측정 (Cheuk-jeong) is a formal word for 'measuring'. At this level, you can think of it as using a ruler to see how long something is or using a scale to see how heavy something is. Although beginners usually use the simpler word '재다' (jae-da), you will see '측정' in textbooks or on health posters. For example, when you check your height at school, that is '키 측정'. It is a noun, so you usually add '하다' to make it a verb: '측정해요' (I measure). Imagine you have a big ruler and you are checking the size of a box. That action is 측정. It's a very useful word when you talk about science or health even in basic Korean.
At the A2 level, you should recognize 측정 as the standard term for 'measurement' in official contexts. You will hear it at the doctor's office ('혈압 측정' - blood pressure measurement) or in weather reports ('기온 측정' - temperature measurement). It is more formal than '재다'. You should practice using it with the object marker: '무게를 측정하다' (to measure weight). It's also common in compound words. If you see '측정기', it means a 'measuring device' (like a thermometer). At this stage, start replacing '재다' with '측정하다' when you want to sound more serious or professional, especially in writing or during a presentation.
For B1 learners, 측정 becomes an essential word for discussing data and facts. You'll use it to describe experiments, social surveys, or technical processes. It's not just for physical things anymore; you can measure '만족도' (satisfaction level) or '효과' (effectiveness). You should also learn the passive form '측정되다' (to be measured). For example, '소음이 측정되었습니다' (The noise was measured). This level requires understanding that 측정 implies a standard unit and a tool. It is the bridge between everyday observation and scientific analysis. You might see it in news articles about the environment or economy.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the nuances between 측정 and its synonyms like '관측' (observation), '측량' (surveying), and '평가' (evaluation). You'll encounter it in academic texts and professional reports. You should understand phrases like '측정 오차' (measurement error) and '정밀 측정' (precision measurement). At this level, you are expected to use 측정 when discussing KPIs in business or methodology in a research paper. It is often used to establish the objectivity of a claim. For instance, '객관적인 측정을 통해...' (Through objective measurement...). You should also be able to use it in complex sentences involving nominalization.
C1 learners must master the abstract and metaphorical applications of 측정. It is used in high-level discussions about psychology, sociology, and advanced engineering. You will encounter terms like '심리 측정' (psychometrics) or '성능 측정' (performance benchmarking). You should be able to discuss the validity and reliability of measurement ('측정의 타당도와 신뢰도'). At this level, the word is often part of sophisticated arguments about how we quantify human experience or natural phenomena. You should also be familiar with Hanja-based derivatives and how they change the meaning slightly in specialized fields like '계측공학' (instrumentation engineering).
At the C2 level, 측정 is a fundamental concept in epistemology and philosophy of science. You will analyze how the act of measurement influences the subject being measured (like in quantum mechanics or social research). You'll use it in debates about '정량적 측정' (quantitative measurement) versus '정성적 평가' (qualitative evaluation). Your usage should be flawless, incorporating it into high-level discourse about policy-making, scientific breakthroughs, or philosophical inquiries. You understand the historical evolution of measurement standards and can use the term in any technical or literary context with perfect register and nuance.

측정 in 30 Seconds

  • 측정 refers to the formal act of measuring physical or abstract values using standardized tools and units for accuracy.
  • It is commonly used in scientific, medical, and technical contexts, being more formal than the native word '재다'.
  • Grammatically, it functions as a noun and combines with '하다' (active) or '되다' (passive) to form verbs.
  • Key associations include precision (정밀), results (결과), and standard units (기준), making it vital for objective data.

The Korean word 측정 (Cheuk-jeong) is a formal noun that refers to the systematic process of determining the dimensions, capacity, quantity, or extent of an object or phenomenon using standardized tools or units. Rooted in Hanja, where 測 (측) means 'to fathom or measure' and 定 (정) means 'to decide or fix,' the word implies a level of precision and objective verification that goes beyond simple estimation. In everyday life, it is used when using a ruler, a scale, or a thermometer. In professional contexts, it extends to the measurement of abstract concepts like intelligence, performance, or economic growth. It is a cornerstone of the scientific method, ensuring that observations are quantifiable and reproducible.

