재편하다
재편하다 in 30 Seconds
- A formal verb meaning to reorganize or restructure a system or organization into a new form.
- Commonly used in business, politics, and news to describe systemic or structural changes.
- Usually takes objects like 'organization' (조직), 'market' (시장), or 'structure' (구조).
- Derived from Hanja roots meaning 'again' (再) and 'organize/compile' (編).
The Korean verb 재편하다 (jaepyeonhada) is a sophisticated term primarily used to describe the act of reorganizing, restructuring, or reshaping an existing system, organization, or order into a new and more effective form. Derived from the Hanja roots 再 (재 - jae) meaning 'again' and 編 (편 - pyeon) meaning 'to compile' or 'to organize,' the word literally translates to 'organizing again.' Unlike simple verbs like '바꾸다' (to change) or '고치다' (to fix), 재편하다 implies a high-level, systemic transformation. It suggests that the fundamental components of a structure are being moved, added, or removed to adapt to new circumstances or to achieve a specific strategic goal.
- Business Context
- In the corporate world, this word is frequently used when a company undergoes a major merger, acquisition, or internal department shuffle. For example, if a tech giant decides to merge its mobile and software divisions to streamline operations, they are '재편하는' (reorganizing) their business structure. It conveys a sense of professional strategy and formal planning.
급변하는 시장 상황에 맞춰 우리 회사는 사업 구조를 근본적으로 재편해야 합니다. (To match the rapidly changing market conditions, our company must fundamentally restructure its business structure.)
- Political and Social Context
- Politically, 재편하다 is used when describing shifts in power or the redrawing of administrative boundaries. When political parties form new alliances or when a country changes its administrative districts, this verb is the standard term. It is also used in international relations to describe a 'new world order' or a shift in global power dynamics, such as the 'reorganization of the global supply chain.'
Furthermore, 재편하다 is a transitive verb, meaning it always requires an object—the thing being restructured. Common objects include '조직' (organization), '시장' (market), '질서' (order), and '구조' (structure). Because it is a formal word, you will encounter it most often in news reports, academic papers, and business presentations rather than in casual daily conversations between close friends. If you use this word in a professional setting, it demonstrates a high level of Korean proficiency and an understanding of formal organizational terminology.
인공지능 기술의 발전은 노동 시장의 구도를 완전히 재편하고 있습니다. (The development of AI technology is completely reorganizing the composition of the labor market.)
- Historical Context
- Historians use this term to describe periods of great transition, such as the reorganization of feudal systems into modern states or the redrawing of national borders after a major war. It implies that the old rules no longer apply and a new framework has been established to govern society.
In summary, use 재편하다 when you want to sound authoritative and precise about a significant change in how something is organized. It is the word of choice for strategic planners, economists, and news anchors when discussing the shifting landscapes of our world.
Using 재편하다 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical placement and the formal tone it carries. As a 하다 verb, it follows standard conjugation rules, but because it is almost exclusively used in formal or written contexts, you will most often see it in the -습니다 or -ㄴ다/-는다 (plain/narrative) forms. It is typically preceded by a noun marked with the object particles -을 or -를.
- Structural Markers
- The most common pattern is [Noun]을/를 재편하다. For example, '조직을 재편하다' (to reorganize an organization). When expressing the purpose of the reorganization, you might use the '-기 위해' (in order to) pattern: '효율성을 높이기 위해 조직을 재편했습니다' (We reorganized the organization to increase efficiency).
그 감독은 팀의 전술을 새롭게 재편하여 승리를 거두었습니다. (The coach reorganized the team's tactics anew and achieved victory.)
One important nuance is that 재편하다 often appears in the passive form 재편되다 (jaepyeondoeda), meaning 'to be reorganized.' This is used when the focus is on the system or organization changing rather than the person doing the changing. For example, '시장이 대기업 중심으로 재편되었다' (The market was reorganized around large corporations). This passive form is extremely common in news headlines where the agent of change is implied or less important than the result.
- Complex Sentences
- In advanced Korean, you might see it used in relative clauses: '재편된 조직 내에서' (within the reorganized organization) or '재편하고자 하는 의지' (the will to reorganize). These structures allow for precise descriptions of complex corporate or social phenomena.
정부는 행정 구역을 재편함으로써 행정의 효율성을 극대화하고자 합니다. (By reorganizing administrative districts, the government intends to maximize administrative efficiency.)
Another common usage is in the context of 'order' (질서). Phrases like '국제 질서를 재편하다' (to reorganize the international order) are staple phrases in geopolitical discussions. Here, the word takes on a more abstract and grander meaning, referring to the rules and power balances that govern interactions between nations. It implies a shift in the very fabric of how things are arranged globally.
새로운 기술의 등장은 기존의 산업 생태계를 재편할 것으로 예상됩니다. (The emergence of new technology is expected to reorganize the existing industrial ecosystem.)
