At the A1 level, '가족계획' (family planning) is a complex word, but you can understand it by breaking it down. '가족' (ga-jok) means 'family'—mom, dad, and children. '계획' (gye-hoek) means 'plan.' So, it is a 'family plan.' In simple terms, it is about how many babies a family wants. You might not use this word yourself yet, but you will see '가족' and '계획' separately many times. For example, '가족이 몇 명이에요?' (How many people are in your family?) and '내일 계획이 뭐예요?' (What is your plan for tomorrow?). When you put them together, it becomes a more serious word about the future. At this stage, just remember that it is a formal way to talk about having children and building a family. You might hear it in a doctor's office or on a news program about families. It is a noun, so you can use it with '있어요' (have/exist) or '없어요' (don't have). For example, '가족계획이 있어요' means 'I have a family plan.' This is a great word to learn because it helps you see how Korean builds big words from smaller, simpler ones. Even if you can't have a long conversation about it, knowing what it means will help you understand the context of many adult conversations in Korea.
At the A2 level, you can start using '가족계획' in basic sentences. This word is a noun that means 'family planning.' It is used when a couple decides how many children they want and when they want to have them. A very common way to use it is with the verb '세우다' (se-u-da), which means 'to set' or 'to make.' So, '가족계획을 세워요' means 'to make a family plan.' You can also use it with '상담' (sang-dam), which means 'counseling' or 'consultation.' For example, '가족계획 상담을 받아요' (I receive family planning counseling). It's important to know that this word is formal. In casual talk with friends, you might just say '아이 계획' (baby plan). However, if you are filling out a form at a hospital or talking to a professional, '가족계획' is the correct term. You should also be careful not to confuse it with 'family events' like a dinner or a trip. If you want to say 'I have a plan with my family this weekend,' you should say '가족이랑 약속이 있어요' or '가족 모임이 있어요.' '가족계획' is only for the long-term plan of how many children to have. Learning this word helps you talk about your future and understand more formal Korean society.
For B1 learners, '가족계획' becomes a useful term for discussing life goals and social issues. At this level, you should understand that it encompasses not just the number of children, but also the timing and the economic preparation involved. You can use more complex grammar patterns with it, such as '-기 위해' (in order to) or '-ㄹ 때' (when). For example, '행복한 가정을 만들기 위해 가족계획을 세우는 것이 중요합니다' (It is important to make a family plan to create a happy home). You will also encounter this word in the context of Korean history and social studies. Korea had a very famous family planning movement in the past to control population growth. Now, the context has flipped because the birth rate is so low. You might hear people discuss how '가족계획' has changed because of high housing prices or career goals. It is a key word for understanding the 'low birth rate' (저출산) problem in Korea. You should also be able to distinguish it from '자녀 계획' (child plan), which is slightly more informal, and '피임' (contraception), which is the specific medical method used within a family plan. Being able to use '가족계획' in a sentence shows that you can handle formal topics and are moving beyond basic daily conversation.
At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the nuances of '가족계획' in various registers and professional contexts. This word is frequently used in news reports, healthcare settings, and sociological discussions. You should be comfortable using it with advanced verbs like '수정하다' (to revise), '실천하다' (to practice/implement), or '권장하다' (to encourage). For instance, '정부는 출산을 권장하기 위해 가족계획 지원 정책을 강화하고 있다' (The government is strengthening family planning support policies to encourage childbirth). You will also notice the word in financial contexts, where '가족계획' is a prerequisite for long-term financial mapping, such as saving for education or buying a home. At this level, you can participate in debates about whether the government should interfere in a citizen's '가족계획' or how economic instability affects these personal decisions. You should also be aware of the historical weight of the word; it was the centerpiece of Korea's modernization strategy in the 1960s. Understanding the transition from 'limiting' children to 'supporting' children within the framework of '가족계획' is a sign of high cultural literacy. You should also be able to use the word as a compound noun in phrases like '가족계획 상담사' (family planning counselor) or '가족계획 캠페인' (family planning campaign).
At the C1 level, '가족계획' should be treated as a sophisticated concept that intersects with reproductive rights, national demographics, and individual autonomy. You should be able to discuss the philosophical and ethical implications of family planning. For example, how does '가족계획' relate to the concept of '자기 결정권' (the right to self-determination)? You will encounter the word in academic papers regarding the 'demographic cliff' (인구 절벽) and the effectiveness of past versus present family planning policies. You should be able to analyze the rhetoric of '가족계획' campaigns from different eras. In the 1970s, it was framed as a patriotic duty to have fewer children; today, having a '가족계획' that includes children is often framed as a challenge to be overcome through state intervention. You should also understand the term in a global context, comparing Korea's '가족계획' history with that of other nations. Your usage should be precise, distinguishing between '산아 제한' (birth control as a policy) and '가족계획' (the broader, more modern term). You can use it in complex sentence structures like '가족계획의 자율성이 보장되어야 한다는 주장이 제기되고 있다' (Arguments are being raised that the autonomy of family planning must be guaranteed). This level of mastery allows you to engage in high-level social discourse and professional healthcare or policy-making environments.
At the C2 level, '가족계획' is a term you can deconstruct and analyze within the broader scope of biopolitics and social engineering. You understand how the term has been used by the state to manage the 'labor force' and 'national strength' throughout Korea's rapid development. You can fluently discuss the evolution of '가족계획' from a Malthusian necessity in the post-war era to a complex personal choice influenced by neoliberal economic pressures today. You are capable of critiquing the gendered nature of '가족계획'—how the burden of 'practicing' family planning (가족계획 실천) has historically fallen disproportionately on women. In professional or academic writing, you can use the word to discuss 'reproductive health' (생식 보건) and 'population dynamics' (인구 동태). You can navigate the most sensitive discussions surrounding the term, such as its relationship with abortion laws (낙태법) and the ethics of fertility technology. Your command of the language allows you to use '가족계획' not just as a label for a plan, but as a point of entry into deep sociological analysis. You might say, '가족계획은 단순한 개인의 선택을 넘어, 국가의 인구 정책과 시대적 가치관이 투영된 결과물이다' (Family planning is more than a simple individual choice; it is a result that reflects the state's population policy and the values of the era). At this level, your understanding is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker.

