At the A1 level, the word '적실성' (relevance/appropriateness) is quite advanced and not typically taught. However, we can understand it through very simple concepts. Imagine you are wearing a heavy winter coat. If it is snowing, the coat is 'right' for the weather. In Korean, we might eventually use '적실성' to describe how 'right' or 'fitting' something is. For now, think of it as a fancy way to say something is 'good for now' or 'fits the situation.' You won't use this word yourself yet, but you might see it in books. A1 learners should focus on the idea of things being 'right' (맞아요). For example, if you ask a question that is perfect for the class, that question has '적실성.' It means the question fits the lesson perfectly. It is like having the right key for a lock. If the key opens the door, it has '적실성' for that lock. In simple terms: Is it useful? Is it right for today? That is what this word asks. Even though it is a long word, its heart is about things fitting together well in real life. You can just remember it as 'being appropriate.'
At the A2 level, you are starting to talk about your opinions and the world around you. '적실성' is a word you might encounter in news headlines or formal school announcements. It means 'the quality of being relevant.' For an A2 learner, think of it in terms of 'matching.' Does a plan match the problem? Does a story match the topic? If you are writing a letter to a friend about a trip, and you start talking about math, that math talk has low '적실성'—it doesn't match the trip topic. In Korean culture, being appropriate to the situation (Nunchi) is very important. '적실성' is like the academic version of that idea. You might see sentences like '이 내용은 주제와 적실성이 없어요' (This content has no relevance to the topic). You can use it to describe why a certain piece of information is helpful or why it is not helpful. It helps you distinguish between things that are just 'related' and things that are 'actually useful.' As you move toward B1, you will see this word more in reading tests, so it is good to recognize the Hanja characters: 摘 (pick) and 實 (reality). It means 'picking the reality.'
At the B1 level, you are expected to understand more abstract concepts and participate in discussions about social issues. '적실성' becomes a very useful tool for your vocabulary. It allows you to critique ideas more precisely. Instead of just saying something is 'bad' (나빠요) or 'wrong' (틀려요), you can say it 'lacks relevance' (적실성이 부족해요). This sounds much more professional. For example, if you are discussing environment policies, you might say that a certain policy was good ten years ago but lacks '적실성' today because the climate has changed. You will often see this word paired with '확보하다' (to secure) or '검토하다' (to review). B1 learners should practice identifying '적실성' in short articles. If an article about health suddenly talks about car tires, you can point out that the tire information lacks '적실성.' This word is essential for writing short essays or giving presentations where you need to justify why your data or examples are important. It shows you understand the 'fit' between your evidence and your argument. It is a step up from '관련성' (connection) because it implies a deeper, more practical utility.
At the B2 level, '적실성' is a core vocabulary item for academic and professional success. You should be able to use it fluently in both writing and speaking. At this stage, you understand that '적실성' is not just about being 'related,' but about being 'pertinent' and 'timely.' In a B2 level debate, you might challenge an opponent by saying, '그 주장은 논리적일지는 모르나, 현재 우리 상황에는 적실성이 떨어집니다' (That argument may be logical, but it lacks relevance to our current situation). This nuance—separating logic from practical applicability—is exactly what '적실성' is for. You will find this word in complex texts about law, economics, and sociology. It is often used to evaluate the 'validity of application.' For instance, in a business context, you would evaluate the '적실성' of a marketing strategy by looking at current consumer trends. If the strategy uses old trends, it lacks '적실성.' You should also be comfortable using the adjectival form '적실하다' to describe pertinent remarks or appropriate measures. Mastering this word allows you to engage with Korean media and professional documents at a much deeper level, moving beyond simple comprehension to critical analysis.
At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of '적실성' and its synonyms. You understand that '적실성' (relevance/pertinence) exists in a delicate balance with '타당성' (validity) and '신뢰성' (reliability). A C1 learner can discuss the 'epistemological relevance' or 'logical pertinence' of a theory. You might use the word to analyze historical documents, arguing that a certain law lost its '적실성' due to shifting social paradigms. In professional writing, such as a policy proposal or a legal brief, you would use '적실성' to argue for the necessity of your suggestions. For example, '본 제안은 급변하는 노동 시장의 적실성을 반영하여 설계되었습니다' (This proposal was designed to reflect the pertinence of the rapidly changing labor market). You also recognize the word in the context of '증거의 적실성' (relevance of evidence) in legal theory, where it refers to the logical connection between a piece of evidence and the fact it aims to prove. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are using it to build complex, persuasive arguments that demonstrate a high level of cultural and intellectual literacy in Korean.
At the C2 level, '적실성' is a word you use with total precision and stylistic flair. You can distinguish between its use in various specialized fields, such as philosophy, jurisprudence, and advanced data science. You might engage in high-level academic discourse about the 'social relevance' (사회적 적실성) of the humanities in a neoliberal age, or the 'technical pertinence' of a specific algorithmic approach. You understand the historical weight of the term and how its usage has evolved in Korean academic circles, often as a translation for the English 'relevance' but carrying a distinct Sino-Korean weight of 'hitting the actual truth.' A C2 speaker can use '적실성' to elegantly dismiss an irrelevant point during a high-stakes negotiation or to praise a colleague's insightful analysis. You might say, '그의 분석은 시대적 적실성을 꿰뚫는 통찰력을 보여준다' (His analysis shows insight that pierces through the relevance of the times). At this pinnacle of proficiency, '적실성' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool that you use to navigate and shape the most complex intellectual landscapes in the Korean language.

