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투입하다

B2 verb #4,500 most common 8 min read

투입하다

Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 투입하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 투입하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '투입하다' often. It is a big, formal word. Instead, you usually use the word '넣다' (noh-ta), which means 'to put in'. For example, if you put money in a vending machine, you can say '돈을 넣어요'. However, you might see '투입' written on a vending machine's coin slot. Just remember: '투입' is the formal way to say 'input'. If you see this word, it just means 'put something inside here'.

At the A2 level, you might start seeing '투입하다' in simple instructions or news headlines. You should know that it's more formal than '넣다'. You will mostly see it in the context of 'putting money into a machine' or 'putting time into a hobby'. For example, '자판기에 동전을 투입하세요' (Please insert a coin into the vending machine). It's a good word to recognize when you are using public services in Korea, like laundromats or parking meters.

By B1, you should understand that '투입하다' is used for resources. When you talk about a project at work or a group study, you can use this word to sound more professional. Instead of saying 'I spent a lot of time', you can say 'I put (투입) a lot of time into this'. It shows you are thinking about your effort as an 'input' to get a result. You will also hear this on the news when the government 'deploys' people to help after a storm or an accident.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use '투입하다' naturally in professional and academic settings. You should distinguish it from '투자하다' (to invest for profit) and '배치하다' (to arrange/deploy in a specific spot). B2 learners should use this word when discussing economics, project management, or social issues. For example, 'The government needs to invest (투입) more budget into the welfare system.' It is a key word for describing how systems and organizations function.

At the C1 level, you should master the nuances of '투입하다' in various registers. You should understand its use in complex economic theories (Input-Output models) and strategic military or corporate deployment. You should also be comfortable with its derived forms like '투입량' (amount of input) or '투입 대비 산출' (input vs. output/ROI). You can use it metaphorically to describe intellectual or emotional 'input' in high-level discussions about sociology or psychology.

At the C2 level, '투입하다' is a tool for precise discourse. You can use it to discuss the strategic allocation of intangible assets, the deployment of tactical units in geopolitical contexts, or the systemic integration of new technologies into existing frameworks. You understand the historical and Hanja roots deeply, allowing you to appreciate its use in formal legal documents, high-level policy papers, and academic journals. You can use it to critique the efficiency of resource management at a national or global level.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

투입하다 in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning to 'input' or 'deploy' resources like money, time, or people.
Used in business, news, and for physical machines like vending machines.
Combines Hanja for 'throw/send' and 'enter', implying a purposeful addition.
Essential for professional Korean and understanding economic or news reports.

The Korean verb 투입하다 (tu-ip-ha-da) is a sophisticated and essential term primarily used in contexts involving the allocation of resources, the deployment of personnel, or the physical insertion of items into a system or machine. At its core, it combines two Hanja characters: 投 (던질 투 - to throw/send) and 入 (들 입 - to enter). This literally translates to 'throwing something in' or 'sending something into' a specific place or process. While it can be used for simple physical actions, like putting a coin into a vending machine, its most frequent and powerful application is in business, economics, and project management where it refers to the strategic investment of 'input' to achieve an 'output'.

Economic Context: In economic discussions, this word is used to describe the input of capital (자본), labor (노동), or technology (기술) into the production process. It implies a purposeful and calculated action aimed at generating results.

Furthermore, 투입하다 is the standard term used when the government or organizations deploy manpower to handle a crisis or a specific task. For example, if there is a natural disaster, the government might 'deploy' (투입하다) the military or rescue teams to the site. This nuance of 'deployment' suggests a high level of organization and official intent, distinguishing it from the more casual 넣다 (to put in).

이번 프로젝트의 성공을 위해 추가 인력을 투입하기로 했습니다. (We decided to put in/deploy additional manpower for the success of this project.)

