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B2 noun #3,200 most common 9 min read

조치

jochi Top 3,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 조치 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 조치 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '조치' (jochi) often because it is a formal word. However, you might see it in simple signs or hear it in very basic contexts like 'emergency help.' Think of it as a fancy way to say 'doing something to help.' For example, '응급 조치' (emergency action) is like first aid. At this stage, just remember that '조치' means a 'step' taken to fix a problem. You will usually see it with the verb '하다' (to do) or '취하다' (to take). Don't worry about using it in your own speaking yet; just try to recognize it when you see it in official places like a hospital or a train station. It's a word that tells you someone is taking care of a situation.

At the A2 level, you can start to recognize '조치' in more daily contexts, especially in public announcements. You might hear it on the subway when there is a delay: '안전 조치' (safety measures). This means the staff is doing something to keep everyone safe. You should also learn the basic phrase '조치를 취하다,' which means 'to take action.' Even if you don't use it with friends, knowing it will help you understand news headlines or formal emails. For an A2 learner, '조치' is a step up from '일' (work) or '행동' (action). It shows you are learning the 'official' side of the Korean language. Try to spot it in signs that talk about 'security' or 'safety.'

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '조치' in semi-formal situations, such as writing a report for work or explaining a problem to a service center. You should understand that '조치' is the standard word for 'measures' or 'steps.' You can start combining it with other nouns like '보안 조치' (security measures) or '후속 조치' (follow-up measures). At this level, you should also understand the difference between '조치' and '처리' (processing). '처리' is for routine things, while '조치' is for specific situations that need a solution. When you describe how you solved a problem at work, using '조치했습니다' instead of '했어요' will make you sound much more professional and competent.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '조치' fluently in formal contexts. You should be familiar with common collocations like '강력한 조치' (strong measures), '미온적인 조치' (lukewarm measures), and '조치를 강구하다' (to devise measures). You should understand that '조치' is used in news, law, and administration to describe purposeful, systematic actions. You can use it to express opinions on social issues, such as '정부가 더 강력한 조치를 취해야 합니다' (The government must take stronger measures). You should also be able to distinguish '조치' from '대책' (plan/strategy), knowing that '조치' is the actual implementation of a solution. Your writing should reflect the formal nuance of this word in appropriate settings.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the nuances of '조치.' You should be able to compare it with similar terms like '조처,' '처분,' and '방안' with precision. You will encounter '조치' in complex legal documents, academic papers, and high-level political discourse. You should understand the passive form '조치가 취해지다' and how it is used to shift focus away from the actor to the action itself. You can use '조치' to discuss abstract concepts like 'administrative discretion' or 'preventative measures' in a professional debate. Your mastery should include knowing which adjectives and verbs create the most natural and sophisticated collocations for specific professional fields like finance, law, or medicine.

At the C2 level, '조치' is a tool for nuanced expression. You understand its historical usage and how it fits into the broader landscape of Sino-Korean administrative vocabulary. You can distinguish between '조치' and '조처' in literary or highly formal contexts, recognizing the slight sense of 'final disposal' in the latter. You can use the word to critique policies, analyze complex situations, and propose multi-layered 'measures' in a way that is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You are also aware of how this word appears in different registers, from the stark language of military commands to the polite but firm language of corporate diplomacy. '조치' is no longer just a word to you; it is a fundamental building block of formal Korean logic and rhetoric.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

조치 in 30 Seconds

A formal noun meaning 'measure' or 'step' taken to address a specific problem.
Commonly used in administrative, legal, and medical contexts to show a systematic response.
Frequently paired with the verb '취하다' (to take), forming the phrase '조치를 취하다'.
Carries a nuance of officiality and purposefulness compared to simple words like '행동'.

The Korean word 조치 (措置) is a sophisticated noun that translates to "measure," "step," or "action" taken to address a specific problem or manage a particular situation. While simpler words like '행동' (action) or '일' (work/matter) exist, 조치 carries a heavy weight of formality, officiality, and purposefulness. It is not just doing something; it is implementing a structured response to a set of circumstances. In professional, legal, and administrative contexts, this word is the standard for describing how an organization or government handles a crisis or a routine requirement.