Physical Dimension
Using physical tools to find length, weight, or volume (e.g., measuring height).
Scientific Analysis
Quantifying variables in an experiment to validate a hypothesis.
Abstract Assessment
Assigning numerical values to non-physical traits like satisfaction or aptitude.

"정확한 측정은 모든 과학 연구의 기초가 됩니다." (Accurate measurement is the foundation of all scientific research.)

When we talk about 측정, we are looking for a specific number or value. Unlike '평가' (evaluation), which can be subjective, 측정 aims for objectivity. For instance, measuring a room's temperature is 측정, while deciding if that temperature is 'comfortable' is 평가. This distinction is vital for learners to grasp. In a laboratory setting, researchers perform 측정 to gather raw data. In a hospital, a nurse performs 측정 on a patient's blood pressure. The versatility of this word allows it to be used in physics, chemistry, social sciences, and even sports technology.

"기온 측정 결과, 오늘이 올해 들어 가장 덥습니다." (As a result of the temperature measurement, today is the hottest day of the year.)

Furthermore, the concept of 측정 involves a 'standard' (기준). Without a standard unit like meters, kilograms, or seconds, measurement cannot occur. This is why the word is often associated with '표준' (standard) and '정밀' (precision). In the modern digital age, 측정 is increasingly automated, performed by sensors and software rather than manual tools, but the underlying Korean term remains the same. Whether it is a satellite measuring the distance to a star or a smart watch measuring your heart rate, the action is defined as 측정.

"심박수 측정 기능을 사용해 보세요." (Try using the heart rate measurement function.)

Quantitative Data
Data that is expressed in numbers through measurement.
Standardization
The process of making measurements consistent across different observers.

"이 도구는 소음을 측정하는 데 사용됩니다." (This tool is used to measure noise.)

"성적은 학생의 능력을 측정하는 하나의 지표일 뿐입니다." (Grades are just one indicator to measure a student's ability.)

Using 측정 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility and its formal tone. As a noun, it often functions as the object of a sentence or as part of a compound noun. When combined with 하다, it becomes an active verb, and with 되다, it becomes a passive verb. This versatility makes it indispensable in both academic writing and technical conversations. It is rarely used in very casual settings where simpler words like '재다' (to measure/weigh) are preferred.

측정하다 (Active)
The subject performs the measurement. '과학자가 온도를 측정하다.'
측정되다 (Passive)
The object is being measured. '무게가 자동으로 측정됩니다.'
측정치 (Measurement Value)
The specific numerical result obtained from the act.

In sentence construction, 측정 often takes a direct object indicating what is being measured. For example, '길이를 측정하다' (measure length), '속도를 측정하다' (measure speed), or '만족도를 측정하다' (measure satisfaction). It is important to note that while '재다' is a native Korean word used for physical measurements like height or waist size in daily life, 측정 is the preferred term in reports, news, and scientific contexts. If you are writing a lab report or a business proposal, always opt for 측정.

"새로운 장비를 사용하여 대기 오염을 측정했습니다." (We measured air pollution using new equipment.)

Another common usage pattern involves the phrase '~을/를 측정의 기준으로 삼다' (to take something as a standard of measurement). This is used when defining the parameters of an evaluation. Furthermore, you will often see it in the form of '측정 도구' (measuring tool) or '측정 방법' (measuring method). These compound nouns are essential for describing the technical aspects of any process. In the business world, '성과 측정' (performance measurement) is a frequent topic, referring to the KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) used to judge a company's success.

"이 기계는 0.01mm 단위까지 측정이 가능합니다." (This machine is capable of measurement down to 0.01mm units.)

