This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Korean
Vocabulary
지칭하다

B2 verb #4,000 most common 9 min read

지칭하다

jichinghada Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 지칭하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 지칭하다 in your Level:

In the beginning, you don't need to use '지칭하다'. It is a very formal word. Instead, you use '부르다' (to call) or '이름' (name). For example, '제 이름은 민수예요' (My name is Minsu). '지칭하다' is like saying 'to designate' in English. It's too difficult for a beginner to say in a coffee shop or with friends. Just remember that it means 'to point to something with a name.' You might see it in a dictionary, but you don't need to speak it yet. Focus on '이거 뭐예요?' (What is this?) and '...라고 불러요' (Call it ...). This word is for much later in your Korean journey when you read news or books.

At the A2 level, you might start seeing '지칭하다' in short reading passages or on signs. It's a formal way to say 'refer to.' For example, if you see a map, the legend might '지칭' (refer to) certain symbols. You still don't need to use it in your daily speaking. If you want to say 'What does this mean?', you should use '이게 무슨 뜻이에요?' (What does this mean?). However, if a teacher asks 'Who does "he" refer to in this sentence?', they might use the word '지칭'. It's a useful word to recognize so you can understand grammar explanations in Korean.

As a B1 learner, you are moving into intermediate Korean. You should understand that '지칭하다' is used when you are being specific about a name or a reference. In a story, if there is a pronoun like '그' (he) or '그녀' (she), '지칭하다' is the verb used to ask who those words are pointing to. You might start using it in your writing when you want to sound more professional. For example, '이 단어는 환경 보호를 지칭합니다' (This word refers to environmental protection). It's better than using '말해요' (say) when you are writing a formal paragraph for a class.

At the B2 level, '지칭하다' is a word you should be able to use correctly. You will encounter it frequently in the TOPIK II exam, especially in the reading and writing sections. It is essential for discussing linguistics, social issues, and academic topics. You should know the pattern 'A를 B라고 지칭하다'. This level requires you to distinguish between '지칭하다' and '지적하다' (to point out). You should use '지칭하다' when you are defining terms in an essay or explaining a complex concept during a presentation. It shows that you have a high-level vocabulary and understand formal Korean registers.

For C1 learners, '지칭하다' is a basic tool for academic discourse. You should be comfortable using it in its various forms, including the passive '지칭되다' and the noun form '지칭'. You should also be aware of its nuances compared to '일컫다' or '명명하다'. At this level, you might use it to discuss how language shapes reality—for example, how certain social groups are '지칭'ed by the media and how that affects public perception. You should be able to follow complex legal or philosophical arguments where the precise '지칭 대상' (target of reference) is a key point of debate.

At the C2 level, you use '지칭하다' with the precision of a native speaker. You understand the historical and Hanja roots (指稱) and can use the word in high-level literary analysis or legal writing. You can discuss the '지칭의 불명확성' (ambiguity of reference) in modern poetry or the '지칭어의 변화' (changes in terms of reference) in historical linguistics. You can use it to critique academic papers, noting where a term is not clearly '지칭'ed. Your usage is seamless, and you naturally switch to this word whenever the context shifts from the general to the specifically designated or named.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

지칭하다 in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning 'to refer to' or 'to designate'.
Commonly used in academic writing, news, and legal documents.
Follows the pattern: [Object]를 [Name]라고 지칭하다.
Derived from Hanja: 指 (point) + 稱 (call).

The Korean verb 지칭하다 (jiching-hada) is a sophisticated term primarily used in formal, academic, or professional settings to describe the act of designating, naming, or referring to a specific entity. While the basic verb '부르다' (to call) covers general naming, 지칭하다 implies a precise identification within a specific context. It is derived from two Hanja characters: 指 (ji) meaning 'to point' and 稱 (ching) meaning 'to call' or 'to name.' Together, they create the sense of 'pointing to something with a name.'

Precision in Reference: In linguistics or literary analysis, you use this word to explain what a pronoun or a specific term refers to. For example, if a text says 'the Great Leader,' you would use 지칭하다 to explain that this term refers to a specific historical figure.
Formal Designations: When legal documents or official reports define a person or an object, they use this verb to establish a clear connection between a label and the actual subject.

전문가들은 이 현상을 '기후 역설'이라고 지칭한다.
— Experts refer to this phenomenon as the 'climate paradox.'

