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Vocabulary
금연하다

A2 verb 9 min read

금연하다

geumyeonhada

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 금연하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 금연하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to recognize the word '금연' (Geum-yeon) as it appears on signs. You will see it in subway stations, parks, and buildings. It means 'No Smoking'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that if you see this word, you should not smoke there. It is one of the most important 'safety' or 'rule' words to learn when you first arrive in Korea. You might see it paired with '구역' (gu-yeok), which means 'area'. So '금연 구역' is a 'No Smoking Zone'.

At the A2 level, you can start using the verb '금연하다' to talk about yourself or others. You can use it in simple past tense like '금연했어요' (I quit smoking) or as a future intention like '금연할 거예요' (I will quit smoking). You should understand that this is a formal way to say you are stopping a habit. You might also encounter it in simple health dialogues, such as a doctor saying '금연하세요' (Please quit smoking). You should be able to distinguish between '금연' (the rule) and '금연하다' (the action).

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '금연하다' in more complex sentence structures. For example, using it with '기 때문에' (because) or '으려고' (in order to). You might say, '건강을 지키려고 금연하기로 결심했어요' (I decided to quit smoking in order to protect my health). You should also be familiar with related terms like '금연껌' (nicotine gum) or '금연 패치' (nicotine patch). You can participate in basic discussions about why smoking is bad and why people choose to 금연하다. You will also notice the word in news headlines about public health.

At the B2 level, you can discuss the social and legal aspects of '금연'. You can talk about '금연 정책' (anti-smoking policies) and how they affect society. You should be able to use the word in formal presentations or essays. You will understand nuances such as why a speaker might choose '금연하다' over '담배를 끊다' to sound more professional. You can also understand more abstract uses, such as '금연 분위기' (an atmosphere of abstaining from smoking). You should be comfortable with the Hanja origins (禁 + 煙) and how they relate to other words like '흡연' (smoking) or '금지' (prohibition).

At the C1 level, you are expected to understand the historical and cultural context of '금연' in Korea. You can analyze how '금연 캠페인' have changed over decades. You can use the word in academic contexts, discussing the '금연의 사회적 효용' (social utility of quitting smoking). You will recognize the word in literature or high-level journalism where it might be used metaphorically or as part of a larger discussion on public ethics and individual freedom. You can debate the effectiveness of '금연 구역' expansion and use precise vocabulary to describe the physiological process of '금연'.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '금연하다'. You can use it in any register, from highly technical medical discussions to legal drafting. You understand the subtle socio-linguistic implications of using the term in different social hierarchies. You can critique '금연 관련 법안' (smoking-related bills) and provide deep insights into the psychological barriers of '금연'. Your usage is perfectly natural, and you can even use it in wordplay or advanced rhetorical structures. You are fully aware of how the term '금연' interacts with Korean Confucian values of self-discipline and public harmony.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

금연하다 in 30 Seconds

금연하다 means to quit smoking or to follow no-smoking rules in specific areas.
It is a formal term derived from Hanja (禁 + 煙), meaning 'prohibit smoke'.
Commonly used in medical contexts, government campaigns, and public signage.
The colloquial alternative is '담배를 끊다', but '금연하다' is preferred for official use.

The Korean verb 금연하다 (geum-yeon-ha-da) is a formal and semi-formal term used to describe the act of stopping smoking or abstaining from smoking in a specific area. It is derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters): 禁 (금 - geum) meaning 'to prohibit' or 'to forbid' and 煙 (연 - yeon) meaning 'smoke' or 'cigarette'. When combined with 하다 (ha-da), which means 'to do', the word literally translates to 'to do the prohibition of smoke'. This word is ubiquitous in South Korean society, appearing on signs in public parks, restaurants, and apartment complexes, and is the standard term used in medical or governmental contexts regarding tobacco control.

Formal Context: Used in hospitals, government campaigns, and public announcements to encourage citizens to quit smoking for health reasons.
Social Context: Used by individuals when making a serious resolution, such as a New Year's resolution, to stop their smoking habit permanently.
Legal Context: Refers to the designation of 'No Smoking Zones' (금연구역) where smoking is strictly prohibited by law or regulation.

건강을 위해서 올해부터 금연하기로 결심했습니다. (I decided to quit smoking starting this year for my health.)

