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Vocabulary
개인적으로

A2 adverb 11 min read

개인적으로

gaeinjeogeuro

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 개인적으로 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 개인적으로 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to express their own likes and dislikes. While '개인적으로' (personally) might seem a bit long, it is a great word to learn early because it helps you move beyond saying 'I like apple' to 'Personally, I like apples.' At this stage, focus on using it at the very beginning of a sentence. It acts like a signal that says, 'This is my opinion!' Even if your grammar isn't perfect, using this word makes you sound more polite and thoughtful. Think of it as a way to be more 'gentle' when you talk about yourself. You can use it with simple verbs like '좋아해요' (I like) or '싫어해요' (I dislike). For example, '개인적으로 저는 김밥을 좋아해요' (Personally, I like kimbap). This level is all about building confidence in expressing your basic identity and preferences, and '개인적으로' is the perfect tool for that. It helps you stand out as an individual while still being part of the conversation.

For A2 learners, '개인적으로' becomes a vital tool for social interaction. At this level, you are expected to handle simple social exchanges and express your thoughts on familiar topics. '개인적으로' allows you to participate in group decisions—like picking a restaurant or a movie—by offering your preference politely. You start to understand the difference between a general fact ('It is raining') and a personal feeling ('Personally, I like the rain'). You should practice using it with the topic marker '-는/은' (e.g., 개인적으로는...) to add emphasis. You also begin to see how it can be used in the middle of a sentence, like '저는 그 사람을 개인적으로 알아요' (I know that person personally). This shows you are moving beyond just translating English phrases and are starting to understand how Korean adverbs function to provide context and nuance to your actions and relationships.

At the B1 level, you can use '개인적으로' to navigate more complex social and professional situations. You are now able to describe experiences, hopes, and ambitions. '개인적으로' helps you distinguish between your professional responsibilities and your private views. For instance, in a workplace discussion, you might say, 'The project is going well, but personally, I'm worried about the deadline.' This level of nuance is essential for effective communication in Korean. You also start to recognize the word in media, like interviews or talk shows, where it is used to introduce anecdotes. You should be able to contrast '개인적으로' (personally) with '공식적으로' (officially). Understanding these opposites allows you to discuss topics like work-life balance or public vs. private persona. Your sentences become longer and more complex, and '개인적으로' acts as a clear marker for the subjective parts of your speech, helping your listeners follow your logic more easily.

B2 learners should use '개인적으로' with high precision to express detailed opinions on abstract or technical topics. You are now capable of following complex arguments and contributing your own. '개인적으로' is used here to frame a 'disclaimer'—it signals that your following analysis is based on your own perspective or experience rather than just objective data. For example, 'Based on the statistics, the economy is growing, but personally, I feel that prices are too high.' You also understand the cultural weight of the word; using it can be a strategic choice to avoid appearing too dogmatic or arrogant in a debate. You should be comfortable using it alongside more advanced grammar structures like '-기보다는' (rather than) or '-ㄴ/은 것 같다' (it seems like). At this stage, you are not just using the word for its meaning, but for its pragmatic function in managing the 'flow' and 'tone' of a conversation, especially when navigating disagreements.

At the C1 level, '개인적으로' is used to express subtle nuances in professional, academic, and social discourse. You understand that the word can carry different 'weights' depending on the context. In a formal debate, it might be used to humbly introduce a groundbreaking idea. In a legal or ethical discussion, it might be used to separate personal morality from professional duty. You are also aware of its synonyms like '사적으로' or '개별적으로' and can choose the exact right term to avoid ambiguity. For example, you know that '개인적으로 연락하다' implies a personal connection, while '개별적으로 연락하다' implies a systematic, one-by-one process. Your use of '개인적으로' is now fully integrated with your understanding of Korean honorifics and speech levels, allowing you to express your individual identity within the complex web of Korean social hierarchy with sophistication and grace.

For C2 learners, '개인적으로' is a tool for masterful communication. You can use it to create specific rhetorical effects, such as building rapport with an audience by sharing a 'personal' insight or using it ironically to highlight a contrast. You understand the historical and cultural roots of the term and how it reflects the shifting balance between individualism and collectivism in modern Korea. You can use it in creative writing or high-level oratory to add layers of meaning to a character's voice or a speaker's message. At this level, you might even explore its usage in philosophical texts or complex literary works where the concept of the 'individual' (개인) is interrogated. Your mastery is such that you can use the word—or purposefully omit it—to perfectly control the level of intimacy and authority in your speech, demonstrating a native-like grasp of the pragmatic and cultural dimensions of the Korean language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

개인적으로 in 30 Seconds

Used to express a personal opinion or preference politely.
Indicates an action done in a private capacity rather than officially.
Commonly appears at the beginning of a sentence as a 'disclaimer'.
Helps maintain social harmony by framing thoughts as subjective.

The Korean adverb 개인적으로 (gaeinjeogeuro) is a fundamental building block for expressing subjectivity and individual agency in the Korean language. Derived from the Hanja roots Gae-in (個人 - individual) and the suffix -jeok (的 - forming an attribute), followed by the adverbial particle -euro (으로), it translates most directly to 'personally,' 'in a personal capacity,' or 'for oneself.' In a culture that often emphasizes collective identity and group harmony (the 'Uri' or 'we' culture), this word serves as a crucial linguistic tool to carve out space for one's own thoughts, preferences, or actions without appearing to speak for others or sounding overly assertive.

