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B1 noun 23 min read

등수

deungsu
Definition
The Korean word '등수' (deungsu) directly translates to 'ranking,' 'grade,' or 'position' in a scale of performance or achievement. It is a fundamental noun used across various contexts where order or standing is important.
Usage in Education
In academic settings, '등수' is extremely common. Students are often concerned about their '등수' in class, on exams, or in national college entrance exams. For instance, a student might ask, "제 수학 시험 등수가 몇 등이에요?" (What is my math exam ranking?). Teachers also use it to discuss student performance. Parents frequently inquire about their child's '등수' to gauge their academic progress. The desire to achieve a high '등수' is a significant motivator for many Korean students.
Usage in Competitions and Sports
Beyond academics, '등수' is widely used in any competitive scenario. This includes sports, games, and even business performance evaluations. If there's a competition, there will be rankings. For example, in a marathon, participants are keenly interested in their finishing '등수'. In esports, players strive for a high '등수' on leaderboards. Even in talent shows, contestants are ranked according to their performances, and their '등수' is announced.
Usage in General Life
The concept of ranking extends to everyday life. It can refer to the '등수' of a company in a market, the '등수' of a song on a music chart, or even the '등수' of a popular tourist destination. When comparing things or people based on a specific criterion, '등수' is the word used to denote their position. For example, "이번 달 판매량에서 우리 회사가 몇 등수인지 알아봐야 해요." (We need to find out our company's ranking in this month's sales volume.). It's a versatile term that reflects a society that often values order and comparative achievement.
Nuance of 'Grade' vs. 'Ranking'
While '등수' can mean 'grade' in the sense of a letter grade (like A, B, C), it more commonly refers to a numerical position within a group. For instance, a student might get an 'A' grade, but their '등수' would be their specific position among all students who received that grade or among the entire class. So, it's more about comparative standing than absolute assessment. When referring to absolute grades, Korean often uses terms like '성적' (seongjeok) for overall academic performance or specific grade symbols.

시험에서 좋은 등수를 받기 위해 열심히 공부했어요.

I studied hard to get a good ranking on the exam.

이번 마라톤 대회에서 그의 등수는 10위였습니다.

His ranking in this marathon was 10th place.
Synonym Hint
While '등수' is the most common term for ranking, you might also encounter '순위' (sunwi), which also means rank or order, often used for lists or positions.
Basic Sentence Structure
The most straightforward way to use '등수' is in phrases indicating a specific rank or position. This often involves a number followed by '등' (deung), which is a counter for rank, and then '수' (su) which means number or count. So, '1등' is first place, '2등' is second place, and so on. The word '등수' itself can refer to the concept of ranking or a specific rank.

저는 항상 반에서 10등 안에 들려고 노력해요.

I always try to be within the top 10 ranking in class.
Expressing Desire for a Good Rank
People often express their aspirations or efforts related to achieving a good '등수'. This involves verbs like '받다' (to receive), '하다' (to do/make), or '들다' (to enter/be included). You might hear phrases like '좋은 등수를 받다' (to receive a good rank) or '등수 안에 들다' (to be included within a certain rank).

이번 시험에서 1등을 하고 싶어요.

I want to get first place on this exam.
Discussing Rankings
When talking about existing rankings, you'll use phrases that describe someone's current position. This often involves the particle '은/는' (eun/neun) for topic marking and the verb '이다' (to be) or '차지하다' (to occupy).

그 선수는 세계 랭킹 3위입니다.

That athlete is ranked 3rd in the world.
Comparing Ranks
You can compare ranks using comparative adjectives or adverbs. For example, to say someone's rank is higher or lower than another's.

내 등수가 너보다 높아.

My ranking is higher than yours.
Korean Schools and Universities
This is arguably the most common place to hear '등수'. Conversations among students, teachers, and parents are saturated with discussions about academic rankings. From elementary school quizzes to the highly competitive college entrance exams (수능 - Suneung), '등수' is a constant topic. You'll hear students lamenting their '등수', celebrating a good '등수', or discussing strategies to improve their '등수'. Teachers might say, "이번 시험에서는 모두 작년보다 등수가 올랐으면 좋겠어요." (For this exam, I hope everyone's ranking improves compared to last year.) or parents asking, "우리 아이 등수가 어떻게 되나요?" (What is our child's ranking?).

