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응시하다

B1 verb 10 min read

응시하다

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 응시하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 응시하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use '응시하다' yet. It is a very formal word. Instead, you should learn '시험을 봐요' (I take a test). However, you might see '응시' on a website if you are trying to sign up for a Korean class or a basic level test. Just remember that it means 'taking a test' in a very official way. Think of it like a 'big test' button. You won't use it when talking to your friends about a homework quiz. You only use it for big things like a driver's license or a national Korean test. It is like the difference between saying 'I have a test' and 'I am a candidate for the examination.'

As an A2 learner, you are starting to see more formal words in textbooks. '응시하다' is one of those words. You will see it when you look at information for the TOPIK I exam. The website will say '시험 응시 안내' (Guide for sitting for the exam). You should know that '응시' is the noun and '하다' makes it a verb. Also, remember to use the particle '-에' with it. So, 'TOPIK 시험에 응시해요' (I sit for the TOPIK exam). It sounds much more professional than 'TOPIK 봐요'. Use this word when you want to sound serious about your studies or when you are filling out an official form.

At the B1 level, you should actively use '응시하다' in formal writing and speaking. If you are writing a '자기소개서' (self-introduction) for a job or a university in Korea, you should use this word to describe the certifications you have pursued. For example, '저는 작년에 컴퓨터 자격증 시험에 응시했습니다' (I sat for a computer certification exam last year). It shows that you understand the formal register of Korean. You should also be aware of related words like '응시자' (examinee) and '응시료' (exam fee). This is the level where you distinguish between '시험을 보다' (informal/general) and '응시하다' (formal/administrative).

For B2 learners, '응시하다' is a standard part of your vocabulary. You should be able to use it in complex sentences and understand its nuances in news articles. You will notice it used in discussions about social issues, like the 'competition for civil service exams' (공무원 시험 응시 열풍). You should also be careful not to confuse it with its homonym '응시하다' (to stare). At this level, you should also know the term '응시 자격' (eligibility) and be able to explain the requirements for various exams using this terminology. Your usage should be precise, always using the '-에' particle for the exam and '-을/를' if you are using the 'staring' version.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the historical and social connotations of '응시하다'. You can use it to discuss the meritocratic nature of Korean society and the history of the 'Gwageo' exams. You should be comfortable using it in academic papers or professional reports. You might use it in the passive or potential forms, such as '응시가 제한되다' (sitting for the exam is restricted) or '응시 기회를 부여하다' (to grant an opportunity to sit for the exam). You should also be able to distinguish it from '치르다' and '임하다' in highly specific contexts, choosing '응시하다' specifically when the focus is on the formal registration and participation in a standardized evaluation.

At the C2 level, '응시하다' is a word you use with total precision. You understand its place in legal documents, government decrees, and high-level journalism. You can use it metaphorically or in highly formal rhetorical contexts. You are also aware of very rare or archaic synonyms and can explain the Hanja roots (應試) to lower-level learners. You might discuss the '응시 인원의 변동 추이' (trends in the change of the number of examinees) in a statistical analysis. At this level, the word is not just a verb but a gateway to discussing the entire psychological and structural framework of the Korean educational and professional selection system.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

응시하다 in 30 Seconds

A formal verb used for sitting for standardized or official exams.
Commonly paired with the particle '-에' (e.g., 시험에 응시하다).
Used in professional, academic, and governmental contexts rather than casual ones.
Implies the entire process of application, registration, and participation.

The Korean verb 응시하다 (應試--) is a formal and highly specific term used primarily in the context of official examinations, certifications, and standardized testing. While the casual way to say 'take a test' is 시험을 보다, 응시하다 carries a much heavier weight, implying the formal process of applying for, registering, and then sitting for a high-stakes exam. In South Korean society, where examinations often determine one's career path and social standing, this word is ubiquitous in news reports, university admissions guides, and corporate hiring announcements. It is derived from the Hanja characters 應 (응 - to respond/apply) and 試 (시 - test/trial), literally meaning to 'respond to a test call' or 'submit oneself to an evaluation.'

The Social Context: In Korea, the 'Exam Culture' (Gosi-munhwa) is deeply rooted. Whether it is the Suneung (CSAT) for high schoolers, the TOPIK for foreigners, or the Civil Service Exam (Gongmuwon-siheom), the act of 'sitting for' these tests is described as 응시. When you use this word, you are signaling that the test is an official event rather than a casual classroom quiz.