Understanding 지칭하다 is crucial for reaching the B2 level of Korean proficiency because it allows you to engage in meta-discourse—talking about how language is used. It is rarely used in casual conversation with friends (where '가리키다' or '말하다' would be more common), but it is ubiquitous in news broadcasts, university lectures, and written essays. It carries a nuance of 'defining a term' rather than just shouting a name across a room.

여기서 '그'가 지칭하는 대상은 누구입니까?
— Who is the person that 'he' refers to here?

The verb functions as a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object (the thing being named) marked with 을/를. Often, the structure follows 'A를 B라고 지칭하다' (To refer to A as B). This structure is essential for clarifying terminology in complex discussions. For instance, in a medical context, a doctor might explain that a specific set of symptoms is '지칭되는' (referred to as) a certain syndrome.

Social Contexts: In Korean culture, the way we 지칭하다 family members is extremely complex. Using the correct title (호칭) to refer to someone is a form of 지칭. Therefore, discussions about Korean honorifics often involve this verb.

법전에서는 이들을 '이해관계인'으로 지칭하고 있다.
— The legal code refers to them as 'interested parties.'

In summary, 지칭하다 is your go-to word for 'referring to' or 'designating' in any context that requires clarity and formality. It bridges the gap between simple naming and formal categorization, making it an indispensable tool for advanced Korean communication.

Mastering the usage of 지칭하다 involves understanding its typical grammatical patterns. Most commonly, it appears in the form [Subject]이/가 [Object]를 [Name/Title](이)라고 지칭하다. This translates to '[Subject] refers to [Object] as [Name/Title].' It is a versatile structure used in everything from scientific papers to news reporting.

The Passive Form: In many academic texts, the passive form 지칭되다 (to be referred to as) is more common. For example: '이 현상은 사회적 소외라고 지칭된다' (This phenomenon is referred to as social alienation). This shifts the focus from the speaker to the definition itself.

그는 자신을 '평범한 시민'이라고 지칭하며 연설을 시작했다.
— He started his speech by referring to himself as an 'ordinary citizen.'

Another frequent pattern involves the use of the noun form 지칭 (designation/reference). You might see phrases like 지칭 대상 (the target of reference) or 지칭어 (a term of reference). These are common in Korean language exams like TOPIK II, where you must identify what a specific word in a reading passage points to.

본 문서에서 '갑'은 판매자를 지칭합니다.
— In this document, 'Party A' refers to the seller.

In literary contexts, 지칭하다 is used to describe how characters address one another. Because Korean has a complex hierarchy of titles (like 'unni,' 'oppa,' 'sunbae'), the act of choosing a word to 지칭 someone is a significant social action. If a character uses a disrespectful term to 지칭 their elder, it signals conflict.

Abstract Concepts: You can also 지칭하다 abstract concepts. For example, 'The word "youth" here refers to a state of mind, not an age.' (여기서 '청춘'이라는 말은 나이가 아니라 마음의 상태를 지칭한다.)

이 대명사가 지칭하는 바가 무엇인지 명확하지 않습니다.
— It is not clear what this pronoun is referring to.

Lastly, remember that 지칭하다 is a 'Ha-da' verb. In formal writing (Plain Form), it becomes 지칭한다. In polite spoken Korean, it becomes 지칭해요 or 지칭합니다. In very formal settings like a presentation, 지칭하고 있습니다 (is referring to) is a common way to describe current definitions or ongoing terminology usage.

While you might not hear 지칭하다 while buying apples at a traditional market, it is a staple of Korean intellectual and public life. If you turn on the evening news (KBS, MBC, SBS), you will frequently hear anchors use it when discussing new laws, international relations, or social trends.

The News and Media: Journalists use 지칭하다 to provide objective definitions. For example, 'The government refers to this group as a "special interest group."' This adds a layer of formal distance and objectivity to the reporting.

언론에서는 이 세대를 'MZ세대'라고 지칭하며 분석하고 있습니다.
— The media is analyzing this generation by referring to them as the 'MZ Generation.'

In the classroom, especially at the university level, professors use this word constantly. Whether they are teaching philosophy, history, or science, they need to clarify what specific terms 지칭. A history professor might say, 'In this era, the term "people" only referred to the land-owning class.'

강연자는 '혁신'이라는 단어가 기술만을 지칭하는 것은 아니라고 강조했다.
— The speaker emphasized that the word 'innovation' does not refer only to technology.