In summary, whether you are talking about a small team's workflow or the entire global economy, 재편하다 provides the necessary weight and precision to describe structural change. Focus on the object being reorganized and choose the active or passive form based on whether you want to emphasize the 'doer' or the 'system' being changed.
You will encounter 재편하다 most frequently in high-level informational environments. If you watch the Korean evening news (KBS, MBC, SBS), listen to business podcasts, or read newspapers like the Chosun Ilbo or JoongAng Ilbo, this word will appear regularly. It is a 'broadcasting and journalism' staple. It is rarely used in dramas unless the setting is a corporate boardroom or a political office.
- Economic News
- Whenever there is a 'merger and acquisition' (M&A) report, journalists will say, '업계 지형도가 재편되고 있습니다' (The industry landscape is being reorganized). This phrase is iconic for describing how a few large companies are changing the competitive balance of a whole sector.
이번 합병으로 국내 항공 시장이 대형 항공사 위주로 재편될 전망입니다. (With this merger, the domestic aviation market is expected to be reorganized around major airlines.)
- Educational and Academic Settings
- In university lectures, particularly in sociology, political science, or business administration, professors use 재편하다 to discuss structural changes in society. For instance, '가족 구조의 재편' (reorganization of family structures) refers to how modern society is moving from large extended families to nuclear families or single-person households.
In a professional workplace, a CEO might use this word during an all-hands meeting to announce a 'strategic reorganization.' It sounds more visionary and deliberate than '바꾸다' (to change). It implies that the change is not just a reaction to a problem, but a proactive step towards a new future. If you hear this word at work, prepare for significant changes in your reporting line or project scope.
회장님은 내년도 경영 목표를 달성하기 위해 조직을 전면 재편하겠다고 발표하셨습니다. (The Chairman announced that he would fully reorganize the organization to achieve next year's management goals.)
Finally, you will see it in historical documentaries. When talking about the 'Three Kingdoms' period or the 'Goryeo Dynasty,' narrators often describe how kings '재편했다' the administrative or military systems to centralize power. This reinforces the word's association with authority and large-scale management. Understanding this word helps you unlock a huge amount of formal Korean content that would otherwise feel overly complex.
While 재편하다 is a powerful word, it is often misused by learners who treat it as a generic synonym for 'change.' Because of its specific Hanja roots and formal register, there are several pitfalls to avoid when incorporating it into your Korean vocabulary.
- Overusing in Casual Settings
- The most common mistake is using 재편하다 in everyday, casual conversation. For example, saying '방을 재편했어' (I reorganized my room) sounds extremely unnatural and overly dramatic. For physical objects or personal spaces, you should use '정리하다' (to tidy/organize) or '배치를 바꾸다' (to change the arrangement). 재편하다 is for systems, not furniture.
Wrong: 어제 옷장을 재편했어. (I reorganized my closet yesterday.)
Correct: 어제 옷장을 정리했어. (I organized my closet yesterday.)
- Confusing with '개편하다'
- Learners often confuse 재편하다 with 개편하다 (gaepyeonhada). While they are very similar, 개편하다 is often used for 'revising' or 'reforming' something that is already functioning, like a website layout, a TV program schedule, or a textbook edition. 재편하다 is broader and more fundamental, often involving a shift in the entire 'structure' or 'order' of a system.
Another mistake is failing to use the correct particles. Since 재편하다 is a transitive verb, it must take the object particle -을/를. Sometimes learners mistakenly use the subject particle -이/가 with the active form, or they use -을/를 with the passive form 재편되다. Remember: [Agent]이/가 [Object]를 재편하다 (Active) vs. [Subject]이/가 재편되다 (Passive).
Wrong: 시장이 재편했다. (The market reorganized - incomplete).
Correct: 시장이 재편되었다. (The market was reorganized.)
Finally, don't confuse it with 수정하다 (to modify/edit) or 보완하다 (to supplement). Those words imply making small adjustments to fix errors or fill gaps. 재편하다 implies a much larger, structural overhaul. If you only changed one small rule in a company handbook, use '수정하다.' If you changed the entire hierarchy of the company, use '재편하다.'
To truly master 재편하다, it is helpful to compare it with other Korean words that deal with change and organization. Depending on the context—whether it's business, politics, or daily life—different words may be more appropriate.
- 재편하다 vs. 개편하다 (gaepyeonhada)
- These are the most similar. 개편하다 is often used for 'reforming' or 'revising' an existing system, such as a curriculum or a news program. 재편하다 is more about 'reorganizing' the structural components or the power balance of a system. If a TV station changes its 9 PM news anchor, it's 개편. If the entire broadcasting industry changes because of streaming services, it's 재편.
