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회복하다

B2 verb #1,000 most common 8 min read

회복하다

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 회복하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 회복하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '회복하다' as a more formal way to say 'get better.' While you usually use '낫다' (to get well) for simple things like a cold, '회복하다' is used when someone is in the hospital or resting after being very tired. Imagine you are very tired after playing soccer all day. You need to 'recover' your energy. That is '회복하다.' It is a combination of two parts: 'Hoe' (return) and 'Bok' (back to normal). Even at this early stage, knowing this word helps you understand signs in hospitals, like '회복실' (Recovery Room). You might use it in a very simple sentence like 'I want to recover quickly' (빨리 회복하고 싶어요). It's a useful word to show you are polite and have a good vocabulary. Just remember, it's usually for bigger things than just a small scratch or a tiny sneeze. It's about getting your full strength back so you can run and play again. In Korean culture, wishing someone a 'quick recovery' (쾌유를 빕니다) is very important, and '회복' is the core idea of that wish. So, even if you are just starting, learning this word helps you be kind to others who are sick.

At the A2 level, you start to see '회복하다' used for more than just physical health. You might hear it when talking about 'energy' (기운) or 'appetite' (입맛). For example, if your grandmother was sick and couldn't eat, but now she is eating well, you can say she 'recovered her appetite' (입맛을 회복했다). This level is about expanding the objects that go with the verb. You also learn the difference between '회복하다' (I recover something) and '회복되다' (Something recovers/is recovered). This is an important grammar point. If you say 'My health is getting better,' you use '건강이 회복되고 있어요.' If you say 'I am recovering my health,' you use '건강을 회복하고 있어요.' Notice the different particles (~이 vs ~을). You will also encounter this word in simple news stories or weather reports, perhaps talking about nature 'recovering' after a storm. It's a 'level-up' word from '낫다.' Using '회복하다' makes your Korean sound more adult and serious. It shows you understand that recovery takes time and effort. You can also use it when talking about your 'condition' (컨디션) before a big test or a trip. 'I need to recover my condition' (컨디션을 회복해야 해요) is a very common phrase among Korean students and workers.

At the B1 level, '회복하다' becomes a key word for discussing social and economic topics. You are no longer just talking about a cold; you are talking about the 'economy' (경제) or 'relationships' (관계). This is where the word's versatility really shines. In a B1 conversation, you might discuss how a country is 'recovering its economy' after a difficult year. You'll see it in newspapers and on TV news frequently. You also start to use it for abstract things like 'trust' (신뢰) or 'honor' (명예). For example, if two friends had a big fight, they might work hard to 'recover their trust.' This level requires you to understand that '회복하다' implies a return to a 'baseline' or a 'previous peak.' It's not just about getting better; it's about restoration. You will also learn collocations like '회복세' (recovery trend) and '회복기' (recovery period). These are common in intermediate reading passages. Understanding '회복하다' at this level helps you bridge the gap between daily conversation and more professional or academic Korean. It is also a very common word in TOPIK I (Level 2) and TOPIK II (Level 3-4) exams, especially in the listening and reading sections where speakers discuss social changes or personal improvements.

At the B2 level, which is the target level for this word, you should be able to use '회복하다' fluently in academic and professional contexts. This includes discussing complex topics like 'ecological recovery' (생태계 회복), 'market sentiment recovery' (투자 심리 회복), or 'diplomatic restoration' (국교 회복). You should understand the nuance that '회복하다' is a transitive verb that requires an agent or a focused object. You should also be comfortable with the passive form '회복되다' and use it correctly in formal writing. At this level, you can distinguish '회복하다' from similar-sounding words like '복구하다' (to restore infrastructure) or '복원하다' (to restore to original form). For instance, you would know to use '복구' for a crashed server but '회복' for a company's reputation. You can also use the word metaphorically, such as 'recovering one's true self' or 'recovering the spirit of a nation.' B2 learners are expected to use this word in essays to describe trends and processes. It is a vital word for IELTS-style discussions in Korean, such as 'How can we help the environment recover?' or 'What are the signs of economic recovery?' Your ability to use this word accurately in various domains—medical, economic, social, and environmental—is a hallmark of an upper-intermediate learner.

At the C1 level, your use of '회복하다' should reflect a deep understanding of its philosophical and systemic implications. You might use it to discuss 'restorative justice' (회복적 정의) or the 'recovery of humanity' (인간성 회복) in a technological age. At this stage, the word is used to describe the restoration of complex systems. You can discuss the 'resilience' (회복탄력성 - hoebok tanlyeokseong) of individuals or systems, which is a popular psychological and business term. C1 learners use '회복하다' in nuanced ways, perhaps discussing how a literary character 'recovers' their lost memories or how a society 'recovers' from collective trauma. You are expected to understand the word in high-level literature, editorials, and specialized academic journals. The distinction between '회복' and other types of restoration becomes even more precise. You might analyze how '회복' differs from '혁신' (innovation) or '개혁' (reform) in a political context. Your vocabulary will include related Hanja terms like '회복기' (convalescence), '회복력' (recovery power), and '회복 조치' (recovery measures). You can also use the word in formal speeches or debates to argue for the necessity of restoring certain values or traditions that have been lost in modern society.