그는 이번 공무원 시험에 응시하기 위해 일 년 동안 도서관에서 살았다.
— He lived in the library for a year to sit for the civil service exam this time.

You will encounter this word most frequently in administrative settings. For instance, if you are applying for a Korean language proficiency certificate, the website will have an '응시 접수' (application registration) button. It is not just about the moment you pick up the pen; it encompasses the entire legal and administrative procedure of being a candidate. This is why you rarely hear it in casual conversation between friends unless they are discussing formal career plans or academic requirements. If a child says they '응시' a math test at school, it sounds overly formal and almost humorous, as if they are treating a small quiz like a national bar exam.

Usage in Professional Settings: HR departments use this word to describe the pool of candidates. An '응시자' (eungsija) is an examinee or applicant. When a company announces its recruitment process, it will specify the '응시 자격' (eligibility to apply/sit for the exam).

TOPIK 6급을 취득하기 위해 많은 외국인들이 매년 시험에 응시한다.
— Many foreigners sit for the exam every year to obtain TOPIK Level 6.

Furthermore, the word implies a sense of challenge and participation. It is not a passive experience; it is an active choice to be evaluated. In historical contexts, this word links back to the 'Gwageo' (civil service examinations of the Joseon Dynasty), where scholars would travel for days to the capital to sit for the king's tests. This historical lineage gives the word its formal, prestigious, and serious tone in modern Korean.

Using 응시하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical partnership with the particle -에. Unlike '시험을 보다' (where '시험' is the direct object), 응시하다 is an intransitive verb structure that takes an indirect object marked by -에. You sit *at* or *to* the exam. For example, '시험에 응시하다' is the standard pattern. If you use the object marker '-을/를', it sounds awkward to native speakers.

Standard Grammatical Pattern: [Exam Name] + 에 + 응시하다.
Example: 토익 시험에 응시하다 (To sit for the TOEIC exam).

지원자는 반드시 지정된 장소에서 시험에 응시해야 합니다.
— Applicants must sit for the exam at the designated location.

In formal writing, such as a resume or a cover letter, you would use this word to demonstrate your proactive professional development. Instead of saying 'I took a lot of tests,' you would say 'I have sat for various certification exams.' This elevates the register of your speech. It is also frequently used in the passive-adjacent form '응시가 가능하다' (sitting for the exam is possible/available) to describe who is allowed to take a test.

Common Phrasal Combinations

응시 자격: Eligibility to sit for an exam.
응시료: Examination fee (the money paid to sit for the test).
응시생: An examinee or student taking the test.

응시료를 결제하지 않으면 시험에 응시할 수 없습니다.
— You cannot sit for the exam if you do not pay the examination fee.

In complex sentences, 응시하다 often appears with intentions or reasons. For example, '취업을 위해 자격증 시험에 응시하다' (Sitting for a certificate exam for the sake of employment). Note that while '시험을 치르다' is a synonym, 응시하다 is more focused on the status of the person as a registered candidate. '치르다' focuses more on the physical and mental ordeal of going through the exam itself. Therefore, on an official ID card for an exam, you will see '응시 번호' (Examinee Number), never '치름 번호' or '봄 번호'.

If you live in Korea or consume Korean media, 응시하다 is a word that rings through the hallways of government buildings, universities, and corporate offices. It is the language of bureaucracy and meritocracy. You will hear it in news broadcasts every November during the 'Suneung' season, where news anchors report on the number of students who have 'sat for' the college entrance exam. It is a word of high stakes and high pressure.

In News and Media: News reports often use statistics regarding examinees. For example: '올해 사법시험에 응시한 인원은 전년 대비 10% 감소했습니다' (The number of people who sat for the bar exam this year decreased by 10% compared to last year). Here, it provides a professional tone necessary for reporting official government data.

이번 채용 시험에는 역대 최다 인원이 응시했습니다.
— A record number of people sat for this recruitment exam.

In a university setting, the registrar's office will use this word in official notices. If a student misses a final exam due to a family emergency, they might apply for a '추가 응시' (supplementary sitting/makeup exam). The word is also central to the 'Gongsi-saeng' (students preparing for civil service exams) subculture. These students spend years '응시'ing for the same exam repeatedly, making the word a symbol of their perseverance and struggle.