Understanding the nuance of 금연하다 involves recognizing its dual meaning. On one hand, it refers to the personal journey of quitting an addiction. On the other hand, it refers to the situational compliance with 'No Smoking' rules. For example, if you are in a building that is a '금연 건물' (No Smoking Building), you must 금연하다 while inside. This word is more clinical and formal than the colloquial expression '담배를 끊다' (to quit cigarettes), which is used more frequently in casual conversation among friends. However, in any professional setting or written document, 금연하다 is the preferred choice.

이 식당은 전체가 금연 구역입니다. (This entire restaurant is a no-smoking area.)

In Korea, the social pressure to 금연하다 has increased significantly over the last two decades. While smoking was once common in indoor spaces, strict laws now mandate 금연 in almost all public indoor areas and many outdoor public spaces like bus stops and schools. Therefore, knowing this word is essential for navigating Korean urban environments and understanding public etiquette. If someone asks you '금연 중이세요?' (Are you currently quitting smoking/in the middle of abstaining?), they are inquiring about your status as a smoker or your current effort to quit.

공공장소에서는 반드시 금연해야 합니다. (You must abstain from smoking in public places.)

Finally, 금연하다 is often associated with '금연 캠페인' (anti-smoking campaigns) and '금연 클리닉' (smoking cessation clinics). These institutions provide support for those struggling to stop smoking. The word carries a positive connotation of self-improvement and public consideration. In contrast to '흡연하다' (to smoke), which is the direct antonym, 금연하다 represents a proactive choice for health and social harmony.

Using 금연하다 correctly involves understanding its conjugation patterns and the particles that typically accompany it. As a '하다' verb, it follows standard conjugation rules. When you want to say you are in the process of quitting, you might use the progressive form '금연하고 있다'. To express a strong intention, '금연하겠다' or '금연하려고 하다' are common. Because it is a formal word, it is frequently used with the honorific suffix '-시-' when referring to someone of higher status, such as '선생님께서 금연하셨습니다' (The teacher quit smoking).

The Objective Particle: While you can say '담배를 끊다' (quit cigarettes), you do not typically say '담배를 금연하다'. Instead, '금연하다' stands alone as a complete action or is used as '금연을 하다'.
Imperative Forms: On signs or in official commands, you will see '금연하십시오' (Please refrain from smoking) or the simple noun '금연' (No Smoking).

의사 선생님이 저에게 금연하라고 권고하셨어요. (The doctor advised me to quit smoking.)

When discussing the duration of quitting, the particle '~한 지' is used. For example, '금연한 지 3년 됐어요' means 'It has been three years since I quit smoking'. This structure is very common in health interviews or casual chats about lifestyle changes. Another important grammatical point is the use of '금연' as a modifier. By adding '구역' (area), '건물' (building), or '석' (seat), you create compound nouns that are vital for daily life in Korea.

그는 건강이 나빠져서 금연할 수밖에 없었습니다. (He had no choice but to quit smoking because his health declined.)

In formal writing, such as an essay or a news report, the passive or nominalized forms might appear. For instance, '금연의 중요성' (the importance of quitting smoking) or '금연이 확산되고 있다' (The practice of quitting smoking is spreading). When speaking to friends, however, you might find '금연하다' a bit stiff. In those cases, '담배 안 피워요' (I don't smoke) or '담배 끊었어' (I quit cigarettes) are more natural. But if you are filling out a medical form, always look for the word '금연'.

많은 사람들이 새해 목표로 금연을 선택합니다. (Many people choose quitting smoking as a New Year's goal.)

You will encounter 금연하다 and its noun form 금연 in several specific environments in South Korea. The most common is the public transport system. Subways and bus stops are strictly '금연 구역'. You will hear recorded announcements saying, '역사 내에서는 금연해 주시기 바랍니다' (Please abstain from smoking within the station premises). Similarly, inside taxis, there are often stickers that say '택시 내 금연' (No smoking inside the taxi).

Hospitals and Clinics: Doctors will use this word when giving medical advice. '환자분, 지금부터는 꼭 금연하셔야 합니다' (Patient, you must definitely quit smoking from now on).
Workplace and Office: Company policies often include '금연 수당' (smoking cessation bonuses) for employees who successfully 금연하다.