적실성 in 30 Seconds

  • 적실성 means 'relevance' or 'pertinence' in a formal, situational context.
  • It is a Sino-Korean noun used mostly in academic, legal, and professional settings.
  • It implies that something is not just related, but practically useful and timely.
  • Commonly paired with verbs like '확보하다' (secure) or '떨어지다' (decrease).
The Korean word 적실성 (Jeok-sil-seong) is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily to relevance, pertinence, or appropriateness in a specific context. It is a Sino-Korean term composed of three Hanja characters: 摘 (jeok), meaning to pick or point out; 實 (sil), meaning reality or truth; and 性 (seong), meaning nature or quality. Together, they describe the quality of a thought, policy, or piece of information that accurately 'points out' or 'hits' the actual reality of a situation. Unlike the more common word 관련성 (gwan-ryeon-seong), which simply denotes a connection between two things, 적실성 implies that the connection is meaningful, timely, and practically applicable to the matter at hand. It is most frequently encountered in formal writing, academic papers, legal arguments, and policy discussions. When a researcher discusses the 적실성 of their study, they are arguing that their findings are not just true, but that they matter deeply for the current socio-economic climate. In the legal realm, evidence must possess 적실성 to be considered useful in proving a specific point of fact.
Academic Context
In academic research, 적실성 refers to whether a theory or model effectively explains contemporary phenomena. A theory formulated in the 1950s might lose its 적실성 in the digital age if it fails to account for internet-mediated communication.

이 논문은 현대 사회의 갈등을 해결하는 데 있어 높은 적실성을 가지고 있습니다.

Policy and Governance
Governments often evaluate the 적실성 of new laws. If a law is passed to address a problem that has already disappeared, it lacks 적실성. Policymakers strive for 'timely relevance' to ensure public funds are spent on pressing needs.

정부의 새로운 경제 정책은 시장의 요구에 대한 적실성이 부족하다는 비판을 받았다.

Legal Relevance
In a courtroom, not all evidence is allowed. Evidence must have logical 적실성 to the case. If a lawyer introduces facts that are true but unrelated to the crime, the judge may rule them out for lacking 적실성.

법원은 제출된 증거의 적실성 여부를 신중하게 판단해야 합니다.

우리는 질문의 적실성을 따지기 전에 먼저 사실 관계를 확인해야 합니다.

그의 발언은 회의의 주제와는 거리가 멀어 적실성이 떨어진다.

Understanding 적실성 is key for anyone aiming for C1 or C2 level Korean proficiency, as it allows for the nuanced evaluation of arguments and data. It is the hallmark of professional and intellectual discourse in Korea today.
Using 적실성 correctly requires placing it in contexts where an evaluation of fitness or relevance is taking place. It is almost always used as a noun, often followed by the particles 이/가 (subject), 을/를 (object), or 의 (possessive). Common verbs that pair with it include 확보하다 (to secure), 갖추다 (to possess), 떨어지다 (to fall/decrease), and 검토하다 (to review). For instance, '적실성을 확보하다' means to ensure that something remains relevant or applicable. In a sentence like '이 이론은 현대 사회에 대한 적실성을 갖추고 있다,' the speaker is asserting that the theory is perfectly applicable to modern society. Conversely, '적실성이 떨어진다' suggests that something has become outdated or out of touch with reality.
Formal Evaluation
When critiquing a plan, you might say: '계획의 적실성을 재검토해야 합니다.' This implies that the plan might not be appropriate for the current circumstances and needs a second look.

데이터의 적실성을 높이기 위해 최신 통계 자료를 반영했습니다.

Comparative Usage
You can compare two ideas based on their relevance: 'A안이 B안보다 현재 상황에 대한 적실성이 더 높습니다.' (Plan A has higher relevance to the current situation than Plan B.)

시대가 변함에 따라 과거의 기준은 그 적실성을 잃게 마련입니다.

Scientific and Technical Use
In data science, the 적실성 of a training set determines the accuracy of a model. If the data is old, the model lacks 적실성 for current predictions.

실험 결과의 적실성을 입증하기 위해 추가 조사가 필요합니다.

교육 과정의 사회적 적실성을 강화해야 한다는 목소리가 높다.

그의 주장은 논리적으로는 완벽할지 모르나 현실적인 적실성은 떨어진다.

The word can also be found in the context of '적실성 있는' (relevant/pertinent), which acts as an adjectival phrase. For example, '적실성 있는 대책' (a pertinent measure). By mastering these patterns, learners can elevate their Korean from conversational to professional fluency, enabling them to participate in high-level debates and analyses.
You are unlikely to hear 적실성 at a casual dinner party or while shopping for groceries. Instead, it is a staple of the 'formal' Korean landscape. You will hear it on evening news programs like KBS News 9 or JTBC Newsroom, especially when journalists are questioning the effectiveness of government policies or the validity of a political candidate's promises. It is also a core vocabulary item in university lecture halls across humanities, social sciences, and law departments. Professors will often ask students to evaluate the 적실성 of a particular philosophical framework in light of current events. In corporate environments, particularly during strategy meetings or R&D presentations, managers might use it to assess whether a new product idea truly meets the current market's needs.
News and Media
News anchors might say: '이번 대책의 실효성과 적실성에 대한 의문이 제기되고 있습니다.' (Questions are being raised about the effectiveness and relevance of this measure.)

시사 토론 프로그램에서 전문가들은 정책의 적실성을 두고 열띤 논쟁을 벌였다.

