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정리하다

B1 verb 13 min read

정리하다

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 정리하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 정리하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '정리하다' is primarily used to talk about physical tidying. Imagine your room is messy with toys, clothes, or books on the floor. When you put these items back in their places—books on the shelf, clothes in the closet—you are '정리하다'-ing. It is a very common word in daily life, especially at home. Parents often say this to children. You can think of it as 'putting things where they belong.' At this level, you don't need to worry about the abstract meanings like 'summarizing' or 'breaking up.' Just focus on the physical action of making a space look neat. For example, '방을 정리해요' (I tidy the room) or '책상을 정리해요' (I tidy the desk). It is a '하다' verb, so it follows the standard conjugation rules you learn early on. Remember that it is different from 'cleaning' (청소하다), which is about washing or vacuuming. '정리하다' is just about moving things to make them orderly. If you see a pile of shoes at a Korean entrance, and you move them to be in a straight line, that is '정리'. Learning this word early helps you describe your daily routine and chores. You will also hear it in classrooms when the teacher tells you to put your books away. It is a polite and useful word to know when you want to show you are being helpful or organized.

At the A2 level, you can start using '정리하다' for more than just cleaning a room. You can apply it to your schedule or simple information. For example, if you have a lot of homework, you might '정리하다' your tasks by writing them in a planner. This means you are organizing your thoughts or your 'to-do' list. In a workplace or school, you might hear '노트 정리' (note organization). This refers to taking the messy notes you wrote during a lecture and rewriting them neatly so they are easy to study. You are also likely to encounter the word in the context of 'discarding.' Part of '정리하다' is deciding what to keep and what to throw away. So, if you are '정리'-ing your closet, you might throw away old clothes. This 'sorting out' aspect is very important. You can also use it for digital items, like '사진 정리' (organizing photos) on your phone. Grammatically, you should be comfortable using it with particles like '-고 싶어요' (I want to organize) or '-아야 해요' (I must organize). You might say, '주말에 방을 정리하고 싶어요' (I want to tidy my room this weekend). It's a versatile verb that helps you describe how you manage your environment and your time. At this stage, you should also recognize the noun form '정리' (organization) and how it's used in phrases like '정리 정돈' (tidying and arranging).

At the B1 level, you move into the more abstract and professional uses of '정리하다'. This is where the word becomes essential for 'summarizing' and 'settling' situations. In a business context, you will frequently be asked to '정리' meeting minutes or project data. This doesn't mean just making them look pretty; it means extracting the key points and presenting them logically. For example, '회의 내용을 간단하게 정리해 주세요' (Please briefly summarize the meeting content). You also start using it for mental processes. '생각을 정리하다' is a very common expression for taking time to think through a problem before making a decision. If you are confused about your future career, you might need time to '정리' your thoughts. Additionally, B1 learners should understand the 'relationship' nuance. While '헤어지다' is the common word for breaking up, '정리하다' is used when someone is talking about the process of ending a relationship or moving on emotionally. For instance, '그 사람과의 관계를 정리했어요' (I've settled/ended my relationship with that person). This level also introduces the passive-like form '정리되다' (to be organized/settled). You might say, '복잡한 문제가 드디어 정리되었어요' (The complex problem has finally been settled). Understanding these nuances allows you to participate in more complex conversations about work, feelings, and social issues.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use '정리하다' in sophisticated contexts like finance, law, and complex social dynamics. It is often used to describe 'restructuring' or 'liquidating'. For example, '회사가 부채를 정리하고 있습니다' (The company is settling its debts). In news reports, you will see '정리해고' (layoffs/redundancy), which literally means 'dismissal for the purpose of organization/restructuring.' This shows a more clinical, systemic use of the word. You should also be able to use it to describe the resolution of a complicated narrative or a long-standing dispute. If two people have been fighting for years and finally reach an agreement, they have '정리'-ed their conflict. Culturally, you might discuss the 'Minimalist' movement in Korea, often referred to as '비움의 정리' (The organization of emptying). This involves the philosophical idea that '정리' is not just about adding order, but about removing the unnecessary to find essence. You can use the word to describe high-level academic tasks, such as '이론을 정리하다' (to systematize/organize a theory). Your command of the word should include using it in various grammatical constructions like '-는 바람에' (because of... unexpected result) or '-기 위해' (in order to...). For example, '이사 준비를 위해 짐을 정리하고 있어요' (I am organizing my belongings to prepare for the move). At this level, you are expected to know the difference between '정리' and more specific terms like '수습' (handling a crisis) or '요약' (summarizing text).

