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A2 noun #3,000 most common 11 min read

절약

jeolyak Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 절약 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 절약 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 절약 is introduced as a simple concept of 'saving' or 'not wasting.' Beginners usually learn it in the context of basic resources like 'water' (물) or 'money' (돈). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex Hanja roots. Instead, focus on the verb form 절약해요 (I save / Let's save). You might see this on signs in Korea, like '물을 절약합시다' (Let's save water). It is a useful word for expressing simple intentions about spending or using things. Learners should practice it with basic objects: '돈을 절약해요' (I save money) or '시간을 절약해요' (I save time). It's an important word because it helps you describe your habits in simple Korean. Even at A1, using this word shows you understand a fundamental part of Korean culture—the value of not being wasteful. You can use it when talking about your daily routine, such as 'I walk to school to save money.' The focus should be on the [Object] + [을/를] + [절약해요] sentence pattern, which is the most basic way to use the word.

At the A2 level, you should begin to distinguish 절약 from other similar words like 저축 (saving money in a bank). You will learn that 절약 is about the process of reducing waste, while 저축 is about the result of having money in the bank. You can start using it in more complex sentences with conjunctions, such as '돈을 절약해서 카메라를 사고 싶어요' (I want to save money and buy a camera). You will also encounter it in environmental contexts, which are common in A2 reading materials. For example, '전기를 절약하는 것은 중요합니다' (Saving electricity is important). This level also introduces the idea of 'efficiency'—using 절약 to describe saving time by taking a faster route. You should practice using it with the potential form 절약할 수 있어요 (can save). For instance, '이 앱을 사용하면 돈을 절약할 수 있어요' (If you use this app, you can save money). This level is about expanding the contexts in which you use the word beyond just 'water' and 'money' to include 'resources' and 'energy.'

At the B1 intermediate level, 절약 becomes a key term for discussing social issues, personal finance, and environmental protection. You are expected to understand the noun form in compound phrases like 절약 정신 (spirit of frugality) or 절약 습관 (saving habits). You will hear it in news reports about the economy or in discussions about 'smart consumption' (현명한 소비). At this stage, you should be able to explain *why* you are saving, using more advanced grammar like '~기 위해' (in order to). For example, '환경을 보호하기 위해 에너지를 절약해야 합니다' (We must save energy to protect the environment). You will also encounter the passive-like resultative form 절약이 되다, which focuses on the resource being saved rather than the person doing the saving. For example, '새 차를 사면 기름값이 많이 절약돼요' (If you buy a new car, gas costs are saved a lot). B1 learners should also start noticing the difference in register; 절약 is the formal, 'proper' word compared to the more casual 아끼다. You might use 아끼다 with friends but 절약 in a presentation or an essay about the economy.

At the B2 level, 절약 is used in professional and academic contexts. You will encounter it in business discussions regarding '비용 절약' (cost reduction) and '자원 절약' (resource conservation). You should be able to use it in complex sentence structures that involve hypothetical situations or formal proposals. For example, '불필요한 지출을 절약함으로써 회사의 이익을 극대화할 수 있습니다' (By saving on unnecessary expenses, we can maximize the company's profit). At this level, you should also understand the nuances of synonyms like 검소 (frugality as a virtue) and 절제 (moderation). You might read articles about the 'IMF crisis' in Korea and how the national 절약 movement helped the country recover. This level requires you to use the word in the context of macroeconomics and social responsibility. You should also be comfortable with the Hanja roots (節 - moderation, 約 - restraint), which helps you understand related words like 절제 (self-control) or 계약 (contract). Your usage should move from simple personal habits to broader societal and economic impacts.

At the C1 advanced level, 절약 is a tool for nuanced argumentation. You will use it to discuss the tension between 'spending to stimulate the economy' and 'saving for individual security.' You should be able to analyze the cultural history of the word in Korea, perhaps in an essay about how the 'spirit of frugality' has changed from the post-war generation to the modern 'flex culture.' You will encounter the word in legal and policy documents, such as '에너지 이용 합리화법' (Energy Use Rationalization Act), which uses 절약 in a highly technical sense. You should be able to use the word metaphorically or in high-level idioms. For instance, discussing the '절약의 역설' (Paradox of Thrift) in an economics context. At this stage, your vocabulary should be precise; you know exactly when to use 절약 versus 절감 (reduction/cutting) or 생략 (omission). You can discuss the psychological aspects of 절약, such as the satisfaction derived from '알뜰한 생활' (thrifty living). Your speech and writing should reflect a deep understanding of how 절약 functions as a core value in Korean social harmony and sustainable development.