At the C2 level, '회복하다' is used with the precision of a native speaker in the most demanding contexts. You can use it to describe the subtle 'recovery' of a specific tone in a piece of music or the 'recovery' of a lost dialect in linguistics. C2 mastery involves understanding the word's place within the broader tapestry of Korean Sino-Korean vocabulary. You can use it in legal contexts, such as 'restitution of rights' (권리 회복), or in high-level economic theory discussing 'mean reversion' or 'cyclical recovery.' You understand the poetic and metaphorical potential of the word, using it in creative writing to describe the 'recovery' of light after an eclipse or the 'recovery' of silence after a storm. Your usage is characterized by perfect collocation and an intuitive sense of when '회복하다' is the most impactful choice compared to its synonyms. You can also explain the etymological roots of the word to others, discussing how the Hanja characters 回 and 復 interact to create the meaning. At this level, '회복하다' is not just a verb; it is a conceptual tool used to analyze and describe the cyclical nature of life, history, and the universe. You can engage in deep discussions about whether 'true recovery' is ever possible or if things always change into something new during the process of restoration.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

회복하다 in 30 Seconds

회복하다 means 'to recover' or 'to restore' something to its original good state, whether it is health, money, or trust.
It is a formal Sino-Korean word (回 + 復) used frequently in news, hospitals, and professional business settings.
The active form is 회복하다 (to recover something), while the passive form is 회복되다 (to be recovered/to recover).
It differs from '낫다' (common health recovery) and '복구하다' (physical/technical restoration like fixing a road or data).

The Korean verb 회복하다 (hoebokhada) is a sophisticated yet essential term that translates to 'to recover,' 'to restore,' or 'to regain.' Rooted in Hanja (Sino-Korean characters), it combines 回 (hoe), meaning 'to return' or 'to turn back,' and 復 (bok), meaning 'to restore' or 'to repeat.' Together, they create a powerful concept of returning to a previous, usually better, state of being. While English speakers might use 'get better' for health and 'bounce back' for the economy, Korean speakers utilize 회복하다 as a versatile umbrella term for all these scenarios. It is a CEFR B2 level word because it requires an understanding of abstract restoration beyond just physical healing.

Physical Health: This is the most common usage. It refers to a patient regaining their strength or a body part returning to normal function after an injury or illness. It is more formal than '낫다' (to get well).

충분한 휴식을 취하면 기력을 곧 회복하다게 될 거예요. (If you take enough rest, you will soon recover your energy.)

Economic and Financial Contexts: In news reports and academic papers, this word describes a market, currency value, or national economy returning to growth after a recession or slump. It is a key term for IELTS and TOPIK II preparation.

수출이 늘어나면서 국가 경제가 점차 활기를 회복하다고 있습니다. (As exports increase, the national economy is gradually recovering its vitality.)

Beyond health and money, 회복하다 extends to social and psychological realms. You can recover 'trust' (신뢰), 'honor' (명예), or 'relationships' (관계). It implies that something valuable was lost or damaged and is now being painstakingly brought back to its original integrity. This makes it a high-frequency word in dramas involving legal battles or interpersonal conflicts, where characters strive to restore their reputation or family bonds.

Abstract Restoration: Used when discussing the environment (nature recovering), psychological states (recovering composure), or social standing.

그들은 오랜 대화 끝에 서로에 대한 신뢰를 회복하다였습니다. (After a long conversation, they recovered their trust in each other.)

오염되었던 강이 자연 정화 작용을 통해 생태계를 회복하다고 있다. (The polluted river is recovering its ecosystem through natural purification.)

그 선수는 부상을 딛고 일어나 예전의 기량을 회복하다는 데 성공했다. (The athlete succeeded in recovering his former skill after overcoming an injury.)

Mastering 회복하다 requires understanding its transitive nature. In Korean, this verb usually takes an object marked by the particles ~을/를. You are the agent 'recovering' a specific quality or state. When you want to describe the state of recovery itself without focusing on the agent, the passive form 회복되다 is used with the subject particles ~이/가. This distinction is crucial for natural-sounding Korean.

Health and Vitality: Use it with words like 건강 (health), 기력 (energy/stamina), 시력 (eyesight), or 의식 (consciousness).

수술 후 환자가 빠르게 의식을 회복하다여 다행입니다. (It is a relief that the patient quickly recovered consciousness after the surgery.)

Economic Recovery: Commonly paired with 경제 (economy), 경기 (economic conditions), 지수 (index), or 주가 (stock price).

