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B1 noun #2,000 most common 6 min read

항목

hangmok Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 항목 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 항목 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '항목' (hang-mok) as a 'list item'. Even though it's a bit formal, you might see it on a simple shopping app or a basic form. Imagine you are making a list of things to buy. Each thing on that list is an '항목'. When you are learning Korean, you might see a list of 'New Words' in your textbook. Each word in that list is an '항목'. You don't need to use this word often in speaking yet, but you should recognize it when you see a list of things. It helps you understand that a document is organized into different parts. For example, if you see '필수 항목' (pil-su hang-mok) on a website, it just means 'you must fill this part'. It's like a label for a box you need to check. At this stage, just remember: 항목 = Item in a list.

At the A2 level, you will start seeing '항목' in more practical situations, like filling out a simple application for a library card or a gym membership. You will notice that forms are divided into '항목' like 'Name', 'Phone Number', and 'Address'. You might hear a teacher say, '이 항목을 보세요' (Look at this item). This is a way to point to a specific part of a worksheet. You can also start using it to describe your daily schedule if you list it out. If you have five things to do today, you have five '항목' on your to-do list. You should also learn the word '항목별' (hang-mok-byeol), which means 'by item'. For example, '항목별로 정리해요' means 'organize it item by item'. This level is about recognizing '항목' as a tool for organization in your daily life and basic studies.

At the B1 level, '항목' becomes a very useful word for describing processes and requirements. You are now expected to handle more complex tasks, like explaining a survey or a set of rules. You will use '항목' to talk about '평가 항목' (evaluation criteria) for a project or '체크리스트 항목' (checklist items) for a trip. You should understand the difference between '항목' and '품목' (physical goods). For instance, if you are writing an essay about environmental issues, you might list several '항목' (points/items) that the government should focus on. You will also encounter this word in business contexts, such as '지출 항목' (expenditure items) in a budget. Using '항목' shows that you can think logically and categorize information, which is a key skill at the Intermediate level. You can now use it comfortably in sentences like '모든 항목을 다 채웠어요' (I filled out all the items).

At the B2 level, you should use '항목' with precision in professional and academic discussions. You will encounter it in complex documents like contracts, research papers, and official reports. You need to understand how '항목' relates to '조항' (clauses) and '범주' (categories). For example, in a legal context, you might discuss how a specific '항목' in a contract is unfair. In a scientific report, you would describe the '실험 항목' (experimental items/variables) in detail. You should also be able to use the verb form '항목화하다' (to itemize) to describe the act of structuring information. At this level, you are not just seeing '항목' as a list entry, but as a unit of analysis. You might say, '이 항목은 논리적으로 맞지 않습니다' (This item does not make sense logically). This shows a high level of critical thinking in Korean.

At the C1 level, '항목' is a tool for sophisticated discourse. You will use it to dissect complex arguments or systems. You might analyze the '세부 항목' (detailed items) of a government's economic policy or the '심사 항목' (judging criteria) of a prestigious award. You should be aware of the stylistic nuances—using '항목' makes your speech sound more objective and structured. In a debate, you might say, '제가 강조하고 싶은 항목은 세 가지입니다' (There are three items I would like to emphasize). You will also see it in high-level literature or philosophy when discussing the '항목' (categories) of human experience. Your understanding should include the Hanja roots, allowing you to connect it to related words like '항목별 분류' (classification by item) or '항목 간의 상관관계' (correlation between items). You are now a master of using this word to create clear, professional, and persuasive content.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '항목' is near-native. You understand its role in the deepest levels of Korean bureaucracy, law, and academia. You can navigate the most complex '세부 항목' of a multi-page legal treaty or a technical manual with ease. You understand the subtle difference in tone between '항목', '사항', '조항', and '명목' in various registers. You can write professional critiques of how information is '항목화' (itemized) in a report, suggesting better ways to categorize data. In high-level administrative work, you might be the one defining the '항목' for a new database or evaluation system. Your use of the word is seamless, whether you are discussing the '항목' of a budget in a corporate boardroom or the '항목' of a linguistic taxonomy in a doctoral thesis. You recognize '항목' as a fundamental concept of Korean structural logic.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

항목 in 30 Seconds

항목 (Hang-mok) refers to an individual item, entry, or field within a structured list, form, or document, essential for organization.
It is commonly used in formal contexts like surveys, contracts, and software interfaces to denote specific points or criteria.
Commonly paired with verbs like '추가하다' (add), '삭제하다' (delete), and '확인하다' (check), and often modified by '필수' (required).
Distinguish it from '품목' (physical goods) and '사항' (general matters) to ensure precise and natural Korean usage.