Business Strategy
During a product review, a CEO might ask: '이 기술이 5년 후에도 시장에서 적실성을 유지할 수 있을까요?' (Will this technology be able to maintain its relevance in the market even five years from now?)

강연자는 인문학이 현대 사회에서 가지는 적실성에 대해 강조했다.

Legal and Judicial Proceedings
Judges use this term in written rulings to explain why certain evidence was admitted or excluded based on its 'logical relevance' (논리적 적실성).

판결문에는 해당 증거의 법적 적실성에 관한 상세한 설명이 포함되어 있었다.

신문 사설은 정부가 발표한 대책의 현실적 적실성을 강하게 비판했다.

세미나의 주제는 4차 산업혁명 시대에 기존 교육 방식의 적실성을 검토하는 것이었다.

Ultimately, 적실성 is a word that signals a high level of critical thinking. Hearing it tells you that the conversation is moving beyond surface-level facts into the realm of evaluation and strategic importance. It is a key term for anyone working in professional fields in Korea or studying advanced topics.
One of the most common mistakes learners make with 적실성 is confusing it with related but distinct terms like 관련성 (relevance/connection), 타당성 (validity), or 정확성 (accuracy). While they all deal with the quality of information, their focus is different. 관련성 is just about a link; two things can be linked but the link might be useless for the current problem. 적실성 specifically requires that the link be useful and appropriate for the 'here and now.' 타당성 refers to whether an argument is logical or whether a test measures what it claims to measure. You can have a logically valid (타당한) argument that has zero 적실성 because it addresses a situation that doesn't exist. 정확성 is simply about being correct or precise. A fact can be 100% accurate but have no 적실성 if it is irrelevant to the discussion.
Confusing with 관련성
Mistake: Using 관련성 when you mean that something is perfectly suited for a task. Correct: Use 적실성 when you want to emphasize appropriateness and utility, not just a simple connection.

단순한 관련성을 넘어, 실질적인 해결책으로서의 적실성이 필요합니다.

Misusing with Adjectives
Another mistake is trying to use the noun 적실성 where the adjective 적실하다 would be more natural. While '적실성이 있다' is common, '적실한 표현' (a pertinent expression) is often more concise than '적실성을 가진 표현.'

이 보고서는 통계의 정확성은 높지만, 주제와의 적실성은 부족합니다.

Overusing the Term
Some learners use 적실성 for everything 'good' or 'useful.' Be careful to reserve it for contexts where 'relevance to the current reality' is the specific point of discussion.

논문의 주장이 타당성을 얻으려면 근거 자료의 적실성이 뒷받침되어야 합니다.

그의 비판은 시의적절했지만, 대안의 적실성 면에서는 아쉬움이 남는다.

우리는 정보의 적실성을 판단할 때 주관적인 편견을 배제해야 합니다.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you will use 적실성 like a native speaker who is well-versed in formal and academic Korean.
To truly master 적실성, it is helpful to understand its 'neighbors' in the Korean lexicon. These words often appear in the same paragraphs but serve slightly different purposes. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the most precise word for your meaning.
적실성 vs. 관련성 (Relevance)
관련성 is the general term for 'connection.' 적실성 is a subset of relevance that focuses on being 'appropriate and timely.' For example, my childhood hobby has 관련성 to my life history, but it has no 적실성 to my current job application as a software engineer.
적실성 vs. 타당성 (Validity)
타당성 is about logical soundness or the quality of being well-founded. An argument can be logically sound (타당하다) but outdated. 적실성 ensures that the sound argument actually applies to the current situation.
적실성 vs. 유효성 (Effectiveness/Validity)
유효성 often refers to whether something is still 'active' or 'valid' (like a coupon or a law). 적실성 is more about the 'fit' or 'suitability' of that active thing to a specific goal.

그 정책은 논리적 타당성은 있으나 사회적 적실성이 부족하다.

시의적절성 (Timeliness)
This is a very close relative. While 적실성 is general relevance, 시의적절성 specifically emphasizes being 'appropriate for the current time.' They are often used together to describe a perfect policy.

발표의 적실성을 높이기 위해 구체적인 사례를 추가했습니다.

이 질문은 토론의 본질과 관련하여 적실성이 매우 높습니다.

우리는 대안의 적실성을 평가하기 위한 새로운 기준을 마련했습니다.

By contrasting these terms, you develop a sharper 'linguistic ear' for when to deploy 적실성 to make your Korean sound more authoritative and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The first character 摘 (jeok) is the same one used in '지적하다' (to point out). It implies that relevant information 'points out' exactly what is real.

Pronunciation Guide

UK t͡ɕʌk̚.ɕil.s͈ʌŋ
US t͡ɕʌk̚.ɕil.s͈ʌŋ
The primary stress is on the first syllable '적', with a slight secondary stress on the third syllable '성'.
Rhymes With
현실성 (hyeonsilseong) 확실성 (hwaksilseong) 진실성 (jinsilseong) 신실성 (shinsilseong) 성실성 (seongsilseong) 절실성 (jeolsilseong) 사실성 (sasilseong) 내실성 (naesilseong)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing '성' as a soft 's' instead of the reinforced 'ss' (s͈).
  • Releasing the 'k' sound in '적', making it sound like 'jeo-keu'.
  • Mumbling the 'l' in '실', making it sound like 'jeo-shi-seong'.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'eo' sound in '성' like an 'o'.
  • Failing to pause slightly between the syllables.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in newspapers and textbooks, requiring high-level vocabulary knowledge.

