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B1 verb 11 min read

보유하다

boyuhada
Examples
Explanation 보유하다 in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are just beginning their journey into the Korean language and are focusing on basic survival phrases, simple introductions, and everyday vocabulary. The word 보유하다 is highly unlikely to be introduced or tested at this level because it deals with complex, formal concepts of possession that are not relevant to a beginner's daily needs. Instead, A1 learners will focus entirely on the verb 있다 (to exist / to have) and the basic verb 가지다 (to have / to hold). They will learn how to say 'I have an apple' (저는 사과가 있어요) or 'Do you have a pen?' (펜 있어요?). Teaching 보유하다 at this stage would be counterproductive, as it might confuse learners about the appropriate register and lead them to use overly formal language in casual situations. If an A1 learner encounters this word, it will likely be in a translated document or a highly formal sign, and they only need to passively recognize that it relates to 'having' something. The focus remains on mastering the fundamental subject and object particles (이/가, 을/를) with simple verbs. Therefore, while it is good to know that Korean has formal equivalents for basic words, A1 learners should not attempt to use 보유하다 in their own speech or writing, sticking instead to the foundational vocabulary that allows for simple, effective communication in everyday scenarios.
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At the A2 level, learners are expanding their vocabulary to include more specific situations, such as shopping, basic work environments, and simple descriptions of people and places. They are becoming more comfortable with conjugating verbs into various tenses and using basic connective particles. However, 보유하다 is still generally considered too formal and specific for active production at this stage. A2 learners might start to see this word in reading comprehension exercises that feature simple news clippings or basic job advertisements, where they must identify required skills or company assets. Their primary task is to recognize the word and understand its basic meaning ('to possess' or 'to hold') without necessarily needing to use it in their own sentences. They should focus on solidifying their understanding of 가지다 and 소유하다 (to own, which might be introduced in the context of owning a house or a car). If an A2 learner tries to use 보유하다, it will usually be in a heavily scaffolded exercise where the context is strictly controlled, such as filling in a blank in a sentence about a company's technology. The key takeaway for an A2 learner is passive recognition: knowing that when they see 보유하다, the text is talking about someone or some entity having something important, official, or valuable in a formal context.
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At the B1 level, learners are crossing the threshold into intermediate Korean. They are starting to read longer texts, express opinions, and understand the nuances of different levels of formality. This is the ideal stage to actively introduce and practice 보유하다. B1 learners are expected to discuss topics like their career goals, professional qualifications, and basic news events. In these contexts, knowing how to say 'I possess this certificate' (저는 이 자격증을 보유하고 있습니다) or 'That athlete holds the record' (그 선수는 기록을 보유하고 있습니다) becomes incredibly useful and elevates their language proficiency. At this level, learners must focus on the grammatical structure most commonly associated with this verb: the present progressive form -고 있다. They need to understand that we say 보유하고 있다 rather than just 보유한다 to express an ongoing state of possession. Furthermore, B1 learners should practice identifying the correct collocations—pairing 보유하다 with abstract or formal nouns like 기술 (skill), 자격 (qualification), 기록 (record), and 지분 (shares)—while strictly avoiding pairing it with everyday objects like food or clothing. By mastering this word at the B1 level, learners demonstrate that they can adapt their vocabulary to suit formal and professional environments, a critical skill for passing intermediate proficiency exams like TOPIK II (Levels 3-4).
At the B2 level, learners are highly capable of navigating complex texts, participating in professional discussions, and understanding detailed news broadcasts. The word 보유하다 is fully integrated into their active vocabulary, and they are expected to use it accurately and naturally in a variety of formal contexts. B2 learners will encounter this word frequently in reading materials related to economics, politics, technology, and human resources. They should be able to write formal essays or business emails using 보유하다 to describe corporate assets, national resources, or specialized skill sets. At this stage, the focus shifts to more complex grammatical structures, such as using the verb as a noun modifier (보유한 기술 - the skills possessed) or in passive/causative forms. They should also be comfortable with the noun form, 보유 (possession/retention), and related compound words like 보유자 (holder/possessor) and 보유량 (amount held/reserves). B2 learners must also be able to clearly articulate the subtle pragmatic differences between 보유하다 (to formally retain/hold), 소유하다 (to legally own property), and 가지다 (to simply have). Their use of the word should reflect a deep understanding of Korean corporate and social culture, where formal qualifications and documented assets are highly valued and frequently discussed in professional discourse.