아파트 베란다에서도 금연해 달라는 안내 방송이 나왔어요. (There was an announcement asking people to refrain from smoking even on apartment balconies.)

Television and social media are also full of this word, especially during the month of January. The Korean government invests heavily in '금연 광고' (anti-smoking advertisements) which often feature dramatic storytelling about the dangers of smoking. In these ads, celebrities or doctors urge the public to '금연으로 건강을 지키세요' (Protect your health by quitting smoking). You might also hear this word in educational settings, as schools are designated as non-smoking zones, and students are taught the importance of 금연 from a young age.

보건소에서 운영하는 금연 프로그램에 참여하고 있어요. (I am participating in a smoking cessation program run by the public health center.)

Lastly, in the context of dating or marriage, '금연' is a frequent topic. A partner might say, '결혼하면 금연할 거야?' (Will you quit smoking if we get married?). In this personal yet slightly formal context, using '금연하다' shows a level of commitment and seriousness toward the habit change. It sounds more like a formal promise than '담배 안 피울게'.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 금연하다 is confusing it with the more casual '담배를 끊다'. While they both mean 'to quit smoking', '금연하다' is an action verb that already contains the concept of 'smoke'. Therefore, saying '담배를 금연하다' (to quit smoking cigarettes) is redundant and technically incorrect, though most Koreans will understand you. The correct way to use it is either '금연하다' alone or '금연을 하다'.

Mistaken Object: Incorrect: 담배를 금연해요. Correct: 금연해요. / 담배를 끊었어요.
Confusing with '비흡연': '금연' is the act of stopping or a prohibition. '비흡연' (non-smoking) refers to the state of being a non-smoker. Don't say '저는 금연자예요' when you mean '저는 비흡연자예요' (I am a non-smoker).

저는 5년 전에 금연했습니다. (I quit smoking 5 years ago - Correct usage of the verb).

Another error involves the distinction between '금연' (prohibition of smoking) and '단연' (cutting off/abstaining from something entirely, less common for smoking). Some learners also confuse '금연' with '금주' (abstaining from alcohol). While the structure is the same (금 + 연 vs 금 + 주), the objects are different. If you tell a doctor '금주하고 있어요' when you mean you stopped smoking, they will think you stopped drinking alcohol.

이곳은 금연 구역이므로 담배를 피울 수 없습니다. (Since this is a no-smoking area, you cannot smoke - Correct situational usage).

Finally, watch out for the pronunciation. The 'ㄴ' in '금연' can sometimes sound like it's merging with the 'ㅇ', but it should be clearly articulated as [금-연]. Mispronouncing it might lead to confusion with other '금' words. Also, ensure you don't use '금연하다' for other things like 'quitting a job' or 'quitting a hobby'. It is strictly reserved for tobacco/smoke.

While 금연하다 is the standard term, there are several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific context of the conversation. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker.

담배를 끊다 (Dam-bae-reul kkeun-ta): This is the most common casual expression. '끊다' means 'to cut' or 'to sever'. It implies breaking the habit. Use this with friends and family.
절연하다 (Jeol-yeon-ha-da): A more technical or literary term meaning to reduce or cut off smoking. It is rarely used in daily speech but might appear in medical journals.
흡연을 중단하다 (Heup-yeon-eul jung-dan-ha-da): Means 'to cease smoking'. This is very formal and often used in research papers or clinical trial descriptions.

친구들에게 담배를 끊었다고 말했어요. (I told my friends that I quit smoking.)

When comparing '금연하다' and '담배를 끊다', the main difference is the 'vibe'. '금연하다' sounds like a campaign slogan or a medical directive. '담배를 끊다' sounds like a personal struggle or a lifestyle change. If you are talking about the law, you must use '금연'. If you are talking about your uncle's health journey, '담배를 끊으셨다' is more natural.

정부는 흡연율을 낮추기 위해 노력하고 있습니다. (The government is working to lower the smoking rate - note the use of '흡연' as the base noun here).

