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B1 noun 6 min read

기제

gije
Examples Notes & Tips 기제 in 30 Seconds
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Examples Notes & Tips

기제 in 30 Seconds

  • A system or process that makes something work.
  • The underlying structure of how something functions.
  • The operational framework of a system or process.
  • The 'how it works' of a complex subject.
The Korean word 기제 (gije) refers to the underlying structure, system, or process that makes something function or come into being. It's akin to the English words 'mechanism,' 'framework,' 'system,' or 'modus operandi.' People use 기제 when discussing how things operate, the reasons behind certain phenomena, or the essential components that drive a particular outcome. It can be applied to a wide range of subjects, from biological processes and psychological functions to economic systems and social structures. Understanding the 기제 of something is key to comprehending its nature and predicting its behavior.
Biological Context
In biology, 기제 can describe the physiological processes that allow an organism to live and function. For instance, the immune system has a complex defense 기제.
Psychological Context
In psychology, it can refer to the mental or emotional processes that underlie behavior. For example, understanding the 기제 of addiction is crucial for treatment.
Social and Economic Context
In social sciences, 기제 is used to explain how societies or economies function, such as the market 기제 or the 기제 of social change.

이것이 어떻게 작동하는지 그 기제를 이해하는 것이 중요합니다. (Understanding the mechanism of how this works is important.)

Using 기제 effectively involves understanding its contextual nuances. It's often used in academic or technical discussions, but can also appear in more general explanations of how things function. You'll frequently see it paired with verbs like '이해하다' (to understand), '알다' (to know), '작동하다' (to operate), '설명하다' (to explain), or '연구하다' (to research). The word often appears after a noun or a descriptive phrase that specifies what the mechanism belongs to, for example, '사회적 기제' (social mechanism) or '인지적 기제' (cognitive mechanism).
Common Sentence Structures
Subject + (Object) + 기제 + Verb: This is a direct way to state what the mechanism does or is. For example, '이 시스템의 기제는 복잡하다.' (The mechanism of this system is complex.)
Understanding + (Object) + 기제: Emphasizes the importance of knowing how something works. For example, '우리는 그 현상의 기제를 이해해야 한다.' (We need to understand the mechanism of that phenomenon.)
Researching/Explaining + (Object) + 기제: Used when discussing scientific or analytical endeavors. For example, '이 연구는 질병의 발병 기제를 설명한다.' (This research explains the mechanism of disease onset.)

이 책은 인간 행동의 복잡한 기제를 파헤친다. (This book delves into the complex mechanisms of human behavior.)

You are most likely to encounter 기제 in formal settings, particularly in academic lectures, scientific papers, and serious news reports discussing complex topics. It's a staple in fields like psychology, sociology, economics, biology, and political science when explaining underlying structures and processes. For instance, a university professor might explain the '인지적 기제' (cognitive mechanism) of learning, or a financial analyst might discuss the '시장 기제' (market mechanism) that influences stock prices.
Academic Discussions
In university classes or research presentations, 기제 is used to dissect how theories work or how phenomena occur. Examples include '감정 조절의 기제' (mechanism of emotion regulation) or '사회적 상호작용의 기제' (mechanism of social interaction).
News and Documentaries
When reporting on complex issues, journalists might use 기제 to explain the underlying causes or systems. For example, a report on economic policy might mention the '경기 부양 기제' (economic stimulus mechanism).
Professional Reports
In business or policy documents, 기제 can describe how a plan is expected to work or how a system is designed. For instance, '새로운 판매 기제' (new sales mechanism) might be discussed.

과학자들은 이 질병의 발병 기제를 연구하고 있다. (Scientists are researching the mechanism of this disease's onset.)

Learners might sometimes misuse 기제 by using it for simpler, more concrete objects or actions. For instance, saying '차의 기제' (the car's mechanism) is correct, but using it for a simple tool like a hammer might be an overstatement unless you're referring to a very specific or complex part of its function. Another common pitfall is confusing 기제 with general terms for 'way' or 'method.' While related, 기제 specifically points to the underlying system or process, not just a general approach.
Overusing for Simple Objects
Using 기제 for everyday, simple items or actions where '방법' (method) or '방식' (way) would be more appropriate. For example, instead of '이 요리 기제' (this cooking mechanism), one should say '이 요리 방법' (this cooking method).
Confusing with General Terms
Mistaking 기제 for a synonym of '시스템' (system) without considering the nuance of 'how it works.' While systems have mechanisms, 기제 focuses on the operational aspect.
Incorrect Application in Casual Speech
Using 기제 in informal conversations where simpler vocabulary would suffice. It might sound overly academic or even incorrect in a casual setting.

