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사회복지

B1 noun #7,500 most common 12 min read

사회복지

Top 7,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 사회복지 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 사회복지 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to know the complex political theories behind '사회복지' (social welfare). Instead, think of it as a word that means 'helping people who need help.' You might see this word on signs in your neighborhood or hear it when people talk about being kind to others. It is a long word, so just remember that '사회' (sa-hoe) means 'society' (everyone together) and '복지' (bok-ji) means 'well-being' or 'happiness.' So, '사회복지' is about the happiness of everyone in the community. You can use it simply, like saying 'I like social welfare' or 'Social welfare is good.' It's a very positive word that shows you care about the community. You might notice it at the 'Community Center' (행복복지센터) where you can go for help or classes. Even at this basic level, knowing this word helps you understand that Korea has many systems to help the elderly and children. Just focus on the sound and the general meaning of 'public help.'

At the A2 level, you can start using '사회복지' in more specific contexts. You should know that it refers to government programs and organized help. You might say things like 'I want to work in social welfare' (사회복지 분야에서 일하고 싶어요) or 'This city has good social welfare' (이 도시는 사회복지가 좋아요). You will likely encounter this word when you learn about professions; '사회복지사' (social worker) is a very common job title in Korea. You should be able to recognize it in simple news headlines or on public service posters. At this stage, you are moving beyond just 'helping' to understanding that there is a 'system' (제도) involved. You can use the word to talk about your interests or your studies. It's also helpful to know that '복지' (welfare) can be used alone for things like employee benefits, but '사회복지' is always for the public. Try to remember it as a key part of how a country looks after its citizens. You might also see it in the context of 'volunteering' (봉사), as many volunteer activities are part of the social welfare system.

At the B1 level, you should be able to discuss '사회복지' as a social issue. This is the level where you start to understand that social welfare is a major topic in Korean society, especially with the aging population. You can use the word in sentences that describe rights and duties: 'Every citizen has the right to social welfare' (모든 국민은 사회복지를 누릴 권리가 있습니다). You should also be familiar with related terms like '사회복지 예산' (social welfare budget) and '사회복지 시설' (social welfare facilities). You can participate in conversations about why social welfare is important for a country's development. You will hear this word often in intermediate-level listening exercises, such as news reports about new government subsidies for families or the elderly. You should also be able to distinguish between '사회복지' and '자선' (charity), understanding that the former is a systemic right while the latter is a personal choice. This level requires you to use the word with more formal verbs like '확대하다' (to expand) or '개선하다' (to improve).

At the B2 level, you should be able to engage in detailed discussions or write essays about '사회복지' policies. You should understand the nuances between different welfare models, such as 'Universal Welfare' (보편적 복지) and 'Selective Welfare' (선별적 복지). You can use the word '사회복지' to analyze social problems, such as the 'blind spots' (사각지대) where people need help but cannot get it from the system. You should be comfortable reading articles about social welfare reform and understanding the economic implications, such as how taxes fund the '사회보장제도' (social security system). Your vocabulary should include compound words like '사회복지 전달체계' (social welfare delivery system) or '사회복지 전문가' (social welfare expert). You can express complex opinions, such as debating whether increasing the '사회복지 예산' will lead to better quality of life or economic burden. At this level, you are expected to use the word accurately in formal debates or professional presentations, showing an understanding of its role in the Korean political landscape.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '사회복지' should be at a near-native academic or professional level. You should be able to critique the '사회복지 패러다임' (social welfare paradigm) and discuss how it has shifted from traditional family-centered care to the current 'Productive Welfare' (생산적 복지) or 'Participatory Welfare' (참여적 복지) models. You can read and synthesize complex sociological texts that use '사회복지' as a central theme. You should understand the historical evolution of the word in Korea, from the post-war 'social relief' to the modern 'human rights-based welfare.' You can discuss the intersectionality of social welfare with other fields like urban planning, gender studies, and economics. Your usage should reflect an awareness of subtle register differences—using the term in legal, academic, and administrative contexts with perfect precision. You should also be able to discuss the 'Social Safety Net' (사회안전망) and the 'Sustainability' (지속가능성) of the social welfare system in the face of low birth rates and an aging society. You are expected to use the word to frame sophisticated arguments about social justice and equity.

At the C2 level, '사회복지' is a tool for profound philosophical and structural analysis of the state and society. You can discuss the word's implications in the context of 'Global Social Welfare' and compare the Korean '사회복지' model with the Nordic, Anglo-Saxon, or Continental European models in great detail. You should be able to lead high-level policy discussions, write professional legislative proposals, or conduct academic research in Korean regarding '사회복지.' You understand the deepest nuances of the term, including how it is perceived by different political factions and how its definition is constantly being negotiated in the public sphere. You can use the word to discuss the 'Social Economy' (사회적 경제) and how it complements traditional '사회복지.' Your command of the language allows you to use '사회복지' in rhetorical ways, such as in speeches or editorials, to evoke a sense of national duty or social solidarity. You are fully aware of the historical baggage and the future aspirations contained within this single term, and you can navigate the most complex linguistic environments where this word is used.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

사회복지 in 30 Seconds

사회복지 (Sahoebokji) means 'Social Welfare' and refers to the organized system of support provided by the state or organizations to ensure citizen well-being.
It is a compound word from 'Society' (사회) and 'Welfare' (복지), used in contexts of government policy, social work, and public safety nets.
This term is essential for discussing social issues like aging, poverty, and healthcare, and it is a common academic major and professional field in Korea.
For learners, it is a formal noun that often modifies other nouns like 'policy' (정책), 'budget' (예산), or 'professional' (사회복지사).