Subjective Opinions: When you want to share a preference that might differ from the group consensus, you start with '개인적으로.' For example, if everyone likes a popular movie but you didn't, using this word softens the blow of your disagreement.
Direct Contact: It is used when an action is performed outside of an official or group context. If a manager meets an employee outside of work hours to discuss life rather than tasks, they are meeting '개인적으로.'

개인적으로 저는 이 색깔이 더 마음에 들어요. (Personally, I like this color more.)

The versatility of this word allows it to function in both highly formal business settings and casual conversations among friends. In the workplace, it acts as a 'disclaimer'—it signals that what follows is the speaker's private view and not the official stance of the company. This is vital in Korean corporate etiquette where hierarchy and official roles are strictly defined. By using '개인적으로,' a junior employee can offer a suggestion without overstepping their professional boundaries. Similarly, in social settings, it helps maintain modesty. Instead of saying 'This food is bad,' saying 'Personally, this food doesn't suit my taste' (개인적으로 제 입맛에는 안 맞아요) is much more polite and less likely to cause offense to the host or the group.

Furthermore, the word is often paired with verbs like '생각하다' (to think), '느끼다' (to feel), or '좋아하다' (to like). It can also describe the manner of an action, such as '개인적으로 연락하다' (to contact someone personally/privately). This implies that the communication is happening through private channels rather than official ones. For instance, if you have a business partner's phone number and text them about a non-work matter, you are acting '개인적으로.' Understanding this word is essential for A2 learners because it marks the transition from speaking in simple facts to expressing nuanced personal perspectives, which is a key milestone in language proficiency.

Using 개인적으로 correctly involves understanding its placement and the emotional weight it carries. Most commonly, it appears at the very beginning of a sentence to set the stage for a personal opinion. This placement mimics the English 'Personally, ...' and serves as a signal to the listener that the speaker is about to share something subjective. However, because Korean is a flexible language in terms of word order, it can also appear after the subject or immediately before the verb, though these placements are less frequent and often emphasize the 'manner' of the action rather than the 'opinion' aspect.

Sentence Initial (Preference): 개인적으로, 저는 매운 음식을 못 먹어요. (Personally, I cannot eat spicy food.) Here, it frames the entire statement as a personal trait.
Pre-Verbal (Action): 그 문제를 개인적으로 해결하고 싶어요. (I want to solve that problem personally/privately.) This emphasizes the method of solving the problem.

저는 그 가수를 개인적으로 알아요. (I know that singer personally.)

When using this word to express an opinion, it is often followed by the topic marker '-는/은' after the subject '저' (I). The combination '개인적으로 저는...' is a very common idiomatic opening. It provides a polite cushion. In Korean communication, being too direct can sometimes be perceived as rude or 'too strong' (부담스럽다). By adding '개인적으로,' you are essentially saying, 'This is just my little opinion, and I'm not saying everyone else is wrong.' This humility is a core part of Korean social dynamics. It is also important to note that '개인적으로' can be used to describe the nature of a relationship. If you say you know someone '개인적으로,' it implies a level of intimacy or acquaintance that goes beyond professional or public boundaries.

In more advanced usage, '개인적으로' can be used to contrast one's public duty with their private feelings. For example, a judge might say, 'As a judge, I must follow the law, but personally (개인적으로), I feel sympathy for the defendant.' This duality is a common theme in Korean drama and literature, often highlighting the conflict between 'In-jeong' (human feeling) and 'Beop' (law) or 'Ui-mu' (duty). For learners, mastering this word means you can start participating in discussions about movies, music, and food more naturally. Instead of just saying 'It's good' (좋아요), you can say 'Personally, I think it's good' (개인적으로 좋은 것 같아요), which sounds much more like a native speaker.

You will encounter 개인적으로 in almost every facet of modern Korean life. In the media, particularly in talk shows, interviews, and variety programs (예능), celebrities use it constantly to share their anecdotes or preferences. When an idol is asked about their ideal type or their favorite song from a new album, they almost always start their answer with '개인적으로...' to indicate that they are speaking for themselves and not necessarily representing the entire group. This is a vital distinction in the K-pop industry where group unity is highly marketed.

Office Culture: During meetings, a coworker might say, '개인적으로는 이 계획이 좋다고 생각합니다' to offer their input without sounding like they are forcing their opinion on the team.
News & Documentaries: Experts interviewed on news programs use it to differentiate their professional analysis from their personal sentiment or intuition regarding a trend.

A: 이 식당 어때요? (How is this restaurant?)
B: 개인적으로 저는 여기가 서울에서 제일 맛있어요. (Personally, I think this place is the best in Seoul.)

In daily social life, you'll hear it when friends are making plans or discussing tastes. If a group is deciding what to eat for dinner, someone might say, 'I'm okay with anything, but personally, I'd like to eat sushi' (다 괜찮지만, 개인적으로는 초밥이 먹고 싶어요). This allows the speaker to express a preference while still remaining flexible and cooperative with the group. It is also very common in the context of 'private matters.' If someone says, '그건 개인적으로 물어보세요' (Ask that personally), they are suggesting that the question is too private for a public setting or should be handled via private message or one-on-one conversation.