In Corporate Life: During the hiring season (Gongchae), HR managers discuss '응시 현황' (application status/current state of examinees). Even in the medical field, doctors must '응시' for board certifications to become specialists. It is a word that follows a Korean professional from their teenage years until retirement.

운전면허 시험에 응시하러 가기 전에 신분증을 꼭 챙기세요.
— Make sure to bring your ID before going to sit for the driver's license exam.

Lastly, you will see it on every official certificate. The bottom of a certificate might state '위 사람은 본 기관이 시행한 시험에 응시하여 합격하였음을 증명함' (This is to certify that the above person sat for the exam conducted by this institution and passed). It is the 'official' verb of achievement and participation in the Korean meritocratic system.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 응시하다 is confusing it with its homonym or using it in an inappropriately casual context. Because the word is so formal, using it for a small vocabulary quiz or a casual check-up test feels 'over the top.' It’s like saying 'I shall sit for the mid-morning spelling evaluation' instead of 'I'm taking a quiz.'

The Particle Error: Learners often try to use the object marker '-을/를' because they translate it as 'to take a test.'
❌ 시험을 응시하다 (Incorrect)
✅ 시험에 응시하다 (Correct)
The verb functions more like 'participate in' than 'take'.

❌ 저는 어제 단어 퀴즈를 응시했어요.
— Correct: 저는 어제 단어 퀴즈를 봤어요. (I took a word quiz yesterday.)

Another significant pitfall is the homonym 응시하다 (凝視), which means 'to stare intently' or 'to gaze.' This version uses the Hanja for 'congeal/freeze' and 'see.' While they sound identical, the grammar is different. The 'stare' version uses '-을/를' (to stare *at* something). If you say '그는 그녀를 응시했다,' you are saying 'He stared at her,' not 'He sat for her exam.' This can lead to hilarious or confusing misunderstandings in writing if the context isn't clear.

Confusing '응시' with '지원': '지원하다' means 'to apply for a job/position.' '응시하다' specifically refers to the testing part of that application. You apply (지원) for a company, and then you sit for (응시) their entrance exam. You cannot '응시' for a company, only for a test.

❌ 삼성에 응시했어요.
— Correct: 삼성 입사 시험에 응시했어요. (I sat for the Samsung entrance exam.)

Lastly, remember that 응시하다 is an action. You cannot '응시하다' a result. You '응시' the exam, and you '합격하다' (pass) or '불합격하다' (fail) the exam. Some learners mistakenly say '합격에 응시하다', which is nonsensical. Focus on the act of sitting for the evaluation, and you will avoid most errors.

While 응시하다 is the most formal way to describe sitting for an exam, several other verbs are used depending on the situation and the speaker's intent. Understanding these nuances is key to sounding like a natural Korean speaker rather than a textbook.

1. 시험을 보다 (The Universal Choice): This is the most common, everyday expression. It literally means 'to see a test.' It is used for everything from a 5-minute quiz to the national bar exam. If you aren't sure which word to use, '시험 보다' is always safe. '응시하다' is essentially the formal, written version of this.

2. 시험을 치르다 (The 'Ordeal' Choice): '치르다' is used when emphasizing the act of going through a process or paying a price. It is often used for major life events like funerals, weddings, and big exams. It carries a sense of 'getting through it.' While '응시하다' is administrative, '치르다' is experiential. Example: '어려운 시험을 무사히 치렀다' (I successfully got through a difficult exam).

응시하다 vs 치르다: Use '응시' for applications and official status. Use '치르다' when talking about the hardship or the completion of the test day.

3. 검정(을) 받다 (The 'Verification' Choice): This is used specifically for technical skills or qualifications where your ability is being 'verified' or 'inspected.' You see this in '운전면허 기능 검정' (driver's license skill verification). It is more technical than '응시하다'.

4. 수험하다 (The 'Examinee' Status): This is less common as a verb but very common as a noun ('수험'). It refers to the state of preparing for and taking an exam. A '수험생' is a student preparing for an exam. While '응시' is the act of sitting for it, '수험' is the whole period of being an exam candidate.

In summary, choose 응시하다 for resumes, news, and official announcements. Choose 시험 보다 for daily talk. Choose 치르다 when you want to sound like you’ve survived a difficult battle. Mastering these distinctions will make your Korean sound sophisticated and contextually accurate.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the Joseon Dynasty, '응시' was a word used for scholars participating in the 'Gwageo' exams. If you sat for the exam and failed, it was called '낙방' (falling from the list).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɯŋ.ɕi.ɦa.da/

US /ɯŋ.si.hɑ.dɑ/

Stress is generally even across syllables in Korean, but a slight emphasis may fall on the first syllable '응'.