Etymological Root: The term is composed of the Hanja characters 措 (jo), meaning 'to place' or 'to manage,' and 置 (chi), meaning 'to set' or 'to establish.' Together, they imply 'setting things in their proper place' or 'arranging a solution.'

You will encounter this word most frequently in news reports regarding government policies, safety protocols in a workplace, or medical emergency procedures. It suggests that the action taken was deliberate and intended to achieve a specific result, such as safety, compliance, or restoration of order. For instance, when a company fixes a data leak, they don't just 'do something'; they take 'security measures' (보안 조치).

정부는 물가 안정을 위해 긴급 조치를 발표했습니다. (The government announced emergency measures for price stability.)

Understanding the nuance of 조치 involves recognizing its proactive nature. It is often paired with the verb 취하다 (to take). The phrase '조치를 취하다' (to take measures) is a high-frequency collocation that every intermediate and advanced learner must master. It sounds much more authoritative than simply saying '문제를 해결하다' (to solve a problem).

Common Contexts: 1. Safety: Safety measures (안전 조치). 2. Law: Legal measures (법적 조치). 3. Medicine: First aid/Emergency measures (응급 조치). 4. Administration: Follow-up measures (후속 조치).

Furthermore, the word implies a level of finality or a definitive step toward closure. When a situation is '조치되었다' (measures have been taken), it usually means the immediate problem has been addressed and the situation is now under control. This makes it a vital word for workplace communication, where reporting the status of a task is essential for team coordination.

사고 현장에서 즉각적인 응급 조치가 이루어졌습니다. (Immediate emergency measures were carried out at the accident scene.)

Using 조치 correctly requires understanding its grammatical partners. The most essential verb to pair with it is 취하다 (to take). Unlike the English 'to take,' which is a general verb, '취하다' in this context specifically means to adopt a stance or implement a measure. Therefore, '조치를 취하다' is the standard way to say 'to take action' or 'to take measures.'

Structure: Noun + 조치: You can attach various nouns to specify the type of measure. Examples: 법적 조치 (Legal measure), 행정 조치 (Administrative measure), 보안 조치 (Security measure), 예방 조치 (Preventative measure).

In more formal writing, such as reports or news articles, you might see the verb 강구하다 (to devise/conceive). '조치를 강구하다' means to search for and come up with necessary measures. This is often used when a problem is still being analyzed and a solution is being planned. It suggests a thoughtful and thorough process of finding the best way forward.

회사는 재발 방지를 위한 구체적인 조치를 강구하고 있습니다. (The company is devising specific measures to prevent recurrence.)

Another common pattern is '조치가 내려지다' (measures are handed down/ordered). This is used when an authority figure or institution issues a command or a set of rules to be followed. It implies a top-down direction. For example, during a pandemic, '집합 금지 조치가 내려졌다' (An order banning gatherings was issued).

Passive vs. Active: Active: 조치를 취하다 (To take measures). Passive: 조치가 취해지다 (Measures are taken). Standard Result: 조치하다 (To take measures - functions as a verb itself).

When you want to describe the outcome of an action, you can use '조치를 완료하다' (to complete measures) or simply state that something has been '조치 완료' (measures completed). This is very common in ticketing systems, customer support, and project management tools in Korea.

모든 보안 조치가 완료되었습니다. (All security measures have been completed.)

Lastly, consider the intensity of the measure. Adjectives like '강력한' (strong), '적절한' (appropriate), '신속한' (rapid), and '미온적인' (lukewarm/half-hearted) frequently modify '조치.' These allow you to express your opinion on how a situation was handled. For instance, '정부의 미온적인 조치에 시민들이 분노했다' (Citizens were angry at the government's lukewarm measures).

The word 조치 is ubiquitous in official Korean society. If you turn on the news (KBS, MBC, SBS), you will likely hear it within the first ten minutes. It is the language of governance. When the Ministry of Health discusses quarantine, when the Police Department discusses crime prevention, or when the Ministry of Finance discusses market volatility, 조치 is the keyword used to describe their interventions.

In the Workplace: In a Korean office, if a server goes down or a client complains, the manager will ask, "어떻게 조치했나요?" (How did you handle/take measures for this?). It sounds much more professional than "어떻게 했나요?"