At the C2 level of near-native mastery, 절약 is handled with absolute precision across all domains—literary, academic, and professional. You can appreciate the word's use in classical-style Korean literature or high-level philosophical debates about minimalism and anti-consumerism. You understand the historical weight of the word, from the 'New Village Movement' (새마을 운동) of the 1970s to modern-day environmental activism. You can use the word to critique economic policies or to discuss the 'virtue of poverty' (안빈낙도) in traditional Korean thought, where 절약 and 검소 are seen as paths to spiritual enlightenment. In a professional capacity, you can lead discussions on '원가 절약' (cost-saving at the production level) using industry-specific jargon. You are aware of the subtle social signals sent by using the word in different contexts—how it can sound patriotic, wise, or even slightly old-fashioned depending on the audience. You can seamlessly switch between the Hanja-based 절약 and native Korean equivalents to achieve the perfect tone and register for any given situation, demonstrating a complete integration of the word into your linguistic and cultural repertoire.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

절약 in 30 Seconds

절약 means 'saving' or 'frugality,' focusing on preventing waste of resources like money, time, and energy.
It is a Sino-Korean word (節約) often used in formal, academic, and professional contexts.
The verb form is 절약하다, and it is considered a positive virtue in Korean culture.
It differs from '저축' (bank savings) and '아끼다' (to cherish or be colloquial saving).

The Korean word 절약 (節約 - Jeoryak) is a noun that translates most directly to 'saving,' 'frugality,' or 'economy.' However, its nuance goes much deeper than simply not spending money. It is a concept rooted in the conscious and disciplined management of resources—be they financial, temporal, or material. In Korean society, which has transitioned from extreme poverty following the Korean War to a modern economic powerhouse, the concept of jeoryak is viewed as a fundamental virtue. It implies a sense of responsibility toward one’s family, the environment, and the future. Unlike the English word 'cheapness,' which can carry a negative connotation of being stingy, 절약 is almost always seen as a positive, intelligent trait that demonstrates self-control and foresight.

The Etymological Core: The first Hanja character, 절 (節), refers to a 'joint' or 'section' (like the nodes on a bamboo stalk), which symbolizes moderation and boundaries. The second character, 약 (約), means to 'bind' or 'restrain.' Together, they form the idea of setting boundaries and restraining oneself to prevent waste.
Modern Usage and 'God-Saeng': In contemporary Korea, especially among the MZ generation (Millennials and Gen Z), the word is frequently used in the context of the 'No Spend Challenge' (무지출 챌린지) and the 'God-Saeng' (living a diligent, exemplary life) trend. People share their 절약 tips on social media, treating the act of saving as a game or a badge of honor rather than a sign of struggle.

“우리는 물과 전기를 절약하는 습관을 길러야 합니다.” (We must cultivate the habit of saving water and electricity.)

— A common phrase found in environmental campaigns and school textbooks.

When you use this word, you are signaling that you are being 'economical.' It is the preferred term in formal settings, academic writing, and news reports. If you are talking to a bank teller about a savings account, they might use '저축' (savings), but if you are discussing how to lower your monthly expenses, you would use '절약.' It represents a lifestyle choice of living within one's means to ensure long-term stability. In a corporate setting, '비용 절약' (cost-cutting/saving) is a constant goal, often discussed in meetings regarding logistics or operational efficiency. The word carries a weight of maturity; a person who practices 절약 is seen as someone who has their life in order and respects the effort required to earn resources.

“이번 달에는 생활비를 절약해서 여행을 갈 거예요.” (I will save on living expenses this month to go on a trip.)

Environmental Context: Korea has limited natural resources, leading to a strong national emphasis on '자원 절약' (resource conservation). You will see signs in public restrooms and hotels urging you to save water (물 절약) and use fewer paper towels, framing it as a collective duty for the planet.

Using 절약 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both a noun and a component of the verb 절약하다. While the noun itself represents the concept, the verb form is what you will use 90% of the time in daily conversation. The structure is typically [Object] + [을/를] + [절약하다]. This identifies exactly what resource is being conserved. It is important to note that while 'saving' in English can mean 'rescuing' (as in saving a life), 절약 is strictly for 'economizing.' You would never use 절약 to say you saved someone from a fire; for that, you would use '구조하다' or '구하다.'

Common Grammatical Patterns: 1. [Resource] 절약: Water saving (물 절약), Electricity saving (전기 절약).
2. 절약 정신: The spirit of frugality. Used to describe someone's character.
3. 절약이 되다: To be saved (passive/resultative). Example: "이 방법은 시간이 많이 절약돼요" (This method saves a lot of time).

“지하철을 타면 시간을 절약할 수 있어요.” (If you take the subway, you can save time.)

When talking about money, 절약 is often paired with '생활비' (living expenses) or '용돈' (allowance). If you want to emphasize that you are trying your hardest to save every penny, you might use the adverb '알뜰하게' (frugally/thriftily) alongside the verb. For instance, "알뜰하게 절약하며 살고 있어요" (I am living while saving thriftily). This adds a layer of being 'smart' about your spending. Another important distinction is between 절약 and 아끼다. While 아끼다 is more colloquial and can also mean 'to cherish' or 'to value' something (like a person or a precious object), 절약 is more technical and focused on the act of reduction and efficiency.

“에너지 절약은 우리 모두의 의무입니다.” (Energy conservation is an obligation for all of us.)

