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비가역적

B2 adjective 9 min read

비가역적

bigayeogjeok

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 비가역적 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 비가역적 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word '비가역적' is much too difficult to use in daily conversation. However, you can understand the basic idea behind it. Imagine you break an egg to make an omelet. Can you make the egg whole again? No. That is the 'irreversible' idea. At this level, instead of saying '비가역적', you should learn the simple phrase '안 돼요' (It's not possible) or '못 돌아가요' (Can't go back). We use '비가역적' when we want to talk about big things like the earth getting hot or a very serious sickness. For now, just remember that '비' means 'no' and '가' means 'can.' So it's something you 'cannot' do again. If you see this word in a book, think of a one-way street. You can go forward, but you can never turn around and go back. It is a very serious word used by smart people in news and science books.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more 'Hanja' (Chinese character) words. '비가역적' is a great example of how Korean builds big words from smaller parts. '비' (Bi) means 'not,' '가' (Ga) means 'possible,' and '역' (Yeok) means 'to reverse.' So, '비가역' means 'reversing is not possible.' You might see this word in a simple science news article for students. For example, if you talk about 'environment' (환경), you might hear that some damage is '비가역적.' This means the trees or the clean water cannot come back to how they were before. While you don't need to say this word when talking to friends, knowing it will help you understand news headlines. Try to remember the opposite word too: '가역적' (reversible). If something is '가역적,' it means you can fix it or change it back. But '비가역적' is like a broken glass—once it's in pieces, it stays in pieces.

As a B1 learner, you should recognize '비가역적' as a formal adjective used in academic or professional settings. You are now moving beyond basic daily life and starting to discuss social issues or health. When you talk about 'climate change' (기후 변화) or 'health' (건강), this word becomes very useful. For example, you might read that 'smoking causes irreversible damage to the lungs' (흡연은 폐에 비가역적인 손상을 줍니다). In this sentence, '비가역적인' describes the 'damage' (손상). It sounds much more professional than saying 'bad damage.' You should also notice that it ends in '-적,' which is a common way to turn nouns into adjectives in Korean. Use this word when you want to sound more serious or when you are writing a report for a class. It shows that you understand not just that something is 'permanent,' but that the process of changing it back is physically impossible.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '비가역적' correctly in written assignments and formal discussions. This word is a key vocabulary item for the TOPIK II exam. You should understand its nuances in different fields. In chemistry, it's about reactions that only go one way. In politics, it's about agreements that can't be canceled. For instance, the phrase 'CVID' (Complete, Verifiable, and Irreversible Denuclearization) is a very famous context for this word in Korea. You should be able to explain why a certain change is '비가역적' rather than just '영구적' (permanent). '비가역적' implies a logical or physical barrier to returning to the start. When you write your TOPIK essay about environmental protection or technological advancement, using '비가역적인 변화' (irreversible change) will help you achieve a higher score. You should also be comfortable using the adverbial form '비가역적으로' to describe verbs of change, such as '변하다' (to change) or '파괴되다' (to be destroyed).

For C1 learners, '비가역적' should be a natural part of your academic and professional lexicon. You should understand its application in complex systems and abstract philosophy. For example, in economics, '비가역적 투자' (irreversible investment) refers to the concept of sunk costs and specialized capital that cannot be repurposed. In philosophy, you might discuss the '비가역적 시간의 흐름' (the irreversible flow of time). You should also be aware of how this word is used in high-level literature to create a sense of tragedy or finality. At this level, you should not only use the word but also be able to contrast it with synonyms like '회복 불가능한' or '결정적인' to show precise meaning. For instance, you might argue that while a political shift is '비가역적' in theory, in practice, there are always '가역적인' elements. Mastery at this level means knowing the weight the word carries—it is a word of gravity, often used to mark a 'tipping point' (임계점) in a system's evolution.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '비가역적' and can use it across all professional and academic domains, from thermodynamics to international law. You understand the subtle rhetorical power of the word. When a politician or a CEO uses '비가역적,' they are making a definitive claim about reality to shut down further debate about 'going back.' You can analyze the use of this word in historical documents or complex legal treaties. You might explore the '비가역성' (irreversibility) of certain social phenomena, like urbanization or the aging of a population. Your usage should be flawless, reflecting an understanding of the Hanja roots and the word's history in Korean modernism. You can also use it metaphorically in creative writing to describe the fundamental 'one-way' nature of human experience and memory. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a tool for precise conceptual mapping of the world's most complex and permanent processes.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

비가역적 in 30 Seconds

비가역적 means irreversible, indicating a change that cannot be undone or returned to the starting point.
It is a formal Sino-Korean word used in science, medicine, and high-level political or social discourse.
Commonly paired with nouns like change (변화), damage (손상), and reaction (반응) to show finality.
It differs from 'permanent' by focusing on the process of reversal rather than just the duration of the state.