Rhymes With

공시하다 (to announce officially) 표시하다 (to indicate) 무시하다 (to ignore) 감시하다 (to monitor) 중시하다 (to value highly) 과시하다 (to show off) 제시하다 (to present) 지시하다 (to instruct)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '응' as 'ung' with a rounded 'u' like in 'moon'.
Merging '응' and '시' into one syllable.
Making the 'h' in 'hada' silent like in French.
Confusing the pitch with the homonym 'stare'.
Over-aspirating the 's' in 'si'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in formal texts and news, easy to recognize once learned.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct particle usage (-에) and formal context knowledge.

Speaking 4/5

Needs to be distinguished from the homonym 'to stare'.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but context is key to distinguish from 'stare'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

시험 보다 자격 준비 하다

Learn Next

합격하다 불합격하다 치르다 접수하다 제출하다

Advanced

낙방하다 수석 차석 가산점 배점

Grammar to Know

Indirect Object Particle '-에'

시험에 응시하다.

Intention '-으려고 하다'

응시하려고 공부해요.

Possibility '-ㄹ 수 있다'

누구나 응시할 수 있어요.

Obligation '-해야 하다'

내일까지 응시해야 합니다.

Reason '-기 때문에'

응시료가 비싸기 때문에 고민이에요.

Examples by Level

저는 한국어 시험에 응시해요.

I sit for the Korean exam.

Uses formal '응시해요' instead of '봐요'.

내일 시험에 응시합니까?

Are you sitting for the exam tomorrow?

Formal question form '-니까?'

응시료는 얼마예요?

How much is the examination fee?

'응시료' is the noun for exam fee.

여기에 응시 번호를 쓰세요.

Write your examinee number here.

'응시 번호' means examinee number.

저는 운전 시험에 응시하고 싶어요.

I want to sit for the driving test.

'-고 싶다' expresses desire.

응시자가 많아요.

There are many examinees.

'응시자' means a person who sits for a test.

오늘 시험에 응시했어요.

I sat for the exam today.

Past tense '-았/었어요'.

응시 원서를 내세요.

Please submit the application form.

'응시 원서' is the application form for a test.

TOPIK 1급 시험에 응시하려고 해요.

I intend to sit for the TOPIK Level 1 exam.

'-으려고 하다' indicates intention.

응시 자격이 어떻게 되나요?

What are the requirements to sit for the exam?

'응시 자격' refers to eligibility.

외국인도 이 시험에 응시할 수 있나요?

Can foreigners also sit for this exam?

'-ㄹ 수 있다' indicates possibility.

응시 접수는 온라인으로 하세요.

Please register for the exam online.

'응시 접수' is the registration process.

그는 이번 자격증 시험에 응시하지 않았어요.

He did not sit for the certification exam this time.

Negative form '-지 않다'.

응시표를 꼭 가져오세요.

Be sure to bring your examinee slip.

'응시표' is the admission ticket for the test.

어제 컴퓨터 시험에 응시하고 왔어요.

I came back after sitting for the computer exam yesterday.

'-고 오다' shows completing an action and returning.

많은 학생들이 대학교 시험에 응시합니다.

Many students sit for university exams.

Formal present tense '-ㅂ니다'.

취업을 위해 영어 성적표가 필요해서 토익에 응시했습니다.

I sat for the TOEIC because I need an English transcript for employment.

'-기 위해서' shows purpose.

응시 원서 접수 마감일이 언제인지 확인해 보세요.

Check when the deadline for submitting the application is.

'접수 마감일' means registration deadline.

그는 변호사가 되기 위해 사법시험에 응시하기로 결심했다.

He decided to sit for the bar exam to become a lawyer.

'-기로 결심하다' means to decide to do something.

시험에 응시할 때는 신분증을 반드시 지참해야 합니다.

When sitting for the exam, you must carry your ID.

'-ㄹ 때' means 'when', '지참하다' is formal for 'to carry/bring'.

응시 인원이 너무 많아서 시험장이 부족할 정도예요.

There are so many examinees that there are almost not enough test sites.

'-ㄹ 정도이다' indicates the degree of something.

작년에 실패했지만 올해 다시 한번 응시할 생각입니다.