잘못된 사용: 이 로봇의 기제는 간단하다. (Incorrect usage: The mechanism of this robot is simple.)
올바른 사용: 이 로봇의 작동 방식은 간단하다. (Correct usage: The way this robot operates is simple.)

While 기제 is quite specific, there are other Korean words that share some semantic overlap, depending on the context. It's important to distinguish their precise meanings.
기제 (gije) vs. 작동 방식 (jakdong bangshik)
기제 refers to the underlying structure or process itself, the 'engine' or 'system' that makes things work. 작동 방식 (jakdong bangshik) means 'way of operating' or 'how something works,' focusing more on the observable action or procedure. You might study the 기제 of a machine to understand its 작동 방식.
기제 (gije) vs. 시스템 (siseutem)
기제 is often a component or the operational principle within a larger '시스템' (system). A system is a collection of parts working together, while the 기제 is the 'how' of that system's functioning. For example, a financial system (금융 시스템) might have a market regulation 기제.
기제 (gije) vs. 원리 (wonri)
'원리' (wonri) means 'principle.' While a 기제 operates based on certain principles, '원리' is more about the fundamental truth or law, whereas 기제 is about the actual operational structure. For example, the principle of gravity (중력의 원리) governs the mechanism of falling objects.
기제 (gije) vs. 방법 (bangbeop) / 방식 (bangshik)
'방법' (bangbeop) and '방식' (bangshik) translate to 'method' or 'way.' These are more general terms for how something is done. 기제 is more technical and refers to the specific, often complex, internal workings. You use a '방법' to achieve a result, and that '방법' might rely on a particular 기제.

이 기계의 작동 기제는 매우 정교하다. (The operational mechanism of this machine is very sophisticated.)
이 기계는 특정한 작동 방식으로 움직인다. (This machine moves with a specific way of operating.)

Fun Fact

Interestingly, the Chinese character 譏 (gi) can also mean 'to sneer' or 'to ridicule.' This original meaning is completely unrelated to the Korean usage of 기제, which focuses solely on the concept of a mechanism or system. This is a common phenomenon with Sino-Korean words where the modern meaning can diverge significantly from the literal meanings of the original Chinese characters.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈɡiː.d͡ʒɛ/
US /ˈɡiː.d͡ʒɛ/
The stress is on the first syllable: Gİ-je.
Rhymes With
지게 (jige) 비계 (bigye) 치계 (chigye) 미개 (migae) 시계 (sigye) 이개 (igae) 지혜 (jihye) 혜 (hye)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'g' softly like 'j' in 'jump'.
  • Shortening the 'i' sound.
  • Adding an extra syllable.
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Examples by Level

1

1

1

이 장치의 작동 기제를 이해하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to understand the operating mechanism of this device.

The particle '의' (ui) indicates possession or attribution, showing that '작동' (operation) belongs to '장치' (device).

2

사회 현상의 복잡한 기제를 설명하는 것은 어렵습니다.

Explaining the complex mechanism of social phenomena is difficult.

'-는 것은' (neun geos-eun) turns the preceding verb phrase into a noun clause, functioning as the subject of the sentence.

3

그는 심리적 기제를 바탕으로 행동을 분석했습니다.

He analyzed the behavior based on psychological mechanisms.

'-를 바탕으로' (reul batang-euro) means 'based on' or 'on the foundation of.'

4

정부는 시장의 자연스러운 기제가 작동하도록 해야 합니다.

The government should allow the natural mechanism of the market to operate.

'-도록 하다' (dorok hada) means 'to let,' 'to allow,' or 'to make it so that.'

5

이 질병의 발병 기제에 대한 연구가 진행 중입니다.

Research into the mechanism of onset for this disease is underway.

'-에 대한' (e daehan) means 'about' or 'regarding.'

6

우리는 이것이 어떻게 작동하는지 그 기제를 알아내야 합니다.

We need to figure out the mechanism of how this works.

'알아내다' (aranaeda) means 'to find out' or 'to discover.'

7

그의 연설은 경제 시스템의 기제를 명확히 보여주었습니다.

His speech clearly showed the mechanism of the economic system.