- 재편하다 vs. 구조조정하다 (gujojojeonghada)
- In business, 구조조정하다 specifically refers to 'restructuring' with the goal of improving financial health, often involving layoffs or selling off divisions. 재편하다 is a broader, more neutral term for reorganization that doesn't necessarily imply financial distress or cutting staff; it could simply be a strategic move for growth.
회사는 위기를 극복하기 위해 구조조정을 단행했습니다. (The company carried out restructuring to overcome the crisis.)
- 재편하다 vs. 정비하다 (jeongbihada)
- 정비하다 means to 'maintain,' 'repair,' or 'put in good order.' It is used for machines, laws, or systems that need to be tidied up or fixed to work correctly. 재편하다 is more transformative—it's about changing the very shape of the system, not just fixing it.
Other alternatives include 혁신하다 (to innovate), which focuses on bringing in new, creative ideas, and 개조하다 (to remodel/convert), which is often used for buildings or physical objects. By understanding these subtle differences, you can choose the word that perfectly matches your intended meaning and level of formality.
낡은 시스템을 혁신하여 새로운 도약을 준비합시다. (Let's innovate the old system and prepare for a new leap forward.)
In conclusion, while 재편하다 is a high-level term, having these synonyms in your toolkit allows you to navigate various professional and social scenarios with ease. Whether you're discussing a news story or writing a business report, knowing which 'change' word to use is a hallmark of an advanced Korean speaker.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 'Pyeon' (編) originally referred to weaving bamboo strips together to make books. So, 'jaepyeon' is like taking a book apart and weaving the strips back together in a new order.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'jae' as 'je' (too short).
- Failing to aspirate the 'p' in 'pyeon'.
- Pronouncing 'hada' too heavily like English 'harder'.
- Running the syllables together without clarity.
- Misplacing the stress on the last syllable.
Difficulty Rating
Common in news and business, but requires knowledge of formal Hanja-based vocabulary.
Using it naturally requires understanding the formal register and correct object pairings.
Rarely used in casual speech; mostly used in professional presentations or interviews.
Easy to recognize once you know the 'jae' and 'pyeon' roots.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Passive Form -되다
조직이 재편되었다. (The organization was reorganized.)
Noun + 을/를 위해 (For the sake of)
효율을 위해 조직을 재편했다. (Reorganized the organization for efficiency.)
-(으)ㅁ으로써 (By doing)
조직을 재편함으로써 문제를 해결했다. (Solved the problem by reorganizing the organization.)
-(으)ㄹ 전망이다 (Is expected to)
시장이 곧 재편될 전망이다. (The market is expected to be reorganized soon.)
-고자 하다 (Intend to)
우리는 시스템을 재편하고자 합니다. (We intend to reorganize the system.)
Examples by Level
그들은 팀을 재편했습니다.
They reorganized the team.
재편했습니다 is the formal past tense of 재편하다.
회사가 조직을 재편해요.
The company reorganizes the organization.
재편해요 is the polite present tense.
우리는 그룹을 재편할 거예요.
We will reorganize the group.
-ㄹ 거예요 indicates future intention.
팀을 재편하고 싶어요.
I want to reorganize the team.
-고 싶어요 expresses a desire.
그는 계획을 재편했습니다.
He reorganized the plan.
재편했다 is the plain past tense.
나라가 법을 재편해요.
The country reorganizes the law.
Subject-Object-Verb order.
시스템을 재편합시다.
Let's reorganize the system.
-읍시다 is a formal suggestion.
재편한 팀이 좋아요.
I like the reorganized team.
재편한 is a past participle modifying '팀'.
부서를 새롭게 재편하기로 했어요.
We decided to reorganize the department anew.
-기로 하다 means 'to decide to'.
시장이 대기업 위주로 재편되었어요.
The market was reorganized around large corporations.
재편되다 is the passive form.
정부는 행정 구역을 재편할 계획입니다.
The government plans to reorganize administrative districts.
-(으)ㄹ 계획이다 means 'plan to'.
감독은 선수 명단을 재편했습니다.
The coach reorganized the player roster.
Formal past tense.
성공을 위해 조직을 재편해야 해요.
We must reorganize the organization for success.
-해야 하다 means 'must' or 'have to'.
학교는 수업 시간을 재편하고 있어요.
The school is reorganizing the class hours.
-고 있다 indicates continuous action.
재편된 시스템이 더 빠릅니다.
The reorganized system is faster.
재편된 is the passive past participle.
누가 이 조직을 재편했습니까?
Who reorganized this organization?
-었습니까 is a formal question ending.
회사는 경영 효율을 높이기 위해 사업 구조를 재편했다.
The company reorganized its business structure to increase management efficiency.
-기 위해 means 'in order to'.
디지털 기술의 발달로 유통 시장이 재편되고 있습니다.
With the development of digital technology, the distribution market is being reorganized.
재편되고 있다 is the passive continuous form.