이번 모의고사 등수가 좀 떨어졌어요.

My ranking on this practice test dropped a bit.
Sports and Gaming Arenas
Any form of competition, be it professional sports, amateur leagues, or online gaming, will involve rankings. Commentators might announce, "이 선수의 현재 등수는 세계 5위입니다." (This player's current ranking is 5th in the world.). In esports, leaderboards prominently display players' '등수'. Even board games or card games played among friends can lead to discussions about who is in the leading '등수'.

게임에서 1등을 해서 기분이 좋아요.

I feel good because I got first place in the game.
Business and Market Reports
In the corporate world, '등수' is used when discussing market share, sales performance, or company rankings. News reports might state, "이번 분기에는 우리 회사의 매출이 업계 3위 등수를 기록했습니다." (In this quarter, our company's sales recorded the 3rd highest ranking in the industry.). Employees might discuss their team's '등수' in sales targets.
Entertainment and Media
Music charts, movie box office rankings, and popularity polls all use '등수'. You'll hear discussions like, "이 노래가 음원 차트에서 1등을 했어요." (This song took the number one spot on the music chart.) or "가장 인기 있는 드라마 순위에서 몇 등수인지 궁금해요." (I'm curious about what ranking it holds on the most popular drama list.).
Confusing '등수' with Absolute Grades
Learners sometimes use '등수' when they simply mean a letter grade (like A, B, C) or a pass/fail status. While '등수' can *imply* a grade (e.g., getting 1st place usually means a good grade), it specifically denotes a *position* in a sequence. If you want to talk about a letter grade, it's better to use terms like '성적' (seongjeok) for academic performance or the grade symbols themselves. For example, saying "내 수학 등수는 A야" (My math ranking is A) is incorrect; it should be "내 수학 성적은 A야" (My math grade is A).

Incorrect: 내 시험 등수는 B였습니다.

Incorrect: My exam ranking was B.
Overusing '등수' for Non-Competitive Situations
'등수' is fundamentally about comparative position in a ranked order. Using it in contexts where there isn't a clear competition or scale can sound awkward. For instance, asking about the '등수' of a particular type of tree in a forest wouldn't make sense unless there was a specific criterion for ranking them (e.g., height, age). Stick to contexts where there's a measurable performance or achievement scale.

Incorrect: 이 음식의 등수는 높아요.

Incorrect: This food's ranking is high.
Incorrectly Forming Numerical Ranks
While Koreans commonly say '1등', '2등', etc., when forming higher numbers, it's important to remember the correct Korean numbering system. For instance, for '10th place', it's '10등' (sip-deung), not '십등'. For '11th place', it's '11등' (sip-il-deung). The term '등수' itself can sometimes be used more broadly to refer to the concept of ranking, but when specifying a position, the number followed by '등' is standard.

Incorrect: 저는 100등 안에 들고 싶어요.

