This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Korean
Vocabulary
장기적이다

A2 adjective 10 min read

장기적이다

janggijeogida

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 장기적이다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 장기적이다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually talk about time using simple words like 'long' (길다) or 'a long time' (오래). However, '장기적이다' is a more advanced way to say something will last a long time. Think of it like the difference between saying 'a long time' and 'long-term.' At this stage, you don't need to use it often, but you might see it in simple signs or news headlines about plans. It is made of two parts: '장기' (long period) and '적이다' (to be like). Just remember it means something that is not for today or tomorrow, but for a long time in the future.

For A2 learners, '장기적이다' becomes useful when you talk about your future plans or health. Instead of just saying 'I will study Korean for a long time,' you can say 'I have a long-term plan (장기적인 계획).' This makes your Korean sound more organized. You will mostly use it in the form '장기적인' followed by a noun like '계획' (plan) or '목표' (goal). It's a great word to use when talking about why you are doing something difficult now—because it will be good for you '장기적으로' (in the long run).

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more professional and social topics. '장기적이다' is essential here. You will use it to discuss economic trends, environmental issues, and workplace strategies. You should start distinguishing between '장기적' (long-term), '단기적' (short-term), and '지속적' (continuous). For example, in a discussion about the environment, you might say that we need '장기적인 대책' (long-term measures). You should also be comfortable using the adverbial form '장기적으로' to explain the benefits of an action over time.

B2 learners should use '장기적이다' to express complex viewpoints. You should be able to use it in the '장기적인 안목' (long-term perspective) collocation, which is very common in Korean culture and business. At this level, you can use the word to critique ideas—for example, saying a solution is only '단기적' and lacks a '장기적' foundation. You will encounter this word frequently in 'Sisa' (current events) materials and should be able to understand its nuances in political and economic contexts, such as '장기 집권' (long-term seizure of power) or '장기 채권' (long-term bonds).

At the C1 level, '장기적이다' is a tool for precise academic and professional expression. You should understand how it interacts with other Sino-Korean terms to form specific jargon. For example, '장기적인 관점에서의 구조 조정' (structural adjustment from a long-term perspective). You should also be able to use it to discuss abstract concepts like '장기적인 기억' (long-term memory) in psychology or '장기적인 파급 효과' (long-term ripple effects) in sociology. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's formal register and its role in logical argumentation.

For C2 speakers, '장기적이다' is used with complete naturalness in the most sophisticated contexts. You can use it to discuss historical epochs, philosophical endurance, or complex systemic sustainability. You understand the subtle difference between '장기적' and other time-related adjectives like '영속적' (perpetual) or '항구적' (permanent). In high-level debates, you might use '장기적이다' to frame the entire temporal scope of an issue, showing a mastery of how time-scales affect policy and human behavior. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

장기적이다 in 30 Seconds

장기적이다 describes things that happen over or are intended for a long duration, focusing on the future.
It is the antonym of 단기적이다 (short-term) and is commonly used in professional and strategic contexts.
The word is frequently paired with nouns like '계획' (plan), '목표' (goal), and '안목' (perspective).
Grammatically, it functions as a predicate (장기적이다), a modifier (장기적인), or an adverb (장기적으로).

The Korean word 장기적이다 (jang-gi-jeok-i-da) is a foundational adjective used to describe something that spans a long period of time, is intended for the future, or involves a sustained duration rather than a quick, immediate result. In linguistic terms, it is a derivative adjective formed by the noun 장기 (長其 - long period), the suffix 적 (的 - -ic/al), and the copula 이다 (to be). Understanding this word is essential for moving beyond simple daily observations and into the realm of planning, strategy, and abstract thinking in Korean. It is most frequently encountered in contexts involving investments, career planning, health management, and environmental discussions where the focus is on the 'big picture' rather than the 'here and now.'

Core Concept: The essence of '장기적이다' lies in the rejection of the 'quick fix.' It implies a commitment to a process that will yield results over years or even decades. It is the opposite of '단기적이다' (short-term).
Professional Usage: In a business setting, you will hear this word when discussing '장기적인 목표' (long-term goals) or '장기적인 투자' (long-term investment). It conveys a sense of stability and foresight.

우리는 장기적인 관점에서 이 문제를 해결해야 합니다. (We must solve this problem from a long-term perspective.)