In daily life, you will see this word on machines. A vending machine or a laundry machine will have a 'coin slot' or 'input slot' labeled as 투입구. When the machine instructs you to insert money, it uses the formal tone of 투입해 주십시오. This broad range—from the macro-scale of national budgets to the micro-scale of a coin slot—makes it a versatile verb for B2 learners to master. It signifies a transition from basic conversational Korean to professional and formal literacy.

Managerial Usage: Project managers use this to describe the 'man-hours' or 'budget' assigned to a specific phase of development. It sounds professional and precise.

Understanding 투입하다 also helps in understanding its noun form, 투입 (Input). In the world of programming or data science, 'data input' is often referred to as 데이터 투입. Similarly, in psychology or education, the amount of effort or stimulus 'put in' is the 투입량. This word is a pillar of formal communication in modern Korea, reflecting the country's focus on efficiency, industrial growth, and systematic management.

정부는 경제 활성화를 위해 막대한 예산을 투입할 계획입니다. (The government plans to invest a massive budget to revitalize the economy.)

Using 투입하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure. It typically follows the pattern: [Subject]이/가 + [Target/Location]에 + [Object]을/를 + 투입하다. The 'Target' is where the resources are going, marked by the particle 에, and the 'Object' is what is being put in, marked by 을/를.

Physical Insertion: 자판기에 동전을 투입하세요. (Insert a coin into the vending machine.) Here, the target is the machine (자판기) and the object is the coin (동전).

When moving into more abstract or professional territory, the objects change to things like 시간 (time), 노력 (effort), 예산 (budget), or 인력 (manpower). For instance, 'I put a lot of time into this work' would be 이 작업에 많은 시간을 투입했습니다. This phrasing sounds much more dedicated and professional than simply using 'spent' (썼습니다).

그는 자신의 모든 재산을 연구에 투입했다. (He put all his assets into the research.)

One nuance to watch for is the passive form or the noun usage. You will often hear 투입되다 (to be put in/deployed). For example, 'New equipment was put into the factory' would be 공장에 새로운 장비가 투입되었다. This is very common in news reports where the focus is on the action happening rather than who did it.

In formal writing, such as a business proposal, 투입하다 is used to detail the 'Resource Allocation Plan' (자원 투입 계획). You might write: 'We will put 5 developers into this project' as 이 프로젝트에 개발자 5명을 투입할 예정입니다. Using this word demonstrates that you understand the systematic nature of business operations.

Military/Emergency Context: 사태를 진압하기 위해 경찰 병력이 투입되었습니다. (Police forces were deployed to suppress the situation.) This highlights the 'deployment' aspect of the word.

원료를 기계에 투입하는 과정이 자동화되었습니다. (The process of putting raw materials into the machine has been automated.)

In South Korea, a country known for its rapid economic development and high-tech infrastructure, 투입하다 is a word you will encounter daily if you follow the news or work in an office. It is the vocabulary of the 'Input-Output' efficiency culture. On the 8 o'clock news, you'll hear about the government 투입-ing billions of won into the semiconductor industry. In a corporate meeting, you'll hear managers discussing how many 'man-months' (M/M) should be 투입-ed into a new feature.

The Workplace: If you work in a Korean company, you might hear: "이번 달부터 신입 사원들이 실무에 투입될 거예요." (Starting this month, the new employees will be deployed to actual work.) This sounds more official than just 'starting work'.

Interestingly, you also hear it in the context of sports and entertainment. A coach might 'deploy' (투입하다) a substitute player during a critical moment in a soccer match. A director might 'deploy' a famous cameo actor into a specific scene to boost ratings. In these cases, the person is seen as a 'resource' or a 'strategic element' that is being added to the existing mix to change the outcome.

후반전에 에이스 선수를 투입하여 분위기를 반전시켰다. (By putting in the ace player in the second half, the atmosphere was turned around.)