정부는 소비 심리를 회복하다기 위해 새로운 정책을 발표했다. (The government announced new policies to recover consumer sentiment.)

In social contexts, 회복하다 is used to describe the mending of broken things that aren't physical. This includes reputation, trust, and peace. It suggests a proactive effort to fix what was broken. For instance, if a company has a scandal, they must '회복하다' their image. If two countries were at war, they might '회복하다' their diplomatic relations (국교를 회복하다).

Social and Psychological: Use with 명예 (honor), 신뢰 (trust), 관계 (relationship), or 평정심 (composure).

그는 진실을 밝혀 자신의 명예를 회복하다고자 노력했다. (He tried to recover his honor by revealing the truth.)

깊은 호흡을 하며 마음의 평정심을 회복하다려고 애썼다. (I tried hard to recover my peace of mind by taking deep breaths.)

두 나라는 10년 만에 마침내 외교 관계를 회복하다였다. (The two countries finally recovered diplomatic relations after 10 years.)

You will encounter 회복하다 in various professional and daily settings. It is a staple of news broadcasting, medical consultations, and business meetings. Understanding where it appears helps you grasp its level of formality and the specific nuances it carries in different domains.

In the Hospital (병원): Doctors use this word to discuss a patient's progress. You'll hear '회복실' (hoebok-sil), which means 'recovery room.' Nurses might ask, '기운 좀 회복하셨어요?' (Have you recovered your strength a bit?).

환자분은 지금 회복하다실에서 안정을 취하고 계십니다. (The patient is currently resting in the recovery room.)

On the News (뉴스): News anchors frequently use it when reporting on the economy. '경기 회복' (economic recovery) is a constant topic. You'll also hear it regarding international relations or environmental issues.

세계 경제가 예상보다 빠르게 성장세를 회복하다고 있습니다. (The global economy is recovering its growth trend faster than expected.)

In daily life, while '낫다' is common for a cold, 회복하다 is used when the recovery is more significant or involves a period of rehabilitation. For example, after a major surgery or a long period of burnout, people will say they are '회복 중' (in the middle of recovery). It carries a sense of respect for the time and effort required to get back to normal.

In Business (비즈니스): Used when discussing market share (시장 점유율), brand image (브랜드 이미지), or sales figures (매출액).

우리 회사는 하반기에 시장 점유율을 회복하다는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다. (Our company aims to recover market share in the second half of the year.)

실추된 기업 이미지를 회복하다기 위해 대대적인 홍보 활동을 시작했습니다. (We have started extensive promotional activities to recover the tarnished corporate image.)

휴가 동안 쌓인 피로를 회복하다고 내일부터 다시 열심히 일하겠습니다. (I will recover from the fatigue accumulated during the vacation and work hard again from tomorrow.)

Even advanced learners often stumble when choosing between 회복하다 and its synonyms. The most common error is using it in contexts where a more specific word for 'repair' or 'cure' is required. Another frequent mistake is confusing the active 회복하다 with the passive 회복되다.

Mistake 1: 회복하다 vs. 낫다: Learners often use '회복하다' for minor illnesses like a common cold. While not grammatically wrong, it sounds overly dramatic. Use '낫다' for 'getting over' a cold and '회복하다' for recovering from surgery or a long illness.

감기가 다 나았어요 (O) vs 감기를 회복했어요 (X - sounds like you recovered the cold itself!)

Mistake 2: Active vs. Passive Confusion: Saying '건강을 회복되다' is incorrect because '회복되다' is passive and cannot take an object (~을/를). Correct: '건강을 회복하다' (Active) or '건강이 회복되다' (Passive).

경제가 회복되었습니다. (The economy has recovered - Passive/Intransitive focus.)

Another nuance is the difference between 회복하다 and 복구하다. While both mean 'restore,' 복구하다 is specifically for physical infrastructure or data after a disaster. If a bridge collapses, you 복구하다 it. If a person's health collapses, they 회복하다.

Mistake 3: Overusing it for 'Restoring' Objects: Don't use it for old paintings or buildings. Use '복원하다' (to restore to original form) for historical artifacts.

문화재를 복원하다 (O) vs 문화재를 회복하다 (X)

컴퓨터 파일을 복구하다 (O) vs 컴퓨터 파일을 회복하다 (△ - possible but less common)

상처가 아물다 (The wound heals) vs 상처를 회복하다 (To recover from the injury - focus on the person's state.)

Korean has a rich vocabulary for 'making things better.' Depending on whether you are talking about a broken car, a sick friend, or a crashed computer, you need to choose the right word. Here is a comparison of 회복하다 with its closest cousins.

회복하다 vs. 복구하다 (Restore/Recover): '회복하다' is for health, economy, and abstract states. '복구하다' is for physical damage (roads, buildings) or digital data. You '회복' your health, but you '복구' a flooded house.