At the C1 level, '정리하다' is used with a high degree of precision in professional, academic, and literary contexts. You will see it in legal documents or high-level business reports where it refers to the formal liquidation of assets or the finalization of complex contracts. For example, '파산 절차를 통해 채무를 정리하다' (To settle debts through bankruptcy proceedings). In academic writing, '정리하다' is used to synthesize multiple viewpoints or to provide a definitive structure to a field of study. A researcher might '정리' previous literature to identify a gap in the research. In literature, the word can carry existential weight. A character might '정리' their life before a major change or at the end of their life, referring to both physical possessions and psychological legacy. You should also be familiar with idiomatic and metaphorical extensions. For instance, '말을 정리하다' can refer to a politician carefully structuring their public statement to avoid controversy. You are expected to understand the subtle connotations of using '정리' versus other Sino-Korean synonyms like '정돈', '조정' (adjustment), or '규명' (investigation/clarification). You should be able to discuss the socio-economic implications of '정리해고' (restructuring layoffs) and its impact on Korean society. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's power to imply finality, logic, and the restoration of order from chaos, regardless of how complex the 'chaos' is.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '정리하다' involves an intuitive grasp of its most subtle nuances and its role in the architecture of the Korean language. You can use it to describe the most abstract philosophical concepts, such as '인생의 가치관을 정리하다' (to systematize one's values in life). You understand how the word functions as a tool for 'Entropic Reduction'—the fundamental human act of creating meaning from noise. In high-level debates, you might use '정리하다' to pivot a conversation or to frame an opponent's argument in a way that makes it easier to deconstruct. You are sensitive to the word's tone; you know when '관계를 정리하다' sounds cold and clinical versus when it sounds necessary and healing. You can analyze the etymology of the Hanja (整 and 理) to explain why the word carries both the sense of 'visual neatness' and 'logical truth.' In a corporate leadership role, you might use the word to describe the 're-alignment' of a company's mission statement. You are also capable of using the word in creative writing to evoke a sense of closure or the eerie stillness that follows a thorough 'clearing out.' At this level, '정리하다' is no longer just a verb you use; it's a concept you employ to navigate the complexities of Korean society, from the boardroom to the most intimate personal spaces. You can effortlessly switch between its most mundane uses (tidying a room) and its most profound (the final summation of a life's work) with perfect register and context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

정리하다 in 30 Seconds

Primarily means to organize, tidy up, or arrange physical objects in a neat way.
Commonly used to summarize information, notes, or thoughts into a clean format.
Used in social contexts to mean ending a relationship or cutting ties.
Used in business and finance for settling debts or restructuring companies.

The Korean verb 정리하다 (jeong-ri-ha-da) is a foundational word that every learner must master because it transcends simple physical cleaning to encompass mental, social, and professional organization. At its core, it is derived from the Hanja Jeong (整) meaning 'orderly' or 'neat' and Ri (理) meaning 'reason' or 'logic.' Therefore, the word literally implies bringing logic and order to a chaotic state. While an English speaker might use 'clean,' 'tidy,' 'summarize,' or 'break up' in different contexts, a Korean speaker often uses '정리하다' for all of these scenarios. It is the act of putting things where they belong, whether those things are clothes on a floor, files on a computer, thoughts in a brain, or people in one's life. In a physical sense, it refers to tidying up a room or a desk. Unlike '청소하다' (to clean), which implies removing dirt and dust, '정리하다' implies arranging items in an orderly fashion. You might '정리하다' your bookshelf by alphabetizing the books, even if you don't '청소하다' (dust) them. In a professional context, it is used for summarizing meeting notes or organizing data into a report. This is why you will hear the phrase '내용을 정리해 주세요' (Please summarize/organize the content) in almost every office setting in Korea. Furthermore, it carries a heavy emotional weight when applied to human relationships. To '정리하다' a relationship means to finalize a breakup or to cut ties with someone, implying that the messiness of the emotional connection has been resolved or 'sorted out.' It is also used in financial contexts, such as '빚을 정리하다' (to settle debts) or '사업을 정리하다' (to wind down/close a business). This versatility makes it one of the most high-frequency verbs in the Korean language.

Physical Order: The act of putting physical objects in their designated places to create a neat environment. Example: '책상을 정리하다' (to tidy the desk).
Information/Mental Order: The cognitive process of summarizing complex ideas or making a final decision. Example: '생각을 정리하다' (to organize one's thoughts).
Social/Legal Finality: Ending a situation, relationship, or business entity officially. Example: '관계를 정리하다' (to end a relationship).

내일까지 이 보고서의 핵심 내용을 정리해서 제출하세요. (Please summarize the core content of this report and submit it by tomorrow.)

방이 너무 어지러워서 옷을 좀 정리해야겠어요. (The room is so messy, I need to organize my clothes.)

이제 그녀와의 관계를 완전히 정리했습니다. (I have now completely ended my relationship with her.)

In daily life, Koreans value '정리정돈' (jeong-ri-jeong-don), which is a four-character idiom combining '정리' (organization) and '정돈' (arrangement). It is taught from a young age in schools and at home. When you visit a Korean household, you might notice a high level of organization in small spaces; this is the physical manifestation of '정리하다'. In professional settings, '정리' is synonymous with efficiency. A worker who can '정리' information well is highly valued because they save time for their superiors. In literature and drama, the moment a character says they need to '정리' their heart (마음을 정리하다), it usually signals a major turning point or a painful decision to let go of a crush or a past love. The word carries a nuance of 'cleaning the slate' to start anew.

이사 가기 전에 필요 없는 물건들을 정리하고 있어요. (I am sorting through and getting rid of unnecessary items before moving.)

회의가 끝난 후 회의록을 정리해서 공유해 주세요. (Please organize the minutes after the meeting and share them.)

Grammatically, 정리하다 is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object marked by the particles -을 or -를. The basic sentence structure is [Subject] + [Object]-을/를 + 정리하다. Because it is a '하다' verb, it is easily conjugated into various tenses and politeness levels. For instance, in the present tense, it becomes '정리해요' (polite) or '정리해' (informal). In the past tense, it is '정리했어요' or '정리했다'. One of the most common ways to use this verb is with the auxiliary verb '-아/어 두다' or '-아/어 놓다', which indicates doing something and keeping it in that state. For example, '서류를 정리해 두었어요' means 'I organized the documents (and they are still organized)'. This emphasizes the completed state of the action. Another common pattern is the use of the causative form, though '정리하게 하다' (to make someone organize) is more common than a dedicated causative suffix.

