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다국적

B2 noun #4,000 most common 13 min read

다국적

dagukjeok Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 다국적 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 다국적 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the complex economic meanings of '다국적'. Just think of it as a word that means 'many countries' (다 = many, 국 = country). You might see it in simple news titles or on posters for international festivals. Imagine a K-pop group with members from Korea, Japan, and Thailand—that is a '다국적' group. It's like a big family with people from different places. You can remember it by looking at the first character '다' (da), which means 'many' in Korean, like in the word '다양하다' (to be diverse). At this stage, just knowing that it relates to 'many countries' is enough. You won't use it in daily conversation often, but you will see it in books and on TV.

For A2 learners, '다국적' is a useful word to know when talking about companies and jobs. You might say 'I want to work at a multinational company' (다국적 기업에서 일하고 싶어요). This word helps you describe the modern world where people from different countries work together. You will also see it when talking about food or culture in big cities like Seoul. For example, 'Itaewon has multinational food.' It's a step up from just saying 'many countries' because it starts to describe how things are organized. You should try to recognize this word when you read the news or look at job advertisements. It's a formal word, so it makes you sound more serious and knowledgeable when you use it correctly.

At the B1 level, you should start using '다국적' in more specific contexts. You will encounter it frequently in business news and social studies. It's important to understand that '다국적' is usually followed by another noun like '기업' (company), '팀' (team), or '군' (military). You can use it to describe the globalization of the Korean economy. For instance, you can discuss how Samsung is a representative '다국적 기업' of Korea. You should also be able to distinguish it from '외국' (foreign). While '외국' just means 'another country,' '다국적' implies a connection to *many* countries at once. This distinction is key for expressing more complex ideas about the world around you in Korean.

At the B2 level, '다국적' becomes a key term for professional and academic communication. You are expected to understand its implications in economics and politics. For example, you might read about '다국적 기업의 사회적 책임' (social responsibility of multinational corporations) or '다국적 협상' (multinational negotiations). You should be comfortable using the word to analyze social phenomena, such as the rise of multiculturalism in Korea or the strategic composition of K-pop groups to target global markets. You should also be aware of the nuances between '다국적', '국제적' (international), and '글로벌' (global), and choose the most appropriate one based on whether you are focusing on structure, relationships, or scale. This level of precision is what defines a B2 learner.

As a C1 learner, you should have a deep understanding of the legal and fiscal connotations of '다국적'. You will encounter this word in sophisticated discussions about international law, tax treaties (like the '다국적 기업 과세' or BEPS), and the sociological impact of multinational entities on local cultures. You should be able to use the term fluently in debates, exploring both the benefits of multinational cooperation and the criticisms regarding the loss of national sovereignty or economic inequality. Your use of '다국적' should be precise, often paired with advanced vocabulary like '영향력' (influence), '자본' (capital), or '지배구조' (governance structure). You can also use it metaphorically or in more abstract contexts to describe the hybridized nature of modern identity and culture.

At the C2 level, '다국적' is a term you use with complete mastery in any high-level discourse. You understand the historical evolution of the concept, from early colonial trading companies to modern digital conglomerates that operate without a clear 'home' country. You can discuss the nuances of '다국적' versus '초국적' (transnational) and '무국적' (stateless) in the context of global capital flows. You might use the word in legal briefs, economic dissertations, or high-level political analysis. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but deeply contextualized within the history of globalization and Korea's specific role in the global order. You can effortlessly switch between technical economic usage and more nuanced cultural applications, recognizing the word's power to shape narratives about power, identity, and the future of the nation-state.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

다국적 in 30 Seconds

다국적 (Multinational) describes entities like companies or teams that operate across or consist of members from multiple nations. It is a formal and very common term.
The word is composed of Hanja meaning 'Many' (다), 'Country' (국), and 'Register' (적). It highlights the structural diversity of an organization.
It is most frequently used in the compound '다국적 기업' (Multinational Corporation), but also applies to military forces, K-pop groups, and urban cultural atmospheres.
Unlike 'global' or 'international,' '다국적' specifically emphasizes the variety of national origins or locations involved in the structure of the entity.

The Korean term 다국적 (多國籍) is a noun that literally translates to 'multiple nationalities' or 'multi-national.' In a linguistic context, it is most frequently used as an attributive noun to describe entities, organizations, or groups that operate across several different countries or consist of members from various nations. While the English word 'multinational' can be both an adjective and a noun, in Korean, 다국적 primarily functions as a noun that modifies other nouns to create compound concepts. Understanding this word is crucial for navigating modern Korean society, which has rapidly transitioned from a relatively homogenous culture to a globalized hub of international commerce and migration.

Etymological Breakdown: The word is composed of three Hanja characters: 다 (多 - Many), 국 (國 - Nation/Country), and 적 (籍 - Register/Record). Together, they signify a state of being registered or belonging to many nations simultaneously.

The most common application of this word is in the business sector. A 다국적 기업 (Multinational Corporation) refers to a company that has its headquarters in one country but manages production or delivers services in more than one other country. This is a step beyond simple international trade; it implies a deep integration into the local economies of various nations. For example, Samsung, LG, and Hyundai are quintessential Korean 다국적 기업 that have factories, research centers, and sales offices spanning every continent. When Koreans discuss the economy or career paths, this word appears frequently to distinguish between localized SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) and global giants.