회복하다 vs. 복원하다 (Restore to Original Form): '복원하다' is used for historical artifacts, art, or natural habitats that were destroyed. It emphasizes returning something to its 'original shape' (원형).

파괴된 성벽을 복원하다. (To restore the destroyed castle wall.)

회복하다 vs. 낫다 (Get Well): '낫다' is the common, everyday word for recovering from an illness. '회복하다' is more formal and implies a longer process of getting back to full strength.

빨리 나으세요! (Get well soon! - Standard greeting.)

Other related words include 재기하다 (to make a comeback/stand up again after failure) and 갱생하다 (to rehabilitate/start a new life, often used for criminals or addicts). Choosing the right one shows your proficiency in Korean nuance.

Summary Table

회복하다: Health, Economy, Trust, Relationships.
복구하다: Infrastructure, Disaster areas, Data.
복원하다: History, Art, Original shape.
낫다: Everyday illness (colds, stomach aches).
재기하다: Career, Business success after failure.

그는 사업 실패를 딛고 화려하게 재기하다였다. (He made a brilliant comeback after his business failed.)

쓰레기 매립지가 아름다운 공원으로 복원하다되었다. (The landfill was restored into a beautiful park.)

침수된 도로를 신속하게 복구하다고 있다. (They are quickly restoring the flooded road.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '복' (復) is also used in '복습' (reviewing/repeating study) and '왕복' (round trip). It always carries the idea of going back to where you started.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /hø.bok.ha.da/

US /hwe.bok.ha.da/

In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, but a slight emphasis may be placed on the first syllable '회'.

Rhymes With

정복하다 (to conquer) 항복하다 (to surrender) 왕복하다 (to go back and forth) 반복하다 (to repeat) 축복하다 (to bless) 극복하다 (to overcome) 의복 (clothes) 중복 (overlap)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '회' as 'hee' (히). It must have the 'w' glide.
Making the 'k' in '복' too loud before '하'. In natural speech, it blends slightly.
Confusing '회복' with '행복' (happiness).
Pronouncing '복' like 'buck'. It should be a clear 'o' sound like in 'boat' but shorter.
Missing the aspiration in '하' (ha).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and formal texts; Hanja roots are helpful.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct particle usage (~을/를 vs ~이/가).

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires the 'hwe' sound.

Listening 3/5

Frequently heard in dramas and news broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

건강 (Health) 경제 (Economy) 낫다 (To get well) 다시 (Again) 상태 (State/Condition)

Learn Next

극복하다 (To overcome) 복구하다 (To restore infrastructure) 복원하다 (To restore artifacts) 재기하다 (To make a comeback) 탄력성 (Elasticity/Resilience)

Advanced

회복탄력성 (Resilience) 회복적 정의 (Restorative justice) 자정 능력 (Self-purification ability) 경기 부양 (Economic stimulus)

Grammar to Know

Active vs. Passive (~하다 vs ~되다)

건강을 회복하다 (Active) vs 건강이 회복되다 (Passive)

Causative (~시키다)

경제를 회복시키다 (To make the economy recover)

Noun Modifying Form (~하는)

회복하는 과정 (The process of recovering)

Intent (~고자 하다)

명예를 회복하고자 노력했다 (Strived to recover honor)

Reason/Result (~아/어서 다행이다)

빨리 회복해서 다행이에요 (Glad you recovered quickly)

Examples by Level

빨리 회복하세요.

Get well soon.

This is a standard polite imperative form.

저는 건강을 회복하고 싶어요.

I want to recover my health.

~고 싶다 expresses desire.

어제보다 기운을 회복했어요.

I recovered my energy more than yesterday.

Past tense '회복했어요'.

밥을 먹고 기운을 회복하세요.

Eat food and recover your strength.

~고 connects two actions.

환자가 회복실에 있어요.

The patient is in the recovery room.

회복실 is a noun meaning recovery room.

잠을 자면 회복될 거예요.

If you sleep, you will recover.

~을 거예요 expresses future probability.

친구가 빨리 회복해서 다행이에요.

I'm glad my friend recovered quickly.

~아/어서 다행이다 means 'it is a relief that...'.

건강을 회복하는 것이 중요해요.

Recovering health is important.

~는 것 turns a verb into a noun phrase.

휴식을 취하니 입맛이 회복되었어요.

My appetite returned after taking a rest.

Passive form '회복되다' is used with '입맛이'.

운동을 하면 체력을 회복할 수 있어요.

You can recover your physical strength if you exercise.

~을 수 있다 expresses ability or possibility.

그는 사고 후 시력을 회복했습니다.

He recovered his eyesight after the accident.

Formal past tense '회복했습니다'.

따뜻한 차를 마시면 컨디션을 회복할 거예요.

If you drink warm tea, you will recover your condition.

컨디션 is a Konglish word for 'physical/mental state'.

강아지가 수술 후 건강을 회복하고 있어요.