Culturally, Korean society often balances the 'Palli-Palli' (hurry-hurry) culture with a deep respect for long-term endurance. While the daily pace of life is fast, the educational and professional paths are often viewed through a '장기적' lens. For instance, preparing for the Suneung (CSAT) or a civil service exam is seen as a long-term battle. When you use this word, you are signaling that you are thinking deeply about the future and are not just reacting to current circumstances. It adds a layer of maturity and professional polish to your Korean speech.

운동은 장기적으로 건강에 큰 도움이 됩니다. (Exercise is a great help to health in the long run.)

Economic Context: Economists use this to describe '장기적인 불황' (long-term recession) or '장기적인 성장' (long-term growth), indicating trends that define eras.

이 프로젝트는 장기적이다. (This project is long-term.)

In interpersonal relationships, '장기적이다' might be used to describe a commitment. A '장기적인 관계' (long-term relationship) suggests depth and history. It is also common in medical contexts, such as '장기적인 치료' (long-term treatment), where the patient and doctor must prepare for a lengthy recovery process. By mastering this word, you can express complex intentions regarding time and sustainability in Korean.

주식 투자는 장기적인 안목이 필요합니다. (Stock investment requires a long-term perspective.)

Environmental Impact: Climate change is always discussed as a '장기적인 과제' (long-term task) because its effects and solutions are not immediate.

환경 보호는 장기적인 노력이 중요합니다. (Long-term effort is important for environmental protection.)

Using 장기적이다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. As an adjective ending in '-적이다', it can function in three primary ways: as a predicate at the end of a sentence, as a modifier before a noun, or as an adverb when the '-이다' is replaced with '-으로'. This flexibility allows you to weave the concept of long-term thinking into various sentence structures seamlessly.

As a Predicate (Sentence Ending): When you want to state that a plan or situation is long-term, you use it at the end. Formal: '이 계획은 장기적입니다.' Polite: '이 계획은 장기적이에요.' Informal: '이 계획은 장기적이야.'

그의 목표는 매우 장기적이다. (His goal is very long-term.)

The most common usage for learners is the attributive form: 장기적인 + [Noun]. This allows you to describe specific nouns with the quality of being long-term. Common pairings include '장기적인 계획' (long-term plan), '장기적인 전망' (long-term outlook), and '장기적인 혜택' (long-term benefits). This structure is essential for academic writing and formal presentations.

장기적인 관찰이 필요합니다. (Long-term observation is necessary.)

As an Adverb (장기적으로): When you want to describe how an action is performed, use '장기적으로'. For example, '장기적으로 투자하다' (to invest long-term) or '장기적으로 보다' (to look at something long-term/in the long run).

장기적으로 보면 이것이 더 경제적입니다. (In the long run, this is more economical.)

In complex sentences, '장기적이다' can be used with various connectors. For instance, '장기적이지만' (It is long-term, but...) or '장기적이기 때문에' (Because it is long-term...). This allows for nuanced explanations of why certain actions are being taken. For example, '이 일은 장기적이기 때문에 인내심이 필요해요' (Because this work is long-term, patience is required).

정부는 장기적인 경제 정책을 발표했습니다. (The government announced a long-term economic policy.)

Combining with Negative Expressions: You can say '장기적이지 않다' (not long-term). Example: '이 해결책은 장기적이지 않아요.' (This solution is not long-term/sustainable.)

그것은 장기적인 해결책이 아닙니다. (That is not a long-term solution.)

You will encounter 장기적이다 in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from high-stakes financial news to personal advice from a mentor. It is a 'high-utility' word that signals a shift from casual conversation to more serious, analytical discourse. Understanding where it pops up will help you recognize the tone of a conversation immediately.

News and Media: News anchors often use this word when discussing the economy or international relations. Phrases like '장기적인 경기 침체' (long-term economic stagnation) or '장기적인 협력' (long-term cooperation) are staples of Korean news broadcasts.

전문가들은 장기적인 저성장을 경고하고 있습니다. (Experts are warning of long-term low growth.)

In the corporate world, '장기적이다' is a buzzword during strategy meetings. CEOs and managers use it to contrast with '단기 성과' (short-term results). If a boss says, '우리는 장기적인 성장이 필요합니다,' they are telling the team to look beyond the current quarter's profits and focus on building a sustainable brand.

이것은 장기적인 프로젝트의 시작일 뿐입니다. (This is just the beginning of a long-term project.)

Educational Context: Teachers and professors use this word to talk about learning. '외국어 공부는 장기적인 과정입니다' (Learning a foreign language is a long-term process) is a common phrase of encouragement for students who feel frustrated by slow progress.

공부는 장기적인 마라톤과 같습니다. (Studying is like a long-term marathon.)