우리는 새로운 전략에 맞춰 팀을 재편해야 합니다.
We need to reorganize the team according to the new strategy.
-에 맞춰 means 'in accordance with'.
전쟁 이후 국경선이 대대적으로 재편되었습니다.
After the war, the borders were extensively reorganized.
대대적으로 is an adverb meaning 'extensively'.
그는 회사의 부채를 줄이기 위해 재무 구조를 재편했다.
He reorganized the financial structure to reduce the company's debt.
재무 구조 means 'financial structure'.
교육부는 입시 제도를 전면 재편하기로 발표했습니다.
The Ministry of Education announced a full reorganization of the entrance exam system.
전면 is a prefix meaning 'full' or 'complete'.
조직이 재편되면서 많은 변화가 생겼습니다.
Many changes occurred as the organization was reorganized.
-(으)면서 indicates simultaneous actions.
새로운 감독은 팀의 수비진을 재편할 생각이다.
The new coach intends to reorganize the team's defense.
-(으)ㄹ 생각이다 means 'intend to' or 'think of'.
4차 산업혁명은 전 세계 산업 지형을 근본적으로 재편하고 있다.
The 4th Industrial Revolution is fundamentally reorganizing the global industrial landscape.
근본적으로 means 'fundamentally'.
정치권에서는 선거를 앞두고 정계 재편 논의가 활발하다.
In political circles, discussions about political reorganization are active ahead of the election.
정계 재편 means 'political reorganization'.
대형 마트의 등장은 골목 상권의 구조를 완전히 재편했다.
The emergence of large supermarkets completely reorganized the structure of local commercial districts.
상권 refers to a 'commercial district' or 'trading area'.
그 기업은 글로벌 공급망을 재편하여 리스크를 최소화했다.
The company reorganized its global supply chain to minimize risks.
공급망 means 'supply chain'.
인구 구조의 변화는 사회 복지 시스템의 재편을 요구한다.
Changes in the population structure demand a reorganization of the social welfare system.
재편을 요구하다 means 'to demand reorganization'.
신기술은 기존의 시장 질서를 재편하는 강력한 동력이 된다.
New technology becomes a powerful driving force that reorganizes the existing market order.
동력 means 'driving force' or 'power'.
합병을 통해 업계 순위가 새롭게 재편될 것으로 보인다.
The industry rankings are expected to be reorganized anew through the merger.
-(으)ㄹ 것으로 보인다 means 'is expected to' or 'it seems that'.
회사는 위기 극복을 위해 인력 구조를 재편하기 시작했다.
The company began reorganizing its workforce structure to overcome the crisis.
인력 구조 means 'workforce structure'.
냉전 종식 이후 국제 정세는 다극 체제로 급격히 재편되었다.
After the end of the Cold War, the international situation was rapidly reorganized into a multipolar system.
다극 체제 means 'multipolar system'.
플랫폼 경제의 확산은 노동의 정의와 형태를 근본적으로 재편하고 있다.
The spread of the platform economy is fundamentally reorganizing the definition and form of labor.
플랫폼 경제 refers to the 'platform economy'.
정부는 저출산 고령화 시대에 맞춰 교육 재정을 재편하기로 했다.
The government decided to reorganize educational finances in line with the era of low birth rates and aging population.
교육 재정 means 'educational finance'.
역사학자들은 그 사건이 동아시아의 세력 균형을 재편했다고 평가한다.
Historians evaluate that the event reorganized the balance of power in East Asia.
세력 균형 means 'balance of power'.
기후 위기는 인류의 에너지 소비 패턴을 재편할 수밖에 없는 상황을 만들었다.
The climate crisis has created a situation where humanity has no choice but to reorganize its energy consumption patterns.
-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 means 'have no choice but to'.
철학적 사유의 재편을 통해 우리는 새로운 윤리적 가치를 정립해야 한다.
Through the reorganization of philosophical thought, we must establish new ethical values.
사유 means 'thought' or 'reasoning'.
포스트 코로나 시대는 도시의 공간 구조를 획기적으로 재편할 것이다.
The post-COVID era will drastically reorganize the spatial structure of cities.
획기적으로 means 'drastically' or 'epoch-makingly'.
자본의 이동은 국가 간의 경제적 위상을 끊임없이 재편한다.
The movement of capital constantly reorganizes the economic status among nations.
경제적 위상 means 'economic status' or 'standing'.
탈중앙화 기술은 기존의 중앙 집중식 금융 체계를 해체하고 재편하려 한다.
Decentralized technology seeks to dismantle and reorganize the existing centralized financial system.
탈중앙화 means 'decentralization'.
거대 담론의 붕괴는 지식의 생산과 소비 방식을 파편화된 형태로 재편했다.
The collapse of grand narratives reorganized the way knowledge is produced and consumed into a fragmented form.