When discussing results, you might say '측정 결과' (measurement results). This is the standard way to introduce data in a presentation. If the measurement was inaccurate, you would use '오차' (error), as in '측정 오차가 발생했다' (a measurement error occurred). Precision is often described with '정밀 측정' (precision measurement). Understanding these collocations will help you sound more professional and accurate in your Korean communication.

You will encounter 측정 in a variety of specific environments, ranging from the highly technical to the everyday practical. One of the most common places is in medical settings. When you go for a check-up, the staff will perform '혈압 측정' (blood pressure measurement) or '시력 측정' (vision measurement). These are standard procedures where the term is used naturally by healthcare professionals. In these cases, the word conveys a sense of clinical accuracy and professionalism.

Hospitals & Clinics
Measuring vital signs like heart rate, height, and weight.
Weather Forecasts
Reporting rainfall, wind speed, and humidity levels.
Construction Sites
Measuring land area, building height, and material strength.

"뉴스에서: '오늘 서울의 미세먼지 농도 측정 결과는 매우 나쁨입니다.'" (On the news: 'Today's fine dust concentration measurement result for Seoul is very bad.')

Another frequent environment is educational and academic institutions. Teachers might talk about '학업 성취도 측정' (measuring academic achievement) through exams. In universities, researchers constantly discuss '데이터 측정' (data measurement) in their papers and lectures. If you watch a documentary about space or technology, you will hear the narrator use 측정 to describe how scientists determine the distance between planets or the speed of light. It is a word that signals the transition from guesswork to hard data.

In the fitness and technology industry, 측정 is a buzzword. Wearable devices like the Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch are marketed based on their ability to perform '산소 포화도 측정' (oxygen saturation measurement) or '수면 측정' (sleep measurement). In this context, the word is associated with self-improvement and high-tech convenience. Even in sports, you'll hear it during the Olympics when officials perform '거리 측정' (distance measurement) for long jump or javelin throw to determine the winner with absolute precision.

"체력 측정을 위해 셔틀런을 실시하겠습니다." (We will conduct a shuttle run to measure physical fitness.)

While 측정 is a straightforward concept, learners often confuse it with other related terms like 계산 (calculation), 평가 (evaluation), or 재다 (to measure - native word). The most common mistake is using 측정 for simple math. If you are adding up numbers to find a total, that is '계산', not '측정'. 측정 specifically requires an external tool or a process of observation to find a value that wasn't previously known.

측정 vs. 계산
측정 is finding a value with a tool; 계산 is processing existing numbers mathematically.
측정 vs. 평가
측정 is objective (the height is 180cm); 평가 is subjective (he is tall).
측정 vs. 가늠
측정 is precise; 가늠 is a rough estimate or 'eyeballing' it.

"틀린 예: '수학 문제를 측정해요.' (X) -> '수학 문제를 풀어요/계산해요.' (O)"

Another nuance is the level of formality. Using 측정 in a very casual context can sound overly stiff. For example, if you are at a tailor's getting your waist measured, saying '허리 사이즈를 측정해 주세요' is grammatically correct but sounds like you're in a medical lab. In this case, '허리 사이즈 좀 재 주세요' is much more natural. Learners often struggle with this 'register' gap. Remember: use '재다' for daily chores and '측정' for formal, technical, or official tasks.

Finally, be careful with the passive form. Learners sometimes say '측정해졌어요' which is an incorrect combination. The correct passive is '측정되었습니다' or '측정됩니다'. Also, ensure you are measuring the right attribute. You don't '측정' a person; you '측정' their height, weight, or ability. The object of the measurement must be a quantifiable attribute.

To truly master 측정, you should understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. The most common synonym is the native Korean verb 재다. While both mean 'to measure', 재다 is versatile and informal. You can '재다' the length of a string, the weight of fruit, or even someone's reaction. It feels more 'hands-on' and everyday. In contrast, 측정 is the 'science-classroom' version of the word.