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At the C1 level, learners possess an advanced, near-native command of the Korean language. They can read academic papers, understand complex financial reports, and engage in high-level debates. For a C1 learner, using 보유하다 is second nature, and their focus is on stylistic precision and advanced collocations. They will use this word to discuss abstract and highly specific concepts, such as a nation's strategic possession of nuclear deterrents (핵 억지력 보유), a corporation's retention of exclusive intellectual property rights (독점적 지적재산권 보유), or the psychological implications of holding certain beliefs or prejudices (though this is less common, it can be used in highly academic sociological contexts). C1 learners will fluidly integrate the word into complex sentence structures, using advanced grammar patterns to express nuance, conditionality, and concession. They are also fully capable of recognizing and utilizing idiomatic or fixed expressions that involve the concept of formal possession. At this level, any misuse of the word—such as using it in a slightly inappropriate register or pairing it with a mismatched noun—would be recognized as a stylistic error rather than a basic vocabulary mistake. The C1 learner's goal is to wield 보유하다 with the exact same precision, cultural awareness, and rhetorical impact as an educated native Korean speaker.
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At the C2 level, the learner has achieved mastery of the Korean language, demonstrating exceptional fluency, accuracy, and an intuitive grasp of the most subtle linguistic nuances. The word 보유하다 is utilized effortlessly across all domains of professional, academic, and literary discourse. C2 learners not only use the word flawlessly but can also critically analyze its usage in various texts, recognizing how politicians, journalists, or corporate executives might employ the term rhetorically to emphasize legitimacy, authority, or stability. They understand the etymological roots (Hanja 保有) deeply and can draw connections to other Hanja-based vocabulary to infer the meanings of newly encountered words. In writing, a C2 learner might use 보유하다 to craft highly sophisticated arguments regarding legal precedents of ownership, economic theories of asset retention, or the geopolitical strategies of resource holding. They can play with the register, perhaps using the word ironically in a literary piece to highlight the absurdity of treating a human emotion as a corporate asset. At this pinnacle of language learning, 보유하다 is merely one tool among thousands in an expansive, highly refined vocabulary repertoire, deployed with absolute confidence and profound cultural resonance.
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Examples
The Korean verb 보유하다 (boyuhada) is a formal and highly structured vocabulary word that translates most directly to the English verbs to possess, to hold, to retain, or to own. However, unlike the more common and colloquial Korean verbs such as 가지다 (gajida) or 있다 (itda), which can be used for almost any everyday object or abstract concept, 보유하다 carries a significant weight of officialdom, documentation, legality, and long-term retention. When a Korean speaker chooses to use the word 보유하다, they are deliberately elevating the register of the conversation to indicate that the possession is not merely incidental but is a recognized, often quantifiable, and officially recorded state of being. This distinction is crucial for learners of the Korean language to master, as using 보유하다 in the wrong context can make the speaker sound overly bureaucratic or unintentionally humorous. For instance, you would never say that you 보유하다 a cup of coffee or a casual thought. Instead, this verb is reserved for substantial assets, recognized qualifications, official records, and significant capabilities. The linguistic roots of the word come from Hanja, the Chinese characters used in the Korean language. The first character, 보 (保), means to preserve, protect, or maintain. The second character, 유 (有), means to have, to exist, or to possess. Together, they form a concept that goes beyond simple ownership to imply a state of maintaining and protecting what one has acquired.
Hanja Breakdown: 보 (保)
Meaning to protect, preserve, or guarantee. This adds the nuance of safeguarding the possessed item.
Hanja Breakdown: 유 (有)
Meaning to have, to exist, or to possess. This is the core action of having the item.
Combined Meaning
To possess and maintain something of value or significance in an official capacity.
This etymological breakdown helps explain why the word is so frequently used in contexts involving corporate assets, national security, intellectual property, and professional certifications. In the business world, a company might 보유하다 a certain number of shares, patents, or real estate properties.

