Explanation at your level:
You use this word to say 'I did this on purpose.' If you do something and you wanted to do it, it is 의도적이다. It is not an accident. It is a plan. You are the boss of your actions!
When you do something, people might ask, 'Was that an accident?' If you say 'No, it was 의도적이다,' you mean you planned it. It is very useful for explaining your choices to your friends or teachers.
At this level, you can use 의도적이다 to describe more complex situations. For example, you can talk about 'intentional changes' in a project or 'intentional humor' in a story. It helps you clarify your meaning and avoid misunderstandings.
Using 의도적이다 allows you to discuss nuance. You can describe subtle behaviors, like 'intentional silence' during a negotiation. It shows you understand the difference between random events and calculated human actions in professional or social contexts.
In advanced contexts, you might use this to analyze literature or politics. You could describe a character's 'intentional ambiguity' or a politician's 'intentional misdirection.' It is a powerful tool for critical thinking and expressing complex observations about human motivation.
At the mastery level, 의도적이다 becomes a lens for philosophical inquiry. You might debate the 'intentionality' of art or the 'intentional design' of complex systems. It bridges the gap between simple description and deep, conceptual analysis, allowing for sophisticated discourse on causality and free will.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means 'intentional' or 'done on purpose'.
- Used to clarify that an action was planned.
- Commonly used in both formal and casual contexts.
- Essential for discussing motives and actions.
Hey there! Let's talk about 의도적이다. This is a super useful word in Korean that describes when someone does something on purpose. Think about when you drop a pen by accident versus when you put it down exactly where you want it—that second one is '의도적'.
It comes from the noun 의도 (intention) plus the suffix -적 (making it a descriptive adjective). It's all about agency and planning. Whether you're talking about a strategic business move or a little prank on a friend, if it was planned, it's 의도적이다.
The word is built on Sino-Korean roots. 의 (意) relates to mind, thought, or will, while 도 (圖) refers to a plan or a drawing. Together, 의도 means 'an intention' or 'a plan in the mind'.
Adding -적 (的) is a classic way in Korean to turn a noun into an adjective meaning 'related to'. Historically, these structures have been used to translate abstract philosophical concepts. It evolved from classical Chinese linguistic structures to become a staple in modern, everyday Korean vocabulary.
You'll hear this in both casual and formal settings. In a news report, you might hear about an 의도적인 공격 (intentional attack). In a casual conversation, you might say, 'That was 의도적인 joke!' (That was an intentional joke!).
It's very common to use it with verbs like 보이다 (to appear intentional) or 행동하다 (to act intentionally). It carries a slightly serious tone because it highlights the 'why' behind an action.
While it's a direct adjective, we often use it with phrases like 의도적으로 ~하다 (to do something intentionally).
- 의도적인 실수 (intentional mistake - a strategic error).
- 의도적인 무시 (intentional ignoring - the cold shoulder).
- 의도적인 연출 (intentional staging).
- 의도적인 접근 (intentional approach).
- 의도적인 침묵 (intentional silence).
Grammatically, it functions as a descriptive verb/adjective. You can use it as 의도적인 (attributive form) before a noun, or 의도적이다 at the end of a sentence.
Pronunciation-wise, watch out for the initial '의' sound, which can be tricky for learners. It sounds like 'ui' (like 'we' but starting with a tight 'u'). The stress is generally flat, but emphasis often falls on the 도 syllable when you really want to stress that it wasn't an accident!
Fun Fact
The suffix -적 is borrowed from the Chinese 'de' (的), used to create adjectives.
Pronunciation Guide
Korean phonetics apply.
Korean phonetics apply.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing '의'
- Flat intonation
- Ignoring syllable breaks
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to write
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun + -적 (Adjective suffix)
의도 + 적 = 의도적
Adjective + -이다 (Copula)
의도적 + 이다
Adverbial form -으로
의도적 + 으로
Examples by Level
그것은 의도적이다.
That is intentional.
Simple copula sentence.
이것은 의도적인 행동입니다.
그의 말은 의도적이었다.
실수가 아니라 의도적이다.
의도적인 선택을 했다.
그 웃음은 의도적이다.
의도적인 무시를 당했다.
모든 것이 의도적이다.
의도적인 연출이다.
그의 행동은 매우 의도적이다.
의도적인 접근이 필요하다.
그 실수는 의도적인 것이었다.
의도적인 침묵을 지켰다.
의도적인 변화를 주었다.
그것은 의도적인 전략이다.
의도적인 거짓말을 했다.
의도적인 배려였다.
그의 발언은 의도적인 도발이었다.
의도적인 왜곡을 멈춰라.
그는 의도적인 방식으로 행동했다.
의도적인 오해를 유도했다.
의도적인 노력이 돋보인다.
의도적인 생략이 담겨 있다.
의도적인 연출이 느껴진다.
의도적인 계획의 일부다.
그 작가는 의도적인 모호함을 사용했다.
의도적인 불일치가 논란이 되었다.
그 정책은 의도적인 배제라는 비판을 받았다.
의도적인 침묵은 때로 강한 메시지가 된다.
