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B1 noun #6,500 most common 12 min read

침해

Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 침해 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 침해 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word '침해' is quite advanced, as it is a formal noun usually learned later. However, beginners might encounter it in simple contexts like '사생활 침해' (privacy violation) through pop culture or news. At this stage, you should focus on the fact that '침해' means someone is doing something they shouldn't to your space or things. Think of it as a very serious way to say 'No!' or 'That's mine!' It is often used with '해요' (do) to make '침해해요'. You might see it on signs or in simple warnings. Don't worry about using it in complex sentences yet; just recognize that it refers to a 'bad invasion' of someone's rights. For an A1 student, knowing that '사생활' means private life and '침해' means violation is a great way to understand warnings on the internet or in public places in Korea.

For A2 learners, '침해' becomes more useful when discussing basic rights and rules. You should start to see how it combines with other nouns. For example, '저작권 침해' (copyright violation) is a term you might see on YouTube or music sites. You can start using simple sentence patterns like '그것은 사생활 침해예요' (That is a privacy violation). At this level, you should also learn the opposite concept, '보호' (protection). Understanding that '침해' is a negative action that requires '보호' helps build your vocabulary structure. You might also encounter it in textbooks when talking about social problems. Remember that '침해' is a noun, so it needs '하다' to become a verb. Try to recognize it in news headlines where it often appears to describe incidents where someone was treated unfairly.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use '침해' in more varied contexts, especially in discussions about society, law, and personal boundaries. This is the level where you should distinguish between '침해하다' (to infringe) and '침해당하다' (to be infringed upon). You should be able to explain why something is a '침해'. For example, '인터넷에 사진을 올리는 것은 사생활 침해가 될 수 있어요' (Posting photos on the internet can be a privacy violation). You will also encounter '침해' in professional settings, such as discussing '지식재산권' (intellectual property rights). At B1, you should be comfortable using the word in both spoken and written Korean to express your opinion on social issues. You should also start noticing the formal tone it carries and avoid using it in overly casual situations where '방해' might be more appropriate.

B2 learners should have a nuanced understanding of '침해' and its legal implications. You should be able to use it in complex sentences with various grammatical connectors like '-음에도 불구하고' (despite) or '-로 인해' (due to). For example, '강력한 보안 조치에도 불구하고 개인정보 침해 사고가 발생했다' (Despite strong security measures, a personal information breach occurred). At this level, you should also be able to compare '침해' with similar words like '침범', '위반', and '유린', choosing the correct one based on the context. You will likely see '침해' in academic texts, editorials, and legal documents. You should also be able to discuss the '침해의 소지' (possibility of infringement) in debates, showing that you understand the word isn't just for definite actions but also for potential risks to rights.

At the C1 level, '침해' is a tool for precise and sophisticated expression. You should be able to use it in the context of high-level legal and ethical discourse. This includes understanding the '침해' of abstract concepts like '행복추구권' (the right to pursue happiness) or '자기결정권' (the right to self-determination). You should be able to write essays or give presentations on topics like '공익과 사익의 충돌: 어디까지 사생활 침해를 허용할 것인가?' (Conflict between public and private interest: To what extent should privacy infringement be allowed?). Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's Hanja roots and how it interacts with other formal vocabulary. You should also be sensitive to the rhetorical power of the word, using it to frame arguments about justice and injustice in a way that resonates with native speakers in a professional or academic environment.

For C2 learners, '침해' is used with total native-like fluency, including its use in legal jargon and historical contexts. You should be able to understand and use phrases like '본질적 내용의 침해 금지' (prohibition of infringing on essential content) which is a concept in constitutional law. You can analyze how the usage of '침해' has evolved in Korean society, perhaps discussing its role in the development of modern Korean legal consciousness. You should be able to detect subtle nuances when '침해' is used in literature or high-level political speeches to evoke a sense of violated sanctity or broken social contracts. At this level, you are not just using the word correctly; you are using it to navigate the deepest levels of Korean thought regarding rights, boundaries, and the harm caused when those boundaries are crossed.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

침해 in 30 Seconds

침해 is a formal noun meaning infringement or violation of rights.
It is commonly paired with '사생활' (privacy) or '저작권' (copyright).
The verb form is '침해하다' (to infringe) and passive is '침해당하다'.
It carries a serious, often legal tone and implies that harm was caused.

The Korean word 침해 (Chim-hae) is a formal noun that translates to infringement, violation, or encroachment. It is composed of two Hanja characters: 侵 (침) meaning 'to invade' or 'to encroach' and 害 (해) meaning 'to harm' or 'to damage.' Together, they describe an action where someone oversteps a boundary—whether physical, legal, or moral—and in doing so, causes harm or diminishes the value of something belonging to another person. In South Korean society, which has rapidly modernized and legalized various social norms, this word has become ubiquitous in discussions regarding privacy, intellectual property, and human rights.

