At the A1 level, 좌우하다 might seem a bit difficult because it's a 'Hanja' word (words based on Chinese characters). However, you can think of it simply as a word for 'big influence'. Imagine you are deciding what to eat for lunch. If you have a lot of money, you can go to a fancy restaurant. If you have a little money, you go to a convenience store. In this case, money decides your lunch. That 'deciding' power is what 좌우하다 means.
Even though this word is usually for adults or business, you can use it for simple things like mood or weather. For example, "The weather makes my day good or bad." In Korean, we say the weather 좌우 your day. It's like a remote control. Whoever has the remote control 좌우 the TV. It's a very useful word when you want to say that one thing is very important for another thing.
To remember it, think of the words for 'Left' (좌) and 'Right' (우). When you drive a bike, you move the handles left and right to go where you want. You are 'doing' (하다) the 'left and right' (좌우). So, you are in control!
At the A2 level, you are starting to build more complex sentences. 좌우하다 is a great word to use when you want to explain why something happened. Instead of just saying 'because,' you can say 'This factor determined the result.' It makes your Korean sound much more professional and clear. For example, when talking about school, you might say: "Studying hard 좌우 your grades."
One important thing to learn at this level is the grammar. This word always needs an object with -을/를. So, you say 'Grade-를 좌우하다' or 'Mood-를 좌우하다.' You can also use it with the word 성패 (seong-pae), which means 'success or failure.' This is a very common pair. People often say, "This project's 성패 is 좌우 by our teamwork."
Try to notice this word in advertisements. Many Korean ads say things like, "This small detail 좌우 the quality of our product." It’s a way to show that their product is special because they care about the small things that 'decide' everything else.
As a B1 learner, you can start using 좌우하다 in more abstract and social contexts. This word is perfect for discussing topics like the environment, the economy, or personal development. You might use it to describe how a country's future is determined by its education system. It’s no longer just about lunch or grades; it’s about broader concepts and systems of cause and effect.
You should also become comfortable with the passive form: 좌우되다. This is used when you want to focus on the thing being influenced. For example, "My happiness is determined by my mindset." (내 행복은 내 마음에 의해 좌우된다). This structure is very common in Korean writing and formal speech. Understanding the difference between 'influencing' (active) and 'being influenced' (passive) will help you express more complex thoughts.
Another common use at this level is in the context of relationships. You can talk about how a leader's personality 좌우 the atmosphere of a whole company. It’s a powerful word because it suggests that the leader has a lot of responsibility. If you use this word in a conversation about work or society, people will be impressed by your vocabulary choice.
At the B2 level, you should understand the nuance of 좌우하다 compared to similar words like 영향을 미치다 (to influence) or 결정하다 (to decide). While 영향을 미치다 is a general term, 좌우하다 implies a pivotal or decisive influence. It’s the difference between something that 'matters' and something that 'decides everything.' As a B2 speaker, you should use 좌우하다 when you want to emphasize the critical importance of a specific factor.
You will encounter this word frequently in news editorials and academic papers. It’s often used to describe the 'key' to a problem. For instance, "The success of the peace talks will be 좌우 by the trust between the two leaders." Here, the word highlights that trust is not just one factor among many, but the most important one. You should also be able to use it in the form 좌우하는 요인 (the factor that determines...).
In professional settings, use this word to argue your point. If you are suggesting a new marketing strategy, you can say, "This strategy will 좌우 our market share next year." This makes your argument sound more persuasive and authoritative. It shows you understand the 'leverage points' in your field.
For C1 learners, 좌우하다 is a tool for sophisticated analysis. You can use it to discuss complex philosophical, political, or economic theories. At this level, you might explore the idea of 'determinism' or 'agency' using this word. For example, you could debate whether a person's life is 좌우 by their environment (nature) or their choices (nurture). The word allows you to navigate these deep topics with precision.