The Korean term 사회복지 (Sahoebokji) is a comprehensive noun that translates directly to 'social welfare' in English. It is a compound word derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters): 사회 (Society/Social) and 복지 (Welfare/Well-being). In the context of modern South Korea, this word encompasses the entire ecosystem of support systems, policies, and professional practices designed to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their economic or physical status, can maintain a minimum standard of living and enjoy a certain quality of life. It is not merely a synonym for 'charity' or 'donations,' which are often private and voluntary; rather, 사회복지 implies a structured, often state-led effort to provide health services, housing assistance, financial subsidies, and care for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and people with disabilities.

Institutional Context: When you hear this word in a formal setting, it often refers to the 'Social Welfare Act' (사회복지사업법) or the government's budget allocation for public safety nets. It is a cornerstone of political debate in Korea, especially regarding the 'Universal vs. Selective' welfare models.

정부는 사회복지 예산을 대폭 확대하기로 결정했습니다. (The government has decided to significantly expand the social welfare budget.)

In everyday conversation, while the word might sound academic, it is frequently used by students when discussing their majors or by citizens when visiting a 'Community Service Center' (행복복지센터). The term has evolved from a focus on post-war poverty relief to a modern, rights-based approach. For an English speaker, it is vital to understand that 사회복지 is the umbrella term for everything from national health insurance to local daycare centers. It represents the collective responsibility of the society to look after its members.

Professional Usage: The profession of a 'Social Worker' is called 사회복지사. This is a licensed role in Korea that requires specific university training and state certification, highlighting the word's importance in the labor market.

그녀는 대학에서 사회복지학을 전공하고 있습니다. (She is majoring in Social Welfare studies at the university.)

The cultural nuance of 사회복지 also touches upon Korea's rapid demographic shift. With one of the world's fastest-aging populations, the discourse around elderly social welfare (노인 사회복지) is a daily topic in media. It covers long-term care insurance, pension systems, and community centers for the elderly. Understanding this word gives you a window into the current social challenges and values of South Korean society, where the transition from traditional family-based care to state-institutionalized welfare is a major ongoing narrative.

Academic Scope: In academic circles, 사회복지 is treated as a multidisciplinary field combining sociology, psychology, and public policy. It examines the 'Social Safety Net' (사회안전망) and seeks to resolve systemic inequalities.

현대 사회에서 사회복지는 더 이상 선택이 아닌 필수입니다. (In modern society, social welfare is no longer an option but a necessity.)

지방 자치 단체들은 사회복지 서비스를 개선하기 위해 노력하고 있습니다. (Local autonomous governments are striving to improve social welfare services.)

Ultimately, 사회복지 represents the collective conscience of the nation. It is about redistribution of wealth through taxes to ensure that the most vulnerable—the poor, the sick, the young, and the old—are not left behind in the country's drive for economic growth. When you use this word, you are speaking about the very fabric of the Korean community's support system.

Using 사회복지 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that often acts as a modifier for other nouns or as the subject/object of a sentence. Because it is a formal and systemic term, it frequently appears with administrative and policy-related verbs. For instance, you 'implement' (실현하다), 'expand' (확대하다), or 'strengthen' (강화하다) social welfare. It is rarely used in casual slang but is a staple of news broadcasts, political speeches, and academic papers. When you want to talk about the system itself, you use it as a standalone noun. When talking about the field of study, you add 학 (study) to get 사회복지학.

As a Subject/Object: Commonly paired with particles like -는/은, -가/이, and -를/을. Example: 사회복지가 잘 되어 있는 나라 (A country where social welfare is well-established).

우리나라는 사회복지 제도를 지속적으로 발전시켜 왔습니다. (Our country has continuously developed the social welfare system.)

When acting as a modifier, it often precedes nouns like 시설 (facility), 기관 (institution), 정책 (policy), or 사 (professional). In these cases, it functions like an adjective in English (e.g., 'social welfare policy'). You don't always need the possessive particle 의 between 사회복지 and the following noun, as they often form a compound noun structure. However, using 의 can add a touch of formality or clarity in complex sentences.

Common Verbs: Pair it with 종사하다 (to be engaged in), 기여하다 (to contribute to), or 누리다 (to enjoy/benefit from).

모든 국민은 국가로부터 사회복지 혜택을 받을 권리가 있습니다. (Every citizen has the right to receive social welfare benefits from the state.)

In more complex sentences, 사회복지 is often compared with economic growth. A common sentence pattern is 'A보다 B에 더 집중하다' (To focus more on B than A). For example: 경제 성장보다 사회복지에 더 많은 예산을 투자해야 합니다 (More budget should be invested in social welfare than in economic growth). This structure is very useful for B1 and B2 level learners practicing argumentative Korean.

Descriptive Usage: Use with 수준 (level) to describe the state of a nation's system. Example: 사회복지 수준이 높다/낮다 (The level of social welfare is high/low).