그 회사는 많은 특허를 보유하고 있습니다.

In the realm of sports, an athlete might 보유하다 a world record or a championship title.

그 선수는 세계 신기록을 보유하고 있다.

In international relations, a country might 보유하다 nuclear weapons or a strategic reserve of oil.

그 국가는 핵무기를 보유하고 있을 가능성이 높다.

Even on a personal level, an individual might 보유하다 a specific set of technical skills, a rare license, or a significant amount of wealth, provided that these possessions are viewed through a formal or official lens.

그는 여러 개의 전문 자격증을 보유하고 있습니다.

Understanding the pragmatic usage of this word requires a deep dive into the cultural and societal norms of South Korea, a nation that places a high value on official qualifications, documented achievements, and clear legal ownership. The language reflects this societal structure, providing specific vocabulary to differentiate between casual having and official holding. When you read news articles, official reports, or business documents, you will encounter 보유하다 repeatedly. It is the verb of choice for journalists reporting on the stock market, legal analysts discussing property rights, and human resources professionals evaluating a candidate's skill set.

우리 은행은 상당한 외환을 보유하고 있습니다.

To truly master Korean at an intermediate to advanced level, one must learn not just the dictionary definition of words, but their collocations and registers. 보유하다 naturally pairs with nouns like 자격증 (certificate), 기술 (skill), 지분 (stake/shares), 기록 (record), and 무기 (weapon). It is almost always used in the present progressive form 보유하고 있다 (is possessing / holds) to indicate an ongoing state of possession. By integrating this word into your vocabulary, you demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of Korean formality and context, moving beyond the basics to express complex ideas about ownership and capability with precision and cultural appropriateness.
Using 보유하다 correctly in sentences requires an understanding of Korean sentence structure, particle usage, and appropriate noun pairings. Because it is a transitive verb, it requires a direct object, which is marked by the object particles 을 or 를. The basic sentence structure is [Subject] + 이/가 or 은/는 + [Object] + 을/를 + 보유하다. However, as mentioned previously, the verb is most frequently conjugated into the present progressive state, 보유하고 있다, to reflect that the possession is an ongoing condition. Let us explore various contexts and grammatical constructions where this verb shines. In a business context, you might want to describe a company's assets. You would place the company as the topic and the asset as the object.

삼성전자는 막대한 현금을 보유하고 있다.

This translates to 'Samsung Electronics holds a massive amount of cash.' Notice the use of 막대한 (massive) and 현금 (cash). These formal nouns pair perfectly with the formal verb. If you are discussing human resources or personal qualifications, the structure remains the same, but the vocabulary shifts.

지원자는 뛰어난 외국어 능력을 보유해야 합니다.

Here, we use the obligation form 해야 하다 (must do) attached to the verb, creating 보유해야 합니다 (must possess). This means 'Applicants must possess excellent foreign language skills.' This is a standard sentence you would find in a Korean job posting.
Grammar Pattern: -고 있다
Indicates an ongoing state. '보유하고 있다' means 'is currently holding/possessing'.
Grammar Pattern: -해야 하다
Indicates necessity or obligation. '보유해야 한다' means 'must possess'.
Grammar Pattern: -한 (Adjective modifier)
Used to modify the noun being possessed, e.g., '막대한 현금' (massive cash).
In the context of sports or achievements, the verb is used to describe holding a record.

그는 올림픽 신기록을 보유한 선수입니다.

In this sentence, 보유하다 is conjugated as a noun modifier 보유한 (who possesses/holds) to describe the athlete (선수). 'He is an athlete who holds an Olympic new record.' This attributive use is extremely common in descriptive writing and journalism. Furthermore, you can use it in passive or causative structures, though they are less common than the active voice. For example, when talking about military capabilities, the active voice is preferred.

그 나라는 대량 살상 무기를 보유하고 있다는 의심을 받는다.

'The country is suspected of possessing weapons of mass destruction.' The phrase 보유하고 있다는 의심 (suspicion of possessing) is a complex noun phrase demonstrating advanced syntactic integration. When forming questions, especially in formal interviews or official inquiries, you might ask:

어떤 특별한 기술을 보유하고 계십니까?