You should also be aware of the metaphorical depth of the word. Since it literally means 'moving left or right,' it can be used to describe someone who is easily swayed or lacks a strong center. In a political critique, you might say a politician is '좌우' by public opinion rather than following their principles. This adds a layer of criticism—suggesting they are like a ship without a rudder, being tossed around by waves.
In writing, you can use 좌우하다 to create strong, impactful sentences. It’s a word that demands attention. Instead of using long, descriptive phrases to explain a cause, you can use this one verb to succinctly summarize the entire relationship. For instance, "In the digital age, data 좌우 the power of a corporation." This is a sharp, modern, and high-level way to express a complex reality.
At the C2 level, you have a mastery of 좌우하다 in all its registers, from high-level academic discourse to nuanced literary descriptions. You can use it to deconstruct arguments, pointing out that while one factor is often thought to 좌우 an outcome, there are actually hidden variables at play. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's historical weight and its modern rhetorical power.
In literary analysis, you might use the word to describe the 'turning point' of a novel. You could argue that a specific encounter 좌우 the protagonist's moral development. In legal or political contexts, you can use it to discuss how a single judicial ruling might 좌우 the interpretation of a constitution for decades. The word carries the weight of history and the gravity of the future.
Furthermore, a C2 speaker can play with the word's passive and causative nuances. You might use 좌우당하다 (to be controlled/manipulated) to express a sense of loss of autonomy in a highly stylized or emotional way. You can also pair it with advanced Hanja-based nouns like 향방 (direction/course) or 귀추 (the way things are going) to create extremely formal and precise observations about current events or historical trends.
좌우하다 in 30 Seconds
- 좌우하다 means to decisively influence or determine an outcome, literally meaning 'to move left or right.'
- It is a transitive verb requiring the object marker -을/를 and is often used in formal or academic contexts.
- Commonly paired with words like success (성패), fate (운명), or mood (기분) to show what is being controlled.
- The passive form 좌우되다 (to be determined by) is frequently used with the particle -에 의해.
The Korean verb 좌우하다 (jwau-hada) is a sophisticated and powerful term used to describe the act of controlling, influencing, or ultimately determining the outcome of a situation or the direction of a person's thoughts and actions. At its linguistic core, the word is derived from the Hanja characters 좌 (左 - Left) and 우 (右 - Right), combined with the verb 하다 (to do). Literally, it means 'to move something to the left or to the right.' This physical metaphor perfectly captures the essence of having the steering wheel in one's hands. If you can move an object or a situation to the left or the right at your will, you possess the definitive power over its trajectory. In modern usage, it has transcended its physical roots to become a staple in academic, business, and daily discussions regarding causality and influence.
- Core Concept
- The power to dictate the final result or the path something takes, often implying a decisive factor that outweighs others.
When you use 좌우하다, you are not just saying something has a 'small influence.' You are suggesting that the factor in question is a 'game-changer.' For example, while the weather might 'affect' (영향을 주다) your mood, a single exam might 'determine' (좌우하다) your entire academic future. It suggests a high level of significance. This word is frequently found in news headlines, business reports, and motivational speeches where the focus is on identifying the most critical variables for success or failure.
습관이 인생의 성패를 좌우한다고 해도 과언이 아닙니다.
In interpersonal dynamics, the word can describe how one person's opinion or presence dominates a group. If a leader's mood '좌우' the atmosphere of the office, it means the employees' emotional states are entirely dependent on how the boss feels that day. It is also used extensively in the context of the economy, where factors like interest rates or global oil prices '좌우' the national market. The versatility of this word allows it to bridge the gap between abstract philosophical concepts and concrete economic data.
Furthermore, the word is often used in the negative or as a challenge. People might say, "Don't let others' opinions 좌우 your life." This highlights the agency of the subject. In this context, it serves as a call to reclaim control. Because it sounds somewhat formal and decisive, using it in casual conversation can add weight and seriousness to your statement, making you sound more articulate and certain of your observations.