The word 항목 (Hang-mok) is a fundamental term in Korean used to describe individual components within a structured set. Derived from Hanja (Chinese characters), it combines 項 (항), meaning 'neck' or 'item/section', and 目 (목), meaning 'eye' or 'division'. Together, they represent a 'point' or 'item' that stands out for observation or categorization.

Core Concept: Think of a grocery list. Each thing you write down—milk, eggs, bread—is an '항목'. In a more formal setting, like a job application, the 'Name', 'Address', and 'Experience' sections are all individual '항목'.

계약서의 각 항목을 꼼꼼히 읽어보세요. (Please read each item in the contract carefully.)

This word is ubiquitous in bureaucratic, academic, and daily life. It differs from 'thing' (것) because it implies a level of organization. You wouldn't call a random rock on the ground an '항목', but if that rock is listed as 'Item #4' in a geological survey, it becomes an '항목'.

Structural Role: It serves as the building block of lists, surveys, and databases. Without '항목', information would be a chaotic wall of text rather than a structured set of data.

In modern digital contexts, '항목' is often used in software menus. For example, 'Settings' might have several '항목' like 'Display', 'Sound', and 'Privacy'. It is the standard term for 'entry' or 'field' in digital forms.

설문 조사에는 총 20개의 항목이 포함되어 있습니다. (The survey includes a total of 20 items.)

Visual Representation: Visually, '항목' are often separated by lines, commas, or bullet points. They represent the 'horizontal' or 'vertical' divisions of a document.

Understanding '항목' is crucial for navigating Korean society, from opening a bank account to taking the TOPIK exam. It is the vocabulary of order and classification.

Using 항목 correctly involves understanding its role as a countable noun that often takes specific verbs. Because it refers to items in a list, it is frequently used with verbs of addition, deletion, or inspection.

Common Verbs: Common pairings include '항목을 추가하다' (to add an item), '항목을 삭제하다' (to delete an item), and '항목을 검토하다' (to review an item).

필수 항목을 모두 입력해 주세요. (Please fill in all the required items/fields.)

When you want to say 'item by item', you use the suffix '-별' to create '항목별로'. This is very common in business reports or when giving instructions for a detailed task.

In academic writing, you might see '항목화하다' (to itemize). This means to take a block of text and break it down into a list. It's a formal way to describe making something clearer through structure.

지출 항목을 분류하는 것이 중요합니다. (It is important to categorize expenditure items.)

Contextual Nuance: While '항목' is an item, '품목' (pum-mok) is specifically for physical goods or products. If you are talking about items on a receipt, '품목' is better. If you are talking about items on a checklist, '항목' is correct.

You will also encounter '항목' in the context of '평가 항목' (evaluation criteria). When a teacher grades an essay, they look at different '항목' like grammar, vocabulary, and logic.

이번 시험의 채점 항목은 무엇인가요? (What are the grading items/criteria for this exam?)

You will encounter 항목 in almost every formal or organized setting in Korea. It is a staple of the 'paperwork culture' and digital interfaces.

In the Office: Meetings often involve reviewing '보고서 항목' (report items) or '회의 안건 항목' (agenda items). Managers will ask you to 'check each item' (각 항목을 확인하다).

이 항목은 예산에서 제외되었습니다. (This item has been excluded from the budget.)

When using a Korean website or app, you will see '필수 입력 항목' (required input fields) marked with a red asterisk. If you miss one, an error message will pop up mentioning the missing '항목'.

