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Vocabulary
심사숙고하다

B2 verb 9 min read

심사숙고하다

simsasukgohada

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 심사숙고하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 심사숙고하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '심사숙고하다' is too difficult. You should focus on the basic word for thinking, which is '생각하다' (to think). However, you can think of '심사숙고하다' as a 'super-sized' version of '생각하다'. Imagine you are choosing between two toys. If you look at them for a long time and try to decide which one is better, you are starting the process of '심사숙고'. In A1, we usually just say '많이 생각해요' (I think a lot). As you grow in Korean, you will replace '많이 생각해요' with this bigger word when the topic is very important, like choosing a school or a job.

At the A2 level, you might start seeing '심사숙고하다' in reading passages about famous people or important history. It is a formal verb. You can remember it by breaking it down: '심사' (check) and '숙고' (deep thought). While you might not use it in daily conversation with friends, you should recognize it as meaning 'to think very carefully.' If you are writing a formal letter to a teacher or a boss, using this word shows that you are very polite and that you have taken their advice seriously. It's like saying 'I'm not just thinking, I'm really, really considering this.'

At the B1 level, you should begin to distinguish between '생각하다' (to think), '고민하다' (to worry/ponder), and '심사숙고하다' (to deliberate). B1 learners should use '심사숙고하다' when talking about serious plans, such as 'I am deliberating on my major' (전공에 대해 심사숙고하고 있어요). You will notice that this word often appears in the news or in formal interviews. It is a great word to use in the TOPIK writing exam to show you have a higher vocabulary range. Remember that this word is usually for big decisions, not small ones like what to wear.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '심사숙고하다' naturally in formal discussions and writing. You should understand its Hanja roots and how they contribute to the meaning of 'matured thought.' At this level, you should be able to use it in complex sentence structures, such as '심사숙고한 끝에' (at the end of deep deliberation) or '심사숙고할 필요가 있다' (there is a need to deliberate). You should also know that it is a neutral but formal term, unlike '고심하다' which has a more negative/struggling nuance. Using this word correctly helps you sound professional in a Korean workplace.

At the C1 level, you should master the subtle nuances of '심사숙고하다' compared to other high-level synonyms like '장고하다' or '묵상하다' (to meditate). You should be able to use it in academic contexts, legal discussions, or high-level business negotiations. C1 learners should also be comfortable with the noun form '심사숙고' and use it as a subject or object in complex philosophical or political sentences. You should also be able to identify when someone is using the word ironically or for rhetorical effect to emphasize the gravity of a situation.

At the C2 level, '심사숙고하다' is a fundamental part of your formal lexicon. You should understand its historical usage in literature and how it reflects Korean cultural values regarding prudence and wisdom. You can use it to critique decisions made by public figures or to discuss abstract concepts in philosophy. A C2 speaker knows how to pair it with advanced idiomatic expressions and can recognize its use in classical-style modern prose. You should also be able to explain the specific 'weight' this word adds to a sentence compared to its synonyms in various dialects or registers.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

심사숙고하다 in 30 Seconds

A formal Korean verb meaning to deliberate or contemplate very deeply and carefully, usually before a major decision.
Derived from Hanja meaning 'examine,' 'investigate,' 'ripe,' and 'think,' suggesting a fully matured thought process.
Used in professional, academic, and serious personal contexts rather than for trivial daily choices.
Commonly paired with '끝에' (at the end of) or '후에' (after) to describe the result of careful thought.

The Korean verb 심사숙고하다 (Simsasukgohada) is a sophisticated, formal expression that translates to 'to deliberate,' 'to contemplate deeply,' or 'to give serious thought to.' It is not merely the act of thinking (생각하다), but rather a process of intense, careful, and thorough mental evaluation. The word is composed of four Hanja (Chinese characters): Sim (심 - 審) meaning to judge or examine, Sa (사 - 査) meaning to investigate, Suk (숙 - 熟) meaning ripe or mature, and Go (고 - 考) meaning to think or consider. Combined, the word literally suggests a thought process that has been investigated and examined until it is 'ripe' or fully matured. This implies that the decision-maker has looked at a problem from every possible angle, weighed the pros and cons, and considered the long-term consequences before reaching a conclusion.