'보여주다' (bo-yeo-ju-da) is a causative verb meaning 'to show.'

8

이 식물의 성장 기제는 햇빛과 물에 달려 있습니다.

The growth mechanism of this plant depends on sunlight and water.

'-에 달려 있다' (e dallyeo itda) means 'to depend on' or 'to be contingent upon.'

1

각각의 문화는 고유한 사회적 기제를 가지고 발전해 왔습니다.

Each culture has developed with its own unique social mechanisms.

'발전해 오다' (baljeonhae oda) means 'to have developed' over time.

2

뇌과학자들은 학습의 인지적 기제를 밝히기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.

Neuroscientists are striving to elucidate the cognitive mechanisms of learning.

'밝히다' (balkhida) means 'to clarify,' 'to reveal,' or 'to elucidate.'

3

이 현상의 근본적인 기제를 이해하는 것이 문제 해결의 첫걸음입니다.

Understanding the fundamental mechanism of this phenomenon is the first step to problem-solving.

'문제 해결' (munje haegyeol) means 'problem-solving.'

4

정치적 불안정은 국가의 경제 기제를 약화시킬 수 있습니다.

Political instability can weaken a nation's economic mechanisms.

'약화시키다' (yak-hwa-si-ki-da) is a causative verb meaning 'to weaken.'

5

그는 복잡한 감정적 기제를 가진 인물로 묘사되었습니다.

He was depicted as a character with complex emotional mechanisms.

'묘사되다' (myosa-doe-da) is the passive form of '묘사하다' (to describe/depict).

6

환경 오염은 생태계의 자연적인 기제를 교란합니다.

Environmental pollution disrupts the natural mechanisms of the ecosystem.

'교란하다' (gyoran hada) means 'to disturb,' 'to disrupt,' or 'to interfere with.'

7

이 기술은 에너지 전환의 효율적인 기제를 제공합니다.

This technology provides an efficient mechanism for energy conversion.

'효율적인' (hyoyuljeogin) means 'efficient.'

8

우리는 의사결정 과정에서 발생하는 인지적 편향의 기제를 연구해야 합니다.

We must study the mechanisms of cognitive biases that occur in the decision-making process.

'인지적 편향' (injijeok pyeonhyang) means 'cognitive bias.'

1

그의 논문은 신경계의 복잡한 신호 전달 기제를 상세히 기술하고 있다.

His thesis describes in detail the complex signal transmission mechanisms of the nervous system.

'신호 전달' (sinho jeondal) means 'signal transmission.'

2

진화론은 생명체의 다양성을 설명하는 강력한 기제를 제시한다.

Evolutionary theory presents a powerful mechanism for explaining the diversity of life.

'진화론' (jinhwaron) means 'evolutionary theory.'

3

소비자 행동을 유도하는 심리적 기제의 복잡성은 종종 간과된다.

The complexity of the psychological mechanisms that drive consumer behavior is often overlooked.

'간과되다' (gangwadoeda) is the passive form of '간과하다' (to overlook).

4

국제 관계에서 힘의 균형은 예측 불가능한 기제에 의해 좌우될 수 있다.

The balance of power in international relations can be dictated by unpredictable mechanisms.

'힘의 균형' (him-ui gyunhyeong) means 'balance of power.'

5

이 법안은 사회적 불평등을 해소하기 위한 다층적인 기제를 포함하고 있다.

This bill includes multi-layered mechanisms for resolving social inequality.

'다층적인' (dacheungjeogin) means 'multi-layered' or 'multi-tiered.'

6

그는 개인의 정체성 형성에 영향을 미치는 사회문화적 기제를 탐구했다.

He explored the sociocultural mechanisms influencing the formation of individual identity.

'정체성 형성' (jeongcheseong hyeongseong) means 'identity formation.'

7

인공지능의 발전은 인간의 지적 기제를 모방하려는 시도에서 비롯되었다.

The development of artificial intelligence stems from an attempt to mimic human intellectual mechanisms.

'모방하다' (mobang hada) means 'to mimic' or 'to imitate.'

8

예술 작품은 종종 인간의 무의식적 기제를 탐구하고 표현한다.

Works of art often explore and express human unconscious mechanisms.

'무의식적' (muuisikjeok) means 'unconscious.'

1

이론 물리학은 우주의 근본적인 법칙과 그 작동 기제를 탐구하는 학문입니다.

Theoretical physics is the study that explores the fundamental laws of the universe and their operational mechanisms.