가족계획 in 30 Seconds

  • 가족계획 (Gajok-gyehwek) means 'family planning,' focusing on the intentional timing and number of children a couple chooses to have.
  • It is a formal Sino-Korean term often used in medical, government, and serious financial or life-planning contexts.
  • Commonly paired with the verb '세우다' (to set/make), it represents a responsible approach to building a stable household.
  • Historically, it was a state-led movement to limit population, but now it relates to addressing low birth rates and personal lifestyle choices.

The term 가족계획 (Gajok-gyehwek) is a compound noun derived from Sino-Korean characters: 家族 (가족 - family) and 計劃 (계획 - plan). At its core, it refers to the intentional practice of controlling the number of children in a family and the intervals between their births. This is achieved through various methods, including contraception, fertility treatments, and financial preparation. In modern South Korea, the nuance of this word has shifted significantly over the decades. In the mid-20th century, it was a government-driven initiative to curb population growth, whereas today, it is more often discussed in the context of personal life-mapping, career stability, and addressing the nation's low birth rate crisis.

Societal Context
In the 1960s and 70s, the Korean government promoted 가족계획 with slogans like 'Stop at two and raise them well.' Today, the term is used in medical consultations, financial planning with partners, and social policy discussions regarding the 'low birth rate' (저출산).

결혼 후에 구체적인 가족계획을 세우는 것이 중요합니다. (It is important to establish a specific family plan after marriage.)

When people use this word, they are usually talking about the 'big picture' of their future household. It isn't just about birth control; it involves discussions about when to have the first child, how many children to have in total, and how to balance those decisions with work and housing. It is a word that carries a sense of responsibility and forward-thinking. You will hear it most frequently in professional settings like hospitals (specifically OBGYN clinics), government offices dealing with social welfare, and in serious conversations between couples or family members.

Medical Usage
Doctors use the term to discuss reproductive health, including contraception methods and fertility window optimization.

보건소에서는 무료로 가족계획 상담을 제공합니다. (Public health centers provide free family planning counseling.)

Furthermore, the term is often paired with the verb '세우다' (to set/establish) or '실천하다' (to practice/put into action). It is rarely used in casual slang; it remains a formal and clinical term suitable for news reports, academic papers, and serious life discussions. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone living in Korea who is navigating the healthcare system or engaging in deep social conversations about the changing structure of the Korean family.

Common Collocations
가족계획 상담 (Family planning counseling), 가족계획 사업 (Family planning project/initiative), 가족계획 실천 (Practicing family planning).

그들은 경제적인 이유로 가족계획을 수정했습니다. (They revised their family plan for economic reasons.)

Using 가족계획 correctly requires understanding its role as a formal noun. It is most commonly the object of verbs related to planning, changing, or discussing. Because it deals with the future of a household, it often appears in the context of marriage, finance, and health. To use it naturally, one should avoid using it for short-term plans like 'planning a family dinner'; it is strictly for long-term reproductive and structural planning of the family unit.

With the verb '세우다' (To make/set)
This is the most standard combination. It means to decide how many children to have and when. Example: '신혼부부들은 보통 일찍 가족계획을 세웁니다.' (Newlyweds usually set a family plan early.)

우리는 아직 구체적인 가족계획이 없어요. (We don't have a specific family plan yet.)

In more advanced contexts, you might see it used with '수정하다' (to revise) or '포기하다' (to give up/abandon). This often reflects the reality of modern life where economic pressures or health issues force a change in original intentions. For instance, '경제적 어려움 때문에 가족계획을 수정하는 부부들이 늘고 있다' (Couples who revise their family plans due to economic difficulties are increasing).

As a Subject
It can also be the subject of a sentence describing a state or a trend. Example: '현대의 가족계획은 과거와 많이 다릅니다.' (Modern family planning is very different from the past.)

철저한 가족계획은 자녀 양육에 큰 도움이 됩니다. (Thorough family planning is a big help in child-rearing.)

In academic or policy-related writing, '가족계획' is often linked with '인구 정책' (population policy). You might read about how '가족계획 사업' (family planning projects) were essential for Korea's economic development in the 20th century. By controlling the population growth rate, the government was able to allocate more resources to industrialization. Using the word in this way shows a high level of Korean proficiency and an understanding of Korean history.

Question Forms
When asking others, it is usually phrased politely: '가족계획은 어떻게 되세요?' (What are your family planning [intentions]?) This is a common, though sometimes intrusive, question for married couples in Korea.

부모님께서 우리의 가족계획에 대해 물어보셨다. (My parents asked about our family plan.)

The word 가족계획 is ubiquitous in specific domains of Korean life. It is not a word you would yell across a playground, but it is one you will encounter frequently in professional, media, and medical environments. Understanding these contexts helps in recognizing the weight and intent behind the word when it is spoken.

At the Hospital (산부인과)
OBGYN clinics are the primary place for this term. Doctors will ask about your family plan to provide appropriate medical advice. For instance, if a couple wants three children, the doctor might suggest a different approach to health management than if they only wanted one. The phrase '가족계획 상담' is a standard service listed in many clinics.