Formal Contexts: This word is frequently used in business meetings, legal proceedings, academic papers, and official government announcements. When a CEO says they will 'deliberate' on a proposal, they use this term to convey a sense of responsibility and gravitas.
Life-Changing Decisions: Individuals use it when discussing significant life events such as marriage, career changes, moving to another country, or making a large financial investment. It signals that the speaker is not acting on impulse.
Ethical and Moral Dilemmas: When faced with a choice that has moral implications, '심사숙고하다' describes the internal struggle and the weight of the conscience during the decision-making process.

"정부는 새로운 정책을 시행하기 전에 전문가들과 함께 심사숙고하여 결정을 내렸습니다." (The government made a decision after deliberating deeply with experts before implementing the new policy.)

In Korean society, the ability to '심사숙고' is often viewed as a virtue of a wise and mature leader. It contrasts with '경솔하다' (to be rash or thoughtless). In literature and historical dramas (Sageuk), you will often hear kings or high-ranking officials using this term to show that they are taking the welfare of the people seriously. The word carries a heavy emotional and intellectual weight, suggesting that the person thinking is experiencing a period of 'Suk' (ripeness), where their thoughts are slowly cooking until they are perfect. This linguistic metaphor of 'ripening' a thought is unique to East Asian philosophy, where patience and time are seen as essential components of wisdom. Therefore, when you use this word, you are not just saying you are thinking; you are saying you are honoring the complexity of the situation with your time and mental energy.

"그는 사직서를 제출하기 전에 며칠 동안 심사숙고했다." (He deliberated for several days before submitting his resignation letter.)

Using 심사숙고하다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and the particles it typically pairs with. Since it is a formal verb, it most often appears in the '~ㄴ/은 끝에' (at the end of...) or '~한 후에' (after doing...) constructions to show the result of long contemplation. It can also be used with the particle '~를' when there is a direct object, or '~에 대해' (about) when discussing a topic of thought.

With the Object Particle (~를/을): You can use it to say you are contemplating a specific thing. For example: '제안을 심사숙고하다' (To deliberate on a proposal).
With the Topic Particle (~에 대해/대하여): This is used when thinking 'about' a broader subject. For example: '미래에 대해 심사숙고하다' (To think deeply about the future).
As a Modifier (심사숙고한): It can describe a noun, usually '결정' (decision) or '결론' (conclusion). For example: '심사숙고한 끝에 내린 결정' (A decision made after deep deliberation).

"우리는 이번 프로젝트의 방향성을 심사숙고하고 있습니다." (We are carefully deliberating on the direction of this project.)

Grammatically, '심사숙고' is a noun, and '하다' is the verb-forming suffix. This means you can also use '심사숙고' as a standalone noun in sentences like '심사숙고가 필요하다' (Deep deliberation is required). In spoken Korean, you might hear the slightly less formal but still serious '숙고하다', but '심사숙고하다' remains the gold standard for expressing profound consideration. When conjugating, it follows the standard '하다' verb rules (e.g., 심사숙고해요, 심사숙고했습니다, 심사숙고하십시오). In professional emails, the form '심사숙고하여 주시기 바랍니다' (Please deliberate on this) is a polite and respectful way to ask a superior or a client to take their time with a decision.

"심사숙고한 결과, 저희는 귀하의 제안을 받아들이기로 했습니다." (As a result of deep deliberation, we have decided to accept your proposal.)

While you won't hear a child say 심사숙고하다 while choosing a candy bar, you will encounter it daily in Korean media and professional environments. It is a staple of the 'News Korean' and 'Business Korean' registers. If you watch a Korean drama where a CEO is deciding whether to acquire another company, or a political thriller where a president is weighing an international treaty, this word will appear in almost every scene. It signals to the audience that the stakes are high.

In the News: News anchors use it when reporting on judicial rulings or government policy changes. '재판부는 이번 판결을 내리기 위해 심사숙고했습니다' (The judiciary deliberated deeply to reach this verdict).
In Corporate Culture: During performance reviews or strategy meetings, managers use this word to show they are taking employee feedback or market trends seriously.
In Formal Speeches: Graduation speeches or retirement addresses often include this word to describe the journey of making difficult choices over a lifetime.

"이번 인사이동은 회사의 미래를 위해 심사숙고하여 결정된 사항입니다." (This personnel change was decided after deep deliberation for the future of the company.)