계측 (Gyye-cheuk)
Often used in engineering; implies measuring with complex instruments (gauging).
관측 (Gwan-cheuk)
Observation-based measurement, usually for natural phenomena like stars or weather.
산정 (San-jeong)
Calculation/estimation of costs or amounts (e.g., insurance premiums).

"천문대에서 별의 위치를 관측합니다." (Observing/measuring the position of stars at the observatory.)

Another related word is 가늠하다. This means to estimate or judge the size or amount of something by looking at it, without using a tool. If you are trying to see if a sofa will fit in your living room just by looking, you are '가늠'ing it. Once you pull out the tape measure, you are '측정'ing it. Then there is 검사 (inspection/test). While 측정 is about finding a value, 검사 is about checking if something is working correctly or if there is a problem. A blood test involves '측정' of certain levels to perform a '검사' of your health.

Lastly, 평가 (evaluation) is often used alongside 측정. In education, you '측정' a student's score (e.g., 90 points) to '평가' their performance (e.g., 'Excellent'). One is the data gathering, the other is the interpretation of that data. Knowing these distinctions allows you to choose the exact word for the situation, making your Korean sound sophisticated and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

-(으)ㄹ 때 (When...)

-기 위해 (In order to...)

-(으)로 (By means of...)

-아/어지다 (Passive/Becoming...)

-(ㄴ/는)다는 것 (The fact that...)

Examples by Level

1

키를 측정해요.

I measure my height.

측정 + 해요 (present polite)

2

이것은 몸무게 측정기입니다.

This is a weight scale (measuring device).

측정 + 기 (machine/device)

3

방의 길이를 측정하세요.

Please measure the length of the room.

-세요 (imperative)

4

물 온도를 측정해요.

I measure the water temperature.

Object marker -를

5

측정이 끝났어요.

The measurement is finished.

Subject marker -이

6

연필로 길이를 측정해요.

I measure the length with a pencil (as a tool).

-로 (instrumental)

7

매일 몸무게를 측정해요.

I measure my weight every day.

Adverb '매일'

8

측정은 중요해요.

Measurement is important.

Topic marker -은

1

보건소에서 혈압을 측정했습니다.

I measured my blood pressure at the health center.

Past tense -았습니다

2

정확한 측정이 필요합니다.

Accurate measurement is necessary.

Adjective '정확한' modifying noun

3

이 도구로 무엇을 측정합니까?

What do you measure with this tool?

-합니까? (formal question)

4

시력을 측정하러 안과에 가요.

I go to the eye clinic to measure my vision.

-(으)러 가다 (purpose of going)

5

공기의 질을 측정하고 있어요.

We are measuring the air quality.

-고 있다 (progressive)

6

측정 결과가 나왔나요?

Did the measurement results come out?

측정 결과 (compound noun)

7

시간을 측정하는 시계예요.

It's a watch that measures time.

Noun modifying clause -는

8

소음을 측정해 봅시다.

Let's try measuring the noise.

-어 봅시다 (let's try)

1

실험을 위해 온도를 10분마다 측정했다.

For the experiment, I measured the temperature every 10 minutes.

-마다 (every)

2

이 설문지는 고객 만족도를 측정합니다.

This survey measures customer satisfaction.

Abstract object '만족도'

3

무게가 자동으로 측정되어 화면에 나타납니다.

The weight is automatically measured and appears on the screen.

Passive '측정되어'

4

측정값이 예상보다 높게 나왔습니다.

The measured value came out higher than expected.

측정값 (measured value)

5

거리를 측정할 때 레이저를 사용해요.

When measuring distance, we use a laser.

-(으)ㄹ 때 (when)

6

정기적으로 건강 상태를 측정하는 것이 좋습니다.

It is good to regularly measure your health status.

-는 것이 좋다 (it is good to...)

7

측정 방법이 잘못되면 결과도 틀려집니다.

If the measurement method is wrong, the results will also be wrong.

-(으)면 (if)

8

운동 선수의 속도를 측정하는 장비입니다.