요즘 취업 준비생들은 다국적 기업에서의 근무 경험을 선호합니다. (Nowadays, job seekers prefer work experience at multinational corporations.)

Beyond business, the term extends to social and cultural contexts. You might hear about a 다국적 팀 (Multinational Team) in sports or a 다국적 그룹 (Multinational Group) in the K-pop industry. Groups like TWICE, BLACKPINK, or NCT are often described as having a 다국적 composition because their members come from Korea, Japan, Thailand, China, and elsewhere. This usage highlights the diversity and the cross-border appeal of the entity. In political or military contexts, the term 다국적군 (Multinational Forces) is used to describe coalition forces composed of troops from different countries working toward a common goal, such as UN peacekeeping missions.

Economic Context: In economics, '다국적' is used to analyze foreign direct investment (FDI) and the movement of capital across borders. It often appears in news headlines discussing tax regulations, trade agreements, and labor laws affecting global firms.

그 회사는 다국적 자본의 유입으로 급성장했습니다. (The company grew rapidly due to the influx of multinational capital.)

Furthermore, the word is increasingly relevant in the context of '다국적 문화' (Multinational Culture). As Korea becomes more multicultural, festivals, neighborhoods (like Itaewon), and educational programs are often described as having a 다국적 atmosphere. This implies a melting pot where various national backgrounds coexist and interact. It carries a nuance of modernity, sophistication, and openness to the world. However, it is important to note that '다국적' is rarely used to describe an individual's personal identity (one wouldn't usually say 'I am a 다국적 person'); instead, '복수 국적자' (person with multiple citizenships) is the correct term for individuals.

Usage in Media: In the news, you will see '다국적' associated with '협력' (cooperation) or '갈등' (conflict), reflecting the complex nature of international relations. It is a formal word that adds a layer of professional authority to the conversation.

이번 프로젝트는 다국적 전문가들이 모여 진행하고 있습니다. (This project is being carried out by a gathering of multinational experts.)

서울은 이제 다국적 색채가 강한 대도시로 변모했습니다. (Seoul has now transformed into a metropolis with a strong multinational color.)

In summary, 다국적 is a versatile and essential term for anyone looking to engage with Korean business, media, or sociology. It encapsulates the essence of globalization—the breaking down of national barriers in favor of collaborative, cross-border entities. Whether you are discussing the latest K-pop group's lineup or the fiscal policy of a tech giant, 다국적 provides the necessary linguistic framework to describe the multi-faceted, international world we live in today.

Using 다국적 correctly requires an understanding of its role as a modifier. Since it is a noun, it almost always precedes another noun to define its scope. It is rarely used as a standalone predicate (e.g., you wouldn't say 'The company is 다국적' as simply '회사는 다국적이다' without it feeling slightly incomplete; '다국적 기업이다' is much more natural). Here, we will explore the grammatical structures and typical sentence patterns where 다국적 shines.

The '다국적 + Noun' Pattern: This is the most standard usage. The word acts like an adjective in English. Common pairings include 기업 (company), 군 (military force), 프로젝트 (project), and 인재 (talented individuals).

그는 다국적 기업에서 10년 동안 근무했습니다. (He worked at a multinational corporation for 10 years.)

In this sentence, 다국적 기업 functions as a single unit. Notice how the word provides a specific category for the company. Without it, the sentence would just mean 'a company,' but with it, the scale and nature of the employer are immediately clear. This pattern is essential for formal writing and professional introductions.

Describing Composition: When describing a group made of people from different countries, '다국적' is used to emphasize diversity. This is very common in entertainment and sports news.

이 아이돌 그룹은 멤버들의 국적이 다양해서 다국적 그룹으로 불립니다. (This idol group is called a multinational group because the members' nationalities are diverse.)

Here, the sentence explains why the term is applied. It links the diversity of the members (국적이 다양해서) directly to the label (다국적 그룹). This is a great pattern to use when you want to justify your choice of words in an essay or a speech.

Using '다국적' in Negative or Critical Contexts: While often neutral or positive, '다국적' can also appear in discussions about the negative impacts of globalization, such as tax evasion or the monopolization of local markets by large foreign entities.

거대 다국적 기업들의 시장 독점은 국내 기업들에게 위협이 될 수 있습니다. (The market monopoly of huge multinational corporations can be a threat to domestic companies.)

In this context, 다국적 highlights the overwhelming scale and resources that allow these companies to dominate. It contrasts '다국적 기업' with '국내 기업' (domestic companies), showing the tension between global and local interests. This usage is common in academic papers and economic debates.

그 영화는 다국적 제작진이 참여하여 완성도를 높였습니다. (The movie improved its quality with the participation of a multinational production crew.)

This sentence uses 다국적 to imply high quality and global standards. The logic is that by bringing together the best talent from various nations, the final product (the movie) becomes more sophisticated. This is a very common way to praise a collaborative effort in the arts and technology sectors.