Legal and corporate environments are also prime locations for this word. Contracts are filled with definitions where terms are 지칭ed to avoid ambiguity. In a business meeting, a manager might say, 'When I say "our targets," I am referring to the Q4 goals specifically.'

Documentary Narrations: Documentaries about nature or science often use 지칭하다 when introducing a species or a celestial body. 'This star is referred to as the North Star.' (이 별은 북극성이라고 지칭됩니다.)

보고서에서 이 수치는 작년 대비 성장률을 지칭합니다.
— In the report, this figure refers to the growth rate compared to last year.

Even in high-end literature or deep cultural discussions, you'll find it. Authors use it to describe the nuances of social hierarchy and how naming reflects power dynamics. In summary, if the conversation is serious, analytical, or formal, 지칭하다 is likely to make an appearance.

Because 지칭하다 is a B2-level word with specific Hanja roots, learners often make a few predictable errors. The most common is confusing it with other words that start with the syllable '지' (ji).

Confusion with 지적하다 (Point Out): This is the #1 mistake. 지적하다 (jijeok-hada) means to point out a mistake, a fact, or a specific point. 지칭하다 is about naming/referring. If you say 'He referred to my mistake,' using 지칭하다 would mean he gave your mistake a name, whereas 지적하다 means he identified that it was a mistake.

[Wrong] 선생님이 내 실수를 지칭했다.
[Right] 선생님이 내 실수를 지적했다.

Another mistake is overusing it in casual conversation. Using 지칭하다 with your friends while talking about a movie character might sound overly stiff or even sarcastic. In casual settings, '말하다' (to say/talk about) or '가리키다' (to point/refer) are much more natural.

[Awkward] 친구를 '야'라고 지칭하지 마.
[Natural] 친구한테 '야'라고 부르지 마.

Learners also struggle with the particle (이)라고 versus 을/를. Remember: [Target]을 [Name]라고 지칭하다. If you forget the (이)라고, the sentence often feels incomplete. For example, '그는 이것을 사과 지칭했다' is incorrect; it must be '사과라고 지칭했다.'

Confusion with 칭하다 (Call/Name): 칭하다 (ching-hada) is a shorter version that also means to call or name, but it is even more formal and often used for titles or self-proclamations. 지칭하다 is more common when explaining the relationship between a word and its object.

이 단어는 특정한 사람을 지칭하는 대명사입니다.
— This word is a pronoun that refers to a specific person.

Lastly, ensure you don't use 지칭하다 when you mean 'to mean' (의미하다). While they are related, 지칭하다 is about the act of naming/pointing, while 의미하다 is about the definition or significance. If a word 'means' happiness, use 의미하다. If a word 'refers to' that man over there, use 지칭하다.

To truly master 지칭하다, you need to know its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. Korean has several ways to say 'refer to' or 'call,' ranging from very simple to highly academic.

가리키다 (Garikida): This is the most common alternative. It literally means 'to point.' It can be used for physical pointing with a finger OR for referring to something in a text. It is less formal than 지칭하다. Example: 이 손가락이 가리키는 곳을 보세요. (Look where this finger is pointing.)
일컫다 (Ilkeotda): This is a pure Korean (native) word that is quite formal. It is often used to describe what people generally call something. Example: 사람들은 그를 영웅이라 일컫는다. (People refer to him as a hero.) It has a slightly more literary and traditional feel than the Sino-Korean 지칭하다.

전문가들은 이를 '심리적 방어 기제'라 일컫는다.
— Experts refer to this as a 'psychological defense mechanism.'

For even more formal or technical contexts, you might use 명명하다 (Myeongmyeong-hada), which means 'to name' or 'to christen.' This is used when giving a name to a new discovery, like a new star or a new scientific theory.

이 현상을 무엇이라고 부르면 좋을까요?
— What would be a good thing to call this phenomenon? (More casual)

When you want to emphasize that something is 'called' by a certain name in a passive sense, 불리다 (Bullida) is very common. 'He is called a genius' (그는 천재라 불린다). 지칭되다 would be the more formal version of this, used in academic papers: 'This group is referred to as...' (이 집단은 ...라고 지칭된다).

언급하다 (Eongeup-hada): While 지칭하다 is about naming/pointing, 언급하다 means 'to mention.' They are often used together in formal speech. 'He mentioned the problem and referred to it as a crisis.' (그는 문제를 언급하며 그것을 위기라고 지칭했다.)