Physical Objects: [Noun] + 을/를 정리하다. '옷장을 정리하다' (To organize the closet). This focuses on spatial arrangement.
Abstract Concepts: [Noun] + 을/를 정리하다. '생각을 정리하다' (To organize thoughts). This focuses on mental clarity.
Situations/Business: [Noun] + 을/를 정리하다. '사건을 정리하다' (To wrap up a case/incident). This focuses on closure.

주말에는 밀린 집안일을 정리하려고 해요. (I plan to sort out the piled-up housework this weekend.)

그는 복잡한 머릿속을 정리하기 위해 산책을 나갔다. (He went for a walk to clear/organize his complicated thoughts.)

선생님께서 칠판에 적힌 내용을 노트에 정리하라고 하셨다. (The teacher told us to organize the contents written on the chalkboard into our notebooks.)

In more complex sentence structures, you might see '정리하다' combined with connecting particles like '-느라고' (because of doing something) or '-다가' (while doing something). For example, '책상을 정리하느라고 숙제를 못 했어요' (I couldn't do my homework because I was busy organizing my desk). It can also be used in the passive-like form '정리되다' (to be organized/settled). If you say '문제가 정리되었어요', it means 'The problem has been settled/resolved.' Understanding the shift from active '정리하다' to the result-oriented '정리되다' is key for intermediate students. Furthermore, when giving commands, '정리해!' is common among friends, while '정리하세요' is used in polite settings. In a workplace, '정리 부탁드립니다' (I request organization/summarization) is a very professional way to ask a colleague to wrap up a project or document. Lastly, when talking about personal growth, '주변을 정리하다' (organizing one's surroundings) is often used as a metaphor for simplifying one's life by removing distractions or toxic influences.

데이터를 엑셀 파일로 정리해 주시겠어요? (Could you organize the data into an Excel file?)

마음이 복잡할 때는 주변을 정리하는 것이 도움이 됩니다. (When your mind is complicated, organizing your surroundings helps.)

In South Korea, you will encounter 정리하다 in various high-stakes and low-stakes environments. One of the most common places is the household. Korean parents often tell their children, '장난감 정리해!' (Organize your toys!). This isn't just about cleaning; it's about teaching the value of order. On television, particularly in home makeover shows like '신박한 정리' (The House Detox), the word is the central theme. These shows focus on how '정리' can change one's life by creating more space and mental peace. This reflects a cultural trend where '정리 전문가' (organization experts) have become popular career paths. In the world of finance and business news, you will hear '사업 정리' (business liquidation) or '부채 정리' (debt settlement). When a company is failing, they might '정리하다' certain departments to stay afloat. This usage is much more formal and serious than tidying a room. In K-Dramas, the word is a staple of breakup scenes. A character might say, '우리 관계, 이제 그만 정리하자' (Let's end our relationship now), which sounds more final and perhaps more clinical than '헤어지자' (Let's break up). It implies that the relationship was something that needed to be sorted and finished.

Office Culture: Heard during meetings: '오늘 회의 내용을 한 페이지로 정리해 주세요.' (Please summarize today's meeting content into one page.)
School/Education: Teachers to students: '배운 내용을 공책에 정리하세요.' (Organize/Summarize what you learned in your notebooks.)
Social Situations: When splitting a bill: '자, 이제 계산을 정리해 봅시다.' (Now, let's settle/organize the bill.)

이삿짐을 정리하는 데만 사흘이 걸렸어요. (It took three days just to organize the moving boxes.)

복잡한 감정을 정리하고 새로운 출발을 하고 싶어요. (I want to sort through my complicated emotions and make a fresh start.)

가계부를 쓰면서 이번 달 지출을 정리했어요. (I organized this month's expenses while writing in the household account book.)

Another interesting place you hear this is in the context of '정리해고' (jeong-ri-hae-go), which means 'redundancy dismissal' or 'layoff'. This is a dreaded word in the Korean workforce, appearing often in news reports about economic downturns. It implies the company is 'organizing' its staff by letting some go. On a lighter note, '정리' is also used when talking about computer files. '바탕화면을 정리하다' (to tidy up the desktop) is a common task for office workers. In daily conversation, if someone is talking too much or in a confusing way, a friend might say '말 좀 정리해서 해 봐' (Try to organize your words/thoughts before speaking), which can be slightly blunt. Overall, the word is ubiquitous because it applies to any situation where a transition from 'messy/complex' to 'neat/simple' is required. Whether it's a physical space, a digital folder, a financial debt, or a broken heart, '정리하다' is the verb of choice for Koreans to describe the process of finding order.

컴퓨터에 있는 오래된 파일들을 정리해야겠어요. (I need to organize the old files on my computer.)

여행 사진을 앨범별로 정리하는 중이에요. (I am in the middle of organizing travel photos by album.)