Public transportation and logistics are other common areas. When there is a sudden surge in passengers, the Seoul Metro might 'put in' (투입하다) extra trains. In logistics, a company might 'deploy' more delivery trucks during the Chuseok holiday season. These real-world applications show that the word isn't just academic; it describes the literal movement of resources to meet demand.

Educational Context: Teachers might talk about the amount of 'study time' students put in (학습 투입 시간) relative to their test scores (성과).

명절 연휴를 맞아 특별 열차가 추가로 투입되었습니다. (Special trains were additionally deployed for the holiday season.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is overusing 투입하다 in casual situations where 넣다 (to put in) is more appropriate. While you *can* say you 'put' sugar into coffee, using 투입하다 would make you sound like a scientist performing a chemical experiment or a factory machine. Stick to 넣다 for everyday items like ingredients, clothes in a bag, or books in a desk.

Mistake: Over-Formality: Incorrect: 커피에 설탕을 투입했어요. (I 'deployed' sugar into the coffee.)
Correct: 커피에 설탕을 넣었어요.

Another common point of confusion is between 투입하다 and 투자하다 (to invest). While they overlap, 투자하다 is specifically about 'investing' with the expectation of a financial return or long-term benefit (like investing in stocks or your future). 투입하다 is more about the 'act of putting resources in' to make a system work or complete a task. You 투자 in a startup, but you 투입 capital into a specific production line.

주식에 돈을 투자하다 (Invest money in stocks) vs. 기계에 원료를 투입하다 (Put raw materials into a machine).

Learners also struggle with the particles. As mentioned before, the destination must be marked with 에. Some learners mistakenly use 안에 or 으로. While 으로 can sometimes work in the sense of 'into a direction/state', 에 is the standard for the target of the input.

Confusion with '배치하다': '배치하다' (to arrange/deploy) focuses on 'where' things are placed, while '투입하다' focuses on the 'act of adding' them to the process.

Finally, avoid using 투입하다 when you mean 'to submit' a document. For that, use 제출하다. Even though you are 'putting' a paper into an office, the functional meaning is submission, not resource input.

To truly master 투입하다, you must see how it sits among its synonyms. Depending on the context—whether it's physical, financial, or strategic—different words might be more precise.

넣다 (To Put In): The most general and casual version. Use this for salt in soup, books in a bag, or hands in pockets. It lacks the 'systematic' or 'resource' nuance of 투입하다.
투자하다 (To Invest): Focuses on the expectation of profit or future benefit. You 'invest' in your children's education (교육에 투자하다) or a new business venture.
배치하다 (To Deploy/Arrange): Focuses on the spatial arrangement or the specific 'post' someone is assigned to. Soldiers are '배치'ed to the border. It emphasizes the location and organization.

Compare:
1. 가방에 책을 넣다 (Casual)
2. 사업에 자본을 투입하다 (Process/Input)
3. 주식에 1억을 투자하다 (Profit-seeking)

Another interesting alternative is 쏟다 (to pour). While 투입하다 is neutral and systematic, 쏟다 implies a high level of passion or intensity. '정성을 쏟다' means to pour one's heart and soul into something. If you want to emphasize that you worked incredibly hard, 쏟다 or 바치다 (to dedicate) might be better choices.

In technical settings, you might also see 주입하다 (to inject). This is used for liquids (like fuel into an engine) or metaphorically for 'brainwashing' or 'cramming' knowledge into students (주입식 교육). While 투입 is about putting resources into a process, 주입 is about forcing something into a container or mind.

새로운 기술을 현장에 접목하다 (to graft/integrate) is also a sophisticated alternative when talking about applying new methods.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 投 (투) is the same one used in '투수' (pitcher in baseball). So, '투입' literally feels like 'pitching' something into a situation.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʰu.ip.ɦa.da/

US /tu.ɪp.hɑ.dɑ/

The primary stress is usually on the second syllable '입' (ip) because it contains the closed consonant ending.