의사 선생님과 가족계획에 대해 상담을 나눴어요. (I had a consultation with the doctor about family planning.)

In the news and media, you will hear it during discussions about 'demographics' (인구 통계). News anchors often report on how the '가족계획' of the younger generation is changing, leading to the 'lowest birth rate in the world.' It is used as a lens to examine societal shifts—from the traditional expectation of having many children to the modern 'DINK' (Double Income, No Kids) lifestyle. Documentaries about the history of Korean development will also feature this word prominently when discussing the economic policies of the 1970s.

In Government and Policy
Government websites and brochures regarding 'childcare subsidies' (양육 수당) or 'maternity leave' (출산 휴가) often use this word to frame their services as support for a family's planning process. It is viewed as a national interest.

정부는 새로운 가족계획 지원 정책을 발표했습니다. (The government announced a new family planning support policy.)

Finally, you will hear it in educational settings. In high school 'Social Studies' (사회) or 'Home Economics' (기술·가정) classes, students learn about the importance of '가족계획' as part of becoming a responsible adult. It is taught as a holistic concept that includes financial literacy, emotional readiness, and health knowledge. Hearing it in these contexts reinforces its status as a foundational concept in structured Korean society.

At the Bank or Insurance Office
Financial advisors use the term when discussing long-term savings or insurance products. They might ask, '가족계획에 따라 필요한 교육 자금이 달라집니다.' (The necessary education funds vary depending on your family plan.)

보험 설계사는 우리의 가족계획에 맞춘 상품을 추천해 주었다. (The insurance planner recommended a product tailored to our family plan.)

While 가족계획 seems straightforward, learners often make subtle errors in its application, nuance, or collocation. Because it is a Sino-Korean word, it carries a level of formality that might not fit every situation. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid awkward misunderstandings.

Confusing with 'Family Events'
The most common mistake for beginners is using '가족계획' to mean planning a family trip or a dinner. If you say '이번 주말에 가족계획이 있어요' to mean you have a family gathering, people will be very confused or might think you are planning to have a baby this weekend! Instead, use '가족 행사' (family event) or '가족 모임' (family gathering).

Incorrect: 이번 휴가에 가족계획을 세웠어요. (I made a family plan for this vacation.)
Correct: 이번 휴가에 가족 여행 계획을 세웠어요. (I made a family trip plan for this vacation.)

Another mistake is overusing it in very casual settings. While not 'wrong,' saying '가족계획' to your best friend over coffee can sound a bit stiff or clinical. In these cases, it's more natural to use '자녀 계획' (child plan) or simply talk about '아이를 낳다' (having a baby). '가족계획' sounds like you are presenting a formal report to your partner or a doctor.

Incorrect Verb Pairings
Learners sometimes use '하다' (to do) as a default. While '가족계획을 하다' is understandable, '가족계획을 세우다' (to set/build a plan) is the much more common and natural collocation. Using '하다' can sound a bit vague or simplistic.

Awkward: 우리는 가족계획을 하고 있어요. (We are doing family planning.)
Natural: 우리는 가족계획을 세우고 있어요. (We are setting a family plan.)

Finally, be careful with the context of 'birth control.' While '가족계획' includes birth control, it is a broader term. If you specifically mean 'contraception,' the word is '피임' (pi-im). Using '가족계획' when you specifically mean 'I am using a condom' or 'I am taking the pill' is too indirect and might lead to medical confusion. Conversely, using '피임' when you mean 'the overall strategy for our future family size' is too narrow.

Misunderstanding the Historical Nuance
When talking to the older generation (70s+), '가족계획' might trigger memories of the strict government campaigns to have fewer children. If you use it today to mean 'I want to have five children,' they might find the term choice interesting because, for them, the term was synonymous with 'limiting' children, not just 'planning' them.

과거의 가족계획은 산아 제한에 집중했습니다. (Past family planning focused on birth control/limitation.)

To truly master Korean, you need to know the synonyms and related terms for 가족계획. Depending on the formality and the specific aspect of planning you are referring to, other words might be more appropriate. Here is a breakdown of the most common alternatives and how they differ.

자녀 계획 (Janyeo Gyehwek)
This is the most common synonym. While '가족' means family, '자녀' specifically means 'children' (sons and daughters). This term is slightly more common in social conversations between friends or relatives. It focuses specifically on the kids rather than the whole family structure.

친구들이 모여서 서로의 자녀 계획에 대해 이야기했다. (Friends gathered and talked about each other's child plans.)

Next is 산아 제한 (Sana Jehan). This is a much more technical and historical term. '산아' refers to giving birth to children, and '제한' means limit or restriction. This is specifically 'birth control' or 'population control.' You will see this in history books or population studies. It lacks the personal, positive 'planning' aspect of '가족계획' and sounds much more like a policy or a mandate.

출산 계획 (Chulsan Gyehwek)
'출산' means childbirth. This term is often used in a more immediate medical or logistical sense—planning for the actual event of giving birth, including which hospital to go to, whether to have a natural birth, and the timing of the delivery. It is narrower than '가족계획'.

임신 중인 그녀는 꼼꼼한 출산 계획을 세웠다. (Being pregnant, she made a meticulous childbirth plan.)

For those who choose not to have children, the term 딩크족 (DINK-jok) is relevant. While not a synonym for planning, it describes a specific type of family plan: Double Income, No Kids. When a couple says '우리는 딩크족이에요' (We are DINKs), they are effectively stating their 가족계획. Similarly, 비혼 (Bihon) refers to the choice to remain unmarried, which is another form of modern family planning in a broad sense.