You will also hear this in the context of health. Doctors might discuss '장기적인 약물 복용' (long-term medication use) or '장기적인 생활 습관 개선' (long-term lifestyle improvement). In these cases, it emphasizes that the change won't happen overnight and requires persistence.

그들은 장기적인 파트너십을 맺었습니다. (They formed a long-term partnership.)

Real Estate and Finance: When renting an apartment or taking a loan, you will see '장기 임대' (long-term lease) or '장기 대출' (long-term loan) in contracts and advertisements.

장기적인 거주를 원하신다면 이 집을 추천합니다. (If you want a long-term residence, I recommend this house.)

While 장기적이다 is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often trip up by using it in contexts where other 'long' words are more appropriate. Korean has several ways to express the concept of 'long,' and choosing the wrong one can sound unnatural or confusing.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '오래되다' (to be old): Learners often use '장기적이다' to describe something that has existed for a long time in the past. However, '장기적이다' is about the *span* or *nature* of a period, often looking forward. To say 'This is an old tradition,' use '오래된 전통,' not '장기적인 전통.'

Incorrect: 이 건물은 장기적이에요. (This building is long-term.)
Correct: 이 건물은 오래되었어요. (This building is old/has been here a long time.)

Another common error is using '장기적이다' when you simply mean 'for a long time' (adverbial time duration). For example, if you want to say 'I waited for a long time,' you should use '오랫동안' or '한참.' '장기적으로 기다렸다' would imply you had a strategic, long-term plan to wait, which sounds very strange in a casual context.

Incorrect: 장기적으로 공부했어요. (I studied long-termly - sounds robotic.)
Correct: 오랫동안 공부했어요. (I studied for a long time.)

Mistake 2: Forgetting the '-이다': Because '장기적' is a noun-like word (Sino-Korean descriptive noun), it *must* have the copula '이다' to function as a verb/adjective. You cannot just say '그 계획은 장기적.' You must say '장기적이다' or '장기적입니다.'

Incorrect: 이 문제는 장기적. (This problem long-term.)
Correct: 이 문제는 장기적입니다. (This problem is long-term.)

Finally, avoid overusing '장기적이다' in very casual, daily situations. If you tell a friend, '오늘 저녁 메뉴는 장기적인 고민이에요' (Tonight's dinner menu is a long-term worry), it sounds overly dramatic and academic. It is better to use '오래' or '많이' in such cases. Save '장기적이다' for when you are actually talking about the future or a sustained process.

Incorrect: 장기적인 영화 (A long-term movie - doesn't make sense.)
Correct: 긴 영화 (A long movie.)

Mistake 3: Confusing with '지속적이다': While related, '지속적이다' means 'continuous' or 'constant.' '장기적이다' refers to the length of the period, while '지속적이다' refers to the lack of interruption. You can have a long-term plan that isn't continuous!

우리는 장기적인 계획을 세우고 지속적으로 노력해야 합니다. (We must set a long-term plan and effort continuously.)

To truly master 장기적이다, you must see how it fits into the broader ecosystem of Korean words related to time and duration. Comparing it with its synonyms and antonyms will give you the precision needed for high-level communication.

장기적 (Long-term) vs. 단기적 (Short-term): This is the primary pair. '단기적' is used for quick results, immediate plans, or temporary situations. Example: '단기적인 성과에 집착하지 마세요' (Don't obsess over short-term results).
장기적 (Long-term) vs. 지속적 (Continuous): '지속적' emphasizes that something happens without stopping. While '장기적' describes the timeframe, '지속적' describes the flow. A long-term project needs continuous support.
장기적 (Long-term) vs. 영구적 (Permanent): '영구적' means forever. '장기적' just means a long time. A long-term contract eventually ends, but a permanent change does not.

우리는 장기적인 목표를 가지고 꾸준히 나아가야 합니다. (We must have a long-term goal and move forward steadily.)

Another useful word is 만성적 (chronic). While '장기적' is usually neutral or positive (like a plan), '만성적' is usually negative, used for illnesses or deep-seated social problems that won't go away. For example, '만성적인 피로' (chronic fatigue) or '만성적인 실업' (chronic unemployment). Choosing between '장기적' and '만성적' tells the listener whether you see the duration as a structural feature or a persistent problem.

장기적인 안목과 단기적인 대응이 모두 필요합니다. (Both a long-term perspective and short-term response are necessary.)