In medical dramas or real-life hospitals, you will hear '응급 조치' (emergency measures/first aid). When a patient arrives in critical condition, the doctors perform '조치' to stabilize them. Here, it conveys a sense of urgency and clinical precision. It is not just help; it is a calculated medical procedure.

구조대원은 환자에게 즉시 심폐소생술 등 응급 조치를 시행했습니다. (The rescuers immediately performed emergency measures such as CPR on the patient.)

Legal environments are another hotspot for this word. '법적 조치' (legal action) is a common threat or statement of intent. If a contract is breached, a lawyer might say, "우리는 법적 조치를 취할 수밖에 없습니다" (We have no choice but to take legal action). It sounds serious, formal, and non-negotiable.

Public Announcements: Subway announcements or building broadcasts often use '안전 조치' (safety measures). For example, "시설 점검을 위한 안전 조치로 출입을 제한합니다" (Access is restricted as a safety measure for facility inspection).

Interestingly, you also hear this in school settings or disciplined environments. If a student violates a rule, the school might take '징계 조치' (disciplinary action). This highlights the word's connection to rules, regulations, and the enforcement of order. It is rarely used for personal, emotional actions between friends, which makes its appearance in formal settings even more striking.

부정행위가 적발될 경우 엄중한 조치가 따를 것입니다. (If cheating is detected, severe measures will follow.)

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 조치 is using it in overly casual situations. Because 조치 implies a formal or systematic response, using it when you simply 'fixed' a small personal mistake can sound unnaturally stiff. For example, if you spilled water and wiped it up, you wouldn't say you took '조치'; you would just say '닦았어요' (I wiped it).

Mistake: Wrong Verb Pairing: Learners often try to use '하다' (to do) as a default. While '조치하다' is a valid verb, the more natural and common expression for 'taking a measure' is '조치를 취하다.' Using '조치를 하다' is understandable but sounds less native than '취하다.'

Another frequent point of confusion is the distinction between 조치 and 조처. Both words are very similar and often interchangeable, but '조처' (措處) has a slightly stronger nuance of 'final disposal' or 'settling a matter once and for all.' In modern Korean, '조치' is much more common, and '조처' is becoming increasingly rare or limited to very specific legal/literary contexts. Using '조처' in a modern business email might make you sound like you are from the 1980s.

Incorrect: 배가 고파서 밥을 먹는 조치를 취했어요. (I took measures to eat because I was hungry.)
Correct: 배가 고파서 밥을 먹었어요. (I ate because I was hungry.)

Confusing 조치 with 대책 (measure/countermeasure) is also common. While both involve solving problems, '대책' usually refers to a 'plan' or 'policy' designed to prevent or solve a problem in the future, whereas '조치' is the 'action' or 'step' taken right now. You 'establish' a 대책 (대책을 세우다) and 'take' a 조치 (조치를 취하다).

Mistake: Pluralization: In English, we often say 'measures' (plural). In Korean, '조치' is usually used in the singular form even if multiple steps are taken. Adding '들' (조치들) is grammatically possible but often unnecessary and can sound like a direct translation from English.

Finally, be careful with the word 수단 (means/method). While a '조치' is an action, a '수단' is the tool or method used to achieve it. For example, '법적 조치' (legal action) is the action, and '소송' (lawsuit) is the '수단' (means). Don't use '조치' when you are referring to a specific tool or instrument.

To truly master 조치, you must know how it compares to its synonyms. Depending on the context—whether you're talking about a plan, a physical action, or a long-term policy—the word you choose will change. Here is a breakdown of the most common alternatives.

조치 vs. 대책 (Countermeasure): '대책' (對策) refers to a plan or strategy to deal with a problem. It is more about the 'thinking' and 'planning' phase. '조치' is the 'doing' phase. You 'establish a plan' (대책을 세우다) and then 'take action' (조치를 취하다).

Another close relative is 처분 (disposal/action). While '조치' is general, '처분' often refers to a legal or administrative decision regarding property or a person's status. For example, '행정 처분' (administrative disposition/penalty) is a formal punishment or ruling by a government body. It sounds much more punitive than '조치.'