For advanced learners, consider how 절약 interacts with other nouns to create compound concepts. '절약형' (saving-type) is often used in product descriptions, such as '에너지 절약형 가전제품' (energy-saving home appliances). '절약 캠페인' (saving campaign) is a term you'll see in news reports regarding government initiatives. By mastering these combinations, you move from simple sentences to being able to discuss policy and lifestyle trends fluently. Remember that 절약 is a proactive choice; it implies that you have the resource but choose not to waste it. This is why it is often associated with wisdom and good management skills in both personal and professional Korean contexts.

You will encounter 절약 in a variety of real-world environments in Korea, ranging from the mundane to the highly official. One of the most common places is in Public Service Announcements (PSAs). Whether on the subway, on television, or on posters in public parks, the government frequently uses '물 절약' (water saving) and '전기 절약' (electricity saving) to encourage citizens to be mindful of national resources. During the summer months, when electricity demand peaks due to air conditioning, news anchors will use the word 절약 repeatedly to discuss the 'power supply and demand' (전력 수급) situation.

In the Workplace: In a Korean office, you might hear a manager say, "종이 한 장이라도 절약합시다" (Let's save even a single sheet of paper). This reflects a corporate culture that values efficiency and minimizing overhead. It's also common in discussions about '예산 절약' (budget saving) during quarterly reviews.
On Social Media and Apps: In the digital world, household account book apps (가계부 앱) use 절약 to show you how much you've saved compared to the previous month. YouTube titles like "한 달에 50만 원 절약하는 법" (How to save 500,000 won a month) are incredibly popular, targeting young people looking to achieve financial independence.

“가까운 거리는 걸어 다니면서 교통비를 절약해요.” (I save on transportation costs by walking short distances.)

You will also hear this word during family discussions. Parents often lecture their children on the importance of 절약 정신 (the spirit of frugality), teaching them not to leave lights on in empty rooms or waste food. In this context, it’s not just about the money, but about teaching character and discipline. In TV dramas, a character who is '흙수저' (born into a poor family) is often depicted as a master of 절약, showing clever ways to reuse items or find discounts, which endears them to the audience as a hardworking and resilient individual. Conversely, a '재벌' (conglomerate heir) character might be criticized for their lack of 절약, symbolizing their disconnection from the struggles of the common people.

“시간 절약을 위해 미리 장을 봐 두었어요.” (I did the grocery shopping in advance to save time.)

Finally, when shopping in Korea, you might see tags or advertisements that say '비용 절약형' (cost-saving type) or '경제적 절약' (economical saving). These terms are designed to appeal to the consumer's rational side. Whether you're listening to a podcast about personal finance or reading a sign in a library about '정숙과 에너지 절약' (silence and energy saving), the word is a constant reminder of the Korean value system that prizes mindfulness over excess.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 절약 is confusing it with other words for 'saving.' Because English uses the word 'save' for everything from money to lives to computer files, learners often over-apply 절약. It is crucial to remember that 절약 is specifically about economizing and preventing waste. If you want to say 'save a file' on a computer, you must use '저장' (storage). If you want to say 'save a person,' use '구조' or '구하다.' If you want to say 'save money in a bank account,' use '저축' or '예금.'

Confusion with '아끼다' (Akkida): While '아끼다' and '절약하다' are often interchangeable when talking about money, '아끼다' is much broader. You can '아끼다' a person (cherish them), but you cannot '절약' a person. You can '아끼다' a favorite pair of shoes (take care of them), but '절약' shoes would sound like you are trying to use less of the shoe itself, which is nonsensical.
Confusion with '저축' (Jeochuk): '저축' is the act of putting money away for the future (savings). '절약' is the act of spending less now (frugality). You '절약' to have more money to '저축.' For example, "생활비를 절약해서 저축을 늘렸어요" (I saved on living expenses and increased my bank savings).

❌ Incorrect: “컴퓨터 파일을 절약했어요.” (I economized the computer file.)
✅ Correct: “컴퓨터 파일을 저장했어요.” (I saved/stored the computer file.)

Another mistake involves the level of formality. 절약 is a Sino-Korean word (Hanja-based), which naturally makes it sound more formal and serious. If you are talking to close friends about how you’re trying to spend less money this week, using 절약 might sound a bit like you’re giving a lecture. In casual settings, '돈을 아끼다' is much more natural. Save 절약 for when you’re talking about a serious goal, a public issue, or a professional context. Also, be careful with the particle usage. People sometimes forget that 절약 is a noun and try to use it like an adjective. You cannot say "나는 절약한 사람이야" easily; instead, say "나는 절약하는 사람이야" (I am a person who saves) or "나는 절약 정신이 강한 사람이야" (I am a person with a strong spirit of frugality).

❌ Incorrect: “그는 목숨을 절약했어요.” (He economized his life.)
✅ Correct: “그는 목숨을 구했어요.” (He saved his life.)

Lastly, avoid using 절약 for abstract things like 'saving memories' or 'saving a seat.' For 'saving a seat,' Koreans use '자리를 잡다' (catch a seat) or '자리를 맡다' (keep a seat). For 'saving memories,' they might use '추억을 간직하다' (treasure memories). 절약 is strictly for finite, quantifiable resources that can be 'wasted' if not managed well.