거대 담론 means 'grand narrative'.
생태계 교란종의 유입은 지역 생태계의 먹이사슬을 위태롭게 재편하고 있다.
The influx of invasive species is hazardously reorganizing the food chain of local ecosystems.
먹이사슬 means 'food chain'.
신자유주의적 통치성은 개인의 삶을 경쟁적 주체로 재편하는 기제로 작용한다.
Neoliberal governmentality acts as a mechanism that reorganizes individual lives into competitive subjects.
통치성 means 'governmentality'.
우주 탐사의 본격화는 인류의 거주 가능 영역을 지구 밖으로 재편할 것이다.
The full-scale exploration of space will reorganize the habitable zone of humanity outside of Earth.
본격화 means 'becoming full-scale'.
언어적 전회는 철학의 탐구 대상을 세계에서 언어 구조로 재편하는 계기가 되었다.
The linguistic turn served as an occasion to reorganize the object of philosophical inquiry from the world to linguistic structure.
언어적 전회 means 'linguistic turn'.
인공지능의 윤리적 가이드라인은 기술 발전의 방향성을 인간 중심으로 재편해야 한다.
Ethical guidelines for AI must reorganize the direction of technological development to be human-centered.
방향성 means 'directionality'.
미래의 노동은 창의성과 공감 능력을 중심으로 그 가치 체계가 재편될 전망이다.
Future labor is expected to have its value system reorganized around creativity and empathy.
가치 체계 means 'value system'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To reorganize something in a fresh or new way.
우리는 브랜드를 새롭게 재편할 계획입니다.
— To fundamentally restructure the core of a system.
사회 시스템을 근본적으로 재편해야 합니다.
— To complete a reorganization successfully.
그는 무너져가는 회사를 성공적으로 재편했다.
— To be reorganized rapidly due to external factors.
시장이 기술 혁신으로 인해 급격히 재편되었다.
— To reorganize something with a specific focus or center.
데이터 중심으로 사업을 재편하고 있습니다.
— To reorganize a process or series of steps.
생산 과정을 재편하여 비용을 절감했다.
— To reorganize a list of names, such as a team roster.
국가대표 명단을 재편할 예정입니다.
— To reorganize the composition or layout of something.
이번 합병은 업계 구도를 재편할 것입니다.
— To reorganize a system or framework.
관리 체계를 재편하여 효율을 높였다.
— To reorganize the workforce or human resources.
회사는 개발팀 인력을 재편하기로 했다.
Often Confused With
Often used for schedules or programs; '재편하다' is for deeper structural changes.
Means to edit or fix small errors; '재편하다' is for a whole system overhaul.
Used for tidying up physical spaces; '재편하다' is for abstract or organizational structures.
Idioms & Expressions
— To change the whole 'game' or 'situation' fundamentally.
그 신제품은 시장의 판을 재편했다.
Informal/Business— To change the 'landscape' or 'map' of an industry or political scene.
이번 선거는 정치 지형도를 재편할 것이다.
Formal— A military term often used in business to mean 'disperse and reorganize' or 'start from scratch.'
회사는 '헤쳐 모여' 식으로 조직을 재편했다.
Casual/Business— Put new wine in new wineskins; start fresh with a new structure for new ideas.
조직을 재편하며 '새 부대에 새 술을' 담기로 했습니다.
Literary— To shake up the situation (often leading to reorganization).
그의 등장은 업계의 판을 뒤흔들고 재편을 예고했다.
Journalistic— To reorganize from the very roots (fundamentally).
우리는 기업 문화를 뿌리부터 재편해야 합니다.
Formal— To reorganize the 'skeleton' or 'framework.'
정부는 법의 뼈대를 재편하는 작업을 시작했다.
Formal— To correct the order (often involves reorganization).
혼란스러운 시장 질서를 재편하여 바로잡았다.
Formal— To create a new frame (a common metaphor for reorganizing).
회사는 미래 성장을 위해 새 틀을 짜고 조직을 재편했다.
Journalistic— To 'change the water' (replace old members with new ones during a reorganization).
조직을 재편하면서 대대적인 인물 물갈이를 단행했다.
ColloquialEasily Confused
Both mean 'reorganize' or 'reform.'
개편하다 is more common for news programs, websites, or plans. 재편하다 is more common for markets, power structures, and broad systems.
뉴스 프로그램을 개편했다 (Reformed the news program) vs. 시장을 재편했다 (Reorganized the market).
Both share the Hanja '편' (organize).
편성하다 means to 'compose' or 'form' something for the first time, like a budget or a schedule. 재편하다 means to organize it 'again.'
예산을 편성하다 (Form a budget) vs. 조직을 재편하다 (Reorganize an organization).
Both involve structural change in business.
구조조정하다 specifically implies financial restructuring and often layoffs. 재편하다 is a more neutral term for any kind of reorganization.