In casual speech, instead of '장기적으로,' people might say '멀리 보고' (looking far). For example, '멀리 보고 투자해' (Invest looking far/Invest for the long term). This is a more idiomatic and natural way to express the same sentiment in a friendly setting. However, in a job interview or a school essay, '장기적이다' is much preferred for its professional nuance.

이것은 일시적인 현상이 아니라 장기적인 변화입니다. (This is not a temporary phenomenon, but a long-term change.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '적' (的) originally meant 'target' or 'bright,' but in modern Korean/Japanese/Chinese, it's used as a suffix to turn nouns into adjectives, similar to '-ic' or '-al' in English.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕaŋ.ɡi.dʑʌk.i.da/

US /tɕaŋ.ɡi.dʑʌk.i.da/

In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, but there's a slight melodic rise on 'jang' and 'jeok'.

Rhymes With

단기적이다 (dan-gi-jeok-i-da) 정기적이다 (jeong-gi-jeok-i-da) 획기적이다 (hoek-gi-jeok-i-da) 시기적이다 (si-gi-jeok-i-da) 전기적이다 (jeon-gi-jeok-i-da) 사기적이다 (sa-gi-jeok-i-da) 공기적이다 (gong-gi-jeok-i-da) 자기적이다 (ja-gi-jeok-i-da)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jang' as 'jang' with a hard English 'J'. It should be more like a soft 'ch' or 'j'.
Making the 'gi' sound too much like a hard English 'G'.
Shortening the 'jang' syllable; it needs its full nasal 'ng' length.
Mispronouncing the 'eo' in 'jeok' as 'oh' or 'ah'.
Forgetting to aspirate the 'd' in 'da' slightly at the end of a sentence.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize due to the frequent '-적이다' suffix pattern.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of Hanja-based vocabulary to use naturally.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation is standard, but choosing the right context is key.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and formal speech, making it easy to spot.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

길다 (to be long) 시간 (time) 계획 (plan) 미래 (future) 이다 (to be)

Learn Next

단기적이다 (short-term) 지속적이다 (continuous) 효과적이다 (effective) 구체적이다 (concrete/specific) 일반적이다 (general)

Advanced

가시적이다 (visible/tangible) 거시적이다 (macroscopic/large-scale) 미시적이다 (microscopic/small-scale) 추상적이다 (abstract) 현실적이다 (realistic)

Grammar to Know

Noun + -적이다

경제 (Economy) -> 경제적이다 (To be economical)

-적 + -으로 (Adverbial form)

장기적 -> 장기적으로 (Long-termly)

-적 + -인 (Modifier form)

장기적 -> 장기적인 (Long-term...)

Sino-Korean Noun + -화 (Suffix for '-ization')

장기 + 화 -> 장기화 (Prolongation)

Comparison using '보다' with '장기적'

단기적인 성과보다 장기적인 성장이 중요하다.

Examples by Level

이 계획은 장기적입니다.

This plan is long-term.

장기적 + 입니다 (formal ending)

장기적인 목표가 있어요.

I have a long-term goal.

장기적인 (modifier form) + 목표 (noun)

그것은 장기적이에요.

That is long-term.

Polite ending -이에요

장기적으로 생각하세요.

Think long-term.

장기적으로 (adverb) + 생각하세요

장기적인 공부가 필요해요.

Long-term study is necessary.

장기적인 + 공부

이것은 장기적이지 않아요.

This is not long-term.

-지 않아요 (negative)

장기적인 투자를 해요.

I do long-term investment.

장기적인 + 투자

장기적인 약속이에요.

It is a long-term promise.

장기적인 + 약속

장기적인 안목을 가지는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to have a long-term perspective.

안목 (eye/perspective) is a common partner for 장기적.

장기적으로 보면 건강에 좋습니다.

In the long run, it's good for your health.

-으로 보면 (looking from the perspective of...)

우리는 장기적인 계획을 세웠어요.

We set a long-term plan.

계획을 세우다 (to set/make a plan)

이 프로젝트는 장기적인 노력이 필요해요.

This project requires long-term effort.

노력이 필요하다 (need effort)

장기적인 관계를 원해요.

I want a long-term relationship.

장기적인 + 관계

장기적으로 저축을 하려고 해요.

I intend to save money in the long term.

-(으)려고 하다 (intend to)

장기적인 치료가 필요할 수도 있어요.

Long-term treatment might be necessary.

-(으)ㄹ 수도 있다 (might/could)

그 회사는 장기적인 성장을 목표로 합니다.

That company aims for long-term growth.

목표로 하다 (to aim for)

장기적인 경기 침체에 대비해야 합니다.