'What special skills do you possess?' Here, the honorific infix 계시다 is used instead of 있다 to show extreme respect to the listener. Mastering these various conjugations and structural integrations will allow you to deploy 보유하다 effectively across a wide range of formal and professional scenarios, significantly enhancing your Korean communication skills.
You will rarely, if ever, hear the word 보유하다 used in casual conversation among friends at a cafe or while chatting about weekend plans. Its natural habitat is the realm of formal discourse, professional environments, official documentation, and news broadcasting. If you immerse yourself in Korean media, you will quickly notice distinct patterns in where and how this word appears. One of the most prominent places you will encounter 보유하다 is in job advertisements and human resources contexts. Companies frequently list the qualifications required for a position using this verb.

관련 분야 경력 5년 이상 보유자 우대.

This translates to 'Preference given to those who possess more than 5 years of experience in a related field.' Here, the verb has been transformed into a noun, 보유자 (possessor/holder), by adding the suffix 자 (person).
Context: Job Postings
Used to specify required skills, licenses, or years of experience an applicant must have.
Context: Financial News
Used to discuss companies holding shares, assets, cash reserves, or real estate.
Context: Sports Commentary
Used when referring to athletes or teams holding championship titles or world records.
Another major domain for this word is financial and corporate news. When reporters discuss the stock market, mergers and acquisitions, or corporate assets, 보유하다 is the standard terminology.

외국인 투자자들이 국내 주식을 대량으로 보유하고 있습니다.

'Foreign investors hold a massive amount of domestic stocks.' You will also hear it during corporate presentations when a company is boasting about its intellectual property.

당사는 세계 최고의 원천 기술을 보유하고 있습니다.

'Our company possesses the world's best original technology.' In the legal and governmental spheres, the word is used to denote the legal possession of items that require permits or are regulated by the state, such as firearms, hazardous materials, or classified information.

불법 무기를 보유하는 것은 엄격히 금지되어 있습니다.

'Possessing illegal weapons is strictly prohibited.' Finally, in the context of sports and competitive gaming, announcers frequently use this word to talk about titles and records.

그녀는 현재 챔피언 타이틀을 보유하고 방어전을 준비 중입니다.

'She currently holds the champion title and is preparing for a defense match.' By recognizing these specific environments, learners can better anticipate when the word will appear and understand the formal tone it sets for the surrounding discourse. It is a linguistic marker of seriousness, official capacity, and verified status.
When learners first encounter the verb 보유하다, they often make the mistake of treating it as a direct, interchangeable synonym for the English verb 'to have' or the basic Korean verbs 가지다 (to have/hold) and 있다 (to exist/have). This leads to significant pragmatic errors where the learner applies a highly formal and bureaucratic word to mundane, everyday situations. One of the most glaring mistakes is using 보유하다 for ordinary physical objects. For example, a learner might try to say 'I have an apple' by translating it as 나는 사과를 보유하고 있다.

Incorrect: 나는 사과를 보유하고 있다.

While grammatically correct, this sentence sounds absurd to a native Korean speaker. It sounds as though the apple is a strategic corporate asset or a legally registered weapon. The correct phrasing would simply be 나는 사과를 가지고 있다 or 나는 사과가 있다.
Mistake: Everyday Objects
Do not use 보유하다 for things like food, clothing, or small personal items. Use 가지다 or 있다 instead.
Mistake: Abstract Feelings
Do not use it for emotions or thoughts, such as 'I have a good feeling'. Use 들다 or 가지다.
Mistake: Family Members
Never use 보유하다 to say you have siblings or children. Use 있다.
Another frequent error involves using the verb in its simple present or past tense when the progressive tense is required. Because possessing a skill or an asset is an ongoing state, Koreans almost exclusively use the form 보유하고 있다 (is possessing) rather than just 보유한다 (possesses) or 보유했다 (possessed), unless they are referring to a specific point in time or a general truth in a highly specific grammatical construct.

Awkward: 그 회사는 많은 기술을 보유한다.

Natural: 그 회사는 많은 기술을 보유하고 있다.

A third common mistake is using 보유하다 with people or animals. You cannot 'possess' a friend, a sibling, or a pet using this verb.