Interestingly, you might also hear it in high-level sports commentary. If a coach takes a long time to call a play or a player hesitates before a crucial move, a commentator might say, '선수가 심사숙고 끝에 공을 던졌습니다' (The player threw the ball after much deliberation). This adds a layer of intellectual strategy to the physical action. In daily life, if a friend uses this word with you, they are likely signaling that they have something very serious to discuss. It sets a tone of sincerity and gravity. If someone says, '내가 심사숙고해서 내린 결론인데...' (This is a conclusion I reached after deep deliberation...), they are essentially asking you to respect the weight of their decision and not to dismiss it lightly.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 심사숙고하다 is using it in casual or trivial contexts. Because it is a B2/C1 level vocabulary word, it carries a heavy formal 'scent.' Using it when you are simply deciding which shirt to wear or what movie to watch can sound unintentionally funny or sarcastic to native speakers. This is known as a 'register mismatch.'

Register Mismatch: Mistake: '오늘 점심 뭐 먹을지 심사숙고했어.' (I deliberated deeply on what to eat for lunch today.) Correct: '오늘 점심 뭐 먹을지 고민했어.' (I thought/worried about what to eat for lunch.)
Confusing with '고민하다': While both involve thinking, '고민하다' often implies worry, anxiety, or a personal struggle. '심사숙고하다' is more objective, analytical, and purposeful. Don't use '심사숙고하다' if you are just feeling stressed about a choice.
Incorrect Particle Usage: Learners sometimes forget the '에 대해' (about) and try to use '심사숙고하다' as an intransitive verb without context. Always specify *what* is being deliberated.

"그 문제를 심사숙고하는 중입니다." (I am in the middle of deliberating on that problem.) - Note the use of the object particle '를/을' (hidden in '문제를').

Another common error is redundancy. Since the word itself contains the meaning of 'deeply' and 'carefully' within its Hanja roots, adding adverbs like '깊게' (deeply) or '조심스럽게' (carefully) before it can sometimes feel redundant to a native speaker, though not strictly grammatically wrong. Instead of saying '깊게 심사숙고하다', just saying '심사숙고하다' is usually sufficient and more natural. Finally, ensure you are using the correct '하다' conjugation. Because it is a formal word, it is rarely seen in the '반말' (informal) form unless you are talking to yourself or in a very specific literary context.

To truly master 심사숙고하다, you must know how it compares to its synonyms. Korean has a rich vocabulary for 'thinking,' and choosing the right one depends on the intensity and the context of the thought process. Here is a comparison with similar terms:

고심하다 (Gosim-hada): This means 'to rack one's brains' or 'to worry deeply.' While '심사숙고' is analytical, '고심' is more painful and emotional. You '고심' when you are struggling to find a solution to a difficult problem.
숙고하다 (Sukgo-hada): This is a shortened version of '심사숙고하다.' It is still formal but slightly more concise. It is often used in writing when the '심사' (examination) part is already implied by the context.
곰곰이 생각하다 (Gomgomi Saenggak-hada): This is the more 'native' Korean way to say 'to think over and over.' It is less formal than '심사숙고' and is used in everyday conversation. '곰곰이' is an adverb that describes the thoroughness of the thinking.
장고하다 (Janggo-hada): Literally 'long thinking.' This is often used in the context of games like Go (Baduk) or Chess, where a player takes a very long time before making a move. It emphasizes the *duration* of the thought.

"그는 문제를 해결하기 위해 밤새 고심했다." (He racked his brains all night to solve the problem.) vs. "그는 이직 제안에 대해 심사숙고했다." (He deliberated deeply on the job offer.)

Choosing between these depends on whether you want to emphasize the *formality* (심사숙고하다), the *pain/effort* (고심하다), the *duration* (장고하다), or just the *thoroughness* in a casual way (곰곰이 생각하다). For English speakers, think of '심사숙고하다' as 'to deliberate' and '곰곰이 생각하다' as 'to mull it over.' Using '심사숙고하다' correctly will immediately elevate your Korean and make you sound like a sophisticated communicator who understands the nuances of professional and respectful language.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '熟' (Suk) is the same one used in 'Suk-seong' (fermentation/aging) for Kimchi or meat, implying that a good decision needs to 'age' or 'ferment' in your mind.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɕimsʰasʰuk͈oɦada/

US /ɕimsʰasʰuk͈oɦada/

Primary stress is often on the 'suk' (숙) syllable to emphasize the 'depth' of the word.