회사가 구조조정을 했다 (The company restructured - likely layoffs) vs. 회사가 조직을 재편했다 (The company reorganized its teams).
Both imply big changes.
혁신하다 focus on 'innovation' and 'newness.' 재편하다 focuses on the 're-arrangement' of existing parts.
기술을 혁신하다 (Innovate technology) vs. 질서를 재편하다 (Reorganize the order).
Both share the Hanja '편.'
편집하다 specifically means 'to edit' text, video, or audio. 재편하다 is for systems and organizations.
영상을 편집하다 (Edit a video) vs. 부서를 재편하다 (Reorganize a department).
Sentence Patterns
N을/를 재편해요.
팀을 재편해요.
N을/를 재편하기로 했어요.
조직을 재편하기로 했어요.
N이/가 재편되고 있어요.
시장이 재편되고 있어요.
N을/를 새롭게 재편하다.
사업 구조를 새롭게 재편하다.
N 중심으로 재편되다.
대기업 중심으로 재편되다.
N을/를 전면적으로 재편하다.
교육 시스템을 전면적으로 재편하다.
N의 재편을 단행하다.
인력의 재편을 단행하다.
N의 근본적인 재편이 요구되다.
가치 체계의 근본적인 재편이 요구되다.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
High in news, business, and academic writing; low in daily speech.
-
Using '재편하다' for tidying a room.
→
정리하다
'재편하다' is for systems and organizations, not physical tidying. Saying '방을 재편했다' is like saying 'I restructured my bedroom' in English—it's too formal.
-
Using '재편하다' without an object.
→
시장이 재편되었다 (Passive) or 회사가 시장을 재편했다 (Active).
'재편하다' is a transitive verb. You can't just say 'It reorganized.' You must say 'Something reorganized something else.'
-
Confusing '재편하다' with '수정하다.'
→
보고서를 수정하다.
If you are just editing a document, use '수정하다.' '재편하다' is for changing the whole structure of a department or system.
-
Using '재편하다' for people.
→
사람들을 재배치하다 (Relocate/rearrange people).
You reorganize an 'organization' (조직) or 'team' (팀), not the 'people' themselves directly in that way. You 'rearrange' or 'reassign' people.
-
Mispronouncing 'pyeon' as 'byeon.'
→
재편하다 (P-sound).
'Byeon' (변) means 'change' or 'side,' which can lead to confusion. Ensure the 'p' is aspirated.
Tips
Use in Business
When presenting a new plan at work, use '재편하다' to describe how you want to rearrange the team's workflow. It sounds much more professional than '바꾸다.'
Passive vs. Active
Use '재편하다' when you want to emphasize who is doing the change (e.g., the CEO). Use '재편되다' when you want to focus on the result (e.g., the market changed).
Hanja Roots
Remembering 'Jae' (再) as 'Again' will help you understand dozens of other Korean words like '재발' (recurrence) or '재생' (rebirth/playback).
News Reading
If you see '재편' in a news headline, expect the article to be about a major merger, a new law, or a shift in political power.
Formal Writing
In essays, avoid repeating '바꾸다.' Replace it with '재편하다' when discussing structural changes to elevate your writing style.
Common Pairs
Learn the phrase '시장을 재편하다.' It is one of the most common ways this word is used in economic discussions.
Register Awareness
Never use this word with your friends when talking about small things. It will make you sound like a robot or a news anchor.
Sound Recognition
The 'pyeon' sound is aspirated. Make sure you hear that puff of air; otherwise, you might confuse it with other words.
Abstract Usage
You can use it for abstract things like 'thought' (사유) or 'values' (가치), but only in high-level academic contexts.
Compare with 개편
Think of '개편' as a 'reform' and '재편' as a 'reorganization.' '재편' is usually more structural.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Jae' as 'Jay-Z' and 'Pyeon' as 'Plan.' Jay-Z is making a 'New Plan' to reorganize his music business. Jae-Pyeon-Hada!
Visual Association
Imagine a Rubik's cube being twisted and turned to create a new pattern. That twisting action is '재편하다.'
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use '재편하다' in a sentence about your own life, even if it sounds a bit formal. For example: '나는 나의 공부 습관을 재편했다' (I reorganized my study habits).
Word Origin
The word is a Sino-Korean compound. 'Jae' (再) means 'again' or 'twice.' 'Pyeon' (編) means 'to weave,' 'to compile,' or 'to organize.' 'Hada' (하다) is the Korean verbalizer meaning 'to do.'
Original meaning: To weave or compile something again.
Sino-Korean (Hanja)Cultural Context
Be careful when using this word regarding staff; in a corporate context, it can sometimes be a euphemism for layoffs, similar to 'restructuring' in English.