- Nuance Note
- While '영향을 미치다' (to influence) is neutral, '좌우하다' implies a stronger, more deterministic force.
그 선수의 부상이 이번 경기의 결과를 좌우할 것으로 보입니다.
To master this word, one must understand that it usually takes an object that represents a result, a direction, or a state of being. You don't just '좌우' a person; you '좌우' their decision, their fate, or their mood. It is the bridge between a cause and its most significant effect. In a world of many variables, 좌우하다 points to the one that truly matters.
Using 좌우하다 correctly requires an understanding of its typical sentence structures. Most commonly, it follows the pattern: [Subject/Factor]이/가 [Object/Outcome]을/를 좌우하다. The subject is the influential force, and the object is what is being decided or controlled. Because it is a transitive verb, the object marker -을/를 is essential. It is also frequently used in the passive-like form [Outcome]은/는 [Factor]에 의해 좌우되다, meaning 'The outcome is determined by the factor.'
- Common Subjects
- 돈 (money), 날씨 (weather), 기분 (mood), 첫인상 (first impression), 노력 (effort), 운 (luck).
In business contexts, you will often hear it paired with '성패' (success or failure). For instance, 'Marketing determines the success or failure of a product.' In Korean, this becomes '마케팅이 제품의 성패를 좌우한다.' Notice how the word '성패' encapsulates both possibilities, and 좌우하다 acts as the deciding mechanism between them. This is a very common rhetorical device in Korean writing.
첫인상은 면접의 합격 여부를 좌우하는 중요한 요소입니다.
Another frequent usage involves the word '운명' (fate). When we say someone's fate is '좌우' by something, it adds a dramatic and literary flair. 'His fate was determined by a single choice' would be '그의 운명은 단 한 번의 선택에 의해 좌우되었다.' This highlights the weight of the action. Even in more mundane settings, like discussing a restaurant, you might say, 'The quality of the ingredients determines the taste of the food' (재료의 질이 음식의 맛을 좌우한다).
When talking about people, 좌우하다 often implies a lack of independence if used negatively. '타인의 시선에 좌우되지 마세요' (Don't be swayed by the gaze of others) is a common piece of advice in Korea, where social harmony and the opinions of others are highly valued. Here, the word takes on a connotation of 'being swayed' or 'being manipulated' by external forces. It suggests that one's internal state or decisions are being moved 'left and right' by someone else's influence.
- Common Objects
- 결과 (result), 분위기 (atmosphere), 미래 (future), 결정 (decision), 가격 (price).
수출 실적이 국가 경제의 성장을 좌우하고 있습니다.
Finally, consider the tense. In news reports, it is often used in the present continuous (좌우하고 있다) to describe an ongoing influence, or the future tense (좌우할 것이다) to make predictions. In historical analysis, the past tense (좌우했다) is used to pinpoint turning points in history. By varying the tense and the subject/object pairs, you can use 좌우하다 to describe everything from the triviality of a lunch choice to the gravity of geopolitical shifts.
In South Korea, 좌우하다 is a word that straddles the line between formal media and thoughtful personal conversation. You will most frequently encounter it in news broadcasts. News anchors use it to summarize the impact of new policies, economic shifts, or international events. For example, a report on the central bank's interest rate hike will almost certainly mention how this decision will '좌우' the real estate market or consumer spending. It provides a sense of authority and clarity to the analysis.
- Media Context
- Economical analysis, political debates, and sports commentary where 'decisive factors' are analyzed.
Another common place to hear this word is in educational and motivational settings. Teachers, professors, and 'mentors' on YouTube often use 좌우하다 when emphasizing the importance of foundational habits or mindset. They might say, "Your attitude in your 20s will 좌우 your 40s." This usage is designed to instill a sense of responsibility and urgency in the listener. It frames life choices as pivotal moments that 'steer' the course of one's future.