Rhymes With

공고하다 (Gong-go-hada) 견고하다 (Gyeon-go-hada) 확고하다 (Hwak-go-hada) 사고하다 (Sa-go-hada) 권고하다 (Gwon-go-hada) 경고하다 (Gyeong-go-hada) 재고하다 (Jae-go-hada) 제고하다 (Je-go-hada)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'suk' as 'sook' like the English word.
Mumbling the 'sa' so it sounds like 'sim-suk-go'.
Failing to tense the 'k' sound in 'suk-go', making it sound like 'su-go' (effort).
Using a high pitch on 'sim' which can sound like a question.
Dropping the 'h' in 'hada' entirely.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in formal texts and news, but requires Hanja knowledge for full nuance.

Writing 5/5

Requires correct register usage and particle pairing.

Speaking 4/5

Longer word that requires clear articulation of the 'suk' syllable.

Listening 3/5

Distinctive sound makes it recognizable in formal contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

생각하다 결정하다 중요하다 문제 시간

Learn Next

고심하다 성찰하다 장고하다 판단하다 분석하다

Advanced

천려일실 숙고 심사 결단 추진하다

Grammar to Know

~ㄴ/은 끝에 (After a long period of...)

심사숙고한 끝에 결론을 내렸다.

~기 위해(서) (In order to...)

심사숙고하기 위해 혼자만의 시간을 가졌다.

~ㄹ/을 필요가 있다 (Need to...)

이 문제는 심사숙고할 필요가 있다.

~더니 (And then/As a result...)

며칠 심사숙고하더니 결국 승낙했다.

~아/어 보다 (Try doing...)

다시 한번 심사숙고해 보세요.

Examples by Level

저는 많이 생각해요.

I think a lot.

A1 level equivalent using '생각하다'.

이것은 중요한 일이에요.

This is an important matter.

Context for why someone might deliberate.

잘 생각하고 결정하세요.

Think well and then decide.

Imperative form of think.

시간이 필요해요.

I need time.

Expressing the need for time to think.

무엇이 더 좋아요?

Which one is better?

A question leading to deliberation.

엄마하고 이야기해요.

I talk with my mom.

A1 context for making decisions.

어려운 문제예요.

It is a difficult problem.

Describing a situation needing deep thought.

천천히 하세요.

Please take your time (do it slowly).

Encouraging not to rush.

선생님은 그 문제를 심사숙고하셨어요.

The teacher deliberated on that problem.

Honorific form '하셨어요'.

중요한 결정은 심사숙고해야 해요.

You must deliberate on important decisions.

Must/Should form '~해야 해요'.

그는 며칠 동안 심사숙고했어요.

He deliberated for several days.

Past tense '했어요'.

우리는 심사숙고한 후에 대답할 거예요.

We will answer after deliberating deeply.

Future tense '할 거예요' with '후에'.

심사숙고하는 것은 좋은 습관이에요.

Deliberating is a good habit.

Noun phrase '하는 것'.

부모님은 이사를 심사숙고하고 계세요.

My parents are deliberating on moving.

Present progressive honorific '하고 계세요'.

이 책은 심사숙고해서 읽어야 해요.

You should read this book with deep thought.

Adverbial use '해서'.

심사숙고 끝에 선물을 골랐어요.

After much deliberation, I chose a gift.

The phrase '심사숙고 끝에'.

결혼은 인생에서 가장 심사숙고해야 할 일 중 하나입니다.

Marriage is one of the things in life that requires the most deliberation.

Relative clause '해야 할 일'.

제안서를 보내기 전에 다시 한번 심사숙고해 보세요.

Please deliberate once more before sending the proposal.

Try doing '~해 보세요'.

그는 자신의 미래에 대해 심사숙고하기 시작했다.

He began to deliberate deeply about his future.

Started to '~하기 시작했다'.

충동구매를 하지 말고 심사숙고해서 물건을 사세요.

Don't buy on impulse; buy things after deep deliberation.

Negative command '하지 말고'.

심사숙고하지 않은 결정은 후회를 남길 수 있습니다.

Decisions made without deliberation can leave regrets.

Negation '하지 않은'.

정부는 경제 위기를 극복하기 위해 심사숙고하고 있다.

The government is deliberating to overcome the economic crisis.

Present progressive '하고 있다'.

그 작가는 단어 하나하나를 심사숙고하여 선택한다.

That author chooses every single word after deep deliberation.

Emphasizing detail '하나하나'.

우리는 그 계약을 심사숙고할 시간이 더 필요합니다.

We need more time to deliberate on that contract.

Describing time '할 시간'.

심사숙고한 끝에 저는 회사를 그만두기로 결심했습니다.

After deep deliberation, I decided to quit the company.

Construction '심사숙고한 끝에'.