I failed last year, but I'm thinking of sitting for it again this year.

'-ㄹ 생각이다' indicates a plan or thought.

응시 자격 제한이 없어서 누구나 참여할 수 있습니다.

There are no eligibility restrictions, so anyone can participate.

'자격 제한' means eligibility restriction.

그녀는 장학금을 받기 위해 급히 시험에 응시했다.

She hurriedly sat for the exam to receive a scholarship.

Adverb '급히' means hurriedly.

응시자들은 시험 시작 30분 전까지 입실을 완료해야 합니다.

Examinees must complete their entry to the room 30 minutes before the start.

'입실' means entering the room; '완료하다' means to complete.

공무원 시험에 응시하는 인원이 매년 증가하는 추세입니다.

The number of people sitting for the civil service exam is on an upward trend every year.

'-는 추세이다' means 'is a trend'.

응시료 환불 규정을 꼼꼼히 읽어 보시기 바랍니다.

Please read the exam fee refund regulations carefully.

'-기 바랍니다' is a formal way to make a request.

해당 자격증 시험은 1년에 단 두 번만 응시가 가능합니다.

Sitting for that certification exam is only possible twice a year.

'응시가 가능하다' uses the noun form of the action.

그는 갑작스러운 사고로 인해 시험에 응시하지 못하게 되었다.

He became unable to sit for the exam due to a sudden accident.

'-게 되다' indicates a change in state or circumstance.

응시 원서에 허위 사실을 기재할 경우 합격이 취소될 수 있습니다.

If you record false facts on the application, your passing may be canceled.

'-ㄹ 경우' means 'in the event of'.

이번 시험은 온라인으로 응시하는 방식이 처음으로 도입되었습니다.

The method of sitting for the exam online was introduced for the first time for this test.

'도입되다' means to be introduced.

응시자 간의 형평성을 위해 시험 문제는 철저히 보안이 유지됩니다.

For fairness among examinees, the test questions are kept under strict security.

'형평성' means fairness/equity; '보안' means security.

응시 자격을 박탈당하지 않으려면 부정행위를 절대 해서는 안 됩니다.

To avoid being stripped of your eligibility to sit for the exam, you must never cheat.

'박탈당하다' means to be stripped of/deprived of.

정부는 저소득층 학생들을 위해 응시료 면제 혜택을 확대하기로 했다.

The government decided to expand exam fee waiver benefits for low-income students.

'면제' means exemption; '혜택' means benefit.

응시생들의 편의를 도모하기 위해 전국에 고사장을 추가로 배치했다.

To promote the convenience of examinees, additional testing sites were placed nationwide.

'편의를 도모하다' means to promote/seek convenience.

그는 여러 차례 낙방했지만 굴하지 않고 다시 공채에 응시했다.

He failed several times but, undaunted, sat for the open recruitment exam again.

'낙방하다' is a formal/literary word for failing an exam.

응시 원서 접수 시스템의 오류로 인해 수많은 수험생들이 혼란을 겪었다.

Due to an error in the application system, numerous examinees experienced confusion.

'혼란을 겪다' means to experience confusion.

전문직 자격시험에 응시하기 위해서는 일정 시간 이상의 실습 이수가 필수적이다.

To sit for professional qualification exams, completing a certain amount of practical training is essential.

'이수' means completion of a course/requirement.

응시율이 예년에 비해 눈에 띄게 낮아진 원인을 분석할 필요가 있다.

It is necessary to analyze the reason why the exam attendance rate has noticeably dropped compared to previous years.

'눈에 띄게' means noticeably.

비대면 시대에 발맞추어 화상 면접과 온라인 시험 응시가 보편화되고 있다.

In step with the non-face-to-face era, video interviews and online exam-sitting are becoming common.

'발맞추어' means 'in step with' or 'keeping pace with'.

국가 고시 응시는 단순한 개인의 선택을 넘어 사회적 지위 획득의 수단으로 여겨진다.

Sitting for national exams is considered a means of acquiring social status beyond a simple individual choice.

'획득' means acquisition; '수단' means means/method.

응시자의 인권 보호를 위해 시험 과정에서의 과도한 감시 체계를 개선해야 한다는 목소리가 높다.

There are loud voices calling for the improvement of excessive surveillance systems during exams to protect examinees' human rights.

'과도한' means excessive; '체계' means system.

과거 시험 응시가 양반 계층의 전유물이었던 시대와 달리, 오늘날은 기회의 평등이 강조된다.