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is using 청소하다 (cheong-so-ha-da) when they should use 정리하다. While both are translated as 'clean' in many dictionaries, they have distinct meanings. '청소하다' specifically means to clean by removing dirt, dust, or trash. It involves tools like vacuum cleaners, mops, or brooms. '정리하다', on the other hand, means to organize or arrange things that are already there. If your room is dusty, you '청소' it. If your clothes are scattered on the bed, you '정리' them. Using '청소하다' to mean 'organizing thoughts' or 'summarizing a report' is a major error; you can never '청소' your thoughts. Another common mistake is related to the context of relationships. Students often use '헤어지다' (to break up) and '정리하다' interchangeably. While they are related, '정리하다' implies a more active, decisive process of clearing one's emotions or ending the logistical ties of a relationship. '헤어지다' is the act of parting, whereas '정리하다' is the act of settling the situation.

Mistake: 청소 vs 정리: Saying '생각을 청소해요' (I clean my thoughts) is wrong. Correct: '생각을 정리해요' (I organize my thoughts).
Mistake: Overusing '정리' for 'Preparation': Sometimes learners use '정리' when they mean '준비' (preparation). '정리' is about what happens during or after things are present; '준비' is about getting ready before they arrive.
Mistake: Particle Errors: Using '-이/가' with '정리하다'. Since it is a transitive verb, always use '-을/를' for the object being organized.

Wrong: 방을 청소해서 책들이 가지런해요. (Incorrect because '청소' implies removing dust, not aligning books.)

Right: 방을 정리해서 책들이 가지런해요. (Correct: I organized the room, so the books are in order.)

Another nuance is the difference between '정리하다' and '치우다' (chi-u-da). '치우다' usually means to move things out of the way or to put things back in their original place after use. For example, after eating, you '치우다' the table. '정리하다' is more about the systematic arrangement. If you are '정리'-ing the table, you are likely setting it up or organizing the items on it in a specific way. Furthermore, learners often struggle with the 'relationship' meaning. They might say '친구를 정리했어요' which sounds like they literally folded their friend and put them in a closet. In Korean, '관계를 정리하다' (organizing/ending the relationship) or '마음을 정리하다' (organizing one's heart/feelings) are the standard idioms. Without '관계' or '마음', it can sound very strange. Lastly, in a business context, don't confuse '정리하다' with '수정하다' (to edit/correct). '정리' is about structure and summary, while '수정' is about fixing errors. If your boss asks for a summary, don't say you will '수정' it unless there are actual mistakes to fix.

Wrong: 어제 남친이랑 정리했어요. (A bit awkward without '관계를' or '마음을'.)

Right: 어제 남친과의 관계를 정리했어요. (Correct: I ended my relationship with my boyfriend yesterday.)

Understanding the synonyms and alternatives to 정리하다 will help you express yourself more precisely. The most common related words are 정돈하다, 치우다, 요약하다, and 해결하다. While they overlap, each has a specific 'flavor'. 정돈하다 (jeong-don-ha-da) is almost identical to '정리하다' but focuses even more on the visual neatness and alignment of objects. It is often used together as '정리정돈'. 치우다 (chi-u-da) is a native Korean word that means to move things to their proper place or clear them away. It's more casual and used for everyday chores like clearing the table after a meal. 요약하다 (yo-yak-ha-da) is the specific word for 'to summarize' text or speech. While '정리하다' can mean summarize, '요약하다' is more academic and technical. If you are shortening a long article into three sentences, '요약하다' is more accurate. Finally, 수습하다 (su-seup-ha-da) is used when 'organizing' a mess or a crisis. If there was an accident or a huge mistake at work, you '수습' the situation to bring it back to normal.

정돈하다 vs 정리하다: 정돈하다 is more about visual alignment (e.g., shoes in a straight line). 정리하다 is broader, including discarding what's not needed.
요약하다 vs 정리하다: 요약하다 is strictly 'to summarize' (making it shorter). 정리하다 is 'to organize' (making it structured), which often results in a summary.
치우다 vs 정리하다: 치우다 is 'to clear away' (casual). 정리하다 is 'to organize/systematize' (more formal/intentional).

긴 글을 세 문장으로 요약해 보세요. (Try summarizing the long text into three sentences.)

사고 현장을 수습하는 데 시간이 걸렸다. (It took time to handle/settle the accident scene.)

When dealing with data or computer systems, you might hear 분류하다 (bun-ryu-ha-da), which means 'to classify' or 'to categorize'. While '정리' is general organization, '분류' is about putting things into specific groups based on criteria. For example, '쓰레기를 분리수거하다' (to separate trash for recycling) uses a similar concept. In the context of solving a problem, 해결하다 (hae-gyeol-ha-da) is used for 'to resolve'. If a problem is '정리'ed, it means the messy parts are sorted out, but if it's '해결'ed, it means the problem is gone. Another interesting alternative is 단장하다 (dan-jang-ha-da), which means to decorate or spruce up a place. While '정리' makes a place orderly, '단장' makes it beautiful. Choosing between these words depends on whether your focus is on visual alignment (정돈), removal of mess (치우다), shortening content (요약), or systematic classification (분류). Mastering these distinctions will make your Korean sound much more natural and sophisticated.

서류를 날짜별로 분류해서 보관하세요. (Classify and store the documents by date.)

가게 내부를 새로 단장했어요. (We newly decorated/spruced up the inside of the shop.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, '理' (ri) originally referred to the veins or patterns in jade. Just as a lapidary follows the natural lines of the stone to carve it properly, '정리' implies following the natural or logical order of things.