어떤 투자가 가장 안전할지 심사숙고하는 중입니다.

I am in the middle of deliberating which investment would be the safest.

Indirect question '지' with '하는 중'.

지도자라면 마땅히 국가의 대사를 심사숙고해야 한다.

A leader should naturally deliberate on great matters of the state.

Conditional '라면' and '마땅히'.

그녀는 상대방의 제안을 심사숙고하더니 결국 거절했다.

She deliberated on the other party's proposal and eventually rejected it.

Observation/Transition '더니'.

심사숙고가 부족한 상태에서 내린 결론은 위험할 수 있다.

A conclusion reached in a state lacking deep deliberation can be dangerous.

Noun form '심사숙고' as a subject.

우리는 환경 문제를 해결할 방안을 심사숙고해야 할 시점에 와 있다.

We are at a point where we must deliberate on ways to solve environmental problems.

At the point of '시점에 와 있다'.

그의 말에는 오랜 시간 심사숙고한 흔적이 보였다.

In his words, traces of long-time deliberation were visible.

Traces of '~한 흔적'.

새로운 기술을 도입하기 전에 그 영향을 심사숙고해야 합니다.

Before introducing new technology, we must deliberate on its impact.

Before doing '하기 전에'.

법원은 피고인의 진술과 증거를 바탕으로 심사숙고하여 판결을 내렸다.

The court reached a verdict after deliberating deeply based on the defendant's statement and evidence.

Based on '바탕으로'.

철학적 난제에 대해 심사숙고하는 과정은 인간의 지성을 풍요롭게 한다.

The process of deliberating on philosophical dilemmas enriches human intellect.

Subject clause '하는 과정은'.

그 정책은 수많은 공청회와 심사숙고를 거쳐 확정되었습니다.

The policy was finalized after going through numerous public hearings and deep deliberations.

Going through '거쳐'.

심사숙고 끝에 내린 그의 결단은 조직에 큰 변화를 가져왔다.

His decision, made after deep deliberation, brought a huge change to the organization.

Noun '결단' (decisive action).

현대 사회에서는 속도보다 심사숙고의 가치가 때로 더 중요하게 여겨진다.

In modern society, the value of deep deliberation is sometimes considered more important than speed.

Passive '여겨진다'.

그 학자는 평생을 바쳐 우주의 기원을 심사숙고해 왔다.

That scholar has spent his whole life deliberating on the origin of the universe.

Continuous action '해 왔다'.

우리는 인공지능의 윤리적 가이드라인을 심사숙고하여 제정해야 한다.

We must establish ethical guidelines for AI after deep deliberation.

Establishing '제정해야 한다'.

그의 제안은 심사숙고할 가치조차 없다는 평가를 받았다.

His proposal was evaluated as not even worth deliberating on.

Not even '가치조차 없다'.

역사적 사료를 심사숙고하여 재해석하는 작업은 역사학자의 숙명이다.

The task of reinterpreting historical records after deep deliberation is the destiny of a historian.

Reinterpretation '재해석'.

그 통치자는 국가의 명운이 걸린 사안을 앞두고 심사숙고에 잠겼다.

The ruler was lost in deep deliberation ahead of a matter on which the nation's fate depended.

Lost in thought '잠겼다'.

인간 존재의 본질에 대한 심사숙고는 예술의 영원한 주제이다.

Deep deliberation on the essence of human existence is an eternal theme of art.

Essence of existence '존재의 본질'.

심사숙고를 거듭할수록 문제는 더욱 복잡하게 얽혀만 갔다.

The more they deliberated, the more the problem became intricately tangled.

The more... the more... '거듭할수록'.

그의 논문은 수년간의 심사숙고와 치밀한 분석의 산물이다.

His thesis is the product of years of deep deliberation and meticulous analysis.

Product of '산물이다'.

정치적 타협을 위해 각 정당은 서로의 이해관계를 심사숙고해야 한다.

For political compromise, each party must deliberate on each other's interests.

Interests/Stakeholders '이해관계'.

심사숙고의 과정 없이 이루어진 혁명은 혼란을 초래하기 쉽다.

A revolution achieved without a process of deep deliberation is likely to bring about chaos.

Likely to bring about '초래하기 쉽다'.

우리는 기술 문명의 발달이 가져올 실존적 위협을 심사숙고해야 할 의무가 있다.

We have an obligation to deliberate on the existential threats that the development of technological civilization will bring.

Obligation to '의무가 있다'.