그는 법을 어겨 영업 정지 처분을 받았습니다. (He received an administrative disposition of business suspension for breaking the law.)

방안 (plan/scheme) is another alternative. It is similar to '대책' but focuses more on the method or way of doing something. It is often used in business proposals. '해결 방안' (solution plan) is a common phrase. Compared to '조치,' '방안' is less about the immediate action and more about the blueprint for action.

Comparison Table: 1. 조치: The actual step taken. 2. 대책: The strategy against a problem. 3. 방안: The proposed method/plan. 4. 처분: A formal/legal ruling or disposal.

If you are looking for a more casual word, 처리 (handling/processing) is the way to go. You use '처리' for routine tasks like '처리할 업무' (work to be processed/handled). While '조치' sounds like a special response to a situation, '처리' sounds like a regular part of a workflow. If a customer asks you to fix something, saying "처리해 드릴게요" sounds like "I'll handle it for you," whereas "조치해 드릴게요" sounds like "I will implement the necessary measures for you."

이 서류들을 오늘 중으로 처리해 주세요. (Please process these documents by today.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 措 (jo) also appears in '조절' (adjustment), showing its connection to managing and controlling things.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕo.tɕʰi/

US /tʃoʊ.tʃi/

Stress is equal on both syllables, as is typical in Korean.

Rhymes With

자치 (jachi - autonomy) 가치 (gachi - value) 수치 (suchi - numerical value) 배치 (baechi - arrangement) 위치 (wichi - location) 정치 (jeongchi - politics) 일치 (ilchi - agreement) 경치 (gyeongchi - scenery)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'ch' in 'chi' too softly like a 'j'. It must be aspirated.
Stretching the 'o' sound too long like an English 'oh'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and signs, easy to recognize once learned.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal collocations like '취하다'.

Speaking 4/5

Used in professional settings; requires correct register.

Listening 3/5

Distinct pronunciation, easy to hear in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

일 (work) 하다 (to do) 행동 (action) 문제 (problem) 해결 (solution)

Learn Next

대책 (countermeasure) 방안 (plan) 강구하다 (to devise) 시행하다 (to implement)

Advanced

조처 (measure/disposal) 처분 (disposition) 수단 (means) 방책 (scheme)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 을/를 취하다

조치를 취하다 (To take measures)

Noun + 에 대한 + Noun

문제에 대한 조치 (Measures regarding the problem)

Noun + 을/를 강구하다

해결 조치를 강구하다 (To devise a solution measure)

Passive voice ~이/가 취해지다

적절한 조치가 취해졌다 (Appropriate measures were taken)

Noun + 완료

조치 완료 (Measures completed)

Examples by Level

응급 조치를 했어요.

I did emergency measures (first aid).

조치 + 를 (object marker) + 했어요 (did - polite).

조치가 필요해요.

Action is needed.

조치 + 가 (subject marker) + 필요해요 (is needed).

안전 조치를 보세요.

Look at the safety measures.

안전 (safety) + 조치 (measure).

빨리 조치해 주세요.

Please take action quickly.

조치하다 (to take action) + 아/어 주세요 (request).

이것은 좋은 조치입니다.

This is a good measure.

조치 + 입니다 (is - formal).

조치를 기다려요.

I am waiting for action.

조치 + 를 (object marker) + 기다려요 (wait).

병원에서 조치를 받았어요.

I received treatment (measures) at the hospital.

조치 + 를 (object marker) + 받다 (receive).

무슨 조치예요?

What kind of measure is it?

무슨 (what kind of) + 조치 + 예요 (is - polite)?

정부는 새로운 조치를 발표했습니다.

The government announced new measures.

발표하다 (to announce) in formal past tense.

학교는 안전 조치를 강화했습니다.

The school strengthened safety measures.

강화하다 (to strengthen) in formal past tense.

즉각적인 조치가 필요합니다.

Immediate action is needed.

즉각적인 (immediate) modifying 조치.

우리는 보안 조치를 취해야 해요.

We have to take security measures.

조치를 취하다 (to take measures) + 아/어야 하다 (must).