This is equipment that measures an athlete's speed.

Possessive -의

1

측정 오차를 줄이기 위해 여러 번 반복했다.

I repeated it several times to reduce measurement error.

-기 위해 (in order to)

2

이 기기는 미세먼지 농도를 정밀하게 측정한다.

This device precisely measures fine dust concentration.

Adverb '정밀하게'

3

성적만으로 학생의 능력을 측정할 수는 없다.

You cannot measure a student's ability by grades alone.

-(으)ㄹ 수 없다 (cannot)

4

새로운 지표를 도입하여 성과를 측정하기로 했다.

We decided to measure performance by introducing new indicators.

-기로 하다 (decide to)

5

측정 대상이 명확해야 신뢰할 수 있는 데이터가 나온다.

The object of measurement must be clear to get reliable data.

측정 대상 (measurement subject)

6

심박수 측정 기능이 포함된 스마트워치가 인기다.

Smartwatches with a heart rate measurement function are popular.

Noun modifying clause -ㄴ

7

연구팀은 대기 중의 이산화탄소 농도를 측정했다.

The research team measured the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere.

Formal subject '연구팀'

8

측정된 데이터는 서버에 자동으로 저장됩니다.

The measured data is automatically saved to the server.

Past participle '측정된'

1

측정 도구의 타당성을 검증하는 과정이 필수적이다.

The process of verifying the validity of the measurement tool is essential.

Academic vocabulary: 타당성, 검증

2

양자 역학에서는 측정 행위 자체가 상태에 영향을 미친다.

In quantum mechanics, the act of measurement itself affects the state.

Complex subject '측정 행위 자체'

3

사회적 자본을 수치로 측정하는 것은 매우 까다로운 작업이다.

Measuring social capital numerically is a very tricky task.

Gerund '-하는 것'

4

측정의 정밀도를 높이기 위해 실험 환경을 통제했다.

The experimental environment was controlled to increase measurement precision.

측정의 정밀도 (precision of measurement)

5

이 이론은 인간의 지능을 다각도로 측정하려 시도한다.

This theory attempts to measure human intelligence from various angles.

-(으)려 시도하다 (attempt to)

6

경제 성장률 측정 방식에 대한 논란이 일고 있다.

Controversy is arising over the method of measuring economic growth rates.

-(에) 대한 (about/concerning)

7

표준화된 측정 체계가 확립되지 않아 비교가 어렵다.

Comparison is difficult because a standardized measurement system has not been established.

-(아/어)서 (reason)

8

뇌파 측정을 통해 심리 상태를 분석할 수 있다.

Psychological states can be analyzed through EEG (brainwave) measurement.

-를 통해 (through/via)

1

측정 불확실성은 과학적 탐구에서 피할 수 없는 요소이다.

Measurement uncertainty is an unavoidable element in scientific inquiry.

Philosophical/Scientific tone

2

질적 연구에서도 엄격한 측정 기준을 적용할 필요가 있다.

Strict measurement criteria need to be applied even in qualitative research.

Adverb '엄격한'

3

측정의 객관성을 확보하기 위해 이중 맹검법을 실시했다.

A double-blind method was conducted to ensure the objectivity of the measurement.

Technical term: 이중 맹검법

4

계량 경제학은 경제 현상을 수학적으로 측정하고 분석한다.

Econometrics mathematically measures and analyzes economic phenomena.

Subject: 계량 경제학

5

측정 장비의 미세한 결함이 전체 데이터의 왜곡을 초래했다.

A minute defect in the measuring equipment caused a distortion of the entire data.

왜곡을 초래하다 (cause distortion)

6

인간의 감정을 정량적으로 측정하려는 시도는 끊임없이 계속되어 왔다.

Attempts to quantitatively measure human emotions have continuously been made.

-어 왔다 (present perfect progressive)

7

측정 단위의 통일은 인류 문명 발전에 지대한 공헌을 했다.