Legal Context: In the legal sphere, 침해 is the standard term used to describe the violation of rights. For instance, '저작권 침해' (copyright infringement) is a common phrase in the entertainment industry, particularly with the global rise of K-pop and K-dramas. It refers to the unauthorized use of creative works that harms the original creator's economic or moral rights.

개인의 사생활 침해는 법적으로 금지되어 있습니다. (Violation of an individual's privacy is legally prohibited.)

Beyond the courtroom, 침해 is used in daily life to talk about personal space and boundaries. If someone asks too many personal questions, a Korean speaker might feel their '사생활' (private life) is being invaded. However, because the word carries a somewhat heavy, formal tone, using it in a casual setting with friends might sound a bit dramatic or serious, similar to saying 'You are infringing upon my personal liberty' instead of 'Stop bothering me.' It is most frequently encountered in news reports, official documents, and professional debates about technology and ethics.

Social Context: In Korea's collectivist history, individual privacy was often secondary to family or community needs. However, the modern generation (MZ generation) uses '침해' much more frequently to assert individual rights against traditional hierarchies or intrusive workplace cultures.

퇴근 후 업무 연락은 휴식권을 침해하는 행위입니다. (Contacting someone for work after hours is an act that infringes on the right to rest.)

The word also appears in international relations. '영토 침해' (territorial infringement) or '영해 침해' (violation of territorial waters) are terms used when one country's military forces enter another's space without permission. This highlights the word's versatility—it scales from the micro-level of a single person's feelings to the macro-level of global geopolitics. Understanding '침해' is essential for anyone looking to navigate Korean media or professional environments, as it defines where one person's freedom ends and another's begins.

Economic Context: Market competition often involves '상표권 침해' (trademark infringement). When a new business copies a famous brand's logo or name, they are said to be '침해'ing the established company's rights, leading to legal disputes and financial penalties.

그 회사는 우리 특허권을 침해했다는 혐의를 받고 있다. (That company is suspected of having infringed on our patent rights.)

Using 침해 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and its transition into a verb. In most cases, it follows a specific object—the thing being violated. The most common structure is '[Object] + [Possessive Particle 의] + 침해' or '[Object] + 침해'. Because it is a formal word, it often appears with formal verb endings like '-하다' (to do), '-당하다' (to suffer/be subjected to), or '-되다' (to be done/become).

Active Voice: 침해하다: When a subject is actively violating a right, use '침해하다'. Example: '정부는 국민의 자유를 침해해서는 안 된다' (The government must not infringe upon the citizens' freedom). Here, the government is the actor performing the violation.

타인의 권리를 침해하는 행위는 처벌받을 수 있습니다. (Acts that infringe on others' rights can be punished.)

One of the nuances of '침해' is that it almost always implies an 'unlawful' or 'unjust' action. You wouldn't use '침해' for a justified entry, like a firefighter entering a building to save someone. It is strictly reserved for instances where a boundary is crossed without permission or right. This makes it a powerful word in advocacy and debate. If you use '침해' in a conversation, you are making a strong claim that something wrong has occurred.

Passive Voice: 침해당하다 / 침해받다: If you are the one whose rights were violated, you use '침해당하다' or '침해받다'. '당하다' often carries a stronger sense of being a victim of a negative action. Example: '나는 사생활을 침해당하는 것이 정말 싫다' (I really hate having my privacy invaded).

그녀는 자신의 저작권이 침해받았다고 주장했습니다. (She claimed that her copyright had been infringed upon.)

In academic writing or news reporting, you will often see the noun form used with the existential verb '있다' or '없다' to indicate the presence of a violation. For example, '인권 침해의 소지가 있다' (There is a possibility of human rights violation). This phrasing is used when an action hasn't been definitively ruled as a violation yet, but there are concerns. This '소지' (possibility/room for) construction is very common in Korean legal and bureaucratic discourse.

Complex Sentences: You can use '침해' with various particles to show cause and effect. '침해로 인해' (Due to the infringement) is a frequent way to start a sentence explaining damages. '침해를 방지하기 위해' (In order to prevent infringement) is used when discussing security or laws.

기술 유출로 인한 지식재산권 침해가 심각한 문제입니다. (Infringement of intellectual property rights due to technology leaks is a serious problem.)