Synonyms

숙고하다 곰곰이 생각하다 고심하다 성찰하다 반추하다

Antonyms

경솔하다 속단하다

Common Collocations

심사숙고한 끝에

심사숙고를 거듭하다

심사숙고할 시간

제안을 심사숙고하다

문제에 대해 심사숙고하다

심사숙고가 필요하다

심사숙고하여 결정하다

충분히 심사숙고하다

심사숙고에 잠기다

심사숙고의 과정

Common Phrases

심사숙고해 보겠습니다

— I will think about it deeply (formal way to delay an answer).

제안해 주신 내용은 심사숙고해 보겠습니다.

심사숙고 끝에 내린 결론

— A conclusion reached after long deliberation.

이것이 제가 심사숙고 끝에 내린 결론입니다.

심사숙고할 가치가 있다

— It is worth deliberating on.

그 아이디어는 심사숙고할 가치가 있습니다.

심사숙고를 부탁드립니다

— I ask for your deep deliberation (respectful request).

부디 긍정적인 방향으로 심사숙고를 부탁드립니다.

한 번 더 심사숙고하다

— To deliberate once more.

결정하기 전에 한 번 더 심사숙고하세요.

심사숙고의 흔적

— Traces of deep thought.

그의 글에는 심사숙고의 흔적이 가득하다.

심사숙고를 요하다

— To require deep deliberation.

이 문제는 고도의 심사숙고를 요합니다.

심사숙고를 마친 후

— After finishing deliberation.

심사숙고를 마친 후 결과를 발표하겠습니다.

심사숙고가 무색하게

— In a way that makes the deliberation pointless (unforeseen result).

심사숙고가 무색하게 상황이 급변했다.

심사숙고의 시간을 갖다

— To take time for deep deliberation.

혼자만의 심사숙고의 시간을 가졌다.

Often Confused With

심사숙고하다 vs 고민하다

Gomin-hada implies worry or anxiety, while Simsasukgo-hada is more analytical and deliberate.

심사숙고하다 vs 생각하다

Saenggak-hada is the general word for thinking; Simsasukgo-hada is much deeper and more formal.

심사숙고하다 vs 심사하다

Simsa-hada means to judge or evaluate a person or document (like an exam), whereas Simsasukgo-hada is about the internal thought process.

Idioms & Expressions

"심사숙고 끝에 악수를 두다"

— To make a bad move after overthinking it (often used in Go).

너무 심사숙고하다가 결국 악수를 두고 말았다.

General

"천려일실"

— Even a wise person who deliberates a thousand times can make one mistake.

심사숙고했지만 천려일실로 실수를 했다.

Literary (Hanja idiom)

"심사숙고는 지혜의 어머니"

— Deliberation is the mother of wisdom.

심사숙고는 지혜의 어머니라는 말을 잊지 마라.

Proverbial

"돌다리도 두들겨 보고 건너다"

— Even if it's a stone bridge, tap it before crossing (be extremely careful/deliberate).

심사숙고하는 자세는 돌다리도 두들겨 보는 것과 같다.

Proverb

"세 번 생각하고 한 번 말하라"

— Think three times and speak once.

심사숙고하여 말하는 습관을 들여야 한다.

General Advice

"장고 끝에 악수"

— A bad move after a long deliberation.

장고 끝에 악수라더니, 너무 고민하다가 일을 그르쳤다.

Common Saying

"심사숙고의 늪"

— The swamp of deliberation (getting stuck in overthinking).

그는 심사숙고의 늪에 빠져 결정을 내리지 못하고 있다.

Metaphorical

"무르익은 생각"

— A 'ripened' thought (reflecting the 'Suk' in Simsasukgo).

그의 생각은 심사숙고를 거쳐 무르익었다.

Literary

"깊은 생각에 잠기다"

— To be submerged in deep thought.

그는 밤늦도록 심사숙고에 잠겨 있었다.

General

"머리를 맞대고 심사숙고하다"

— To put heads together and deliberate deeply.

팀원들이 머리를 맞대고 이 문제를 심사숙고했다.

Colloquial/Business

Easily Confused

심사숙고하다 vs 숙고하다

It looks similar and has the same meaning.

Sukgo-hada is just a shorter version. Simsasukgo-hada is more emphatic and formal.

이 문제를 숙고해 봅시다. (Let's deliberate on this.)

심사숙고하다 vs 장고하다

Both mean thinking for a long time.