Unlike the era when sitting for civil service exams was the exclusive property of the Yangban class, equality of opportunity is emphasized today.

'전유물' means exclusive property/monopoly.

응시 자격 요건의 완화는 더 많은 인재들에게 문호를 개방하는 긍정적인 효과를 가져왔다.

The relaxation of eligibility requirements has brought about the positive effect of opening doors to more talented individuals.

'완화' means relaxation/easing; '문호를 개방하다' means to open doors.

시험 당일의 컨디션 조절 실패로 응시를 포기하는 사례가 빈번히 발생하고 있다.

Cases of giving up on sitting for the exam due to failure in managing one's condition on the day of the test are occurring frequently.

'빈번히' means frequently.

응시 원서의 기재 사항 누락은 본인의 책임이므로 각별한 주의가 요구된다.

Since omitting information on the application is one's own responsibility, special attention is required.

'누락' means omission; '각별한' means special/particular.

사법시험 폐지 이후 로스쿨을 통한 변호사 시험 응시 체제로의 전환이 이루어졌다.

After the abolition of the bar exam, a transition to an exam-sitting system through law school was achieved.

'전환' means transition/conversion.

학력 중심 사회에서 벗어나 직무 능력 중심의 응시 문화가 정착되어야 한다.

An exam culture centered on job competency, moving away from an academic background-centered society, must be established.

'정착되다' means to be established/settled.

Common Collocations

시험에 응시하다

응시 자격

응시 원서

응시료 결제

응시 번호

재응시하다

응시 기회

온라인 응시

응시생 명단

추가 응시

Common Phrases

시험에 응시하다

— To sit for an exam. This is the most standard full phrase.

그는 매년 같은 시험에 응시하고 있다.

응시 원서를 접수하다

— To submit an application for an exam. This is the first step.

오늘 오전까지 응시 원서를 접수해야 한다.

응시 자격을 갖추다

— To meet the eligibility requirements for an exam.

경력 3년이 되어야 응시 자격을 갖출 수 있다.

응시료를 내다

— To pay the examination fee.

응시료를 내지 않으면 접수가 취소됩니다.

응시 기회를 주다

— To provide an opportunity to sit for an exam.

정부는 청년들에게 더 많은 응시 기회를 주기로 했다.

응시표를 출력하다

— To print out the examinee slip/admission ticket.

시험 전날에 응시표를 미리 출력해 두세요.

응시 인원을 제한하다

— To limit the number of examinees.

코로나 때문에 응시 인원을 제한하고 있다.

대리 응시하다

— To sit for an exam on behalf of someone else (illegal/cheating).

대리 응시는 엄격히 금지되어 있습니다.

응시 환경을 조성하다

— To create a suitable environment for taking an exam.

조용한 응시 환경을 조성하기 위해 노력했다.

응시 여부를 결정하다

— To decide whether or not to sit for an exam.

컨디션을 보고 응시 여부를 결정할게요.

Often Confused With

응시하다 vs 응시하다 (凝視)

Means 'to stare'. Used with '-을/를' instead of '-에'.

응시하다 vs 지원하다

Means 'to apply for a job'. '응시' is specifically for the test part.

응시하다 vs 시청하다

Sounds slightly similar but means 'to watch (TV/media)'.

Idioms & Expressions

"응시의 문이 좁다"

— It is very difficult to get the chance to take the test or pass it due to high competition.

인기 있는 직종은 응시의 문이 매우 좁다.

Formal

"응시의 기회를 엿보다"

— To wait for the right moment or chance to sit for an exam.

그는 실력을 쌓으며 응시의 기회를 엿보고 있다.

Neutral

"응시 대열에 합류하다"

— To join the crowd of people taking a popular or major exam.

많은 졸업생들이 공무원 시험 응시 대열에 합류했다.

Formal

"응시의 쓴맛을 보다"

— To experience the bitterness of failing an exam one sat for.

그는 작년에 응시의 쓴맛을 보고 다시 공부 중이다.

Neutral

"응시표를 쥐다"

— To finally have the admission ticket in hand (symbolizing the start of the challenge).

드디어 응시표를 손에 쥐니 긴장이 된다.

Metaphorical

"응시 자격이 박탈되다"

— To be stripped of one's right to take an exam (usually due to a violation).

부정행위로 인해 5년간 응시 자격이 박탈되었다.