북유럽 국가들은 사회복지 모델의 모범 사례로 꼽힙니다. (Northern European countries are cited as exemplary cases of social welfare models.)

Finally, when discussing the practical application, you might use 현장 (the field/the site). For example, 사회복지 현장에서 일하는 전문가들 (Professionals working in the field of social welfare). This emphasizes the hands-on nature of the work. Whether you are discussing high-level government policy or the daily tasks of a caregiver, the word remains the anchor for the conversation.

우리는 사회복지의 사각지대에 놓인 이웃들을 찾아내야 합니다. (We must find neighbors who are in the blind spots of social welfare.)

If you live in South Korea or consume Korean media, 사회복지 is unavoidable. One of the most common places you will see it is on signs for local government buildings. Every district has a 사회복지과 (Social Welfare Department) or a 주민복지센터 (Resident Welfare Center). When the government announces a new policy regarding childcare subsidies, support for low-income families, or elderly care, the news anchors will lead with the term 사회복지 정책. It is a word that signifies the state's interaction with the individual's life.

On the News: News segments on KBS, MBC, or SBS frequently discuss the 'Social Welfare Budget' (사회복지 예산) during election cycles. Candidates often debate whether to increase taxes to fund better social welfare.

오늘 뉴스에서는 정부의 새로운 사회복지 서비스에 대해 보도했습니다. (On today's news, they reported on the government's new social welfare services.)

In TV dramas and movies, particularly those that focus on social realism or family struggles, you will often see characters interacting with a 사회복지사 (social worker). These characters might be visiting an orphanage, a nursing home, or helping a protagonist who has fallen on hard times. This reflects the reality of the social safety net in Korea. Dramas like 'My Mister' (나의 아저씨) or 'Our Blues' (우리들의 블루스) often touch upon themes of community support and the systemic limitations of 사회복지.

In Education: University campuses are another prime location. 사회복지학과 (Department of Social Welfare) is one of the most popular majors in Korea, as students seek stable careers in the public sector or non-profits.

그는 사회복지 자격증을 따기 위해 열심히 공부하고 있어요. (He is studying hard to get a social welfare certification.)

In the corporate world, though '복지' is more common for employee perks, 사회복지 appears in the context of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). Companies often establish a 사회복지재단 (Social Welfare Foundation) to donate money or organize volunteer activities. This is how the word bridges the gap between the government, the private sector, and the individual. If you are volunteering in Korea, you will almost certainly be working under the umbrella of a social welfare organization.

Public Announcements: Subway stations and public buses often have advertisements for 'National Social Welfare' programs, encouraging citizens to apply for energy subsidies or childcare support.

지하철 광고에서 사회복지 상담 전화를 보았습니다. (I saw a social welfare consultation phone number in a subway advertisement.)

Finally, during the Lunar New Year (Seollal) or Chuseok, you will hear the word in the context of 'sharing' (나눔). News reports will show politicians or celebrities visiting 사회복지시설 (social welfare facilities) to deliver gifts and support, reinforcing the idea that social welfare is a collective cultural value of looking after the marginalized during festive times.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 사회복지 is confusing it with the general term 복지 (Welfare). While they are related, 복지 is a broad term that can apply to anything from 'employee benefits' (사내 복지) to 'animal welfare' (동물 복지). 사회복지, however, specifically refers to the organized, societal systems of support. If you tell a Korean person that your company has good '사회복지', they will be very confused; you should use '복지' or '복리후생' instead. 사회복지 is for the public good, not private corporate perks.

Welfare vs. Social Welfare: Mistake: '우리 회사는 사회복지가 좋아요' (Our company has good social welfare). Correct: '우리 회사는 복지가 좋아요' (Our company has good welfare/benefits).

사회복지는 국가적인 차원의 시스템을 말합니다. (Social welfare refers to a system on a national level.)

Another common error is treating 사회복지 as a verb. In English, we might say 'to welfare someone' (though rare) or 'to provide welfare'. In Korean, you cannot say '사회복지하다'. You must use a verb like 제공하다 (to provide), 실천하다 (to practice), or 지원하다 (to support). For example, '사회복지를 실천하다' means to practice social welfare. Beginners often try to attach -하다 to every noun, but for systemic nouns like this, it sounds very unnatural.

Confusing with Charity: Many learners use 사회복지 when they mean 봉사 (volunteering) or 자선 (charity). While social welfare includes these, it is much broader and more official. If you just helped a neighbor, say '봉사했어요' or '도와줬어요'.

단순한 기부는 사회복지의 일부일 뿐입니다. (Simple donation is only a part of social welfare.)

Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The 'ㅎ' in 복지 (bok-ji) is silent when preceded by '사회' (sa-hoe), but the 'hoe' sound needs to be clear. Some learners pronounce it as 'sa-hwe', which is close, but the 'oe' sound in Korean is more of a monophthong in standard speech, though it often sounds like 'we' in modern conversation. Also, ensure the 'k' sound in 'bok' is a clean stop, not followed by a puff of air, to avoid confusing it with other words.

Misusing 'Social': In English, 'social' can mean 'friendly'. In Korean, 사회 never means friendly. If you mean 'social life' (hanging out with friends), use '사회 생활' (career/work life) or just '친구들과 놀기'. Never use '사회복지' to mean 'having a good time with people'.