To truly master Korean, you need to know the subtle differences between 절약 and its synonyms. While they all circle the idea of 'saving' or 'not wasting,' their usage depends on the context and the speaker's intent. Below is a detailed breakdown of how 절약 compares to its closest relatives.

절약 (Jeoryak) vs. 아끼다 (Akkida): 절약 is a formal noun/verb focused on efficiency and preventing waste of resources (money, time, energy). 아끼다 is a native Korean verb that is more emotional. It means to 'cherish' or 'be stingy with' something because it is valuable to you. You akkida your younger brother or your favorite pen. You jeoryak your monthly budget.
절약 (Jeoryak) vs. 검소 (Geomso): 절약 is the action of saving. 검소 (frugality/plainness) is a lifestyle or personality trait. A person who lives a '검소한 생활' (frugal life) is someone who doesn't like luxury and prefers simplicity. 절약 is what they do; 검소 is who they are.
절약 (Jeoryak) vs. 저축 (Jeochuk): 절약 is spending less. 저축 is specifically putting money into a bank or a safe for the future. You can jeoryak your time, but you cannot jeochuk your time in a bank.

“그는 검소한 성격이라 돈을 항상 절약해요.” (Since he has a frugal personality, he always saves money.)

Other words to consider include 절제 (Jeolje), which means 'moderation' or 'self-control,' often used regarding food, alcohol, or emotions. While 절약 is about the resource, 절제 is about the impulse. There is also 인색 (Insaek), which is a negative word meaning 'stingy' or 'miserly.' If someone calls you insaek-hada, they are saying you are too cheap to the point of being unkind. In contrast, being called jeoryak-hada is a compliment to your management skills. Finally, 알뜰하다 is a very positive native Korean adjective used to describe someone (often a homemaker or a smart shopper) who is very efficient and wise with their spending, finding the best deals and never wasting anything.

“알뜰한 주부는 쿠폰을 활용해 생활비를 절약합니다.” (A thrifty housewife saves on living expenses by using coupons.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 節 (Jeol) is the same one used in 'Gyejeol' (season), implying the natural divisions or 'joints' of time.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ɕʌ̹.ɾja̠k̚/

US /t͡ʃʌr.jɑk/

Stress is typically equal on both syllables in Korean, but the first syllable might carry a slightly higher pitch in isolation.

Rhymes With

공약 (Gong-yak - Pledge) 계약 (Gye-yak - Contract) 만약 (Man-yak - If) 제약 (Je-yak - Restriction) 치약 (Chi-yak - Toothpaste) 화약 (Hwa-yak - Gunpowder) 기약 (Gi-yak - Promise/Appointment) 탄약 (Tan-yak - Ammunition)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ㄹ' like an English 'L' at the start of the next syllable.
Confusing '약' with '역' (yeok).
Failing to pronounce the final 'ㄱ' (k) stop sound in '약'.
Over-emphasizing the 'j' sound like 'djel'.
Merging the two syllables into one.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The Hanja is common, and the word appears frequently in signs and news.

Writing 3/5

Spelling is straightforward, but choosing between 절약 and 아끼다 requires nuance.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is easy, but must be used in the correct [Object] + [Verb] format.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound, though it can blend in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

돈 (Money) 물 (Water) 시간 (Time) 하다 (To do) 쓰다 (To spend/use)

Learn Next

저축 (Savings) 낭비 (Waste) 경제 (Economy) 효율 (Efficiency) 환경 (Environment)

Advanced

근검절약 (Diligence and frugality) 절제 (Moderation) 검소 (Plainness/Frugality) 원가 절감 (Cost reduction)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 하다 (Verb Formation)

절약 + 하다 = 절약하다 (To save)

Noun + 되다 (Passive/Resultative)

시간이 절약되다 (Time is saved)

~기 위해 (In order to)

절약하기 위해 걷습니다. (I walk in order to save.)

~어/아서 (Reason/Method)

절약해서 부자가 됐어요. (I became rich by saving.)

~는 것 (Gerund/Noun phrase)

절약하는 것은 어렵습니다. (Saving is difficult.)

Examples by Level

물을 절약해요.

I save water.

Object (물) + Object marker (를) + Verb (절약해요).

돈을 절약합시다.

Let's save money.

The suffix -합시다 is a formal 'let's' ending.

전기를 절약하세요.

Please save electricity.

The -하세요 ending is a polite imperative.

시간을 절약해요.

I save time.

절약 is used here for time efficiency.

종이를 절약해요.

I save paper.

Simple present tense.

음식을 절약해요.

I save food (don't waste).

Focus on not wasting food.

우리는 절약해요.

We save.

Subject (우리) + Subject marker (는).

오늘부터 절약해요.

I save starting from today.

오늘 (today) + 부터 (from).

돈을 절약해서 가방을 샀어요.

I saved money and bought a bag.

-해서 indicates a sequence of actions or a reason.

버스를 타면 시간을 절약할 수 있어요.

If you take the bus, you can save time.

-면 (if) and -ㄹ 수 있다 (can).