The Korean word 비가역적 (Bi-ga-yeok-jeok) is a sophisticated Sino-Korean adjective that translates to 'irreversible' in English. To understand its profound meaning, one must look at its constitutive Hanja characters: Bi (非 - not), Ga (可 - possible), Yeok (逆 - reverse), and Jeok (的 - adjective suffix). Literally, it describes something that is 'not possible to reverse.' This isn't just about a simple mistake that cannot be fixed; it refers to fundamental changes in state, structure, or time that defy restoration to the original condition. In modern Korean discourse, this word has moved beyond the laboratories of physics and chemistry into the heart of environmental activism, political diplomacy, and medical prognosis.

Scientific Origin: Originally used in thermodynamics to describe processes where entropy increases and the system cannot return to its initial state without external intervention. For example, burning wood into ash is a 비가역적 reaction.

기후 변화가 임계점을 넘으면 비가역적 피해를 입게 됩니다. (If climate change passes the tipping point, we will suffer irreversible damage.)

When Koreans use this word, they are often emphasizing the gravity and finality of a situation. It suggests a point of no return. In political contexts, you might hear about 'complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization' (CVID), where the Korean term used for 'irreversible' is exactly 비가역적. It implies that the action is so thorough that it is physically or logically impossible to undo the progress made.

Medical Context: Doctors use it to describe conditions like brain death or advanced stages of degenerative diseases where the damage to tissues cannot be repaired or reversed by current medical technology.

뇌세포의 손상은 대개 비가역적인 특징을 가지고 있습니다. (Damage to brain cells usually has irreversible characteristics.)

Furthermore, the word is frequently paired with the noun byeon-hwa (변화 - change). A '비가역적인 변화' is a change that, once occurred, alters the essence of the subject forever. Think of the transition from childhood to adulthood, or the historical shift from an agrarian society to an industrial one. These are not just long-lasting changes; they are changes that lack a 'delete' or 'undo' button in the fabric of reality.

Social and Historical Usage: Historians use it to describe revolutions or social movements that fundamentally shift a culture's trajectory, making a return to the old ways unthinkable.

디지털 혁명은 우리 삶에 비가역적인 영향을 미쳤습니다. (The digital revolution has had an irreversible impact on our lives.)

Using 비가역적 correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a 'determiner-noun' or an 'adjective noun' that usually takes the suffix -ida (to be) or -in (modifying a noun). It is rarely used in casual, everyday speech about trivial matters. You wouldn't say your choice of lunch was '비가역적' unless you were being intentionally dramatic or humorous. Instead, reserve it for topics of weight: health, environment, technology, and deep personal transformations.

Grammatical Pattern 1: Modifying Nouns: The most common form is [비가역적인 + Noun]. It functions as an attributive adjective. Common nouns include 변화 (change), 손상 (damage), 과정 (process), and 선택 (choice).

그것은 인류 역사상 가장 비가역적인 선택이었습니다. (That was the most irreversible choice in human history.)

When you want to state that a situation is irreversible at the end of a sentence, you use the form 비가역적이다. This is often seen in academic papers or news reports concluding a finding. For instance, 'The reaction is irreversible' becomes '반응은 비가역적이다.' In formal speech, you would use '비가역적입니다' or '비가역적이라 할 수 있습니다' (can be said to be irreversible).

Grammatical Pattern 2: Adverbial Use: While less common, you can use '비가역적으로' to describe how an action occurs. 'The environment was irreversibly destroyed' becomes '환경이 비가역적으로 파괴되었다.'

지구의 온도가 비가역적으로 상승하고 있습니다. (The Earth's temperature is rising irreversibly.)