There is also the term '비흡연' (non-smoking) which is used to describe a status. For example, '비흡연 구역' is synonymous with '금연 구역', but '비흡연' is more about the state of the air or the person, while '금연' is about the rule or the action of stopping. In a hotel, you might ask for a '금연 객실' (non-smoking room).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character for smoke (煙) contains the 'fire' radical (火), indicating that smoke comes from fire. The character for prohibit (禁) shows two trees and a command, suggesting a sacred grove where entry was forbidden.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡum.jʌn.ɦa.da/

US /ɡum.jʌn.ɦa.da/

The primary stress is on the second syllable '연' (yeon), which is held slightly longer.

Rhymes With

흡연하다 (heup-yeon-ha-da) 공연하다 (gong-yeon-ha-da) 수련하다 (su-ryeon-ha-da) 훈련하다 (hun-ryeon-ha-da) 유연하다 (yu-yeon-ha-da) 당연하다 (dang-yeon-ha-da) 평온하다 (pyeong-on-ha-da) 결근하다 (gyeol-geun-ha-da)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '금' as 'gum' like chewing gum. It should be a flatter 'u' sound.
Merging the 'n' in 'geum-yeon' into the 'y' too quickly, making it sound like 'geum-myeon'.
Stress on the first syllable.
Missing the 'h' sound in 'hada'.
Over-emphasizing the 'yeon' so it sounds like two separate words.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize on signs due to its frequency.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the Hanja-based spelling.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of 'ㄴ' needs to be clear.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in public announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

담배 (Cigarette) 하다 (To do) 구역 (Area) 안 돼 (No/Not allowed) 건강 (Health)

Learn Next

흡연 (Smoking) 중독 (Addiction) 보건소 (Public health center) 결심 (Resolution) 폐 (Lungs)

Advanced

간접흡연 (Second-hand smoke) 금단 증상 (Withdrawal symptoms) 니코틴 (Nicotine) 타르 (Tar) 폐암 (Lung cancer)

Grammar to Know

-(으)ㄴ 지 (Time since)

금연한 지 일주일 됐어요. (It's been a week since I quit smoking.)

-기로 하다 (Decide to)

내일부터 금연하기로 했어요. (I decided to quit smoking from tomorrow.)

-아야/어야 하다 (Must/Should)

여기서는 금연해야 합니다. (You must abstain from smoking here.)

-(으)려고 (In order to)

금연하려고 사탕을 먹어요. (I eat candy in order to quit smoking.)

-(으)면 (If/When)

금연하면 돈을 아낄 수 있어요. (If you quit smoking, you can save money.)

Examples by Level

여기는 금연입니다.

This place is no smoking.

Simple noun + 입니다 (to be).

금연 구역이에요.

It is a no-smoking zone.

Noun + 구역 (area) + 이에요.

식당에서 금연하세요.

Please refrain from smoking in the restaurant.

Verb + 세요 (polite command).

금연이 좋아요.

Quitting smoking is good.

Noun + 이 (subject particle) + 좋아요.

저기 금연 표지판이 있어요.

There is a no-smoking sign over there.

Noun + 표지판 (sign) + 이 있어요.

우리 집은 금연이에요.

Our house is no-smoking.

Possessive + noun + 이에요.

금연합시다!

Let's quit smoking!

Verb + 합시다 (let's).

금연 건물입니다.

This is a no-smoking building.

Noun + 건물 (building).

저는 작년에 금연했어요.

I quit smoking last year.

Past tense -했어요.

내일부터 금연할 거예요.

I will quit smoking starting tomorrow.

Future tense -(으)ㄹ 거예요.

왜 금연하고 싶어요?

Why do you want to quit smoking?

-고 싶다 (want to).

금연하는 것이 어려워요.

Quitting smoking is difficult.

-는 것 (nominalization).

아버지는 금연하셨어요.

My father quit smoking.

Honorific past tense -하셨어요.

금연하면 건강해져요.

If you quit smoking, you become healthy.

-(으)면 (if).

금연을 시작했습니다.

I started quitting smoking.

Formal past tense -했습니다.

친구와 같이 금연하기로 했어요.

I decided to quit smoking with my friend.

-기로 하다 (decide to).

건강을 위해서 금연해야 합니다.

You must quit smoking for your health.

-해야 한다 (must).

금연한 지 벌써 한 달이 되었네요.

It has already been a month since I quit smoking.

-(으)ㄴ 지 (since).