While you might not hear 침해 while buying groceries or ordering coffee, it is a staple of the Korean media landscape. If you turn on a Korean news channel like KBS, MBC, or SBS, you are almost guaranteed to hear this word within the first thirty minutes. It is the go-to term for reporting on scandals, legal battles, and social justice issues. For example, when discussing the intrusive behavior of 'sasaeng' fans (obsessive fans who stalk celebrities), commentators will frequently use the term '사생활 침해' (privacy violation) to condemn their actions.

Digital and Tech Spaces: In the age of big data, '개인정보 침해' (personal information violation/data breach) is a headline regular. When a major website gets hacked and user data is leaked, the official statement from the company will always include the word '침해' to describe the unauthorized access to and use of that data.

해킹으로 인해 수만 명의 개인정보가 침해되었습니다. (The personal information of tens of thousands of people was compromised due to hacking.)

You will also hear this word in Korean workplace dramas (like 'Misaeng' or 'Stranger'). Characters often use it when discussing unfair labor practices or when one company steals a patent from a smaller competitor. In these contexts, '침해' serves as a linguistic weapon used to define an injustice. It carries the weight of the law, suggesting that the person speaking is aware of their rights and is ready to defend them. If a boss asks an employee to do something that violates their contract, the employee might say, '이것은 정당한 노동권을 침해하는 것입니다' (This is an infringement of legitimate labor rights).

Public Service Announcements: In Korean subways or public parks, you might see posters about '인권 침해 예방' (Human rights violation prevention). These are aimed at educating the public about workplace harassment, bullying, or discrimination, framing these social ills as violations of a person's fundamental rights.

직장 내 괴롭힘은 인격권을 침해하는 중대한 사안입니다. (Workplace bullying is a serious issue that infringes on the right of personality.)

Finally, in the world of internet comments and social media debates, '침해' is used by netizens to call out influencers or companies that they believe have overstepped. Whether it's an influencer 'infringing' on a small business's design or a company 'infringing' on consumer rights, the word is a powerful tool for public discourse. It signals that a boundary has been crossed that society deems important. For a learner, hearing '침해' is a signal that the topic is serious, likely involves a conflict of interest, and has potential legal or ethical consequences.

Academic Lectures: If you attend a university lecture in Korea on law, sociology, or political science, '침해' will be one of the most frequently used terms to describe the relationship between the state and the individual.

공공의 이익을 위해 개인의 자유를 어디까지 침해할 수 있는가? (To what extent can individual freedom be infringed upon for the public interest?)

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 침해 is confusing it with other '침' (Chim) or '위' (Wi) words that involve breaking rules or entering spaces. Because Korean has many words with similar Hanja roots, it's easy to swap them, but the nuance of '침해' is very specific—it requires the element of 'harming a right or interest.'

침해 vs. 침입 (Chim-ip): '침입' means 'intrusion' or 'break-in.' It is almost always physical. You '침입' into a house (주거 침입) or a computer system (시스템 침입). '침해' is about the *rights* or *interests* that are harmed by that intrusion. While a break-in is a '침입', the resulting loss of privacy is a '사생활 침해'. Don't say 'rights were 침입'ed; say they were '침해'ed.

❌ 도둑이 내 권리를 침입했다. (Wrong: The thief intruded my rights.)
✅ 도둑이 내 권리를 침해했다. (Right: The thief infringed my rights.)

Another error is using '침해' when you should use '위반' (Wi-ban). '위반' means 'violation' of a specific law, rule, or contract. For example, '교통 법규 위반' (traffic law violation). You don't '침해' a traffic light; you '위반' the rule. '침해' is used when there is a victim whose rights are being stepped on. If you break a rule that doesn't necessarily harm a specific person's rights directly (like parking in a no-parking zone), '위반' is the correct choice. If you steal someone's patent, you are '위반'ing the law AND '침해'ing their rights.

침해 vs. 침범 (Chim-beom): '침범' (invasion/trespass) is very close to '침해'. However, '침범' is usually used for boundaries and territories. '영토 침범' (territorial invasion) is common. '침해' is broader and can include abstract things like 'well-being' or 'reputation.' You '침범' a line, but you '침해' a right.

❌ 그 소음은 내 수면권을 침입했다.
✅ 그 소음은 내 수면권을 침해했다. (The noise infringed on my right to sleep.)

Learners also struggle with the particles. Since '침해' is often used with '하다', people forget that the object of the violation should take the object particle '을/를' when used with '침해하다', but the possessive '의' when used as a noun phrase. For example, '권리를 침해하다' (to infringe rights) vs '권리의 침해' (infringement of rights). Mixing these up can make your Korean sound unnatural. Lastly, avoid using '침해' for minor annoyances. If your friend takes a fry from your plate, saying '넌 내 식사권을 침해했어' (You infringed on my right to eat) is grammatically correct but culturally hilarious because it's so overly formal.