In news reports, journalists often break down complex government policies '항목별로' (by item) to make them easier for the public to understand. You might hear, '정부는 다음과 같은 항목들을 발표했습니다' (The government announced the following items).

뉴스에서 보도된 세금 감면 항목을 확인해 보세요. (Check the tax deduction items reported in the news.)

Legal and Formal: Contracts (계약서) are divided into '조항' (clauses), but within those clauses, specific points are often referred to as '항목'. It provides the granular detail needed for legal clarity.

Finally, in daily life, when you get a health checkup (건강검진), the results are listed by '검사 항목' (test items) such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and vision.

While 항목 is straightforward, learners often confuse it with other words that also translate to 'item' or 'thing' in English.

Confusing with 품목 (Pum-mok): This is the most common error. '품목' is for physical products (goods). If you are talking about a list of groceries, use '품목'. If you are talking about a list of questions, use '항목'.

Wrong: 쇼핑 리스트의 질문 품목 (Question product of shopping list)
Right: 설문지의 질문 항목 (Question item of survey)

Another mistake is using '항목' when '사항' (sa-hang) is more appropriate. '사항' refers to 'matters' or 'details' in a more general sense. '주의 사항' (matters to be careful of) is a fixed phrase; you wouldn't say '주의 항목'.

Learners also sometimes use '항목' for people in a list. While technically an 'entry' in a database, it sounds dehumanizing to refer to people as '항목' in speech. Use '명단' (list of names) or '사람' instead.

이 리스트에는 10명의 사람이 있습니다. (There are 10 people on this list - Better than '10 items of people').

Overusing with '것': In casual conversation, '항목' sounds very formal. If you're just talking about 'this thing' on a list with a friend, just say '이거' or '이 것'. Save '항목' for when you want to sound precise or professional.

Korean has several words for 'item' or 'section' depending on the context. Distinguishing between them will make your Korean sound much more natural.

항목 vs. 품목 (Pum-mok): 항목: General items in a list, document, or survey. Abstract or concrete.
품목: Specifically physical goods, products, or commodities. Used in trade and shopping.

수출 품목 (Export items/goods) vs. 평가 항목 (Evaluation items/criteria).

항목 vs. 조항 (Jo-hang): 항목: A single entry or point.
조항: An 'article' or 'clause' in a legal document or constitution. A '조항' can contain multiple '항목'.

항목 vs. 사항 (Sa-hang): 항목: Focuses on the structure of the list (the entry itself).
사항: Focuses on the content or the matter being discussed. Often used for 'details' or 'notices'.

공지 사항 (Notice details) vs. 설문 항목 (Survey items).

Finally, there is 범주 (Beom-ju), which means 'category'. An '항목' belongs to a '범주'. For example, 'Apples' is an '항목' in the 'Fruit' '범주'.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

-별 (Suffix for 'by/per')

-화 (Suffix for '-ization')

-에 관한 (About/Regarding)

-을/를 포함하여 (Including...)

-에 따라 (According to...)

Examples by Level

이 리스트에는 다섯 개의 항목이 있어요.

There are five items in this list.

Noun + 이/가 있어요 (There is/are...)

이 항목은 무엇입니까?

What is this item?

Noun + 은/는 무엇입니까? (What is...?)

이름 항목을 쓰세요.

Write in the name item/field.

Imperative form -으세요.

항목이 많아요.

There are many items.

Adjective 많다 (to be many).

첫 번째 항목을 보세요.

Look at the first item.

Ordinal number 첫 번째 (first).

이 항목은 중요해요.

This item is important.

Adjective 중요하다 (to be important).

쇼핑 항목을 확인해요.

Check the shopping items.

Verb 확인하다 (to check).

항목을 하나씩 읽어요.

Read the items one by one.

Adverb 하나씩 (one by one).

필수 항목을 모두 입력해 주세요.

Please enter all the required items.

Adjective 필수 (required) + 항목.

항목별로 가격이 달라요.

Prices vary by item.

Suffix -별 (by/per).

이 항목은 삭제할 수 없어요.

You cannot delete this item.