에너지를 절약하는 것은 아주 중요해요.

Saving energy is very important.

-는 것 turns the verb into a noun phrase (saving).

저는 매일 생활비를 절약해요.

I save on living expenses every day.

생활비 (living expenses) is the object.

종이컵 대신 텀블러를 써서 종이를 절약해요.

I save paper by using a tumbler instead of paper cups.

대신 (instead of) and -어/아서 (by/because).

절약하는 습관을 만들고 싶어요.

I want to create a saving habit.

-고 싶다 (want to) and 습관 (habit).

어떻게 하면 돈을 절약할 수 있을까요?

How can I save money?

Interrogative form with -ㄹ 수 있을까요.

가까운 거리는 걸어서 교통비를 절약해요.

I save on transportation costs by walking short distances.

교통비 (transportation fee) is a common object for 절약.

환경 보호를 위해 물 절약이 필요합니다.

Water saving is necessary for environmental protection.

-를 위해 (for the sake of) and the noun form 절약.

이 가전제품은 에너지가 많이 절약됩니다.

This home appliance saves a lot of energy.

절약되다 is the passive/resultative form (is saved).

불필요한 지출을 줄여서 돈을 절약했어요.

I saved money by reducing unnecessary spending.

불필요한 (unnecessary) and 지출 (spending/expenditure).

그는 절약 정신이 매우 강한 사람이에요.

He is a person with a very strong spirit of frugality.

절약 정신 (spirit of saving) is a common idiomatic noun phrase.

요즘 같은 불경기에는 절약이 필수입니다.

In a recession like these days, saving is a must.

불경기 (recession) and 필수 (necessity/must).

시간을 절약하기 위해 미리 준비를 했어요.

I prepared in advance to save time.

-기 위해 (in order to).

절약한 돈으로 노후를 준비하고 있어요.

I am preparing for my old age with the money I saved.

절약한 (saved - past tense modifier) + 돈 (money).

정부는 에너지 절약 캠페인을 벌이고 있습니다.

The government is conducting an energy-saving campaign.

캠페인을 벌이다 (to carry out/conduct a campaign).

회사는 운영 비용을 절약하기 위해 구조조정을 단행했다.

The company carried out restructuring to save operating costs.

운영 비용 (operating costs) and 단행하다 (to carry out decisively).

자원 절약은 지속 가능한 발전을 위한 핵심 요소이다.

Resource conservation is a key element for sustainable development.

지속 가능한 발전 (sustainable development) and 핵심 요소 (key element).

그는 평소 검소한 생활로 많은 재산을 모았다.

He gathered much wealth through his usually frugal life.

검소한 생활 (frugal life) is often paired with the result of 절약.

신기술 덕분에 생산 공정에서 시간을 획기적으로 절약할 수 있었다.

Thanks to new technology, we could drastically save time in the production process.

획기적으로 (drastically/groundbreakingly).

과도한 소비를 지양하고 절약하는 태도가 필요하다.

An attitude of avoiding excessive consumption and saving is necessary.

지양하다 (to avoid/refrain from) - a formal B2-level verb.

예산을 절약하여 복지 시설을 확충하기로 했다.

It was decided to expand welfare facilities by saving the budget.

확충하다 (to expand/augment).

절약이 항상 경제에 긍정적인 영향만을 주는 것은 아니다.

Saving does not always have only positive effects on the economy.

Double negative / Partial negation: -는 것은 아니다.

효율적인 시간 관리는 곧 시간 절약으로 이어진다.

Efficient time management leads directly to time saving.

-로 이어지다 (to lead to).

국가적 차원에서의 에너지 절약 대책이 시급히 마련되어야 한다.

Energy-saving measures at the national level must be urgently prepared.

국가적 차원 (national level) and 시급히 (urgently).

절약의 미덕이 점차 사라지고 과시적 소비가 만연하고 있다.

The virtue of frugality is gradually disappearing, and conspicuous consumption is becoming rampant.

과시적 소비 (conspicuous consumption) and 만연하다 (to be rampant).

기업들은 원가 절약을 통해 가격 경쟁력을 확보하려고 노력한다.

Companies try to secure price competitiveness through cost reduction.

원가 절약 (cost saving/reduction in production) and 가격 경쟁력 (price competitiveness).

근검절약하는 자세는 예로부터 한국인의 중요한 가치관이었다.

The attitude of being diligent and frugal has been an important value of Koreans since ancient times.

근검절약 (diligence and frugality) is a four-character idiom (사자성어).

환경 오염의 심각성을 인지하고 자원 절약을 실천에 옮겨야 한다.

We must recognize the seriousness of environmental pollution and put resource conservation into practice.

실천에 옮기다 (to put into practice).

단순히 지출을 줄이는 것이 아니라, 효율적인 자원 배분이 진정한 절약이다.

True saving is not just about reducing spending, but efficient resource allocation.

자원 배분 (resource allocation).

소비가 미덕인 시대라 할지라도 절약의 중요성은 간과될 수 없다.

Even in an era where consumption is considered a virtue, the importance of saving cannot be overlooked.