“이번 선거 결과가 나라의 운명을 좌우할 것입니다.”
In the workplace, during strategy meetings or performance reviews, managers use this word to identify key performance indicators (KPIs). A manager might point out that 'customer satisfaction 좌우 our brand loyalty.' This highlights that among many factors, customer satisfaction is the primary driver. It’s a word that helps professionals cut through the noise and focus on what is truly 'decisive.'
Even in K-Dramas, you'll hear this word during intense scenes involving power struggles or emotional breakthroughs. A character might say, "Why do you let him 좌우 your emotions like that?" (왜 그 사람한테 네 기분을 좌우당하고 있어?). Here, the passive form '좌우당하다' is used to express being controlled or manipulated by someone else, often with a tone of frustration or pity. This shows the word's ability to express deep emotional dynamics.
- Everyday Listening
- Documentaries, talk shows discussing social issues, and high-level corporate presentations.
“작은 차이가 명품을 좌우합니다.”
Lastly, in the world of sports, commentators use it to describe a 'turning point' (분수령) or a key player's influence. If a star player is substituted in and the game's momentum shifts, they will say that player is '좌우'ing the flow of the game. In all these contexts, the word serves as a linguistic tool to identify the 'center of gravity' in any given situation.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 좌우하다 is confusing it with the simpler verb 영향을 주다 (to give influence). While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. 영향을 주다 is a broad term that can describe any level of influence, even a minor one. However, 좌우하다 implies a decisive influence—one that determines the final outcome. Using 좌우하다 for something trivial can sound overly dramatic or unnatural. For example, saying "The saltiness of this soup 좌우 my life" is an exaggeration unless you are a professional food critic whose career depends on that soup.
- Mistake 1: Intensity Misalignment
- Using it for minor influences that don't actually 'decide' the outcome. Use '영향을 미치다' for general influence.
Another common error involves the particle usage. Since 좌우하다 is a transitive verb, it must take the object marker -을/를. Learners sometimes mistakenly use -에 (to/at) because they are thinking of the English phrase 'influence ON something.' In Korean, you don't 'influence on' the result; you 'influence the result' directly. Correct: 결과를 좌우하다. Incorrect: 결과에 좌우하다.
감정이 행동에 좌우해요. (Wrong)
감정이 행동을 좌우해요. (Right)
A third mistake is related to the passive voice. Learners often struggle with the form 좌우되다 (to be determined by). They might say 좌우해지다, which is grammatically incorrect for this specific word. When you want to say 'A is determined by B,' the correct structure is A는 B에 의해 좌우된다 or simply A는 B에 좌우된다. Understanding the 'by' (-에 의해) construction is key to using the passive form naturally.
Finally, some learners confuse 좌우하다 with 지배하다 (to dominate/rule). While both involve control, 지배하다 has a much stronger connotation of power, authority, and often oppression. You '지배' a country or a colony, but you '좌우' the outcome of a meeting. 좌우하다 is more about the 'pivotal influence' rather than the 'authoritative rule.' Mixing these up can make your speech sound more aggressive than intended.
- Collocation Error
- Pairing it with objects that don't have a 'direction' or 'outcome.' For example, you don't '좌우' a book (unless you mean its success), you '읽다' (read) it.
그의 말 한마디가 분위기를 좌우했다.
In summary, avoid using it for minor things, remember the object marker -을/를, use the correct passive form 좌우되다, and distinguish it from the more forceful 지배하다. By keeping these distinctions in mind, your use of 좌우하다 will sound sophisticated and precise.
To truly master 좌우하다, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and near-synonyms. Each has a specific nuance that makes it suitable for different contexts. The most common alternative is 영향을 미치다 (to exert influence). This is the most neutral and widely used term. Unlike 좌우하다, which implies the influence is decisive, 영향을 미치다 can be used for any degree of impact, from a tiny nudge to a major shift.