The puppy is recovering its health after surgery.

~고 있다 expresses an ongoing action.

주말에 푹 쉬어서 피로를 회복했어요.

I recovered from fatigue by resting well over the weekend.

피로를 회복하다 is a common collocation.

그 선수는 부상에서 빨리 회복되었습니다.

The athlete recovered quickly from the injury.

Passive '회복되다' with the subject '선수는'.

약속을 지켜서 신뢰를 회복하세요.

Recover trust by keeping your promise.

Imperative '회복하세요'.

정부는 경제를 회복하기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.

The government is striving to recover the economy.

~기 위해 means 'in order to'.

오랜 가뭄 끝에 강물이 수위를 회복했다.

The river water recovered its level after a long drought.

Plain style '회복했다' used in writing.

두 나라는 마침내 외교 관계를 회복하기로 했다.

The two countries finally decided to restore diplomatic relations.

~기로 하다 means 'to decide to'.

그 기업은 실추된 이미지를 회복하려고 애쓰고 있다.

The company is trying hard to recover its tarnished image.

~으려고 애쓰다 means 'to struggle/try hard to'.

환자가 기적적으로 의식을 회복했습니다.

The patient miraculously regained consciousness.

Adverb '기적적으로' (miraculously).

시장이 활기를 회복하면서 상인들이 웃음을 되찾았다.

As the market recovered its vitality, the merchants regained their smiles.

~면서 expresses simultaneous actions.

자연은 스스로를 회복하는 능력이 있습니다.

Nature has the ability to recover itself.

Noun-modifying form '회복하는'.

그는 명예를 회복하기 위해 법정에 섰다.

He stood in court to recover his honor.

명예를 회복하다 is a formal collocation.

수출 호조로 인해 무역 수지가 흑자로 회복되었다.

The trade balance recovered to a surplus due to strong exports.

~로 인해 means 'due to/because of'.

심리적 안정을 회복하는 것이 치료의 우선순위입니다.

Recovering psychological stability is the priority of the treatment.

우선순위 means 'priority'.

이 정책은 중산층의 구매력을 회복시키는 데 목적이 있다.

This policy aims to restore the purchasing power of the middle class.

Causative '회복시키다' (to make/cause to recover).

그는 참담한 실패를 딛고 일어나 자신감을 회복했다.

He overcame a disastrous failure and recovered his self-confidence.

~을 딛고 일어나다 is an idiom for 'overcoming and rising'.

환경 단체들은 갯벌의 생태계를 회복시키려고 노력한다.

Environmental groups are working to restore the ecosystem of the mudflats.

생태계 (ecosystem) is a common object.

주가가 전일의 낙폭을 만회하며 평소 수준을 회복했다.

The stock price made up for the previous day's drop and recovered to its usual level.

낙폭을 만회하다 (to make up for a drop).

오랜 대화 끝에 그들은 소원해진 관계를 회복했다.

After a long conversation, they restored their estranged relationship.

소원해진 (estranged/distant).

그 도시는 전쟁의 상처를 딛고 활력을 회복하고 있다.

The city is recovering its vitality, overcoming the scars of war.

상처를 딛고 (overcoming scars/wounds).

회복적 정의는 가해자의 처벌보다 피해자의 치유에 집중한다.

Restorative justice focuses on the healing of the victim rather than the punishment of the perpetrator.

회복적 (restorative) is the adjectival form.

인간성 회복이야말로 현대 사회가 직면한 가장 시급한 과제이다.

The recovery of humanity is the most urgent task facing modern society.

~이야말로 emphasizes the subject.

그 작가는 고전의 가치를 현대적으로 회복시키고자 했다.

The author sought to restore the value of classics in a modern way.

~고자 하다 is a formal way to express intent.

생태계의 자정 능력이 한계에 도달하여 회복이 불가능해졌다.

The ecosystem's self-purification capacity reached its limit, making recovery impossible.

자정 능력 (self-purification ability).

역사적 진실을 규명하는 것은 민족의 정체성을 회복하는 길이다.

Identifying historical truth is the way to recover the national identity.

정체성 (identity).

그는 명상과 성찰을 통해 내면의 평화를 회복했다.

He recovered his inner peace through meditation and reflection.

성찰 (reflection/introspection).

경제 지표들이 일제히 반등하며 경기 회복의 신호를 보냈다.

Economic indicators rebounded all at once, signaling an economic recovery.

일제히 (all at once/simultaneously).

손상된 신경 세포가 스스로 회복되는 과정은 매우 복잡하다.

The process by which damaged nerve cells recover themselves is very complex.

신경 세포 (nerve cell/neuron).

본래의 기능을 상실한 건축물에 새로운 생명력을 불어넣어 회복시켰다.

They restored the building that had lost its original function by breathing new life into it.

생명력을 불어넣다 (to breathe life into).