Writing 5/5

Hard to use naturally without understanding the nuance compared to '관련성'.

Speaking 5/5

Rarely used in daily speech; sounds very formal.

Listening 4/5

Frequently heard in news and lectures.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

관련 (connection) 실제 (reality) 중요 (importance) 맞다 (to be right) 상황 (situation)

Learn Next

시의적절 (timely appropriateness) 타당성 (validity) 개연성 (probability) 필연성 (inevitability) 정당성 (legitimacy)

Advanced

인과관계 (causality) 상관관계 (correlation) 실증적 (empirical) 담론 (discourse) 패러다임 (paradigm)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 의 (Possessive)

정책의 적실성 (Relevance of the policy)

~에 대한 (About/Toward)

현실에 대한 적실성 (Relevance toward reality)

~와/과 (With/And)

주제와 적실성이 있다 (Have relevance with the topic)

-기 위해 (In order to)

적실성을 높이기 위해 (In order to increase relevance)

-음으로써 (By doing)

데이터를 보완함으로써 적실성을 확보했다 (Secured relevance by supplementing data)

Examples by Level

1

이 질문은 공부에 적실성이 있어요.

This question is relevant to the study.

Using '적실성이 있다' to mean 'is relevant'.

2

그 이야기는 지금 상황에 적실성이 없어요.

That story is not relevant to the current situation.

Using '적실성이 없다' to mean 'is not relevant'.

3

선생님의 말씀은 우리에게 적실성이 큽니다.

The teacher's words have great relevance to us.

Adverb '큽니다' (is great) modifying the noun phrase.

4

이 책은 아이들에게 적실성이 좋은 책이에요.

This book is a very relevant book for children.

Using '적실성이 좋다' as a simple descriptor.

5

적실성 있는 대답을 하세요.

Please give a relevant answer.

Adjectival form '적실성 있는' modifying '대답'.

6

그 도구는 일할 때 적실성이 있어요.

That tool is relevant (useful) when working.

Contextual use of relevance as utility.

7

우리는 적실성 있는 정보를 찾아요.

We are looking for relevant information.

Object '정보' modified by '적실성 있는'.

8

이 계획은 적실성이 부족해요.

This plan lacks relevance.

Using '부족하다' to mean 'to lack'.

1

뉴스의 적실성을 확인해야 합니다.

We must check the relevance of the news.

Noun '적실성' with object marker '을'.

2

이 보고서는 주제와의 적실성이 높아요.

This report has high relevance to the topic.

Subject '적실성' with adjective '높다'.

3

과거의 방법은 이제 적실성이 떨어집니다.

Old methods now lack relevance (relevance falls).

Verb '떨어지다' used to indicate decreasing quality.

4

우리는 적실성 있는 대책을 세워야 해요.

We need to establish relevant measures.

Compound phrase '대책을 세우다'.

5

그의 조언은 현재 내 상황에 적실성이 있었다.

His advice was relevant to my current situation.

Past tense '있었다'.

6

데이터의 적실성이 연구의 핵심입니다.

The relevance of the data is the core of the research.

Possessive particle '의' connecting data and relevance.

7

이 질문은 회의의 적실성을 높여줍니다.

This question increases the relevance of the meeting.

Causative-like structure '높여주다' (to increase for someone).

8

당신의 의견은 적실성이 조금 부족한 것 같아요.

I think your opinion lacks a bit of relevance.

Softening the critique with '-ㄴ 것 같아요'.

1

정부는 정책의 사회적 적실성을 검토하고 있습니다.

The government is reviewing the social relevance of the policy.

Progressive form '-고 있다' with '검토하다'.

2

이 이론은 현대 사회에 대한 적실성을 갖추고 있다.

This theory possesses relevance to modern society.

Formal verb '갖추다' (to possess/be equipped with).

3

우리는 증거의 적실성을 따져 보아야 합니다.

We need to weigh the relevance of the evidence.

Auxiliary verb '-어 보다' (to try/examine) with '따지다'.

4

발표 자료의 적실성이 떨어지면 설득력이 없습니다.

If the relevance of the presentation material falls, it lacks persuasiveness.

Conditional '-면' connecting relevance and persuasiveness.

5

최신 트렌드를 반영하여 적실성을 확보했습니다.

We secured relevance by reflecting the latest trends.

Using '-어/아' for cause/method (reflecting trends).

6

그의 발언은 토론의 주제와 적실성이 먼 것 같다.

His remarks seem far from the relevance of the discussion topic.

Adjective '멀다' (far) used metaphorically.

7

교육 과정의 적실성을 높이는 것이 시급한 과제입니다.

Improving the relevance of the curriculum is an urgent task.

Nominalized phrase '-는 것' as the subject.

8

정보의 홍수 속에서 적실성 있는 정보를 골라내는 능력이 중요하다.

In a flood of information, the ability to pick out relevant information is important.

Complex noun phrase '골라내는 능력'.

1

이번 연구는 기존 이론의 한계를 극복하고 실천적 적실성을 강조했다.

This study overcame the limitations of existing theories and emphasized practical relevance.

Formal conjunction '-고' connecting two actions.

2

판결문은 피고인의 주장이 사건과의 적실성이 희박하다고 명시했다.

The judgment stated that the defendant's claim has thin (low) relevance to the case.

Indirect speech '-고 명시했다' (stated that...).

3

급변하는 시장 환경에서 기술의 적실성을 유지하는 것은 매우 어렵다.

In a rapidly changing market environment, it is very difficult to maintain the relevance of technology.