We must prepare for a long-term economic recession.

대비하다 (to prepare/brace for)

환경 문제는 장기적인 해결책이 필요합니다.

Environmental issues need long-term solutions.

해결책 (solution)

장기적으로 학교 교육이 변해야 합니다.

In the long run, school education must change.

변해야 합니다 (must change)

이 약은 장기적으로 복용하면 부작용이 있을 수 있습니다.

If you take this medicine long-term, there may be side effects.

복용하다 (to take medicine - formal)

장기적인 관점에서 보면 이것이 더 유리합니다.

From a long-term perspective, this is more advantageous.

유리하다 (to be advantageous)

장기적인 협력을 위해 계약을 맺었습니다.

We signed a contract for long-term cooperation.

협력 (cooperation)

이것은 장기적인 프로젝트의 일환입니다.

This is part of a long-term project.

일환 (a part/a link)

장기적인 성공을 위해서는 인내심이 필수입니다.

Patience is essential for long-term success.

필수 (essential/mandatory)

정부는 장기적인 에너지 수급 계획을 발표했다.

The government announced a long-term energy supply and demand plan.

수급 (supply and demand)

장기적인 안목 없이 추진된 사업은 실패하기 쉽다.

Projects pushed forward without a long-term perspective are likely to fail.

추진되다 (to be pushed forward/implemented)

이 정책은 장기적인 사회 변화를 목표로 하고 있습니다.

This policy aims for long-term social change.

사회 변화 (social change)

장기적으로 볼 때, 신재생 에너지 투자는 불가피합니다.

Looking long-term, investment in renewable energy is inevitable.

불가피하다 (to be inevitable)

장기적인 관찰 결과, 이 가설은 틀린 것으로 밝혀졌다.

As a result of long-term observation, this hypothesis was found to be wrong.

밝혀지다 (to be revealed/proven)

기업은 장기적인 생존을 위해 혁신을 거듭해야 한다.

Companies must repeatedly innovate for long-term survival.

거듭하다 (to repeat/do again and again)

장기적인 경기 침체로 인해 소비가 위축되고 있다.

Consumption is shrinking due to a long-term economic recession.

위축되다 (to shrink/wither)

그는 장기적인 비전을 가진 지도자로 평가받는다.

He is evaluated as a leader with a long-term vision.

평가받다 (to be evaluated/judged)

이 논문은 장기적인 기후 변화가 생태계에 미치는 영향을 분석한다.

This paper analyzes the impact of long-term climate change on the ecosystem.

미치는 영향 (impact/effect exerted)

장기적인 관점에서 구조적인 모순을 해결해야 합니다.

Structural contradictions must be resolved from a long-term perspective.

구조적인 모순 (structural contradiction)

장기적인 저금리 기조가 자산 가격에 거품을 형성했다.

The long-term low-interest rate trend formed a bubble in asset prices.

기조 (trend/basis)

장기적인 관찰과 데이터 축적이 과학적 발견의 기초가 된다.

Long-term observation and data accumulation are the basis of scientific discovery.

축적 (accumulation)

지정학적 리스크는 장기적인 투자의 가장 큰 걸림돌이다.

Geopolitical risk is the biggest obstacle to long-term investment.

걸림돌 (stumbling block/obstacle)

장기적인 안목에서의 인재 양성이 국가 경쟁력을 결정한다.

Nurturing talent from a long-term perspective determines national competitiveness.

인재 양성 (nurturing talent)

그 정책은 장기적인 실효성 측면에서 많은 비판을 받았다.

The policy received much criticism in terms of long-term effectiveness.

실효성 (effectiveness/efficacy)

장기적인 관점에서 보면, 현재의 고통은 성장의 밑거름이 될 것이다.

From a long-term perspective, current pain will be the foundation for growth.

밑거름 (foundation/manure - metaphor for basis)

장기적인 역사적 맥락에서 볼 때, 문명의 쇠퇴는 필연적 과정인가?

Seen in a long-term historical context, is the decline of civilization an inevitable process?

역사적 맥락 (historical context)

장기적인 기억의 공고화 과정은 뇌 과학의 핵심 연구 분야이다.

The process of long-term memory consolidation is a core research field in neuroscience.

공고화 (consolidation/solidification)

장기적인 안목을 결여한 정치는 대중 영합주의로 흐르기 쉽다.

Politics lacking a long-term perspective is prone to drift into populism.

대중 영합주의 (populism)

장기적인 상관관계를 규명하기 위해서는 방대한 표본이 필요하다.