Pronunciation Guide

UK t͡ɕʌŋ.ni.ɦa.da

US t͡ʃʌŋ.ni.ɦa.da

Stress is typically equal across syllables in Korean, but a slight emphasis may fall on the first syllable '정' to distinguish the word.

Rhymes With

수리하다 (su-ri-ha-da) 요리하다 (yo-ri-ha-da) 관리하다 (gwan-ri-ha-da) 처리하다 (cheo-ri-ha-da) 수리하다 (su-ri-ha-da) 격리하다 (gyeok-ri-ha-da) 승리하다 (seung-ri-ha-da) 심리하다 (sim-ri-ha-da)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '리' as 'ri' with a hard English 'R'. It should be a light tap, similar to the 'tt' in 'better'.
Forgetting the nasalization: It is pronounced 'jeong-ni', not 'jeong-ri'.
Over-emphasizing the 'h' in 'hada'.
Pronouncing '정' like 'jung' (as in 'jungle'). It should be 'eo' (open 'o').
Making the 'ng' sound too separate from the 'n'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize in text.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding of the object particle and context.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation (nasalization) can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Used frequently in dramas and daily life, making it easy to pick up.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

방 (Room) 책상 (Desk) 하다 (To do) 을/를 (Object particles) 깨끗하다 (To be clean)

Learn Next

청소하다 (To clean) 정돈하다 (To arrange) 요약하다 (To summarize) 수습하다 (To settle/handle) 분류하다 (To classify)

Advanced

구조조정 (Restructuring) 청산하다 (To liquidate/settle) 체계화하다 (To systematize) 일목요연하다 (To be clear/orderly)

Grammar to Know

Nasalization (ㅇ + ㄹ -> ㅇ + ㄴ)

정리 [정니]

Object Particle -을/를

방을 정리하다

-아/어 두다 (Action for future use)

서류를 정리해 두었습니다.

-아/어 놓다 (Action completion/state)

짐을 정리해 놓았어요.

Passive -되다

문제가 정리되다

Examples by Level

방을 정리해요.

I tidy the room.

Present tense: 정리하다 -> 정리해요.

책상을 정리하세요.

Please tidy the desk.

Imperative: -으세요 (Please do).

옷을 정리했어요.

I organized the clothes.

Past tense: 정리하다 -> 정리했어요.

신발을 정리해 주세요.

Please organize the shoes.

-아/어 주세요 (Please do for me).

가방을 정리하고 싶어요.

I want to organize my bag.

-고 싶다 (Want to).

동생이 장난감을 정리해요.

My younger sibling is organizing the toys.

Subject particle -이/가.

매일 아침 침대를 정리해요.

I tidy my bed every morning.

Adverb '매일' (every day).

교실을 같이 정리할까요?

Shall we tidy the classroom together?

-을까요? (Shall we?)

주말에 사진을 정리할 거예요.

I will organize the photos on the weekend.

Future tense: -을 거예요.

중요한 내용을 공책에 정리했어요.

I organized the important content in my notebook.

Object particle -를/을.

냉장고를 정리해야 해요.

I have to organize the refrigerator.

-아야/어야 하다 (Must/Have to).

이메일을 날짜별로 정리하세요.

Organize your emails by date.

Adverbial -별로 (by/per).

필요 없는 물건을 정리하고 있어요.

I am organizing (sorting out) unnecessary items.

Present progressive: -고 있다.

서류를 정리하는 것이 힘들어요.

Organizing documents is difficult.

-는 것 (Gerund/Making a noun).

방을 정리한 후에 공부할게요.

I will study after tidying the room.

-(으)ㄴ 후에 (After doing).

책장에 책을 정리해 두었어요.

I organized the books on the bookshelf (and kept them that way).

-아/어 두다 (Do and keep).

회의 내용을 한 페이지로 정리해 주세요.

Please summarize the meeting content into one page.

Usage for 'summarizing' in a professional context.

잠시 생각을 정리할 시간이 필요해요.

I need some time to organize my thoughts.

Abstract usage: '생각을 정리하다'.

그 사람과의 관계를 완전히 정리했어요.

I have completely ended my relationship with that person.

Usage for 'ending a relationship'.

복잡한 문제가 어느 정도 정리되었습니다.

The complex problem has been settled to some extent.

Passive form: 정리되다 (to be settled).

여행 경비를 엑셀로 정리하고 있어요.

I am organizing the travel expenses in Excel.

Organizing data/finances.

이사 가기 전에 짐을 미리 정리하세요.

Organize your luggage/belongings in advance before moving.

Adverb '미리' (in advance).

그는 자신의 과거를 정리하고 새 삶을 시작했다.

He settled his past and started a new life.

Metaphorical usage for 'settling the past'.

발표 자료를 깔끔하게 정리해 보세요.

Try to organize your presentation materials neatly.

Adverb '깔끔하게' (neatly).

정부는 부실 기업들을 정리하기로 결정했다.

The government decided to restructure/liquidate insolvent companies.

Formal/Business usage for 'liquidation'.

이 책은 한국 역사를 아주 잘 정리하고 있다.

This book organizes/systematizes Korean history very well.

Usage for 'systematizing' information.

그는 빚을 정리하기 위해 집을 팔았다.

He sold his house to settle his debts.

Financial usage: '빚을 정리하다'.

갑작스러운 사고로 현장을 정리하는 데 애를 먹었다.