권력의 남용으로 훼손된 민주주의의 가치를 회복하는 것이 급선무다.

Restoring the values of democracy damaged by the abuse of power is the first priority.

급선무 (urgent priority).

그의 연주는 잊혔던 시대의 낭만을 완벽하게 회복해 냈다.

His performance perfectly managed to recover the romance of a forgotten era.

~해 내다 implies completing a difficult task.

사라져 가는 토착 언어를 회복하려는 언어학자들의 노력이 눈부시다.

The efforts of linguists to recover disappearing indigenous languages are brilliant.

토착 언어 (indigenous language).

상실의 고통 속에서도 인간은 끊임없이 삶의 의미를 회복해 나간다.

Even amidst the pain of loss, humans constantly go on recovering the meaning of life.

~해 나가다 expresses a continuing process into the future.

그 철학자는 이성 중심주의에서 벗어나 감성의 지위를 회복시키려 했다.

The philosopher tried to restore the status of emotion, moving away from rationalism.

지위 (status/position).

무너진 공교육의 신뢰를 회복하기 위한 근본적인 대책이 필요하다.

Fundamental measures are needed to recover trust in collapsed public education.

근본적인 (fundamental/radical).

예술은 파편화된 현대인의 삶을 통합하고 회복시키는 힘을 지닌다.

Art possesses the power to integrate and restore the fragmented lives of modern people.

파편화된 (fragmented).

Synonyms

복구하다 복원하다 나아지다 되찾다

Antonyms

악화되다 상실하다

Common Collocations

건강을 회복하다

경제가 회복되다

의식을 회복하다

신뢰를 회복하다

명예를 회복하다

기력을 회복하다

관계를 회복하다

평정심을 회복하다

시력을 회복하다

활기를 회복하다

Common Phrases

빠른 회복을 빕니다

— I wish you a speedy recovery. A standard formal greeting for sick people.

수술 소식 들었습니다. 빠른 회복을 빕니다.

회복세에 접어들다

— To enter a recovery trend. Used for economy or health.

경제가 드디어 회복세에 접어들었다.

회복 불능

— Beyond recovery. Used for terminal illness or total destruction.

그 건물은 화재로 회복 불능 상태가 되었다.

기운을 회복하다

— To regain one's energy or strength.

잠을 좀 자고 나면 기운을 회복할 거예요.

회복 조치를 취하다

— To take recovery measures.

정부는 시장 안정을 위해 회복 조치를 취했다.

회복기가 길다

— The recovery period is long.

이 수술은 회복기가 꽤 깁니다.

자신감을 회복하다

— To regain self-confidence.

칭찬을 듣고 나서 자신감을 회복했다.

원상 회복

— Restoration to the original state. Often used in legal or environmental contexts.

훼손된 산림의 원상 회복이 시급하다.

입맛을 회복하다

— To regain one's appetite.

아프고 나서 드디어 입맛을 회복했다.

회복의 기미

— Signs of recovery.

환자의 상태가 회복의 기미를 보이고 있다.

Often Confused With

회복하다 vs 복구하다

Used for physical/technical restoration (roads, data) while 회복하다 is for health/states.

회복하다 vs 복원하다

Used for historical/artistic restoration to original shape.

회복하다 vs 낫다

Common word for getting over a cold; 회복하다 is more formal and for significant recovery.

Idioms & Expressions

"죽었다가 살아나다"

— To literally die and come back to life, but used idiomatically for a miraculous recovery.

그는 큰 사고에서 죽었다가 살아나서 건강을 회복했다.

Informal

"기사회생하다"

— To come back to life from the brink of death. Used for business or health.

회사가 부도 위기에서 기사회생하여 활기를 회복했다.

Formal/Literary

"오뚝이처럼 일어나다"

— To rise like a roly-poly toy. To bounce back repeatedly from failure.

그는 실패해도 오뚝이처럼 일어나 자신감을 회복한다.

Neutral

"바닥을 치고 올라오다"

— To hit rock bottom and come back up. Common in economic contexts.

경제가 바닥을 치고 회복하기 시작했다.

Neutral

"환골탈태하다"

— To undergo a complete transformation (bone and face change). A very strong form of recovery/improvement.

그 팀은 훈련 후 환골탈태하여 예전의 명성을 회복했다.

Literary

"심폐소생술을 하다"

— To perform CPR. Idiomatically used for trying to revive a dying project or economy.

정부는 시장에 심폐소생술을 하듯 긴급 자금을 투입해 회복을 꾀했다.

Neutral

"다시 꽃을 피우다"

— To bloom again. Used for a career or relationship recovering its glory.

그 가수는 신곡으로 다시 꽃을 피우며 인기를 회복했다.

Literary

"상처를 씻다"

— To wash away scars/wounds. To recover from past trauma or disgrace.

그는 우승을 통해 지난 패배의 상처를 씻고 명예를 회복했다.

