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포용성

B2 noun #4,500 most common 8 min read

포용성

poyongseong Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 포용성 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 포용성 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '포용성' is too difficult. Instead, think about the idea of 'playing together' or 'being kind to everyone.' It means having a big heart (마음이 넓다). Imagine a playground where every child is invited to play, no matter what they look like. That 'everyone is welcome' feeling is the basic idea of '포용성.' You don't need to use this big word yet, but you can understand it as 'accepting everyone.' Beginners should focus on phrases like '모두 함께' (everyone together) or '친구를 도와요' (help a friend).

At the A2 level, you might see '포용성' in simple news titles or school posters. It means 'including everyone.' You can relate it to the word '포함' (include). If a group includes many different types of people, they are showing '포용성.' You might use it in a simple sentence like '우리 팀은 포용성이 필요해요' (Our team needs inclusivity). It's a step above just being 'nice'; it's about making sure nobody is left out because they are different. Think of it as 'active kindness' in a group.

At the B1 level, you should start using '포용성' in formal contexts like school essays or workplace discussions. You understand it as a key social value. You can use it with verbs like '있다' (to have) or '부족하다' (to lack). For example, '리더는 포용성이 있어야 합니다' (A leader must have inclusivity). You start to see the difference between just 'accepting' (수용) and 'embracing' (포용). This word helps you talk about social issues like how we treat foreign residents or people with disabilities in a more mature way.

At the B2 level (your current level), '포용성' is a vital part of your vocabulary for discussing social, political, and corporate topics. You should be able to explain the difference between '다양성' (diversity) and '포용성' (inclusivity). You use collocations like '포용성을 기르다' (cultivate inclusivity) or '사회적 포용성' (social inclusivity). You understand that this word implies a systemic or deep personal quality of embracing differences. You can use it to critique policies or praise leadership styles in professional settings.

At the C1 level, you use '포용성' with nuanced precision. You can discuss '포용적 성장' (inclusive growth) in an economic context or '포용적 혁신' (inclusive innovation) in a tech context. You understand the historical and philosophical roots of the word. You can debate the limits of inclusivity in a democratic society. Your sentences are complex: '진정한 포용성은 단순히 차이를 인정하는 것을 넘어, 그 차이가 조직의 자산이 되도록 만드는 역량입니다.' You use the word to analyze deep structural issues in society.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '포용성.' You can use it in academic papers, high-level political speeches, or literary analysis. You might explore the tension between '포용성' and '보편성' (universality). You can use it metaphorically or in highly specialized fields like '포용적 금융' (inclusive finance). You recognize the word's presence in classical literature or modern philosophical discourse. You can eloquently argue for '포용성' as a prerequisite for global peace and sustainable development, using it as a cornerstone of your rhetoric.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

포용성 in 30 Seconds

포용성 means inclusivity or being open-minded to diverse groups and ideas.
It is a formal noun often used in social, political, and corporate contexts.
Key verbs include '높이다' (raise), '기르다' (cultivate), and '강화하다' (strengthen).
It differs from 'tolerance' by implying a more active, warm embrace of differences.

The Korean word 포용성 (抱容性) is a sophisticated abstract noun that translates most directly to 'inclusivity' or 'inclusiveness.' At its core, it describes a psychological or social capacity to embrace and accept a wide variety of people, opinions, or cultures without prejudice. In modern Korean society, this word has transitioned from a purely philosophical or psychological term to a critical buzzword in corporate, political, and educational spheres. When you speak of someone having high '포용성,' you are praising their broad-mindedness and their ability to integrate disparate elements into a cohesive whole. It is not merely 'tolerance' (which can sometimes imply a reluctant acceptance), but rather a proactive 'embracing' of diversity. The first character, 포 (抱), means to hug or embrace, while 용 (容) means to contain or allow. Together with 성 (性), which denotes a quality or nature, the word literally describes the 'nature of embracing and containing.'

Core Concept: The active capacity to include diverse perspectives and marginalized groups into a main structure.
Social Context: Often used in discussions about multiculturalism (다문화), gender equality, and workplace culture.