The unification of measurement units made a significant contribution to the development of human civilization.

지대한 공헌 (great contribution)

8

현대 물리학에서 측정은 관찰자와 대상 간의 상호작용으로 이해된다.

In modern physics, measurement is understood as an interaction between the observer and the object.

Passive '-로 이해된다'

Antonyms

추측 짐작

Common Collocations

정밀 측정 (precision measurement)
측정 결과 (measurement results)
측정 도구 (measuring tool)
측정 오차 (measurement error)
수치 측정 (numerical measurement)
성능 측정 (performance measurement)
자동 측정 (automatic measurement)
측정 기준 (measurement standard)
직접 측정 (direct measurement)
연속 측정 (continuous measurement)

Often Confused With

측정 vs 계산

Calculation involves math; measurement involves tools.

측정 vs 평가

Evaluation is subjective judgment; measurement is objective data.

측정 vs 추정

Estimation is a guess; measurement is a fact-finding mission.

Easily Confused

측정 vs

측정 vs

측정 vs

측정 vs

측정 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

scientific

Used for raw data collection.

metaphorical

Used to judge character or potential, though less common than '평가'.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '측정' for simple math (use '계산').
  • Saying '측정해졌어요' instead of '측정되었어요'.
  • Using '측정' for subjective opinions (use '평가').
  • Confusing '측정' (measure) with '추정' (estimate).
  • Using '측정' in very casual daily chores (sounds too stiff).

Tips

Tool Focus

Always associate '측정' with a specific tool. If no tool is involved, consider using '평가' or '추측'.

Passive Form

Use '측정되다' when you want to sound objective. It removes the person from the action, focusing on the data.

Historical Link

Remember King Sejong's rain gauge (Cheugugi). It's a great way to remember the '측' (measure) Hanja.

Register

Use '재다' for your waist size at a shop, but '측정' for your BMI at a hospital.

Academic Style

In essays, pair '측정' with '객관적' (objective) to strengthen your arguments.

News Keywords

Listen for '측정' when the news talks about the environment, like air quality or sea levels.

Data vs Opinion

If the result is a number, it's '측정'. If the result is a word like 'good', it's '평가'.

Check-Jeong

Think: 'Check' the 'Jeong'-do (degree). 'Jeongdo' means degree/extent in Korean.

App Usage

Look at your health apps in Korean. You'll see '측정' for heart rate and steps.

Precision

Use '정밀 측정' when you want to emphasize that the measurement was extremely careful.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Korea's 'smart city' initiatives rely heavily on real-time '측정' of traffic, energy, and pollution.

The Cheugugi (rain gauge) invented in 1441 is a prime example of early Korean '측정' technology.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"오늘 미세먼지 수치 측정해 봤어요?"

"이 방의 넓이를 어떻게 측정할까요?"

"건강 검진 때 혈압 측정이 가장 긴장돼요."

"스마트워치로 수면 측정을 하시나요?"

"정확한 측정을 위해 어떤 도구가 필요한가요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 당신의 기분을 1부터 10까지 측정한다면 몇 점인가요? 그 이유는?

우리 삶에서 측정할 수 없는 가장 소중한 것은 무엇이라고 생각합니까?

기술의 발전이 측정의 정확도를 어떻게 바꾸어 놓았는지 써 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, '재다' or '계량' is used for cooking. 측정 sounds too scientific for a kitchen.

Yes, it is more formal than '재다'. It's standard in news, medicine, and science.

측량 is specifically for measuring land, geography, or large-scale distances.

You can say '측정값' or '측정치'.

In psychology, yes, you can '측정' emotions using surveys or brain scans.

It's a general term for any measuring instrument like a ruler or thermometer.

It's not 'wrong', but it sounds less professional than '측정하다'.

No, counting is '세다'. Measurement involves a scale or unit.

It means 'measurement error', the difference between the true value and the measured one.

Yes, '시간을 측정하다' is common for timing an event.

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