Verb + -ㄹ 수 없다 (cannot do).

새로운 항목을 추가했습니다.

I added a new item.

Past tense -았습니다/었습니다.

질문 항목이 너무 어려워요.

The question items are too difficult.

Adverb 너무 (too).

항목을 순서대로 정리하세요.

Organize the items in order.

Adverb 순서대로 (in order).

이 항목에 체크해 주세요.

Please check this item.

Noun + 에 (at/on).

항목의 내용을 수정하세요.

Edit the content of the item.

Possessive particle -의.

설문 조사의 모든 항목에 응답해 주세요.

Please respond to all items in the survey.

Verb 응답하다 (to respond).

평가 항목이 구체적이라서 좋아요.

I like that the evaluation items are specific.

Reasoning -아서/어서 (because).

지출 항목을 꼼꼼히 기록해야 합니다.

You must record expenditure items meticulously.

Must do -아야/어야 합니다.

이 항목은 우리 계획과 맞지 않아요.

This item does not fit our plan.

Negation -지 않다.

항목을 분류하는 기준이 무엇인가요?

What is the criteria for categorizing the items?

Noun-modifying form -는.

세부 항목을 확인한 후에 서명하세요.

Sign after checking the detailed items.

After doing -ㄴ 후에.

중요한 항목은 형광펜으로 표시하세요.

Mark important items with a highlighter.

Instrumental particle -으로.

항목이 누락되지 않도록 주의하세요.

Be careful so that no items are omitted.

So that -도록.

계약서의 독소 항목을 반드시 찾아내야 합니다.

We must find the toxic items/clauses in the contract.

Compound noun 독소 항목 (toxic item).

보고서의 각 항목을 논리적으로 연결하세요.

Connect each item of the report logically.

Adverb 논리적으로 (logically).

이 항목은 통계적으로 유의미하지 않습니다.

This item is not statistically significant.

Adverb 통계적으로 (statistically).

예산 항목을 재조정할 필요가 있습니다.

There is a need to readjust the budget items.

Need to -ㄹ 필요가 있다.

심사 항목에 따라 점수를 부여했습니다.

Scores were given according to the judging items.

According to -에 따라.

항목 간의 중복을 피하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to avoid duplication between items.

Between -간의.

해당 항목은 법적 효력이 없습니다.

The item in question has no legal effect.

Legal effect 법적 효력.

항목별 비중을 어떻게 설정할까요?

How should we set the weight/importance for each item?

Weight/Importance 비중.

정책의 세부 항목들이 사회적 합의를 이끌어내지 못했습니다.

The detailed items of the policy failed to bring about social consensus.

Social consensus 사회적 합의.

논문의 분석 항목을 체계적으로 수립해야 합니다.

The analysis items of the thesis must be systematically established.

Systematically 체계적으로.

이 항목은 현대 철학의 주요 범주에 해당합니다.

This item corresponds to a major category of modern philosophy.

Corresponds to -에 해당하다.

평가 항목의 객관성을 확보하는 것이 관건입니다.

The key is to ensure the objectivity of the evaluation items.

Objectivity 객관성.

기존 항목들을 통폐합하여 효율성을 높였습니다.

Efficiency was increased by merging and abolishing existing items.

Merge and abolish 통폐합하다.

이 항목은 시대적 흐름을 반영하고 있습니다.

This item reflects the trends of the times.

Reflecting -을 반영하다.

항목의 정의가 모호하여 혼란을 야기했습니다.

The definition of the item was ambiguous, causing confusion.

Cause confusion 혼란을 야기하다.

각 항목의 우선순위를 결정하는 논의가 필요합니다.

A discussion is needed to determine the priority of each item.

Priority 우선순위.

헌법의 개별 항목은 국민의 기본권을 보장하는 초석입니다.

Individual items of the constitution are the cornerstone of guaranteeing citizens' basic rights.

Cornerstone 초석.

데이터베이스의 항목 설계를 최적화하여 검색 속도를 개선했습니다.

Search speed was improved by optimizing the item design of the database.

Optimize 최적화하다.