UN은 분쟁 지역에 다국적 평화 유지군을 파견하기로 결정했습니다. (The UN decided to dispatch multinational peacekeeping forces to the conflict zone.)

Finally, this formal sentence shows 다국적 in a humanitarian and political light. Here, 다국적 평화 유지군 is the specific term for UN Blue Helmets. It emphasizes that the intervention is not by a single country but by a collective international community. Mastery of such specific collocations will significantly elevate your Korean proficiency from intermediate to advanced.

The word 다국적 is not just a textbook term; it is deeply embedded in the daily linguistic landscape of South Korea. If you live in Korea or consume Korean media, you will encounter this word in several specific environments. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word instantly and understand the underlying implications.

Evening News and Business Reports: This is perhaps the most frequent place to hear the word. News anchors use it when discussing global economic trends, stock market fluctuations involving companies like Apple or Google, or international trade disputes. You'll hear phrases like '다국적 기업의 조세 회피' (tax avoidance by multinational corporations) or '다국적 협력 관계' (multinational cooperative relations).

정부는 다국적 IT 기업들에 대한 새로운 과세 표준을 검토 중입니다. (The government is reviewing new taxation standards for multinational IT companies.)

In this scenario, the word carries a weight of legal and economic significance. It highlights the challenges that national governments face when dealing with entities that exist across multiple jurisdictions. For a learner, hearing this on the news signifies a shift into 'high-level' Korean vocabulary.

K-Pop Documentaries and Entertainment News: If you follow groups like TWICE, LE SSERAFIM, or NewJeans, you will constantly see the word '다국적 그룹' in their promotional materials. Entertainment agencies use this term to market the group's global appeal and the diverse talents of their members. It’s a point of pride and a strategic business move.

이 그룹은 다국적 멤버로 구성되어 있어 해외 시장 공략에 유리합니다. (This group is composed of multinational members, which is advantageous for targeting overseas markets.)

When fans talk about their favorite groups, they might use '다국적' to describe the group's unique chemistry or the variety of languages the members speak. It has a positive, modern connotation in the world of Hallyu (the Korean Wave).

University Lectures and Job Fairs: If you are a student or a job seeker in Korea, you will hear this word at job fairs (채용 박람회). Recruiters from companies like Google Korea or Amazon Web Services will describe their work environment as '다국적 환경' (multinational environment). Professors in business or political science departments will use it as a standard academic term.

우리 회사는 다국적 기업 문화를 지향하며 유연한 근무 환경을 제공합니다. (Our company aims for a multinational corporate culture and provides a flexible working environment.)

In these settings, 다국적 is often paired with '문화' (culture) or '환경' (environment). It suggests a workplace that is less hierarchical than traditional Korean companies and more focused on global communication and diversity. This makes the word very attractive to young Koreans who value international exposure.

Travel and Lifestyle Magazines: When describing vibrant neighborhoods like Itaewon in Seoul or Haeundae in Busan, writers often use '다국적' to describe the food, the people, and the vibe. A '다국적 레스토랑' might serve fusion cuisine or be part of a global chain.

이태원에는 다국적 요리를 맛볼 수 있는 맛집들이 가득합니다. (Itaewon is full of great restaurants where you can taste multinational cuisines.)

In this lifestyle context, the word is used to evoke a sense of excitement and exploration. It tells the reader that they can experience the world without leaving the city. It’s a word that bridges the gap between the local and the global, making it a staple of modern Korean vocabulary.

While 다국적 is a relatively straightforward word, learners often make subtle errors in its application or confuse it with similar-sounding terms. Because it is a Hanja-based word, its meaning is precise, and using it in the wrong context can make a sentence sound unnatural or even confusing to a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Confusing '다국적' with '외국적': Learners often think '다국적' can describe a single person who has a foreign nationality. This is incorrect. '다국적' means 'multiple nationalities' (plural). If you want to say someone is a foreigner or has a foreign nationality, you should use '외국 국적' or simply '외국인'.

❌ 저 사람은 다국적입니다. (That person is multinational.)
✅ 저 사람은 외국 국적을 가지고 있습니다. (That person has a foreign nationality.)

The only time you would use '다국적' for an individual is if they literally held citizenships from many different countries (which is rare), and even then, '복수 국적' (multiple citizenships) is the standard term. '다국적' is almost exclusively reserved for groups or entities.

Mistake 2: Overusing '다국적' when '글로벌' or '국제적' is better: While '다국적' is common, using it for everything 'international' can sound repetitive or overly technical. '다국적' specifically highlights the 'nationality' aspect. If you are talking about global standards, reputation, or general internationality, '글로벌' (Global) or '국제적' (International) are often more natural.

❌ 이 가수는 다국적 인기가 많아요. (This singer has multinational popularity.)
✅ 이 가수는 국제적인 인기가 많아요. (This singer has international popularity.)

Popularity doesn't have a 'nationality register,' so '국제적' (international) is the correct modifier here. Use '다국적' when there is a structural or compositional element involving multiple nations.

Mistake 3: Grammatical Misplacement: Some learners try to use '다국적' as an adverb or a verb. It is a noun. You cannot say '다국적하게' (multinationally) or '다국적하다' (to be multinational) in standard Korean. You must use it to modify another noun or use it in the structure '다국적이다' (to be [a] multinational [entity]).