Literary

"뿌리를 내리다"

— To take root. Used when a recovery becomes stable and permanent.

민주주의가 다시 뿌리를 내리며 사회가 안정을 회복했다.

Literary

"구사일생으로 살아나다"

— To survive a life-threatening situation with a one-in-ten chance. Used for extreme physical recovery.

그는 구사일생으로 살아나 기적적으로 건강을 회복했다.

Formal

Easily Confused

회복하다 vs 행복하다

Similar sound (Hoe-bok vs Haeng-bok).

행복하다 means 'to be happy'. 회복하다 means 'to recover'.

나는 지금 행복해요 (I am happy now) vs 나는 건강을 회복했어요 (I recovered my health).

회복하다 vs 정복하다

Both end in 'bok-hada'.

정복하다 means 'to conquer' or 'to master'.

에베레스트 산을 정복했다 (Conquered Mt. Everest).

회복하다 vs 반복하다

Both end in 'bok-hada'.

반복하다 means 'to repeat'.

같은 실수를 반복하지 마세요 (Don't repeat the same mistake).

회복하다 vs 극복하다

Both end in 'bok-hada' and relate to overcoming problems.

극복하다 means 'to overcome' a challenge or difficulty. 회복하다 is 'returning' to a good state.

장애를 극복했다 (Overcame a disability).

회복하다 vs 항복하다

Both end in 'bok-hada'.

항복하다 means 'to surrender'.

적군이 항복했다 (The enemy surrendered).

Sentence Patterns

빨리 [Noun] 회복하세요.

빨리 건강 회복하세요.

[Noun]을/를 회복하고 있어요.

기운을 회복하고 있어요.

[Noun]이/가 회복될 전망입니다.

경제가 회복될 전망입니다.

[Noun]을/를 회복하는 데 성공했다.

명예를 회복하는 데 성공했다.

[Noun]이야말로 회복해야 할 가치다.

인간성이야말로 회복해야 할 가치다.

[Noun]을/를 회복시키기 위한 근본적 대책.

신뢰를 회복시키기 위한 근본적 대책.

[Noun]에서 회복되다.

부상에서 회복되다.

[Noun]을/를 회복할 기미를 보이다.

경기가 회복할 기미를 보이다.

Word Family

Nouns

회복 (recovery/restoration)

회복실 (recovery room)

회복력 (resilience/recovery power)

회복기 (convalescence period)

회복세 (recovery trend)

Verbs

회복되다 (to be recovered - passive)

회복시키다 (to restore/make recover - causative)

Adjectives

회복적 (restorative)

회복 가능한 (recoverable)

회복 불가능한 (irrecoverable)

건강 (health)

경제 (economy)

치료 (treatment)

휴식 (rest)

부활 (resurrection)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in news, medical, and professional contexts. Moderate in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

감기를 회복했어요. → 감기가 다 나았어요.
You don't 'recover a cold'; you 'get over' it. '회복하다' is for recovering a positive state like health, not the illness itself.
컴퓨터를 회복했어요. → 컴퓨터를 수리했어요 / 데이터를 복구했어요.
'회복하다' is not for fixing machines. Use '수리하다' for repairs and '복구하다' for data.
경제가 회복했어요. → 경제가 회복되었어요.
Since 'economy' is the subject and it's recovering on its own (or being recovered), the passive '회복되다' is more natural.
건강을 회복되다. → 건강을 회복하다.
The passive form '회복되다' cannot take an object marked with '~을/를'.
옛날 건물을 회복했어요. → 옛날 건물을 복원했어요.
For restoring historical buildings to their original shape, '복원하다' is the correct term.

Tips

Particle Check

Always use ~을/를 with 회복하다 and ~이/가 with 회복되다. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Health Nuance

Use '낫다' for small things (cold, cut) and '회복하다' for big things (surgery, exhaustion).

Business Korean

In business, '회복' is often paired with '세' to mean 'recovery trend' (회복세).

TOPIK Tip

When writing about social problems, suggest '신뢰 회복' (recovery of trust) as a solution to sound more advanced.

Well-wishing

If a Korean colleague is sick, sending a message with '회복' shows you respect the seriousness of their condition.

Hoe-Bok / Hope-Back

Remember: You have 'Hope' that things will come 'Back' to normal.

Pronunciation

Don't forget the 'w' sound in '회' (hwe). If you say '히복' (hee-bok), people might not understand.

Resilience

Learn '회복탄력성' (resilience). It's a very popular buzzword in Korean psychology and self-help.

News Keywords

When you hear '경기' (economic condition), listen for '회복' immediately after.

Regaining

If you want to say 'regain' a lost smile or memory, '되찾다' is often more poetic than '회복하다'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Hoe' as 'Home' and 'Bok' as 'Back'. You are coming 'Home Back' to your healthy self or a good economy.

Visual Association

Imagine a heart rate monitor that was flat-lining but now shows a healthy, rhythmic 'up and down' wave again. That wave is '회복'.