In summary, choose your word based on the level of formality and the specific action you are describing. If you are analyzing text or defining terms formally, 지칭하다 is almost always the best choice.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 指 (Ji) is the same one used in '손가락' (finger - 수지/su-ji). So, '지칭' literally translates to 'pointing and calling.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕidʑiŋɦada/

US /tɕidʑiŋɦada/

In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, but a slight emphasis can be placed on the first syllable '지' for clarity.

Rhymes With

칭송하다 (praise) 호칭하다 (call/title) 대칭하다 (symmetrize) 경칭하다 (honor) 통칭하다 (commonly call) 약칭하다 (abbreviate) 자칭하다 (self-proclaim) 명칭 (name/title)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '지' as 'zi' (English 'z' sound is not in Korean).
Failing to aspirate the 'ch' in 'ching'.
Pronouncing 'ng' in 'ching' like a hard 'g' (it should be a nasal sound).
Pronouncing 'ha' too strongly; in fast speech, 'h' often becomes voiced or nearly silent.
Confusing the pitch with '지적' (pointing out).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in academic texts and news, requires B2 level to understand nuance.

Writing 4/5

Useful for formal essays; requires correct particle usage (이라고).

Speaking 3/5

Used in presentations or debates, but rare in daily speech.

Listening 4/5

Frequent in news broadcasts and lectures.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

부르다 이름 가리키다 말하다 대상

Learn Next

명명하다 일컫다 정의하다 언급하다 묘사하다

Advanced

기표와 기의 외연과 내포 담화 분석 호칭어

Grammar to Know

-(이)라고 (Indirect Citation)

그를 '천재'라고 지칭했다.

-는/은 (Topic Marker with Definition)

이 단어는 평화를 지칭한다.

-는 것 (Noun Clause)

그가 지칭하는 것은 돈이 아니다.

-아/어/여지다 (Passive Formation)

이것은 '희망'으로 지칭되어 왔다.

-며 (Conjunctive Ending)

그는 나를 친구라 지칭하며 웃었다.

Examples by Level

이것은 사과를 지칭해요.

This refers to an apple.

A1 students usually use '이건 사과예요' instead.

누구를 지칭합니까?

Who are you referring to?

Formal question form.

그 단어는 무엇을 지칭해요?

What does that word refer to?

Basic 'refer to' structure.

선생님을 지칭하는 말이에요.

It's a word referring to the teacher.

Noun-modifying form (지칭하는).

여기는 서울을 지칭해요.

This refers to Seoul.

Simple identification.

저를 지칭하시는 거예요?

Are you referring to me?

Honorific form (지칭하시는).

이 그림은 평화를 지칭해요.

This picture refers to peace.

Abstract reference.

친구를 '너'라고 지칭해요.

I refer to my friend as 'you'.

Using (이)라고 particle.

문장에서 '그'는 누구를 지칭하나요?

Who does 'he' refer to in the sentence?

Common classroom question.

이 기호는 위험을 지칭합니다.

This symbol refers to danger.

Formal '합니다' style.

한국에서는 연장자를 어떻게 지칭해요?

How do people refer to elders in Korea?

Cultural context.

이 용어는 새로운 기술을 지칭해요.

This term refers to new technology.

Introducing a term.

그녀는 자신을 작가라고 지칭했다.

She referred to herself as a writer.

Past tense.

이 색깔은 희망을 지칭할 수 있어요.

This color can refer to hope.

Using -ㄹ 수 있다 (can).

우리는 이 모임을 '숲'이라고 지칭해요.

We refer to this meeting as 'The Forest'.

Naming a group.

법에서는 이 사람을 '피고'라고 지칭합니다.

In law, this person is referred to as the 'defendant'.

Professional context.

대명사가 지칭하는 대상을 찾아보세요.

Find the object that the pronoun refers to.

Object of reference (지칭하는 대상).

이 단어는 종종 잘못된 대상을 지칭하곤 합니다.

This word often tends to refer to the wrong object.

-곤 하다 (tend to/often).

현대 사회를 '위험 사회'라고 지칭하기도 한다.

Modern society is also referred to as a 'risk society'.

Topic-marking and naming.

그가 지칭한 사람은 바로 옆에 있었다.

The person he referred to was right next to him.