In the context of international relations, specifically regarding North Korea's nuclear program, the phrase 'CVID' is translated as '완전하고 검증 가능하며 비가역적인 핵 폐기.' Here, the word serves as a legal and diplomatic standard, highlighting that the process must be done in a way that the nuclear capability can never be restored.

Common Collocations: 1. 비가역적 손상 (Irreversible damage)
2. 비가역적 변화 (Irreversible change)
3. 비가역적 반응 (Irreversible reaction)

한 번 시작된 노화는 생물학적으로 비가역적인 과정입니다. (Once aging begins, it is biologically an irreversible process.)

If you are watching the evening news on KBS, MBC, or SBS, you are likely to encounter 비가역적 in the segments covering climate change. Reporters often interview environmental scientists who warn about the '비가역적 기후 변화' (irreversible climate change) that will occur if the global temperature rises by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. In this context, the word carries a heavy, ominous tone, signaling a crisis that humanity cannot simply fix later.

Documentaries and TED Talks: Korean-dubbed or subtitled scientific documentaries frequently use this term when discussing the Big Bang, the expansion of the universe, or the biological processes of extinction. It is the standard term in academic pedagogy.

멸종은 생태계에 있어 가장 비가역적인 비극입니다. (Extinction is the most irreversible tragedy in an ecosystem.)

Another common venue is the hospital or medical journals. When discussing chronic illnesses like Alzheimer's or end-stage renal failure, doctors use '비가역적' to manage expectations. It tells the family that the goal of treatment is management and slowing progression, rather than a full cure, because the damage is '비가역적.' This usage is precise and clinical, designed to convey a hard truth with professional clarity.

Political Press Briefings: Spokespeople for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs often use this word when discussing treaties. They want to ensure that agreements are '비가역적' so that future administrations cannot easily overturn them.

양국은 비가역적인 합의에 도달했습니다. (The two countries reached an irreversible agreement.)

In the business world, particularly in tech and venture capital, you might hear about '비가역적 시장 변화' (irreversible market shifts). This refers to how certain technologies, like the smartphone, changed consumer behavior so fundamentally that nobody will ever go back to using flip phones as their primary device. It describes a structural evolution that renders previous models obsolete forever.

Economic Forecasts: Economists use it to describe '비가역적 투자' (irreversible investment), which are costs that cannot be recovered (sunk costs) once the investment is made, such as specialized machinery with no resale value.

인플레이션이 비가역적인 수준에 도달했을까요? (Has inflation reached an irreversible level?)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using 비가역적 in casual conversations. Because it is a high-level academic term, using it to describe something minor—like spilling coffee on a shirt—sounds unnatural and overly dramatic. While the coffee stain might be 'irreversible' in a literal sense, a Korean speaker would almost always use 되돌릴 수 없는 (cannot be turned back) or simply 안 지워지는 (not being erased) instead.

Mistake 1: Over-Formalization: Incorrect: '우리 어제 싸운 건 비가역적이야.' (Our fight yesterday is irreversible.)
Correct: '우리 어제 싸운 건 되돌릴 수 없어.' (We can't undo our fight from yesterday.)

비가역적 is for systems and states, not simple human errors.

Another mistake is confusing 비가역적 with 불가피한 (unavoidable). While they both deal with things that 'must be,' they focus on different aspects. Bulgapihan means you cannot avoid something from happening in the first place, whereas Bigayeokjeok means once it has happened, you cannot go back. You might make an 'unavoidable choice' (불가피한 선택) that leads to an 'irreversible result' (비가역적인 결과).

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Permanent' (영구적): While often interchangeable in English, in Korean, '영구적' focuses on the duration (lasting forever), while '비가역적' focuses on the impossibility of the reverse process (cannot go back).

영구적 = Duration (Forever)
비가역적 = Direction (One-way only)

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the Hanja roots. It is easy to confuse '비가역' with '비가시적' (invisible). 'Si' (視) refers to seeing, while 'Yeok' (逆) refers to reversing. Remembering that 'Yeok' is the same character used in 'Yeok-seol' (paradox) or 'Yeok-gyeong' (adversity—going against the current) can help you keep the meaning of 'reversing' clear in your mind.

Spelling Note: Make sure not to spell it as '비가억적'. The 'yeok' (역) sound is distinct. Practice the 'yeo' vowel carefully.