사회복지는 개인의 사교 활동과는 무관합니다. (Social welfare is unrelated to an individual's social activities.)

Lastly, be careful with the word 공공복지 (public welfare). While similar, 사회복지 is the standard term used in 90% of contexts. '공공복지' is more technical and usually refers specifically to government-funded programs as opposed to non-profit ones. Stick to 사회복지 for general usage to sound more natural.

Understanding 사회복지 deeply involves knowing how it differs from its synonyms and related terms. While it is the most common umbrella term, several other words occupy specific niches within the realm of support and well-being. Knowing when to use 보장, 구호, or 부조 will elevate your Korean from intermediate to advanced. These words are often used together in policy documents, and distinguishing them is key for professional or academic fluency.

사회복지 vs. 사회보장 (Social Security): 사회보장 is a more legalistic term. It refers to the 'guarantee' (보장) of a minimum life through insurance and public assistance. 사회복지 is broader, including services like counseling and community programs that aren't just about financial security.

사회복지는 사회보장보다 더 넓은 개념을 포함합니다. (Social welfare includes a broader concept than social security.)

Another related term is 공공부조 (Public Assistance). This is a specific subset of social welfare that refers to the government providing money to people who cannot support themselves (like the 'Basic Livelihood Security Program' in Korea). If 사회복지 is the whole forest, 공공부조 is one specific type of tree that deals with the most extreme poverty. You would use this in a technical discussion about economics or policy.

사회복지 vs. 자선 (Charity): 자선 is often religious or individualistic. It's 'giving' out of the kindness of one's heart. 사회복지 is a right of the citizen and a duty of the state. In modern Korea, the shift has been from 'charity' to 'social welfare rights'.

우리는 시혜적인 자선이 아닌 당당한 사회복지를 원합니다. (We want dignified social welfare, not condescending charity.)

Finally, consider 사회서비스 (Social Services). This term is becoming more popular in government branding. It focuses on the 'service' aspect—like caregiving, cleaning for the elderly, or tutoring for underprivileged kids. While 사회복지 is the philosophy and the system, 사회서비스 is what the person actually receives. If you are describing the action of a worker, 'social service' might be more descriptive, but 사회복지 remains the most powerful and recognized term in the language.

Quick Comparison Table

복지: General well-being / Company perks.
사회보장: Legal safety net / Insurance.
사회복지: The whole system / Public good.
구호: Emergency aid / Disaster relief.

다양한 사회복지 용어를 구분하는 것이 중요합니다. (It is important to distinguish between various social welfare terms.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The characters for 'Welfare' (福祉) both contain the radical '礻' (shì), which relates to divine omens or blessings, suggesting that welfare was originally seen as a heavenly blessing or divine well-being.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sʰa.ɦø.bok.t͈ɕi/

US /sɑ.he.bʊk.dʒi/

The primary stress is on the first syllable '사' (sa), with a secondary emphasis on '복' (bok).

Rhymes With

국가복지 (Gukgabokji) 아동복지 (Adongbokji) 노인복지 (Noinbokji) 장애인복지 (Jangaeinbokji) 기업복지 (Gieopbokji) 산림복지 (Sallimbokji) 문화복지 (Munhwabokji) 교육복지 (Gyoyukbokji)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'hoe' (회) as 'ho-ee' instead of a single fluid sound.
Not stopping the 'k' (ㄱ) in 'bok' (복) properly, making it sound like 'bo-gi'.
Pronouncing 'ji' (지) too softly; it should be slightly tensed (tchi) after the 'k' sound.
Confusing 'sa-hoe' (society) with 'sa-hwe' (gathering/meeting).
Over-emphasizing the 'h' in 'sa-hoe', which is often weakened in natural speech.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and signs, but the Hanja-based compounds can be complex.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal sentence structures and policy-related vocabulary.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but it's a long word to use fluently.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound, easy to pick out in news broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

사회 (Society) 복지 (Welfare) 사람 (Person) 돕다 (To help) 국가 (Nation)

Learn Next

사회보장 (Social Security) 사회복지사 (Social Worker) 예산 (Budget) 정책 (Policy) 사각지대 (Blind spot)

Advanced

보편적 복지 (Universal welfare) 선별적 복지 (Selective welfare) 공공부조 (Public assistance) 사회서비스 (Social services) 거버넌스 (Governance)

Grammar to Know

-를/을 위해 (For the sake of)

사회복지를 위해 세금을 냅니다.

-에 관심이 있다 (To be interested in)

저는 사회복지에 관심이 많아요.

-에 기여하다 (To contribute to)

그는 사회복지 발전에 기여했습니다.

-어야 하다 (Must/Should)

사회복지 제도를 개선해야 합니다.

-ㄹ/을 권리 (Right to do)

복지 혜택을 누릴 권리가 있습니다.

Examples by Level

사회복지는 중요합니다.

Social welfare is important.

Simple noun + subject marker + adjective.

사회복지 센터에 가요.

I go to the social welfare center.

Noun + location marker + verb.

사회복지사는 친절해요.

The social worker is kind.

Person noun + subject marker + adjective.

사회복지를 공부해요.

I study social welfare.