Incorrect: I want to get within 100th rank.
등수 (deungsu) vs. 순위 (sunwi)
Both '등수' and '순위' translate to 'ranking' or 'order'. However, there's a subtle difference in their common usage. '등수' often refers to a more direct, often numerical, position achieved through performance or competition, especially in academic or sporting contexts. '순위' is broader and can refer to any kind of order or list, including rankings on charts, lists of preferences, or even the order of events. For example, a student's academic position is typically '등수', while a song's position on a music chart is usually '순위'.
Example Comparison:
* 등수: 이번 시험에서 제 등수는 5등이었어요. (My ranking on this exam was 5th place.) - Implies a personal achievement in a competitive setting.
* 순위: 이 노래는 음원 차트에서 1위 순위를 기록했습니다. (This song recorded the #1 rank on the music chart.) - Refers to a position on a compiled list.
등수 (deungsu) vs. 성적 (seongjeok)
'성적' means 'grade,' 'academic record,' or 'performance.' It refers to the overall assessment of one's achievement, often encompassing scores, letter grades, and evaluation results. '등수' is a specific aspect of '성적' that indicates where an individual stands relative to others. You can have a good '성적' (overall performance) but a lower '등수' if many others also performed very well. Conversely, you might have a decent '성적' but a high '등수' if the competition wasn't as strong.
Example Comparison:
* 성적: 제 이번 학기 성적이 아주 좋아요. (My academic record this semester is very good.) - Refers to overall performance.
* 등수: 제 이번 학기 성적은 좋지만, 등수는 중간 정도예요. (My academic record this semester is good, but my ranking is around the middle.) - Contrasts overall performance with relative position.
등수 (deungsu) vs. 지위 (jiwi)
'지위' means 'status,' 'position,' or 'rank' in a social, professional, or hierarchical sense. While it can overlap with '등수', '지위' often refers to a more established or inherent position within a system, like a social class, job title, or family hierarchy. '등수' is typically earned through performance or competition. For example, a king has a high '지위', but a student has a '등수' in their class.
Example Comparison:
* 등수: 그는 달리기 대회에서 1등 등수를 차지했습니다. (He took 1st place in the running race.) - Performance-based ranking.
* 지위: 회사의 최고 경영자로서 그는 높은 지위를 가지고 있습니다. (As the CEO of the company, he holds a high position/status.) - Hierarchical or social standing.
The Importance of Competition and Hierarchy
The concept of '등수' is deeply intertwined with Korean culture's emphasis on competition, achievement, and a degree of hierarchy. From a young age, children are often encouraged to excel and compare themselves to their peers. This competitive spirit is fueled by a societal belief that striving for the top positions leads to success and recognition. This is particularly evident in the education system, where academic rankings can significantly influence future opportunities, such as university admissions and career paths.
Education as a Key Determinant
In South Korea, education is often viewed as the primary pathway to upward mobility. Consequently, academic performance and rankings ('등수') are paramount. The intense pressure to achieve high '등수' can lead to long study hours, private tutoring (hagwons), and a highly structured school environment. Parents often closely monitor their children's '등수' as a direct indicator of their child's future prospects. This cultural value places '등수' not just as a number, but as a significant marker of potential and effort.
Beyond Academics: Sports and Entertainment
The drive for '등수' is not limited to academics. In sports, athletes and teams strive for top rankings, and victories are celebrated with the announcement of their achievement in terms of '등수'. Similarly, in the highly dynamic entertainment industry, artists, songs, and dramas are constantly ranked based on popularity, sales, and viewership. This constant evaluation and ranking create a culture where achievement and standing are frequently measured and discussed.
Collective vs. Individual Ranking
While individual '등수' is highly emphasized, there's also a sense of collective achievement. When a school or a team performs well, it reflects positively on the group. This dual focus means that while individual excellence is pursued, it often contributes to the reputation and standing of the larger entity. This can sometimes lead to intense group efforts to improve the collective '등수'.
Potential Downsides and Modern Shifts
It's important to note that the intense focus on '등수' can also lead to stress, anxiety, and a narrow definition of success. In recent years, there have been discussions and efforts to shift the cultural focus towards individual growth, well-being, and a broader definition of success that isn't solely based on rankings. However, the deeply ingrained nature of competitive ranking means '등수' remains a significant concept in understanding Korean society.