비 + 가 + 역 (Reverse) + 적

While 비가역적 is the most precise term for 'irreversible' in technical contexts, several other words can be used depending on the nuance and level of formality you wish to convey. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more natural and versatile in your Korean expression.

1. 되돌릴 수 없는 (Doedollil su eomneun): This is the most common native Korean alternative. It literally means 'cannot be turned back.' It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Use this for personal regrets or general situations.

우리는 되돌릴 수 없는 강을 건넜다. (We have crossed the river of no return / passed the point of no return.)

Another close synonym is 회복 불가능한 (hoebok bulganeunghan), which means 'impossible to recover.' This is frequently used in medical or economic contexts when discussing something that cannot be restored to health or profitability. While '비가역적' focuses on the process, '회복 불가능한' focuses on the end result of being unable to return to a good state.

2. 회복 불가능한 (Unrecoverable): Comparison: '비가역적 손상' (Scientific/Structural) vs '회복 불가능한 손상' (Functional/Result-oriented). Often used for hard drives or damaged goods.

데이터가 회복 불가능한 상태로 삭제되었습니다. (The data has been deleted in an unrecoverable state.)

For a more formal, almost fatalistic nuance, you can use 결정적인 (gyeoljeongjeok-in - decisive/final). While it usually means 'decisive,' in certain contexts, it implies that the outcome is fixed and cannot be changed. Also, 일방적인 (ilbangjeok-in) means 'one-way,' which can sometimes describe a process that doesn't allow for a return trip, though it usually means 'unilateral' in social contexts.

3. 영구적인 (Yeonggujeok-in): Means 'permanent.' Use this when focusing on the fact that something will stay as it is forever, rather than the fact that it cannot be reversed.

이것은 영구적인 시설입니다. (This is a permanent facility.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '逆' (yeok) also appears in '역적' (traitor), meaning someone who goes against the king or the order of the state.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bi.ɡa.jʌk.t͈jʌk/

US /bi.ɡa.jʌk.t͈jʌk/

The stress is slightly on the 'yeok' syllable as it contains the core meaning of 'reverse'.

Rhymes With

가시적 (visible) 가상적 (hypothetical) 가공적 (fictional) 가동적 (operable) 가변적 (variable) 가식적 (pretentious) 가열적 (passionate) 가족적 (familial)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'yeok' as 'yeog' with a soft 'g' sound.
Forgetting the tensed 'jj' sound in 'jeok'.
Confusing 'bi' with 'bae'.
Mumbling the 'ga' syllable.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Requires knowledge of complex Hanja-based academic vocabulary.

Writing 5/5

Difficult to use naturally without sounding overly formal.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation of 'yeok-jeok' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and documentaries, so recognition is important.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

변화 가능 반대 손상 결과

Learn Next

임계점 엔트로피 불가피하다 고착화 상호작용

Advanced

가역 반응 열역학 법칙 단열 과정 평형 상태 비가역성

Grammar to Know

Noun + 적 (Suffix for creating adjectives)

과학적, 문화적, 비가역적

Adjective + ㄴ/은 (Noun modifying form)

비가역적인 변화

Adjective + 게/으로 (Adverbial form)

비가역적으로 변하다

Hanja prefix '비' (非 - meaning 'not')

비공개, 비정상, 비가역

Noun + 이다 (To be)

이 반응은 비가역적이다

Examples by Level

이것은 비가역적입니다.

This is irreversible.

Simple [Noun] + 입니다 (formal polite).

그 변화는 비가역적이에요.

That change is irreversible.

Subject marker '는' + 비가역적 + 이에요.

비가역적인 반응이에요.

It is an irreversible reaction.

Adjective form '비가역적인' modifying '반응'.

시간은 비가역적입니다.

Time is irreversible.

Abstract noun '시간' as subject.

비가역적 손상이 있어요.

There is irreversible damage.

Adjective + noun + 있어요 (there is).

이 선택은 비가역적이에요.

This choice is irreversible.

Demonstrative '이' + noun.

비가역적 과정을 배워요.

I learn about the irreversible process.

Object marker '을' after the noun phrase.

그것은 비가역적이라서 슬퍼요.

I am sad because it is irreversible.

-라서 (because) attached to the noun.