- 좌우하다 vs. 영향을 미치다
- 좌우하다: Decisive, determines the outcome (e.g., Fate).
영향을 미치다: General, can be minor or partial (e.g., Weather affecting mood).
Another close synonym is 결정하다 (to decide). This verb is typically used when a person or a group makes a conscious choice. For example, 'The board decided the budget.' In contrast, 좌우하다 is often used for inanimate factors or circumstances. 'The budget was 좌우 by the economic downturn.' While a person can '좌우' something, the word focuses more on the effect of their power rather than the act of making a choice.
정부의 정책이 시장의 흐름을 결정짓는다.
For more formal or academic contexts, you might see 규정하다 (to define/stipulate) or 제약하다 (to restrict/limit). 규정하다 is used when something sets the rules or the definition of a situation. 제약하다 is used when the influence is negative or limiting. If you want to say that lack of funds '좌우' the project, you could use 제약하다 to emphasize that the lack of funds is holding the project back.
In terms of opposites, look at verbs like 방관하다 (to stand by and watch) or 순응하다 (to adapt/conform). While 좌우하다 is about active control, these verbs are about passivity or following the lead of others. If you are not '좌우'ing the situation, you might be '순응'ing to it. Understanding these relationships helps build a more comprehensive mental map of Korean causality verbs.
- Comparison: 좌우하다 vs. 지배하다
- 좌우하다: To steer or influence the direction/result.
지배하다: To rule over, dominate, or have total authority over something.
기술력이 기업의 경쟁력을 좌우하는 핵심입니다.
Lastly, consider 흔들다 (to shake). While '좌우하다' is often neutral or positive (steering), '흔들다' is usually negative, meaning to destabilize or sway someone's resolve. If a scandal '좌우' an election, it determined the result. If it '흔들' an election, it made the outcome uncertain and chaotic. Choosing the right word among these alternatives allows for much more nuanced and precise communication in Korean.
Examples by Level
날씨가 제 기분을 좌우해요.
The weather determines my mood.
Basic Subject-Object-Verb pattern.
돈이 점심 메뉴를 좌우해요.
Money determines the lunch menu.
Using -을/를 for the object '메뉴'.
엄마가 제 옷을 좌우해요.
My mom determines my clothes (what I wear).
Simple present tense.
이 게임은 운이 좌우해요.
Luck determines this game.
The subject '운' (luck) is the deciding factor.
잠이 다음 날 컨디션을 좌우해요.
Sleep determines the next day's condition.
Condition (컨디션) is a common loanword in Korean.
첫인상이 친구 관계를 좌우해요.
First impressions determine friendships.
Abstract object '관계' (relationship).
이 버튼이 소리를 좌우해요.
This button controls (determines) the sound.
Using a physical object as a subject.
선생님이 숙제 양을 좌우해요.
The teacher determines the amount of homework.
Focus on the person in charge.
노력이 시험 성적을 좌우할 거예요.
Effort will determine the exam grades.
Future tense -을 거예요.
이 요리는 불 조절이 맛을 좌우합니다.
In this dish, controlling the heat determines the taste.
Formal ending -습니다.
팀워크가 프로젝트의 성패를 좌우해요.
Teamwork determines the success or failure of the project.
The common noun '성패' (success/failure).
건강이 행복을 좌우한다고 생각해요.
I think health determines happiness.
Indirect quotation -고 생각해요.
어떤 신발을 신느냐가 패션을 좌우해요.
What kind of shoes you wear determines the fashion.
-느냐가 (the question of...) as a subject.
그 선수의 컨디션이 경기를 좌우할 것 같아요.
I think that player's condition will determine the match.
-ㄹ 것 같다 (it seems like...).
아침 식사가 하루의 에너지를 좌우해요.
Breakfast determines the day's energy.
Possessive particle -의.
부모님의 교육 방식이 아이의 성격을 좌우해요.
Parents' education style determines a child's personality.
Complex subject phrase.