Participial adjective '급변하는' (rapidly changing).

4

우리는 설문 조사의 문항들이 연구 목적에 대한 적실성을 갖추었는지 확인했다.

We checked whether the survey items possessed relevance to the research objective.

Interrogative clause '-었는지' used as an object.

5

비평가는 그 소설이 현대인의 고뇌를 담아내어 높은 적실성을 보인다고 평했다.

The critic evaluated that the novel shows high relevance by capturing the agony of modern people.

Causative/Reasoning '-어/아' (capturing agony -> showing relevance).

6

통계 자료의 적실성이 결여된 주장은 설득력을 얻기 힘들다.

Arguments lacking relevance in statistical data find it hard to gain persuasiveness.

Verb '결여되다' (to be lacking/void of).

7

이 보고서는 정책 제언의 적실성을 높이기 위해 현장 실사를 병행했다.

This report conducted on-site inspections in parallel to increase the relevance of policy suggestions.

Purpose clause '-기 위해' (in order to).

8

과거의 성공 사례가 현재의 위기 상황에 항상 적실성을 가지는 것은 아니다.

Past success stories do not always have relevance to current crisis situations.

Partial negation '항상 ... 것은 아니다' (not always...).

1

학계에서는 이 패러다임이 현대 과학의 복잡성을 설명하기에 적실성이 있는지 논쟁 중이다.

In academic circles, it is being debated whether this paradigm has the relevance to explain the complexity of modern science.

Reasoning structure '-기에' (to/for explaining).

2

법적 논증에서 증거의 논리적 적실성은 유죄 판결의 결정적인 근거가 된다.

In legal argumentation, the logical relevance of evidence becomes a decisive basis for a guilty verdict.

Noun phrase '결정적인 근거' (decisive basis).

3

그의 철학은 시대적 적실성을 잃지 않고 오늘날에도 여전히 유효한 통찰을 제공한다.

Without losing its relevance to the times, his philosophy still provides valid insights today.

Negation '-지 않고' (without losing).

4

데이터 마이닝을 통해 정보의 적실성을 극대화하는 전략이 기업의 생존을 좌우한다.

Strategies that maximize the relevance of information through data mining determine the survival of a company.

Verb '좌우하다' (to control/determine/dominate).

5

정치적 수사(rhetoric)는 종종 대중의 요구와 적실성이 동떨어져 있다는 비판을 받는다.

Political rhetoric is often criticized for being far removed from the relevance of public demands.

Adjective '동떨어지다' (to be far apart/removed).

6

인문학의 사회적 적실성을 담보하기 위해서는 현실 문제에 대한 적극적인 참여가 필요하다.

To guarantee the social relevance of the humanities, active participation in real-world problems is necessary.

Verb '담보하다' (to guarantee/secure).

7

이 매뉴얼은 비상 상황에서의 적실성을 높이기 위해 지속적으로 업데이트되고 있다.

This manual is being continuously updated to increase its relevance in emergency situations.

Passive progressive '-고 있다' with '업데이트되다'.

8

우리는 해당 이론이 타 문화권에서도 적실성을 가지는지에 대한 비교 연구를 수행했다.

We conducted a comparative study on whether the theory has relevance in other cultures as well.

Clause '-는지에 대한' (about whether...).

1

담론의 적실성은 단순히 사실의 나열이 아니라, 맥락에 대한 깊은 이해에서 비롯된다.

The relevance of discourse stems not simply from a listing of facts, but from a deep understanding of context.

Structure 'A가 아니라 B' (Not A but B) with '비롯되다' (to stem from).

2

역사적 문헌의 해석에 있어 현대적 적실성을 부여하는 작업은 학문적 엄밀성을 요한다.

The task of imbuing historical texts with modern relevance requires academic rigor.

Verb '요하다' (to require/demand).

3

법체계의 적실성이 결여될 때, 법은 정의의 실현보다는 억압의 수단으로 전락할 위험이 있다.

When the relevance of a legal system is lacking, the law risks degenerating into a means of oppression rather than the realization of justice.

Verb '전락하다' (to fall/degenerate into).

4

포스트모던 사회에서 지식의 적실성은 보편적 진리보다는 국지적 유용성에 의해 판단된다.

In postmodern society, the relevance of knowledge is judged by local utility rather than universal truth.

Passive structure '판단된다' (is judged).

5

그의 논문은 자본주의의 구조적 모순을 파헤침으로써 시대적 적실성을 날카롭게 포착했다.

By delving into the structural contradictions of capitalism, his paper sharply captured the relevance of the times.

Nominalized verb '-음으로써' (by doing...).

6

예술 작품의 적실성은 감상자가 처한 현실과의 상호작용을 통해 비로소 완성된다.

The relevance of a work of art is finally completed through interaction with the reality faced by the viewer.

Adverb '비로소' (finally/at last).

7

정책 결정 과정에서 과학적 데이터의 적실성을 왜곡하는 행위는 민주주의의 근간을 흔든다.

The act of distorting the relevance of scientific data in the policy-making process shakes the foundations of democracy.

Verb '흔들다' (to shake/undermine).

8

우리는 거대 담론의 허구성을 비판하며, 개별 주체들의 삶에 밀착된 적실성을 추구해야 한다.

While criticizing the fiction of grand narratives, we must pursue a relevance that is closely attached to the lives of individual subjects.

Participial adjective '밀착된' (closely attached/stuck).