환경 오염은 비가역적일 수 있습니다.

Environmental pollution can be irreversible.

-ㄹ 수 있다 (can/possible).

비가역적인 변화를 막아야 합니다.

We must prevent irreversible changes.

-아/어야 하다 (must/should).

뇌세포 손상은 비가역적입니다.

Brain cell damage is irreversible.

Compound noun as subject.

한 번 타버린 종이는 비가역적이에요.

Paper once burned is irreversible.

Relative clause '한 번 타버린'.

이 병은 비가역적인 특징이 있습니다.

This disease has irreversible characteristics.

Possession '특징이 있다'.

우리는 비가역적인 길을 선택했습니다.

We chose an irreversible path.

Past tense '선택했습니다'.

과학자들은 비가역적 반응을 연구합니다.

Scientists study irreversible reactions.

Professional subject '과학자들'.

비가역적인 피해가 발생했습니다.

Irreversible damage has occurred.

Verb '발생하다' (to occur).

기후 변화가 비가역적인 지점에 도달했습니다.

Climate change has reached an irreversible point.

Destination marker '에' + 도달하다.

이 수술은 비가역적인 결과를 초래할 수 있습니다.

This surgery can lead to irreversible results.

Verb '초래하다' (to cause/bring about).

비가역적인 손상을 입지 않도록 주의하세요.

Be careful not to suffer irreversible damage.

-지 않도록 (so that... not).

역사의 흐름은 때때로 비가역적입니다.

The flow of history is sometimes irreversible.

Adverb '때때로' (sometimes).

그 결정이 비가역적이라는 사실을 알고 있나요?

Do you know the fact that the decision is irreversible?

Noun clause '-라는 사실'.

비가역적인 화학 반응의 예를 들어보세요.

Please give an example of an irreversible chemical reaction.

Imperative '-어 보세요'.

기술의 발전은 비가역적인 사회 변화를 만듭니다.

Advancement in technology creates irreversible social changes.

Subject '기술의 발전'.

비가역적인 상태가 되기 전에 조치를 취해야 합니다.

We must take action before it becomes an irreversible state.

-기 전에 (before doing).

완전하고 검증 가능하며 비가역적인 폐기가 목표입니다.

Complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantling is the goal.

Listing adjectives with '-고' and '-며'.

이러한 현상은 생태계의 비가역적 파괴를 의미합니다.

This phenomenon means the irreversible destruction of the ecosystem.

Verb '의미하다' (to mean).

한 번 잃은 신뢰는 비가역적인 경우가 많습니다.

Trust, once lost, is often irreversible.

Noun phrase '경우가 많다' (there are many cases where...).

비가역적으로 진행되는 노화 과정을 늦추려고 노력합니다.

We try to slow down the aging process that proceeds irreversibly.

Adverbial form '비가역적으로'.

정부는 비가역적인 경제 정책을 발표했습니다.

The government announced an irreversible economic policy.

Formal object '경제 정책'.

비가역적인 상황에 처했을 때 어떻게 해야 할까요?

What should we do when faced with an irreversible situation?

-ㄹ 때 (when).

인간의 기억은 비가역적인 왜곡을 겪기도 합니다.

Human memory sometimes undergoes irreversible distortion.

-기도 하다 (also/sometimes does).

비가역적인 물리 법칙에 따라 우주는 팽창합니다.

The universe expands according to irreversible physical laws.

-에 따라 (according to).

비가역적 투자는 매몰 비용의 문제를 야기합니다.

Irreversible investment causes the problem of sunk costs.

Economic terminology '매몰 비용'.

사회적 합의가 비가역적인 제도적 장치로 안착되었습니다.

Social consensus has been settled as an irreversible institutional device.

Advanced verb '안착되다' (to be settled).

열역학 제2법칙은 우주의 비가역성을 설명합니다.

The second law of thermodynamics explains the irreversibility of the universe.

Noun form '비가역성' (irreversibility).

그의 발언은 비가역적인 외교적 파장을 일으켰습니다.

His remarks caused an irreversible diplomatic ripple.

Metaphorical noun '파장' (ripple/impact).

비가역적인 실수를 저지르지 않기 위해 신중해야 합니다.

One must be cautious to avoid making an irreversible mistake.

Verb '저지르다' (to commit/make).