진정한 리더십은 타인의 다름을 인정하는 포용성에서 시작됩니다.

Historically, Korea was often viewed as a homogenous society, but with the rapid influx of global influences and foreign residents, the need for '포용성' has become a national priority. You will hear this word in government speeches regarding social safety nets, in HR seminars about building a healthy team environment, and in psychological counseling when discussing one's openness to experience. It is a 'high-level' word, meaning you wouldn't typically use it while hanging out with close friends over fried chicken unless you were having a very deep, philosophical debate. Instead, you use it to describe institutional goals, leadership qualities, or the maturity of a society. It suggests a level of intellectual and emotional depth that goes beyond simple kindness. To have '포용성' is to possess a heart that is wide enough to hold the entire world's complexity without trying to force it into a single, narrow box.

In a personal growth context, '포용성' relates to 'openness to experience' in the Big Five personality traits. Someone with high '포용성' is less likely to be judgmental and more likely to listen to opposing viewpoints with curiosity rather than hostility. This word is also frequently used in the context of 'inclusive growth' (포용적 성장) in economics, referring to economic growth that benefits all members of society, particularly the vulnerable. Therefore, when you use this word, you are signaling that you are talking about a systemic or deep-seated quality of being welcoming and fair to all, regardless of their background or identity.

Using 포용성 correctly requires understanding its role as an abstract noun. It most frequently functions as the subject or object of a sentence, often paired with verbs like '있다' (to have/exist), '없다' (to not have), '기르다' (to cultivate), '확대하다' (to expand), or '강화하다' (to strengthen). Because it is a formal word, it is usually found in the polite or formal speech levels (-아요/어요, -습니다). For example, if you want to say a society lacks inclusivity, you would say '사회의 포용성이 부족합니다.' If you want to encourage someone to be more inclusive, you might say '포용성을 길러야 합니다.'

Common Verb Pairings: 포용성을 갖추다 (to possess inclusivity), 포용성을 발휘하다 (to demonstrate inclusivity), 포용성을 중시하다 (to value inclusivity).

우리 회사는 조직 내의 포용성을 높이기 위해 다양한 프로그램을 운영하고 있습니다.

When describing a person, you use the possessive marker '의' or use it as a predicate. For instance, '그는 포용성이 넓은 사람이다' (He is a person with broad inclusivity). Note that while '넓다' (wide) is often used with '마음' (heart), it is also frequently used with '포용성' to indicate the scope of what one can accept. In academic writing, you might see '포용성' used as a prefix in compound terms like '포용성 교육' (inclusive education) or '포용성 정책' (inclusive policy). These terms refer to systems designed to ensure no one is left behind.

In debate or discussion, '포용성' is a powerful word to use when arguing for social justice. You might say, '사회적 포용성이 결여된 성장은 지속 가능하지 않습니다' (Growth lacking social inclusivity is not sustainable). This level of vocabulary shows that the speaker is educated and thoughtful. It is also common to see it in the negative, such as '포용성이 부족하다' (lacking inclusivity) or '포용성이 낮다' (low inclusivity), to critique a person or an institution that is being exclusionary or narrow-minded. By mastering the usage of '포용성,' you can engage in complex conversations about the future of society and the character of leadership.

You will encounter 포용성 in several specific environments. First and foremost is the corporate world. If you look at the 'Sustainability Report' (지속가능경영보고서) of major Korean conglomerates like Samsung, SK, or Hyundai, '포용성' is a central pillar of their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies. They often talk about '포용적인 조직 문화' (an inclusive organizational culture) where employees of different genders, ages, and backgrounds can thrive. In meetings, a manager might say, '우리는 서로의 아이디어에 대해 좀 더 포용성을 가져야 합니다' (We need to have more inclusivity regarding each other's ideas).

News & Media: News anchors use it when discussing social welfare, immigration policies, or the rights of the disabled.
Education: Teachers use it when teaching students about global citizenship and the importance of not bullying those who are different.