금연하려고 노력 중입니다.

I am in the middle of trying to quit smoking.

-(으)려고 노력 중 (trying to).

금연 학교에 다니고 있어요.

I am attending a smoking cessation school.

-고 있다 (progressive).

금연 덕분에 몸이 가벼워졌어요.

Thanks to quitting smoking, my body feels lighter.

덕분에 (thanks to).

정부는 금연 캠페인을 벌이고 있습니다.

The government is conducting an anti-smoking campaign.

-고 있다 (progressive/ongoing).

금연 구역에서 담배를 피우면 벌금을 내야 해요.

If you smoke in a no-smoking zone, you have to pay a fine.

벌금을 내다 (pay a fine).

금연 성공 비결이 뭐예요?

What is the secret to your success in quitting smoking?

비결 (secret/key).

실내 금연이 법으로 정해졌습니다.

Indoor non-smoking has been established by law.

법으로 정해지다 (be set by law).

금연을 실천하는 것은 쉬운 일이 아닙니다.

Practicing quitting smoking is not an easy task.

실천하다 (to practice/put into action).

금연 후에 미각이 살아났어요.

My sense of taste returned after quitting smoking.

미각 (sense of taste).

금연 상담을 받으러 보건소에 갔어요.

I went to the health center to receive smoking cessation counseling.

-(으)러 가다 (go in order to).

금연은 본인의 의지가 가장 중요합니다.

In quitting smoking, one's own will is the most important.

의지 (will/determination).

금연 구역이 확대되는 추세입니다.

The trend is that no-smoking zones are expanding.

추세 (trend).

그는 금연을 통해 새 삶을 찾았습니다.

He found a new life through quitting smoking.

통해 (through).

금연의 필요성을 강조하는 기사를 읽었어요.

I read an article emphasizing the necessity of quitting smoking.

강조하다 (to emphasize).

금연은 단순한 습관의 변화가 아니라 삶의 질을 높이는 선택입니다.

Quitting smoking is not just a change in habit but a choice to improve quality of life.

A가 아니라 B (not A but B).

정부의 강력한 금연 정책이 흡연율 감소에 기여했습니다.

The government's strong anti-smoking policy contributed to the decrease in smoking rates.

기여하다 (to contribute).

금연 시도자들이 겪는 금단 현상은 매우 고통스럽습니다.

The withdrawal symptoms experienced by those attempting to quit smoking are very painful.

금단 현상 (withdrawal symptoms).

금연을 유도하기 위해 담배 가격을 인상했습니다.

Tobacco prices were raised to induce smoking cessation.

유도하다 (to induce/lead).

공동주택 내 금연 갈등이 사회적 문제로 대두되고 있습니다.

Conflicts over smoking in multi-unit housing are emerging as a social problem.

대두되다 (to emerge/come to the fore).

금연 성공을 위해서는 주변의 지지와 격려가 필수적입니다.

Support and encouragement from those around are essential for successful smoking cessation.

필수적 (essential).

금연에 따른 경제적 이득도 무시할 수 없습니다.

The economic benefits of quitting smoking cannot be ignored.

무시할 수 없다 (cannot ignore).

청소년 금연 교육의 실효성에 대한 논의가 필요합니다.

A discussion on the effectiveness of anti-smoking education for youth is necessary.

실효성 (effectiveness).

금연이라는 화두는 현대 공중보건 담론의 핵심을 관통합니다.

The topic of smoking cessation pierces the core of modern public health discourse.

관통하다 (to pierce/penetrate).

금연을 향한 범국가적인 차원의 노력이 결실을 맺고 있습니다.

Nationwide efforts toward smoking cessation are bearing fruit.

결실을 맺다 (to bear fruit).

흡연권과 금연권 사이의 법적 쟁점은 여전히 뜨거운 감자입니다.

The legal issues between the right to smoke and the right to be free from smoke remain a hot potato.

뜨거운 감자 (hot potato/controversial issue).

금연에 성공한 이들의 수기는 많은 이들에게 귀감이 됩니다.

The memoirs of those who successfully quit smoking serve as a model for many.

귀감이 되다 (to serve as a model/exemplar).

금연은 개인의 기호를 넘어 공동체의 안녕을 위한 도덕적 책무로 인식되기도 합니다.