해당 조항의 하위 항목들은 상호 보완적인 관계에 있습니다.

The sub-items of the clause in question are in a complementary relationship.

Complementary 상호 보완적.

감사 결과, 여러 항목에서 회계 부정의 정황이 포착되었습니다.

As a result of the audit, circumstances of accounting fraud were captured in several items.

Accounting fraud 회계 부정.

이 항목의 삭제는 전체 시스템의 붕괴를 초래할 수 있습니다.

The deletion of this item could lead to the collapse of the entire system.

Lead to/Cause -을 초래하다.

다양한 지표를 항목화하여 국가 경쟁력을 측정합니다.

National competitiveness is measured by itemizing various indicators.

Itemize 항목화하다.

이 항목은 국제 표준 규격에 부합하도록 설계되었습니다.

This item was designed to comply with international standard specifications.

Comply with -에 부합하다.

항목 간의 위계 구조를 명확히 정립하는 것이 필수적입니다.

It is essential to clearly establish the hierarchical structure between items.

Hierarchical structure 위계 구조.

Synonyms

품목 조항 사항 요소

Antonyms

전체

Common Collocations

항목을 추가하다 (Add an item)

항목을 삭제하다 (Delete an item)

항목을 확인하다 (Check an item)

필수 항목 (Required item)

선택 항목 (Optional item)

세부 항목 (Detailed item)

평가 항목 (Evaluation item/criteria)

지출 항목 (Expenditure item)

항목별로 분류하다 (Categorize by item)

항목을 기재하다 (Fill in/record an item)

Common Phrases

다음 항목 (The following item)

해당 항목 (The item in question)

누락된 항목 (Omitted item)

중복 항목 (Duplicate item)

주요 항목 (Main item)

검사 항목 (Test item)

설문 항목 (Survey item)

계약 항목 (Contract item)

수정 항목 (Correction item)

비교 항목 (Comparison item)

Often Confused With

항목 vs 품목

Used for physical goods/products, whereas 항목 is for any list entry.

항목 vs 사항

Refers to general matters or details, while 항목 refers to the structural entry in a list.

항목 vs 조항

Specific to legal clauses or articles in a formal document.

Idioms & Expressions

"항목을 조목조목 따지다 (To argue or examine point by point)"

"항목에 올리다 (To put something on a list/agenda)"

"항목에서 빠지다 (To be left out of a list)"

"항목을 메우다 (To fill in the items/fields)"

"항목을 가르다 (To divide into items)"

"항목을 잡다 (To set the items/criteria)"

"항목을 훑다 (To scan through the items)"

"항목을 챙기다 (To take care of/check the items)"

"항목을 넘기다 (To skip an item)"

"항목을 맞추다 (To align the items)"

Easily Confused

항목 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

plurality

In Korean, '항목' can be singular or plural. '항목들' is used only when emphasizing multiple distinct items.

form filling

When a form says '항목', it refers to the space where you write as well as the label.

Common Mistakes

Using 항목 for physical products in a store (use 품목 instead).
Using 항목 for people on a list (use 명단 or 인원 instead).
Confusing 항목 with 사항 in fixed expressions like '주의 사항'.
Using 항목 in very casual speech where '이거' would suffice.
Forgetting that 항목 is a noun and needs proper particles.

Tips

Learn '필수 항목'

This is the most common phrase you will see. Memorize it as a single unit meaning 'required field'. It will save you a lot of frustration when filling out Korean forms online.

Use with '-별로'

To sound more professional, use '항목별로' when describing how you organized something. It shows you have a systematic approach to your work or studies.

항목 vs. 품목

Remember: Items on a test = 항목. Items in a shopping cart = 품목. This distinction is important for sounding natural in business settings.

Itemizing for Clarity

In Korean essays, instead of long paragraphs, try to '항목화' (itemize) your main points. It makes your writing much easier for the reader to follow and looks more academic.

Pointing to Items

When looking at a document with someone, say '이 항목을 보시면...' (If you look at this item...). it's a polite and precise way to direct their attention.