Common Formality Mistake: Using '침해' in a very casual, joking context without realizing it sounds like a lawyer is speaking. If you want to be casual, use '방해' (interference/bothering) instead.

To truly master 침해, you need to know its 'neighbors'—words that share similar meanings but are used in different contexts. Korean is rich with synonyms that vary by degree of formality and specific domain (legal, physical, social). Choosing the right one will make you sound much more like a native speaker.

1. 침범 (Chim-beom): Often used interchangeably with '침해' in the context of territory or space. However, '침범' emphasizes the crossing of a boundary or line. If a car crosses into the opposite lane, it is '중앙선 침범' (crossing the center line). You wouldn't use '침해' there because no 'right' is being permanently harmed in the same way, just a safety boundary is crossed.
2. 위반 (Wi-ban): This is 'violation' in the sense of breaking a rule. If you violate a contract, it is '계약 위반'. If the contract violation specifically hurts the other person's rights, you might call the *result* of that violation a '침해'. '위반' is about the rule; '침해' is about the victim.

Comparison:
법규 위반 (Breaking the law) vs 권리 침해 (Violating a right)

For more abstract or emotional 'invasions,' you might consider 간섭 (Gan-seop), which means 'interference' or 'meddling.' If your parents are always checking your phone, you might say they are '간섭'ing. Using '침해' (사생활 침해) would make it a much more serious, legalistic complaint. Another alternative is 모독 (Mo-dok), which means 'insult' or 'profanation.' While '침해' is about rights, '모독' is about dignity or sacredness (e.g., '신성 모독' - blasphemy, '인격 모독' - character assassination).

3. 유린 (Yu-rin): This is a very strong word, often translated as 'trampling' or 'infringement' in an extreme sense. It is used for severe human rights violations, such as '인권 유린'. It suggests a complete lack of respect for the victim and total destruction of their rights. It is much more emotional and intense than '침해'.

인권을 유린하는 행위는 용납될 수 없다. (Acts that trample on human rights cannot be tolerated.)

In summary, choose '침해' for formal, legal, or serious assertions of rights. Choose '침범' for physical or boundary-related crossing. Choose '위반' for rules and laws. Choose '간섭' for personal meddling. And choose '유린' only for the most severe, tragic violations of human dignity. Understanding these distinctions allows you to navigate the complexities of Korean social and legal interactions with precision.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '침' (侵) is the same one used in the word '침략' (invasion), which is used for military invasions. This gives '침해' a very strong, aggressive underlying tone.

Pronunciation Guide

UK tɕʰim.ɦɛ

US tɕʰim.ɦɛ

In Korean, syllables generally have equal weight, but a slight emphasis may be placed on the first syllable '침' to ensure the aspiration is clear.

Rhymes With

심해 (deep sea) 임해 (facing the sea) 금해 (prohibit) 음해 (slander) 피해 (damage) 오해 (misunderstanding) 화해 (reconciliation) 항해 (navigation)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '침' like 'shim' (it must be a 'ch' sound).
Forgetting the aspiration (the puff of air) on the 'ch'.
Pronouncing '해' as 'hey' (it should be a shorter 'e' sound).
Merging the two syllables into one.
Pronouncing the 'h' in '해' too strongly like a Western 'H'; in fast speech, it often becomes voiced and soft.

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 understanding of formal contexts.

Speaking 4/5

Used in debates and serious discussions; sounds unnatural in casual chat.

Listening 3/5

Clearly pronounced, but often surrounded by other difficult legal terms.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

권리 (right) 법 (law) 해 (harm) 개인 (individual) 비밀 (secret)

Learn Next

위반 (violation) 보호 (protection) 소송 (lawsuit) 배상 (compensation) 판결 (judgment)

Advanced

위헌 (unconstitutional) 기본권 (fundamental rights) 정당화 (justification) 구제 (remedy) 조항 (clause)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 하다 to form a verb

침해 + 하다 = 침해하다 (to infringe)

Noun + 당하다 for passive voice (negative)

침해 + 당하다 = 침해당하다 (to be infringed)

-(으)로 인해 (due to)

침해로 인해 피해가 발생했다. (Damage occurred due to infringement.)

-지 않도록 (so that... not)

권리를 침해하지 않도록 주의하세요. (Be careful not to infringe on rights.)

-ㄹ 소지가 있다 (possibility of)

침해할 소지가 다분합니다. (There is much potential for infringement.)

Examples by Level

사생활 침해는 나빠요.

Privacy violation is bad.

Simple noun + adjective.

이것은 권리 침해예요.

This is a violation of rights.

Using the polite ending -예요.

침해하지 마세요.

Please do not infringe.