Comparison Table
  • 가족계획: Comprehensive, formal, includes health/finance.
  • 자녀 계획: Personal, focused on the number of kids.
  • 산아 제한: Historical, focus on limiting population.
  • 출산 계획: Specific to the act of giving birth.

정부는 산아 제한 대신 출산 장려 정책을 펼치고 있다. (The government is implementing pro-natalist policies instead of birth control.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the 1960s, the term was so associated with the government that '가족계획' was often synonymous with 'getting a vasectomy' for men, as the government provided them for free as part of the campaign.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɐ.dʑok̚.kje.βwek̚/
US /kɑ.dʒok.kje.hwek/
The primary stress is on the first syllable '가' (ga) and a secondary stress on '계' (gye).
Rhymes With
교육 (Gyoyuk - Education) 체육 (Cheyuk - PE) 기획 (Gihwek - Planning) 수확 (Suhwak - Harvest) 토막 (Tomak - Piece) 조각 (Jogak - Piece/Sculpture) 새벽 (Saebyeok - Dawn) 성적 (Seongjeok - Grade)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing '계' as '게' (ge) - while common in casual speech, the 'y' sound should be present.
  • Forgetting the stop consonant 'ㄱ' at the end of '족' (jok).
  • Merging '계' and '획' into a single blurred sound.
  • Pronouncing '가' with too much aspiration like 'ka'.
  • Treating it as four equal beats without natural flow.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read as it consists of two common words, but requires understanding of Sino-Korean compounds.

Writing 3/5

Spelling is straightforward, but using it in the correct formal context takes practice.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of '계획' can be tricky for beginners to say naturally.

Listening 2/5

Clearly enunciated in formal contexts, making it easy to pick out.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

가족 (Family) 계획 (Plan) 아이 (Child) 결혼 (Marriage) 세우다 (To set/make)

Learn Next

출산율 (Birth rate) 저출산 (Low birth rate) 양육비 (Child-rearing expenses) 임신 (Pregnancy) 피임 (Contraception)

Advanced

인구 통계 (Demographics) 재생산권 (Reproductive rights) 산아 제한 (Birth control) 생애 주기 (Life cycle)

Grammar to Know

-기 위해 (In order to)

행복한 미래를 위해 가족계획을 세웁니다.

-기로 하다 (To decide to)

우리는 아이를 두 명 낳기로 가족계획을 세웠어요.

-ㄴ/은/는 편이다 (Tend to)

요즘 사람들은 가족계획을 신중하게 세우는 편이에요.

-ㄹ/을 때 (When)

가족계획을 세울 때 경제력을 고려해야 합니다.

-기 때문에 (Because)

가족계획이 중요하기 때문에 상담을 받았습니다.

Examples by Level

1

우리는 가족계획이 있어요.

We have a family plan.

가족계획 + 이 (subject marker) + 있어요 (have/exist).

2

가족계획은 중요해요.

Family planning is important.

가족계획 + 은 (topic marker) + 중요해요 (is important).

3

가족계획을 세워요.

I make a family plan.

가족계획 + 을 (object marker) + 세워요 (make/set).

4

가족계획이 없어요.

I don't have a family plan.

가족계획 + 이 + 없어요 (don't have/exist).

5

이것은 가족계획이에요.

This is a family plan.

가족계획 + 이에요 (is - polite ending).

6

가족계획을 좋아해요?

Do you like family planning?

가족계획 + 을 + 좋아해요 (like).

7

엄마와 가족계획을 해요.

I do family planning with mom.

엄마 + 와 (with) + 가족계획 + 을 해요 (do).

8

가족계획이 필요해요.

A family plan is needed.

가족계획 + 이 + 필요해요 (need/is necessary).

1

신혼부부는 가족계획을 세워야 합니다.

Newlyweds must make a family plan.

세워야 합니다 (must set/make - formal).

2

보건소에서 가족계획 상담을 받았어요.

I received family planning counseling at the health center.

상담을 받았어요 (received counseling).

3

우리 부부는 아직 가족계획이 없습니다.

Our couple doesn't have a family plan yet.

아직 (yet) + 없습니다 (don't have - formal).

4

가족계획을 위해 돈을 모으고 있어요.

I am saving money for family planning.

-를 위해 (for the sake of).

5

가족계획에 대해 이야기해 봅시다.

Let's talk about the family plan.

-에 대해 (about) + -해 봅시다 (let's try/let's do).

6

철저한 가족계획이 행복을 가져옵니다.

Thorough family planning brings happiness.

철저한 (thorough) + 가져옵니다 (brings).

7

가족계획을 바꾸기로 했어요.

We decided to change the family plan.

-기로 했어요 (decided to).

8

의사 선생님이 가족계획을 도와주셨어요.

The doctor helped with the family plan.

도와주셨어요 (helped - honorific).

1

경제적인 상황 때문에 가족계획을 미루게 되었어요.

I ended up postponing the family plan due to the economic situation.

때문에 (because of) + -게 되었다 (ended up doing).

2

가족계획을 세울 때 가장 고려해야 할 점은 무엇인가요?

What is the most important point to consider when making a family plan?

-을 때 (when) + 고려해야 할 (should consider).

3

정부는 가족계획을 지원하는 다양한 정책을 마련했습니다.

The government has prepared various policies to support family planning.

지원하는 (supporting) + 마련했습니다 (prepared).

4

가족계획은 부부가 함께 결정해야 하는 문제입니다.

Family planning is an issue that the couple must decide together.

결정해야 하는 (that must be decided).

5

과거 한국에서는 가족계획 캠페인이 활발하게 진행되었습니다.