Incorrect: 저는 두 명의 형제를 보유하고 있습니다.

This sounds highly dehumanizing and clinical. You must use 있다 (저는 형제가 두 명 있습니다).

Incorrect: 저는 강아지를 보유하고 있어요.

Use 키우다 (to raise) or 있다 for pets. By understanding these boundaries, learners can avoid awkward phrasing and ensure that their use of advanced vocabulary actually enhances their fluency rather than detracting from it. Precision in register is just as important as grammatical accuracy in the Korean language.
The Korean language is rich in vocabulary related to possession, ownership, and holding. Understanding the nuances between these synonyms is key to achieving fluency and sounding natural in various contexts. The most direct and common alternative to 보유하다 is 가지다 (gajida). 가지다 is the universal verb for 'to have' or 'to hold' in a physical or abstract sense. It lacks the formal, bureaucratic weight of 보유하다 and is perfectly suited for everyday conversation.
Alternative: 가지다 (gajida)
General, everyday word for having or holding. Used for objects, thoughts, and meetings.

나는 새 핸드폰을 가지고 있다.

Another highly relevant synonym is 소유하다 (soyuhada). This word is also derived from Hanja and translates to 'to own' or 'to possess'. However, while 보유하다 emphasizes the state of holding, maintaining, or retaining an asset or skill, 소유하다 strictly emphasizes legal ownership and property rights. You 소유하다 a house, land, or a car, highlighting that you are the legal owner. You 보유하다 a skill, a record, or shares, highlighting that you hold them and maintain them.
Alternative: 소유하다 (soyuhada)
Focuses strictly on legal ownership and property rights. Used for real estate, vehicles, and tangible assets.

그는 서울에 큰 빌딩을 소유하고 있다.

A third synonym is 지니다 (jinida). This verb has a slightly more literary or poetic nuance and is often used to describe carrying something on one's person or possessing an intrinsic quality, characteristic, or memory. You might 지니다 a small talisman in your pocket, or a person might 지니다 a warm personality. It is softer and more personal than the clinical 보유하다.
Alternative: 지니다 (jinida)
To carry on one's person, or to possess an intrinsic quality or memory. Slightly literary.

그녀는 항상 미소를 지니고 다닌다.

Finally, the most basic way to express possession in Korean is simply using the adjective 있다 (itda), meaning 'to exist'. By stating that an object exists to you (나는 차가 있다 - As for me, a car exists), you effectively communicate possession. This is the most common and natural way to express having something in daily life.

저는 질문이 있습니다.

정부는 막대한 예산을 보유하고 있다.

Choosing the right word depends entirely on the context, the object being possessed, and the level of formality required by the situation. Mastery of these distinctions is a hallmark of an advanced Korean speaker.
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Examples by Level

1

저는 펜이 있어요.

I have a pen. (Uses basic verb, not 보유하다)

A1 uses 있다 instead of 보유하다.

2

사과를 가지고 있어요.

I have an apple.

A1 uses 가지다 for objects.

3

자동차가 있어요.

I have a car.

Basic existence/possession.

4

시간이 있어요?

Do you have time?

Abstract possession uses 있다.

5

저는 강아지가 있어요.

I have a puppy.

Pets use 있다.

6

돈이 없어요.

I don't have money.

Negative possession.

7

가방을 가지고 가요.

I take my bag.

Action of carrying.

8

우산이 있어요.

I have an umbrella.

Simple possession.

1

그 회사는 좋은 기술이 있어요.

That company has good technology.

Transitioning to business contexts, still using 있다.

2

저는 운전면허증을 가지고 있어요.

I have a driver's license.

Using 가지다 for qualifications.

3

이 식당은 넓은 주차장이 있어요.

This restaurant has a large parking lot.

Describing locations.

4

많은 경험을 가지고 있습니다.

I have a lot of experience.

Formal ending with 가지다.

5

그는 큰 집을 소유하고 있어요.

He owns a big house.

Introducing 소유하다 (to own).

6

새로운 핸드폰을 샀어요.

I bought a new cellphone.

Acquiring items.

7

우리는 중요한 회의를 가질 거예요.

We will have an important meeting.

Having an event.

8

그 선수는 금메달을 땄어요.