Finally, in the digital world—KakaoTalk, Instagram, and online forums—this word is used to preface comments. In a heated online debate, starting a comment with '개인적인 의견입니다만...' (This is just a personal opinion, but...) is a common way to attempt to avoid 'flaming' or backlash. It signals that the speaker is aware their view is subjective. Whether you are watching a K-drama where a character confesses a secret feeling or reading a product review on a Korean shopping site, '개인적으로' is the key word that unlocks the door to the speaker's internal world. For a learner, hearing this word is a cue to pay close attention, as the speaker is about to reveal something more intimate than just general facts.

While 개인적으로 is a versatile and frequently used word, English speakers often fall into several traps when translating it directly from 'personally' or using it in Korean contexts. The most common mistake is confusing the adverb '개인적으로' with the adjective '개인적인.' Adverbs modify verbs or whole sentences, while adjectives modify nouns. You cannot say '개인적으로 생각' (personally thought); it must be '개인적인 생각' (personal thought) or '개인적으로 생각하다' (to think personally).

Confusing with '사적으로' (Sajeogeuro): '사적으로' also means 'personally' or 'privately,' but it has a stronger nuance of 'not for public/official business' or even 'secretly.' Use '개인적으로' for opinions; use '사적으로' for private affairs or unofficial meetings.
Overuse in Formal Reports: In very formal academic writing or official government reports, '개인적으로' might be seen as too subjective. Instead, phrases like '본인의 견해로는' (In this person's view) are preferred.

Incorrect: 이것은 나의 개인적으로 의견입니다. (This is my personally opinion.)
Correct: 이것은 저의 개인적인 의견입니다. (This is my personal opinion.)

Another nuance mistake is using '개인적으로' when you actually mean 'alone' or 'by oneself.' If you went to the movies alone, you should use '혼자' (honja) or '스스로' (seuseuro), not '개인적으로.' '개인적으로 영화를 봤어요' would sound like you watched the movie in a 'personal capacity' (perhaps for a private review), which sounds strange in a casual context. It doesn't mean the physical state of being alone, but rather the internal source of the action or opinion. Additionally, English speakers sometimes forget that '개인적으로' can sound slightly defensive if used too much in a row. If every sentence starts with 'Personally...', it might seem like you are unwilling to consider the group's perspective at all.

Lastly, be careful with the politeness levels. While '개인적으로' itself is neutral, the rest of the sentence must match the social context. If you are speaking to a superior, you should use '개인적으로는 ~라고 생각합니다' (Formal/Polite) rather than '개인적으로 ~라고 생각해' (Informal). The word doesn't grant you a 'pass' to be informal. Many learners use it as a way to express strong opinions, but remember that its primary function in Korean is often to *soften* an opinion, not to make it more aggressive. If you use a sharp tone with '개인적으로,' the softening effect is lost, and it can come across as sarcastic or stubborn.

To truly master Korean, you need to know the subtle differences between 개인적으로 and its synonyms. While 'personally' covers a lot of ground in English, Korean has specific words for different types of 'individual' or 'private' contexts. Understanding these will help you choose the right word for the right situation, whether you're talking about a secret, a solo project, or a subjective taste.

사적으로 (Sajeogeuro): Focuses on 'private' vs 'public.' Used for things done outside of work or official duties. Example: 'We met privately (사적으로) after the meeting.'
제 생각에는 (Je saenggak-eneun): Literally 'In my opinion.' This is the most direct alternative for '개인적으로' when expressing a view. It is slightly more common in casual speech.
스스로 (Seuseuro): Means 'by oneself' or 'voluntarily.' It emphasizes that the person did it without outside help or force. Example: 'I did it myself (스스로).'
개별적으로 (Gaebyeoljeogeuro): Means 'individually' or 'separately.' Often used when dealing with a group of people one by one. Example: 'I will contact each of you individually (개별적으로).'

Comparison:
1. 개인적으로 좋아요 (Personally, I like it - Opinion)
2. 사적으로 만나요 (Let's meet privately - Relationship)
3. 개별적으로 주세요 (Give them to us individually - Distribution)

Another interesting alternative is '혼자서' (honjaseo), which specifically means 'alone' in a physical sense. If you are doing something alone and want to emphasize that no one else is with you, '혼자서' is the word. '개인적으로,' on the other hand, is about the *capacity* in which you are acting. For example, a celebrity might go to a cafe 'alone' (혼자서), but they might also go there 'personally' (개인적으로) to meet a friend, meaning they aren't there for a scheduled fan meeting or filming.

In formal settings, you might hear '본인' (bon-in) used instead of '저' or '나' to refer to oneself, and '본인으로서는' (as for myself) as a very formal way of saying 'personally.' There is also '사사로이' (sasaroi), a more literary or old-fashioned word meaning 'privately' or 'selfishly,' which you might encounter in historical dramas (Sa-geuk) or classic literature. For everyday A2-level Korean, sticking to '개인적으로' for opinions and '사적으로' for private life will cover 90% of your needs. Pay attention to how native speakers switch between these words based on whether they are talking about their thoughts, their secrets, or their physical presence.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-적' (的) was originally used in Hanja to mean 'target' or 'bright,' but in modern Korean, it works exactly like the English suffixes '-ic' or '-al' to turn nouns into adjectives or adverbs.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɛ.in.dʑʌk.ɯ.ɾo/

US /ɡeɪ.in.dʒʌk.ɯ.roʊ/

In Korean, stress is generally even across all syllables, but a slight emphasis may be placed on the first syllable 'Gae' to initiate the word clearly.