-라 할지라도 (even if it were to be) and 간과되다 (to be overlooked).

정부는 절약형 신도시 설계를 통해 에너지 효율을 높이겠다고 발표했다.

The government announced it would increase energy efficiency through the design of saving-type new cities.

절약형 (saving-type).

개별 가계의 절약이 사회 전체의 수요 감소로 이어지는 '절약의 역설'을 고찰해 보아야 한다.

We must examine the 'paradox of thrift,' where the saving of individual households leads to a decrease in overall social demand.

개별 가계 (individual households) and 고찰하다 (to examine/contemplate deeply).

안빈낙도의 삶을 지향했던 선조들은 물질적 절약을 정신적 풍요로 승화시켰다.

Our ancestors, who aimed for a life of 'Anbinnakdo' (being content in poverty), sublimated material frugality into spiritual abundance.

승화시키다 (to sublimate) and 안빈낙도 (a philosophical term for contentment).

기후 위기 시대에 절약은 선택이 아닌 인류 생존을 위한 절대적 명제가 되었다.

In the era of climate crisis, saving has become an absolute proposition for human survival, not a choice.

절대적 명제 (absolute proposition).

무분별한 개발보다는 기존 자원의 절약과 재활용을 통한 순환 경제 구축이 시급하다.

Rather than reckless development, building a circular economy through the conservation and recycling of existing resources is urgent.

순환 경제 (circular economy).

현대 소비 사회의 병폐를 치유하기 위한 대안으로 절약과 절제의 철학이 재조명받고 있다.

The philosophy of saving and moderation is being re-illuminated as an alternative to heal the ills of modern consumer society.

병폐 (ills/malady) and 재조명받다 (to be re-illuminated/re-examined).

공공 부문의 예산 절약은 단순히 수치상의 감소를 넘어 행정 효율화의 척도가 되어야 한다.

Budget saving in the public sector should go beyond a mere numerical decrease and become a measure of administrative efficiency.

척도 (measure/gauge/standard).

언어의 절약을 통해 시적 함축미를 극대화하는 것은 문학적 성취의 정점이라 할 수 있다.

Maximizing poetic implication through the economy of language can be called the pinnacle of literary achievement.

언어의 절약 (economy of language) - metaphorical use.

기술 혁신이 가져온 시간의 절약이 인간에게 진정한 여유를 선사했는지에 대해서는 비판적 시각이 존재한다.

Critical perspectives exist on whether the time saved by technological innovation has truly gifted humans with genuine leisure.

선사하다 (to gift/present) and 비판적 시각 (critical perspective).

Common Collocations

돈을 절약하다

시간을 절약하다

에너지 절약

물 절약

비용 절약

절약 정신

절약 습관

전기 절약

자원 절약

절약형 가전

Common Phrases

한 푼이라도 절약하다

— To save even a single penny. It emphasizes extreme frugality.

그는 한 푼이라도 절약하려고 먼 길을 걸어갔다.

시간이 절약되다

— Time is being saved. Passive focus on the resource.

이 기계를 쓰면 시간이 많이 절약돼요.

생활비를 절약하다

— To save on living expenses. Very common in household contexts.

외식을 줄여서 생활비를 절약하고 있어요.

절약하며 살다

— To live while saving. Describes a lifestyle.

부모님은 평생 절약하며 사셨다.

용돈을 절약하다

— To save one's allowance. Used by students.

용돈을 절약해서 부모님 선물을 샀어요.

기름을 절약하다

— To save gas/oil. Common in driving contexts.

경제 속도로 운전하면 기름을 절약할 수 있다.

공간을 절약하다

— To save space. Used in interior design or storage.

이 가구는 공간을 절약해 줍니다.

종이를 절약하다

— To save paper. Common in offices and schools.

이면지를 사용해서 종이를 절약합시다.

절약이 몸에 배다

— Saving is ingrained in one's body (a habit).

그는 절약이 몸에 밴 사람이다.

절약의 중요성

— The importance of saving.

아이들에게 절약의 중요성을 가르쳤다.

Often Confused With

절약 vs 저장 (Jeojang)

Used for 'saving' computer files or storing data. Never use '절약' for files.

절약 vs 구조 (Gujo)

Used for 'saving' a life from danger. '절약' is only for resources.

절약 vs 예금 (Yegeum)

Specifically for 'saving' money in a bank deposit account.

Idioms & Expressions

"근검절약"

— Being diligent and frugal. A core traditional value.

근검절약하는 자세가 성공의 비결이다.

Formal

"절약이 미덕이다"

— Saving is a virtue. A common proverb-like saying.

옛날부터 우리나라는 절약이 미덕이라고 생각했다.

Neutral

"티끌 모아 태산"

— Gathering dust makes a great mountain. (Equivalent to 'Every penny counts').

티끌 모아 태산이니 조금씩이라도 절약해라.

Neutral

"허리띠를 졸라매다"

— To tighten one's belt. To practice extreme frugality during hard times.

경제 위기 때문에 모두가 허리띠를 졸라매고 절약하고 있다.

Neutral

"아껴야 잘 산다"

— One must save to live well. A common slogan.