뉴스 리포트: '정부는 다문화 가정을 위한 사회적 포용성 강화 대책을 발표했습니다.'

Another common place is in political discourse. Politicians often promise to build a '포용 국가' (inclusive nation) where the benefits of development are shared by all. This is a key term in modern social democracy and welfare state discussions in Korea. You will also hear it in TED-style talks or self-improvement seminars (강연). Speakers often emphasize that in an era of AI and rapid change, human '포용성'—the ability to understand and work with diverse groups—is a competitive advantage that machines cannot easily replicate. Finally, in documentaries about nature or sociology, the narrator might use '포용성' to describe the resilience of an ecosystem or a community that thrives because it allows for variety. Listening for this word in these contexts will help you understand the nuances of how Korean society views progress and harmony.

One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing 포용성 with 다양성 (diversity). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. '다양성' refers to the state of having many different things or people (the 'what'), while '포용성' refers to the quality or action of including them (the 'how'). You can have a diverse team (다양성) that is not inclusive (포용성) if the diverse members are ignored or marginalized. Another mistake is confusing it with 관용 (tolerance). '관용' often implies a hierarchical relationship where the person in power 'allows' the other to exist. '포용성' is more about a horizontal, active embrace and integration into the whole.

Mistake 1: Wrong Particle: Using '포용성을 있다' instead of '포용성이 있다'. Abstract qualities use the subject marker with '있다'.
Mistake 2: Overly Casual Use: Using it in very simple daily contexts. Instead of '포용성이 있는 친구' for a nice friend, use '마음이 넓은 친구'.

틀린 예: '우리 팀은 포용성이 많아요.' (X)
바른 예: '우리 팀은 포용성이 높아요' 또는 '포용성이 커요.' (O)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the difference between '포용성' and '수용성' (acceptability/receptivity). '수용성' is often used in technical or scientific contexts (like the water-solubility of a chemical) or when talking about how well a new idea or technology is accepted by the public. '포용성' is much more human-centric and social. Additionally, avoid using '포용성' to mean 'physical space' even though '용' means to contain. For physical space, use '공간' or '수용 능력'. Lastly, remember that '포용성' is a noun. If you want to use it as an adjective, you must say '포용성 있는' or use the related adjective '포용적이다' (to be inclusive).

To truly master 포용성, you should understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. The most common related words are 관용 (tolerance), 수용 (acceptance), and 개방성 (openness). Each has a specific flavor that makes it suitable for different situations. '관용' is often used in religious or legal contexts (e.g., religious tolerance). '수용' is the simple act of taking something in, while '포용' adds the nuance of 'embracing' it with warmth or a sense of belonging.

포용성 vs. 관용 (Tolerance): 포용성 is proactive and integrative; 관용 is often passive, allowing something different to exist without necessarily embracing it.
포용성 vs. 개방성 (Openness): 개방성 refers to being open to new things; 포용성 refers to the ability to hold and include those things within a system.
포용성 vs. 이해심 (Understanding): 이해심 is more personal and emotional; 포용성 is more formal and can be applied to institutions or systems.

비교: '그는 이해심이 많다' (He is very understanding - personal) vs '그는 포용성이 넓다' (He has broad inclusivity - professional/leadership).

In some contexts, you might use 융합 (fusion/convergence) if you are talking about blending different things together, or 통합 (integration) if you are talking about bringing different parts into a whole. However, '포용성' remains the best word when focusing on the capacity for such integration. If you are writing a formal essay, using a variety of these terms will make your writing more sophisticated. For instance, you could write: '사회의 개방성을 높이고, 다양성을 존중하며, 궁극적으로는 포용성을 강화해야 합니다' (We must increase social openness, respect diversity, and ultimately strengthen inclusivity). This sentence shows a clear progression of concepts.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 抱 (포) also appears in '포옹' (a hug). So '포용성' is literally like having a 'hugging nature' toward ideas and people.

Pronunciation Guide

UK pʰojoŋs͈ʌŋ

US pʰojoŋs͈ʌŋ

In Korean, stress is generally even, but the 'seong' is emphasized slightly due to the tensification (경음화).