Verb 침해하다 + -지 마세요 (don't).

그는 내 자리를 침해했어요.

He invaded my spot.

Past tense -했어요.

저작권 침해를 조심하세요.

Be careful of copyright infringement.

Object particle -를.

누가 침해했어요?

Who infringed?

Subject marker -가.

여기는 사생활 침해 구역이에요.

This is a privacy violation area.

Noun + noun compounding.

침해는 안 돼요.

Infringement is not allowed.

Common negative expression '안 돼요'.

남의 물건을 쓰는 것은 권리 침해입니다.

Using someone else's things is an infringement of rights.

Nominalizing verb with -는 것.

이 영화는 저작권을 침해했어요.

This movie infringed on copyright.

Subject-Object-Verb order.

사생활을 침해당해서 기분이 나빠요.

I feel bad because my privacy was invaded.

Passive voice 침해당하다 + -아서 (reason).

다른 사람의 시간을 침해하지 마십시오.

Do not infringe on other people's time.

Formal imperative -십시오.

그 행동은 법률 침해일 수 있어요.

That action could be a legal violation.

-ㄹ 수 있다 (possibility).

우리는 인권 침해에 반대합니다.

We oppose human rights violations.

Particle -에 (towards/against).

개인 정보를 침해하는 사이트가 많아요.

There are many sites that violate personal information.

Adjective form -는 describing '사이트'.

침해 사례를 조사하고 있습니다.

We are investigating cases of infringement.

Present progressive -고 있다.

인터넷 게시판에서의 욕설은 인격권 침해입니다.

Insults on internet bulletin boards are a violation of personality rights.

Focus on abstract rights.

기업은 소비자의 권익을 침해해서는 안 됩니다.

Companies must not infringe on the interests of consumers.

-아서는 안 되다 (prohibition).

그 기사는 그의 명예를 심각하게 침해했다.

That article seriously infringed on his honor.

Adverb 심각하게 (seriously).

우리는 영토 침해에 대해 강력히 대응할 것입니다.

We will respond strongly to territorial infringement.

-에 대해 (about/regarding).

사생활 침해 논란이 끊이지 않고 있습니다.

The controversy over privacy violation is never-ending.

Noun 논란 (controversy).

정보를 침해당한 사람들은 보상을 요구했다.

People whose information was compromised demanded compensation.

Relative clause describing '사람들'.

타인의 휴식 시간을 침해하는 것은 예의가 아니다.

It is not polite to infringe on others' rest time.

Formal noun 예의 (etiquette).

이 규정은 평등권을 침해할 소지가 있다.

This regulation has the potential to infringe on the right to equality.

Expression '소지가 있다' (potential/possibility).

환경권 침해로 인해 주민들이 고통받고 있다.

Residents are suffering due to the infringement of environmental rights.

Cause and effect with -로 인해.

국가는 국민의 기본권을 최대한 침해하지 않아야 한다.

The state should not infringe on the basic rights of citizens as much as possible.

Adverb 최대한 (to the maximum).

불법 다운로드는 창작자의 저작권을 침해하는 행위이다.

Illegal downloading is an act of infringing on the creator's copyright.

Defining a term with '행위이다'.

그 정책은 중소기업의 영업권을 침해할 우려가 크다.

There is a high concern that the policy will infringe on the business rights of small businesses.

Noun 우려 (concern).

수사 과정에서 피의자의 인권이 침해되어서는 안 된다.

The suspect's human rights must not be violated during the investigation process.

Passive voice 침해되다.

그는 자신의 특허권이 침해되었다며 소송을 제기했다.

He filed a lawsuit, claiming his patent rights had been infringed.

Quoting with -다며 (saying that).

무분별한 개발은 동물의 서식지를 침해한다.

Indiscriminate development infringes on animal habitats.

Scientific/Environmental context.

개인정보 침해 사고가 발생했을 때의 대처법을 익혀야 한다.

One must learn how to cope when a personal information breach occurs.

Conditional clause -을 때.

공익을 명분으로 개인의 자유를 침해하는 것은 정당화될 수 없다.

Infringing on individual freedom in the name of public interest cannot be justified.

Sophisticated noun 명분 (pretext/justification).

빅데이터의 활용이 사생활 침해로 이어지지 않도록 주의해야 한다.

Care must be taken so that the use of big data does not lead to privacy violations.

-도록 (so that).

헌법재판소는 해당 법률이 위헌적 권리 침해라고 판결했다.

The Constitutional Court ruled that the law in question was an unconstitutional violation of rights.

Legal term 위헌적 (unconstitutional).

표현의 자유가 타인의 명예를 침해하는 수단이 되어서는 안 된다.