❌ 우리 회사는 다국적하게 일합니다. (Our company works multinationally.)
✅ 우리 회사는 다국적 기업으로서 전 세계에서 일합니다. (As a multinational corporation, our company works all over the world.)

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will sound much more like a native speaker. Remember that '다국적' is a formal, precise term that describes the *structure* of an entity rather than just a general feeling of being international.

❌ 다국적 음식을 좋아해요. (I like multinational food.)
✅ 여러 나라의 음식을 좋아해요. (I like food from many countries.)

While '다국적 음식' is technically understandable, it sounds like the food itself has multiple citizenships. It's much more natural to say '여러 나라의 음식' (food of many countries) or '세계 각국의 요리' (cuisines from each country in the world) when talking about your dining preferences.

Korean has several words that translate to 'international' or 'global' in English. Choosing the right one depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Here is a comparison of 다국적 with its closest counterparts.

국제적 (International): This is the most general term. It refers to relations or activities between two or more nations. While '다국적' implies a deep integration or a multi-part structure, '국제적' simply means 'between nations.'

그 문제는 국제적 협력이 필요합니다. (That issue requires international cooperation.)

글로벌 (Global): Borrowed from English, '글로벌' is very trendy in modern Korea. It is often used interchangeably with '다국적,' but it feels more modern and less technical. It describes a mindset or a scale that covers the whole world.

우리는 글로벌 시대를 살고 있습니다. (We are living in a global era.)

세계적 (World-class / World-wide): This word often carries a nuance of 'fame' or 'high quality.' If something is '세계적,' it means it is known or respected throughout the world. '다국적' doesn't necessarily imply fame, just the physical presence in multiple countries.

그는 세계적인 피아니스트입니다. (He is a world-class pianist.)

To help you choose the right word, think about the 'focus' of your sentence. If the focus is on the structure and nationality of the members or parts, use 다국적. If the focus is on the relationship between countries, use 국제적. If the focus is on the vast scale or modernity, use 글로벌. And if the focus is on global fame or reach, use 세계적.

One more term to consider is 범세계적 (Pan-world / Universal). This is a very formal and academic word used to describe phenomena that affect the entire planet, such as climate change or a pandemic. It is much broader than '다국적.' Understanding these distinctions will allow you to express complex ideas with the precision of a native speaker.

기후 변화는 범세계적인 대응이 필요한 문제입니다. (Climate change is an issue that requires a pan-world/universal response.)

In conclusion, while these words are related, 다국적 remains the most precise term for describing entities that cross national boundaries in their organizational structure. Use it when you want to sound professional and accurate.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While the Hanja 籍 (적) originally meant a 'book' or 'census record' in ancient China, in this context, it refers to the legal status of an entity's registration across borders.

Pronunciation Guide

UK da-guk-jeok

US da-guk-jeok

The stress is even across all three syllables, which is typical for Korean words.

Rhymes With

애국적 (Patriotic) 이국적 (Exotic) 전국적 (Nationwide) 한국적 (Korean-style) 적극적 (Active) 소극적 (Passive) 비극적 (Tragic) 희극적 (Comedic)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'da' as 'day' (it should be 'dah').
Over-emphasizing the final 'k' sounds (they should be subtle).
Mixing up 'guk' with 'kuk' (it starts with a soft 'g').
Pronouncing 'jeok' as 'joke' (the vowel is closer to 'eo' in Korean).
Stressing the first syllable too much like English words.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Easy to recognize because of the Hanja characters '다' and '국'.

Writing 6/5

Requires knowledge of how to pair it with appropriate nouns.

Speaking 5/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but usage is mostly in formal contexts.

Listening 4/5

Frequently heard in news and documentaries.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

국가 국적 기업 여러 나라

Learn Next

초국적 국제기구 세계화 현지화 조세

Advanced

치외법권 관세 자유무역협정 상호주의 패권

Grammar to Know

Noun as Modifier

다국적 + 기업 = 다국적 기업

-적 (Suffix)

국가 + 적 = 국가적 (National)

Compound Noun Formation

다국적 + 평화 + 유지군

Using '이다' with Hanja nouns

이 회사는 다국적 기업이다.

Modifying with '의'

다국적의 성격을 띠다.

Examples by Level

이 그룹은 다국적 그룹입니다.

This group is a multinational group.

다국적 modifies the noun 그룹.

서울에는 다국적 식당이 많아요.

There are many multinational restaurants in Seoul.

다국적 is used here to mean 'from many nations'.

그 회사는 다국적 기업이에요.

That company is a multinational corporation.

다국적 기업 is a very common compound noun.

우리는 다국적 팀을 만들었어요.

We made a multinational team.

팀 (team) is a common noun modified by 다국적.

다국적 친구들이 모였어요.

Multinational friends gathered together.

This is a slightly informal but clear way to say friends from many nations.

이곳은 다국적 분위기가 나요.

This place has a multinational atmosphere.

분위기 (atmosphere) is modified by 다국적.

다국적 노래를 들어요.

I listen to multinational songs.