Rhymes With

구입하다 (to purchase) 수입하다 (to import) 진입하다 (to enter/advance) 개입하다 (to intervene) 대입하다 (to substitute/apply) 몰입하다 (to be immersed) 유입하다 (to flow in) 혼입하다 (to mix in)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '투' like '두' (don't forget the aspiration).
Pronouncing '입' like '이브' (keep the 'p' short and unreleased).
Merging '입' and '하' to sound like '이파' (keep them distinct).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and business text; requires knowing Hanja context.

Writing 5/5

Requires correct particle usage (~에) and professional context.

Speaking 4/5

Sounds very professional; good for office settings.

Listening 3/5

Easy to hear in formal announcements and news.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

넣다 들어가다 돈 사람 일

Learn Next

투자하다 배치하다 산출하다 효율성

Advanced

한계 효용 자원 배분 전략적 요충지

Grammar to Know

~에 (Directional/Target Particle)

기계**에** 동전을 투입하다.

~을/를 (Object Particle)

예산**을** 투입하다.

-기로 하다 (Deciding to do)

인력을 투입하**기로 했어요**.

Passive -되다

병력이 투입**되었다**.

Causative -시키다

직원을 투입**시키다**.

Examples by Level

자판기에 동전을 투입해요.

I put a coin in the vending machine.

Simple present tense of 투입하다.

여기에 돈을 투입하세요.

Please put the money in here.

-(으)세요 is a polite command.

카드를 투입구에 넣으세요.

Put the card in the slot.

투입구 means 'input hole/slot'.

빨래방 기계에 동전을 투입했어요.

I put coins into the laundry machine.

Past tense form.

투입구가 어디예요?

Where is the input slot?

Asking for location.

1000원을 투입하십시오.

Please insert 1000 won.

Formal honorific command.

동전 투입이 안 돼요.

The coin insertion isn't working.

Noun form '투입' used as a subject.

지폐를 투입했습니다.

I inserted a bill.

Formal past tense.

이 기계에 종이를 투입하면 됩니다.

You just need to put the paper into this machine.

-면 됩니다 means 'all you have to do is...'

공부를 위해 시간을 많이 투입했어요.

I put a lot of time into studying.

Using 'time' as an object.

새로운 선수가 경기에 투입되었습니다.

A new player was put into the game.

Passive form 투입되다.

연료를 투입해야 합니다.

We must put in the fuel.

-아야 합니다 means 'must'.

쓰레기를 투입구에 버리지 마세요.

Do not throw trash into the input slot.

-지 마세요 is 'don't'.

매일 1시간씩 운동에 투입해요.

I put in one hour every day for exercise.

Regular habit.

요리에 정성을 투입했어요.

I put my heart (sincerity) into the cooking.

Metaphorical use of 'sincerity'.

기계가 원료를 자동으로 투입해요.

The machine puts in the raw materials automatically.

Adverb '자동으로' (automatically).

정부는 재난 현장에 구조대원을 투입했습니다.

The government deployed rescue workers to the disaster site.

Focus on 'deployment' of personnel.

이 프로젝트에 더 많은 예산을 투입해야 해요.

We need to put more budget into this project.

Business context (budget).

경찰이 시위 현장에 투입되었습니다.

Police were deployed to the protest site.

Passive voice in a news context.

회사는 신제품 개발에 인력을 투입하기로 했어요.

The company decided to put manpower into developing a new product.

-기로 하다 means 'decided to'.

성공하려면 노력을 투입해야 합니다.

To succeed, you must put in effort.

Abstract resource (effort).

기계에 원재료를 투입하는 과정을 보여주세요.

Please show the process of putting raw materials into the machine.

Noun-modifying form -는 것.

이번 경기에 에이스 투수가 투입될 예정입니다.

The ace pitcher is scheduled to be put into this game.

-을 예정입니다 means 'is scheduled to'.

컴퓨터에 데이터를 투입하고 결과를 기다리세요.

Input the data into the computer and wait for the results.