Rhymes With

사회적으로 (sahoejeogeuro - socially) 경제적으로 (gyeongjejeogeuro - economically) 정치적으로 (jeongchijeogeuro - politically) 문화적으로 (munhwajeogeuro - culturally) 일반적으로 (ilbanjeogeuro - generally) 직접적으로 (jikjeopjeogeuro - directly) 간접적으로 (ganjeopjeogeuro - indirectly) 열정적으로 (yeoljeongjeogeuro - passionately)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Gae' as a hard 'G' like 'Go'. It should be softer, between 'G' and 'K'.
Pronouncing 'Jeok' as 'Joke'. The vowel is 'eo' (short 'u' as in 'cup').
Making the 'r' in 'euro' too strong like an English 'R'. It should be a light tap of the tongue.
Skipping the 'eu' sound and saying 'gae-in-jeok-ro'. The 'eu' is essential.
Pronouncing 'in' as 'een'. It should be a shorter 'i' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize once you know the Hanja '개인'. It appears frequently in written reviews.

Writing 3/5

Spelling '개인적으로' can be tricky for beginners due to the 'eu' vowel.

Speaking 2/5

Very useful and easy to slot into the start of any sentence.

Listening 2/5

Commonly used in speech; the 'jeok-euro' ending is a clear auditory marker.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

개인 (Individual) 저 / 나 (I) 생각하다 (To think) 좋아하다 (To like) 의견 (Opinion)

Learn Next

공식적으로 (Officially) 사회적으로 (Socially) 객관적으로 (Objectively) 사적으로 (Privately) 비공식적으로 (Unofficially)

Advanced

주관적 (Subjective) 독립적 (Independent) 개별적 (Individual/Separate) 특수성 (Specificity/Uniqueness) 자아실현 (Self-realization)

Grammar to Know

Adverbial Suffix -적으로

경제 (Economy) -> 경제적 (Economic) -> 경제적으로 (Economically)

Topic Marker -는/은 for Emphasis

개인적으로는 (Personally [unlike others/as for me])

Subjective Ending -ㄴ 것 같다

개인적으로는 이게 더 좋은 것 같아요.

Polite Humble Pronoun '저'

개인적으로 저는... (Always use '저' in formal/polite contexts).

Causative/Reason '-아서/어서'

개인적으로 바빠서 못 갔어요.

Examples by Level

개인적으로 저는 사과를 좋아해요.

Personally, I like apples.

개인적으로 (personally) + 저 (I) + 는 (topic marker)

개인적으로 이 영화는 재미있어요.

Personally, this movie is fun.

Used to express a subjective feeling about a movie.

저는 개인적으로 그 색깔이 싫어요.

I personally dislike that color.

Placement after the subject '저는' for emphasis.

개인적으로 한국 음식을 좋아해요.

Personally, I like Korean food.

Common way to share tastes with new friends.

개인적으로 오늘은 피곤해요.

Personally, I am tired today.

Using the word to describe a personal state.

개인적으로 이 책은 너무 어려워요.

Personally, this book is too difficult.

Softening a negative opinion about a book.

개인적으로 저는 파란색을 좋아합니다.

Personally, I like blue.

Formal ending '-합니다' used with '개인적으로'.

개인적으로 여기가 더 좋아요.

Personally, I like it here more.

Used when making a simple comparison of places.

개인적으로 저는 그 가수의 목소리를 좋아해요.

Personally, I like that singer's voice.

Expressing a specific preference for an attribute (voice).

개인적으로 이번 주말에 쉬고 싶어요.

Personally, I want to rest this weekend.

Using '-고 싶다' (want to) with '개인적으로'.

저는 그분을 개인적으로 한 번 만났어요.

I met that person once personally.

Indicates a private meeting rather than an official one.

개인적으로 이 식당은 조금 비싼 것 같아요.

Personally, I think this restaurant is a bit expensive.

Using '-ㄴ 것 같다' (seems like) to soften an opinion.

개인적으로는 바다보다 산이 더 좋아요.

Personally, I like the mountains more than the sea.

Using '-는' after '개인적으로' for contrast.

개인적으로 그 소식은 정말 놀라웠어요.

Personally, that news was really surprising.

Describing a personal emotional reaction to news.

저는 개인적으로 운동을 매일 합니다.

I personally exercise every day.

Describing a personal habit or routine.

개인적으로 질문이 하나 있습니다.

Personally, I have one question.

Used to introduce a question that might be off-topic or private.

개인적으로 이번 프로젝트는 아주 중요하다고 생각합니다.

Personally, I think this project is very important.

Using '-다고 생각하다' (to think that) in a professional context.

저는 그 문제를 개인적으로 해결하려고 노력 중입니다.

I am currently trying to solve that problem personally.

Indicates taking individual responsibility for a task.

개인적으로 연락을 드려도 괜찮을까요?

Would it be okay if I contacted you personally?

A polite way to ask for private communication.

개인적으로는 그 제안이 우리에게 유리하다고 봐요.