They struggled to clear the scene due to the sudden accident.

-느라고/-는 데 애를 먹다 (Struggle to do).

이번 프로젝트의 성과를 표로 정리해 보았습니다.

I have organized the results of this project into a table.

Formal presentation style.

마음을 정리하는 데는 혼자만의 시간이 최고예요.

Alone time is the best for sorting out one's feelings.

Nominalized verb + -는 데 (in doing something).

복잡한 법적 절차가 드디어 정리될 기미가 보인다.

There are finally signs that the complex legal procedures will be settled.

-을 기미가 보이다 (Signs of...).

불필요한 지출을 정리하니 저축이 늘어났어요.

Since I cut out unnecessary expenses, my savings increased.

-(으)니 (Reason/Discovery).

연구자는 기존의 이론들을 비판적으로 정리했다.

The researcher critically systematized existing theories.

Academic usage for synthesis.

구조조정 과정에서 대규모 정리해고가 단행되었다.

Massive layoffs were carried out during the restructuring process.

Economic term: 정리해고 (layoff).

그 작가는 유작을 통해 자신의 문학 세계를 정리했다.

Through his posthumous work, the author summarized his literary world.

Literary/Existential usage.

사건의 실체를 규명하고 관계자들을 정리해야 합니다.

We must clarify the truth of the case and sort out those involved.

Usage for 'dealing with/removing' people in a situation.

데이터 전처리 과정에서 이상치를 정리하는 작업이 필수적이다.

In the data preprocessing stage, the task of cleaning up outliers is essential.

Technical/Scientific usage.

그는 정계 은퇴를 앞두고 주변 신변을 정리하고 있다.

Ahead of his retirement from politics, he is settling his personal affairs.

Idiom: 신변을 정리하다 (settle personal affairs).

철학적 사유를 논리적으로 정리하는 것은 결코 쉽지 않다.

It is by no means easy to logically organize philosophical thoughts.

Advanced abstract usage.

회계 장부상의 오류를 모두 정리하여 보고서를 올렸습니다.

I cleared all errors in the accounting books and submitted the report.

Professional accounting context.

우주는 엔트로피를 낮추기 위해 끊임없이 질서를 정리한다.

The universe constantly organizes order to lower entropy.

Scientific/Philosophical metaphor.

그의 연설은 복잡한 국제 정세를 명쾌하게 정리해 주었다.

His speech clearly summarized the complex international situation.

High-level political discourse.

죽음을 앞둔 인간이 삶의 궤적을 정리하는 행위는 숭고하다.

The act of a human settling the trajectory of their life before death is sublime.

Existential/Sublime context.

방대한 빅데이터를 유의미한 정보로 정리하는 알고리즘을 개발했다.

We developed an algorithm that organizes vast big data into meaningful information.

Cutting-edge technology context.

포스트모더니즘은 기존의 거대 담론을 해체하고 재정리했다.

Postmodernism deconstructed and reorganized existing grand narratives.

Critical theory usage.

심리적 외상을 정리하기 위해 전문적인 상담이 병행되어야 한다.

Professional counseling must be conducted alongside to process/settle psychological trauma.

Psychological/Clinical usage.

역사는 승자의 기록에 의해 끊임없이 재정리되는 속성이 있다.

History has the property of being constantly reorganized by the records of victors.

Historiographical observation.

언어는 인간의 무질서한 경험을 체계적으로 정리하는 도구이다.

Language is a tool that systematically organizes human's disordered experiences.

Linguistic philosophy.

Synonyms

정돈하다 요약하다 수습하다 치우다

Antonyms

어지럽히다 혼란시키다

Common Collocations

방을 정리하다

생각을 정리하다

관계를 정리하다

내용을 정리하다

짐을 정리하다

빚을 정리하다

서류를 정리하다

마음을 정리하다

주변을 정리하다

자료를 정리하다

Common Phrases

정리 정돈

— Tidying and arranging. Often used as a single concept for being organized.

아이들에게 정리 정돈 습관을 길러 주어야 한다.

정리해고

— Layoffs or redundancy dismissal due to corporate restructuring.

경제 위기로 인해 대규모 정리해고가 발생했다.

신변 정리

— Settling one's personal affairs, often before a major change or death.

그는 유학을 떠나기 전 신변 정리를 마쳤다.

깔끔하게 정리하다

— To organize something very neatly or cleanly.

보고서를 깔끔하게 정리해서 제출했다.

간단히 정리하다

— To summarize something briefly.

지금까지의 상황을 간단히 정리해 드릴게요.

일목요연하게 정리하다

— To organize something so clearly that it can be understood at a glance.

데이터를 일목요연하게 정리한 도표입니다.

주변 정리

— Organizing one's surroundings or social circle.

새해에는 주변 정리를 좀 해야겠어요.

노트 정리

— Organizing or rewriting class notes for better study.

시험 기간이라 노트 정리에 집중하고 있어요.

짐 정리

— Organizing luggage or moving boxes.

이사 후에 짐 정리가 아직 안 끝났어요.

마음의 정리

— The state of having sorted through one's emotions.

마음의 정리가 되면 다시 연락할게.

Often Confused With

정리하다 vs 청소하다

Cleaning dirt/dust vs. organizing objects.

정리하다 vs 치우다

Native casual 'clear away' vs. Sino-Korean systematic 'organize'.