In English, we might use 'restructure' or 'shake up.' 'Reorganize' is the closest literal translation, but '재편하다' sounds slightly more formal and systemic.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Corporate Restructuring
- 조직을 재편하다
- 사업 부문을 재편하다
- 인력 구조를 재편하다
- 경영 체제를 재편하다
Economic Market Shifts
- 시장을 재편하다
- 업계 지형도를 재편하다
- 공급망을 재편하다
- 유통 구조를 재편하다
Political Changes
- 정계를 재편하다
- 권력 구조를 재편하다
- 행정 구역을 재편하다
- 국제 질서를 재편하다
Educational Reforms
- 교과 과정을 재편하다
- 학제를 재편하다
- 입시 제도를 재편하다
- 대학 구조를 재편하다
Sports and Games
- 팀을 재편하다
- 선수 명단을 재편하다
- 전술을 재편하다
- 리그를 재편하다
Conversation Starters
"최근에 회사 조직이 재편되었다면서요? (I heard the company organization was reorganized recently?)"
"AI 기술이 앞으로 우리 일자리를 어떻게 재편할까요? (How will AI technology reorganize our jobs in the future?)"
"이번 선거 결과가 정계를 어떻게 재편할 것 같으세요? (How do you think this election result will reorganize the political scene?)"
"우리 팀의 업무 프로세스를 재편할 필요가 있다고 생각하시나요? (Do you think we need to reorganize our team's work process?)"
"전통 시장이 대형 마트 중심으로 재편되는 것에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about traditional markets being reorganized around large supermarkets?)"
Journal Prompts
내가 만약 우리 회사의 CEO라면, 조직을 어떻게 재편하고 싶은지 써 보세요. (If I were the CEO of our company, write about how I would want to reorganize the organization.)
최근 내 삶에서 구조적으로 재편이 필요하다고 느끼는 부분이 있다면 무엇인가요? (What part of my life do I feel needs a structural reorganization recently?)
디지털 기술이 나의 일상생활을 어떻게 재편했는지 설명해 보세요. (Explain how digital technology has reorganized my daily life.)
성공적인 조직 재편을 위해 가장 중요한 요소는 무엇이라고 생각하나요? (What do you think is the most important factor for a successful organizational reorganization?)
미래의 도시 공간은 어떤 모습으로 재편되어야 할까요? (In what way should future city spaces be reorganized?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it sounds too formal and strange. Use '정리하다' (to tidy/organize) or '가구 배치를 바꾸다' (to change furniture arrangement) instead. '재편하다' is for systems like companies or markets.
Not necessarily. While it often implies improving efficiency, it can also describe a 'reorganization' that leads to job losses or a monopoly in a market. It is a neutral-to-formal word describing the act of change.
'재편' (reorganization) is often a bigger, more fundamental shift in a structure or market. '개편' (reform/revision) is often used for regular updates, like a TV channel's fall schedule or a school's curriculum.
Yes, it is the passive form and is very common in news headlines. For example, '시장이 재편되었다' (The market was reorganized).
Yes! It is very common to say '팀을 재편하다' when a coach changes the lineup or brings in new players to change the team's structure.
The Hanja are 再 (재 - again) and 編 (편 - organize/compile). It literally means 'to organize again.'
Yes, it is a standard Sino-Korean word used in both South and North Korea, particularly in political and organizational contexts.
Yes, it frequently appears in TOPIK II (Intermediate/Advanced) reading and listening sections, especially in news-related texts.
Yes, in sociological contexts, people talk about '가족 구조의 재편' (reorganization of the family structure) to describe shifts in society.
Yes, it is a transitive verb, so it always needs an object marked with -을 or -를.
Test Yourself 200 questions
'회사는 조직을 재편했다'를 영어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'시장이 재편되고 있다'를 영어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'재편하다'를 사용하여 'We will reorganize the team'이라는 문장을 만드세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'정치 지형도가 재편되었다'의 의미를 설명하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'재편'의 Hanja 뜻을 각각 쓰세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'사업 구조를 재편하다'라는 표현을 넣어 문장을 만드세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'재편되다'와 '재편하다'의 차이를 문장으로 보여주세요.
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'전면 재편'이라는 단어를 사용하여 문장을 만드세요.
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왜 '방을 재편하다'라고 하지 않는지 설명하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'재편'과 비슷한 단어 세 개를 쓰세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'재편'을 활용하여 'reorganizing the supply chain'을 한국어로 쓰세요.
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'혁신을 통해 시장을 재편합시다'를 영어로 번역하세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
본인의 공부 계획을 '재편'한다면 어떻게 할 것인지 한 문장으로 쓰세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'재편'이라는 명사를 넣어 'reorganization plan'을 한국어로 쓰세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'재편하다'의 과거, 현재, 미래형을 각각 쓰세요.
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'재편'이 필요한 상황 한 가지를 한국어로 쓰세요.
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'인력 재편'의 뜻을 설명하세요.