'근본적인 법칙' (geunbonjeogin beopchik) means 'fundamental laws.'

2

자본주의 경제 체제는 이윤 추구라는 명확한 기제를 통해 움직인다.

The capitalist economic system operates through the clear mechanism of profit seeking.

'이윤 추구' (iyun chugu) means 'profit seeking.'

3

그의 문학 작품은 인간 심리의 심오한 기제와 존재론적 고뇌를 파고든다.

His literary works delve into the profound mechanisms of human psychology and existential anguish.

'존재론적 고뇌' (jonjaeronjeok gonoe) means 'existential anguish.'

4

생명 현상의 복잡성을 이해하기 위해서는 분자 수준의 기제를 규명해야 한다.

To understand the complexity of life phenomena, the mechanisms at the molecular level must be elucidated.

'규명하다' (gyumyeong hada) means 'to ascertain,' 'to identify,' or 'to elucidate.'

5

정치 체제는 권력의 분배와 행사를 규율하는 복잡한 기제를 포함한다.

Political systems involve complex mechanisms that regulate the distribution and exercise of power.

'권력의 분배와 행사' (gwollyeogui bunbae-wa haengsa) means 'distribution and exercise of power.'

6

인간의 도덕적 판단은 사회적 학습과 내면화된 기제에 의해 형성된다.

Human moral judgment is shaped by social learning and internalized mechanisms.

'도덕적 판단' (dodeokjeok pandan) means 'moral judgment.'

7

이론 물리학은 우주의 근본적인 법칙과 그 작동 기제를 탐구하는 학문입니다.

Theoretical physics is the study that explores the fundamental laws of the universe and their operational mechanisms.

'근본적인 법칙' (geunbonjeogin beopchik) means 'fundamental laws.'

8

역사적 사건의 인과 관계를 분석할 때, 우리는 숨겨진 사회경제적 기제를 간과할 수 없다.

When analyzing the causality of historical events, we cannot overlook the hidden socioeconomic mechanisms.

'인과 관계' (ingwa gwangye) means 'causal relationship.'

Synonyms

장치 체계 메커니즘 방식

Common Collocations

작동 기제
사회적 기제
경제적 기제
심리적 기제
발병 기제
인지적 기제
생물학적 기제
자연적 기제
복잡한 기제
근본적인 기제

Common Phrases

기제를 이해하다

— To understand the mechanism or how something works.

이 장치의 기제를 이해하는 데 시간이 좀 걸렸습니다. (It took some time to understand the mechanism of this device.)

기제를 설명하다

— To explain the mechanism or how something works.

교수님께서 복잡한 사회적 기제를 설명해주셨다. (The professor explained the complex social mechanisms.)

기제를 연구하다

— To research the mechanism or how something works.

과학자들은 이 질병의 발병 기제를 연구하고 있다. (Scientists are researching the mechanism of onset for this disease.)

기제가 작동하다

— For the mechanism to operate or function.

시장의 가격 기제가 제대로 작동하도록 해야 한다. (The price mechanism of the market should be allowed to operate properly.)

기제를 파악하다

— To grasp or identify the mechanism.

문제의 근본적인 기제를 파악하는 것이 해결의 시작입니다. (Identifying the fundamental mechanism of the problem is the start of the solution.)

기제를 밝히다

— To reveal or elucidate the mechanism.

이 연구는 뇌의 학습 기제를 밝히는 데 기여했다. (This research contributed to revealing the learning mechanisms of the brain.)

기제를 분석하다

— To analyze the mechanism.

그는 경제 위기의 기제를 분석했다. (He analyzed the mechanism of the economic crisis.)

기제가 복잡하다

— The mechanism is complex.

인간의 감정 기제는 매우 복잡하다. (The mechanism of human emotions is very complex.)

기제가 단순하다

— The mechanism is simple.

이 장치의 기제는 놀랍도록 단순하다. (The mechanism of this device is surprisingly simple.)

기제에 의해

— By means of a mechanism; due to a mechanism.

그의 성공은 여러 복합적인 기제에 의해 이루어졌다. (His success was achieved by several complex mechanisms.)

Idioms & Expressions

"작동 기제"

— Literally 'operating mechanism.' It's a common and straightforward collocation used to refer to how something works.

이 로봇의 작동 기제는 매우 정교하게 설계되었습니다. (The operating mechanism of this robot was designed very sophisticatedly.)