To identify long-term correlations, a vast sample is required.

규명하다 (to investigate/identify/clarify)

인류는 장기적인 실존적 위협에 직면해 있으며, 이에 대한 범지구적 대응이 요구된다.

Humanity faces long-term existential threats, requiring a global response.

실존적 위협 (existential threat)

장기적인 관점에서 자본의 논리는 인간의 존엄성과 충돌할 수 있다.

From a long-term perspective, the logic of capital can conflict with human dignity.

자본의 논리 (logic of capital)

장기적인 안목에서의 철학적 성찰은 기술 문명의 폭주를 제어할 수 있다.

Philosophical reflection from a long-term perspective can control the runaway of technological civilization.

성찰 (reflection/introspection)

장기적인 성격의 부채는 국가 재정의 건전성을 위협하는 요인이 된다.

Debt of a long-term nature becomes a factor threatening the soundness of national finances.

재정의 건전성 (fiscal soundness)

Common Collocations

장기적인 계획

장기적인 안목

장기적인 투자

장기적인 목표

장기적인 관점

장기적인 치료

장기적인 경기 침체

장기적인 관계

장기적인 혜택

장기적인 전망

Common Phrases

장기적으로 보면

— When looking at it in the long run. It is used to introduce a long-term benefit or consequence.

장기적으로 보면 이것이 더 싸요. (In the long run, this is cheaper.)

장기적인 대책

— A long-term countermeasure or solution. Used often in politics and management.

정부는 장기적인 대책을 마련했다. (The government prepared long-term measures.)

장기적인 과제

— A long-term task or challenge. Used for big problems that take time to solve.

저출산은 장기적인 과제입니다. (Low birthrate is a long-term task.)

장기적인 성장

— Long-term growth. Used in business and economy.

장기적인 성장을 도모하다. (To promote long-term growth.)

장기적인 파트너십

— A long-term partnership. Common in business relationships.

우리는 장기적인 파트너십을 원합니다. (We want a long-term partnership.)

장기적인 효과

— Long-term effect. Used for medicine, policies, or habits.

이 약의 장기적인 효과를 연구 중이다. (The long-term effects of this medicine are being studied.)

장기적인 비전

— A long-term vision. Used for leaders or organizations.

그는 훌륭한 장기적인 비전을 가지고 있다. (He has a great long-term vision.)

장기적인 영향

— Long-term influence or impact.

환경 오염의 장기적인 영향. (The long-term impact of environmental pollution.)

장기적인 전략

— A long-term strategy.

장기적인 전략을 수정했다. (The long-term strategy was modified.)

장기적인 변화

— A long-term change.

장기적인 변화가 일어나고 있다. (A long-term change is taking place.)

Often Confused With

장기적이다 vs 오래되다

Use this for things that are old or have existed for a long time in the past.

장기적이다 vs 길다

Use this for physical length or simple time duration (e.g., a long movie).

장기적이다 vs 오랫동안

This is an adverb meaning 'for a long time.' Use it for simple time passage.

Idioms & Expressions

"멀리 보다"

— To look far; to have a long-term perspective.

성공하려면 멀리 봐야 해. (To succeed, you have to look far.)

Informal/Neutral

"긴 호흡으로"

— With a long breath; taking a long-term approach without rushing.

긴 호흡으로 이 일을 추진합시다. (Let's push this forward with a long-term approach.)

Neutral/Professional

"백년대계"

— A plan for a hundred years; a grand, long-term plan (often for education).

교육은 국가의 백년대계이다. (Education is a hundred-year plan for the nation.)

Formal/Proverbial

"우보천리"

— A cow's step goes a thousand miles; steady progress leads to long-term success.

우보천리의 마음으로 공부하세요. (Study with the mindset of a cow's step going a thousand miles.)

Literary

"먼 미래를 내다보다"

— To look into the distant future.

그는 먼 미래를 내다보고 투자했다. (He invested looking into the distant future.)

Neutral

"뿌리를 내리다"

— To take root; to become established long-term.

이 제도가 사회에 장기적으로 뿌리를 내렸다. (This system has taken root in society long-term.)

Neutral

"마라톤을 뛰다"

— To run a marathon; to engage in a long-term effort.

인생은 마라톤을 뛰는 것과 같다. (Life is like running a marathon.)

Informal/Neutral

"큰 그림을 그리다"

— To draw a big picture; to have a long-term, comprehensive plan.

그는 사업의 큰 그림을 그리고 있다. (He is drawing a big picture for the business.)