Quitting smoking is sometimes perceived as a moral obligation for the well-being of the community, beyond individual preference.

도덕적 책무 (moral obligation).

금연 보조제의 오남용에 대한 경각심을 일깨워야 합니다.

We must raise awareness about the misuse and abuse of smoking cessation aids.

경각심을 일깨우다 (to raise awareness/alarm).

지속 가능한 금연 환경 조성을 위한 다각적인 접근이 요구됩니다.

A multilateral approach is required to create a sustainable environment for smoking cessation.

다각적 (multilateral/many-sided).

금연의 역설은 규제가 강해질수록 음성적인 흡연이 늘어날 수 있다는 점에 있습니다.

The paradox of smoking cessation lies in the fact that as regulations strengthen, clandestine smoking may increase.

음성적 (clandestine/hidden).

Common Collocations

금연 구역

금연 결심

금연 캠페인

금연 클리닉

금연 보조제

금연 성공

금연 건물

금연 아파트

금연 치료

금연 정책

Common Phrases

금연 중입니다

— I am currently in the process of quitting smoking.

술자리지만 저는 금연 중입니다.

금연에 실패하다

— To fail at quitting smoking.

이번에도 금연에 실패하고 말았어요.

금연을 권장하다

— To recommend or encourage quitting smoking.

의사는 모든 환자에게 금연을 권장한다.

금연 구역 지정

— Designation of a no-smoking zone.

공원 전체가 금연 구역으로 지정되었다.

금연 선포

— Declaration of quitting smoking.

가족들 앞에서 금연 선포를 했어요.

금연 교육

— Anti-smoking education.

아이들에게 금연 교육을 실시합니다.

금연 스티커

— No-smoking sticker.

문에 금연 스티커를 붙였어요.

금연 약속

— A promise to quit smoking.

아내와 금연 약속을 했어요.

금연 분위기

— An atmosphere where people don't smoke.

요즘은 사회적으로 금연 분위기예요.

금연 홍보

— Anti-smoking promotion.

금연 홍보 영상을 제작했습니다.

Often Confused With

금연하다 vs 흡연

The opposite. 'Heup-yeon' is smoking, 'Geum-yeon' is non-smoking.

금연하다 vs 금주

Abstaining from alcohol. Both start with 'Geum' (prohibit).

금연하다 vs 비흡연

Refers to the state of not smoking, whereas 'Geum-yeon' is the act of stopping or the rule.

Idioms & Expressions

"작심삼일 금연"

— A resolution to quit smoking that only lasts three days.

제 금연은 항상 작심삼일이에요.

Common

"담배 연기 없는 마을"

— A village without cigarette smoke (refers to a healthy, smoke-free community).

우리 동네를 담배 연기 없는 마을로 만듭시다.

Campaign

"금연이 효도다"

— Quitting smoking is the best way to show filial piety (respect to parents).

부모님 건강을 생각하면 금연이 효도입니다.

Social/Family

"금연은 지능 순이다"

— A sarcastic slang saying that smarter people quit smoking earlier.

금연은 지능 순이라는데 나도 빨리 끊어야지.

Slang/Internet

"금연의 벽"

— The 'wall' or barrier to quitting smoking (difficulty).

금연의 벽을 넘기가 쉽지 않네요.

Literary

"금연 챔피언"

— Someone who has successfully stayed smoke-free for a long time.

우리 아버지는 10년째 금연 챔피언이세요.

Casual

"금연 열풍"

— A craze or fever for quitting smoking.

새해 초에는 항상 금연 열풍이 불어요.

Media

"금연 딱지"

— A no-smoking sign or label (sometimes used for a fine ticket).

차에 금연 딱지가 붙어 있네요.

Casual

"금연 고시"

— Comparing quitting smoking to a hard national exam (Gosi).

금연 성공은 거의 금연 고시 패스 수준이야.

Humorous

"금연의 길"

— The path or journey of quitting smoking.

험난한 금연의 길을 걷고 있습니다.

Literary

Easily Confused

금연하다 vs 금지 (Geum-ji)

Both start with 'Geum' and mean prohibition.

'Geum-ji' is a general word for 'prohibition' (e.g., parking prohibited). 'Geum-yeon' is specifically for smoking.