Catch the 'Mok'

The '목' sound is common in words about lists. If you hear '목', there's a good chance the speaker is talking about a title, a list, or a specific item.

Meticulousness

Koreans value '꼼꼼함' (meticulousness). Checking every '항목' carefully is a way to show respect for the process and the person you are working with.

UI Vocabulary

If you change your phone language to Korean, you will see '항목' everywhere. It's a great way to get used to the word in a functional context.

TOPIK Tip

In TOPIK writing, '항목' is often used in the prompts for Task 53 (describing graphs). You might have to list 'survey items' or 'reasons' as '항목'.

The 'Neck' Connection

The Hanja '항' (項) means neck. Think of an '항목' as a 'head' or 'neck' of a new section in a list. It's the starting point of a new detail.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

항목 is a formal word. In casual speech, people use '이거' (this) or '내용' (content).

With the rise of IT, '항목' is the standard translation for 'field' or 'entry' in software.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"이 설문지 항목이 너무 많지 않아요? (Aren't there too many items in this survey?)"

"가장 중요한 평가 항목이 뭐라고 생각하세요? (What do you think is the most important evaluation item?)"

"이 항목은 어떻게 작성해야 하나요? (How should I fill out this item?)"

"쇼핑 리스트에 빠진 항목이 있나요? (Is there any item missing from the shopping list?)"

"계약서 항목 중에서 이해 안 가는 게 있어요. (There is an item in the contract I don't understand.)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 할 일 목록(To-do list)의 항목들을 적어보세요. (Write down the items on your to-do list for today.)

내가 인생에서 가장 중요하게 생각하는 가치 항목 3가지는? (What are the 3 items of value I consider most important in life?)

한국어 공부에서 가장 어려운 항목은 무엇인가요? (What is the most difficult item/part in studying Korean?)

새해 결심 항목들을 리스트로 만들어 보세요. (Make a list of your New Year's resolution items.)

이상적인 직업의 조건 항목들을 나열해 보세요. (List the items/conditions of an ideal job.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can use it for items on a shopping list. However, if you are talking about the actual products being sold or shipped, '품목' is more common in a business context. For a personal list, '항목' is fine but '살 것' (things to buy) is more natural in casual speech. Use '항목' when you want to sound organized.

It means 'Required Item' or 'Mandatory Field'. You will see this on online forms. It indicates that you cannot proceed or submit the form without filling in that specific part. Usually, these are marked with a red asterisk (*) in Korea, just like in other countries.

Generally, no. Referring to people as '항목' can sound like you are treating them as data points rather than human beings. If you have a list of people, call it a '명단' (list of names) or refer to the '인원' (number of people/personnel). Only use '항목' if you are specifically talking about a field in a database that happens to contain a name.

The most natural way is '항목별로' (hang-mok-byeol-lo). You can use this when you are checking a list, explaining a process, or organizing data. For example, '항목별로 설명해 주세요' means 'Please explain it item by item'.

'항목' is the entry itself in a list (the 'box' or 'bullet point'). '사항' is the 'matter' or 'detail' (the content or the point being made). For example, '주의 사항' means 'matters to be careful of'. You wouldn't say '주의 항목' because it's not just a list entry, it's a piece of information.

Yes, it is a relatively formal word. While it's used in daily life (like on forms), in casual conversation with friends, you would likely just say '이거' (this) or '내용' (content). Using '항목' in a casual chat might make you sound like you're in a business meeting.

Not exactly. '범주' is the word for 'category'. An '항목' is a specific item that falls *under* a category. For example, if the category is 'Fruits', then 'Apple' is an '항목' within that category.

It means 'to itemize' or 'to list out'. It is the process of taking a large amount of information and breaking it down into clear, individual points. This is a very common term in business and academic writing.

You will see it in the 'Settings' menu, on 'Sign-up' forms, in 'FAQ' sections, and in 'Search Filters'. It is the standard word for any selectable or fillable entry in a digital interface.

Yes, it is 項 (항) and 目 (목). Knowing the Hanja helps because '목' (目) appears in many words related to lists and organization, like '목록' (list) and '제목' (title).