That athlete won a gold medal.

Discussing achievements.

1

우리 회사는 많은 특허를 보유하고 있습니다.

Our company holds many patents.

Standard B1 usage with corporate assets.

2

그는 컴퓨터 활용 능력 자격증을 보유하고 있다.

He possesses a computer literacy certificate.

Using 보유하다 for qualifications.

3

한국은 외환 준비금을 충분히 보유하고 있습니다.

South Korea holds sufficient foreign exchange reserves.

Economic context.

4

그 선수는 세계 신기록을 보유하고 있습니다.

That athlete holds the world record.

Sports context.

5

지원자는 관련 경력을 보유해야 합니다.

Applicants must possess relevant experience.

Obligation form (-해야 하다).

6

이 건물은 최신 보안 시스템을 보유하고 있다.

This building possesses the latest security system.

Describing facility capabilities.

7

불법 무기를 보유하는 것은 범죄입니다.

Possessing illegal weapons is a crime.

Legal context.

8

그 미술관은 유명한 작품들을 보유하고 있어요.

That art museum holds famous artworks.

Museum collections.

1

대기업들은 막대한 사내 유보금을 보유하고 있는 것으로 나타났다.

It was revealed that large conglomerates are holding massive internal reserves.

Advanced financial vocabulary and passive reporting (-고 있는 것으로 나타났다).

2

해당 국가는 대량 살상 무기를 보유했을 가능성이 제기되었다.

The possibility was raised that the country might have possessed weapons of mass destruction.

Past tense assumption (-했을 가능성).

3

독자적인 기술을 보유한 기업만이 살아남을 수 있습니다.

Only companies that possess independent technology can survive.

Noun modifier form (보유한).

4

그는 회사 지분의 30%를 보유한 최대 주주이다.

He is the largest shareholder, holding 30% of the company's shares.

Business ownership context.

5

정부는 비상시를 대비해 충분한 식량을 보유하고 있다.

The government is holding sufficient food supplies in preparation for emergencies.

Strategic reserves.

6

고객의 개인정보를 무단으로 보유해서는 안 됩니다.

You must not retain customers' personal information without authorization.

Prohibition (-해서는 안 되다).

7

우수한 인재를 다수 보유한 대학이 경쟁력이 높다.

Universities that possess a large number of excellent talents have high competitiveness.

Using 보유하다 with human resources (abstractly).

8

현재 챔피언 타이틀을 보유 중인 선수가 부상으로 기권했다.

The athlete currently holding the champion title forfeited due to injury.

Using the noun form (보유 중).

1

핵 억지력을 보유하는 것이 국가 안보의 핵심 전략으로 간주된다.

Possessing nuclear deterrence is considered the core strategy of national security.

Highly formal geopolitical discourse.

2

당사는 원천 기술을 보유함으로써 시장에서 독점적 지위를 확보하였다.

By possessing the original technology, our company secured a monopolistic position in the market.

Using -함으로써 (by doing) for formal cause/method.

3

희귀 질환에 대한 항체 데이터를 다량 보유하고 있는 연구소입니다.

It is a research institute holding a massive amount of antibody data for rare diseases.

Scientific and academic context.

4

문화재청은 국보급 유물을 다수 보유한 개인 소장가와 협상을 벌이고 있다.

The Cultural Heritage Administration is negotiating with a private collector who holds multiple national treasure-level artifacts.

Institutional reporting.

5

외국 자본이 국내 주요 은행의 지분을 과도하게 보유하는 것에 대한 우려가 있다.

There are concerns about foreign capital excessively holding shares in major domestic banks.

Complex noun phrase expressing concern.

6

그는 뛰어난 통찰력과 결단력을 동시에 보유한 보기 드문 리더이다.

He is a rare leader who possesses both outstanding insight and decisiveness simultaneously.

Using 보유하다 for highly formal abstract personal traits.

7

해당 조항은 국가가 비상 대권을 보유할 수 있는 법적 근거를 제공한다.

The clause provides the legal basis for the state to possess emergency powers.

Legal terminology.

8

방대한 양의 빅데이터를 보유하고 이를 분

Synonyms

가지다 소유하다 지니다 간직하다
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