Rhymes With

가능성 (possibility) 적합성 (suitability) 일관성 (consistency) 객관성 (objectivity) 주관성 (subjectivity) 독창성 (originality) 전문성 (professionalism) 안정성 (stability)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'seong' as a soft 's' instead of a tense 'ss'.
Confusing 'po' (포) with 'bo' (보).
Failing to nasalize the 'ng' in 'yong'.
Over-emphasizing the first syllable.
Muttering the final 'ng' too softly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

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

Writing 5/5

Requires correct particle usage and formal verb pairings to sound natural.

Speaking 4/5

Used in professional or serious conversations, not daily small talk.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but context is key to distinguishing it from similar words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

포함 수용 다양성 존중 마음

Learn Next

보편성 배타성 차별성 형평성 공정성

Advanced

상호교차성 사회통합 다문화주의 인권 지속가능성

Grammar to Know

Subject Marker -이/가 with quality nouns

포용성이 높다.

Adjective formation -적 (的)

포용적 사회 (Inclusive society).

Verb ending -기 위해 (For the purpose of)

포용성을 높이기 위해 노력해요.

Comparison -보다 (Than)

관용보다 포용성이 더 넓은 개념입니다.

Condition -면 (If)

포용성이 있으면 갈등이 줄어듭니다.

Examples by Level

우리는 친구를 포용해야 해요.

We should embrace our friends.

Verb form '포용하다' used here for simplicity.

모두를 위한 포용성이 중요해요.

Inclusivity for everyone is important.

Simple noun usage with '중요하다'.

선생님은 포용성이 넓어요.

The teacher is very inclusive.

Describing a person's quality.

우리 반은 포용성이 있어요.

Our class has inclusivity.

Using '있다' to show possession of a quality.

포용성을 배워요.

Learn about inclusivity.

Object marker '을' used.

친구의 마음을 포용해요.

Embrace your friend's heart.

Using the verb form.

포용성은 좋은 거예요.

Inclusivity is a good thing.

Topic marker '은' used.

다 같이 포용해요.

Let's all embrace (each other).

Adverb '다 같이' used with verb.

다양한 문화를 포용하는 마음이 필요합니다.

A heart that embraces diverse cultures is necessary.

Present participle '포용하는' modifying '마음'.

우리 사회의 포용성을 높여야 합니다.

We must increase our society's inclusivity.

Object marker '을' with '높이다' (to raise).

그 리더는 포용성이 부족해요.

That leader lacks inclusivity.

Using '부족하다' (to be lacking).

포용성 있는 태도가 중요합니다.

An inclusive attitude is important.

'포용성 있는' functions as an adjective phrase.

서로의 다름을 포용성 있게 받아들여요.

Let's accept each other's differences inclusively.

Adverbial form '포용성 있게'.

포용성은 평화의 시작입니다.

Inclusivity is the beginning of peace.

Formal sentence structure.

학교에서 포용성 교육을 합니다.

The school provides inclusivity education.

Compound noun '포용성 교육'.

그의 포용성에 감동받았습니다.

I was moved by his inclusivity.

Recipient marker '에' with '감동받다'.

진정한 리더십은 포용성에서 나옵니다.

True leadership comes from inclusivity.

Source marker '에서' with '나오다'.

우리 회사는 포용성을 핵심 가치로 삼고 있습니다.

Our company regards inclusivity as a core value.

'~로 삼다' means 'to make/regard as'.

포용성이 결여된 정책은 비판을 받기 쉽습니다.

Policies lacking inclusivity are easy to criticize.

'결여된' (lacking) is a formal modifier.

상대방의 의견을 포용성 있게 경청하세요.

Listen to the other person's opinion with inclusivity.

Formal imperative '경청하세요'.

현대 사회에서는 문화적 포용성이 필수적입니다.

Cultural inclusivity is essential in modern society.

Adjective '필수적이다' (to be essential).

포용성을 기르기 위해 노력해야 합니다.

We must strive to cultivate inclusivity.

'~기 위해' shows purpose.