Neutral/Formal
"내부 기제"

— Internal mechanism. Refers to the workings from within something.

이 시스템의 내부 기제는 외부에서는 잘 보이지 않는다. (The internal mechanism of this system is not well visible from the outside.)

Neutral/Formal
"보이지 않는 기제"

— Invisible mechanism. Refers to the subtle or hidden processes that influence events or behaviors.

사회에는 보이지 않는 기제가 작용하여 사람들의 행동을 이끈다. (Invisible mechanisms operate in society and guide people's behavior.)

Figurative/Formal
"기제에 의존하다"

— To rely on a mechanism.

우리는 자연의 기제에 의존하여 살아간다. (We live by relying on the mechanisms of nature.)

Neutral/Formal
"기제를 흔들다"

— To shake or destabilize a mechanism; to disrupt the normal functioning of a system.

급격한 경제 변화는 기존의 기제를 흔들 수 있다. (Rapid economic changes can shake existing mechanisms.)

Figurative/Formal
"기제를 이해하다"

— To understand the mechanism.

이 복잡한 현상의 기제를 이해하는 것은 쉽지 않다. (It is not easy to understand the mechanism of this complex phenomenon.)

Neutral/Formal
"기제를 풀다"

— To unravel or solve the mechanism; to figure out how something works.

탐정은 사건의 기제를 풀기 위해 증거를 모았다. (The detective gathered evidence to unravel the mechanism of the case.)

Figurative/Formal
"기제를 설계하다"

— To design a mechanism.

엔지니어들은 새로운 기계를 위한 효율적인 기제를 설계했다. (Engineers designed an efficient mechanism for the new machine.)

Neutral/Formal
"기제와 원리"

— Mechanism and principle. Often used together in academic contexts.

이론 물리학은 우주의 기제와 원리를 탐구한다. (Theoretical physics explores the mechanisms and principles of the universe.)

Academic
"기제적 사고"

— Mechanistic thinking. A way of thinking that views things as machines with predictable operations.

그는 모든 것을 기제적 사고로 분석하려 했다. (He tried to analyze everything with mechanistic thinking.)

Academic/Critical

Word Family

Nouns

기제 (gije)

Related

기계 (gigye) Similar sounding, but means 'machine'. While machines have mechanisms, they are distinct words.
기질 (gijil) Means 'temperament' or 'substance'. No direct relation in meaning.
기점 (gijeom) Means 'starting point' or 'base point'. No direct relation in meaning.
기저 (gijeo) Means 'base' or 'foundation'. Can be related in the sense of a foundational mechanism.
기능 (gineung) Means 'function'. A mechanism is what enables a function.
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'G'iant 'JE't engine. The 'G'iant 'JE't engine has a complex 기제 that makes it work. The sounds 'gi' and 'je' can help you remember the word 기제 for mechanism.

Visual Association

Picture a complex clockwork mechanism with many intricate gears and springs. Think of the word 기제 as representing the intricate 'working parts' of this clockwork.

Word Web

Mechanism System Process Structure Framework How it works Inner workings Operation Underlying principle Engine

Challenge

Try to explain a simple everyday object, like a toaster or a faucet, by describing its 기제 (mechanism) in Korean. Focus on the steps and parts that make it function.

Word Origin

The word 기제 (gije) is a Sino-Korean word, derived from Chinese characters. The characters are 譏 (gi) meaning 'to mock' or 'to criticize' and 制 (je) meaning 'to control,' 'to make,' or 'system.' However, in modern Korean usage, the meaning has shifted entirely to 'mechanism' or 'system,' and the original Chinese character meanings are not directly relevant to its current function.

Original meaning: While the individual characters '譏' and '制' have specific meanings, the combined term 기제 in Korean has evolved to specifically mean 'mechanism' or 'system,' divorced from the literal meanings of its constituent characters.

Sino-Korean (derived from Chinese)

Cultural Context

The word 기제 is generally neutral and objective. It's used in academic and technical contexts and does not carry strong emotional or subjective connotations. Its application is usually to describe factual or analytical subjects.

In English, we use words like 'mechanism,' 'system,' 'framework,' 'process,' or 'working principle' to convey similar meanings. The Korean 기제 often bridges the gap between these concepts, particularly emphasizing the operational aspect.

The study of the 기제 of consciousness is a major area of research in neuroscience. Understanding the market 기제 is crucial for economic stability. The book delves into the psychological 기제 of addiction.
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