Personally, I view that proposal as advantageous for us.

Using '보다' (to see/view) as a synonym for 'think'.

저는 개인적으로 그 작가의 모든 책을 다 읽었어요.

I personally read all of that author's books.

Emphasizing a personal accomplishment or interest.

개인적으로 궁금한 점이 있어서 메일을 보냈습니다.

I sent an email because I had something I was personally curious about.

Explaining the reason for a private inquiry.

개인적으로 이 방법이 가장 효율적이라고 느껴요.

Personally, I feel that this method is the most efficient.

Using '느끼다' (to feel) to express an intuitive opinion.

개인적으로는 조금 더 시간이 필요할 것 같습니다.

Personally, I think I will need a bit more time.

A polite way to request more time for a task.

개인적으로는 환경 보호가 경제 성장보다 우선되어야 한다고 믿습니다.

Personally, I believe that environmental protection should take priority over economic growth.

Expressing a strong personal belief on a social issue.

저는 개인적으로 그 정책이 실효성이 떨어진다고 판단합니다.

I personally judge that the policy lacks effectiveness.

Using '판단하다' (to judge) for a more formal opinion.

개인적으로 그 사건 이후로 제 가치관이 많이 변했습니다.

Personally, my values have changed a lot since that incident.

Describing internal change and personal growth.

개인적으로는 이 디자인이 브랜드 이미지와 더 잘 어울리는 듯합니다.

Personally, it seems this design fits the brand image better.

Using '-는 듯하다' for a sophisticated, soft opinion.

그분과는 개인적으로 친분이 있는 사이입니다.

I have a personal friendship with that person.

Using '친분' (friendship/acquaintance) with '개인적으로'.

개인적으로 이 연구 결과가 시사하는 바가 크다고 봅니다.

Personally, I see the implications of this research as significant.

Discussing the significance of academic work.

개인적으로는 그런 방식의 소통이 오해를 부를 수 있다고 우려됩니다.

Personally, I am concerned that such a method of communication could lead to misunderstandings.

Using '우려되다' (to be concerned) to express a personal worry.

저는 개인적으로 그 제안을 받아들이기 어렵다는 입장입니다.

I am personally in a position where it is difficult to accept that proposal.

Using '입장' (position/stance) to be firm but polite.

개인적으로 이번 사태는 리더십의 부재가 낳은 결과라고 분석됩니다.

Personally, this situation is analyzed as a result of a lack of leadership.

Using passive '분석되다' (is analyzed) to sound more objective while stating a personal view.

개인적으로는 예술의 가치가 상업적 성공에 의해 평가되어서는 안 된다고 생각합니다.

Personally, I believe the value of art should not be judged by commercial success.

Discussing abstract philosophical or aesthetic values.

저는 개인적으로 그 철학자의 이론이 현대 사회에 시사하는 바에 주목하고 있습니다.

I am personally paying attention to what that philosopher's theory implies for modern society.

Expressing a specific intellectual interest.

개인적으로는 기술의 발전이 인간 소외 현상을 심화시킬 수 있다는 점이 걱정스럽습니다.

Personally, I am worried that technological advancement could deepen the phenomenon of human alienation.

Discussing complex sociological issues.

그 사안에 대해 개인적으로 깊이 고민해 보았으나 명쾌한 답을 내리기 어려웠습니다.

I pondered that issue deeply personally, but it was difficult to reach a clear answer.

Describing an internal intellectual struggle.

개인적으로는 조직의 목표와 개인의 행복이 조화를 이루어야 한다고 봅니다.

Personally, I see that organizational goals and individual happiness must achieve harmony.

Expressing a vision for organizational culture.

저는 개인적으로 그 영화가 인간의 본성을 아주 날카롭게 파헤쳤다고 생각해요.

I personally think that movie very sharply delved into human nature.

Providing a high-level critique of a creative work.

개인적으로는 이번 협상이 양측 모두에게 최선의 선택이었다고 확신합니다.

Personally, I am convinced that this negotiation was the best choice for both sides.

Using '확신하다' (to be convinced/sure) to state a strong personal conclusion.

개인적으로는 자아의 실현이 타인과의 관계 속에서만 비로소 완성된다고 사료됩니다.

Personally, I consider that the realization of the self is only completed within relationships with others.

Using '사료되다' (to be considered/thought) - extremely formal and academic.

저는 개인적으로 언어가 사고의 틀을 규정한다는 가설에 깊이 공감하는 바입니다.

I personally deeply empathize with the hypothesis that language defines the framework of thought.

Using '-는 바입니다' to express a firm personal stance in a highly formal manner.

개인적으로는 역사의 흐름이 필연적이라기보다 우연의 산물이라는 시각을 견지하고 있습니다.

Personally, I maintain the view that the flow of history is a product of chance rather than necessity.

Using '견지하다' (to maintain/hold a view) for intellectual discourse.

그의 행보를 개인적으로 지켜보며 권력의 속성에 대해 다시금 성찰하게 되었습니다.

Watching his actions personally, I came to reflect once again on the nature of power.

Describing deep philosophical reflection triggered by personal observation.

개인적으로는 고전의 가치가 시대의 변천에도 불구하고 변치 않는 보편성에 있다고 생각합니다.

Personally, I think the value of classics lies in their unchanging universality despite the changes of the times.