그의 연기는 의도적인 과장이다.
의도적인 미학을 추구하는 작품이다.
의도적인 방관은 공범과 같다.
의도적인 개입이 필요한 시점이다.
그의 철학은 의도적인 인간성의 회복을 강조한다.
의도적인 비대칭성이 건축의 핵심이다.
의도적인 오류를 통해 시스템을 테스트했다.
의도적인 망각은 자기 보호의 기제일 수 있다.
의도적인 탈구축적 시각을 견지한다.
의도적인 사회적 합의를 이끌어냈다.
의도적인 우연을 연출하는 예술가.
의도적인 고립을 선택한 철학자.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"작정하고"
With full intention.
작정하고 공부했다.
casual"일부러 그러다"
To do it on purpose.
일부러 그러는 거지?
casual"계산된 행동"
Calculated action.
그건 계산된 행동이야.
neutral"눈 가리고 아웅"
Deceiving someone intentionally.
눈 가리고 아웅 하지 마.
casual"의도에 맞다"
To fit the intention.
의도에 맞는 결과다.
neutral"의도를 파악하다"
To grasp the intention.
그의 의도를 파악했다.
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean intentional.
고의 is more legal/negative.
고의적인 범죄 vs 의도적인 선택
Both involve planning.
계획 focuses on the schedule.
계획적인 여행 vs 의도적인 행동
Opposite.
Accidental vs Intentional.
우연적인 만남 vs 의도적인 방문
Both imply human action.
인위 is 'artificial'.
인위적인 맛 vs 의도적인 말
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 은/는 + 의도적이다
그의 행동은 의도적이다.
의도적인 + Noun
의도적인 실수를 했다.
의도적으로 + Verb
의도적으로 말하지 않았다.
의도적인 것이 아니다
그것은 의도적인 것이 아니다.
의도적임을 + Verb
그는 의도적임을 인정했다.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
It is an adjective, so it needs to modify a noun or end the sentence.
They are opposites. Don't use them interchangeably.
It ends in -이다, not -하다.
Using it for every action sounds suspicious.
Use -인 for nouns and -으로 for verbs.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a 'Will-Drawing' board in your mind.
Native Context
Use it when you need to clarify that you didn't make a mistake.
Cultural Insight
Koreans value planning, so this word is often used positively.
Grammar Shortcut
Always look for the -인 or -이다 ending.
Say It Right
Practice the 'ui' sound slowly.
Avoid Confusion
Don't confuse it with '계획적' (planned).
Did You Know?
It's a very common word in legal settings.
Study Smart
Pair it with '우연' to learn both.
Syllable Stress
Stress the '도' for emphasis.
Professional Tip
Use it in emails to explain strategic choices.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
의 (Will) + 도 (Drawing) = Drawing a plan in your mind.
Visual Association
A person drawing a blueprint on a whiteboard.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to identify three things you did today that were 의도적이다.
Word Origin
Sino-Korean
Original meaning: Mind/Will + Plan/Drawing
Cultural Context
Can sound accusatory if used to describe someone else's mistake.
Directly maps to 'intentional' or 'deliberate'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- 의도적인 전략
- 의도적인 변경
- 의도적인 선택
In a relationship
- 의도적인 무시
- 의도적인 배려
- 의도적인 거짓말
In school
- 의도적인 실수
- 의도적인 참여
- 의도적인 질문
In news
- 의도적인 공격
- 의도적인 왜곡
- 의도적인 도발
Conversation Starters
"오늘 의도적으로 한 행동이 있나요?"
"사람들이 왜 의도적인 실수를 할까요?"
"의도적인 배려를 받아본 적 있나요?"
"의도적인 침묵은 좋은 전략일까요?"
"의도적인 거짓말은 용서받을 수 있을까요?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you did something intentionally.
Is it better to be spontaneous or intentional?
Write about a situation where someone misunderstood your intentions.
Reflect on the difference between an accident and an intentional act.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it's the opposite of an accident.
It is neutral and commonly used in all settings.
의도적으로.
It depends on the context, but often used to highlight blame.
Yes, e.g., 'An intentional design'.
의도적이지 않았다.
No, it is an adjective.
Very common in daily life.
Test Yourself
그것은 ___이다.
Needs to be a predicate.
Which means 'on purpose'?
Definition match.
Is '의도적이다' the same as 'accidental'?
They are opposites.
Word
Meaning
Vocabulary matching.
Subject-predicate structure.
Score: /5
Summary
If you planned it, it's 의도적이다!
- Means 'intentional' or 'done on purpose'.
- Used to clarify that an action was planned.
- Commonly used in both formal and casual contexts.
- Essential for discussing motives and actions.
Memory Palace
Imagine a 'Will-Drawing' board in your mind.
Native Context
Use it when you need to clarify that you didn't make a mistake.
Cultural Insight
Koreans value planning, so this word is often used positively.
Grammar Shortcut
Always look for the -인 or -이다 ending.
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.
추상
A2Abstraction; the quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.
추상화하다
B2To consider something theoretically or separately from its physical reality. It involves extracting general principles from specific examples.