아껴야 잘 산다는 말처럼 절약이 제일이다.

Casual

"손이 맵다"

— Literally 'the hand is spicy,' but can imply being very strict and frugal with management.

그녀는 살림하는 손이 매워서 절약을 잘한다.

Informal

"마른 수건도 다시 짠다"

— Wringing even a dry towel again. To be incredibly thorough in saving/cost-cutting.

회사는 마른 수건도 다시 짜는 심정으로 비용을 절약했다.

Formal

"안 쓰고 안 입다"

— Not spending and not wearing (new clothes). Extreme frugality.

안 쓰고 안 입으며 절약해서 집을 샀다.

Casual

"구두쇠"

— A miser or a very stingy person. (Negative version of a saver).

그는 너무 절약이 심해서 구두쇠라는 소리를 듣는다.

Informal

"밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기"

— Pouring water into a bottomless pot. The opposite of saving (wasteful effort).

절약하지 않으면 밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

절약 vs 저축 (Jeochuk)

Both translate to 'saving money'.

Jeochuk is the act of accumulating money in a bank. Jeoryak is the act of not spending money in the first place.

돈을 절약해서 저축을 많이 했어요.

절약 vs 아끼다 (Akkida)

Both mean 'to save' or 'to spare'.

Akkida is more colloquial and can mean 'to cherish' a person or object. Jeoryak is more formal and resource-focused.

나는 동생을 아껴요. (I cherish my brother - Correct. I 'jeoryak' my brother - Wrong.)

절약 vs 절감 (Jeolgam)

Both mean reducing costs.

Jeolgam is specifically 'reduction' or 'cutting' often used in corporate settings (cost-cutting). Jeoryak is more about the habit/act of saving.

생산 비용을 절감해야 합니다.

절약 vs 절제 (Jeolje)

Both involve self-control.

Jeolje is moderation of desires or impulses (food, drink, emotions). Jeoryak is the efficient use of physical resources.

과식을 절제하세요.

절약 vs 검소 (Geomso)

Both relate to frugality.

Geomso is an adjective describing a simple, non-luxurious lifestyle. Jeoryak is the noun/verb for the action of saving.

그녀는 검소한 사람이라 절약을 잘해요.

Sentence Patterns

[Resource]를 절약해요.

물을 절약해요.

[Resource]를 절약해서 [Goal]을/를 해요.

돈을 절약해서 책을 사요.

[Goal]을/를 위해 [Resource] 절약이 필요해요.

환경을 위해 에너지 절약이 필요해요.

[Method]을/를 통해 [Resource]이/가 절약돼요.

이 방법을 통해 시간이 절약돼요.

[Subject]은/는 절약 정신이 강하다.

우리 어머니는 절약 정신이 강하시다.

[Resource] 절약은 [Benefit]으로 이어진다.

비용 절약은 이익 증대로 이어진다.

[Noun] 차원에서의 [Resource] 절약 대책.

범국가적 차원에서의 물 절약 대책.

[Concept]을/를 통한 [Resource]의 절약과 [Goal].

공정 개선을 통한 원가의 절약과 경쟁력 확보.

Word Family

Nouns

절약가 (Saver/Economizer)

절약형 (Saving-type)

절약 정신 (Saving spirit)

절약법 (Saving method)

Verbs

절약하다 (To save/economize)

절약되다 (To be saved)

Adjectives

절약적 (Economical/Saving-oriented)

저축 (Saving money)

아끼다 (To spare/cherish)

검소 (Frugality)

절제 (Moderation)

낭비 (Waste)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in educational, environmental, and financial contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 절약 for saving a computer file. → 파일을 저장하다.
절약 is only for economizing resources. Storage is '저장'.
Using 절약 for saving a person's life. → 사람을 구하다 / 구조하다.
절약 cannot be used for rescuing. It sounds like you are using 'less' of a person.
Confusing 절약 with 저축 when talking about a bank. → 은행에 돈을 저축하다.
저축 is specifically 'depositing/saving money in a bank'.
Saying '절약한 사람' to mean 'a frugal person' in an adjectival way. → 절약하는 사람 / 검소한 사람.
절약한 sounds like they saved once in the past. 절약하는 implies a habit.
Using 절약 for 'saving a seat'. → 자리를 맡다 / 자리를 잡다.
Saving a seat is an act of occupying space, not economizing it.

Tips

The Virtue of Saving

In Korea, being '알뜰하다' (thrifty) is a high compliment, especially for those managing a household. It suggests wisdom and responsibility.

Passive Usage

Use '절약되다' when you want to focus on the result. '이 기계로 에너지가 절약됩니다' (Energy is saved by this machine).

Hanja Roots

Learning the root '절' (moderation) helps you understand '절제' (moderation) and '절도' (propriety/measure).

Time vs. Money

You can '절약' time just as much as money. In a fast-paced society like Korea, '시간 절약' is a huge selling point for services.

Rescuing vs. Saving

Never use '절약' to mean 'rescue'. If a lifeguard saves someone, it is '구조' (gujo).