Informal/Neutral

"공든 탑이 무너지랴"

— Will a tower built with effort crumble?; long-term effort will not be in vain.

장기적으로 노력하면 언젠가 보답을 받을 거예요. 공든 탑이 무너지겠어요?

Proverbial

"천 리 길도 한 걸음부터"

— A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step; emphasizing the start of a long-term journey.

장기적인 목표가 있더라도 시작이 중요해요. 천 리 길도 한 걸음부터니까요.

Proverbial

Easily Confused

장기적이다 vs 장기 (Organ)

Homonym.

One means 'long period' (長期) and the other means 'internal organ' (臟器). Context makes it clear.

장기 기증 (Organ donation) vs 장기 계획 (Long-term plan).

장기적이다 vs 정기적이다 (Periodic)

Sounds similar.

장기적 is about duration; 정기적 is about something happening at regular intervals.

정기적인 모임 (Regular meeting) vs 장기적인 모임 (A meeting that lasts a long time/over years).

장기적이다 vs 지속적이다 (Continuous)

Related meanings.

장기적 is the length of the timeframe. 지속적 is the lack of interruption.

지속적인 소음 (Continuous noise) vs 장기적인 소음 (Noise that lasts for a long period/months).

장기적이다 vs 만성적이다 (Chronic)

Both refer to long periods.

만성적 is almost always negative (illness, problems). 장기적 is neutral/strategic.

만성적인 질병 (Chronic disease) vs 장기적인 목표 (Long-term goal).

장기적이다 vs 영구적이다 (Permanent)

Both are 'not short'.

영구적 is forever. 장기적 is just a long but finite period.

영구적인 평화 (Permanent peace) vs 장기적인 휴전 (Long-term ceasefire).

Sentence Patterns

장기적인 [Noun]이/가 필요해요.

장기적인 계획이 필요해요.

장기적으로 보면 [Clause].

장기적으로 보면 건강에 좋아요.

장기적인 [Noun]을/를 위해 [Action].

장기적인 성공을 위해 노력해요.

장기적인 관점에서 [Action]해야 한다.

장기적인 관점에서 투자해야 한다.

[Noun]은/는 장기적인 과제이다.

환경 보호는 장기적인 과제이다.

장기적인 안목을 가지고 [Action].

장기적인 안목을 가지고 정책을 세우다.

장기적인 [Noun]의 일환으로 [Action].

장기적인 계획의 일환으로 실시되다.

장기적인 [Noun]에 따른 [Noun].

장기적인 기후 변화에 따른 생태계 교란.

Word Family

Nouns

장기 (Long period)

장기전 (Long-term war/battle)

장기화 (Prolongation/becoming long-term)

Verbs

장기화하다 (To prolong/make long-term)

장기화되다 (To be prolonged/become long-term)

Adjectives

장기적이다 (Long-term)

단기 (Short term)

중기 (Medium term)

기간 (Period)

시간 (Time)

미래 (Future)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in professional, academic, and news contexts. Less common in casual daily chatter.

Common Mistakes

장기적인 머리 → 긴 머리
장기적이다 is for time/planning, not physical length.
장기적으로 기다렸다 → 오랫동안 기다렸다
Use '오랫동안' for the simple passage of time.
이 전통은 장기적이다 → 이 전통은 오래되었다
Use '오래되다' for things that have existed for a long time in the past.
장기적 계획 → 장기적인 계획
The modifier '-적인' is required when describing a noun.
단기적 대신 장기적을 선택해 → 단기적 대신 장기적인 것을 선택해
'장기적' is a descriptive noun/adjective root and needs a particle or copula.

Tips

Adjective vs Adverb

Remember that '-적인' describes a noun and '-적으로' describes a verb. Don't mix them up! (장기적인 계획 vs 장기적으로 계획하다).

Pair with '안목'

Learning '장기적인 안목' (long-term perspective) is a high-value collocation that makes you sound like an advanced speaker immediately.

Use in Business

In a job interview, talk about your '장기적인 목표' to show you are a stable and committed candidate.

Contrast Practice

Practice by making sentences that contrast '단기적' and '장기적'. It helps solidify both words in your memory.

News Watching

Watch Korean economic news. You will hear '장기적' almost every day. It's a great way to hear the word in context.

Essay Structure

Use '장기적으로' to start your concluding paragraph when summarizing the future implications of your topic.

Don't Rush the 'Ng'

In '장' (jang), ensure the 'ng' sound is clear before moving to '기'. It adds to the clarity of your speech.