Implies songs from many different countries.

학교에 다국적 학생이 많아요.

There are many multinational students in the school.

Describes students with various national backgrounds.

저는 다국적 기업에 취직하고 싶어요.

I want to get a job at a multinational corporation.

취직하고 싶어요 means 'want to get a job'.

이 도시는 다국적 문화가 섞여 있어요.

This city has a mix of multinational cultures.

섞여 있어요 means 'is mixed'.

다국적 멤버들이 함께 노래를 불러요.

Multinational members sing songs together.

함께 (together) emphasizes the collaboration.

그 프로젝트는 다국적 팀이 진행해요.

That project is being carried out by a multinational team.

진행해요 means 'to carry out/proceed'.

다국적 기업의 본사는 미국에 있어요.

The headquarters of the multinational corporation is in the US.

본사 means 'headquarters'.

우리는 다국적 환경에서 일하고 있습니다.

We are working in a multinational environment.

환경 (environment) is a key noun used with 다국적.

다국적 전문가들이 이 문제를 연구합니다.

Multinational experts are researching this problem.

전문가 (expert) is modified by 다국적.

이 잡지는 다국적 독자들을 위한 것입니다.

This magazine is for multinational readers.

위한 것입니다 means 'is for'.

다국적 기업들은 전 세계 시장을 대상으로 합니다.

Multinational corporations target the entire world market.

대상으로 합니다 means 'targets/aims at'.

다국적군이 평화를 위해 그 지역에 파견되었습니다.

Multinational forces were dispatched to the region for peace.

다국적군 is the specific term for multinational military forces.

이 영화는 다국적 자본으로 제작되었습니다.

This movie was produced with multinational capital.

자본 (capital) refers to investment money.

다국적 인재를 채용하는 것이 회사의 목표입니다.

Hiring multinational talent is the company's goal.

인재 means 'talented person/talent'.

서울의 이태원은 다국적 색채가 매우 강한 곳입니다.

Itaewon in Seoul is a place with a very strong multinational color.

색채 (color/hue) is used metaphorically for 'atmosphere' or 'character'.

다국적 협력을 통해 새로운 기술을 개발했습니다.

We developed new technology through multinational cooperation.

통해 means 'through' or 'by means of'.

그 단체는 다국적 회원들로 구성되어 있습니다.

The organization is composed of multinational members.

구성되어 있습니다 means 'is composed/consists of'.

다국적 기업의 영향력이 점점 커지고 있습니다.

The influence of multinational corporations is growing bigger.

영향력 means 'influence'.

다국적 기업의 조세 회피 문제는 국제적인 이슈입니다.

The issue of tax avoidance by multinational corporations is an international issue.

조세 회피 means 'tax avoidance'.

이번 학술 대회에는 다국적 학자들이 참여하여 토론했습니다.

Multinational scholars participated and discussed in this academic conference.

학자 means 'scholar'.

다국적 경영 전략은 각 나라의 문화를 이해하는 데서 시작됩니다.

Multinational management strategy starts from understanding the culture of each country.

경영 전략 means 'management strategy'.

정부는 다국적 기업의 국내 투자를 유치하기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.

The government is working to attract domestic investment from multinational corporations.

투자 유치 means 'attracting investment'.

다국적 프로젝트팀 내에서의 의사소통은 매우 중요합니다.

Communication within a multinational project team is very important.

의사소통 means 'communication'.

그 소설은 다국적 배경을 가진 인물들의 갈등을 다룹니다.

The novel deals with the conflicts of characters with multinational backgrounds.

다룹니다 means 'deals with/treats'.

다국적 기업의 현지화 전략이 성공의 열쇠입니다.

The localization strategy of multinational corporations is the key to success.

현지화 means 'localization'.

다국적 시민권에 대한 논의가 활발하게 이루어지고 있습니다.

Discussions on multinational citizenship are actively being held.

시민권 means 'citizenship'.

다국적 기업의 비대해진 권력이 국가의 주권을 위협하기도 합니다.

The bloated power of multinational corporations sometimes threatens the sovereignty of nations.

비대해진 means 'bloated/enlarged' and 주권 means 'sovereignty'.

현대 사회에서 다국적 정체성은 더 이상 낯선 개념이 아닙니다.

In modern society, multinational identity is no longer a strange concept.

정체성 means 'identity'.

다국적 자본의 유입은 국내 산업 구조에 근본적인 변화를 가져왔습니다.

The influx of multinational capital has brought fundamental changes to the domestic industrial structure.

산업 구조 means 'industrial structure'.

다국적 평화 유지군의 역할은 갈등 해결의 핵심적인 요소입니다.

The role of multinational peacekeeping forces is a core element in resolving conflicts.

핵심적인 요소 means 'core element'.

다국적 기업의 공급망 관리는 ESG 경영의 핵심 지표가 되었습니다.

Supply chain management of multinational corporations has become a key indicator of ESG management.

공급망 관리 means 'supply chain management'.

다국적 문화의 융합은 창의적인 예술 작품의 탄생을 촉진합니다.

The fusion of multinational cultures promotes the birth of creative works of art.

융합 means 'fusion' and 촉진합니다 means 'promotes/accelerates'.