Past noun-modifying form (지칭한).

보고서에서 '우리'가 지칭하는 범위는 어디까지인가요?

What is the scope of 'we' referred to in the report?

Clarifying scope.

이 별명은 그의 성격을 잘 지칭해 준다.

This nickname refers well to his personality.

-어 주다 (auxiliary verb).

학계에서는 이 현상을 다르게 지칭합니다.

In academia, this phenomenon is referred to differently.

Adverbial usage (다르게).

자신을 낮추어 지칭하는 표현을 배워봅시다.

Let's learn expressions that refer to oneself humbly.

Humble language context.

전문가들은 이 시기를 '대전환의 시대'라고 지칭한다.

Experts refer to this period as the 'era of great transformation'.

Plain form (한다) for formal writing.

언어학에서 지칭하는 바와 실제 의미는 다를 수 있다.

What is referred to in linguistics and the actual meaning can be different.

Abstract comparison.

이 조항은 모든 근로자를 지칭하는 것으로 해석된다.

This clause is interpreted as referring to all workers.

Legal interpretation.

그가 누구를 지칭하여 말했는지는 명확하지 않다.

It is not clear who he was speaking in reference to.

Indirect question (-는지).

특정 인물을 지칭하는 발언은 삼가 주시기 바랍니다.

Please refrain from remarks that refer to specific individuals.

Polite request in formal setting.

이 대명사가 앞 문장의 내용을 지칭하고 있습니다.

This pronoun is referring to the content of the previous sentence.

Progressive form (-고 있다).

문학 비평가들은 이 상징이 죽음을 지칭한다고 분석했다.

Literary critics analyzed that this symbol refers to death.

Indirect quotation (-고 분석했다).

이름 대신 직함으로 상대를 지칭하는 것이 일반적이다.

It is common to refer to the other party by their title instead of their name.

Cultural norm explanation.

해당 용어가 지칭하는 외연이 너무 넓어 혼란을 야기한다.

The extension referred to by that term is too broad, causing confusion.

Advanced vocabulary (외연, 야기).

철학적으로 '자아'가 무엇을 지칭하는지에 대해 논쟁이 있다.

Philosophically, there is a debate about what the 'ego' refers to.

Philosophical discourse.

그는 교묘한 표현을 써서 특정 집단을 지칭했다.

He used subtle expressions to refer to a specific group.

Nuanced social analysis.

이 텍스트에서 '적'으로 지칭되는 대상은 유동적이다.

In this text, the target referred to as the 'enemy' is fluid.

Passive form and abstract concept.

지칭어의 선택은 화자의 정치적 입장을 반영하기도 한다.

The choice of reference terms also reflects the speaker's political stance.

Sociolinguistic analysis.

논문에서는 이 두 개념을 엄격히 구분하여 지칭해야 한다.

In the thesis, these two concepts must be referred to with strict distinction.

Academic requirement.

과거에는 이 지역을 '미개지'라고 지칭하는 오류를 범했다.

In the past, the error of referring to this region as 'uncivilized land' was committed.

Historical critique.

수학적 기호가 지칭하는 값은 문맥에 따라 정의된다.

The value referred to by a mathematical symbol is defined according to context.

Technical definition.

기표가 기의를 지칭하는 방식에 대한 구조주의적 고찰.

A structuralist consideration of the way the signifier refers to the signified.

High-level linguistic theory.

해당 법령의 '제3자'가 지칭하는 범위에 대한 대법원 판례.

Supreme Court precedent regarding the scope referred to as the 'third party' in the relevant decree.

Legal expertise.

담화 내에서 지칭 대상의 전이는 독자의 몰입을 방해한다.

The shift of the referent within the discourse hinders the reader's immersion.

Literary criticism.

그는 비유적 표현을 통해 형이상학적 실재를 지칭하고자 했다.

He intended to refer to metaphysical reality through metaphorical expressions.

Philosophical intent.

지칭의 불확실성은 포스트모더니즘 문학의 핵심적 특징이다.

The uncertainty of reference is a core characteristic of postmodern literature.

Abstract literary theory.

특정 인종을 비하적으로 지칭하는 용어의 사용을 엄격히 금한다.

The use of terms that derogatorily refer to specific races is strictly prohibited.

Social policy and ethics.

번역 과정에서 원문의 지칭 관계가 훼손되지 않도록 주의해야 한다.