디지털화는 노동 시장에 비가역적인 구조 조정을 가져왔습니다.

Digitalization has brought irreversible structural adjustments to the labor market.

Complex object '구조 조정'.

비가역적인 시간 속에서 우리는 현재를 살아갑니다.

We live in the present within irreversible time.

Prepositional phrase '시간 속에서'.

이 조약의 비가역적 성격이 논란이 되고 있습니다.

The irreversible nature of this treaty is becoming a controversy.

Noun '성격' (nature/character).

인류세의 도래는 지구 시스템의 비가역적 전환을 시사합니다.

The arrival of the Anthropocene suggests an irreversible transition of the Earth system.

Academic verb '시사하다' (to suggest/imply).

비가역적 공정은 엔트로피의 증가와 밀접하게 연관되어 있습니다.

Irreversible processes are closely linked to the increase of entropy.

Passive form '연관되어 있다'.

권력의 비가역적 집중은 민주주의의 위기를 초래합니다.

The irreversible concentration of power leads to a crisis of democracy.

Abstract subject '권력의 집중'.

그 작품은 삶의 비가역성과 죽음의 필연성을 탐구합니다.

The work explores the irreversibility of life and the inevitability of death.

Literary analysis vocabulary '필연성'.

비가역적인 환경 파괴에 대한 윤리적 책임을 물어야 합니다.

We must hold ethical responsibility for irreversible environmental destruction.

Idiom '책임을 묻다' (to hold responsible).

언어의 변화는 대개 비가역적인 사회적 진화의 산물입니다.

Language change is usually the product of irreversible social evolution.

Metaphorical noun '산물' (product/result).

비가역적 상태로의 전이는 물리계의 근본적인 속성입니다.

Transition to an irreversible state is a fundamental property of physical systems.

Noun '전이' (transition).

우리는 비가역적인 선택의 연속 속에 놓여 있습니다.

We are placed within a sequence of irreversible choices.

Passive construction '놓여 있다'.

Synonyms

돌이킬 수 없는 일방적인 확정적인

Antonyms

가역적인 되돌릴 수 있는

Common Collocations

비가역적 변화

비가역적 손상

비가역적 반응

비가역적 조치

비가역적 폐기

비가역적 과정

비가역적 피해

비가역적 선택

비가역적 흐름

비가역적 영향

Common Phrases

비가역적인 지점

— A point of no return where a process cannot be stopped or reversed.

우리는 이미 비가역적인 지점을 넘었을지도 모릅니다.

비가역적으로 변하다

— To change in a way that is impossible to undo.

세상은 비가역적으로 변하고 있습니다.

비가역적인 결함

— A flaw or defect that cannot be fixed.

이 기계에는 비가역적인 결함이 발견되었습니다.

비가역적인 손실

— A loss that can never be recovered.

전쟁은 인류에게 비가역적인 손실을 남깁니다.

비가역적인 조약

— A treaty that is binding and cannot be canceled easily.

두 나라는 비가역적인 조약에 서명했습니다.

비가역적인 병

— A disease that is chronic and incurable.

그는 비가역적인 병과 싸우고 있습니다.

비가역적인 길

— A path or course of action that cannot be turned back from.

그들은 비가역적인 길을 걷기 시작했습니다.

비가역적인 성질

— An inherent quality that cannot be changed back.

다이아몬드는 비가역적인 성질을 지닙니다.

비가역적인 타격

— A blow or impact that causes permanent damage.

이번 사건은 기업 이미지에 비가역적인 타격을 주었습니다.

비가역적인 합의

— An agreement that is final and permanent.

비가역적인 합의를 이끌어내는 것이 중요합니다.

Often Confused With

비가역적 vs 비가시적 (Invisible)

Sounds similar but means 'unseen'. 'Si' vs 'Yeok'.

비가역적 vs 불가피한 (Unavoidable)

Means you can't avoid it happening; 'Bi-ga-yeok-jeok' means you can't go back once it happens.

비가역적 vs 영구적인 (Permanent)

Focuses on duration (forever), while 'Bi-ga-yeok-jeok' focuses on the direction of the process.

Idioms & Expressions

"되돌릴 수 없는 강을 건너다"

— To cross the river of no return; to do something that cannot be undone.