어떤 조치를 취했나요?

What measures did you take?

취했나요 (did you take - polite question).

사고 후에 조치가 늦었어요.

The action was late after the accident.

늦었어요 (was late - polite past).

모든 조치가 끝났습니다.

All measures are finished.

끝났습니다 (finished - formal past).

적절한 조치를 부탁드립니다.

I ask for appropriate measures.

적절한 (appropriate) + 조치 + 부탁드립니다 (please/request).

문제를 해결하기 위해 후속 조치를 취했습니다.

I took follow-up measures to solve the problem.

후속 (follow-up) + 조치.

회사는 환경 보호를 위한 조치를 마련했습니다.

The company prepared measures for environmental protection.

마련하다 (to prepare/arrange).

법적 조치를 취하기 전에 상담을 받으세요.

Get a consultation before taking legal action.

법적 (legal) + 조치.

상황이 심각해서 특별 조치가 내려졌습니다.

Because the situation is serious, special measures were ordered.

내려지다 (to be handed down/ordered).

이 조치는 일시적인 것입니다.

This measure is temporary.

일시적인 (temporary) + 것 (thing).

더 이상의 조치는 불필요합니다.

No further measures are unnecessary.

불필요합니다 (is unnecessary).

경찰은 즉시 현장 조치를 시작했습니다.

The police immediately started on-site measures.

현장 (on-site/scene) + 조치.

고객님의 불편을 최소화하기 위해 조치하겠습니다.

We will take action to minimize your inconvenience.

최소화하다 (to minimize) + 조치하다 (to take action).

정부는 경제 위기에 대응하여 긴급 조치를 강구하고 있습니다.

The government is devising emergency measures in response to the economic crisis.

강구하다 (to devise/seek) in progressive form.

피해자들을 위한 구제 조치가 시급합니다.

Relief measures for the victims are urgent.

구제 (relief/remedy) + 조치 + 시급하다 (is urgent).

이번 조치는 시장에 긍정적인 영향을 미칠 것입니다.

This measure will have a positive impact on the market.

영향을 미치다 (to have an influence/impact).

강력한 조치가 따르지 않으면 문제가 반복될 것입니다.

If strong measures do not follow, the problem will repeat.

따르다 (to follow) in conditional form.

행정 조치가 취해진 후 상황이 호전되었습니다.

After administrative measures were taken, the situation improved.

취해지다 (to be taken) + 호전되다 (to improve).

부당한 조치에 대해 이의를 제기할 수 있습니다.

You can raise an objection against unfair measures.

이의를 제기하다 (to raise an objection).

예방 조치를 소홀히 하면 큰 사고로 이어질 수 있습니다.

Neglecting preventative measures can lead to a major accident.

소홀히 하다 (to neglect/be careless).

그의 행동은 징계 조치의 대상이 됩니다.

His actions are subject to disciplinary measures.

대상 (target/subject) + 되다 (become).

정부는 외교적 마찰을 피하기 위해 신중한 조치를 취했다.

The government took cautious measures to avoid diplomatic friction.

외교적 (diplomatic) + 마찰 (friction) + 신중한 (cautious).

해당 사건에 대한 사법적 조치가 진행 중입니다.

Judicial measures regarding the case are in progress.

사법적 (judicial) + 진행 중 (in progress).

미온적인 조치만으로는 근본적인 해결이 불가능합니다.

A fundamental solution is impossible with only lukewarm measures.

미온적인 (lukewarm) + 근본적인 (fundamental).

환경 규제 조치가 기업의 경쟁력에 미치는 영향을 분석해야 한다.

We must analyze the impact of environmental regulatory measures on corporate competitiveness.

규제 (regulation) + 경쟁력 (competitiveness).

선제적 조치를 통해 피해를 최소화할 수 있었습니다.

We were able to minimize damage through preemptive measures.

선제적 (preemptive) + 최소화하다 (to minimize).

이번 조치는 법적 근거가 부족하다는 비판을 받고 있다.

This measure is facing criticism for lacking a legal basis.

법적 근거 (legal basis) + 부족하다 (to be lacking).

정치적 이해관계에 따라 조치의 내용이 달라질 수 있습니다.