Discussing the enduring value of literature.

저는 개인적으로 인간의 자유 의지가 결정론적 세계관과 양립 가능하다고 믿는 입장입니다.

I am personally in the position of believing that human free will is compatible with a deterministic worldview.

Engaging in high-level metaphysical debate.

개인적으로는 그 예술가의 후기 작품들이 고독이라는 주제를 더욱 심도 있게 다루었다고 평가합니다.

Personally, I evaluate that the artist's later works dealt with the theme of solitude more in-depth.

Using '평가하다' (to evaluate/assess) for professional artistic critique.

개인적으로는 공동체의 안녕을 위해 개인의 희생이 어디까지 정당화될 수 있는지 의문이 듭니다.

Personally, I question to what extent individual sacrifice can be justified for the well-being of the community.

Raising a complex ethical question about the balance of individual and society.

Common Collocations

개인적으로 좋아하다

개인적으로 생각하다

개인적으로 만나다

개인적으로 연락하다

개인적으로 알다

개인적으로 부탁하다

개인적으로 해결하다

개인적으로 궁금하다

개인적으로 추천하다

개인적으로 느끼다

Common Phrases

개인적으로는 말이죠

— Used to start a sentence with 'Personally speaking...'. It adds a slight pause for emphasis.

개인적으로는 말이죠, 저는 반대예요.

개인적인 생각입니다만

— A polite way to say 'This is just my personal thought, but...'.

개인적인 생각입니다만, 조금 위험해 보여요.

개인적으로 아는 사람

— Someone you know personally/privately (not just through work).

그분은 제가 개인적으로 아는 사람이에요.

개인적으로 연락 주세요

— Please contact me privately (via DM or personal phone).

궁금한 게 있으면 개인적으로 연락 주세요.

개인적으로 바쁜 일

— A private matter or personal business that makes one busy.

요즘 개인적으로 바쁜 일이 좀 있어요.

개인적으로 선호하다

— To personally prefer something.

저는 개인적으로 따뜻한 날씨를 선호해요.

개인적으로 방문하다

— To visit a place in a personal capacity (not for work).

그곳은 나중에 개인적으로 방문하고 싶어요.

개인적으로 물어보다

— To ask something privately.

그건 나중에 개인적으로 물어볼게요.

개인적으로 정리하다

— To organize or settle something by oneself.

그 일은 제가 개인적으로 정리했습니다.

개인적으로 동의하다

— To personally agree with something.

개인적으로는 그 의견에 동의합니다.

Often Confused With

개인적으로 vs 사적으로

Confused with 'privately.' Use '사적으로' for things outside of work/official status. Use '개인적으로' for opinions.

개인적으로 vs 혼자서

Confused with 'alone.' '혼자서' is physical; '개인적으로' is about capacity or viewpoint.

개인적으로 vs 개별적으로

Confused with 'individually.' '개별적으로' is used for treating items or people one by one.

Idioms & Expressions

"개인적인 감정은 없다"

— To have no personal feelings or grudge against someone, often said when giving criticism.

개인적인 감정은 없으니 오해하지 마세요.

Neutral/Professional

"개인적으로 선을 긋다"

— To draw a line personally, meaning to separate personal feelings from a situation.

그는 일과 삶에 개인적으로 선을 그었어요.

Neutral

"개인적인 욕심을 버리다"

— To cast aside personal greed or ambition for the sake of the group.

팀을 위해 개인적인 욕심을 버렸습니다.

Neutral

"개인적으로 눈을 맞추다"

— Metaphorically, to connect with someone on a personal level.

관객 한 명 한 명과 개인적으로 눈을 맞췄어요.

Literary

"개인적인 사정으로"

— Due to personal circumstances (a common excuse for absence).

개인적인 사정으로 오늘 못 갑니다.

Neutral/Formal

"개인적으로 등을 돌리다"

— To personally turn one's back on someone (to cut ties).

그는 친구에게 개인적으로 등을 돌렸어요.

Informal/Neutral

"개인적인 원한을 풀다"

— To settle a personal grudge.

드디어 개인적인 원한을 풀었습니다.

Neutral

"개인적으로 발을 끊다"

— To personally stop visiting a place or person.

그 가게에는 개인적으로 발을 끊었어요.

Neutral

"개인적인 공간을 침범하다"

— To invade someone's personal space.

남의 개인적인 공간을 침범하지 마세요.

Neutral

"개인적으로 손을 뻗다"

— To personally reach out to help someone.

그는 어려운 이웃에게 개인적으로 손을 뻗었습니다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

개인적으로 vs 개인적인

Adjective vs. Adverb

개인적인 is an adjective modifying nouns. 개인적으로 is an adverb modifying verbs or sentences.

이것은 개인적인(adj) 생각입니다. / 개인적으로(adv) 생각합니다.

개인적으로 vs 스스로

Meaning of 'by oneself'

스스로 means doing something without help or force. 개인적으로 means doing something in a private capacity.

그는 스스로(self-help) 공부해요. / 그는 개인적으로(private capacity) 공부해요.

개인적으로 vs 따로

Meaning of 'separately'

따로 means physically separately or additionally. 개인적으로 means personally.

돈을 따로(separately) 내요. / 개인적으로(personally) 돈을 냈어요.

