B2 verb 2 min read

염두에 두다

To keep something in your mind or consider it.

yeomdue duda
Practice it

Explanation at your level:

You use this when you want to remember something. If your teacher tells you something important, you 염두에 두세요. It helps you stay organized.

Use this when you are planning. If you want to buy a gift, you might 염두에 두다 the price. It means you are thinking about it while you decide.

This is a great phrase for expressing consideration. It shows you are being thoughtful about future outcomes. Use it when you want to warn someone to consider a factor before they act.

In professional contexts, this phrase is essential for showing you have processed feedback. It is a polite way to acknowledge information without necessarily agreeing to do exactly what was suggested.

This phrase is used to demonstrate strategic thinking. By saying you have a certain factor 'in mind,' you convey that you are managing multiple variables. It is common in policy discussions and high-level planning.

The nuance of this phrase lies in the 'mental space' it occupies. It suggests a state of constant awareness. It is a sophisticated way to signal that a specific variable is influencing your decision-making framework, reflecting a high level of cognitive control.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Means to keep in mind.
  • Used in professional and daily life.
  • Requires the particle '에'.
  • Very helpful for planning.

When you say 염두에 두다, you are telling someone that a particular idea or fact is sitting right at the front of your mind. It is like having a mental sticky note that you keep looking at while you work.

Think of the word 염두 (the mind) and 두다 (to place). You are literally placing something inside your mind to make sure you don't overlook it. It is a very common and useful phrase for planning and being considerate.

The term is rooted in Sino-Korean characters. 염 (念) means 'thought' or 'mind,' and 두 (頭) means 'head.' Historically, this phrase has been used to describe the act of keeping a thought in the 'head-space' of one's consciousness.

It has evolved from a somewhat literary expression into a staple of daily Korean conversation. It reflects the cultural importance of being thoughtful and prepared before taking action, which is a core value in many East Asian communication styles.

You will hear this phrase in both professional and casual settings. In business, you might say, 'Please 염두에 두세요' (Please keep this in mind) when giving instructions.

It is often used with phrases like 항상 (always) or 꼭 (definitely) to emphasize the importance of the thought. It is neutral in register, making it safe for almost any social situation.

1. 마음에 새기다 (Engrave in the heart): To remember something very deeply.

2. 눈여겨보다 (Watch closely): To keep an eye on something.

3. 머리에 담아두다 (Keep in the head): Similar to 염두에 두다, but slightly more casual.

4. 잊지 않다 (Not to forget): A direct way to express the same goal.

5. 명심하다 (Keep in mind): A more formal, serious version of remembering.

Grammatically, this acts as a verb phrase. It is usually preceded by the object particle -을/를. For example, '가능성을 염두에 두다' (keep the possibility in mind).

Pronunciation-wise, ensure the '염' is clear. In fast speech, the '에' might blend slightly with '두'. It sounds like 'yeom-doo-eh doo-da'.

Fun Fact

The character '염' (念) is composed of 'now' (今) and 'heart' (心), meaning what is in your heart right now.

Pronunciation Guide

UK N/A

N/A

US N/A

N/A

Common Errors

  • Mispronouncing '염' as '영'
  • Dropping the '에' particle
  • Slurring '두다'

Rhymes With

기대다 매달다 기다리다 내다 대다

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read

Writing 2/5

Easy to write

Speaking 2/5

Easy to say

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

생각 두다 마음

Learn Next

명심하다 고려하다 유념하다

Advanced

심사숙고하다

Grammar to Know

Object particles

을/를

Verb endings

-세요

Adverbial phrases

염두에

Examples by Level

1

이것을 염두에 두세요.

This / keep in mind.

Imperative form.

2

시간을 염두에 두다.

Time / keep in mind.

Noun + object marker.

3

항상 염두에 둬요.

Always / keep in mind.

Adverb usage.

4

그 말을 염두에 두다.

That word / keep in mind.

Demonstrative pronoun.

5

계획을 염두에 두세요.