Business Context

In meetings, use '비용 절약' to discuss cutting overhead. It sounds much more professional than '돈 아끼기'.

Social Media Trends

Look up '#절약' or '#무지출챌린지' on Instagram to see how young Koreans are making frugality trendy.

The Batchim Rule

The 'ㄹ' in '절' is a bottom consonant (batchim). Make sure your tongue hits the roof of your mouth quickly.

Joint and Restraint

Remember the Hanja: A joint (limit) and a restraint (binding). You are binding your limits!

Eco-Friendly

'절약' is the heart of the '3R' (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) movement in Korea.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jeol' as 'Jail' for your spending, and 'Yak' as 'Yanking' the money back. You are putting your waste in jail!

Visual Association

Imagine a bamboo stalk (節) being tied tightly with a rope (約) to prevent anything from leaking out.

Word Web

Money Time Water Electricity Frugality Efficiency Environment Budget

Challenge

Try to spend 0 won for a whole day and call it a 'Jeoryak Day'. Post your results using the word.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean characters: 節 (마디 절) and 約 (맺을 약).

Original meaning: 節 originally meant a joint of bamboo, signifying a limit or moderation. 約 meant to tie or bind, signifying restraint.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to call someone '절약가' if they are actually being '인색' (stingy/miserly), as the latter is an insult.

In English, 'saving' is a broad term. In Korean, you must specify if you are saving a life, a file, or a resource. '절약' only fits the latter.

The 'Anabin' (Save, Share, Exchange, Reuse) movement in Korea. The 'God-saeng' lifestyle trend among Korean youth. Public slogans like '아껴야 잘 산다' (Save to live well).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

전기 좀 절약해라.
수돗물을 절약합시다.
음식물 쓰레기를 줄여서 절약해요.
안 쓰는 플러그를 뽑아서 에너지를 절약해요.

At the Office

이면지를 활용해 종이를 절약합시다.
회의 시간을 절약하기 위해 안건을 미리 공유하세요.
비용 절약 방안을 제출해 주세요.
법인카드 사용을 절약해 주시기 바랍니다.

Shopping

할인 쿠폰으로 쇼핑 비용을 절약했어요.
대용량 제품을 사면 돈이 절약돼요.
절약형 모델인가요?
가성비 좋은 제품을 사서 돈을 절약해요.

Environmental Campaign

지구를 위해 일회용품 사용을 절약합시다.
자원 절약, 환경 보호의 시작입니다.
물을 아껴 쓰는 것이 바로 절약입니다.
에너지 절약 마크를 확인하세요.

Financial Planning

생활비를 절약해서 저축을 늘리세요.
불필요한 구독 서비스를 해지해서 절약해요.
가계부를 쓰면 절약에 도움이 됩니다.
노후 자금을 위해 지금부터 절약해야 합니다.

Conversation Starters

"돈을 절약하는 자신만의 특별한 방법이 있나요?"

"요즘 가장 많이 절약하고 있는 것은 무엇인가요?"

"시간을 절약하기 위해 어떤 앱을 사용하시나요?"

"한국 사람들은 절약 정신이 강하다고 생각하시나요?"

"어릴 때 부모님께 절약에 대해 배운 적이 있나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루 동안 내가 절약한 것들에 대해 써보세요. (돈, 시간, 에너지 등)

만약 한 달 동안 생활비를 50% 절약해야 한다면, 어떻게 하시겠습니까?

'절약은 미덕이다'라는 말에 동의하시나요? 그 이유는 무엇인가요?

미래의 나를 위해 지금 절약해야 하는 이유에 대해 생각해보세요.

환경을 위해 우리가 당장 실천할 수 있는 절약 방법 세 가지를 적어보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for computer files, you must use '저장' (jeojang). Using '절약' would sound like you are trying to use less of the file's data, which doesn't make sense in Korean.

Think of '절약' (saving/frugality) as the *process* and '저축' (bank savings) as the *destination*. You '절약' your daily coffee money so you can '저축' that money in your bank account.

Yes, in 99% of cases, '절약' is a positive trait. If you want to describe someone who is negatively stingy, use '인색하다' (insaek-hada) or '구두쇠' (gudu-soe).

No. To show you value or 'save' (cherish) a person, use '아끼다'. For example, '나는 내 친구를 아껴요' (I cherish my friend).

You can use '시간 절약형' (time-saving type) or simply use the verb phrase '시간을 절약하는' (which saves time).

It is neutral to formal. In very casual conversation with friends, '아껴 쓰다' is more common, but '절약하다' is perfectly fine and very common.

It translates to 'the spirit of frugality.' It refers to a person's mindset or philosophy of not wasting things and being economical.

The most common are 돈 (money), 시간 (time), 물 (water), 전기 (electricity), 에너지 (energy), and 종이 (paper).

Not directly. You '절약' money *by* buying things on '할인' (sale/discount). You don't '절약' the price itself; you '절약' your own money.

It is the standard word for 'conservation.' '자원 절약' (resource conservation) and '에너지 절약' (energy saving) are the most common phrases in eco-friendly campaigns.