다국적 기업에 대한 규제 완화는 양날의 검과 같습니다.

Deregulation for multinational corporations is like a double-edged sword.

규제 완화 means 'deregulation' and 양날의 검 means 'double-edged sword'.

다국적 연대 강화를 통해 전 지구적 위기에 대응해야 합니다.

We must respond to global crises by strengthening multinational solidarity.

연대 means 'solidarity'.

다국적 기업의 초국가적 행위는 기존의 법체계에 새로운 도전을 제기합니다.

The transnational actions of multinational corporations pose new challenges to existing legal systems.

초국가적 means 'transnational' and 제기합니다 means 'poses/raises'.

다국적 자본의 논리가 지역 사회의 고유한 문화를 잠식할 우려가 있습니다.

There is a concern that the logic of multinational capital may erode the unique culture of local communities.

잠식할 means 'to erode/encroach'.

다국적 거버넌스의 구축은 글로벌 불평등 해소를 위한 필수 과제입니다.

The establishment of multinational governance is an essential task for resolving global inequality.

거버넌스 means 'governance'.

다국적 기업의 지식 재산권 보호는 국제 통상에서 민감한 사안입니다.

The protection of intellectual property rights of multinational corporations is a sensitive issue in international trade.

지식 재산권 means 'intellectual property rights'.

다국적 인적 자원의 효율적 배치는 기업의 경쟁력을 결정짓는 요소입니다.

The efficient allocation of multinational human resources is a factor that determines a company's competitiveness.

인적 자원 means 'human resources'.

다국적 미디어 그룹의 여론 형성 능력은 정치적으로 큰 파급력을 가집니다.

The public opinion-forming ability of multinational media groups has a large political ripple effect.

여론 형성 means 'public opinion formation' and 파급력 means 'ripple effect'.

다국적 환경 협약의 실효성을 높이기 위한 국제적 감시 체계가 필요합니다.

An international monitoring system is needed to increase the effectiveness of multinational environmental agreements.

실효성 means 'effectiveness' and 감시 체계 means 'monitoring system'.

다국적 기업의 윤리 경영은 더 이상 선택이 아닌 필수 생존 전략입니다.

Ethical management of multinational corporations is no longer an option but an essential survival strategy.

윤리 경영 means 'ethical management'.

Synonyms

글로벌 세계적인 범국가적

Antonyms

국내의 단일 국가의

Common Collocations

다국적 기업

다국적군

다국적 팀

다국적 자본

다국적 문화

다국적 그룹

다국적 인재

다국적 프로젝트

다국적 협력

다국적 환경

Common Phrases

다국적 기업 취업

— Getting a job at a multinational corporation. This is a major goal for many Korean students.

다국적 기업 취업을 위해 영어를 공부해요.

다국적 멤버 구성

— Composition of multinational members. Often used to describe K-pop groups.

다국적 멤버 구성으로 해외 팬이 많습니다.

다국적 평화 유지군

— Multinational peacekeeping forces, typically under the UN.

다국적 평화 유지군이 파견되었습니다.

다국적 거대 기업

— Giant multinational corporations. Often used in critical economic contexts.

다국적 거대 기업의 횡포를 막아야 합니다.

다국적 요리 전문점

— A restaurant specializing in cuisines from many nations.

이곳은 다국적 요리 전문점입니다.

다국적 협상 테이블

— A multinational negotiation table. Refers to complex diplomatic meetings.

다국적 협상 테이블에 앉았습니다.

다국적 네트워크

— A multinational network of people or organizations.

그는 넓은 다국적 네트워크를 가지고 있습니다.

다국적 시장 공략

— Targeting/attacking the multinational market.

다국적 시장 공략을 위해 신제품을 출시했습니다.

다국적 전문가 집단

— A group of multinational experts.

이 보고서는 다국적 전문가 집단이 작성했습니다.

다국적 색채를 띠다

— To take on a multinational color/vibe.

이 축제는 다국적 색채를 띠고 있습니다.

Often Confused With

다국적 vs 외국적

Used for a single foreign nationality, while 다국적 implies many.

다국적 vs 국제적

Refers to relations between nations, while 다국적 refers to internal structure.

다국적 vs 글로벌

A modern loanword that is more focused on scale than nationality.

Idioms & Expressions

"다국적 기업의 발톱"

— Literally 'the claws of multinational corporations.' Used to describe their aggressive expansion or hidden dangers.

지역 상권이 다국적 기업의 발톱에 위협받고 있다.

Journalistic/Critical

"국경 없는 다국적 자본"

— Multinational capital without borders. Refers to the free and fast movement of money globally.

국경 없는 다국적 자본이 시장을 흔들고 있다.

Economic/Formal

"다국적 문화의 용광로"

— A melting pot of multinational cultures. Describes a very diverse place.

뉴욕은 다국적 문화의 용광로와 같습니다.

Literary/Descriptive

"다국적 인재의 요람"

— The cradle of multinational talent. Refers to institutions that produce global leaders.

이 대학은 다국적 인재의 요람으로 불립니다.

Formal/Praising

"다국적 협력의 결실"

— The fruit of multinational cooperation. Used for successful international projects.