우리는 이미 되돌릴 수 없는 강을 건넜어.

Common

"엎질러진 물"

— Spilled water; equivalent to 'no use crying over spilled milk'.

이미 엎질러진 물이니 비가역적이야.

Informal

"낙장불입"

— Once a card is played, it cannot be taken back (from Go-Stop).

인생은 낙장불입이라 비가역적이지.

Slang/Casual

"한 번 해병은 영원한 해병"

— Once a Marine, always a Marine (implies an irreversible identity).

그는 비가역적인 자부심을 가지고 있어.

Military

"화살은 시위를 떠났다"

— The arrow has left the bow; the action has started and cannot be stopped.

이제 화살은 시위를 떠났으니 결과는 비가역적이다.

Literary

"주사위는 던져졌다"

— The die is cast.

주사위는 던져졌고, 상황은 비가역적입니다.

Formal

"이미 버스 떠났다"

— The bus has already left; it's too late.

사과하기엔 이미 버스 떠났고 상황은 비가역적이야.

Informal

"낙엽은 다시 가지로 돌아가지 않는다"

— Fallen leaves do not return to the branch (Nature's irreversibility).

세월의 비가역성을 보여주는 말이다.

Poetic

"깨진 독에 물 붓기"

— Pouring water into a broken jar (futile effort to reverse damage).

비가역적인 상황에서 노력하는 것은 깨진 독에 물 붓기다.

Common

"이미 늦었다"

— It is already too late.

비가역적인 변화를 막기엔 이미 늦었을지도 모른다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

비가역적 vs 불가역적

It is an alternative spelling/pronunciation (Bul-ga-yeok-jeok).

They mean exactly the same thing. '비가역적' is more common in modern Korean, but '불가역적' is also used.

불가역적인 변화 = 비가역적인 변화.

비가역적 vs 가역적

It is the root word.

It is the opposite; it means 'reversible'.

이 반응은 가역적입니다 (This reaction is reversible).

비가역적 vs 비가공적

Similar prefix and suffix.

Means 'non-fictional' or 'not processed'.

비가공적 자료 (Unprocessed data).

비가역적 vs 비객관적

Similar structure.

Means 'unobjective' or 'subjective'.

비객관적인 평가 (Unobjective evaluation).

비가역적 vs 비가동적

Sounds similar.

Means 'not in operation'.

비가동적인 공장 (A factory not in operation).

Sentence Patterns

이것은 [Noun]입니다.

이것은 비가역적입니다.

[Noun]은/는 [비가역적]일 수 있습니다.

환경 오염은 비가역적일 수 있습니다.

[비가역적인] [Noun]을/를 [Verb].

비가역적인 손상을 입었습니다.

[Noun]이/가 [비가역적으로] [Verb].

지구 온도가 비가역적으로 상승합니다.

[Noun]의 [비가역성]은 [Noun]을/를 야기합니다.

투자의 비가역성은 매몰 비용을 야기합니다.

[Noun]은/는 [비가역적인] [Noun]의 산물입니다.

사회 변화는 비가역적인 진화의 산물입니다.

[Noun]이/가 [비가역적]이라 할 수 있습니다.

이 합의는 비가역적이라 할 수 있습니다.

[비가역적인] [Noun]에 처하다.

비가역적인 상황에 처했습니다.

Word Family

Nouns

비가역성 (irreversibility)

가역성 (reversibility)

가역 (reverse)

Verbs

비가역화하다 (to make irreversible)

가역하다 (to reverse - rare)

Adjectives

비가역적인 (irreversible)

가역적인 (reversible)

엔트로피 (entropy)

열역학 (thermodynamics)

임계점 (tipping point)

영구적 (permanent)

불가피 (unavoidable)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news and science; rare in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using it for minor mistakes. → 되돌릴 수 없는 실수
비가역적 is too heavy for small errors.
Spelling it as 비가억적. → 비가역적
The vowel is 'yeo' (여), not 'eo' (어).
Confusing with 비가시적. → 비가역적
Invisible vs Irreversible.
Using it as a noun without '적'. → 비가역적이다
'비가역' is the noun, but the adjective '비가역적' is used 99% of the time.
Using '가역적' to mean 'impossible'. → 비가역적
Don't forget the 'Bi-' prefix for negation!