The content of the measures may vary depending on political interests.

이해관계 (interests) + 달라지다 (to change/vary).

사후 조치보다는 예방이 훨씬 중요합니다.

Prevention is much more important than follow-up (after-the-fact) measures.

사후 (post-facto/afterwards) vs. 예방 (prevention).

범정부 차원의 조치가 다각도로 검토되고 있습니다.

Government-wide measures are being reviewed from various angles.

범정부 (government-wide) + 다각도로 (from various angles).

해당 조처는 시대적 요구에 부응하지 못하고 있습니다.

The said measure (jo-cheo) is failing to meet the demands of the times.

조처 (synonym for 조치) + 부응하다 (to meet/satisfy).

비상 조치권의 발동은 헌법적 절차를 준수해야 합니다.

The invocation of emergency measure powers must comply with constitutional procedures.

발동 (invocation/trigger) + 준수하다 (to comply/observe).

시장 경제의 자율성을 침해하지 않는 범위 내에서 조치가 이루어져야 한다.

Measures must be taken within a range that does not infringe upon the autonomy of the market economy.

자율성 (autonomy) + 침해하다 (to infringe).

임시방편적인 조치로는 구조적 모순을 해결할 수 없습니다.

Structural contradictions cannot be solved with stopgap measures.

임시방편적인 (stopgap/temporary fix) + 모순 (contradiction).

이번 조치는 국제 관례에 비추어 볼 때 이례적인 일입니다.

This measure is unusual when viewed in light of international customs.

국제 관례 (international custom) + 이례적인 (unusual/unprecedented).

강제적 조치보다는 자발적인 참여를 유도하는 것이 바람직합니다.

It is desirable to induce voluntary participation rather than coercive measures.

강제적 (coercive) vs. 자발적 (voluntary).

조치의 실효성을 확보하기 위해 세부 시행령이 마련되었다.

Detailed enforcement decrees have been prepared to ensure the effectiveness of the measures.

실효성 (effectiveness) + 시행령 (enforcement decree).

Synonyms

대책 처분 수단 방안

Antonyms

방치 방관

Common Collocations

조치를 취하다

응급 조치

법적 조치

안전 조치

후속 조치

보안 조치

특별 조치

조치를 강구하다

징계 조치

선제적 조치

Common Phrases

조치 완료

— A status indicating that all necessary measures have been taken.

수리 조치 완료했습니다.

긴급 조치

— Urgent steps taken in response to a sudden crisis.

긴급 조치가 시행되었습니다.

적절한 조치

— The correct or appropriate steps for a situation.

적절한 조치를 부탁드립니다.

강력한 조치

— Tough or severe steps taken to address a serious issue.

강력한 조치를 예고했다.

미온적인 조치

— Weak or half-hearted steps that don't solve the problem.

미온적인 조치로 비판받다.

필요한 조치

— Necessary steps that must be taken.

필요한 조치를 다 했습니다.

행정 조치

— Official steps taken by a government or administration.

행정 조치가 내려졌다.

예방 조치

— Steps taken in advance to prevent a problem.

예방 조치가 중요합니다.

임시 조치

— Temporary steps taken until a permanent solution is found.

임시 조치를 취했습니다.

현장 조치

— Steps taken immediately at the scene of an event.

현장 조치가 신속했다.

Often Confused With

조치 vs 조처

Almost identical, but '조처' is older and sounds more final/disposal-oriented.

조치 vs 대책

'대책' is the plan/strategy; '조치' is the actual step taken.

조치 vs 처리

'처리' is for routine tasks; '조치' is for specific situational responses.

Idioms & Expressions

"조치를 취하다"

— To take steps or actions to resolve a situation.

경찰은 즉각 조치를 취했다.

Neutral/Formal

"손을 쓰다"

— Literal: 'to use hands'; idiomatic: 'to take measures/action' (often casual).

더 늦기 전에 손을 써야 해.

Informal

"대책을 세우다"

— To establish a plan or strategy to solve a problem.

우리는 대책을 세워야 한다.

Neutral

"발 벗고 나서다"

— To take action with great enthusiasm and effort.

그는 문제 해결을 위해 발 벗고 나섰다.