During the translation process, care must be taken so that the reference relationships of the original text are not damaged.

Translation theory.

이 서사에서 '집'이 지칭하는 중의적 의미를 탐구해 보자.

Let's explore the ambiguous meanings referred to by 'home' in this narrative.

Deep narrative analysis.

Synonyms

가리키다 일컫다 언급하다 명명하다

Common Collocations

대상을 지칭하다

특정인을 지칭하다

용어로 지칭하다

자신을 지칭하다

포괄적으로 지칭하다

잘못 지칭하다

명확히 지칭하다

공통으로 지칭하다

비하적으로 지칭하다

상징적으로 지칭하다

Common Phrases

지칭하는 바

— That which is referred to. Used to clarify the subject of a sentence.

이 대명사가 지칭하는 바는 앞 문장에 있다.

지칭 대상

— The target of reference. The actual person or thing being named.

지칭 대상이 누구인지 밝혀라.

지칭어

— A term of reference. A word used to call someone.

한국어에는 다양한 지칭어가 존재한다.

상호 지칭

— Mutual reference. When two parties refer to each other.

그들은 서로를 동료로 상호 지칭했다.

직함 지칭

— Referring by title. Using a job title instead of a name.

한국 사회에서는 직함 지칭이 예의다.

집단 지칭

— Collective reference. Referring to a whole group.

이 단어는 특정 집단 지칭에 사용된다.

간접 지칭

— Indirect reference. Referring to something without naming it directly.

그는 간접 지칭을 통해 비판을 피했다.

존칭 지칭

— Honorific reference. Using respectful terms to refer to someone.

어른에게는 존칭 지칭을 써야 한다.

비유적 지칭

— Metaphorical reference. Using a metaphor to point to something.

시인은 바다를 어머니로 비유적 지칭을 했다.

법적 지칭

— Legal designation. How a person is named in a law.

피의자는 법적 지칭일 뿐이다.

Often Confused With

지칭하다 vs 지적하다

Means 'to point out' or 'to criticize'. '지칭하다' is just naming.

지칭하다 vs 칭찬하다

Means 'to praise'. Both share '칭' (praise/name), but '지칭' is neutral.

지칭하다 vs 지정하다

Means 'to appoint' or 'to designate a place'. '지칭' is about linguistic reference.

Idioms & Expressions

"손가락으로 달을 가리키다"

— To point at the moon with a finger. Refers to focusing on the trivial means (the finger) rather than the ultimate goal (the moon). Related to '지칭'.

본질을 보지 못하고 지칭하는 수단에만 집착하는구나.

Literary/Philosophical

"이름값을 하다"

— To live up to one's name. While not using the word '지칭', it deals with the weight of how one is referred to.

그는 정말 천재라는 지칭에 걸맞게 이름값을 한다.

Neutral

"허울 좋은 이름"

— A name that sounds good but lacks substance. Related to how things are '지칭'ed versus reality.

그 프로젝트는 지칭만 거창할 뿐 허울 좋은 이름이었다.

Neutral

"제 이름 찾아가다"

— To find one's proper name/place. Used when something is finally referred to correctly.

오랜 연구 끝에 이 식물도 제 이름을 찾아 지칭되게 되었다.

Neutral

"입에 올리다"

— To bring something to one's lips. A common way to say 'refer to' or 'mention' casually.

그의 이름을 지칭하여 입에 올리는 것조차 싫다.

Informal

"꼬리표를 달다"

— To attach a tag. Idiom for labeling or referring to someone in a specific, often negative, way.

그에게는 항상 '문제아'라는 지칭의 꼬리표가 따라다녔다.

Neutral

"이름을 더럽히다"

— To tarnish a name. Concerns the reputation of the name one is referred by.

가문의 이름으로 지칭되는 사람으로서 이름을 더럽히지 마라.

Formal

"명실상부하다"

— To be true to its name. When the reality matches how it is referred to.

그는 명실상부한 최고의 가수로 지칭될 만하다.

Formal

"딱지를 붙이다"

— To stick a label. Similar to '꼬리표', referring to someone with a fixed label.

함부로 사람에게 지칭의 딱지를 붙이지 마세요.

Neutral

"이름을 날리다"

— To make a name for oneself. To be widely referred to with fame.

그는 화가로서 이름을 날리며 거장으로 지칭되었다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

지칭하다 vs 가리키다

Both mean 'to point to/refer to'.