이번 백신 개발은 다국적 협력의 결실입니다.

Formal/News

"다국적 거대 공룡"

— A giant multinational dinosaur. Used for massive, slow, or overwhelming global companies.

다국적 거대 공룡 기업과의 경쟁은 쉽지 않다.

Critical/Metaphorical

"다국적 색채를 입히다"

— To give something a multinational color. To make something globally appealing.

이 브랜드에 다국적 색채를 입히는 작업을 하고 있습니다.

Marketing/Business

"다국적 군단의 습격"

— The raid of a multinational legion. Often used in sports when a team has many foreign stars.

다국적 군단의 습격으로 리그 판도가 바뀌었다.

Sports/Journalistic

"다국적 자본의 논리"

— The logic of multinational capital. Usually implies putting profit before local interests.

다국적 자본의 논리보다는 사람 중심의 경제가 필요하다.

Academic/Critical

"다국적 연대의 힘"

— The power of multinational solidarity. Used in humanitarian or environmental contexts.

다국적 연대의 힘으로 위기를 극복합시다.

Formal/Inspirational

Easily Confused

다국적 vs 이국적

Both start with a Hanja for 'nationality' (국적).

이국적 means 'exotic' or 'foreign-feeling,' while 다국적 means 'multinational.'

이 식당은 이국적인 분위기가 나요. (This restaurant has an exotic vibe.)

다국적 vs 전국적

Both use the suffix '-적' and the word '국' (nation).

전국적 means 'nationwide' (across one whole country), while 다국적 means 'across many countries.'

축제가 전국적으로 열렸습니다. (The festival was held nationwide.)

다국적 vs 무국적

Opposite meaning but similar structure.

무국적 means 'stateless' (having no nationality), while 다국적 means having many.

그는 무국적 난민입니다. (He is a stateless refugee.)

다국적 vs 복수 국적

Both mean 'multiple nationalities.'

복수 국적 is the legal term for individuals with dual or more citizenships. 다국적 is for organizations.

그녀는 복수 국적자입니다. (She is a person with multiple citizenships.)

다국적 vs 범세계적

Both mean 'global' in a sense.

범세계적 refers to things that encompass the entire world universally, while 다국적 refers to specific entities in multiple nations.

환경 오염은 범세계적인 문제입니다. (Environmental pollution is a universal problem.)

Sentence Patterns

이것은 다국적 [Noun]입니다.

이것은 다국적 식당입니다.

저는 다국적 [Noun]에서 일하고 싶어요.

저는 다국적 기업에서 일하고 싶어요.

[Noun]은/는 다국적 멤버로 구성되어 있습니다.

그 그룹은 다국적 멤버로 구성되어 있습니다.

다국적 [Noun]의 영향력이 커지고 있습니다.

다국적 자본의 영향력이 커지고 있습니다.

다국적 [Noun]은/는 [Problem]의 원인이 되기도 합니다.

다국적 기업은 환경 오염의 원인이 되기도 합니다.

다국적 [Noun]을/를 통한 [Goal] 달성이 시급합니다.

다국적 연대를 통한 기후 위기 극복이 시급합니다.

다국적 [Noun] 덕분에 [Benefit]할 수 있었습니다.

다국적 협력 덕분에 문제를 해결할 수 있었습니다.

다국적 [Noun]에 대한 [Action]이 필요합니다.

다국적 기업에 대한 규제가 필요합니다.

Word Family

Nouns

국적 (Nationality)

다국적 기업 (Multinational Corporation)

다국적군 (Multinational Forces)

다국적성 (Multinationality)

Verbs

다국적화하다 (To multinatonalize - rare but exists in academic contexts)

Adjectives

다국적의 (Multinational - used as a possessive/attributive form)

국가 (Nation)

국제 (International)

글로벌 (Global)

외국 (Foreign)

세계 (World)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, business, and entertainment; medium in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using '다국적' for a single foreigner. → 외국인 (Foreigner) or 외국 국적자 (Foreign national).
'다국적' means multiple nationalities. It cannot describe a single person's origin unless they have many citizenships.
Saying '다국적하게 일하다'. → 다국적 기업에서 일하다 or 전 세계적으로 일하다.
Korean doesn't typically use '다국적' as an adverb. It’s a noun modifier.
Confusing '다국적' with '이국적'. → 이국적인 분위기 (Exotic atmosphere).
'이국적' is for things that feel foreign and exciting. '다국적' is for things that structurally involve many nations.
Using '다국적' for international relations. → 국제 관계 (International relations).
'국제' is the correct term for interactions between countries. '다국적' is for entities that exist in many countries.
Placing '다국적' after the noun. → 다국적 기업 (Multinational company).
In Korean, the modifier always comes before the noun it describes.

Tips

Pair it with '기업'

If you are only going to learn one phrase with this word, make it '다국적 기업' (multinational corporation). It is by far the most common usage.

No Adverb Form

Don't try to make it an adverb like 'multinationally'. Instead, use a phrase like '다국적 기업으로서' (as a multinational corporation).

Learn the Antonym

Learn '국내' (domestic) alongside '다국적'. They are often used together in news reports to compare global and local businesses.