Sequential action -고.

막대한 자본이 이 사업에 투입되었습니다.

A huge amount of capital was invested/put into this business.

Economic term '자본' (capital).

정부는 시장 안정을 위해 공적 자금을 투입하기로 결정했다.

The government decided to inject public funds for market stability.

Formal news style (plain form -다).

새로운 기술이 생산 공정에 투입되면서 효율이 높아졌다.

As new technology was put into the production process, efficiency increased.

-면서 indicates simultaneous actions/reasons.

전문가들은 이 문제에 더 많은 연구 인력이 투입되어야 한다고 주장합니다.

Experts argue that more research personnel should be deployed to this issue.

Indirect quotation -고 주장하다.

산불 진압을 위해 헬기 10대가 투입되었습니다.

Ten helicopters were deployed to extinguish the forest fire.

Specific count of equipment deployed.

기업은 마케팅에 엄청난 비용을 투입하고 있다.

The company is putting a huge amount of cost into marketing.

Continuous action -고 있다.

범죄 예방을 위해 더 많은 경찰관이 현장에 투입될 것입니다.

More police officers will be deployed to the scene for crime prevention.

Future tense -을 것입니다.

노동력을 효율적으로 투입하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to deploy labor efficiently.

Gerund form -는 것.

이번 사태를 해결하기 위해 범정부 차원의 역량이 투입되고 있습니다.

The full capabilities of the government are being deployed to resolve this situation.

Abstract 'capabilities' as an object.

반도체 산업에 국가적 역량을 투입하는 전략이 필요하다.

A strategy to put national capabilities into the semiconductor industry is necessary.

Policy-level language.

병력 투입 시기를 결정하는 것은 매우 민감한 문제입니다.

Deciding the timing of troop deployment is a very sensitive issue.

Noun phrase '병력 투입'.

자원 투입 대비 산출 효과가 기대에 못 미치고 있다.

The output effect compared to the resource input is falling short of expectations.

Economic comparison '투입 대비 산출'.

신규 프로젝트에 핵심 인재를 투입하여 경쟁력을 강화했다.

By putting key talent into the new project, competitiveness was strengthened.

-하여 (literary form of -해서).

교육 환경 개선을 위해 대규모 예산 투입이 불가피합니다.

A large-scale budget injection is inevitable to improve the educational environment.

Formal word '불가피하다' (inevitable).

기술 개발에 투입된 시간과 노력이 마침내 결실을 맺었다.

The time and effort put into technology development finally bore fruit.

Past participle modifying nouns.

공정에 투입되는 원료의 순도가 제품의 질을 결정한다.

The purity of the raw materials put into the process determines the quality of the product.

Complex subject with nested clause.

전략적 요충지에 정예 부대를 투입함으로써 전세를 역전시켰다.

By deploying elite troops to strategic strongholds, the tide of the war was turned.

-함으로써 (by means of).

공적 자금의 투입은 시장의 도덕적 해이를 초래할 위험이 있다.

The injection of public funds carries the risk of causing moral hazard in the market.

Academic/Economic terminology.

사회적 자본의 투입이 공동체 회복의 열쇠가 될 수 있습니다.

The input of social capital can be the key to community recovery.

Sociological concept '사회적 자본'.

생산 요소의 효율적 투입을 통해 한계 생산성을 극대화해야 한다.

Marginal productivity must be maximized through the efficient input of production factors.

Advanced economic theory.

연구 개발(R&D)에 투입되는 비용은 미래를 위한 보험과 같다.

The cost put into Research and Development (R&D) is like insurance for the future.

Metaphorical reasoning.

인력 투입의 유연성을 확보하는 것이 현대 기업 경영의 과제이다.

Securing the flexibility of manpower deployment is a task of modern corporate management.

Abstract management concept.

대규모 인프라 구축에 투입된 국가는 재정 적자를 면치 못했다.