정리하다 vs 준비하다

Preparing for the future vs. organizing what is already present.

Idioms & Expressions

"머릿속을 정리하다"

— To clear one's head or organize complex thoughts.

너무 복잡해서 머릿속을 정리할 시간이 필요해.

Informal/Neutral

"뒷정리를 하다"

— To clean up after an event or finish the remaining tasks.

파티가 끝난 후 뒷정리를 하느라 힘들었다.

Neutral

"가닥을 정리하다"

— To sort out the main threads of a complicated situation.

여러 의견이 있었지만 이제 가닥이 정리되고 있다.

Formal/Neutral

"주변을 정리하다"

— Metaphorically, to simplify one's life or cut out distractions.

성공하고 싶다면 주변부터 정리해라.

Neutral

"관계 정리를 하다"

— To decisively end social or romantic ties.

더 이상 미련 갖지 말고 관계 정리를 해.

Neutral

"책상을 정리하다"

— Sometimes used as a metaphor for quitting a job or being fired.

그는 결국 오늘 책상을 정리했다.

Neutral

"생각의 실타래를 정리하다"

— To untangle a 'thread' of complex thoughts.

엉킨 생각의 실타래를 하나씩 정리해 나갔다.

Literary

"과거를 정리하다"

— To move on from one's past mistakes or history.

이제 어두운 과거를 정리하고 새 삶을 살고 싶다.

Neutral

"판을 정리하다"

— To wrap up a situation or 'clear the board' in a game or business deal.

이제 이쯤에서 판을 정리합시다.

Informal/Slang-adjacent

"빚 정리를 하다"

— To finally pay off all debts or settle financial liabilities.

10년 만에 드디어 빚 정리를 다 했어요.

Neutral

Easily Confused

정리하다 vs 청소하다

Both translate to 'clean' in English.

청소 focus on hygiene and removing filth. 정리 focus on order and placement. You can 정리 a room without 청소-ing it (moving things but not dusting).

먼지가 많아서 청소했어요. (I cleaned because there was a lot of dust.)

정리하다 vs 정돈하다

Very similar meanings.

정돈 is more focused on the visual aspect of things being in a straight line or perfectly aligned. 정리 is broader and includes discarding items.

신발을 정돈해 주세요. (Please line up the shoes neatly.)

정리하다 vs 요약하다

Both used for information.

요약 is specifically making something shorter. 정리 is about making it structured, which usually includes shortening it but focuses on the logic.

긴 기사를 요약했어요. (I summarized the long article.)

정리하다 vs 수습하다

Both mean 'sorting out' a situation.

수습 is used for negative 'messes' like accidents, scandals, or crises. 정리 is for neutral or positive organization.

사고를 수습했어요. (I handled/settled the accident.)

정리하다 vs 해결하다

Both imply finishing a task.

해결 is finding a solution to a problem. 정리 is putting the pieces of the problem in order.

수학 문제를 해결했어요. (I solved the math problem.)

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]을/를 정리해요.

방을 정리해요.

[Noun]을/를 정리해야 해요.

책상을 정리해야 해요.

[Noun]을/를 정리하고 싶어요.

옷장을 정리하고 싶어요.

[Noun]을/를 [Adverb] 정리해 주세요.

회의 내용을 간단히 정리해 주세요.

[Abstract Noun]을/를 정리하다.

생각을 정리하다.

[Noun]이/가 정리되다.

문제가 정리되었어요.

[Noun]을/를 정리하는 데 [Time]이 걸리다.

짐을 정리하는 데 세 시간이 걸렸어요.

[Noun]을/를 [Basis]별로 정리하다.

자료를 주제별로 정리하다.

Word Family

Nouns

정리 Organization, arrangement, summary.

정돈 Neatness, arrangement.

정리함 Organizer box, storage bin.

정리인 Organizer (person), liquidator.

Verbs

정리되다 To be organized, to be settled (passive).

재정리하다 To reorganize, to rearrange.

Adjectives

정리된 Organized, tidy (past participle).

청소 (cleaning)

수습 (handling/settling)

요약 (summary)

분류 (classification)

단장 (decoration)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High. It is used daily in almost every context of life.

Common Mistakes

Using '청소하다' for organizing books. → 책을 정리하다.
Cleaning (청소) is about dust and dirt. Organizing (정리) is about arrangement.
Saying '생각을 청소해요'. → 생각을 정리해요.
You can't 'clean' thoughts like you clean a floor. You must 'organize' them.
Pronouncing it as 'Jeong-Ri'. → Jeong-Ni.
The 'ng' sound forces the 'r' to become 'n'. This is a standard Korean phonological rule.
Using '준비하다' when summarizing notes. → 노트를 정리하다.
Preparing (준비) is for the future. Organizing (정리) is for existing information.
Using '-이/가' with '정리하다'. → 방을 정리하다.
It's a transitive verb. You need the object particle '-을/를'.

Tips

Tidying vs. Cleaning

Always remember: '정리' is for putting things in order, '청소' is for removing dirt. Use '정리' when you move books, '청소' when you use a vacuum.

Summarizing

In a Korean office, '정리' is your best friend. If you can summarize meeting notes well, say '회의 내용을 정리했습니다' to impress your boss.

The Breakup Word

'관계를 정리하다' is a very decisive way to say you've ended a relationship. It sounds more final and processed than just '헤어지다'.