Noun + object marker + verb.

이것은 사회복지 서비스입니다.

This is a social welfare service.

Demonstrative + noun + copula.

사회복지가 좋아요.

Social welfare is good.

Noun + subject marker + adjective.

사회복지 예산이 있어요.

There is a social welfare budget.

Noun + subject marker + existence verb.

사회복지는 모두를 위한 것입니다.

Social welfare is for everyone.

Noun + topic marker + prepositional phrase.

저는 사회복지 분야에서 일하고 싶어요.

I want to work in the social welfare field.

Field noun + location marker + work verb + desire ending.

우리 동네에는 사회복지관이 많아요.

There are many social welfare centers in our neighborhood.

Location + topic marker + noun + frequency adjective.

정부는 사회복지를 위해 노력합니다.

The government works hard for social welfare.

Subject + noun + 'for the sake of' + verb.

사회복지 혜택을 받고 싶습니다.

I want to receive social welfare benefits.

Noun + benefit noun + object marker + verb.

어린이를 위한 사회복지가 필요해요.

Social welfare for children is needed.

Target + 'for' + noun + subject marker + adjective.

사회복지사는 어려운 사람을 도와줍니다.

Social workers help people in difficulty.

Subject + adjective + person + object marker + help verb.

대학교에서 사회복지학을 전공해요.

I major in social welfare at university.

Location + noun + 'study' + object marker + major verb.

사회복지 제도가 잘 되어 있어요.

The social welfare system is well-established.

Noun + system noun + subject marker + status verb.

사회복지 예산이 작년보다 늘어났습니다.

The social welfare budget has increased compared to last year.

Noun + budget noun + comparison + verb.

모든 국민은 사회복지 서비스를 누릴 권리가 있습니다.

Every citizen has the right to enjoy social welfare services.

Subject + noun + service noun + verb + 'right' + copula.

노인들을 위한 사회복지 시설이 더 필요합니다.

More social welfare facilities for the elderly are needed.

Target + 'for' + noun + facility noun + subject marker + adjective.

그는 사회복지 발전에 큰 기여를 했습니다.

He made a great contribution to the development of social welfare.

Subject + noun + development noun + location marker + contribution verb.

사회복지 정책에 대해 토론해 봅시다.

Let's discuss social welfare policy.

Noun + policy noun + 'about' + discussion verb.

우리나라는 사회복지 수준을 높여야 합니다.

Our country must raise the level of social welfare.

Subject + noun + level noun + object marker + 'must' verb.

사회복지 사각지대를 없애기 위해 노력해야 해요.

We must work hard to eliminate the blind spots of social welfare.

Noun + 'blind spot' + object marker + 'in order to' + verb.

사회복지는 공동체의 책무입니다.

Social welfare is the responsibility of the community.

Noun + topic marker + community noun + responsibility noun + copula.

보편적 복지와 선별적 복지는 사회복지의 주요 쟁점입니다.

Universal welfare and selective welfare are key issues in social welfare.

Complex subjects + copula.

정부는 사회복지 전달체계를 개선하기로 했습니다.

The government has decided to improve the social welfare delivery system.

Subject + noun + 'delivery system' + object marker + decision verb.

사회복지 전문가들은 제도의 허점을 지적했습니다.

Social welfare experts pointed out the loopholes in the system.

Subject + noun + expert noun + system's loophole + verb.

급격한 고령화로 인해 사회복지 비용이 증가하고 있습니다.

Social welfare costs are increasing due to rapid population aging.

Cause phrase + noun + cost noun + subject marker + progressive verb.

사회복지는 단순한 구호 활동을 넘어선 시스템입니다.

Social welfare is a system that goes beyond simple relief activities.

Noun + topic marker + adjective + 'going beyond' + noun + copula.

지방 자치 단체는 맞춤형 사회복지 서비스를 제공합니다.

Local governments provide customized social welfare services.

Subject + 'customized' + noun + service noun + object marker + verb.

사회복지학은 인간의 삶의 질 향상을 목표로 합니다.

Social welfare studies aim to improve the quality of human life.

Noun + 'study' + topic marker + quality of life improvement + goal verb.

사회복지 현장에서는 다양한 갈등이 발생하기도 합니다.

Various conflicts sometimes occur in the field of social welfare.

Noun + 'field' + location marker + conflict noun + occurrence verb.

사회복지의 패러다임이 시혜에서 권리로 변화하고 있습니다.

The paradigm of social welfare is shifting from charity to rights.

Noun's paradigm + 'from' + 'to' + change verb.

지속 가능한 사회복지 모델을 구축하는 것이 시급한 과제입니다.

Building a sustainable social welfare model is an urgent task.

Sustainable + noun + model + construction + subject + adjective + task.

사회복지 정책의 효과성을 검증하기 위한 연구가 진행 중입니다.

Research to verify the effectiveness of social welfare policies is underway.

Noun + policy's effectiveness + verification + 'for' + research + progress phrase.

사회복지는 경제 성장과 상호 보완적인 관계에 있습니다.

Social welfare is in a complementary relationship with economic growth.

Noun + topic marker + economic growth + 'complementary relationship' + location marker + verb.

정부는 사회복지 사각지대 해소를 위해 빅데이터를 활용합니다.