In the past, family planning campaigns were actively carried out in Korea.

활발하게 (actively) + 진행되었습니다 (was progressed).

6

요즘 젊은 세대는 가족계획에 대해 신중한 편입니다.

Younger generations these days tend to be cautious about family planning.

신중한 편입니다 (tend to be cautious).

7

가족계획 상담을 통해 올바른 피임 방법을 배웠습니다.

I learned the correct contraception methods through family planning counseling.

-을 통해 (through).

8

성공적인 가족계획을 위해서는 건강 관리가 필수적입니다.

Health management is essential for successful family planning.

-을 위해서는 (for the sake of) + 필수적입니다 (is essential).

1

저출산 문제를 해결하기 위해 가족계획의 패러다임이 바뀌어야 합니다.

To solve the low birth rate problem, the paradigm of family planning must change.

해결하기 위해 (to solve) + 바뀌어야 합니다 (must change).

2

가족계획은 개인의 권리이자 사회적인 책임이기도 합니다.

Family planning is both an individual right and a social responsibility.

-이자 (both A and B) + -이기도 합니다 (is also).

3

많은 부부들이 주거 불안정으로 인해 가족계획을 포기하고 있습니다.

Many couples are giving up on family planning due to housing instability.

-로 인해 (due to) + 포기하고 있습니다 (are giving up).

4

가족계획 실천율이 높아지면서 인구 증가율이 둔화되었습니다.

As the family planning practice rate increased, the population growth rate slowed down.

-면서 (while/as) + 둔화되었습니다 (slowed down).

5

현대 사회에서 가족계획은 삶의 질을 결정하는 중요한 요소입니다.

In modern society, family planning is an important factor in determining quality of life.

결정하는 (determining) + 요소 (factor).

6

전문가들은 가족계획 교육의 중요성을 거듭 강조하고 있습니다.

Experts are repeatedly emphasizing the importance of family planning education.

거듭 (repeatedly) + 강조하고 있습니다 (are emphasizing).

7

가족계획을 수립할 때 부모의 심리적 준비 상태도 고려해야 합니다.

When establishing a family plan, the parents' psychological readiness should also be considered.

수립할 때 (when establishing) + 고려해야 합니다 (must consider).

8

맞벌이 부부에게는 일과 가정을 양립할 수 있는 가족계획이 필요합니다.

Dual-income couples need a family plan that can balance work and family.

양립할 수 있는 (that can coexist/balance).

1

국가 주도의 가족계획 사업은 한국 경제 발전의 초석이 되었습니다.

The state-led family planning project became the cornerstone of Korea's economic development.

국가 주도의 (state-led) + 초석 (cornerstone).

2

가족계획의 자율성과 재생산권에 대한 논의가 활발히 이루어지고 있습니다.

Discussions on the autonomy of family planning and reproductive rights are actively taking place.

자율성 (autonomy) + 재생산권 (reproductive rights).

3

인구 구조의 변화에 따라 가족계획 정책도 유연하게 대응해야 합니다.

Family planning policies must also respond flexibly to changes in the population structure.

-에 따라 (according to) + 유연하게 (flexibly).

4

가족계획은 단순한 산아 제한을 넘어 생애 주기 전반을 아우르는 개념입니다.

Family planning is a concept that encompasses the entire life cycle beyond simple birth control.

-을 넘어 (beyond) + 아우르는 (encompassing).

5

성 인지적 관점에서 가족계획의 책임을 재조명할 필요가 있습니다.

There is a need to re-examine the responsibility of family planning from a gender-sensitive perspective.

성 인지적 관점 (gender-sensitive perspective) + 재조명할 (to re-examine).

6

고령화 사회로의 진입은 가족계획의 의미를 다각도로 변화시키고 있습니다.

Entering an aging society is changing the meaning of family planning in various ways.

다각도로 (from various angles) + 변화시키고 있습니다 (is changing [something]).

7

사회적 불평등이 가족계획의 기회와 선택에 미치는 영향을 분석해야 합니다.

The impact of social inequality on family planning opportunities and choices must be analyzed.

-에 미치는 영향 (impact on).

8

가족계획의 성공적 정착을 위해서는 사회적 인식 개선이 선행되어야 합니다.

To successfully establish family planning, improvement in social awareness must come first.

정착 (settlement/establishment) + 선행되어야 합니다 (must precede).

1

신자유주의 체제 하에서 가족계획은 철저히 자본의 논리에 종속되기도 합니다.

Under the neoliberal system, family planning is sometimes thoroughly subordinated to the logic of capital.

종속되기도 합니다 (is also subordinated).

2

가족계획의 담론은 시대의 이데올로기를 반영하는 거울과도 같습니다.

The discourse of family planning is like a mirror reflecting the ideology of the times.

담론 (discourse) + -과도 같습니다 (is like).

3

생명 윤리와 기술의 발전은 가족계획의 영역을 전례 없는 방식으로 확장시켰습니다.

Developments in bioethics and technology have expanded the realm of family planning in unprecedented ways.

전례 없는 (unprecedented) + 확장시켰습니다 (expanded).

4

가족계획을 둘러싼 국가 권력의 개입은 신체 정치학의 핵심 쟁점 중 하나입니다.

State intervention surrounding family planning is one of the key issues in biopolitics.

-을 둘러싼 (surrounding) + 신체 정치학 (biopolitics/body politics).

5

가족계획의 해체와 재구성은 현대 가족 형태의 다양성을 대변합니다.

The deconstruction and reconstruction of family planning represent the diversity of modern family forms.

해체와 재구성 (deconstruction and reconstruction) + 대변합니다 (represents).