Freedom of expression should not become a means of infringing on others' honor.

Abstract concept integration.

알 권리와 사생활 보호 사이의 균형이 침해 논란의 핵심이다.

The balance between the right to know and the protection of privacy is the core of the infringement controversy.

Complex noun phrases.

인공지능 기술의 발전이 인간의 존엄성을 침해할 가능성이 제기되고 있다.

Possibilities are being raised that the development of AI technology may infringe upon human dignity.

Passive progressive '제기되고 있다'.

지나친 감시는 노동자의 정신적 안녕을 침해하는 요소가 된다.

Excessive surveillance becomes an element that infringes on the mental well-being of workers.

Formal noun 안녕 (well-being).

문화적 전유는 특정 공동체의 정체성을 침해하는 결과를 초래할 수 있다.

Cultural appropriation can result in infringing on the identity of a specific community.

Verb 초래하다 (to cause/result in).

본질적 내용의 침해 금지 원칙은 헌법의 근간을 이룬다.

The principle of prohibiting the infringement of essential content forms the basis of the Constitution.

High-level legal terminology.

디지털 시대의 잊힐 권리는 개인정보 침해에 대한 새로운 방어 기제이다.

The right to be forgotten in the digital age is a new defense mechanism against personal information infringement.

Modern sociological concepts.

국가 안보라는 미명 하에 자행되는 인권 침해를 묵과해서는 안 된다.

Human rights violations committed under the guise of national security must not be overlooked.

Idiomatic expression '미명 하에' (under the guise of).

기술 권력에 의한 주권 침해는 현대 민주주의의 새로운 도전 과제이다.

The infringement of sovereignty by technological power is a new challenge for modern democracy.

Political science discourse.

사법부는 권리 침해의 구제 수단으로서 최후의 보루 역할을 수행한다.

The judiciary serves as the last bastion as a means of remedy for rights infringement.

Metaphorical language '최후의 보루'.

침해의 정도가 사회적으로 용인될 수 있는 범위를 넘어섰다.

The degree of infringement has exceeded the range that can be socially tolerated.

Precise measurement language.

지적 재산권의 침해는 혁신의 동력을 저해하는 치명적인 요인이다.

Infringement of intellectual property rights is a fatal factor that hinders the engine of innovation.

Economic analysis phrasing.

그 판결은 향후 유사한 침해 사례에 대한 중요한 선례가 될 것이다.

That ruling will serve as an important precedent for similar infringement cases in the future.

Legal term 선례 (precedent).

Synonyms

위반 범죄 훼손 간섭 유린

Antonyms

보호 존중 수호

Common Collocations

사생활 침해

저작권 침해

인권 침해

개인정보 침해

권리 침해

영토 침해

특허권 침해

침해를 당하다

침해할 소지

침해 예방

Common Phrases

심각한 침해

— A serious violation or infringement.

그것은 명예에 대한 심각한 침해입니다.

무단 침해

— Unauthorized infringement.

지적 재산권의 무단 침해를 금합니다.

일방적 침해

— One-sided infringement.

상대방의 일방적 침해에 대응했다.

정당한 침해?

— Is there such a thing? Usually used in debates about whether a violation is justified.

공익을 위한 정당한 침해인가?

침해 사례

— Cases or examples of infringement.

다양한 침해 사례를 분석했습니다.

침해 여부

— Whether or not an infringement has occurred.

침해 여부를 확인하고 있습니다.

침해 가능성

— The possibility of infringement.

침해 가능성이 제기되었습니다.

침해 행위

— The act of infringement.

침해 행위를 중단하십시오.

침해 구제

— Remedy or relief for an infringement.

침해 구제를 위해 노력하고 있다.

침해 방지

— Prevention of infringement.

침해 방지 시스템을 도입했다.

Often Confused With

침해 vs 침입

Physical intrusion vs. abstract violation of rights.

침해 vs 침범

Crossing a boundary vs. harming a right/interest.

침해 vs 위반

Breaking a rule vs. hurting a person's rights.

Idioms & Expressions

"사생활을 침해하다"

— To poke one's nose into someone's private affairs (formally).

그 기자는 선을 넘어 사생활을 침해했다.

Neutral

"권리를 짓밟다"

— To trample on rights (more idiomatic/emotional than 침해).

강대국이 약소국의 권리를 짓밟았다.

Emotional

"선을 넘다"

— To cross the line (often leads to 침해).

그의 질문은 선을 넘어서 사생활 침해 같았다.

Colloquial

"영역을 침범하다"

— To invade someone's territory or domain.

그는 내 전문 영역을 침범했다.

Neutral

"법망을 피하다"

— To avoid the net of the law (while committing 침해).