Neutral

"쐐기를 박다"

— To take a decisive action to ensure something doesn't change.

정부는 이번 조치로 쐐기를 박았다.

Neutral

"뿌리를 뽑다"

— To take measures to completely eliminate a problem.

범죄의 뿌리를 뽑기 위한 조치.

Neutral

"불을 끄다"

— To take urgent measures to handle an immediate crisis.

급한 불부터 꺼야 하는 조치.

Informal

"뒷수습을 하다"

— To take measures to clean up a mess or handle the aftermath.

사고 후 뒷수습 조치를 했다.

Neutral

"강수를 두다"

— To take a strong, risky measure to solve a problem.

회사는 해고라는 강수를 두는 조치를 취했다.

Neutral

"팔을 걷어붙이다"

— To get ready to take active measures/work hard.

정부가 물가 안정을 위해 팔을 걷어붙였다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

조치 vs 조치

Both start with '조'.

조치 is 'measure'; 조절 is 'adjustment/control'.

온도 조절 (Temperature control) vs. 안전 조치 (Safety measure).

조치 vs 조사

Both start with '조'.

조치 is 'taking action'; 조사 is 'investigation/research'.

사건 조사 (Case investigation) vs. 후속 조치 (Follow-up measure).

조치 vs 조직

Both start with '조'.

조치 is an action; 조직 is an 'organization' or 'tissue'.

회사 조직 (Company organization) vs. 긴급 조치 (Emergency measure).

조치 vs 조항

Both start with '조'.

조치 is an action; 조항 is a 'clause' or 'article' in a law.

계약 조항 (Contract clause) vs. 법적 조치 (Legal action).

조치 vs 정치

Rhymes with 조치.

조치 is 'measure'; 정치 is 'politics'.

한국 정치 (Korean politics) vs. 행정 조치 (Administrative measure).

Sentence Patterns

N(안전/보안) 조치를 취해요.

안전 조치를 취해요.

문제를 위해 조치가 필요해요.

해결을 위해 조치가 필요해요.

즉각적인 조치를 취해야 합니다.

조치가 내려졌습니다.

특별 조치가 내려졌습니다.

조치를 강구하고 있습니다.

재발 방지 조치를 강구하고 있습니다.

조치가 취해질 예정입니다.

법적 조치가 취해질 예정입니다.

조치의 실효성을 확보하다.

조치의 실효성을 확보해야 한다.

조치에 부응하다.

시대적 요구에 부응하는 조치.

Word Family

Nouns

조치 (measure)

조처 (measure/disposal)

조치법 (measure law)

Verbs

조치하다 (to take measures)

조치되다 (measures are taken)

대책 (countermeasure)

방안 (plan)

처리 (processing)

처분 (disposition)

수단 (means)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in news, business, and official documents.

Common Mistakes

밥 먹는 조치를 취했어요. → 밥을 먹었어요.
Don't use '조치' for simple, everyday personal actions.
조치를 만들었어요. → 조치를 마련했어요.
'만들다' (to make) is too casual; '마련하다' or '취하다' is better.
조치를 했어요. → 조치를 취했어요.
'했다' is okay, but '취했다' is much more natural and native-like.
조치들을 취했다. → 조치를 취했다.
Korean rarely pluralizes abstract nouns like '조치'.
조치를 세우다. → 대책을 세우다 / 조치를 취하다.
You 'set' (세우다) a plan (대책), but you 'take' (취하다) a measure (조치).

Tips

Workplace Reporting

When your boss asks about a problem, say '조치 완료했습니다' (Measures completed) to sound efficient.

Pair with 취하다

Always remember '조치를 취하다.' It's the most natural way to say 'take action' in a professional way.

Medical Situations

If you see '응급 조치' in a hospital, it means the doctor is taking immediate steps to save a patient.

News Reading

Look for '조치' in news headlines; it will help you understand what the government is doing about current issues.

Synonym Choice

Use '대책' for the plan and '조치' for the actual action. Don't mix them up!

Signs

If you see a sign that says '안전 조치 중,' it means safety measures are being taken—so be careful!

Legal Threats

'법적 조치' is a serious term. If you see this in a letter, it means someone is planning to sue.