Synonyms

Antonyms

무관성 부적절

Common Collocations

적실성을 확보하다
적실성이 떨어지다
적실성을 갖추다
사회적 적실성
논리적 적실성
적실성을 검토하다
적실성이 높다
적실성이 부족하다
시대적 적실성
적실성 있는 대책

Common Phrases

적실성을 잃다

— To lose relevance. Used when something becomes outdated.

과거의 법률이 현대 사회에서 적실성을 잃었다.

적실성을 따지다

— To weigh or argue about relevance. Often used in debates.

우리는 그 발언의 적실성을 따질 필요가 있다.

적실성을 부여하다

— To grant or imbue relevance to something.

새로운 해석을 통해 고전에 적실성을 부여했다.

적실성을 유지하다

— To maintain relevance over time.

이 브랜드는 20년 동안 적실성을 유지해 왔다.

적실성을 강화하다

— To strengthen relevance.

교육의 현장 적실성을 강화하기 위한 프로그램이다.

적실성이 의심되다

— To have its relevance doubted.

그 데이터의 적실성이 의심되는 상황이다.

적실성을 입증하다

— To prove the relevance of something.

그는 자신의 이론의 적실성을 실험으로 입증했다.

적실성을 고려하다

— To consider the relevance.

상황의 적실성을 고려하여 결정을 내렸다.

적실성을 평가하다

— To evaluate relevance.

전문가들이 정책의 적실성을 평가하고 있다.

적실성에 어긋나다

— To go against or be inconsistent with relevance.

그의 행동은 논의의 적실성에 어긋난다.

Often Confused With

적실성 vs 관련성

관련성 is a simple link. 적실성 is a meaningful, timely, and useful link.

적실성 vs 적절성

적절성 is general appropriateness. 적실성 is specifically about hitting the target of reality.

적실성 vs 타당성

타당성 is logical soundness. 적실성 is practical applicability.

Idioms & Expressions

"정곡을 찌르다"

— To hit the nail on the head. While not using the word 적실성, it describes the act of having high relevance.

그의 질문은 문제의 정곡을 찔렀다.

Neutral
"시대의 흐름을 읽다"

— To read the trends of the time, which is necessary to maintain 적실성.

적실성 있는 정책을 위해선 시대의 흐름을 읽어야 한다.

Neutral
"뜬구름 잡다"

— To catch floating clouds (to talk nonsense/unrealistic things). The opposite of having 적실성.

그의 계획은 적실성 없이 뜬구름 잡는 소리만 한다.

Informal
"현실과 동떨어지다"

— To be far removed from reality. Lack of 적실성.

그 이론은 현실과 동떨어져 적실성이 없다.

Neutral
"손바닥으로 하늘 가리기"

— To cover the sky with one's palm (to try to hide the obvious truth). Used when ignoring the 적실성 of facts.

증거의 적실성을 무시하는 것은 손바닥으로 하늘 가리기다.

Neutral
"가려운 곳을 긁어주다"

— To scratch where it itches. A metaphor for providing something with high 적실성.

이 서비스는 소비자의 적실성 있는 요구를 잘 긁어준다.

Informal
"빛 좋은 개살구"

— A wild apricot with a good color (looks good but tastes bad). Something that looks valid but lacks 적실성.

그 정책은 겉만 번지르르한 빛 좋은 개살구라 적실성이 없다.

Neutral
"우물 안 개구리"

— A frog in a well. Someone who lacks perspective and thus cannot judge 적실성 correctly.

우물 안 개구리 같은 생각으로는 적실성 있는 대안을 낼 수 없다.

Neutral
"마이동풍"

— East wind in a horse's ear (complete indifference). When someone ignores relevant (적실성 있는) advice.

적실성 있는 충고를 해줘도 그에게는 마이동풍이다.

Neutral
"수박 겉 핥기"

— Licking the outside of a watermelon (superficial understanding). Lacking the depth needed for 적실성.

수박 겉 핥기 식의 조사는 적실성 있는 결과를 낼 수 없다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

적실성 vs 현실성

Both deal with 'reality'.

현실성 is about whether something can happen (feasibility). 적실성 is about whether something matches the current needs (relevance).

하늘을 나는 자동차는 현실성이 없지만, 교통 체증 해결에는 적실성이 있을 수 있다.

적실성 vs 정확성

Both are 'good' qualities of information.

정확성 is being error-free. 적실성 is being useful for the topic. A correct fact can be irrelevant.

그의 나이가 45세라는 것은 정확한 정보지만, 이 토론에는 적실성이 없다.

적실성 vs 개연성

Both are abstract academic terms.

개연성 is probability or likelihood. 적실성 is relevance.

소설의 구성은 개연성이 있어야 하고, 주제는 사회적 적실성이 있어야 한다.

적실성 vs 유효성

Both mean 'validity' in some contexts.

유효성 is about being active or working. 적실성 is about being appropriate.

쿠폰의 유효 기간은 남았지만, 살 물건이 없으니 적실성은 없다.

적실성 vs 시의성

Both involve being 'timely'.

시의성 is just about timing (being newsworthy). 적실성 is about the fit to the reality.

그 기사는 시의성은 있지만 내용의 적실성은 떨어진다.

Sentence Patterns

B2

N의 적실성이 떨어지다

이 데이터는 적실성이 떨어집니다.

B2

N에 대한 적실성을 확보하다

우리는 시장에 대한 적실성을 확보해야 합니다.

C1

N의 적실성을 검토할 필요가 있다

이 정책의 적실성을 검토할 필요가 있습니다.