The government utilizes big data to resolve social welfare blind spots.

Subject + noun + 'blind spot' + resolution + 'for' + big data + utilization verb.

사회복지 종사자들의 처우 개선이 우선시되어야 합니다.

Improving the treatment of social welfare workers should be prioritized.

Noun + worker's treatment + improvement + subject marker + priority verb.

사회복지는 사회적 연대와 통합을 이끄는 핵심 동력입니다.

Social welfare is the core engine that leads social solidarity and integration.

Noun + topic marker + social solidarity/integration + leading + core engine + copula.

신자유주의 기조 아래 사회복지의 공공성이 위협받고 있습니다.

The public nature of social welfare is being threatened under the neoliberal trend.

Condition phrase + noun's public nature + subject marker + threat verb.

사회복지의 보편성과 선별성 사이의 변증법적 지양을 모색해야 합니다.

We must seek a dialectical sublation between the universality and selectivity of social welfare.

Noun's universality/selectivity + 'between' + dialectical sublation + search verb.

복지 국가의 위기 담론 속에서 사회복지의 재구조화가 논의되고 있습니다.

Restructuring of social welfare is being discussed within the discourse on the crisis of the welfare state.

Discourse phrase + noun's restructuring + subject marker + discussion verb.

사회복지는 인간의 존엄성을 수호하기 위한 최후의 보루입니다.

Social welfare is the last bastion for defending human dignity.

Noun + topic marker + human dignity + defense + 'for' + last bastion + copula.

생산적 복지는 사회복지와 노동 시장의 연계를 강조하는 전략입니다.

Productive welfare is a strategy that emphasizes the link between social welfare and the labor market.

Productive welfare + topic marker + noun + labor market + link + emphasis + strategy + copula.

사회복지 전달체계의 분절성은 정책의 효율성을 저해하는 요인입니다.

The fragmentation of the social welfare delivery system is a factor that hinders policy efficiency.

Noun + delivery system's fragmentation + subject marker + policy efficiency + hindrance + factor + copula.

사회복지 거버넌스의 다각화는 시민 사회의 참여를 촉진합니다.

The diversification of social welfare governance promotes the participation of civil society.

Noun + governance's diversification + subject marker + civil society + participation + promotion verb.

사회복지는 시장 실패를 보완하고 사회적 위험을 분산시키는 기제입니다.

Social welfare is a mechanism that compensates for market failures and disperses social risks.

Noun + topic marker + market failure + compensation + social risk + dispersion + mechanism + copula.

사회복지의 역사적 전개 과정은 계급 투쟁과 타협의 산물입니다.

The historical development process of social welfare is the product of class struggle and compromise.

Noun's historical development process + topic marker + class struggle/compromise + product + copula.

Synonyms

공공복지 사회보장

Common Collocations

사회복지 정책

사회복지 예산

사회복지 시설

사회복지 서비스

사회복지사 자격증

사회복지 사각지대

사회복지 전달체계

사회복지 현장

사회복지 재단

사회복지 공무원

Common Phrases

사회복지를 실천하다

— To practice or implement social welfare actions.

그는 평생 사회복지를 실천하며 살았습니다.

사회복지 혜택을 누리다

— To enjoy or receive social welfare benefits.

많은 노인들이 사회복지 혜택을 누리고 있습니다.

사회복지에 종사하다

— To be engaged or employed in the social welfare field.

사회복지에 종사하는 분들께 감사드립니다.

사회복지 수준이 높다

— The level of social welfare is high (usually referring to a country).

덴마크는 사회복지 수준이 매우 높습니다.

사회복지 기금을 마련하다

— To raise or prepare social welfare funds.

바자회를 통해 사회복지 기금을 마련했습니다.

사회복지망을 촘촘히 하다

— To make the social welfare net dense/thorough.

정부는 사회복지망을 더욱 촘촘히 하겠다고 약속했습니다.

사회복지학을 전공하다

— To major in social welfare studies.

저는 대학교에서 사회복지학을 전공하고 있어요.

사회복지관을 이용하다

— To use/visit a social welfare center.

점심 식사를 위해 사회복지관을 이용합니다.

사회복지 제도를 개선하다

— To improve the social welfare system.

낡은 사회복지 제도를 개선해야 합니다.

사회복지의 가치를 실현하다

— To realize the values of social welfare.

우리는 사회복지의 가치를 실현하기 위해 모였습니다.

Often Confused With

사회복지 vs 복지

Broad term for well-being or company perks; '사회복지' is specifically for public systems.

사회복지 vs 사회보장

A technical legal term for the 'guarantee' of security, whereas '사회복지' is the broader field.

사회복지 vs 자선

Voluntary charity; '사회복지' is a systemic right and duty.

Idioms & Expressions

"복지 부동"

— Literally 'crouching and not moving,' used to describe bureaucrats who do nothing to avoid making mistakes, often in the context of welfare administration.

공무원들의 복지 부동 자세가 문제입니다.

Political/Critical

"요람에서 무덤까지"

— From the cradle to the grave; referring to a comprehensive social welfare system that covers a person's entire life.

북유럽은 요람에서 무덤까지 사회복지가 보장됩니다.

Idiomatic/Policy

"사회적 안전망"

— Social safety net; the system of social welfare that prevents people from falling into extreme poverty.