6

인구 억제 정책으로서의 가족계획이 초래한 사회적 부작용을 면밀히 검토해야 합니다.

The social side effects caused by family planning as a population suppression policy must be closely examined.

초래한 (caused) + 면밀히 (closely/meticulously).

7

가족계획의 주체성 회복은 인간의 기본권 보장을 위한 필수 과제입니다.

Restoring the agency of family planning is an essential task for guaranteeing basic human rights.

주체성 (agency/subjectivity) + 필수 과제 (essential task).

8

가족계획의 역사적 변천사는 국가 발전 모델의 명암을 고스란히 드러냅니다.

The historical transition of family planning vividly reveals the light and shadow of the national development model.

변천사 (history of transitions) + 명암 (light and shadow).

Common Collocations

가족계획을 세우다
가족계획 상담
가족계획 사업
가족계획 실천
가족계획 수정
가족계획 교육
가족계획 포기
가족계획 정책
구체적인 가족계획
성공적인 가족계획

Common Phrases

가족계획이 어떻게 되세요?

— What are your family plans? Used to ask about intended family size.

어른들이 모이면 늘 가족계획이 어떻게 되느냐고 물으신다.

가족계획을 미루다

— To postpone family planning. Often due to career or money.

내 집 마련을 위해 가족계획을 미루기로 했습니다.

가족계획에 차질이 생기다

— To have a setback or unexpected change in the family plan.

갑작스러운 실직으로 가족계획에 차질이 생겼다.

가족계획을 실천하다

— To put the family plan into practice. Usually refers to using contraception.

건강한 출산을 위해 가족계획을 실천하고 있습니다.

가족계획의 중요성

— The importance of family planning.

의사는 가족계획의 중요성을 강조했다.

가족계획 상담소

— Family planning clinic/counseling center.

가까운 가족계획 상담소를 방문해 보세요.

가족계획 일환으로

— As part of family planning.

가족계획 일환으로 정관 수술을 받기로 했다.

가족계획이 잡혀 있다

— To have a family plan set/scheduled.

우리는 이미 내년으로 가족계획이 잡혀 있어요.

가족계획을 논의하다

— To discuss the family plan.

부부는 밤늦게까지 가족계획을 논의했다.

가족계획의 변화

— A change in family planning.

시대에 따른 가족계획의 변화를 연구하고 있다.

Often Confused With

가족계획 vs 가족 행사

Means 'family event' (party, dinner). Do not use 가족계획 for weekend plans.

가족계획 vs 가족 여행

Means 'family trip'. Learners often confuse 'planning a trip' with 'family planning'.

가족계획 vs 가구 계획

Means 'furniture plan' or 'household plan' (economic). Phonetically similar but different meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"가족계획은 하늘의 뜻"

— Family planning is up to heaven (fate). Used when a plan doesn't go as expected.

계획은 세웠지만 가족계획은 하늘의 뜻인 것 같아요.

Casual/Traditional
"딸 아들 구별 말고 둘만 낳아 잘 기르자"

— Don't distinguish between daughters and sons, just have two and raise them well.

이 문구는 과거 가족계획 캠페인의 상징이었습니다.

Historical Slogan
"무자식이 상팔자"

— Having no children is the best fate (often said jokingly when children are troublesome).

아이 키우기 힘들 때는 무자식이 상팔자라는 말이 생각나요.

Proverb/Casual
"가지 많은 나무에 바람 잘 날 없다"

— A tree with many branches has no day without wind (a family with many children has constant worries).

아이들이 많으니 가족계획을 잘 세워야 해요.

Proverb
"하나씩 낳아도 삼천리는 초만원"

— Even if we have one each, the land will be overcrowded (historical slogan).

옛날 가족계획 포스터에는 이런 문구도 있었어요.

Historical Slogan
"잘 키운 딸 하나 열 아들 안 부럽다"

— One well-raised daughter is not envious of ten sons.

가족계획 캠페인 덕분에 아들 선호 사상이 많이 줄었습니다.

Historical Slogan
"계획 없는 출산은 고생의 시작"

— Childbirth without a plan is the beginning of suffering.

어른들은 늘 철저한 가족계획을 강조하신다.

Common Saying
"가족계획은 백년대계"

— Family planning is a hundred-year grand plan (very important for the long term).

가족계획은 집안의 백년대계입니다.

Formal/Literary
"둘도 많다"

— Even two is a lot (historical context during extreme population control).

과거에는 '둘도 많다'며 가족계획을 강요하기도 했습니다.

Historical Context
"축복받은 가족계획"

— A blessed family plan (when things go perfectly).

그들은 정말 축복받은 가족계획을 실천하고 있어요.

Polite/Warm

Easily Confused

가족계획 vs 자녀 계획

Both refer to having children.

'자녀 계획' is more common in personal, casual talk. '가족계획' is more formal and includes health and policy aspects.

친구랑 자녀 계획에 대해 얘기했어. vs 병원에서 가족계획 상담을 받았어.

가족계획 vs 산아 제한

Both involve controlling birth.

'산아 제한' is specifically about 'limiting' births, often forced or as a strict policy. '가족계획' is broader and can include having more children.

과거의 산아 제한 정책은 엄격했다.

가족계획 vs 출산 계획

Both involve babies.

'출산 계획' is about the delivery and the immediate period around giving birth. '가족계획' is the long-term plan for the whole family size.

그녀는 자연 분만을 위해 출산 계획을 세웠다.

가족계획 vs 인구 정책

Both relate to population.

'인구 정책' is the macro-level government strategy. '가족계획' is the micro-level implementation by individuals or specific programs.

정부의 인구 정책이 가족계획에 영향을 준다.