그의 포용성 덕분에 팀 분위기가 좋아졌어요.

Thanks to his inclusivity, the team atmosphere improved.

'~ 덕분에' means 'thanks to'.

포용성이라는 개념을 이해하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to understand the concept of inclusivity.

'~라는 개념' means 'the concept called...'.

다양성을 존중하는 것은 포용성의 첫걸음입니다.

Respecting diversity is the first step toward inclusivity.

Gerund '-는 것' used as a subject.

사회적 약자를 위한 포용성을 강화해야 합니다.

We must strengthen inclusivity for the socially vulnerable.

Formal verb '강화하다' (to strengthen).

그 정책은 포용성 측면에서 높은 평가를 받았습니다.

The policy received high praise in terms of inclusivity.

'~ 측면에서' means 'in terms of/from the aspect of'.

포용성이 넓은 조직일수록 혁신이 활발합니다.

The more inclusive an organization is, the more active innovation becomes.

'~을수록' means 'the more... the more...'.

우리는 편견을 버리고 포용성을 가져야 합니다.

We must throw away prejudice and have inclusivity.

Sequential connective '-고'.

민주주의 사회에서 포용성은 매우 중요한 가치입니다.

In a democratic society, inclusivity is a very important value.

Emphasis adverb '매우'.

그는 갈등을 해결하는 포용성을 보여주었습니다.

He showed inclusivity in resolving conflicts.

Past tense '보여주었습니다'.

포용성 교육은 어릴 때부터 시작되어야 합니다.

Inclusivity education should start from a young age.

Passive voice '시작되어야 하다'.

포용적 성장은 경제적 불평등을 해소하는 열쇠입니다.

Inclusive growth is the key to resolving economic inequality.

Economic term '포용적 성장'.

디지털 포용성은 정보 격차를 줄이는 데 필수적입니다.

Digital inclusivity is essential for reducing the digital divide.

'~ 하는 데' means 'in the act/process of'.

포용성의 부재는 사회적 갈등의 원인이 됩니다.

The absence of inclusivity becomes a cause of social conflict.

Formal noun '부재' (absence).

우리는 타자의 고통에 대한 포용성을 넓혀야 합니다.

We must broaden our inclusivity toward the suffering of others.

Philosophical term '타자' (the Other).

그 학자는 포용성 담론의 중요성을 강조했습니다.

The scholar emphasized the importance of the inclusivity discourse.

Academic term '담론' (discourse).

진정한 포용성은 다수결의 원칙을 넘어 소수의 목소리를 듣는 것입니다.

True inclusivity is listening to minority voices beyond the principle of majority rule.

Contrastive structure '넘어... 듣는 것'.

이 도시는 건축적 포용성을 고려하여 설계되었습니다.

This city was designed considering architectural inclusivity.

Adverbial phrase '고려하여' (considering).

포용성은 단순한 관용을 넘어선 능동적인 수용의 과정입니다.

Inclusivity is a process of active acceptance that goes beyond simple tolerance.

Sophisticated comparison '넘어선'.

포용성은 현대 민주주의의 근간을 이루는 철학적 가치입니다.

Inclusivity is a philosophical value that forms the foundation of modern democracy.

High-level noun '근간' (foundation/basis).

급진적 포용성은 사회적 경계를 허무는 강력한 도구입니다.

Radical inclusivity is a powerful tool for breaking down social boundaries.

Term '급진적 포용성' (Radical Inclusivity).

지속 가능한 발전을 위해서는 사회적 포용성이 담보되어야 합니다.

For sustainable development, social inclusivity must be guaranteed.

Formal verb '담보되다' (to be guaranteed/collateralized).

포용성의 지평을 넓히는 것이 인류 문명의 과제입니다.

Broadening the horizon of inclusivity is a task for human civilization.

Metaphorical use of '지평' (horizon).

그의 문학은 인간 존재에 대한 깊은 포용성을 바탕으로 합니다.

His literature is based on a deep inclusivity toward human existence.

'~을 바탕으로 하다' (to be based on).