Tips

Formal Writing

When writing for TOPIK, use this word when discussing the environment or technology to show high-level vocabulary.

Environment

This is the 'go-to' word for describing the tipping point of climate change.

Hanja Power

Learning '비' (not) and '가' (possible) will help you understand dozens of other Korean words.

Diplomacy

If you follow Korean politics, you will hear this word constantly regarding North Korean relations.

Medical News

Use it to understand reports about brain health or permanent physical conditions.

Chemistry

Essential for students studying science in Korean.

Memory Hack

Associate it with a 'One-Way' street sign.

Tone Matters

Keep your voice steady and serious when using this word.

News Tracking

Try to spot this word in the next KBS news report on the environment.

Versus Permanent

Remember: Irreversible = No going back; Permanent = Staying forever.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'BEE' (비) that 'CAN' (가) only fly 'YEOK' (reverse) 'NO' (not). Wait, that's confusing! Try: BI (No) + GA (Can) + YEOK (Reverse). 'No can reverse.'

Visual Association

A broken egg on a pan. You can see the yellow and white mixing, but you can never put it back in the shell as a raw egg.

Word Web

Science Climate Change Medicine No Return Finality Physics Chemistry History

Challenge

Write three sentences about things in your life that are '비가역적', such as growing up or a past decision.

Word Origin

Sino-Korean word composed of four Hanja characters. It entered the Korean language through academic translations of Western scientific texts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Original meaning: Not-Possible-Reverse-ly (A state that cannot be reversed).

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this with medical patients; it can sound very cold and hopeless.

In English, 'irreversible' is used similarly, but '비가역적' feels slightly more academic in Korean than 'irreversible' does in English.

CVID (Complete, Verifiable, Irreversible Denuclearization) - Political term. The movie 'Irreversible' (2002) is translated as '돌이킬 수 없는' in Korean, showing the native alternative. Academic papers on Global Warming by the IPCC.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Climate Change Discussion

비가역적 지점
환경의 비가역적 파괴
비가역적인 기온 상승
비가역적 생태계 변화

Medical Diagnosis

비가역적 뇌 손상
비가역적 세포 사멸
비가역적인 신체 변화
비가역적 증상

Political Negotiations

비가역적인 핵 폐기
비가역적 합의
비가역적 평화 프로세스
비가역적 제도화

Chemistry Lab

비가역적 반응
비가역적 침전
비가역적 변성
비가역적 결합

Economic Analysis

비가역적 투자
비가역적 비용
비가역적 시장 진입
비가역적 자산

Conversation Starters

"기후 변화가 정말 비가역적인 단계에 왔다고 생각하시나요?"

"인생에서 가장 비가역적인 선택은 무엇이었나요?"

"기술의 발전이 우리 사회를 비가역적으로 바꿨을까요?"

"한 번 깨진 신뢰는 정말 비가역적인 것일까요?"

"어떤 화학 반응이 비가역적인지 알고 계세요?"

Journal Prompts

내 인생에서 되돌릴 수 없는(비가역적인) 순간들에 대해 써보세요.

디지털 기술이 우리 삶에 미친 비가역적인 영향은 무엇인가요?

환경 보호를 위해 비가역적인 지점을 넘지 않으려면 무엇을 해야 할까요?

내가 한 선택 중 가장 비가역적이었던 것은 무엇이며, 그 결과는 어떠했나요?

시간의 비가역성에 대해 느낀 점을 서술해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very cold and scientific. It's better to use '되돌릴 수 없는 사이' (a relationship that cannot be turned back).

The 'I' in CVID stands for Irreversible, which is translated as '비가역적' in Korean political contexts regarding denuclearization.

The Hanja is 逆, which means 'to go against' or 'to reverse'.

Rarely. You might use it humorously to sound smart, but usually, it's reserved for serious topics like news or health.

In chemistry, it's a reaction like burning wood where you can't get the original wood back from the ash and smoke.

Yes, like a '비가역적인 평화' (irreversible peace), meaning peace that can never be broken again.

It's pronounced with a strong 'jj' sound, like 't-jjeok'.

They are equal in formality, but '비가역적' is the standard term used in textbooks today.

The opposite is '가역적' (reversible).

Yes, if the data is lost forever and cannot be recovered, you can say '비가역적인 데이터 손실'.