Word Web

건강 (Health) 경제 (Economy) 신뢰 (Trust) 기운 (Energy) 명예 (Honor) 시력 (Eyesight) 관계 (Relationship) 의식 (Consciousness)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using '회복하다' for three different things: a person, a country, and a feeling. For example: '나는 건강을 회복했다', '한국은 경제를 회복했다', '우리는 신뢰를 회복했다'.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja). '회' (回) means to return, turn around, or revolve. '복' (復) means to return, restore, or repeat. Together, they literally mean 'to return to the return' or 'to return to the original state.'

Original meaning: To return to a previous state of being or position.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

When someone is grieving, '회복' might sound too clinical. Use '기운 내세요' (Cheer up/Find strength) instead of telling them to 'recover' quickly.

English speakers often use 'get better' or 'bounce back.' 'Recover' is the direct equivalent but '회복하다' is used more broadly in Korean for things like 'recovering trust' where English might say 'rebuilding trust.'

The 'Miracle on the Han River' is often described as a legendary '경제 회복' (economic recovery). Many K-Dramas feature a '회복실' (recovery room) scene after a dramatic surgery. The term '회복탄력성' (Resilience) is a bestseller book topic in Korea.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hospital

회복실이 어디예요?
환자가 의식을 회복했나요?
빠른 회복을 빕니다.
회복 기간이 얼마나 걸릴까요?

Economic News

경제가 회복세에 있습니다.
소비 심리가 회복되었습니다.
수출이 회복되고 있습니다.
경기 회복을 위한 대책입니다.

Sports Commentary

선수가 컨디션을 회복했습니다.
부상에서 회복 중입니다.
예전의 기량을 회복했습니다.
체력 회복이 관건입니다.

Relationships

우리는 신뢰를 회복해야 해요.
관계를 회복하고 싶어요.
서로의 명예를 회복합시다.
대화로 오해를 풀고 관계를 회복했다.

Environmental Discussion

자연 생태계를 회복시켜야 합니다.
강물이 맑아지며 생명력을 회복했다.
숲이 스스로 회복하고 있습니다.
오염된 토양을 회복하는 기술입니다.

Conversation Starters

"요즘 건강은 좀 회복하셨어요? (Have you recovered your health a bit lately?)"

"우리나라 경제가 언제쯤 완전히 회복될까요? (When do you think our country's economy will fully recover?)"

"스트레스를 받았을 때 어떻게 평정심을 회복하세요? (How do you recover your composure when you're stressed?)"

"부상을 당한 선수가 다시 기량을 회복할 수 있을까요? (Can an injured athlete recover their skills again?)"

"깨진 신뢰를 회복하는 가장 좋은 방법은 무엇일까요? (What is the best way to recover broken trust?)"

Journal Prompts

최근에 피로를 회복하기 위해 무엇을 했는지 써 보세요. (Write about what you did recently to recover from fatigue.)

내가 잃어버렸던 자신감을 회복했던 경험에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about an experience where you recovered lost self-confidence.)

우리 사회에서 가장 먼저 회복해야 할 가치는 무엇이라고 생각합니까? (What value do you think we should recover first in our society?)

실패 후 다시 일어서서 명예를 회복한 사람의 이야기를 써 보세요. (Write a story about someone who rose again after failure and recovered their honor.)

자연이 스스로 회복하는 모습을 본 적이 있나요? 그 느낌을 적어 보세요. (Have you ever seen nature recovering itself? Write about that feeling.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for a broken phone, use '수리하다' (to repair) or '고치다' (to fix). If you lost data on the phone and want it back, use '복구하다' (to restore/recover data).

No, it is very commonly used for the economy (경제), relationships (관계), nature (자연), and abstract concepts like honor (명예) or trust (신뢰).

회복하다 is active (someone recovers something), while 회복되다 is passive (something is recovered or recovers on its own). Example: '의사가 환자를 회복시켰다' (The doctor made the patient recover) vs '환자가 회복되었다' (The patient recovered).

You can say '빠른 회복을 빕니다' (I wish you a speedy recovery) or '쾌유를 빕니다' (I wish you a complete recovery - very formal).

Yes, '관계를 회복하다' is a very common and natural way to say 'to mend a relationship' or 'to restore a relationship'.

Yes, '회복했다' or '회복되었다' are very common when reporting that someone has finished their recovery or the economy has bounced back.

It means 'recovery room,' usually found in hospitals where patients stay immediately after surgery until they wake up and stabilize.

Yes, you can say '평정심을 회복하다' (to recover one's composure) or '기분을 회복하다' (to get back into a good mood).

Yes, it is a very frequent word in TOPIK II (Intermediate/Advanced) reading and listening sections, especially in news-related topics.

It uses 回 (return) and 復 (restore). Both characters imply a movement back to a starting point.