UK Pronunciation
IPA: /tʌŋ.suː/
Description: The 'ㅌ' (t) sound is unaspirated, similar to the 't' in 'stop'. The 'ㅇ' (ng) sound is a velar nasal, like the 'ng' in 'sing'. The vowel 'ㅡ' (eu) is a mid-back unrounded vowel, similar to the 'u' in 'put' but further back in the mouth. The 'ㅅ' (s) is a standard 's' sound, and the 'ㅜ' (u) is a tense 'oo' sound like in 'too'.
US Pronunciation
IPA: /dʌŋ.suː/
Description: The initial 'ㄷ' (d) sound is often pronounced with less aspiration than in English 'd', sometimes sounding closer to a 't' if it's at the beginning of a word without strong emphasis. The 'ㅇ' (ng) is a velar nasal. The 'ㅡ' (eu) sound is unique and often described as a neutral vowel, produced with the tongue in a relaxed, mid-back position. The 'ㅅ' (s) is a standard 's', and the 'ㅜ' (u) is a long 'oo' sound.
Stress
In Korean, stress is not as prominent as in English. However, there is a slight emphasis on the first syllable, '등' (deung).
Common Errors
1. Pronouncing '등' as 'dung' (like in English 'dung'). The Korean 'ㅡ' is a different sound.
2. Aspirating the initial consonant 'ㄷ' or 'ㅌ' too strongly, making it sound like 'thung-soo'.
3. Incorrectly pronouncing the 'ㅡ' vowel.
4. Pronouncing '수' as 'shu' instead of 'soo'.
Rhymes
Words ending with '-수' (-su) or '-수' preceded by a nasal consonant like 'ㅇ' (ng) or 'ㄴ' (n) can rhyme. Examples include:
- 교수 (gyosu - professor)
- 선수 (seonsu - athlete)
- 미술 (misul - art)
- 다음 (da-eum - next)
- 마음 (ma-eum - heart)
- 없음 (eop-seum - nothing/none)
- 있음 (iss-eum - existence/having)
Origin
The word '등수' is a Sino-Korean compound word, meaning it is formed from characters borrowed from Chinese. It is composed of two parts: '등' (deung) and '수' (su).
Original Meaning of Components
The character '등' (登, deng) means 'to climb', 'to ascend', or 'to rank'. In this context, it signifies ascending a scale or reaching a certain level. The character '수' (數, su) means 'number', 'count', or 'figure'. Therefore, '등수' literally means 'ranking number' or 'the number of one's rank'.
Language Family
Korean, with its extensive use of Sino-Korean vocabulary, belongs to the Koreanic language family. The incorporation of Chinese characters and vocabulary has been a significant influence on the Korean language throughout its history.
Fun Fact
The concept of ranking has been important in East Asian societies for centuries, often tied to meritocratic systems in civil service examinations and academic pursuits. The word '등수' reflects this historical emphasis on quantifiable achievement and hierarchical order. It's fascinating how a word derived from characters meaning 'to climb' and 'number' encapsulates such a broad range of competitive evaluation in modern Korean life.
Mnemonic
Imagine a student trying to climb a ladder to reach a higher grade. The ladder represents the '등' (climbing) aspect, and the numbers on the rungs of the ladder represent the '수' (number) of their rank. Each rung is a new '등수'. So, to get a better '등수', you have to '등' (climb) higher on the ladder of '수' (numbers).
Visual Association
Picture a very tall trophy stand with multiple levels. The levels are numbered 1, 2, 3, and so on. When someone wins a competition, they stand on the highest level corresponding to their '등수'. The '등' part can remind you of the levels you ascend, and the '수' part is the number on each level.
Story
In the bustling city of Seoul, a young student named Minjun was always worried about his academic **등수**. He studied day and night, hoping to improve his **등수** in the highly competitive environment. His parents constantly asked, "민준아, 이번 시험 **등수**는 어떻게 됐니?" (Minjun, what was your ranking on this exam?). He dreamed of being in the top 10, a coveted **등수** that would open doors to the best universities. One day, he saw a poster for a national math competition. He knew this was his chance to prove himself and achieve a high **등수**. He practiced tirelessly, imagining himself standing on the podium, receiving an award for his excellent **등수**. The thought of achieving a good **등수** motivated him through every difficult problem.
Word Web
  • 등수 (deungsu) - Ranking
  • 시험 (siheom) - Exam
  • 성적 (seongjeok) - Grade/Performance
  • 1등 (il-deung) - 1st place
  • 순위 (sunwi) - Rank/Order (similar)
  • 경쟁 (gyeongjaeng) - Competition
  • 학생 (haksaeng) - Student
  • 학교 (hakgyo) - School
Practice Challenge
Try to use '등수' in at least three different sentences today, covering academic, sports, and perhaps a chart-related context. Focus on how the number is used with '등' to specify the rank.