C1

적실성 있는 N을/를 마련하다

적실성 있는 대안을 마련합시다.

C2

N(이)라는 측면에서 적실성을 가지다

사회 공헌이라는 측면에서 적실성을 가집니다.

C2

적실성이 결여된 N은/는 설득력이 없다

적실성이 결여된 주장은 설득력이 없습니다.

B1

적실성이 있다/없다

이 질문은 적실성이 없어요.

B2

적실성을 높이다

사례를 추가해서 적실성을 높였습니다.

Word Family

Nouns

적실성 (relevance)
적실 (pertinence/appropriateness)

Verbs

적실하다 (to be pertinent - used as an adjective)
적실히 (pertinently - adverb)

Adjectives

적실한 (pertinent/relevant)
적실성 있는 (relevant/possessing relevance)

Related

실제 (reality)
적합 (suitability)
실효 (effectiveness)
적절 (appropriateness)
실지 (actual ground/reality)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written media and professional speech, rare in daily life.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 적실성 in a casual text to a friend. 상황에 잘 맞아 (It fits the situation).

    적실성 is too formal for texting. It makes you sound like a robot or a textbook.

  • 이 문제는 나랑 적실성이 없어. 이 문제는 나랑 관련이 없어.

    When talking about personal connections, use '관련' or '상관'. 적실성 is for abstract or professional relevance.

  • 적실성을 정확하다. 적실성이 높다 / 적실성을 갖추다.

    You can't 'accurate' relevance. You can have high relevance or possess it.

  • Confusing 적실성 with 성실성. 적실성 (relevance), 성실성 (sincerity/diligence).

    They sound similar but '성실' is about working hard, '적실' is about being relevant.

  • Writing '적실성인 정보' instead of '적실성 있는 정보'. 적실성 있는 정보.

    Nouns that end in '성' usually take '있는' to become adjectives, not '인'.

Tips

Use in Essays

When writing a TOPIK II essay, use '적실성' to evaluate a social phenomenon. It shows the examiner you have advanced Sino-Korean vocabulary.

Relevance vs. Connection

Always remember that '관련성' is just a link. '적실성' is a link that actually matters and works for the current problem.

Verb Pairing

Learn '적실성을 확보하다' as a single chunk. It means 'to ensure relevance' and is used constantly in business and government reports.

Legal Context

In law, if evidence is '적실하다', it means it is directly related to the crime and can be used in court.

Simpler Word

If you forget '적실성', use '적절성'. It is easier to remember and usually gets the point across in most situations.

Adjectival Use

The adjective form is '적실하다'. Use '적실한 사례' (a pertinent example) to sound very sophisticated in your speech.

Newspaper Clues

When you see '적실성' in a headline, the article is likely criticizing a plan or a person's argument for being out of touch.

The 'Real' Key

The 'Sil' (實) in '적실성' means 'Real'. If something has '적실성', it is 'Real-ly' relevant.

Marketing Use

In marketing, '적실성' refers to how well an ad matches the specific interests and needs of the consumer at that moment.

News Practice

Watch a 5-minute Korean news clip about the economy. Try to count how many '성' words you hear. '적실성' often pops up near '실효성' and '타당성'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jeok' as 'Jock' (athlete) and 'Sil' as 'Seal'. A Jock Seal has to be RELEVANT to the circus show to get the fish (Seong).

Visual Association

Imagine a target. The 'reality' (실) is the bullseye. The 'picking' (적) is the arrow hitting it. 적실성 is the quality of that arrow hitting the bullseye.

Word Web

적실성 현실 타당성 관련성 적절성 실효성 증거 정책

Challenge

Try to use '적실성' in a sentence about a news article you read today. Explain why the article was or was not '적실성' to your life.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean Hanja characters. 摘 (적) + 實 (실) + 性 (성).

Original meaning: The nature of picking out the truth or reality.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

This is a very safe, formal word. However, using it in a casual setting might make you sound arrogant or overly 'bookish'.

English speakers might use 'relevance' or 'pertinence'. 'Pertinence' is actually a closer semantic match to 적실성 because it implies a specific 'fitness' for the purpose.

Often used in the 'Korean Journal of Sociology' to critique Western theories. A common term in the 'Constitutional Court of Korea' rulings. Used by famous Korean philosophers like Ham Seok-heon when discussing social truth.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Research

  • 연구의 적실성
  • 이론적 적실성
  • 표본의 적실성
  • 데이터의 적실성

Legal Proceedings

  • 증거의 적실성
  • 논리적 적실성
  • 법적 적실성
  • 적실성 있는 증언

Government Policy

  • 정책의 적실성
  • 사회적 적실성
  • 현장 적실성
  • 적실성 있는 대책

Business Strategy

  • 시장의 적실성
  • 기술적 적실성
  • 전략의 적실성
  • 적실성 있는 마케팅

Literary Criticism

  • 작품의 적실성
  • 시대적 적실성
  • 주제의 적실성
  • 문학적 적실성

Conversation Starters

"이 정책이 현재 우리 사회의 갈등을 해결하는 데 적실성이 있다고 생각하시나요?"

"최근 보도된 뉴스의 적실성에 대해 어떻게 평가하시나요?"

"우리가 논의하고 있는 주제가 오늘 회의의 목적과 적실성이 있습니까?"

"현대 사회에서 인문학 교육이 가지는 적실성은 무엇일까요?"

"이 데이터가 우리의 가설을 입증하기에 충분한 적실성을 갖추고 있을까요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 배운 내용 중 나의 미래 계획과 가장 적실성이 높은 것은 무엇이었나?