Legal/Formal

"응시의 길을 열다"

— To create a path or opportunity for people to take an exam.

새로운 제도는 비전공자에게도 응시의 길을 열어주었다.

Formal

"응시의 열기가 뜨겁다"

— The enthusiasm or competition for sitting for a certain exam is very high.

이번 전문직 시험은 응시의 열기가 매우 뜨겁다.

Journalistic

"응시생의 발길이 끊이지 않다"

— Examinees continue to flock to a certain place or test.

시험장 주변에는 응시생의 발길이 끊이지 않았다.

Narrative

"응시에 사활을 걸다"

— To stake one's life or future on sitting for and passing an exam.

그는 이번 행정고시 응시에 사활을 걸었다.

Emphatic

Easily Confused

응시하다 vs 시험 보다

Both mean taking a test.

'시험 보다' is casual/general; '응시하다' is formal/official.

친구랑 시험 봤어 (Casual) vs. 공채에 응시했습니다 (Formal).

응시하다 vs 치르다

Both used for major tests.

'치르다' focuses on the act/hardship; '응시하다' focuses on the formal status.

시험을 무사히 치렀다 vs. 시험에 응시했다.

응시하다 vs 접수하다

Both relate to the exam process.

'접수' is the registration; '응시' is the actual sitting/participation.

원서를 접수하고 시험에 응시했다.

응시하다 vs 수험

Both involve taking exams.

'수험' is the state of being an examinee; '응시' is the specific action of sitting for it.

수험 생활 vs. 응시 당일.

응시하다 vs 임하다

Both used for formal situations.

'임하다' means to face or deal with a situation/test with a certain mindset.

성실히 시험에 임하다.

Sentence Patterns

N(시험)에 응시하다

한국어 시험에 응시해요.

V-기 위해 시험에 응시하다

취업하기 위해 시험에 응시해요.

N에 응시할 계획이다

자격증 시험에 응시할 계획이에요.

N에 응시하는 인원이 V-ㄴ다

시험에 응시하는 인원이 늘고 있다.

N에 응시가 가능하다/불가능하다

외국인도 응시가 가능합니다.

N에 응시할 자격을 갖추다

그는 응시할 자격을 갖추기 위해 노력했다.

N에 응시하여 합격하다

공채에 응시하여 최종 합격했다.

N 응시를 통해 V-ㄴ다

시험 응시를 통해 실력을 검증받는다.

Word Family

Nouns

응시 The act of sitting for an exam

응시자 Examinee

응시생 Student preparing for/taking an exam

응시료 Exam fee

응시표 Exam admission ticket

Verbs

재응시하다 To sit for an exam again

대리 응시하다 To take an exam for someone else

시험 (Exam)

합격 (Pass)

불합격 (Fail)

수험 (Taking an exam)

자격 (Qualification)

How to Use It

frequency

High in written/official Korean; Medium-Low in casual spoken Korean.

Common Mistakes

시험을 응시하다 → 시험에 응시하다
The verb '응시하다' requires the indirect object particle '-에'.
퀴즈에 응시하다 → 퀴즈를 보다
Using '응시하다' for a casual quiz is unnaturally formal.
회사에 응시하다 → 회사 입사 시험에 응시하다 / 회사에 지원하다
You sit for an exam, not a company. Use '지원하다' for the company itself.
응시를 합격했다 → 시험에 합격했다
'응시' is the act of taking the test, not the object of passing.
그녀를 응시했다 (meaning she took an exam) → 그녀가 시험에 응시했다
'그녀를 응시했다' means 'I stared at her' because of the homonym.

Tips

Resume Writing

When listing certifications on a Korean resume, use the phrase '시험에 응시하여 취득함' (Sat for the exam and acquired the certificate) for a professional look.

Particle Choice

Always remember '시험에' not '시험을'. This is one of the most common mistakes for intermediate learners.

Noun Form

The noun form '응시' is very powerful. You can combine it with many other nouns like '응시-료', '응시-권', '응시-자'.

Suneung Season

If you hear '응시' a lot in November, it's because of the national college entrance exam.

Formal Situations

Use this word when talking to professors or employers to show you have a high-level vocabulary.

Proctor Instructions

Listen for '응시자' at the start of an exam; the proctor is addressing you.

Legal Documents

You will see this word in almost every legal document regarding professional qualifications.

Hanja Link

Link '응' (Respond) and '시' (Test). You are responding to the test's challenge.