Janggo-hada focuses on the *time* spent, often used in games or strategy. Simsasukgo-hada focuses on the *quality* and *depth* of thought.

장고 끝에 악수를 두었다.

심사숙고하다 vs 성찰하다

Both are deep types of thinking.

Seongchal-hada is 'reflection' on oneself or the past. Simsasukgo-hada is 'deliberation' about a choice or a problem.

자신을 성찰하는 시간을 갖다.

심사숙고하다 vs 고려하다

Both mean to consider.

Goryeo-hada is 'to take into account' variables. Simsasukgo-hada is the *act* of thinking deeply about them.

여러 상황을 고려해야 한다.

심사숙고하다 vs 검토하다

Both are used in business.

Geomto-hada is 'to review' or 'examine' a document/plan. Simsasukgo-hada is the mental process of deciding based on that review.

서류를 검토하다.

Sentence Patterns

중요한 일을 심사숙고해요.

심사숙고한 후에 결정하세요.

제안을 심사숙고해 보겠습니다.

심사숙고한 끝에 결론을 내렸습니다.

심사숙고할 시간이 더 필요합니다.

심사숙고를 거듭한 결과입니다.

충분한 심사숙고 없이 결정하지 마십시오.

심사숙고의 과정을 거쳐 확정되었습니다.

Word Family

Nouns

심사 (Examination)

숙고 (Deliberation)

심사숙고 (Deep deliberation)

Verbs

심사하다 (To examine/judge)

숙고하다 (To deliberate)

심사숙고하다 (To deliberate deeply)

Adjectives

심사숙고한 (Deliberated/Careful)

고려 (Consideration)

판단 (Judgment)

결정 (Decision)

분석 (Analysis)

성찰 (Reflection)

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal/written Korean; Medium in daily spoken Korean.

Common Mistakes

Using it for choosing lunch. → Using '생각하다' or '고민하다'.
The register is too high for trivial daily choices.
Misspelling as '심사수고하다'. → 심사숙고하다
'수고' means 'trouble/effort,' while '숙고' means 'deep thought.'
Forgetting the particle '에 대해'. → 미래에 대해 심사숙고하다.
Without a particle, the sentence structure can feel incomplete.
Using it as an adjective '심사숙고하다' + Noun. → 심사숙고한 + Noun
You must use the modifier form '~ㄴ' to describe a noun like '결정'.
Using it when you are just 'worried'. → 고민하다
심사숙고하다 is more about logical deliberation than emotional worry.

Tips

Use in TOPIK Writing

When writing for TOPIK II, replace '많이 생각하다' with '심사숙고하다' to instantly boost your vocabulary score in the essay section.

Business Emails

Use '심사숙고하여 주시기 바랍니다' when you want to politely ask a client or boss to take their time to consider your proposal.

Analytical Thinking

Remember that this word implies an analytical process. It’s not just about feelings; it’s about weighing facts and evidence.

The '끝에' Pattern

The phrase '심사숙고한 끝에' is a set expression. Memorize it as a whole to describe a decision made after long thought.

The Virtue of Patience

In Korea, showing that you have '심사숙고'ed is a sign of respect to the person you are talking to, as it shows you didn't take their matter lightly.

The 'Suk' Sound

Make sure to pronounce the 'k' (ㄱ) in 'suk' clearly before moving to 'go'. It should feel like a slight stop in your breath.

Compare with 고심

If you are struggling and it's painful, use '고심하다'. If you are calmly analyzing, use '심사숙고하다'.

Learn the Noun

The noun form '심사숙고' can be used with verbs like '거듭하다' (to repeat) or '필요하다' (to need).

Historical Context

When reading historical novels or watching Sageuks, look for this word when a king is making a decree.

Ripe Thoughts

Think of a 'ripe' (Suk) decision. Just as you wouldn't eat raw fruit, don't act on 'raw' thoughts.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SIM' cards (information) and 'SA' (searching) for a 'SUK' (super) 'GO' (goal). You need to search the info before you go for the goal.

Visual Association

Imagine a chef watching a pot of stew. He doesn't just look at it; he examines the ingredients (Simsa) and waits for it to be perfectly cooked/ripe (Sukgo) before serving.

Word Web

Decision Maturity Time Analysis Responsibility Wisdom Prudence Gravity

Challenge

Try to use '심사숙고하다' in a sentence about your next big life goal (career, study, or travel) and explain why it requires more than just '생각'.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean characters (Hanja). 審 (examine) + 査 (investigate) + 熟 (ripe/mature) + 考 (think).