개인적으로 vs 직접

Meaning of 'directly'

직접 means doing something yourself without a middleman. 개인적으로 means doing it as a private person.

직접(directly) 요리해요. / 개인적으로(personally) 요리하는 걸 좋아해요.

개인적으로 vs 각자

Meaning of 'each'

각자 refers to 'each person' in a group. 개인적으로 refers to the speaker's own perspective.

각자(each) 집에 갔어요. / 개인적으로(personally) 집에 가고 싶어요.

Sentence Patterns

개인적으로 [Noun] 좋아해요.

개인적으로 사과 좋아해요.

개인적으로는 [Noun]보다 [Noun]이 더 좋아요.

개인적으로는 개보다 고양이가 더 좋아요.

개인적으로 [Verb]-ㄴ/은 것 같아요.

개인적으로 그 영화는 좀 슬픈 것 같아요.

개인적으로 [Verb]-다고 생각합니다.

개인적으로 그 정책은 문제가 있다고 생각합니다.

개인적으로 [Noun]에 주목하고 있습니다.

개인적으로 이 문제의 원인에 주목하고 있습니다.

개인적으로 [Noun]라고 사료되는 바입니다.

개인적으로 이것이 최선이라고 사료되는 바입니다.

Mixed

개인적으로 궁금한 게 있는데...

개인적으로 궁금한 게 있는데, 어디 사세요?

Mixed

그건 개인적으로 해결하세요.

그 문제는 두 분이 개인적으로 해결하세요.

Word Family

Nouns

개인 (Individual)

개인주의 (Individualism)

개인차 (Individual difference)

개인전 (Individual match/Solo exhibition)

Verbs

개인화하다 (To individualize/personalize)

Adjectives

개인적인 (Personal/Individual)

사적 (Private)

공적 (Public)

각자 (Each person)

본인 (Oneself)

자기 (Self)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written modern Korean.

Common Mistakes

Using '개인적으로' as an adjective. → 개인적인
You cannot say '개인적으로 생각' (personally thought) as a noun phrase. It must be '개인적인 생각' (personal thought). Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives modify nouns.
Using it to mean 'alone' in a physical sense. → 혼자서 / 혼자
If you went to a cafe alone, say '혼자 갔어요'. Saying '개인적으로 갔어요' sounds like you went there for a private mission or in a personal capacity, which is weird for a casual outing.
Using '나' instead of '저' in polite settings. → 개인적으로 저는...
Even though '개인적으로' is about your individual self, you must still use the humble '저' if you are speaking to someone older or in a formal setting.
Pronouncing 'jeok' as 'jo-ke'. → jeok (rhymes with buck)
The vowel 'eo' (ㅓ) is a short 'u' sound. Beginners often make it sound like 'o', which changes the word's clarity.
Using it for objective facts. → Remove '개인적으로'
Don't say 'Personally, Seoul is the capital of Korea.' It's a fact, not a personal view. Only use it for things that can vary from person to person.

Tips

Soften your disagreements

If you need to disagree with someone, start with '개인적으로는...' to show that you respect their view but have a different personal perspective. This prevents the conversation from becoming an argument.

Hanja Roots

Remember that '개' (個) means 'individual' or 'counter'. You see it in '한 개' (one item). '인' (人) means 'person'. So '개인' is literally 'individual person'. This helps you remember the meaning.

Use it as a filler

If you are asked a question and need a second to think, saying '개인적으로는...' gives you a brief moment to organize your thoughts while still sounding like a fluent speaker.

Reviews

When writing a review for a product or a restaurant online, always include '개인적인 후기입니다' (This is a personal review) to clarify that your experience might not be the same for everyone.

Identify Nuance

When you hear a native speaker use '개인적으로', they are often about to share something they *really* feel, as opposed to what they *should* say socially. Pay close attention to what follows!

Adverb Placement

While most common at the start, you can place '개인적으로' before the verb for emphasis, e.g., '그를 개인적으로 만났어요' (I met him personally). This highlights the 'manner' of the meeting.

Individualism

Using this word shows you understand the Korean balance between the group and the individual. It's a sign of high-level cultural competence.

Private Messages

If you want to move a group chat conversation to a private one, say '개인적으로 톡 할게요' (I'll message you personally/privately via KakaoTalk).

Opposites

Learn '공식적으로' (officially) at the same time. Knowing the pair will help you categorize situations into 'official/public' and 'personal/private' more easily.

Intonation

Keep your tone light. If you say '개인적으로' with a heavy, angry tone, it can sound like you are being stubborn. A light, thoughtful tone works best.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Gae-in' as 'Gain'. When you act 'personally', you 'gain' your own voice in the conversation.

Visual Association

Imagine a large crowd of gray figures, and one figure in the middle turns bright purple (the color of the word) and speaks. That person is speaking '개인적으로'.

Word Web

개인 (Individual) 개인적인 (Personal) 개인적으로 (Personally) 개인 정보 (Personal information) 개인 택시 (Private taxi) 개인 레슨 (Private lesson) 개인 사업 (Private business) 개인 소유 (Private ownership)

Challenge

Try to use '개인적으로' in three sentences today: one about a food you like, one about a movie you saw, and one about a color you prefer.

Word Origin

The word is a combination of the Hanja '개인' (個人) and the suffix '-적' (的), followed by the Korean adverbial particle '-으로'.