그들은 법망을 피해서 저작권을 침해했다.

Neutral

"눈 가리고 아웅"

— To bury one's head in the sand (ignoring an infringement).

그 회사의 대처는 눈 가리고 아웅 식의 침해 은폐였다.

Idiomatic

"발을 들이다"

— To step foot into (unauthorized space).

남의 땅에 함부로 발을 들이는 것은 영토 침해다.

Neutral

"목을 조이다"

— To strangle (metaphorically infringing on freedom).

새로운 규제가 기업들의 활동권을 침해하며 목을 조이고 있다.

Metaphorical

"뿌리를 흔들다"

— To shake the roots (infringing on fundamental rights).

이 법안은 민주주의의 뿌리를 흔드는 권리 침해다.

Rhetorical

"꼬리가 길면 밟힌다"

— If the tail is long, it will be stepped on (repeated infringement will be caught).

계속해서 저작권을 침해하더니 결국 꼬리가 길면 밟히는 법이다.

Proverb

Easily Confused

침해 vs 침입 (Intrusion)

Both start with '침' and involve entering.

침입 is physical (into a room); 침해 is abstract (into a right).

주거 침입 (Trespassing into a house).

침해 vs 침범 (Encroachment)

Very similar meaning of crossing a line.

침범 is about the boundary; 침해 is about the harm to the right.

영토 침범 (Territorial encroachment).

침해 vs 위반 (Violation)

Both mean 'breaking something'.

위반 is for laws/rules; 침해 is for rights.

신호 위반 (Traffic signal violation).

침해 vs 간섭 (Interference)

Both involve bothering someone.

간섭 is social meddling; 침해 is a serious/legal violation.

부모님의 간섭 (Parents' meddling).

침해 vs 방해 (Disturbance)

General word for bothering.

방해 is casual and temporary; 침해 is formal and harmful.

공부 방해 (Disturbing study).

Sentence Patterns

[Object] + 침해예요.

사생활 침해예요.

[Object] + -를 침해하지 마세요.

제 권리를 침해하지 마세요.

[Object] + -를 침해당했어요.

저작권을 침해당했어요.

[Object] + 침해로 인해 [Result].

개인정보 침해로 인해 큰 피해를 입었다.

[Subject] + -는 [Object] + -를 침해할 우려가 있다.

이 법안은 자유를 침해할 우려가 있다.

[Object] + 침해의 소지가 다분하다.

그 행동은 인권 침해의 소지가 다분하다.

[Reason] + -에도 불구하고 침해가 발생했다.

경고에도 불구하고 침해가 발생했다.

[Abstract Concept] + -에 대한 본질적 침해.

인간 존엄성에 대한 본질적 침해다.

Word Family

Nouns

침해자 (infringer)

침해물 (infringing article)

침해죄 (crime of infringement)

Verbs

침해하다 (to infringe)

침해당하다 (to be infringed)

침해되다 (to be violated)

Adjectives

침해적인 (infringing/invasive)

침범

침입

공격

피해

위반

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, law, and formal debates; Low in daily casual chat.

Common Mistakes

Using '침해' for breaking a traffic light. → 신호 위반
Traffic lights are rules/laws, so '위반' is correct. '침해' is for rights.
Saying '권리를 침입하다'. → 권리를 침해하다
침입 is for physical spaces like houses; 침해 is for rights.
Using '침해' for a friend being annoying. → 방해하다
침해 is too formal for daily annoyances. Use '방해' for bothering.
Forgetting the object particle: '사생활 침해하다'. → 사생활을 침해하다
When used as a verb, it needs the object particle '을/를'.
Using '침해' for a positive entry. → 방문 / 개입
침해 always implies harm. If the entry is good or neutral, use other words.

Tips

Use with Rights

Always pair '침해' with a word representing a right or interest, like '권리', '자유', or '비밀'.

Passive suffix

Use '-당하다' instead of '-되다' when you want to emphasize that the violation was an unwanted, negative experience for the victim.

Hanja Root

Remember the '해' (害) in '침해' is the same as in '피해' (damage) and '해롭다' (harmful). This helps you remember it's a negative word.

Formal Debates

In professional settings, use '침해의 소지' to point out potential problems without being overly aggressive.

K-pop Context

When fans stalk idols, it is always called '사생활 침해'. This is a great way to remember the word.

Headlines

In news headlines, you'll often see '침해 논란' (infringement controversy). Use this pattern in your own writing.

News Keywords

When you hear '침해', expect to hear words like '법적 대응' (legal response) or '고소' (lawsuit) next.

침해 vs 위반

Remember: You '위반' a law (the rule), but you '침해' a right (the person's interest).

