

[Object]은/는 [Destination](으)로 수출되는 제품입니다.

이것은 일본으로 수출되는 과일입니다.

[Subject]은/는 [Object]을/를 수출하기 위해 노력합니다.

정부는 김치를 수출하기 위해 노력합니다.

[Subject]의 수출 실적이 [Adverb] 증가했습니다.

삼성의 수출 실적이 대폭 증가했습니다.

[Object] 수출이 경제 성장에 기여합니다.

자동차 수출이 경제 성장에 기여합니다.

[Subject]은/는 수출 시장의 다변화를 꾀하고 있습니다.

기업들은 수출 시장의 다변화를 꾀하고 있습니다.

수출 경쟁력 제고를 위한 다각적인 노력이 요구됩니다.

Word Family

Nouns

수출 Export (the act or the goods)

수출국 Exporting country

수출액 Export amount/value

수출품 Exported item

수출업자 Exporter (person/business)

Verbs

수출하다 To export

수출되다 To be exported

수출시키다 To make/cause to export

Adjectives

수출용의 For export

수출 위주의 Export-oriented

수입 (import)

무역 (trade)

관세 (tariff)

해외 시장 (overseas market)

통관 (customs clearance)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in news, business, and educational contexts.

Common Mistakes

일본에서 김치를 수출해요. → 일본에 김치를 수출해요.
Using '에서' implies you are exporting *from* Japan. Use '에' for the destination.
이 차는 미국에 수출해요. → 이 차는 미국에 수출돼요.
A car cannot export itself. Use the passive '수출되다'.
수술하다 (to export) → 수출하다
Confusing 'surgery' with 'export'. Check your spelling!
수입하다 used for selling. → 수출하다
Confusing import and export. Remember 'Ip' is in, 'Chul' is out.
수출을 보내다 → 수출하다
Redundant. '수출하다' already contains the meaning of sending.

Tips

The Exit Rule

Remember 'CHUL' sounds like 'CHUL-GU' (Exit). Exporting is exiting the country.

Hanja Power

Learning the Hanja 輸 (transport) and 出 (out) helps you understand dozens of other words.

National Pride

When talking to Koreans about their economy, using the word '수출' shows you understand their history.

Passive Voice

Don't forget '수출되다' when the product is the subject. 'The car exports' is wrong; 'The car is exported' is right.

News Junkie

Read the 'Economy' section of Korean news to see this word used in real-time statistics.

Antonym Pair

Always study '수출' and '수입' together as a set. They are inseparable in trade.

Pronunciation

Practice the 'L' sound at the end of '수출'. It's a light touch of the tongue, not a heavy English 'L'.

Compound Nouns

You can combine '수출' with almost any business noun: 수출국, 수출품, 수출액, 수출항.

Aspiration Check

Listen for the burst of air in 'chul'. If it's missing, it might be a different word.

Metaphorical Use

Try using it for culture or sports talent to sound more like a native speaker.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'CHUL' (출) as 'CHUL-gu' (출구 - Exit). You are sending goods to the 'EXIT' of the country. SU + CHUL = Send + Exit.

Visual Association

Imagine a huge shipping container (SU) moving through an exit gate (CHUL) at a port.

Word Web

무역 (Trade) 항구 (Port) 배 (Ship) 돈 (Money) 외국 (Foreign country) 제품 (Product) 경제 (Economy) 시장 (Market)

Challenge

Try to list five things your country exports using the sentence: '[Country]은/는 [Item]을/를 수출해요.' Then try to say it in the past tense.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja). 輸 (수) means 'to transport, convey, or lose' and 出 (출) means 'to go out, exit, or produce.' Combined, they literally mean 'to transport out.'

Original meaning: To convey goods out of a territory.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

When discussing exports with Koreans, acknowledge the historical importance of trade in building their modern economy; it is a point of significant respect.

In English, 'export' is a standard business term, but in Korea, it carries a sense of 'national duty' and 'economic survival.'

Export Day (수출의 날) - A national commemorative day in Korea. Samsung/Hyundai - The 'faces' of Korean export. Hallyu (The Korean Wave) - Often discussed as the most successful cultural export.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Meeting

수출 전략을 세웁시다.
수출 단가를 조정해야 해요.
어느 나라에 수출할까요?
수출 물량을 늘립시다.

News Report

수출이 역대 최고치를 기록했습니다.
수출 부진이 이어지고 있습니다.
주요 수출 품목은 반도체입니다.
수출 시장이 다변화되고 있습니다.

History Class

수출 주도형 경제 성장.
가발과 의류를 수출하던 시기.
수출의 날 제정.
중화학 공업 제품 수출.

Daily Conversation

한국 화장품이 수출이 잘 된대요.
이건 수출용이라 한국엔 없어요.
요즘 케이팝 수출이 대단하죠.
수출이 잘 돼야 나라가 살죠.

Customs/Logistics

수출 신고를 마쳤습니다.
수출 서류를 확인해 주세요.
수출항으로 운송 중입니다.
수출 금지 품목입니다.

Conversation Starters

"당신의 나라는 주로 무엇을 수출합니까? (What does your country mainly export?)"

"한국의 문화 수출에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about Korea's cultural exports?)"

"최근에 당신의 나라에서 한국으로 수출하는 물건이 있나요? (Are there any goods exported from your country to Korea recently?)"

"수출을 하려면 가장 중요한 것이 무엇이라고 생각합니까? (What do you think is the most important thing for exporting?)"

"미래에는 어떤 서비스가 더 많이 수출될까요? (What services do you think will be exported more in the future?)"

Journal Prompts

우리나라의 주요 수출품과 그것이 경제에 미치는 영향에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about your country's main exports and their impact on the economy.)

내가 만약 회사를 차린다면, 무엇을 외국에 수출하고 싶은지 설명해 보세요. (If you started a company, explain what you would want to export abroad.)

문화 수출(K-pop 등)이 국가 이미지에 어떤 도움을 주는지 자신의 생각을 적어 보세요. (Write your thoughts on how cultural exports help a nation's image.)

수출과 수입의 균형이 왜 중요한지 경제적 관점에서 서술해 보세요. (Describe why the balance of exports and imports is important from an economic perspective.)

최근 뉴스에서 본 수출 관련 소식과 그에 대한 나의 느낌을 기록해 보세요. (Record recent export-related news you've seen and your feelings about it.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. '수출하다' is for trade and business. For personal items, use '보내다' (to send).

The noun form is '수출' (export). You can use it alone in statistics or news headlines.

Yes, it is the passive form 'to be exported.' It's used when the focus is on the product itself.

It is '수출 시장' (suchul sijang).

Yes, you can export services, technology, and culture (문화 수출).

Use '에' or '로'. For example, '미국에 수출하다' or '미국으로 수출하다'.

It is '수출의 날,' celebrated on December 5th to honor trade achievements.

Yes, '수출을 하다' and '수출하다' are both correct and mean the same thing.

The opposite is '수입' (import).

Yes, it is a formal and professional word, though used in daily news.