Patience is Key

Using '장기적' often implies the virtue of patience (인내), which is highly respected in Korean culture.

Jang = Long

Associate 'Jang' with 'Jang-sin' (a tall person) to remember it means 'long/tall/big'.

Avoid Casual Overuse

Don't use it for trivial things like 'long hair' or 'a long line.' Use '긴 머리' or '긴 줄' instead.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Jang' (Giant) 'Gi' (Gears) machine that takes a long time to turn. It's a 'Jang-Gi' process.

Visual Association

Visualize a long bridge stretching into the clouds where you can't see the end. That bridge is '장기적'.

Word Web

장기 (Long period) 계획 (Plan) 목표 (Goal) 투자 (Investment) 안목 (Perspective) 미래 (Future) 성공 (Success) 인내 (Patience)

Challenge

Try to use '장기적인' in a sentence about your Korean study goals today. For example: '나의 장기적인 목표는 한국에서 일하는 것이다.'

Word Origin

Composed of Sino-Korean characters: 長 (장 - long) + 期 (기 - period) + 的 (적 - suffix for 'nature/quality') + 이다 (to be).

Original meaning: To have the quality of a long period of time.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

None. It is a neutral, professional word.

English speakers often use 'long-term' as both an adjective and an adverb, but in Korean, you must clearly distinguish between '장기적인' (adj) and '장기적으로' (adv).

Economic reports by the Bank of Korea frequently use '장기적인 경기 전망'. The movie 'Interstellar' is often discussed in Korean film blogs as having a '장기적인 인류의 미래' (long-term future of humanity) theme. K-pop idols often talk about their '장기적인 활동' (long-term activities) to reassure fans they won't disband soon.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Investing

장기적인 투자
장기적인 수익
장기적으로 보유하다
장기적인 시장 전망

Education

장기적인 학습 계획
장기적인 교육 정책
장기적인 인재 양성
장기적으로 실력을 쌓다

Health

장기적인 치료
장기적인 약물 복용
장기적인 건강 관리
장기적인 효과

Business

장기적인 목표
장기적인 비전
장기적인 파트너십
장기적인 전략

Environment

장기적인 기후 변화
장기적인 대책
장기적인 생태계 영향
장기적인 보존

Conversation Starters

"장기적인 목표가 무엇인가요? (What is your long-term goal?)"

"한국어 공부를 장기적으로 할 계획인가요? (Do you plan to study Korean long-term?)"

"장기적인 관점에서 어떤 투자가 좋다고 생각하세요? (From a long-term perspective, what investment do you think is good?)"

"우리 관계를 장기적으로 어떻게 생각해요? (How do you think about our relationship in the long term?)"

"장기적인 성공을 위해 가장 중요한 것은 무엇일까요? (What is the most important thing for long-term success?)"

Journal Prompts

당신의 장기적인 인생 목표 세 가지를 적어보세요. (Write down three of your long-term life goals.)

장기적인 노력이 결실을 맺었던 경험에 대해 써보세요. (Write about an experience where long-term effort bore fruit.)

환경 보호를 위한 장기적인 대책은 무엇이 있을까요? (What are some long-term measures for environmental protection?)

장기적인 행복을 위해 오늘 무엇을 할 수 있나요? (What can you do today for long-term happiness?)

10년 후의 당신을 위한 장기적인 계획을 세워보세요. (Make a long-term plan for yourself 10 years from now.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that would sound very strange. Use '오랫동안 기다렸어요' or '한참 기다렸어요.' 장기적이다 is for plans, perspectives, or states that are strategically long-term.

장기적 is the root form (often used with 이다), while 장기적인 is the modifier form used before a noun (e.g., 장기적인 계획).

Yes, it has a professional and academic nuance because it is a Sino-Korean word. In casual speech, people might say '오래' or '멀리 보고'.

Only if describing a quality of their thinking or a state they are in (e.g., 장기적인 실업자 - long-term unemployed). It doesn't describe a person's physical height.

The best phrase is '장기적으로 보면' or simply '장기적으로'.

The direct opposite is 단기적이다 (short-term).

Use '장기화되다' when a situation that was supposed to be short is becoming long-term, like a strike or a war (e.g., 전쟁이 장기화되고 있다).

No. For a long movie, use '긴 영화' or '러닝타임이 긴 영화'.

Yes, '장기적인 관계' is a common way to describe a long-term relationship.

Common nouns include 계획 (plan), 목표 (goal), 투자 (investment), 관점 (perspective), and 안목 (eye/vision).