가족계획 vs 임신 계획

Both involve getting pregnant.

'임신 계획' is the specific short-term goal of conceiving. '가족계획' is the total number and spacing of all children.

우리는 내년으로 임신 계획을 잡았다.

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Subject]은/는 가족계획이 있어요.

저는 가족계획이 있어요.

A2

[Subject]은/는 가족계획을 세워요.

우리는 가족계획을 세워요.

B1

[Reason] 때문에 가족계획을 [Verb].

돈 때문에 가족계획을 미뤘어요.

B2

[Subject]을/를 위한 가족계획 정책.

신혼부부를 위한 가족계획 정책.

C1

가족계획의 [Noun]이/가 중요해지고 있다.

가족계획의 자율성이 중요해지고 있다.

C2

가족계획은 [Concept]의 관점에서 재해석된다.

가족계획은 신체 정치학의 관점에서 재해석된다.

A2

가족계획 상담을 받다.

친구는 가족계획 상담을 받으러 갔다.

B1

구체적인 가족계획을 세우다.

우리는 구체적인 가족계획을 세워야 한다.

Word Family

Nouns

가족 (Family)
계획 (Plan)
계획서 (Written plan)
계획안 (Draft plan)

Verbs

계획하다 (To plan)
계획되다 (To be planned)

Adjectives

계획적이다 (To be planned/intentional)

Related

출산 (Childbirth)
양육 (Child-rearing)
피임 (Contraception)
자녀 (Children)
가구 (Household)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, medical, and administrative contexts; less frequent in casual daily banter.

Common Mistakes
  • 가족계획으로 여행을 가요. 가족 여행을 가요.

    You cannot use '가족계획' to mean a family trip. It only refers to reproductive planning.

  • 가족계획을 해요. 가족계획을 세워요.

    While '해요' is understood, '세워요' (to set/make) is the standard and more natural verb.

  • 가족계획 때문에 밥을 먹어요. 가족 모임 때문에 밥을 먹어요.

    Don't use '가족계획' for family gatherings or meals. Use '가족 모임' or '가족 식사'.

  • 가족계획은 피임만 말해요. 가족계획은 피임을 포함한 넓은 개념이에요.

    Don't limit '가족계획' to just birth control; it's the whole plan for children and future.

  • 가족계획을 요리해요. 가족계획을 세워요.

    You cannot 'cook' a family plan. This is a nonsensical pairing.

Tips

Use it formally

Stick to using '가족계획' in formal situations like filling out forms, talking to doctors, or writing essays. It sounds professional and clear.

Pair with '세우다'

Memorize the phrase '가족계획을 세우다'. It is the most natural way to express making a plan.

Be sensitive

Avoid asking strangers or colleagues about their '가족계획'. It can be a touchy subject due to low birth rates and personal privacy.

Object Marker

Always remember to use '을' (가족계획을) when it is the object of the sentence.

Know the past

Understanding that this word was once a government slogan for birth control helps you understand older literature and news.

Medical context

When you hear this in a hospital, it likely refers to reproductive health and contraception.

Pronounce 'H'

In '계획', the 'h' sound (ㅎ) should be light but present. Don't drop it entirely.

Listen for '저출산'

If you hear '저출산' (low birth rate), '가족계획' is almost always mentioned nearby in news reports.

Compound Nouns

You can combine it with other nouns like '가족계획 상담' without needing a particle in between.

Break it down

Remember: Gajok (Family) + Gyehwek (Plan). If you know these two, you know the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'GA-JOK' as 'Go-Join' (the family) and 'GYE-HWEK' as 'Get-Work' (planning the work of the family). You 'Go Join' the family and 'Get Work' on the plan.

Visual Association

Imagine a calendar with baby stickers on specific dates and a piggy bank next to it. This represents the 'Plan' (calendar) for the 'Family' (babies).

Word Web

가족 (Family) 계획 (Plan) 아이 (Child) 결혼 (Marriage) 미래 (Future) 준비 (Preparation) 돈 (Money) 행복 (Happiness)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using '가족계획을 세우다', '가족계획 때문에', and '가족계획 상담' in a paragraph about your future.

Word Origin

Sino-Korean origin. Composed of '가족' (家族) and '계획' (計劃).

Original meaning: 家族 (가족) means 'house/home' and 'tribe/clan'. 計劃 (계획) means 'to calculate/measure' and 'to draw/limit'.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

Be careful asking about this in Korea; it is a sensitive topic due to the low birth rate and economic pressures.

In English, 'family planning' is often associated with clinics like Planned Parenthood and contraception. In Korean, it has a stronger nuance of 'long-term life strategy' including financial and educational goals.

1960s government posters: '덮어놓고 낳다 보면 거지꼴을 못 면한다' (If you keep giving birth blindly, you won't escape being a beggar). The Planned Parenthood Federation of Korea (PPFK). K-Dramas often feature scenes where mothers-in-law demand to know the couple's '가족계획'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hospital

  • 가족계획 상담을 받고 싶어요.
  • 피임 방법에 대해 알려주세요.
  • 건강한 가족계획을 세우고 싶습니다.
  • 임신 준비는 어떻게 하나요?

With a Partner

  • 우리 가족계획에 대해 이야기해 볼까?
  • 아이를 몇 명 낳고 싶어?
  • 언제쯤 아이를 갖는 게 좋을까?
  • 교육비도 가족계획에 포함해야 해.

In a News Report

  • 정부의 가족계획 정책이 변화하고 있습니다.
  • 젊은이들이 가족계획을 포기하고 있습니다.
  • 저출산 극복을 위한 가족계획 지원.
  • 과거의 가족계획 캠페인을 되돌아봅니다.