Use it for K-pop

When talking about your favorite idols, using '다국적 그룹' makes you sound very knowledgeable about the industry's trends.

Formal Contexts

Save '다국적' for formal writing or professional discussions. In casual settings, '여러 나라' is usually enough.

News Keywords

When you hear '다국적', get ready for a story about business, international politics, or global trends.

Itaewon Connection

Associate '다국적' with Itaewon in Seoul. It’s the most '다국적' place in Korea, which helps you remember the meaning through a physical location.

DA = MANY

Always remember that the first character '다' means 'many'. This will help you distinguish it from '외국' (one foreign country).

Job Interviews

In a job interview, saying you want to work in a '다국적 환경' (multinational environment) shows you have global ambitions.

Look for the Suffix -적

Notice how many Korean concepts use '-적' to turn a noun into an adjective-like modifier. '다국적' is a perfect example.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'DA' as 'Diversely All over' and 'GUK' as 'Global Unit Kingdom'. So, DA-GUK-JEOK is a unit from many kingdoms!

Visual Association

Imagine a business card that has 10 different national flags printed on the back. That is a '다국적' card.

Word Web

다국적 기업 (MNC) 다국적군 (Coalition) 다국적 그룹 (Idols) 다국적 문화 (Itaewon) 다국적 자본 (Investment) 다국적 인재 (Global talent) 다국적 프로젝트 (Collaboration) 다국적 네트워크 (Connections)

Challenge

Try to name three '다국적 기업' that have offices in your country. Then, write a sentence using '다국적' to describe your favorite international food court.

Word Origin

The word 다국적 is a Sino-Korean word (Hanja). It was formed by combining three characters to describe the emerging phenomenon of globalization in the 20th century.

Original meaning: 多 (Many) + 國 (Country) + 籍 (Registry). Literally: Belonging to many countries' registries.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

When using '다국적' to describe people, be careful not to use it as a substitute for individual identity. It refers to the group, not the person.

In English, 'multinational' is often a cold business term. In Korean, it can be warmer, used to describe the exciting diversity of a group of friends or a neighborhood.

Samsung Electronics (The most famous Korean 다국적 기업) TWICE (A representative 다국적 K-pop group with members from Korea, Japan, and Taiwan) UN Peacekeeping Forces (Often referred to as 다국적군 in news reports)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Hunting

다국적 기업 채용
영어 면접
자유로운 분위기
해외 근무 가능

Economic News

다국적 자본 유출
시장 점유율
본사 이전
글로벌 경제 위기

K-pop Fandom

다국적 멤버
외국인 멤버
글로벌 데뷔
해외 투어

Urban Exploration

다국적 거리
다국적 음식
이국적인 풍경
관광 명소

Military/Politics

다국적군 파견
평화 유지
국제 연합
공동 성명

Conversation Starters

"다국적 기업에서 일해본 경험이 있으세요?"

"가장 좋아하는 다국적 K-pop 그룹은 누구인가요?"

"다국적 팀에서 일할 때 가장 큰 장점은 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"

"서울에서 다국적 문화를 가장 잘 느낄 수 있는 곳은 어디일까요?"

"다국적 기업이 국내 경제에 미치는 영향에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 만약 다국적 기업을 세운다면, 어떤 나라들에 지사를 두고 싶은가요?

다국적 팀에서 일하기 위해 나에게 필요한 역량은 무엇인지 적어보세요.

우리 동네에서 찾을 수 있는 '다국적' 요소들을 나열하고 설명해 보세요.

다국적 그룹의 멤버들이 서로 다른 문화를 어떻게 조화시키는지 관찰해 보세요.

글로벌 시대에 '다국적'이라는 단어가 가지는 의미의 변화에 대해 논의해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. If you mean someone has multiple citizenships, use '복수 국적자'. If you mean someone is from another country, use '외국인'. '다국적' is almost always for companies, teams, or groups.

They are often used interchangeably. However, '다국적 기업' is the more formal and technical economic term, while '글로벌 기업' is more common in marketing and modern media. '다국적' emphasizes the structural presence in many countries.

It is neutral. In K-pop, it's positive (diverse and global). In economics, it can be positive (investment) or negative (tax evasion or market dominance), depending on the context.

In Korean, it is a noun that acts as a modifier (attributive noun). You don't say '다국적한' or '다국적하게' usually; you just place it before another noun.

Say 'da-guk-jeok'. Make sure the 'guk' and 'jeok' are short and the final 'k' sounds are barely heard. Don't stress any one syllable more than the others.

Look at the news headlines about Samsung or Google, read K-pop group profiles, or visit areas like Itaewon where the signs describe the 'multinational' culture.

You can, and people will understand you, but '여러 나라의 음식' (food of many countries) or '세계 요리' (world cuisine) is much more natural for describing food.

It refers to multinational military forces, like a coalition of troops from different countries working together, often seen in UN missions.

Koreans often view multinational corporations as having better benefits, a more flexible work culture, and higher pay compared to traditional Korean companies.

Yes, they share the Hanja '국' (country). '국제' means 'between nations' (international), while '다국적' means 'many nationalities' (multinational).