Vs. Staring

If there is no '시험' (test) in the sentence, double-check if the person is 'staring' (the homonym) instead.

Deadlines

Look for '응시 접수 기간' to find out when you can sign up for a test.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the '응' (Eung) as the sound you make when you are concentrating hard during a test, and '시' (Si) as 'Sitting' for the test. Eung-Si = Concentrating while Sitting for a test.

Visual Association

Imagine a student holding a 'Ticket' (응시표) and standing in front of a giant 'Gate' (the exam) responding to a call to enter.

Word Web

시험 (Exam) 응시자 (Examinee) 응시료 (Fee) 응시표 (Ticket) 합격 (Pass) 불합격 (Fail) 원서 (Application) 자격 (Qualification)

Challenge

Write down three official exams you would like to '응시하다' in the future, including the TOPIK exam.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja) roots. The word has been used in the Korean language for centuries, originating from the administrative systems of ancient China and Korea.

Original meaning: To respond (應) to a test/trial (試).

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word with someone who has recently failed a major exam; it can be a sensitive topic in Korea's competitive society.

In English, we say 'sit for an exam' (UK) or 'take an exam' (US). '응시하다' is closer to the formal 'sit for' or 'be a candidate for'.

The 'Gongsi-saeng' (civil service exam students) in Noryangjin, Seoul. TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) official website instructions. K-Dramas like 'Black Dog' or 'Sky Castle' which depict the intensity of exams.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

University Admissions

입학 시험에 응시하다
응시 원서를 접수하다
응시 자격 제한
응시료 면제

Job Seeking

입사 시험에 응시하다
공채 응시
적성 검사 응시
응시 기회 부여

Certifications

자격증 시험에 응시하다
실기 시험 응시
필기 시험 응시
재응시 규정

Government/Law

국가 고시 응시
사법 시험 응시
응시 자격 박탈
응시 인원 통계

Language Learning

TOPIK 응시
말하기 시험 응시
응시 급수 선택
응시 지역 변경

Conversation Starters

"이번에 어떤 시험에 응시하실 계획인가요? (What exam do you plan to sit for this time?)"

"토픽 시험에 응시해 본 적이 있으세요? (Have you ever sat for the TOPIK exam?)"

"응시료가 너무 비싸다고 생각하지 않으세요? (Don't you think the exam fee is too expensive?)"

"시험에 응시할 때 가장 긴장되는 순간은 언제인가요? (When is the most nervous moment when sitting for an exam?)"

"응시 자격을 갖추기 위해 무엇을 준비해야 하나요? (What do I need to prepare to meet the eligibility requirements?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 지금까지 응시했던 시험들 중에서 가장 기억에 남는 시험은 무엇인가요? 그 이유는 무엇인가요? (What is the most memorable exam I have sat for so far? Why?)

미래에 내가 꼭 응시하고 싶은 자격증 시험이나 고시에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about a certification exam or high-level exam you definitely want to sit for in the future.)

한국의 시험 응시 문화와 우리 나라의 시험 문화의 차이점은 무엇인가요? (What are the differences between Korea's exam-sitting culture and my country's exam culture?)

시험에 응시하기 위해 준비하는 과정에서 배운 점은 무엇인가요? (What did you learn in the process of preparing to sit for an exam?)

만약 내가 시험 응시료를 결정할 수 있다면, 얼마가 적당하다고 생각하나요? (If I could decide the exam fee, what amount do I think is appropriate?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is technically incorrect. You should use the particle '-에' because '응시하다' functions as an intransitive verb in this context. Use '시험에 응시하다'.

It sounds too formal for a small quiz. For a quiz, use '퀴즈를 보다' or '쪽지 시험을 보다'.

An '응시자' is someone who is currently sitting for or has applied for a specific exam. A '수험생' is a student who is in the period of preparing for a major exam (like the CSAT).

Mostly, but remember the homonym '응시하다' which means to stare or gaze intently at something.

No, you should say '시험에 합격하다'. '응시' is the act of taking it, not the result.

You can say '재응시하다'.

No, '응시료' is specifically the fee for taking a specific test, not for attending classes (which is '수업료' or '등록금').

You can, but it might sound like you are being intentionally serious or joking about how important the test is.

It is usually on your '응시표' (admission ticket) or in the confirmation email after you '접수' (register).

Yes, it is a standard Sino-Korean term used in both North and South Korea for official examinations.