In a Financial Meeting

  • 가족계획에 맞춰 저축을 시작하세요.
  • 자녀 수에 따라 보험료가 달라집니다.
  • 가족계획은 재무 설계의 기초입니다.
  • 아이들을 위한 교육 자금을 계획합시다.

In a Social Studies Class

  • 가족계획은 인구 조절의 수단입니다.
  • 한국의 가족계획 역사를 배워봅시다.
  • 가족계획과 경제 발전의 상관관계.
  • 현대 사회의 다양한 가족계획 형태.

Conversation Starters

"결혼하신 후에 가족계획은 어떻게 세우셨나요? (How did you set your family plan after marriage?)"

"요즘 한국의 가족계획 트렌드에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about family planning trends in Korea these days?)"

"가족계획을 세울 때 가장 중요하게 생각하는 것은 무엇인가요? (What is the most important thing you consider when making a family plan?)"

"정부의 가족계획 지원 정책이 효과가 있다고 보시나요? (Do you think the government's family planning support policies are effective?)"

"친구들과 가족계획에 대해 자주 이야기하는 편인가요? (Do you often talk with friends about family planning?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 꿈꾸는 미래의 가족계획에 대해 구체적으로 써 보세요. (Write specifically about your dream future family plan.)

경제적 상황이 가족계획에 미치는 영향에 대해 자신의 생각을 정리해 보세요. (Organize your thoughts on the impact of economic situations on family planning.)

과거와 현재의 한국 가족계획 캠페인을 비교해 보세요. (Compare past and present Korean family planning campaigns.)

가족계획이 개인의 행복에 어떤 역할을 한다고 생각하나요? (What role do you think family planning plays in individual happiness?)

만약 내가 정부 관리라면 어떤 가족계획 정책을 만들고 싶은지 써 보세요. (Write about what kind of family planning policy you would create if you were a government official.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while it includes birth control (contraception), it is a broader term that also includes planning for fertility, financial preparation, and determining the overall structure and timing of a family. It is about being prepared for children, not just avoiding them.

No, that is a common mistake. For a vacation, you should use '가족 여행 계획'. '가족계획' is strictly for reproductive planning and family size.

You can say '가족계획은 어떻게 되세요?' However, be aware that in modern Korea, this is considered a very personal question and should only be asked to close friends or in a professional medical/financial setting.

The most common verb is '세우다' (to set/make). For example, '가족계획을 세우다' (to make a family plan).

Yes, but often in a serious or even cynical context regarding the difficulty of having children in the current economy. They might also use the more casual '자녀 계획'.

Yes, but the focus has shifted. In the past, they encouraged having fewer children. Now, they encourage having more children through '가족계획 지원' (family planning support) programs.

'가족계획' is formal and clinical (used by doctors/government), while '자녀 계획' is more common in daily social life among friends.

Yes, it is made of Hanja: 家族 (가족) and 計劃 (계획). This gives it a formal and structured nuance.

You can get it at local public health centers (보건소) or private OBGYN clinics (산부인과).

Yes, a family plan can certainly include adoption as a way to build the family unit.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write 'I have a family plan' in Korean.

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writing

Write 'Let's make a family plan' in Korean.

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writing

Write 'Family planning is important for the future' in Korean.

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writing

Write 'Couples are postponing family planning due to money' in Korean.

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writing

Write 'The government is supporting family planning through policies' in Korean.

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writing

Write 'Family plan' in Korean.

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writing

Write 'I received counseling' in Korean.

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Write 'A thorough family plan' in Korean.

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Write 'Individual choice' in Korean.

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Write 'Historical transition' in Korean.

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Write 'Mom and family plan' in Korean.

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Write 'We don't have a plan' in Korean.

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Write 'To change the plan' in Korean.

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Write 'Social responsibility' in Korean.

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Write 'Reproductive rights' in Korean.

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Write 'Baby plan' in Korean.

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Write 'Important thing' in Korean.

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Write 'To save money' in Korean.

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Write 'To give up' in Korean.

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Write 'Biopolitics' in Korean.

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speaking

Say '가족계획' out loud.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say '가족계획을 세워요' out loud.

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Say '가족계획이 중요합니다' out loud.

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Say '상담을 받고 싶어요' out loud.

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Say '자율성이 보장되어야 합니다' out loud.

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Introduce your '가족계획' in one word.

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Say 'I have no plan' in Korean.

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Ask 'Do you have a family plan?' in Korean.

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Say 'Economic reasons' in Korean.

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Pronounce '신체 정치학' correctly.

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Say 'Family' in Korean.

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Say 'Plan' in Korean.

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Say 'Future' in Korean.

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Say 'Support' in Korean.

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Say 'Policy' in Korean.

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Say 'Baby' in Korean.

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Say 'Two kids' in Korean.

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Say 'Important' in Korean.

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Say 'Decision' in Korean.

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Say 'Paradigm' in Korean.

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listening

Listen to '가족계획'. What is the second syllable?

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Listen to '세워요'. What is the first sound?

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Listen to '상담'. What does it mean?

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Listen to '정책'. What does it mean?

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Listen to '자율성'. What does it mean?

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How many words are in '가족계획'?

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Listen to '있어요'. Is it positive or negative?

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Listen to '미뤄요'. Does it mean now or later?

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Listen to '지원'. Does it mean help or hurt?

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Listen to '재구조화'. Does it mean keeping the same or changing?

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Listen to '가족'. Who is it?

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Listen to '계획'. What is it?

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Listen to '중요'. Is it big or small?

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Listen to '수정'. Is it a change?

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Listen to '초석'. Is it a foundation?

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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