The 'Chim' in Chimney

Think of someone coming down your chimney (침) to do harm (해).

Boundaries

Use this word to talk about boundaries. '침해' is what happens when someone crosses a boundary they shouldn't.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CHIM'ney being 'HAE'cked. If someone hacks into your chimney, they are invading your home and harming your privacy—that's CHIM-HAE!

Visual Association

Imagine a red 'X' mark over a person's diary or a computer lock being broken. This visual represents the violation of a boundary.

Word Web

Rights Privacy Copyright Violation Boundary Legal Harm Invasion

Challenge

Try to find three news headlines today that use the word '침해'. Write them down and translate what right is being violated.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 侵 (침) and 害 (해). The character 侵 depicts a hand holding a broom or tool entering a space, representing 'invasion.' The character 害 represents a house with words inside that cause trouble, representing 'harm' or 'damage.'

Original meaning: To enter another's domain and cause trouble or damage.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '침해' to describe people. Calling someone a '침해자' (infringer) is a serious accusation. In personal relationships, use '방해' (bothering) to avoid sounding overly litigious.

In English-speaking cultures, 'infringement' sounds very legal. In Korea, '침해' is also formal but is used more broadly in social media and news to describe personal slights against one's rights.

The 'Constitutional Court of Korea' frequently uses '침해' in its landmark rulings. The song 'Privacy' by various K-pop artists often touches on the theme of '사생활 침해'. Korean legal dramas like 'Stranger' (비밀의 숲) often center around '권리 침해'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal Disputes

저작권 침해 소송
손해 배상 청구
침해 사실 확인
법적 조치

Digital Privacy

개인정보 유출
사생활 보호
해킹 피해
정보 침해 방지

Human Rights

인권 유린
자유 침해
평등권 보장
차별 반대

International Relations

영토 분쟁
주권 침해
영해 진입
외교적 항의

Workplace Ethics

직장 내 괴롭힘
노동권 침해
부당 해고
업무 방해

Conversation Starters

"요즘 인터넷에서의 사생활 침해 문제에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about the issue of privacy violation on the internet lately?)"

"저작권 침해를 막기 위해 어떤 노력이 필요할까요? (What efforts are needed to prevent copyright infringement?)"

"직장에서의 휴식권 침해는 심각한 문제라고 봅니다. (I think the infringement of the right to rest at work is a serious problem.)"

"이 광고가 특정 브랜드를 침해했다고 생각하시나요? (Do you think this advertisement infringed on a specific brand?)"

"인권 침해 사례를 목격했을 때 어떻게 대처해야 할까요? (How should one respond when witnessing a case of human rights violation?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루 동안 나의 사생활이 침해당했다고 느낀 순간이 있었나요? (Was there a moment today when you felt your privacy was invaded?)

기술의 발전이 우리의 권리를 침해하고 있는지, 아니면 보호하고 있는지 써 보세요. (Write about whether the development of technology is infringing on our rights or protecting them.)

내가 만약 법을 만든다면, 어떤 종류의 침해를 가장 엄격하게 처벌하고 싶나요? (If you were to make a law, what kind of infringement would you want to punish most strictly?)

예술 작품에서의 '영감'과 '저작권 침해' 사이의 경계는 어디일까요? (Where is the boundary between 'inspiration' and 'copyright infringement' in artistic works?)

타인의 권리를 침해하지 않으면서 나의 자유를 누리는 방법에 대해 생각해보세요. (Think about ways to enjoy your freedom without infringing on the rights of others.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in Korean, '침해' almost always implies an unlawful or unjust violation. It is not used for positive or neutral actions. If a boundary is crossed for a good reason, a different word like '개입' (intervention) is used.

You can, but it sounds very formal and dramatic. It's like saying 'You have infringed upon my seating rights.' Use it if you want to be funny, otherwise use '내 자리야' (It's my seat).

The most common phrase is '사생활 침해' (privacy violation), followed closely by '저작권 침해' (copyright infringement) and '인권 침해' (human rights violation).

'침해하다' is the active form (to infringe), while '침해당하다' is the passive form used when you are the victim (to be infringed upon).

Yes, it can be used for environmental contexts, such as '동물의 서식지 침해' (infringement of animal habitats).

Yes, it comes from 侵 (침 - invade) and 害 (해 - harm).

You can say '제 권리를 침해하지 마세요' (Je gwon-ri-reul chim-hae-ha-ji ma-se-yo).

Yes, it is a standard Korean word used in both the North and South, especially in political and legal contexts.

It means 'Intellectual Property (IP) infringement.' It's a very common term in business and tech.

No, for a broken promise or contract, '위반' (violation) or '어기다' (to break) is better.