The nation that put resources into large-scale infrastructure construction could not avoid a fiscal deficit.

Formal '면치 못하다' (cannot avoid).

투입된 변수들 간의 상관관계를 분석하여 모델의 정확도를 높였다.

The accuracy of the model was improved by analyzing the correlations between the input variables.

Scientific/Statistical context.

Synonyms

넣다 투자하다 배치하다 쏟다

Antonyms

회수하다 추출하다

Common Collocations

자본을 투입하다

인력을 투입하다

예산을 투입하다

시간을 투입하다

병력을 투입하다

동전을 투입하다

기술을 투입하다

원료를 투입하다

데이터를 투입하다

노력을 투입하다

Common Phrases

투입 대비 성과

— Performance relative to input (ROI). Used in business evaluations.

투입 대비 성과가 매우 높습니다.

집중 투입

— Concentrated input/deployment. Focusing all resources on one point.

마케팅에 자금을 집중 투입했다.

추가 투입

— Additional input. Adding more resources later.

인력 추가 투입이 필요합니다.

투입구

— Input slot or hole on a machine.

투입구가 막혔어요.

투입량

— The amount of input.

원료 투입량을 조절하세요.

실전 투입

— Deployment into actual practice/combat.

신입 사원들을 실전 투입했다.

자금 투입

— Injection of funds.

정부의 긴급 자금 투입이 결정됐다.

전면 투입

— Full-scale deployment/input.

모든 자원을 전면 투입했다.

단계적 투입

— Step-by-step or phased input.

예산을 단계적으로 투입할 계획이다.

투입 시기

— The timing of input/deployment.

투입 시기를 놓치면 안 된다.

Often Confused With

투입하다 vs 넣다

넣다 is for general physical actions (putting salt in soup). 투입하다 is for systematic/resource actions.

투입하다 vs 투자하다

투자하다 focuses on future profit/benefit. 투입하다 focuses on the act of putting resources into a process.

투입하다 vs 배치하다

배치하다 focuses on where things/people are located. 투입하다 focuses on adding them to the task.

Idioms & Expressions

"밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기"

— Pouring water into a bottomless pot. Used when resources are put in (투입) but yield no result.

이 프로젝트는 밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기처럼 자금만 투입되고 있다.

Metaphorical

"총력을 투입하다"

— To put in all of one's power and resources.

우승을 위해 총력을 투입했다.

Formal

"사활을 걸고 투입하다"

— To put in resources as if one's life depends on it.

기업은 사활을 걸고 신기술 개발에 자금을 투입했다.

Emphatic

"물량을 투입하다"

— To flood a market or project with a massive amount of physical goods/resources.

공격적인 마케팅을 위해 엄청난 물량을 투입했다.

Business

"화력을 투입하다"

— Literally 'to deploy firepower', but often used metaphorically for intense focus/resources.

이번 홍보에 모든 화력을 투입하세요.

Slangy/Metaphorical

"정성을 투입하다"

— To put in one's sincere heart and effort.

어머니는 요리에 정성을 투입하셨다.

Neutral

"공을 투입하다"

— To put in great effort and care over a long time.

이 작품에 10년의 공을 투입했다.

Formal

"물심양면으로 투입하다"

— To put in resources both materially and spiritually.

그들은 아들의 성공을 위해 물심양면으로 지원과 노력을 투입했다.

Formal

"아낌없이 투입하다"

— To put in resources without hesitation or stinginess.

연구비에 자금을 아낌없이 투입했다.

Neutral

"적재적소에 투입하다"

— To deploy the right person/resource in the right place.

인재를 적재적소에 투입하는 것이 리더의 역할이다.

Formal/Proverbial

Easily Confused

투입하다 vs 주입하다

Both involve 'putting in'.

주입하다 is specifically for liquids or 'forcing' knowledge/ideas. 투입하다 is for general resources or systematic input.

세뇌 교육을 주입하다 vs. 예산을 투입하다.