Imagine you're climbing a ladder towards success. Each rung represents a number, and the higher you climb, the better your '등수' (ranking) becomes. The '등' part sounds like 'climb' and the '수' part sounds like 'score' or 'number' – so, climbing to a better score or number means a better ranking.
Plural
As a noun referring to a singular position or the concept of ranking, '등수' does not typically take a plural form. When referring to multiple rankings, context or specific phrases are used rather than adding a plural suffix. For example, instead of saying 'rankings', one might say 'several rankings' or 'different ranks'.
Countability
'등수' is generally treated as an uncountable noun when referring to the abstract concept of ranking. However, when specifying a particular rank (e.g., 1st place, 5th place), it functions more like a countable unit, especially when combined with the counter '등'.
Articles
Korean does not have articles like 'a', 'an', or 'the'. Therefore, '등수' is used directly without any preceding article.
Compound Words
'등수' itself is a compound word (등 + 수). It is also frequently used in combination with numbers and the counter '등' to specify a rank, such as:
  • 1등 (il-deung): 1st place
  • 2등 (i-deung): 2nd place
  • 10등 (sip-deung): 10th place
  • 꼴찌 (kkol-jji): last place (often used colloquially, not directly formed with '등수' but related concept)
Common Patterns
1. [Number] + 등수 (indicating a specific rank):
* 저는 3등수를 목표로 하고 있어요. (I am aiming for 3rd place.)
* 그 선수는 1등수 자리를 놓치지 않았습니다. (That athlete did not let go of the 1st place position.)
2. 등수 + 를/이 + [Verb] (using '등수' as the subject or object):
* 등수가 많이 올랐어요. (My ranking has risen a lot.)
* 등수를 확인해 보세요. (Please check your ranking.)
3. [Noun] + 의 + 등수 (ranking of something):
* 우리 팀의 등수는 2위입니다. (Our team's ranking is 2nd place.)
* 이 게임의 등수는 계속 변해요. (The ranking of this game keeps changing.)
4. 등수 + 안에 들다 (to be included within a certain rank):
* 상위 10등 안에 들고 싶어요. (I want to be included within the top 10 rankings.)
* 그는 항상 반에서 5등 안에 들었어요. (He was always included within the top 5 rankings in class.)
Term: 등급 (deunggeup)
Why Confused: Both '등수' and '등급' relate to assessment and categorization.
Difference: '등급' refers to a 'grade', 'class', or 'level' based on quality or standard. It's about classification into categories (e.g., A, B, C; first-class, second-class; premium, standard). '등수' refers to a specific *position* within a ranked order, usually numerical. You can have the same '등급' as many people, but you will have a unique '등수'.
Example:
* 이 와인은 최상급 **등급**입니다. (This wine is of the highest **grade**.) - Classification of quality.
* 이 와인 대회에서 제 와인은 1등 **등수**를 차지했습니다. (In this wine competition, my wine took the 1st **ranking**.) - Specific position achieved.
Term: 순서 (sunseo)
Why Confused: Both '등수' and '순서' deal with order.
Difference: '순서' means 'order' or 'sequence' in terms of arrangement or steps. It's about the logical progression or placement of items or actions. '등수' is a specific type of order that implies a hierarchy of performance or achievement. You follow a '순서' to complete a task, but you achieve a '등수' by competing.
Example:
* 이 조립 설명서의 **순서**대로 따라 하세요. (Please follow the **order** of these assembly instructions.) - Sequence of steps.
* 축구 경기에서 우리 팀의 **등수**는 2위입니다. (In the soccer match, our team's **ranking** is 2nd.) - Hierarchical position based on performance.
Term: 지위 (jiwi)
Why Confused: Both can refer to a position or rank.
Difference: '지위' refers to 'status', 'position', or 'rank' in a social, professional, or hierarchical context, often implying a more established or inherent standing. '등수' specifically denotes a rank achieved through performance, competition, or assessment. You have a '지위' as a manager, but you achieve a '등수' in a sales contest.
Example:
* 그 회사의 최고 경영자로서 그는 높은 **지위**를 가지고 있습니다. (As the CEO of that company, he holds a high **position/status**.) - Established social/professional standing.
* 이번 대회에서 그의 **등수**는 1등이었습니다. (His **ranking** in this competition was 1st place.) - Performance-based achievement.
Question: Is '등수' only used for academic rankings?
Answer: No, '등수' is not limited to academic rankings. While it is very commonly used in schools to refer to students' positions in class or on exams, it is also widely used in any context where there is a competition or a scale of performance. This includes sports, games, business performance, music charts, and any other situation where participants or items are ranked numerically.
Question: How do I say 'first place' or 'second place' using '등수'?
Answer: To say 'first place', you would say '1등' (il-deung). For 'second place', it's '2등' (i-deung). Generally, you combine the numeral with the counter '등' (deung). So, for the nth place, it's '[n]등'. The word '등수' itself refers to the concept of ranking or a specific rank number, but when you want to state a specific position, you use the number followed by '등'.