긍정적인 마인드가 인생을 좌우할 수 있습니다.
A positive mindset can determine your life.
-ㄹ 수 있다 (can/ability).
회사의 이미지는 고객 서비스에 의해 좌우됩니다.
The company's image is determined by customer service.
Passive form -에 의해 좌우되다.
환율 변동이 수출 기업의 이익을 좌우해요.
Exchange rate fluctuations determine the profits of export companies.
Economic terminology.
어린 시절의 경험이 가치관을 좌우하는 경우가 많아요.
There are many cases where childhood experiences determine one's values.
-는 경우가 많다 (there are many cases where...).
기술의 발전이 미래의 직업 시장을 좌우할 것입니다.
Technological advancement will determine the future job market.
Future tense in formal writing.
정치인의 말 한마디가 선거의 향방을 좌우했습니다.
A single word from a politician determined the course of the election.
Past tense -었습니다.
습관은 우리의 건강뿐만 아니라 삶의 질을 좌우해요.
Habits determine not only our health but also our quality of life.
-뿐만 아니라 (not only... but also).
이 결정이 우리 가족의 미래를 좌우하게 될 거예요.
This decision will come to determine our family's future.
-게 되다 (to come to be/become).
자본주의 사회에서 부는 사회적 지위를 좌우하는 핵심 요소다.
In a capitalist society, wealth is a key factor that determines social status.
Noun modification '좌우하는 핵심 요소'.
그 기업의 혁신 능력이 시장에서의 생존을 좌우할 것이다.
The company's ability to innovate will determine its survival in the market.
Abstract noun '생존' (survival).
여론의 흐름이 이번 정책의 성패를 좌우할 것으로 보입니다.
It appears that the flow of public opinion will determine the success or failure of this policy.
-ㄹ 것으로 보이다 (it appears that...).
개인의 창의성이 4차 산업혁명 시대의 경쟁력을 좌우합니다.
Individual creativity determines competitiveness in the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Modern economic context.
환경 보호에 대한 인식이 인류의 미래를 좌우할 중대한 사안이다.
Awareness of environmental protection is a critical issue that will determine the future of humanity.
Critical tone '중대한 사안'.
데이터 분석 역량이 현대 비즈니스의 승패를 좌우하고 있습니다.
Data analysis capability is determining the victory or defeat of modern business.
Present continuous -고 있다.
감정에 좌우되지 않고 객관적인 판단을 내리는 것이 중요합니다.
It is important to make objective judgments without being swayed by emotions.
-지 않고 (without doing...).
한 나라의 교육 시스템이 그 국가의 국력을 좌우한다고 해도 과언이 아니다.
It is no exaggeration to say that a country's education system determines its national power.
-고 해도 과언이 아니다 (no exaggeration to say).
지정학적 위치는 한 국가의 외교 정책을 좌우하는 결정적 변수이다.
Geopolitical position is a decisive variable that determines a nation's foreign policy.
Academic terminology '지정학적' (geopolitical).
플랫폼 기업의 독점력이 시장의 공정성을 좌우할 우려가 제기되고 있다.
Concerns are being raised that the monopoly power of platform companies might determine the fairness of the market.
-ㄹ 우려가 제기되다 (concerns are being raised that...).
역사적 사건의 해석은 현재의 정치적 담론에 의해 좌우되기도 한다.
The interpretation of historical events is sometimes determined by current political discourse.
-기도 하다 (sometimes... also).
인공지능의 윤리적 가이드라인이 기술의 수용 여부를 좌우할 핵심 과제다.
Ethical guidelines for AI are a key task that will determine whether the technology is accepted.
Complex noun phrase '수용 여부' (acceptance or not).
소비자의 심리적 요인이 실물 경제의 회복 속도를 좌우하고 있다.
Psychological factors of consumers are determining the recovery speed of the real economy.
Economic analysis '실물 경제' (real economy).