사회가 변함에 따라 과거에는 중요했지만 지금은 적실성을 잃은 가치관에 대해 써보자.

나의 전공 분야가 현대 사회의 문제를 해결하는 데 어떤 적실성을 가지고 있는지 분석해 보자.

내가 최근에 내린 결정이 당시 상황에 대한 적실성을 갖추고 있었는지 반성해 보자.

정부가 추진하는 새로운 법안 중 하나를 골라 그 적실성에 대해 자신의 의견을 적어보자.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is very rare. If you use it while grabbing coffee with friends, you will sound like you are giving a lecture. Instead, use '상황에 맞다' (fits the situation) or '관련 있다' (is related).

They are close, but '적절성' is broader (general appropriateness), while '적실성' is more focused on 'hitting the mark' of the actual facts or reality. '적실성' sounds more professional.

Usually, no. You don't say a person has '적실성'. You say their *words*, *actions*, or *plans* have '적실성'.

It is always '적실성'. '적실력' is not a word in Korean.

You can say '적실성이 없습니다' or '적실성이 떨어집니다'.

摘 (to pick), 實 (reality), and 性 (nature). It literally means 'the nature of picking reality'.

It is a neutral evaluative word. Having it is positive; lacking it is negative.

Yes, very much so. For example, evaluating if a lab model has '적실성' to the real human body.

The most common verbs are '있다/없다' and '높이다/떨어지다'.

Mostly, yes. But in English 'relevance' is used everywhere. In Korean, '적실성' is reserved for formal, serious, or academic relevance.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence using '적실성' to describe a policy that is not helpful anymore.

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Translate to Korean: 'We need to secure the relevance of the data.'

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Use '적실성' and '높이다' in one sentence about a report.

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Explain in Korean why a question might have '적실성' in a meeting.

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Translate to Korean: 'This theory has high social relevance.'

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Write a sentence using '적실성' and '부족하다'.

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Translate to Korean: 'The critic evaluated the relevance of the work.'

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Use '적실성 있는' to describe a 'measure' (대책).

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Write a sentence about 'legal relevance' (법적 적실성).

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Translate: 'Relevance is the core of this research.'

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Write a sentence comparing '관련성' and '적실성'.

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Translate: 'The relevance of the training manual was checked.'

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Use '적실성' in a sentence about 'climate change'.

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Translate: 'I am doubting the relevance of this information.'

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Write a sentence about 'market relevance' in business.

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Translate: 'Without relevance, an argument is weak.'

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Use '적실성' in a sentence about 'university education'.

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Translate: 'The relevance of the data was proved.'

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Write a sentence about 'historical relevance' (시대적 적실성).

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Use '적실성' in a sentence about 'a question' (질문).

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speaking

Talk about why 'relevance' (적실성) is important in a job interview.

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Explain the phrase '시대적 적실성' to a classmate.

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Give an example of something that has lost its '적실성' in the last 20 years.

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Discuss the 'social relevance' of learning a foreign language.

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How can a company increase the '적실성' of its products?

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Imagine you are a judge. Explain why you reject a piece of evidence using the word '적실성'.

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Critique a school rule that you think lacks '적실성'.

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Why is '적실성' important for a news reporter?

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Describe a 'pertinent' (적실한) answer you received recently.

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Talk about the '적실성' of traditional culture in the modern age.

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Explain the difference between '관련성' and '적실성' in your own words.

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Use '적실성을 높이다' in a sentence about your own study habits.

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How do you feel when someone says something that lacks '적실성' during a serious talk?

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Talk about the '적실성' of environmental laws.

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What is '현장 적실성' in the context of job training?

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Why would a researcher check the '적실성' of their sources?

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Discuss the '적실성' of artificial intelligence in today's job market.

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Use '적실성을 갖추다' in a sentence about a business proposal.

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Talk about a time you had to argue for the '적실성' of your opinion.

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How does '적실성' relate to the concept of 'truth'?

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listening

Listen and identify the key term: '이 보고서의 가장 큰 문제는 자료의 (적실성)이 떨어진다는 점입니다.'

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listening

Listen and identify the verb: '우리는 정책의 적실성을 (확보)해야 합니다.'

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listening

Listen and identify the adjective: '그의 질문은 매우 (적실성 있는) 질문이었습니다.'

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listening

Listen and identify the noun phrase: '(사회적 적실성)을 강화하는 것이 우리의 목표입니다.'

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listening

Listen and identify the context: '법원은 증거의 (적실성)을 검토했습니다.'

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listening

Listen and identify the problem: '이 계획은 현실적인 (적실성)이 부족합니다.'

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listening

Listen and identify the action: '정보의 적실성을 (따져) 봅시다.'

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listening

Listen and identify the modifier: '(시대적) 적실성을 잃지 않는 것이 중요합니다.'

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listening

Listen and identify the subject: '(데이터의 적실성)이 연구의 핵심입니다.'

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listening

Listen and identify the result: '적실성이 떨어지면 (설득력)이 없습니다.'

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listening

Listen and identify the verb: '질문의 적실성을 (고려)해 주세요.'

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listening

Listen and identify the noun: '이론의 (적실성)을 입증했습니다.'

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: '(적실성 있는 대책)을 마련합시다.'

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listening

Listen and identify the modifier: '(현실적) 적실성이 결여되어 있습니다.'

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listening

Listen and identify the ending: '적실성이 (있습니까)?'

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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