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'재편'을 사용하여 'The world order is changing'을 번역하세요.
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'재편'의 대상이 될 수 있는 명사 5개를 쓰세요.
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이 단어를 배운 소감을 '재편'을 사용하여 한 문장으로 쓰세요.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
'재편하다'를 소리 내어 읽으세요.
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'조직을 재편했습니다'를 정중하게 말해 보세요.
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자신의 팀을 재편하고 싶을 때 상사에게 어떻게 말할까요?
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'시장이 재편되고 있어요'를 자연스럽게 말해 보세요.
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'재편'의 발음에 주의하며 '재편성'을 읽어 보세요.
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친구에게 회사가 바뀐다는 소식을 전할 때 (격식 있게) 말해 보세요.
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'전면 재편'을 강조하여 말해 보세요.
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AI가 세상을 어떻게 바꿀지 '재편'을 넣어 말해 보세요.
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'재편'의 Hanja 뜻을 설명해 보세요.
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'정계 재편'이라는 단어를 넣어 뉴스 앵커처럼 말해 보세요.
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자신의 공부 방법을 바꿨을 때 '재편'을 써서 말해 보세요.
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'재편될 전망입니다'를 부드럽게 말해 보세요.
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질문을 하세요: '조직을 언제 재편할 건가요?'
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'재편'의 반대 상황을 '유지'를 써서 말해 보세요.
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어려운 단어를 썼을 때의 뿌듯함을 '재편'을 넣어 말해 보세요.
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회의에서 제안하세요: '전술을 재편합시다.'
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'재편'이 들어간 문장을 세 번 반복하세요.
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'재편되다'의 발음을 정확히 하세요.
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'구조를 재편하다'를 명확하게 발음하세요.
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마지막으로 '재편'이라는 단어에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 말해 보세요.
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다음을 듣고 빈칸을 채우세요: '회사는 내년에 조직을 ( ) 계획입니다.'
다음을 듣고 무엇에 대한 이야기인지 맞히세요: '시장의 힘의 균형이 바뀌고 새로운 질서가 만들어지고 있어요.'
다음을 듣고 '재편'이 들어간 문장인지 확인하세요: '우리는 팀을 다시 짰어요.'
다음을 듣고 '재편'이 들어간 문장인지 확인하세요: '정부는 행정 구역을 재편했습니다.'
다음을 듣고 동사의 시제를 맞히세요: '조직이 재편될 것입니다.'
다음을 듣고 동사의 시제를 맞히세요: '시장이 재편되었다.'
다음을 듣고 수동태인지 능동태인지 맞히세요: '그는 부서를 재편했다.'
다음을 듣고 수동태인지 능동태인지 맞히세요: '부서가 재편되었다.'
다음을 듣고 '재편'의 대상이 무엇인지 맞히세요: '국제 질서를 재편해야 합니다.'
다음을 듣고 '재편'의 대상이 무엇인지 맞히세요: '교육 과정을 전면 재편하기로 했습니다.'
다음을 듣고 발음이 '재편'인지 '개편'인지 구분하세요: '프로그램 개편 소식입니다.'
다음을 듣고 발음이 '재편'인지 '개편'인지 구분하세요: '정계 재편이 가속화되고 있습니다.'
다음을 듣고 문장의 의도를 파악하세요: '팀을 재편하는 게 어떨까요?'
다음을 듣고 문장의 의도를 파악하세요: '조직이 재편되었습니다.'
다음을 듣고 숫자를 맞히세요: '세 개의 부서를 하나로 재편했습니다.'
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Summary
The word '재편하다' is your go-to term for 'restructuring' or 'reorganizing' on a large, formal scale. Whether it's a company shuffle or a global market shift, use this word to sound professional and precise. Example: '회사는 사업 구조를 재편했습니다' (The company reorganized its business structure).
- A formal verb meaning to reorganize or restructure a system or organization into a new form.
- Commonly used in business, politics, and news to describe systemic or structural changes.
- Usually takes objects like 'organization' (조직), 'market' (시장), or 'structure' (구조).
- Derived from Hanja roots meaning 'again' (再) and 'organize/compile' (編).
Use in Business
When presenting a new plan at work, use '재편하다' to describe how you want to rearrange the team's workflow. It sounds much more professional than '바꾸다.'
Passive vs. Active
Use '재편하다' when you want to emphasize who is doing the change (e.g., the CEO). Use '재편되다' when you want to focus on the result (e.g., the market changed).
Hanja Roots
Remembering 'Jae' (再) as 'Again' will help you understand dozens of other Korean words like '재발' (recurrence) or '재생' (rebirth/playback).
News Reading
If you see '재편' in a news headline, expect the article to be about a major merger, a new law, or a shift in political power.
Example
회사는 수익성을 높이기 위해 사업 구조를 재편했다.
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