Original meaning: Individual-attribute-ly, or 'in the manner of an individual.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use '개인적으로' to excuse rude behavior. It makes an opinion softer, but it doesn't make a mean comment acceptable.

In English, 'personally' is often used for emphasis ('I personally think...'). In Korean, it's used more as a polite 'buffer' to avoid sounding too assertive.

Commonly heard in K-Pop 'V-Live' or 'Weverse' streams when idols share their daily lives. Used frequently by judges in Korean audition shows like 'Show Me The Money' or 'K-pop Star' to give subjective feedback. A key term in 'Personal Taste' (개인의 취향), a famous K-drama starring Lee Min-ho.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Expressing Taste

개인적으로 이게 맛있어요.
개인적으로 좋아하는 스타일이에요.
개인적으로는 별로예요.
개인적으로 추천해요.

Business Meetings

개인적으로는 찬성합니다.
개인적인 의견을 말씀드리자면...
개인적으로 연락드리겠습니다.
개인적으로 확인해 보겠습니다.

Social Relationships

개인적으로 아는 사이예요.
개인적으로 만나고 싶어요.
개인적으로 친해요.
개인적인 질문 해도 돼요?

Online Reviews

개인적으로 아주 만족합니다.
개인적으로는 비추천해요.
개인적인 후기입니다.
개인적으로 아쉬운 점이 있어요.

Conflict Resolution

개인적인 감정은 없어요.
개인적으로 사과하고 싶어요.
개인적으로 해결합시다.
개인적인 일로 바빴어요.

Conversation Starters

"개인적으로 가장 좋아하는 한국 음식이 뭐예요? (Personally, what is your favorite Korean food?)"

"개인적으로 이번 영화 어떻게 보셨어요? (Personally, how did you find this movie?)"

"개인적으로 주말에 뭐 하는 걸 좋아하세요? (Personally, what do you like to do on weekends?)"

"개인적으로 서울에서 어디가 제일 좋아요? (Personally, where do you like best in Seoul?)"

"개인적으로 요즘 가장 큰 고민이 뭐예요? (Personally, what is your biggest worry these days?)"

Journal Prompts

개인적으로 올해 가장 행복했던 순간에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the moment you were personally happiest this year.)

개인적으로 가장 존경하는 사람과 그 이유를 설명해 보세요. (Explain who you personally respect the most and why.)

개인적으로 꼭 이루고 싶은 목표 세 가지를 적어 보세요. (Write down three goals you personally want to achieve.)

개인적으로 한국어를 배우는 동기가 무엇인지 기록해 보세요. (Record what your personal motivation for learning Korean is.)

개인적으로 가장 좋아하는 계절의 특징을 묘사해 보세요. (Describe the characteristics of the season you personally like the most.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is very common in business emails to distinguish your personal thoughts from the company's official position. For example, '개인적으로는 이 제안이 좋다고 생각합니다' (Personally, I think this proposal is good) is perfectly professional and polite. It helps prevent misunderstandings about what is an official directive and what is just a suggestion.

Not at all! Native speakers use it constantly. If you want to shorten it, you can't really shorten the word itself, but you can use '제 생각에는' (In my opinion) which is a bit quicker to say. However, '개인적으로' is very natural even in fast, casual conversation.

The addition of '-는' adds emphasis and contrast. Use '개인적으로는' when you want to imply 'As for me (personally), unlike others...' or 'Specifically from my personal view.' It is very common when the speaker is about to give an opinion that they think might be different from the group's opinion.

Yes, it can. For example, '개인적으로 연락하다' means to contact someone privately. However, if you want to emphasize that something is a secret or strictly non-business, '사적으로' (sajeogeuro) is often a more precise choice. '개인적으로' is more about the individual as the source of the action.

Absolutely. In fact, it's a great way to make a negative opinion sound more polite. Instead of saying '이 영화는 재미없어요' (This movie is boring), which sounds like a harsh fact, you can say '개인적으로 저는 이 영화가 별로예요' (Personally, I didn't really like this movie). This sounds much more mature.

No, that would sound repetitive and a bit self-centered. Use it once at the beginning of your point to establish your perspective, and then you can continue without repeating it. It's like a frame for your thoughts; once the frame is set, you don't need to keep rebuilding it.

There isn't a direct slang word for '개인적으로,' but in online slang, people sometimes use '개취' (gae-chwi), which is short for '개인적인 취향' (personal taste). If someone likes something unusual, they might say '개취 존중' (Respect my personal taste/Respect my 'Gae-chwi').

Yes, though younger children might just say '나는' (I...) or '내가 볼 때는' (When I see it...). As children get older and enter middle or high school, they start using '개인적으로' to sound more articulate and to express their developing individual identities.

The 'eu' (ㅡ) sound is made by pulling your tongue back and keeping your lips flat and unrounded, like you are making a slight 'ew' sound but without the 'w'. It's a very common sound in Korean adverbs. Practice saying 'eu-ro' slowly until it feels natural.

The suffix '-적' is a Sino-Korean suffix that means '-like' or '-ic'. It turns the noun '개인' (individual) into an adjective-like concept '개인적' (individual-like/personal). Adding '-으로' then turns that into an adverb 'personally'. This is a very productive pattern in Korean (e.g., 사회 + 적 + 으로 = 사회적으로).