사회복지는 튼튼한 사회적 안전망이 되어야 합니다.

Metaphorical/Formal

"사각지대"

— Blind spot; referring to those who are excluded from social welfare benefits despite needing them.

사회복지의 사각지대를 찾아내는 것이 중요합니다.

Common Metaphor

"시혜적 복지"

— Condescending welfare; welfare given as a favor rather than a right.

우리는 시혜적 복지가 아닌 권리로서의 복지를 원합니다.

Critical/Academic

"퍼주기식 복지"

— Giveaway welfare; a derogatory term for welfare policies seen as overly generous or wasteful.

일부에서는 이를 퍼주기식 복지라고 비판합니다.

Political/Slangy

"맞춤형 복지"

— Customized welfare; welfare tailored to specific individual needs.

정부는 맞춤형 사회복지 서비스를 확대하고 있습니다.

Policy Buzzword

"보편적 복지"

— Universal welfare; welfare provided to everyone regardless of income.

보편적 복지에 대한 찬반 논쟁이 뜨겁습니다.

Academic/Political

"선별적 복지"

— Selective welfare; welfare provided only to those who meet certain criteria (usually low income).

선별적 복지는 예산 효율성이 높다는 장점이 있습니다.

Academic/Political

"생산적 복지"

— Productive welfare; welfare that encourages people to work and become self-sufficient.

생산적 복지는 자활을 돕는 데 초점을 맞춥니다.

Policy Term

Easily Confused

사회복지 vs 사회복지

Often confused with '복지'.

사회복지 is the institutional system; 복지 is the general state of well-being.

사회복지 정책 (Systemic policy) vs. 사내 복지 (Company perks).

사회복지 vs 사회보장

Both relate to public support.

사회보장 focuses on the legal guarantee of income/health; 사회복지 includes services and programs.

사회보장 정보 시스템 vs. 사회복지관.

사회복지 vs 사회서비스

Both refer to helping people.

사회서비스 is the action or product delivered; 사회복지 is the entire policy and philosophy.

노인 돌봄 사회서비스 vs. 사회복지 예산.

사회복지 vs 공공부조

Both involve government aid.

공공부조 is a specific subset for the poor; 사회복지 is the umbrella term.

기초생활수급은 공공부조의 일종입니다.

사회복지 vs 구호

Both mean helping people.

구호 is temporary/emergency; 사회복지 is long-term/systemic.

재난 구호 vs. 아동 사회복지.

Sentence Patterns

저는 [Noun]에 관심이 있어요.

저는 사회복지에 관심이 있어요.

[Noun]은/는 공동체의 책무입니다.

사회복지는 공동체의 책무입니다.

[Noun]을/를 확대해야 합니다.

사회복지 예산을 확대해야 합니다.

[Noun]은/는 [Noun]의 사각지대에 놓여 있습니다.

그들은 사회복지의 사각지대에 놓여 있습니다.

[Noun]으로 인해 [Noun]이/가 증가하고 있습니다.

고령화로 인해 사회복지 비용이 증가하고 있습니다.

[Noun]의 패러다임이 [A]에서 [B]로 변화하고 있습니다.

사회복지의 패러다임이 시혜에서 권리로 변화하고 있습니다.

[Noun]은/는 [Noun]을/를 이끄는 핵심 동력입니다.

사회복지는 사회 통합을 이끄는 핵심 동력입니다.

[Noun]은/는 [Noun]을/를 수호하기 위한 최후의 보루입니다.

사회복지는 인간의 존엄성을 수호하기 위한 최후의 보루입니다.

Word Family

Nouns

사회복지사 (Social Worker)

사회복지학 (Social Welfare Studies)

사회복지관 (Social Welfare Center)

사회복지재단 (Social Welfare Foundation)

사회복지법 (Social Welfare Law)

Verbs

사회복지화하다 (To social-welfarize - rare)

복지하다 (Not used - use '지원하다' or '실천하다')

Adjectives

사회복지적인 (Social welfare-oriented/related)

사회보장 (Social Security)

공공부조 (Public Assistance)

사회서비스 (Social Services)

사회안전망 (Social Safety Net)

기초생활수급 (Basic Livelihood Support)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in news, education, and government contexts; moderate in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

우리 회사는 사회복지가 좋아요. → 우리 회사는 복지가 좋아요.
Use '복지' for company benefits. '사회복지' is for public/state systems.
저는 사회복지해요. → 저는 사회복지 분야에서 일해요.
사회복지 is a noun, not a verb. You work 'in the field' of it.
사회복지 사람 → 사회복지사
The specific term for a social welfare professional is '사회복지사'.
사회복지 센터에 가요 (for fun) → 문화 센터에 가요
If you are going for a hobby class, '문화 센터' is more common, though some '사회복지관' offer them too.
사회복지는 자선이에요. → 사회복지는 권리예요.
In modern Korean discourse, social welfare is seen as a right (권리), not just charity (자선).

Tips

Learn the Hanja

Knowing that '사회' means society and '복지' means welfare helps you understand many related words like '사회학' (sociology) and '복지국가' (welfare state).

Visit a Center

Search for '행복복지센터' in your neighborhood. Seeing the word in action at a government office will help it stick.