Formal Tone

Use '조치' to elevate the tone of your Korean writing from intermediate to advanced.

Announcement Keywords

In subways, '조치' usually means there is a technical problem they are fixing.

Action vs. Plan

Remember: Action = 조치, Plan = 대책. Action starts with 'A' and 조치 is the 'Action'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jo' as 'Joe' and 'Chi' as 'Cheese'. Joe took a measure to put the cheese away before it spoiled. Joe-Chi = Measure.

Visual Association

Imagine a safety officer (조치) placing (措) a traffic cone (置) to manage a road hazard.

Word Web

Security Safety Government Law Hospital Measure Step Action

Challenge

Try to use '조치를 취하다' in three different contexts: a hospital, a police station, and a computer repair shop.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja 措置 (조치).

Original meaning: To place (措) and to set (置). It literally means putting things in their proper place to manage a situation.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '징계 조치' (disciplinary action) as it is a very serious and negative term in a workplace.

In English, we use 'measures' or 'steps.' 'Action' is more common in casual English, but '조치' is strictly formal/professional.

Used in historical emergency decrees (긴급조치) during the 1970s in Korea. Commonly heard in disaster movies like 'Pandora' or 'Ashfall'. Standard terminology in the Korean Constitution.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hospital

응급 조치 부탁드립니다.
조치가 늦었습니다.
즉시 조치하세요.
어떤 조치를 했나요?

Office

보안 조치를 강화합시다.
후속 조치 보고해 주세요.
조치 완료했습니다.
적절한 조치가 필요합니다.

Law/Police

법적 조치를 취하겠습니다.
강력한 조치가 따를 것입니다.
징계 조치 대상입니다.
행정 조치를 내렸습니다.

Customer Service

불편을 드려 죄송합니다. 바로 조치하겠습니다.
어떻게 조치해 드릴까요?
조치 결과를 알려주세요.
빠른 조치 감사합니다.

News/Government

긴급 조치를 발표했습니다.
예방 조치가 중요합니다.
선제적 조치를 취했습니다.
미온적인 조치로 비판받습니다.

Conversation Starters

"서버에 문제가 생겼는데 어떻게 조치했나요?"

"이 사고에 대해 정부가 어떤 조치를 취해야 한다고 생각하세요?"

"회사 보안 조치가 너무 엄격하다고 생각하지 않으세요?"

"응급 조치 방법을 배워본 적이 있나요?"

"법적 조치를 취하기 전에 화해할 방법이 없을까요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 겪은 문제와 그에 대해 취한 조치를 적어보세요.

우리 사회에서 가장 시급한 안전 조치는 무엇이라고 생각하나요?

업무 중에 가장 기억에 남는 '조치 완료' 순간은 언제인가요?

만약 당신이 시장이라면, 교통 체증을 해결하기 위해 어떤 조치를 취하겠습니까?

실수를 했을 때 가장 먼저 취해야 할 조치는 무엇일까요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It's a bit too formal for casual talk. If you fix a small problem for a friend, just say '해결했어' or '고쳤어.' Use '조치' only if you want to be funny or sarcastic about being professional.

They are mostly interchangeable. However, '조치' is much more common in modern Korean. '조처' is very formal and often implies a final settlement or disposal of a matter.

Yes, it is used often in workplaces. '상황 조치했습니다' (I have handled the situation/taken measures) is a standard professional report.

The most common verb is '취하다' (to take). You can also use '강구하다' (to devise), '내리다' (to order), or '마련하다' (to prepare).

Yes, both mean emergency measures or first aid. '응급 처치' is slightly more common in medical contexts, while '응급 조치' is a broader term for any urgent step.

No, that sounds unnatural. Use '조치를 마련하다' or '조치를 강구하다' instead of '만들다'.

It means 'follow-up measures.' It's what you do after an initial action to make sure everything stays fixed or to handle remaining issues.

The standard phrase is '법적 조치를 취하다.' You might also hear '소송을 제기하다' (to file a lawsuit).

Yes, it is a common Sino-Korean word used in both North and South Korea, especially in official government statements.

No, it is not used as a name in Korea.