Question: What's the difference between '등수' and '순위'?
Answer: Both '등수' and '순위' mean 'ranking' or 'order'. However, '등수' is more commonly used for personal achievements in competitive settings like exams or sports, emphasizing the numerical position achieved. '순위' is broader and often used for lists, charts, or general orderings, such as music charts, product rankings, or the order of steps. While there's overlap, '등수' often implies a more direct performance-based ranking.
Question: Can '등수' be used to describe a person's social status?
Answer: Not directly. '등수' is primarily for rankings based on performance, achievement, or competition. For social status or hierarchical position in an organization or society, the word '지위' (jiwi) is more appropriate. While a high '등수' might lead to a better '지위', '등수' itself doesn't describe inherent social standing.
Question: Is it always a number when talking about '등수'?
Answer: Yes, when referring to a specific position, '등수' is almost always associated with a number. For example, 1등, 5등, 10등. The word '등수' itself means 'ranking number'. If you are talking about the general concept of ranking without specifying a number, you might just use '등수' as a noun, but the most common usage involves specifying the numerical rank. Colloquially, '꼴찌' (kkol-jji) is used for last place, which is the lowest possible '등수'.
Question: What if someone is not ranked at all?
Answer: If someone is not ranked or their rank is not yet determined, you might say their '등수' is not out yet, or they are not included in the ranking. For example, "아직 등수가 나오지 않았어요." (My ranking hasn't come out yet.) or "이번 대회에서는 등수를 매기지 않았습니다." (They did not assign rankings in this competition.).
Question: How does '등수' relate to '성적'?
Answer: '성적' refers to one's overall academic performance or grade. '등수' is the specific position one holds relative to others based on that '성적'. You can have a good '성적' (e.g., a high score or an A grade) but a mediocre '등수' if many other students also achieved similarly high scores. Conversely, a decent '성적' might result in a high '등수' if the competition is less intense.
Question: Is '등수' commonly used in business contexts?
Answer: Yes, '등수' can be used in business contexts, particularly when discussing rankings based on performance metrics. For example, it could refer to a company's ranking in sales, market share, or employee performance. Phrases like "판매량 등수" (sales ranking) or "업계 등수" (industry ranking) are used.
Question: What is the most common way to express wanting a higher rank?
Answer: Common expressions include "등수를 올리다" (to raise one's rank), "더 높은 등수를 받고 싶다" (I want to receive a higher rank), or "1등을 목표로 하다" (to aim for 1st place). The verb '하다' (to do) combined with the desired rank is very frequent.
Question: Can '등수' be used for abstract qualities like beauty?
Answer: It's less common and might sound a bit unnatural. While theoretically one could rank beauty, it's not a typical application for '등수'. For subjective qualities, other descriptive terms are usually preferred. '등수' is best reserved for quantifiable achievements or performances.
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Title: Focus on Numerical Context
Description: Always try to associate '등수' with a number when you first learn it. Think of '1등', '2등', '3등'. This will firmly establish its meaning as a specific position in a sequence.
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Title: Differentiate from '등급'
Description: Remember that '등급' is about categories or quality levels (like A, B, C), whereas '등수' is about your specific place in a line or competition. You might get an 'A' grade ('A 등급'), but your '등수' would be your position among all students who got an 'A' or among the whole class.
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Title: Listen for Competitive Contexts
Description: Pay attention to when '등수' is used. It's almost always in situations involving comparison, competition, or evaluation. This will help you solidify the word's usage in your mind.
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Title: Practice with Numbers
Description: Create sentences using different numbers with '등'. For example: "이번 달 판매량 1등을 목표로 합니다." (I aim for 1st place in sales this month.) or "저는 5등 안에 들었어요." (I was included in the top 5 rankings.). This reinforces the numerical aspect.
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Title: Understand the Cultural Emphasis
Description: Recognize that Korean culture often places a high value on achievement and ranking. Understanding this cultural context will help you see why '등수' is such a prevalent and important word in everyday life.
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