예술적 직관이 작품의 영혼을 좌우하는 가장 신비로운 요소이다.
Artistic intuition is the most mysterious element that determines the soul of a work.
Superlative '가장... 요소'.
정보의 비대칭성이 시장 참여자들의 의사결정을 좌우하는 근본적인 원인이다.
Information asymmetry is the fundamental cause that determines the decision-making of market participants.
High-level concept '정보의 비대칭성'.
리더의 도덕성이 조직의 장기적인 존속을 좌우한다는 점을 명심해야 한다.
One must keep in mind that a leader's morality determines the long-term survival of an organization.
-한다는 점을 명심해야 한다 (must keep in mind that...).
담론의 주도권을 누가 쥐느냐가 사회적 정의의 실현 방식을 좌우한다.
Who holds the initiative in discourse determines the way social justice is realized.
Abstract power dynamic '주도권'.
양자역학의 불확정성 원리는 미시 세계의 물리적 법칙을 좌우하는 근간이다.
The uncertainty principle of quantum mechanics is the foundation that determines the physical laws of the microscopic world.
Scientific discourse '불확정성 원리'.
문화적 헤게모니는 대중의 미적 취향과 가치 판단을 은밀하게 좌우한다.
Cultural hegemony covertly determines the aesthetic tastes and value judgments of the public.
Sociological term '헤게모니'.
개별 주체의 실존적 결단이 운명의 필연성을 좌우할 수 있다는 실존주의적 통찰.
An existential insight that an individual subject's existential decision can determine the necessity of fate.
Philosophical phrasing.
알고리즘의 편향성이 정보의 도달 범위를 좌우하며 민주주의를 위협하고 있다.
The bias of algorithms determines the reach of information and is threatening democracy.
Participial construction '-하며'.
거시 경제 지표의 미세한 변화가 글로벌 공급망의 안정성을 좌우하는 시점이다.
It is a point in time where minute changes in macroeconomic indicators determine the stability of the global supply chain.
Complex technical analysis.
언어적 프레임이 대중의 인지 구조를 좌우함으로써 현실 인식을 재구성한다.
Linguistic framing reconstructs the perception of reality by determining the cognitive structure of the public.
-함으로써 (by doing/through).
생명 공학의 윤리적 한계 설정이 인류 진화의 방향성을 좌우할 중차대한 분수령이 될 것이다.
The setting of ethical limits in biotechnology will be a momentous watershed that determines the direction of human evolution.
Formal prediction '중차대한 분수령'.
Common Collocations
Summary
좌우하다 is the word you use when you want to identify the 'deciding factor.' It goes beyond simple influence; it suggests that the subject has the power to steer the entire situation toward its final result. Example: '노력이 성패를 좌우한다' (Effort determines success or failure).
- 좌우하다 means to decisively influence or determine an outcome, literally meaning 'to move left or right.'
- It is a transitive verb requiring the object marker -을/를 and is often used in formal or academic contexts.
- Commonly paired with words like success (성패), fate (운명), or mood (기분) to show what is being controlled.
- The passive form 좌우되다 (to be determined by) is frequently used with the particle -에 의해.
Example
오늘의 노력이 당신의 미래를 좌우할 것이다.
Related Content
More academic words
입체적
B2Having a three-dimensional effect or examining something from multiple perspectives rather than a single flat view. It implies a comprehensive and detailed analysis.
~에 관해
B1About, concerning.
~에 대하여
A2Concerning or regarding a particular subject; about.
~대해
A2About; concerning; regarding.
~에 관하여
A2Regarding, concerning, about (a topic).
~에 대해(서)
A1Indicates the topic or subject of discussion, meaning 'about' or 'regarding'.
무엇보다
A2More than anything else; above all.
결석생
A2A student who is absent from class.
추상화하다
B2To consider something theoretically or separately from its physical reality. It involves extracting general principles from specific examples.
추상
A2Abstraction; the quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.