Use with Markers

Practice using it with particles like '사회복지를' (object) and '사회복지가' (subject) to get used to its role in a sentence.

Job Titles

Remember that '사회복지사' is a respected profession. If you meet one, you can ask about their '현장 경험' (field experience).

Watch the News

Listen for this word during segments about government budgets or new laws; it's a very high-frequency news word.

Universal vs Selective

Learning the terms '보편적 복지' and '선별적 복지' will help you understand Korean political debates.

Topic Sentences

Use '사회복지는 현대 사회의 필수 요소입니다' as a strong opening sentence for an essay about social issues.

Context Clues

If you hear '노인' (elderly) or '아동' (children) followed by a long word starting with 'sa-hoe', it's almost certainly '사회복지'.

Compound Fluency

Practice saying '사회복지사' as one word without pausing to sound more like a native speaker.

Safety Net

Think of '사회복지' as the 'Social Safety Net'. This mental image helps bridge the English and Korean concepts.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SA-HOE' as 'SOCIETY' and 'BOK-JI' as 'BOOK-G' (like a book of good luck/blessings). Social Welfare is the Society's Book of Blessings.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant safety net (사회복지) catching different people (society) from falling into a pit of poverty.

Word Web

Government Social Worker Elderly Children Taxes Safety Net Policy Equality

Challenge

Try to find the 'Social Welfare' department in your local Korean city hall website. Look for the characters '사회복지'.

Word Origin

Borrowed from Sino-Korean characters: 社會 (Society) + 福祉 (Welfare).

Original meaning: The well-being and happiness of the organized community.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived)

Cultural Context

When discussing social welfare recipients, use respectful terms like '수급자' (recipient) or '대상자' (target person) rather than derogatory terms for the poor.

In English-speaking countries, 'Social Welfare' can sometimes have a negative stigma (e.g., 'being on welfare'). In Korea, '사회복지' is generally viewed as a positive, necessary, and modern institutional system, though political debates about 'wasteful spending' do exist.

The Social Welfare Act (사회복지사업법) - The foundational law in Korea. KBS 'Love on the Air' - Often features social welfare stories. The 'Social Welfare Day' in Korea is September 7th.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

University Major

사회복지학을 전공해요.
사회복지사 자격증이 있어요.
실습을 나갔어요.
전공 서적이 두꺼워요.

Government Office

사회복지과가 어디예요?
복지 혜택을 신청하고 싶어요.
상담을 예약했어요.
서류를 제출하세요.

News/Politics

복지 예산이 증액되었습니다.
복지 국가를 지향합니다.
사각지대를 해소하겠습니다.
공약으로 내걸었습니다.

Volunteering

사회복지관에서 봉사해요.
어르신들을 도와드려요.
도시락 배달을 해요.
보람을 느껴요.

Job Interview

사회복지 분야에 관심이 많습니다.
소외된 이웃을 돕고 싶습니다.
전문성을 갖추고 있습니다.
현장 경험이 풍부합니다.

Conversation Starters

"한국의 사회복지 제도에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about Korea's social welfare system?)"

"사회복지사가 되려면 어떤 공부를 해야 하나요? (What kind of study is needed to become a social worker?)"

"당신의 나라에서는 사회복지가 잘 되어 있나요? (Is social welfare well-established in your country?)"

"사회복지 예산을 늘리는 것에 찬성하시나요? (Do you agree with increasing the social welfare budget?)"

"최근 뉴스에서 본 사회복지 이슈가 있나요? (Are there any social welfare issues you've seen in the news recently?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 만약 사회복지 정책을 만든다면, 가장 먼저 무엇을 하고 싶은지 써 보세요. (If you were to create a social welfare policy, write about what you would want to do first.)

사회복지가 우리 삶에 왜 중요한지 자신의 생각을 정리해 보세요. (Organize your thoughts on why social welfare is important to our lives.)

사회복지관에서 봉사활동을 했던 경험이나 하고 싶은 활동에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about your experience volunteering at a social welfare center or the activities you want to do.)

노인 사회복지와 아동 사회복지 중 더 시급한 것은 무엇이라고 생각하나요? (Which do you think is more urgent, elderly social welfare or child social welfare?)

사회복지사가 가져야 할 가장 중요한 자질은 무엇일까요? (What is the most important quality a social worker should have?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

복지 is a general term for well-being or benefits (like at a company). 사회복지 specifically refers to the public, state-led system of support for the community.

You say '사회복지사' (Sahoebokjisa). It is a professional title that requires certification.

No, it covers a wide range of services including childcare, elderly care, and healthcare that can apply to many citizens, not just the low-income group.

No, it is a noun. You must use it with verbs like 실천하다 (practice), 제공하다 (provide), or 지원하다 (support).

It means 'Social Welfare Studies,' which is a popular university major in South Korea.

It is a 'Social Welfare Center,' a community building where various social services and classes are provided to local residents.

Yes, it is quite formal and is most commonly used in news, academic, and administrative contexts.

In Korean, they are called '사회복지 사각지대.' These are people who need help but don't qualify for existing government programs.

Because Korea has a very low birth rate and a rapidly aging population, which puts pressure on the social welfare system.

It is pronounced like 'hway' or 'hoe' (a single fluid sound), not 'ho-ee'.