Original meaning: To examine and investigate until the thought is mature and ripe.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Avoid using this word for people who are in a rush or for trivial matters, as it can sound condescending or mocking.

English speakers might use 'sleep on it' or 'mull it over,' but '심사숙고하다' is more formal, akin to 'due diligence' or 'judicial deliberation.'

The Analects of Confucius (often cited when discussing the importance of thinking before acting). Korean historical dramas (Sageuk) where kings '심사숙고' over the fate of the nation. Modern business management books in Korea that emphasize 'Simsasukgo' over 'Speed Management'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Meetings

이 안건을 심사숙고해 봅시다.
심사숙고한 결과입니다.
더 심사숙고가 필요합니다.
제안을 심사숙고하겠습니다.

Career/Education

전공 선택을 심사숙고하다.
이직을 심사숙고 중입니다.
유학을 심사숙고하고 있어요.
심사숙고해서 결정한 대학입니다.

Legal/Official

판결을 심사숙고하다.
법안을 심사숙고하여 처리하다.
심사숙고 끝에 내려진 결론.
증거를 심사숙고하다.

Personal Relationships

결혼을 심사숙고하다.
이별을 심사숙고하다.
고백을 심사숙고하다.
친구의 조언을 심사숙고하다.

Financial Decisions

투자를 심사숙고하다.
집 매매를 심사숙고하다.
예산을 심사숙고하여 짜다.
대출을 심사숙고하다.

Conversation Starters

"인생에서 가장 심사숙고해서 내린 결정은 무엇인가요? (What is the decision you deliberated on most in your life?)"

"중요한 일을 결정할 때 보통 얼마나 심사숙고하시나요? (How long do you usually deliberate when making an important decision?)"

"심사숙고하지 않고 충동적으로 행동해서 후회한 적이 있나요? (Have you ever regretted acting impulsively without deliberation?)"

"최근에 심사숙고하고 있는 고민이 있나요? (Is there something you are deliberating on deeply lately?)"

"심사숙고하는 것과 빨리 결정하는 것 중 무엇이 더 중요하다고 생각하세요? (Which do you think is more important: deliberating or deciding quickly?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 최근에 심사숙고하고 있는 문제와 그 이유에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about a problem you are deliberating on recently and why.)

심사숙고 끝에 내린 결정이 내 인생을 어떻게 바꾸었는지 기록해 보세요. (Record how a decision made after deep deliberation changed your life.)

심사숙고가 필요한 상황에서 내가 사용하는 나만의 방법은 무엇인가요? (What is your own method for when you need to deliberate deeply?)

어떤 사람이 '심사숙고하는 사람'이라고 생각하는지 그 특징을 나열해 보세요. (List the characteristics of someone you consider a 'person who deliberates deeply'.)

'심사숙고'라는 단어의 한자 의미를 생각하며 자신의 생각을 정리해 보세요. (Organize your thoughts while reflecting on the Hanja meaning of 'Simsasukgo'.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but only if you are talking about something very serious like moving or changing jobs. If you use it for 'what movie to watch,' it sounds like you are being sarcastic or overly dramatic.

Gomin (고민) is usually about a personal problem that makes you feel a bit stressed or worried. Simsasukgo (심사숙고) is a more professional and calm way to say you are analyzing a situation to make the best choice.

It is very common in both, but you will see it more frequently in formal writing, news reports, and professional emails.

Since it ends in '하다', it becomes '심사숙고했다' (informal/written) or '심사숙고했습니다' (formal).

You can, but it's a bit redundant because '심' and '숙' already mean 'deep' and 'mature.' Most native speakers just say '심사숙고하다'.

Absolutely! It's an excellent word to use in a job interview to show that you are a careful and thoughtful person. For example: '저는 업무를 처리할 때 항상 심사숙고하는 편입니다' (I tend to always deliberate deeply when handling work).

It means 'ripe' or 'mature.' It suggests that your thoughts shouldn't be 'raw' or impulsive, but should be 'cooked' or 'ripened' through time and effort.

Usually, children don't use this word because it's quite formal. They would use '생각하다' or '고민하다'.

You can use '~를/을' for a direct object (제안을 심사숙고하다) or '~에 대해(서)' for a topic (문제에 대해 심사숙고하다).

There isn't a direct slang version, but young people might use '뇌풀가동' (brain at full capacity) to jokingly mean they are thinking very hard.