포용적 제도화는 사회적 통합을 위한 필수 경로입니다.

Inclusive institutionalization is an essential path for social integration.

Academic term '제도화' (institutionalization).

우리는 기술의 발전이 포용성을 저해하지 않도록 감시해야 합니다.

We must monitor so that technological advancement does not hinder inclusivity.

Verb '저해하다' (to hinder/impede).

포용성은 차이를 소거하는 것이 아니라 차이를 축복하는 것입니다.

Inclusivity is not about erasing differences, but about celebrating them.

Negation pattern 'A가 아니라 B이다'.

Synonyms

수용성 관용 이해심 개방성

Antonyms

배타성 편협함

Common Collocations

포용성을 갖추다

포용성을 높이다

포용성이 넓다

포용성이 부족하다

포용적 성장

문화적 포용성

조직 내 포용성

포용성을 발휘하다

포용성을 중시하다

디지털 포용성

Common Phrases

포용성 있는 리더

— A leader who is inclusive and embraces diversity.

포용성 있는 리더가 팀의 화합을 이끌어냅니다.

사회적 포용성

— The degree to which a society includes all its members.

사회적 포용성이 높은 나라가 행복지수도 높습니다.

다양성과 포용성

— Diversity and Inclusion (D&I).

기업의 다양성과 포용성은 혁신의 원동력입니다.

포용성을 기르다

— To cultivate or develop a sense of inclusivity.

어릴 때부터 포용성을 기르는 것이 중요합니다.

포용성이 결여되다

— To lack inclusivity (very formal).

그 계획은 포용성이 결여되어 있어 수정이 필요합니다.

포용의 정신

— The spirit of embracing others.

우리는 포용의 정신으로 갈등을 극복해야 합니다.

포용적 리더십

— Inclusive leadership.

포용적 리더십은 현대 사회에서 더욱 요구됩니다.

포용 정책

— Inclusive policy (e.g., Sunshine Policy).

정부의 대북 포용 정책이 논의되고 있습니다.

포용적 사회

— An inclusive society.

우리는 누구나 존중받는 포용적 사회를 꿈꿉니다.

포용적 교육

— Inclusive education (for all students).

장애 학생과 비장애 학생이 함께하는 포용적 교육을 지향합니다.

Often Confused With

포용성 vs 다양성

다양성 is the state of being different; 포용성 is the act of including those differences.

포용성 vs 관용

관용 is tolerance (allowing); 포용성 is inclusivity (embracing/integrating).

포용성 vs 수용성

수용성 is often used for technical receptivity or acceptability of ideas.

Idioms & Expressions

"바다와 같은 포용성"

— Inclusivity as wide as the sea; accepting everything.

그는 바다와 같은 포용성으로 모든 비판을 수용했다.

Literary

"품이 넓다"

— Literally 'having a wide embrace'; being a generous and inclusive person.

우리 사장님은 품이 넓어서 직원들을 잘 챙겨주신다.

Neutral

"그릇이 크다"

— Having a 'large bowl' (heart/capacity); being a person of great character and inclusivity.

큰 리더가 되려면 마음의 그릇이 커야 한다.

Neutral

"모든 것을 아우르다"

— To encompass or embrace everything into one.

이 이론은 다양한 학설을 하나로 아우르는 포용성을 보여준다.

Formal

"담을 수 있는 그릇"

— A vessel that can hold (people/ideas); one's capacity for inclusivity.

그는 많은 인재를 담을 수 있는 큰 그릇의 소유자다.

Metaphorical

"문턱을 낮추다"

— To lower the threshold; to make something more inclusive and accessible.

병원은 환자들을 위해 문턱을 낮추고 포용성을 높여야 한다.

Neutral

"울타리를 허물다"

— To break down the fence; to remove barriers and increase inclusivity.

우리는 서로 사이의 울타리를 허물고 포용해야 합니다.

Metaphorical

"손을 내밀다"

— To reach out a hand; an act of inclusivity and help.

소외된 이웃에게 먼저 손을 내미는 포용성이 필요합니다.