주차 금지 (No parking) vs. 금연 (No smoking).

금연하다 vs 절연 (Jeol-yeon)

Contains 'Yeon' (smoke).

'Jeol-yeon' can mean cutting off a relationship or electrical insulation. In rare cases, it means cutting off smoke, but 'Geum-yeon' is the standard.

그와 절연했다 (I cut ties with him).

금연하다 vs 단연 (Dan-yeon)

Sounds similar and means quitting.

'Dan-yeon' is more literary and refers to quitting any bad habit decisively. 'Geum-yeon' is specific.

단연의 의지 (The will to quit once and for all).

금연하다 vs 금식 (Geum-sik)

Starts with 'Geum'.

'Geum-sik' is fasting (not eating).

수술 전에는 금식해야 합니다 (You must fast before surgery).

금연하다 vs 흡연 (Heup-yeon)

Ends with 'Yeon'.

This means 'smoking'.

흡연 구역 (Smoking area).

Sentence Patterns

여기는 [Place]입니다. 금연하세요.

여기는 병원입니다. 금연하세요.

저는 [Time]부터 금연할 거예요.

저는 오늘부터 금연할 거예요.

건강을 위해서 [Verb-기]보다 금연이 중요해요.

건강을 위해서 운동하기보다 금연이 중요해요.

[Noun] 때문에 금연하기로 결심했습니다.

가족들 때문에 금연하기로 결심했습니다.

정부의 금연 정책은 [Noun]에 큰 영향을 미칩니다.

정부의 금연 정책은 국민 건강에 큰 영향을 미칩니다.

금연은 개인의 선택을 넘어 [Noun]의 문제입니다.

금연은 개인의 선택을 넘어 사회적 책임의 문제입니다.

Mixed

금연한 지 [Duration] 되었는데 정말 [Adjective]네요.

금연한 지 한 달 되었는데 정말 힘드네요.

Mixed

이곳은 [Reason]으로 인해 금연 구역으로 지정되었습니다.

이곳은 화재 예방으로 인해 금연 구역으로 지정되었습니다.

Word Family

Nouns

금연 (No smoking/Cessation)

금연가 (A person who has quit smoking)

금연석 (Non-smoking seat)

금연구역 (No-smoking zone)

Verbs

금연하다 (To quit smoking/To prohibit smoking)

Adjectives

금연의 (Smoking-cessation related)

흡연 (Smoking)

단연 (Abstinence)

금주 (No drinking)

금식 (Fasting)

담배 (Cigarette)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in urban areas and medical settings.

Common Mistakes

담배를 금연하다 → 금연하다 / 담배를 끊다
Redundant object. 금연 already implies cigarettes.
금주하다 for smoking → 금연하다
금주 is for alcohol, 금연 is for smoking.
금연자 → 비흡연자
금연자 means 'person who is quitting'. 비흡연자 is 'non-smoker'.
금연 구역에서 담배를 먹다 → 담배를 피우다
You 'smoke' (피우다) cigarettes, not 'eat' (먹다) them, even in a 금연 zone.
Using 'Geum-yeon' for 'No Fire' → 화기 엄금
Geum-yeon is specifically about smoking, not general fire prohibition.

Tips

Respect the Signs

In Korea, smoking in a 금연 구역 can lead to immediate fines. Always look for the sticker before lighting up.

Honorifics Matter

When talking about an elder quitting smoking, use '금연하셨어요' to show respect.

The 'Geum' Family

Learning '금' (prohibit) helps you learn many other words like 금지, 금주, and 금식.

Public Help

Every local '보건소' (health center) in Korea offers free 금연 support programs.

Decline Politely

If offered a cigarette, say '아니요, 저 금연 중이에요' to be polite.

Gold vs Smoke

Remember: Geum (Gold) is what you get when you stop Yeon (Smoke).

Red Circle

The red circle with a slash is the universal sign for 금연.

Formal Documents

Always use 금연하다 in resumes or medical forms, never 담배 끊다.

Clear Enunciation

Don't rush the 'n' in Geum-yeon. Let it breathe.

Second-hand Smoke

Koreans are very sensitive to 간접흡연, so 금연 is highly encouraged.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'GEUM' (Gold) medal given to someone for stopping 'YEON' (Smoke). Quitting smoking is worth gold!