가리키다 is more general and includes physical pointing. 지칭하다 is formal and focuses on the act of naming.

손가락으로 저 건물을 가리켰다 (Natural). / 저 건물을 '본사'라고 지칭했다 (Formal).

지칭하다 vs 의미하다

Reference and meaning are closely related.

의미하다 is about the internal definition. 지칭하다 is about the external object being pointed to.

빨간색은 열정을 의미한다. / 이 단어는 저 사람을 지칭한다.

지칭하다 vs 언급하다

Both involve talking about something.

언급하다 is 'to mention' (bringing it up). 지칭하다 is 'to designate' (giving it a label).

그는 숙제를 언급했다. / 그는 숙제를 '지옥'이라고 지칭했다.

지칭하다 vs 부르다

Both mean 'to call'.

부르다 is common and used for shouting names or general calling. 지칭하다 is analytical and formal.

엄마를 불렀다. / 어머니를 '가장'으로 지칭했다.

지칭하다 vs 표현하다

Both involve using language for an object.

표현하다 is about 'expressing' feelings or ideas. 지칭하다 is about 'referring' to a specific thing.

사랑을 표현하다. / 그를 '사랑'이라고 지칭하다.

Sentence Patterns

A를 B라고 지칭하다

사람들은 그를 영웅이라고 지칭해요.

A가 지칭하는 대상은 B이다

이 대명사가 지칭하는 대상은 앞의 명사입니다.

A는 B를 지칭하는 말이다

이 단어는 자연을 지칭하는 말이다.

A는 B라고 지칭되기도 한다

이 현상은 가끔 '기적'이라고 지칭되기도 한다.

특정 A를 지칭하여 말하다

그는 특정 집단을 지칭하여 비판했다.

지칭의 모호성을 제거하다

계약서에서 지칭의 모호성을 제거해야 한다.

A를 B로 지칭하는 오류를 범하다

그를 범죄자로 지칭하는 오류를 범해서는 안 된다.

어떻게 지칭해야 할까요?

이 상황을 어떻게 지칭해야 할까요?

Word Family

Nouns

지칭 Designation, reference

명칭 Name, title

호칭 Address, title (for people)

지칭어 Referential term

Verbs

지칭되다 To be referred to as (passive)

칭하다 To call/name (formal)

자칭하다 To call oneself

가리키다 (to point)

의미하다 (to mean)

언급하다 (to mention)

표현하다 (to express)

정의하다 (to define)

How to Use It

frequency

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

Common Mistakes

선생님이 내 오답을 지칭했다. → 선생님이 내 오답을 지적했다.
You point out (지적) an error; you don't 'refer to/name' (지칭) an error in this context unless you are giving the error a specific name.
친구를 이름으로 지칭해. → 친구를 이름으로 불러.
Using '지칭하다' for calling a friend is too formal. '부르다' is natural.
이 단어는 사과 지칭한다. → 이 단어는 사과를 지칭한다.
The object marker '를' is necessary for the thing being referred to.
그는 나를 바보 지칭했다. → 그는 나를 바보라고 지칭했다.
When referring to someone AS something, the particle '라고' is required.
지칭하는 의미가 뭐예요? → 지칭하는 대상이 뭐예요?
Usually, we ask for the 'target' (대상) of reference, not the 'meaning' (의미) of reference, though they are related.

Tips

Particle Match

Always remember the [Object]를 [Name]라고 지칭하다 pattern. Missing '라고' is a common mistake for intermediate learners.

Formal Only

Keep this word for your essays, news reports, and business meetings. In a cafe, stick to '말하다' or '부르다'.

TOPIK Strategy

When you see '지칭하는 것' in a test, look at the sentence immediately before. Usually, the referent is located there.

Nuance Check

Compare it with '의미하다'. If you are talking about what a symbol *is*, use '의미하다'. If you are talking about what it *points to*, use '지칭하다'.

Social Hierarchy

In Korea, how you 지칭 someone depends on their age and status. Learning this word helps you discuss these cultural rules.

Academic Tone

Using '지칭하다' instead of '가리키다' in your Korean writing assignments will instantly make your work sound more scholarly.

The Finger & The Name

Visualize a finger (Ji) and a name tag (Ching). You are pointing at someone and putting a name tag on them.

Public Speaking

Use '지칭합니다' when defining your terms at the start of a speech to sound authoritative and clear.