Plan / keep in mind.

Formal ending.

6

실수를 염두에 두다.

Mistake / keep in mind.

Avoiding errors.

7

날씨를 염두에 두다.

Weather / keep in mind.

Natural context.

8

돈을 염두에 두다.

Money / keep in mind.

Financial context.

1

건강을 염두에 두다.

2

안전을 염두에 두다.

3

예산을 염두에 두다.

4

시간을 염두에 두다.

5

목표를 염두에 두다.

6

사람들을 염두에 두다.

7

의견을 염두에 두다.

8

상황을 염두에 두다.

1

변화를 염두에 두다.

2

가능성을 염두에 두다.

3

위험을 염두에 두다.

4

결과를 염두에 두다.

5

장점을 염두에 두다.

6

단점을 염두에 두다.

7

제안을 염두에 두다.

8

약속을 염두에 두다.

1

비용 효율성을 염두에 두다.

2

장기적 관점을 염두에 두다.

3

문화적 차이를 염두에 두다.

4

고객의 니즈를 염두에 두다.

5

법적 문제를 염두에 두다.

6

잠재적 리스크를 염두에 두다.

7

팀의 사기를 염두에 두다.

8

일정 변경을 염두에 두다.

1

시장 변동성을 염두에 두다.

2

윤리적 책임을 염두에 두다.

3

글로벌 트렌드를 염두에 두다.

4

이해관계자의 입장을 염두에 두다.

5

기술적 한계를 염두에 두다.

6

사회적 파급효과를 염두에 두다.

7

개인적 가치관을 염두에 두다.

8

데이터의 정확성을 염두에 두다.

1

지정학적 리스크를 염두에 두다.

2

철학적 함의를 염두에 두다.

3

역사적 맥락을 염두에 두다.

4

심리적 장벽을 염두에 두다.

5

구조적 모순을 염두에 두다.

6

잠재적 대안을 염두에 두다.

7

미래의 불확실성을 염두에 두다.

8

조직의 비전을 염두에 두다.

Common Collocations

가능성을 염두에 두다
안전을 염두에 두다
시간을 염두에 두다
예산을 염두에 두다
상황을 염두에 두다
의견을 염두에 두다
결과를 염두에 두다
장점을 염두에 두다
리스크를 염두에 두다
목표를 염두에 두다

Idioms & Expressions

"마음에 두다"

To harbor a feeling or thought.

그 일을 마음에 두지 마세요.

neutral

"머리에 넣다"

To memorize or understand.

내 말을 머리에 넣어라.

casual

"눈을 떼지 않다"

To watch closely.

아이에게서 눈을 떼지 마세요.

neutral

"가슴에 새기다"

To deeply remember a lesson.

그 교훈을 가슴에 새기세요.

literary

"귀담아듣다"

To listen carefully.

조언을 귀담아들으세요.

neutral

"염두에 없다"

To not consider at all.

그건 전혀 염두에 없었어요.

neutral

Easily Confused

염두에 두다 vs 명심하다

Both mean to remember.

명심하다 is more about a lesson/instruction.

선생님의 조언을 명심해라.

염두에 두다 vs 고려하다

Both mean to consider.

고려하다 is more analytical.

상황을 고려하다.

염두에 두다 vs 기억하다

Both involve memory.

기억하다 is simple recall.

이름을 기억하다.

염두에 두다 vs 주의하다

Both involve focus.

주의하다 is about caution.

차를 주의하세요.

Sentence Patterns

A2

Subject + Noun + 을/를 + 염두에 두다

나는 예산을 염두에 둔다.

B1

Noun + 을/를 + 염두에 두고 + Verb

시간을 염두에 두고 시작하세요.

B2

염두에 두어야 할 + Noun

염두에 두어야 할 사항들.

B1

Subject + 는 + Noun + 을/를 + 염두에 두지 않았다

나는 위험을 염두에 두지 않았다.

A2

Noun + 을/를 + 염두에 두었나요?

리스크를 염두에 두었나요?