Neutral

"한솥밥을 먹다"

— To eat rice from the same pot; to become a close-knit, inclusive family or group.

우리는 이제 한솥밥을 먹는 식구이니 서로 포용합시다.

Informal

"색안경을 벗다"

— To take off tinted glasses; to look at people without prejudice, a prerequisite for inclusivity.

색안경을 벗고 그를 보면 그의 진심을 포용할 수 있을 것이다.

Informal

Easily Confused

포용성 vs 수용성

Both involve 'accepting'.

수용성 is often technical (solubility) or public acceptance of ideas. 포용성 is social and human-centric.

수용성 비타민 (Water-soluble vitamin) vs 사회적 포용성 (Social inclusivity).

포용성 vs 개방성

Both involve being open.

개방성 is about opening up to the outside. 포용성 is about bringing the outside into the inside.

시장의 개방성 (Market openness) vs 조직의 포용성 (Organizational inclusivity).

포용성 vs 융통성

Both imply a lack of rigidity.

융통성 is about being flexible with rules. 포용성 is about being inclusive of people.

시간에 대한 융통성 (Flexibility with time) vs 타인에 대한 포용성 (Inclusivity toward others).

포용성 vs 이해심

Both involve understanding others.

이해심 is an emotional, personal trait. 포용성 is a broader, often formal or systemic quality.

엄마의 이해심 (Mom's understanding) vs 리더의 포용성 (Leader's inclusivity).

포용성 vs 관용

Both mean 'accepting' what is different.

관용 is 'letting it be' (tolerance). 포용성 is 'bringing it in' (inclusion).

종교적 관용 (Religious tolerance) vs 사회적 포용성 (Social inclusivity).

Sentence Patterns

A는 포용성이 있다/없다

그는 포용성이 있는 사람이에요.

포용성을 기르기 위해 A를 해야 한다

포용성을 기르기 위해 책을 읽어야 한다.

포용성이 높은 A일수록 B하다

포용성이 높은 팀일수록 성공한다.

포용성 측면에서 볼 때, A는 B하다

포용성 측면에서 볼 때, 이 법은 문제가 있다.

A의 핵심은 포용성에 있다

현대 리더십의 핵심은 포용성에 있다.

포용성을 담보로 한 A

사회적 포용성을 담보로 한 경제 성장.

포용성의 지평을 넓히다

우리는 포용성의 지평을 넓혀야 한다.

포용적 제도화의 필요성

포용적 제도화의 필요성이 대두되고 있다.

Word Family

Nouns

포용 (embrace/inclusion)

포용력 (the power/ability to embrace)

포용주의 (inclusivism)

Verbs

포용하다 (to embrace/include)

포용되다 (to be embraced/included)

Adjectives

포용적 (inclusive)

포용성 있는 (having inclusivity)

수용 (acceptance)

관용 (tolerance)

다양성 (diversity)

통합 (integration)

배려 (consideration)

How to Use It

frequency

High in professional/media contexts; Low in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

포용성을 있다 → 포용성이 있다
Quality nouns take the subject marker '이/가' with '있다'.
포용성이 많다 → 포용성이 넓다 / 높다
While '많다' is sometimes used, '넓다' (wide) or '높다' (high) are more natural collocations for this abstract quality.
Using '포용성' for physical size. → 공간 / 수용력
'포용성' is only for abstract inclusion of people/ideas.
Confusing it with '다양성'. → 다양성 (Diversity) vs 포용성 (Inclusion)
Diversity is the mix; Inclusivity is making the mix work.
Using it in very casual slang. → 마음이 넓다
'포용성' sounds too stiff for a casual chat with friends.

Tips

Use it in Interviews

When asked about your strengths, saying '저는 포용성이 넓은 사람입니다' shows you are a good team player.

Inclusion vs. Tolerance

Remember that '포용성' is more active than '관용'. It’s about making someone part of the group, not just letting them exist.

Verb Pairings

Always use '높이다' or '강화하다' when talking about improving inclusivity in a formal essay.