Visual Association

Visualize a red 'X' over a cloud of smoke. The 'X' is the 'GEUM' (prohibition).

Word Web

건강 (Health) 담배 (Cigarette) 병원 (Hospital) 의지 (Will) 결심 (Resolution) 법 (Law) 공원 (Park) 냄새 (Smell)

Challenge

Try to find three '금연' signs in a Korean drama or on a street view of Seoul.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sino-Korean characters 禁 (Geum) and 煙 (Yeon).

Original meaning: 禁 means 'to prohibit' or 'to forbid'. 煙 means 'smoke' or 'mist'.

Sino-Korean (Hanja).

Cultural Context

While '금연' is a positive word, be sensitive when telling others to '금연하세요' as it can be seen as intrusive advice if not a close friend or family member.

In English, we usually say 'Quit smoking' or 'No smoking'. '금연하다' covers both the personal action and the legal rule.

The 'No Smoking' campaign by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare. The movie 'The Quiz Show' where quitting smoking is a topic. K-Pop idols often announce their '금연' status to show a healthy image to fans.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Public Transportation

지하철역은 금연 구역입니다.
버스 정류장에서 금연해 주세요.
택시 안에서 금연하십시오.
기차 내 금연석.

Medical Checkup

금연한 지 얼마나 되셨나요?
금연 치료를 받고 싶어요.
금연은 필수입니다.
금연 보조제가 필요해요.

New Year's Resolutions

올해 목표는 금연입니다.
금연 결심이 무너졌어요.
우리 같이 금연하자.
금연 성공 비법.

Restaurant/Cafe

여기는 금연 식당인가요?
전 좌석 금연입니다.
야외 테라스도 금연이에요.
금연 표시가 어디 있죠?

Apartment Life

복도에서 금연해 주세요.
층간 흡연 때문에 금연 공고가 났어요.
금연 아파트로 지정됐어요.
베란다 금연 부탁드립니다.

Conversation Starters

"혹시 금연하신 지 얼마나 되셨어요? (By any chance, how long has it been since you quit smoking?)"

"요즘 금연 구역이 정말 많아진 것 같아요. (It seems like there are really a lot of no-smoking zones these days.)"

"금연하는 가장 좋은 방법이 뭐라고 생각하세요? (What do you think is the best way to quit smoking?)"

"새해 목표로 금연을 계획하고 계신가요? (Are you planning to quit smoking as a New Year's goal?)"

"금연껌이 실제로 효과가 있을까요? (Do you think nicotine gum actually works?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘부터 금연을 시작했다면, 그 이유와 목표를 적어보세요. (If you started quitting smoking today, write down the reason and goal.)

한국의 금연 정책에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 당신의 의견을 쓰세요. (Write your opinion on what you think about Korea's anti-smoking policies.)

금연에 성공한 친구가 있다면 그 과정을 묘사해 보세요. (If you have a friend who succeeded in quitting, describe the process.)

금연 구역에서 담배를 피우는 사람을 봤을 때 어떻게 대처할 것인지 적어보세요. (Write how you would react if you saw someone smoking in a no-smoking zone.)

건강한 삶을 위해 금연 외에 무엇을 할 수 있을지 리스트를 만들어보세요. (Make a list of what else you can do for a healthy life besides quitting smoking.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '금연하다' is specifically for smoking. For sugar, you would say '설탕을 끊다' or '단 것을 줄이다'.

Yes, in Korea, '금연' rules and the verb apply to both traditional cigarettes and electronic ones (전자담배).

'금연' is the act of quitting or a prohibition rule. '비흡연' describes a non-smoking status or area. You stay in a '금연 객실' (non-smoking room).

You can say '죄송하지만 여기는 금연 구역입니다' (I'm sorry, but this is a no-smoking area).

'금연' is a noun. '금연하다' is the verb form.

It comes from the Chinese characters for 'Prohibit' (금) and 'Smoke' (연).

It means nicotine gum used to help someone quit smoking.

It's redundant. Just say '금연하다' or '담배를 끊다'.

Yes, the term is used in both North and South Korea, though policies and social attitudes may differ.

It is an apartment complex where residents have voted to make common areas like hallways and elevators smoke-free.