Word Family

Nouns

염두 Mind or thought

Verbs

두다 To place/put

Related

생각 Synonym for thought

How to Use It

frequency

8

Formality Scale

Formal Neutral Casual

Common Mistakes

염두에 생각하다 → 염두에 두다
Redundant. '염두' already implies mind/thought.
염두를 두다 → 염두에 두다
The particle '에' is required.
염두에 넣다 → 염두에 두다
Incorrect collocation.
염두에 기억하다 → 염두에 두다
Grammatically awkward mix.
염두에 가지다 → 염두에 두다
Literal translation error.

Tips

💡

Memory Palace

Imagine a shelf in your mind where you place important tasks.

💡

Native Usage

Use it when giving advice.

🌍

Cultural Insight

Shows you are a thoughtful person.

💡

Grammar Shortcut

Always keep '에' attached to '염두'.

💡

Say It Right

Practice the 'yeom' sound slowly.

💡

Don't Make This Mistake

Never say '염두를'.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of the most common phrases in Korean business.

💡

Study Smart

Write 5 sentences using it today.

💡

Rhythm

It has a steady, rhythmic flow.

💡

Context

Perfect for when you want to suggest a factor to consider.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Yum-doo (Yum, a tasty thought in my head).

Visual Association

A person putting a small note inside a glass box labeled 'mind'.

Word Web

Planning Memory Consideration Strategy

Challenge

Write 3 things you need to do today and say 'I will keep these in mind (염두에 두다)' in Korean.

Word Origin

Sino-Korean

Original meaning: Placing in the mind

Cultural Context

None

Equivalent to 'keep in mind' or 'bear in mind'.

Used frequently in Korean business dramas when characters discuss strategy.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At work

  • 예산을 염두에 두세요
  • 리스크를 염두에 두다
  • 일정을 염두에 두다

At school

  • 시험 범위를 염두에 두다
  • 선생님의 조언을 염두에 두다
  • 시간을 염두에 두다

Planning a trip

  • 날씨를 염두에 두다
  • 비용을 염두에 두다
  • 교통을 염두에 두다

Daily life

  • 건강을 염두에 두다
  • 가족을 염두에 두다
  • 약속을 염두에 두다

Conversation Starters

"오늘 계획을 세울 때 무엇을 염두에 두었나요?"

"새로운 일을 시작할 때 가장 염두에 두는 것은 무엇인가요?"

"친구에게 조언할 때 무엇을 염두에 두나요?"

"이 프로젝트에서 우리가 염두에 두어야 할 점은 무엇일까요?"

"건강을 위해 무엇을 염두에 두고 사나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루를 보내며 염두에 둔 중요한 일은 무엇인가요?

미래를 위해 지금 염두에 두고 있는 목표는 무엇인가요?

최근에 누군가에게 염두에 두라는 조언을 받은 적이 있나요?

결정을 내릴 때 가장 염두에 두는 가치는 무엇인가요?

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions

It is neutral and polite.

Yes, just change the ending to '둬'.

Not exactly, it means to consider.

To ignore (무시하다).

Yes, it is a verb phrase.

Yes, very common in formal writing.

Yes, the first part is.

Yes, '에'.

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

항상 건강을 ___ ___ ___.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 염두에 두세요

Correct phrase is 염두에 두다.

multiple choice A2

What does '염두에 두다' mean?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: To keep in mind

It means to keep in mind.

true false B1

Is '염두에 두다' used to say you forgot something?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

It is used to remember something.

match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!

Literal breakdown.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Subject + object + verb.

multiple choice A1

Which particle is used with 염두?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 에

It is always 염두에.

true false A2

Can you use this in a business meeting?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: True

Yes, it is very professional.

fill blank B1

___을 염두에 두고 결정하세요.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 결과

Result is a logical thing to keep in mind.

multiple choice B2

Which is a synonym?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 명심하다

명심하다 means to keep in mind.

sentence order C1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Market volatility must be kept in mind.

Score: /10

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