Related Hanja

Learning '포' (embrace) helps you understand '포옹' (hug) and '포함' (include).

Global Standards

In Korean business, '포용성' is the standard translation for the 'I' in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).

Subjective Quality

Use '포용성이 있다' for individuals and '포용적이다' for systems or policies.

Tense Pronunciation

Don't forget the double 's' sound in 'seong' [썽].

Context Clues

If you hear '다양성', '포용성' is usually not far behind.

Corporate ESG

If you study for a business Korean exam, this word is mandatory.

Building Harmony

Use this word when discussing how to solve conflicts between different generations or groups.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'POt' (포) that is 'YONG' (large) enough to 'SEONG' (contain) everyone. A big pot for a big social stew!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant pair of arms (포) forming a circle (용) that encompasses people of all colors and shapes.

Word Web

Leadership Diversity Inclusion Embrace Tolerance Open-mindedness Social Justice Harmony

Challenge

Try to use '포용성' in a sentence describing your favorite teacher or boss today. Write it down in your journal.

Word Origin

Derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters). 抱 (포) means 'to hug' or 'to embrace'. 容 (용) means 'to contain', 'to tolerate', or 'face'. 性 (성) means 'nature' or 'quality'.

Original meaning: The nature of having a large enough capacity to embrace and contain others.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

When discussing '포용성' in Korea, be aware that it is often a political topic regarding LGBTQ+ rights, refugees, and gender equality, which can be sensitive.

In English, 'inclusivity' is the closest match, but '포용성' carries a slightly warmer, more personal nuance due to the 'embrace' root.

Moon Jae-in's 'Inclusive Nation' (포용 국가) policy. ESG management reports of Samsung and Hyundai. UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) translated into Korean.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

포용적인 문화
다양성 존중
의견 수용
차별 금지

Politics

포용 국가
복지 정책
사회 통합
소외 계층 지원

Education

포용성 교육
인성 발달
다문화 이해
평등한 기회

Self-Improvement

마음의 그릇
넓은 이해심
편견 버리기
포용력 기르기

Technology

디지털 포용
접근성 강화
정보 격차 해소
사용자 중심 설계

Conversation Starters

"한국 사회의 포용성에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"회사에서 포용성을 높이려면 어떤 노력이 필요할까요?"

"포용성이 넓은 리더의 특징은 무엇이라고 보십니까?"

"학교 교육에서 포용성을 가르치는 것이 왜 중요할까요?"

"디지털 포용성이 부족할 때 발생하는 문제는 무엇일까요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 다른 사람에게 포용성을 발휘한 순간은 언제였나요?

내가 생각하는 '진정한 포용성'의 정의를 써보세요.

우리 사회에서 포용성이 가장 필요한 분야는 어디라고 생각하나요?

포용성이 부족해서 상처받았던 경험이 있다면 적어보세요.

미래의 지도자에게 가장 필요한 포용성의 덕목은 무엇일까요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Rarely in casual small talk. You would use '마음이 넓다' or '이해심이 많다' with friends. Use '포용성' in meetings, essays, or interviews.

'포용성' is the quality/nature of being inclusive. '포용력' is the specific power or ability to include. They are often used interchangeably, but '포용력' sounds more like a skill someone possesses.

No. It is only for abstract concepts like people, ideas, and cultures. For physical capacity, use '수용 능력' or '공간'.

Yes, it is almost always used as a positive virtue in modern Korean society, representing maturity and progress.

You can use '포용적인' (e.g., 포용적인 사회) or '포용성 있는' (e.g., 포용성 있는 리더).

'배타성' (exclusivity) and '폐쇄성' (closedness) are the most common opposites.

Yes, but often in the context of political 'embrace' of people who follow the party line, or in the 'Sunshine Policy' (대북 포용 정책) context in the South.

It appears in Buddhist texts to describe the all-encompassing mercy of a Buddha, but its modern use is secular.

Yes, '디지털 포용성' refers to making technology accessible to everyone, including the elderly and disabled.

It uses 抱 (embrace), 容 (contain), and 性 (nature).