News Cues

When you hear '...라고 지칭되는', get ready for a definition of a new social trend or a person in the news.

Not Criticism

Never use '지칭하다' when you want to criticize someone's mistake. That is '지적하다'. This is a very frequent error!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine your finger (Ji) pointing at a thing, and your mouth calling out (Ching) its name. Ji + Ching = Point + Name.

Visual Association

A professor pointing a wooden stick at a word on a chalkboard and saying its definition.

Word Web

Reference Pointer Designation Name Title Definition Formal Academic

Challenge

Write three sentences about your favorite book using '지칭하다' to explain what the main symbols refer to.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja).

Original meaning: 指 (Ji) means 'to point with a finger,' and 稱 (Ching) means 'to weigh, to call, or to praise.'

Sino-Korean vocabulary.

Cultural Context

Be careful when '지칭'ing social minorities; using outdated or offensive '지칭어' (terms of reference) is a serious social faux pas.

In English, 'refer to' is used broadly. In Korean, '지칭하다' is specifically for naming or designating, whereas '가리키다' is more for physical pointing.

Used in TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) reading comprehension questions. Frequent in 'The Analects' (논어) translations when discussing how to call things correctly (정명사상). Common in Korean legal dramas (like 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo') during witness questioning.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Writing

이 용어는 ~를 지칭한다
본 논문에서 지칭하는 바는
A를 B라고 지칭하자
지칭의 모호성

Legal Documents

이하 '갑'이라 지칭한다
피고를 지칭함
해당 조항이 지칭하는 대상
법적 지칭어

News Reporting

전문가들은 ~라고 지칭하며
이른바 ~라고 지칭되는
특정 인물을 지칭한 발언
지칭 대상의 확대

Linguistics/Language Class

대명사가 지칭하는 것
지칭어의 종류
어떻게 지칭합니까?
지칭 관계

Business Meetings

우리가 지칭하는 고객층은
이 수치는 수익을 지칭합니다
프로젝트명을 ~로 지칭하기로 함
지칭하는 범위

Conversation Starters

"이 문장에서 '그것'이 지칭하는 게 정확히 뭐예요?"

"한국 사람들은 보통 처음 만난 사람을 어떻게 지칭하나요?"

"전문가들이 이 경제 현상을 뭐라고 지칭하는지 아세요?"

"자신을 '예술가'라고 지칭하는 것에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"이 보고서에서 '사용자'가 지칭하는 범위가 어디까지인가요?"

Journal Prompts

당신을 가장 잘 지칭하는 단어 하나를 선택하고 그 이유를 쓰세요.

한국어의 복잡한 호칭(지칭어) 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 서술하세요.

최근 뉴스에서 본 새로운 용어가 무엇을 지칭하는지 설명하는 글을 써 보세요.

자신의 직업을 다른 사람들에게 어떻게 지칭하는지, 그리고 그 명칭이 마음에 드는지 쓰세요.

어떤 단어가 실제 대상을 잘못 지칭하고 있다고 생각한 적이 있나요? 그 사례를 들어 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very strange. If you say 'I 지칭하다 my friend Minsu,' it sounds like you are writing a report about him. Use '부르다' (call) instead.

호칭 is specifically for titles used when addressing people (like 'Manager', 'Uncle'). 지칭 is more general and can be used for objects, phenomena, or people. All 호칭 are a type of 지칭, but not all 지칭 are 호칭.

Yes, usually you 지칭 (refer to) an object, person, or concept which are represented by nouns. You wouldn't typically 지칭 an action directly without turning it into a noun phrase.

Yes, very often. Questions like '밑줄 친 부분이 지칭하는 것은?' (What does the underlined part refer to?) are extremely common in the reading section.

No, for physical pointing with your finger, use '가리키다'. '지칭하다' is for linguistic or conceptual reference.

You use '자칭' (Ja-ching). For example, '자칭 천재' (a self-proclaimed genius).

Yes, '지칭되다' (to be referred to as) is very common in academic writing.

No, it is a neutral, descriptive verb. However, it can be used in negative contexts, like '비하적으로 지칭하다' (to refer to derogatorily).

Yes, it is perfect for contracts. 'The buyer shall be referred to as Party B' would use 지칭하다.

指 (Point) and 稱 (Call/Name). Knowing this helps you remember it means 'pointing with a name'.