투입하다 vs 대입하다

Sounds similar.

대입하다 means to substitute (like in math) or to apply a theory to a case. 투입하다 is about resources.

공식에 숫자를 대입하다.

투입하다 vs 개입하다

Both end in -입하다.

개입하다 means to intervene or meddle in an affair. 투입하다 is about inputting resources.

싸움에 개입하다.

투입하다 vs 수입하다

Both end in -입하다.

수입하다 means to import goods from abroad. 투입하다 is about inputting resources into a process.

커피를 수입하다.

투입하다 vs 몰입하다

Both end in -입하다.

몰입하다 means to be deeply immersed or absorbed in something (like a book). 투입하다 is an action of adding resources.

공부에 몰입하다.

Sentence Patterns

N에 N을 투입하세요.

자판기에 동전을 투입하세요.

N을/를 위해 N을 투입하다.

성공을 위해 노력을 투입하다.

N에 N이/가 투입되다.

현장에 경찰이 투입되다.

N을 투입할 계획이다.

예산을 투입할 계획이다.

N 투입 대비 N.

자금 투입 대비 성과.

N에 N을 집중 투입하다.

연구에 인력을 집중 투입하다.

N의 투입이 불가피하다.

공적 자금의 투입이 불가피하다.

N을 적재적소에 투입하다.

인재를 적재적소에 투입하다.

Word Family

Nouns

투입 Input, deployment, insertion

투입구 Slot, input opening

투입량 Amount of input

투입재 Input materials (economics)

Verbs

투입되다 To be put in, to be deployed (passive)

투입시키다 To cause to put in, to make someone deploy

투자 (investment)

투입물 (input matter)

인력 투입 (manpower allocation)

자금 투입 (funding)

병력 투입 (troop deployment)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in business, news, and technical manuals.

Common Mistakes

커피에 설탕을 투입해요. → 커피에 설탕을 넣어요.
Using '투입하다' for food is too formal and sounds like a science experiment.
프로젝트를 인력을 투입하다. → 프로젝트에 인력을 투입하다.
The target of the input must take the particle '~에', not the object particle '~를'.
주식에 돈을 투입해서 부자가 됐어요. → 주식에 돈을 투자해서 부자가 됐어요.
When the goal is financial profit, '투자하다' (invest) is more accurate than '투입하다'.
사무실 안에 직원을 투입했다. → 사무실에 직원을 투입했다.
Using '안에' is redundant and slightly unnatural; '~에' is sufficient for the destination.
보고서를 교수님께 투입했어요. → 보고서를 교수님께 제출했어요.
For submitting documents, use '제출하다', not '투입하다'.

Tips

In the Office

Use '투입하다' when discussing project resources to sound more professional than using '쓰다' (to use) or '넣다'.

Particle Check

Always remember the destination takes the particle '에'. Don't use '안에' or '속에' with this formal verb.

Hanja Power

Learning '투' (throw) and '입' (enter) will help you understand other words like '구입' (purchase) and '진입' (entry).

Listen for 'Passive'

On the news, you'll hear '투입되었습니다' (was deployed) much more often than the active form.

Business Reports

Combine '투입' with '계획' (plan) or '현황' (status) to create professional headers in your documents.

Public Services

Look for '투입' on any coin-operated machine in Korea to know where the money goes.

Substitution

In sports discussions, use '투입' to talk about changing players. It makes you sound like a real fan.

Input vs. Output

Always pair '투입' (input) with '산출' (output) or '성과' (result) when analyzing efficiency.

The Pitcher

Remember the '투' from '투수' (pitcher). You are pitching resources into the game.

Avoid for Food

Never use '투입하다' when cooking with friends unless you want to sound like a robot.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Two' (투) things 'Entering' (입). You are putting 'Two' resources (money and time) into a project.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant funnel over a factory. You are throwing money and people into the funnel to make products come out the other end.