Nasalization Rule

Don't say 'Jeong-Ri'. Say 'Jeong-Ni'. The 'ng' and 'r' combination always turns the 'r' into an 'n' in Korean.

Note Taking

Use '노트 정리' when you talk about your study habits. It shows you are a diligent student who organizes their learning.

State of Being

Pair it with '-어 두다' (정리해 두다) to say you've organized something and it's still neat now.

Mental Health

Koreans often '정리' their surroundings to feel better mentally. '생각 정리' (organizing thoughts) is a common self-care activity.

Phone Storage

When your phone is full, you don't 'clean' it, you '정리' the photos and apps.

Packing

When you arrive at a hotel, the first thing you do is '짐 정리' (unpacking/organizing your luggage).

Settling Debts

To 'settle' or 'clear' a debt, use '빚을 정리하다'. It implies the financial mess is now gone.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jeong' as 'Just' and 'Ri' as 'Right'. 'Jeong-ri' is putting everything 'Just Right'.

Visual Association

Imagine a messy bookshelf being transformed into a perfectly color-coded or alphabetized one. That visual shift is '정리하다'.

Word Web

Room (방) Thoughts (생각) Relationship (관계) Notes (노트) Summary (요약) Clean (깨끗한) Logic (논리) Order (질서)

Challenge

Go to your desk right now. Perform '정리하다' for 5 minutes. While doing it, say '나는 책상을 정리해요' (I am organizing my desk) out loud five times.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sino-Korean word 整理 (정리). The character 整 (정) means 'orderly', 'neat', or 'complete'. The character 理 (리) means 'reason', 'logic', 'principle', or 'to manage'. Combined with '하다' (to do), it literally means 'to do according to logic and order'.

Original meaning: To put things in order according to a logical principle.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '정리하다' with people. '그 사람을 정리했다' can sound quite cold, as if you are treating a person like an object to be discarded. Use '관계를 정리하다' to sound more natural.

English speakers often say 'clean my room' when they actually mean 'organize my room'. In Korean, you must distinguish between the two. 'Clean' is removing dirt; 'Organize' is '정리'.

The TV show '신박한 정리' (The House Detox) - A popular show about organizing celebrities' homes. Marie Kondo's 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' - Known in Korea as '인생이 빛나는 정리의 마법'. K-Drama breakups: '우리 이제 정리하자' (Let's end this now) is a classic line.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

방 정리 좀 해라.
옷장을 정리했어요.
장난감 정리 시간!
부엌을 정리해야 해요.

At Work

회의 내용을 정리해 주세요.
서류 정리가 끝났나요?
데이터를 표로 정리합시다.
프로젝트를 정리하고 있어요.

Relationships

마음을 정리했어요.
관계를 정리하기로 했어.
과거를 정리하고 싶어.
감정 정리가 필요해.

Financial

빚을 다 정리했어요.
가계부를 정리해요.
세금 문제를 정리해야 해.
사업을 정리 중입니다.

Digital

파일을 정리하세요.
사진 정리가 힘들어요.
바탕화면을 정리했어.
이메일을 정리하고 있어.

Conversation Starters

"방 정리하는 나만의 노하우가 있나요? (Do you have your own know-how for organizing your room?)"

"요즘 마음 정리할 시간이 좀 필요한가요? (Do you need some time to organize your thoughts/feelings lately?)"

"컴퓨터 바탕화면을 자주 정리하는 편인가요? (Do you tend to organize your computer desktop often?)"

"회의 내용을 정리할 때 어떤 앱을 쓰세요? (What app do you use when summarizing meeting content?)"

"이사할 때 짐 정리하는 게 가장 힘들지 않나요? (Isn't organizing luggage the hardest part when moving?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 정리한 세 가지 물건이나 생각에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about three things or thoughts you organized today.)

새해를 맞이하여 주변을 어떻게 정리하고 싶은지 계획해 보세요. (Plan how you want to organize your surroundings for the New Year.)

복잡한 마음을 정리하는 나만의 방법은 무엇인가요? (What is your own method for organizing complicated feelings?)

정리정돈이 우리 삶에 왜 중요하다고 생각하나요? (Why do you think tidying and organization are important in our lives?)

가장 정리하기 힘들었던 기억은 무엇인가요? (What is your memory of the hardest thing to organize?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. For teeth, you use '닦다' (to brush/wipe). '정리하다' is for organizing objects or information, not for personal hygiene.

Yes, unfortunately. It is the standard term for business-related layoffs in Korea. You will see it often in news headlines.

'치우다' is more casual and often means 'to move something out of sight' or 'clear the table'. '정리하다' is more about creating a systematic order.

Not really. It usually implies you were confused or sad (like after a breakup) and you have finally sorted out those feelings to reach a state of calm or finality.

It is pronounced [정니] (Jeong-ni). The 'ng' sound at the end of the first syllable changes the 'r' of the second syllable into an 'n' sound.

Yes, '정리' is the noun form meaning 'organization' or 'summary'. You add '하다' to make it a verb.

Yes, '바탕화면 정리' (desktop organization) is a very common phrase.

Indirectly, yes. Part of '정리'-ing files or belongings often involves deleting or throwing away things you don't need.

Yes, '통장 정리' refers to updating your bankbook at an ATM to see all your transactions in order.

Only to someone younger or a very close friend. To be polite, always use '정리하세요' or '정리해 주세요'.