Word Web

자본 (Capital) 인력 (Manpower) 시간 (Time) 예산 (Budget) 기계 (Machine) 공정 (Process) 현장 (Site) 성과 (Result)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a project you are working on. Use '투입하다' for the time, money, and effort you are using.

Word Origin

Derived from Hanja characters: 投 (던질 투) and 入 (들 입).

Original meaning: To throw (投) and enter (入). It describes the physical act of throwing something into a space.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this for people. While common in business, using '투입' for people can sometimes sound like you are treating them as mere 'units' or 'resources' rather than individuals.

In English, we might say 'invest' or 'spend', but '투입하다' is more like 'inputting' in a system. It sounds more technical than 'spending time'.

News reports on '공적 자금 투입' (Public fund injection) during financial crises. Military movies where generals say '병력을 투입하라!' (Deploy the troops!) Vending machines in Korea labeled '동전 투입구'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Vending Machine

동전을 투입하세요
투입구가 어디예요?
지폐 투입이 안 돼요
거스름돈을 확인하세요

In a Business Meeting

추가 인력 투입이 필요합니다
예산 투입 계획을 세웁시다
투입 대비 성과가 좋습니다
자원을 효율적으로 투입합시다

News/Politics

정부가 자금을 투입했습니다
경찰 병력이 투입되었습니다
국가적 역량을 투입할 때입니다
대규모 예산 투입이 예상됩니다

Sports

교체 선수를 투입합니다
에이스를 투입할 타이밍입니다
공격수를 전방에 투입했습니다
투입된 선수가 골을 넣었습니다

Manufacturing

원료를 기계에 투입하세요
자동 투입 시스템입니다
투입량을 조절해야 합니다
연료 투입이 중단되었습니다

Conversation Starters

"이 프로젝트에 얼마나 많은 시간을 투입하셨나요?"

"정부가 이 문제에 더 많은 예산을 투입해야 한다고 생각하시나요?"

"새로운 직원을 언제 현장에 투입할 예정인가요?"

"자판기에 돈을 투입했는데 물건이 안 나와요. 어떻게 하죠?"

"성공을 위해 가장 중요하게 투입해야 할 자원은 무엇일까요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루 중 가장 많은 시간을 투입한 일은 무엇인가요? 그 결과는 어땠나요?

내가 만약 회사를 운영한다면, 어떤 분야에 가장 많은 자본을 투입하고 싶나요?

자신의 꿈을 이루기 위해 지금까지 어떤 노력을 투입해 왔는지 써 보세요.

최근 뉴스에서 본 '인력 투입'이나 '자금 투입' 사례에 대해 자신의 생각을 적어 보세요.

효율적인 시간 투입을 위해 내가 바꿀 수 있는 습관은 무엇인가요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very strange and overly formal. It would sound like a laboratory experiment. Use '넣다' for food and daily items.

No, '투입되다' is the passive form. It means 'to be put in' or 'to be deployed'. Use it when the person or thing being put in is the subject of the sentence.

It is a noun meaning 'input slot' or 'insertion hole'. You will see this on vending machines, ATMs, and trash cans (for specific types of waste).

Yes, but usually in a formal way like '정성을 투입하다' (to put in one's sincerity). For general feelings, '주다' or '쏟다' are more common.

Yes, '데이터 투입' (data input) is a common term, though '입력' (input) is more frequently used for typing data into a computer.

Yes, '인력 투입' (manpower deployment) is very common in business. It means assigning people to a project.

Investment (투자) is the overall act of giving money to a company. Input (투입) is the specific act of putting that money into a particular factory line or project.

You can say '투입 대비 성과' (Performance compared to input) or '투입 대비 산출' (Output compared to input).

Yes, when a coach sends a substitute player onto the field, it's called '선수 투입'.

Not inherently, but in labor contexts, if you talk about 'people' as just '투입재' (input materials), it can sound a bit cold or dehumanizing.