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시의성

B2 noun #4,500 most common 9 min read

시의성

siuiseong Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 시의성 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 시의성 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '시의성' is a very difficult word because it is abstract and formal. However, you can think of it simply as 'the right time.' Imagine you want to eat ice cream. In the hot summer, it is the 'right time' for ice cream. In the freezing winter, it might not be the 'right time.' In Korean, when something is perfectly suited for 'now,' people use this word. For beginners, just remember that '시' means 'time' (like in 'sigan'). You don't need to use this word in daily conversation yet, but if you hear it on the news, just think: 'Ah, they are talking about why this is important right now.' It's like saying 'today's topic' or 'right now importance.'

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more Hanja-based words. '시의성' (si-ui-seong) is used to talk about things that are popular or important at this specific moment. For example, if there is a big festival today, talking about that festival has '시의성.' If you talk about a Christmas tree in July, it has no '시의성.' You might see this word in simple news headlines or on social media. It's more formal than just saying '지금' (now). Try to recognize the word when people talk about 'trends' or 'news.' It usually comes with '있다' (has) or '없다' (doesn't have). For example, '시의성이 있어요' means 'It is timely' or 'It is relevant now.'

At the B1 level, you should understand that '시의성' is a professional term for 'timeliness' or 'relevance.' It is a key concept in journalism, marketing, and social issues. When a topic is '시의성 있다,' it means it matches the current social mood or events. For example, if a movie about a pandemic is released during an actual pandemic, it has high '시의성.' You will start to use this word in more formal writing or discussions. Instead of saying '지금 중요해요' (It's important now), saying '시의성이 있어요' makes your Korean sound much more advanced and precise. It shows you understand not just the time, but the *context* of the time.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '시의성' fluently in professional or academic contexts. This word describes the strategic alignment of an action or information with the current zeitgeist. You should be able to discuss whether a government policy, a marketing campaign, or a news report has 'secured' (확보하다) or 'lost' (잃다) its timeliness. You should also distinguish it from '신속성' (speed) and '적절성' (appropriateness). For a B2 learner, '시의성' is about the intersection of 'when' and 'why.' You use it to justify why a certain discussion is necessary at this specific juncture in society. It is a common word in the TOPIK II exam, especially in the reading and writing sections regarding social trends.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '시의성' as a critical factor in discourse analysis. You can use it to critique media coverage, arguing that a story lacks '시의성' despite its '신속성' (speed), or that a piece of literature has 'transcended 시의성' to become a timeless classic. You should be comfortable with complex collocations like '시의성에 부합하다' (to correspond with timeliness) or '시의성을 결여하다' (to lack timeliness). At this level, you recognize that '시의성' is often a subjective measure used by stakeholders to prioritize certain narratives over others. Your usage should reflect an understanding of how '시의성' drives public opinion and policy-making in contemporary Korea.

At the C2 level, you master '시의성' as a philosophical and strategic concept. You can discuss the 'paradox of 시의성'—how the pursuit of immediate relevance can sometimes lead to a lack of depth or historical perspective. You use the word in high-level debates about historiography, political science, and media ethics. You can analyze how '시의성' is manufactured by digital algorithms and how it affects the 'public sphere' (공론장). Your command of the word allows you to use it in sophisticated wordplay or to elegantly deconstruct an opponent's argument by proving their data lacks '시의성' in a rapidly changing global landscape. You treat '시의성' not just as a quality of being 'on time,' but as the very essence of 'being present' in the modern era.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

시의성 in 30 Seconds

시의성 means 'timeliness' or 'relevance to the now.' It describes if something fits the current moment.
Commonly used in news, marketing, and politics to judge if an action is appropriately timed.
Usually paired with verbs like '있다' (to have), '없다' (to lack), or '확보하다' (to secure).
It differs from 'speed' because it focuses on the 'appropriateness' of the timing, not just how fast it happened.

The Korean word 시의성 (時宜性 - si-ui-seong) is a sophisticated noun that translates to 'timeliness' or 'relevance to the current period.' It combines three Hanja characters: 時 (시 - time), 宜 (의 - appropriate/fitting), and 性 (성 - nature/quality). Essentially, it describes the quality of being perfectly suited for the specific moment in time. In the fast-paced modern world, especially in South Korea's highly digitalized society, this word is a staple in professional discourse, media analysis, and strategic planning. When someone says a topic has high 시의성, they mean it is 'hot,' 'relevant,' and 'opportune' right now. Conversely, if something lacks 시의성, it is considered outdated, irrelevant, or simply 'too late' to be effective.

Journalism & Media: News outlets prioritize 시의성 above almost everything else. A report on a flood is vital today but loses its 시의성 a month later. Editors often ask, "Does this story have enough 시의성 to lead the evening news?"

Marketing & Business: Launching a winter coat campaign in mid-summer lacks 시의성. Marketers look for 'seasonal 시의성' or 'trend-based 시의성' to ensure their products resonate with the current consumer mindset.

이번 기획은 시의성이 뛰어나서 대중의 관심을 끌기에 충분합니다. (This project has excellent timeliness, so it is sufficient to attract public attention.)

In political contexts, the term is used to debate whether a new law or policy is being introduced at the right moment. If a government introduces an economic relief package during a recession, it is praised for its 시의성. If it comes after the crisis has passed, it is criticized for lacking it. It isn't just about being 'fast'; it's about being 'right for the time.' This nuance distinguishes it from words like '속도' (speed) or '신속성' (promptness). You could be fast but still lack 시의성 if the context isn't right.

그 영화는 개봉 당시 사회적 분위기와 맞물려 상당한 시의성을 확보했다. (That movie secured significant relevance by aligning with the social atmosphere at the time of its release.)

Daily Life: While it's a formal word, you'll hear it in discussions about fashion trends, YouTube content creation, and even when deciding what to eat based on the weather. A hot soup has 시의성 on a cold winter day.

To master this word, you must understand the cultural emphasis Koreans place on 'nunchi' (social sensing) and 'ppalli-ppalli' (hurry-hurry). 시의성 is the intellectualized version of these concepts—it is the strategic application of timing. It implies an analytical look at the present moment to determine if an action will yield the maximum impact because the 'vibe' of the time supports it.

Using 시의성 correctly requires pairing it with specific verbs and adjectives. Because it is a noun representing a quality, it most frequently appears with the existential verbs 있다 (to have/exist) and 없다 (to not have/not exist), or with the verb 갖추다 (to be equipped with/possess). Understanding these patterns is key to sounding natural in professional and academic settings.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 시의성이 있다/없다: To have/not have timeliness. (The most common usage).
2. 시의성을 고려하다: To consider the timeliness.
3. 시의성을 확보하다: To secure/ensure timeliness.
4. 시의성에 맞다: To fit the timeliness (to be timely).
5. 시의성이 떨어지다: To lose timeliness/relevance.

정부의 대책 발표는 시의성이 부족하다는 비판을 받았다. (The government's announcement of measures was criticized for lacking timeliness.)

In complex sentences, 시의성 often acts as the subject of a clause that explains why a certain outcome occurred. For instance, in a post-mortem analysis of a failed marketing campaign, one might say: "The product was good, but the 시의성 was lacking because the market had already moved on to the next trend." This highlights that the failure wasn't due to quality, but due to bad timing relative to the zeitgeist.

유튜버들은 조회수를 높이기 위해 콘텐츠의 시의성을 가장 중요하게 생각합니다. (YouTubers consider the timeliness of their content to be the most important factor in increasing views.)

When writing formally, you can use the adjectival form 시의적절하다 (時宜適切--), which means 'to be timely and appropriate.' While 시의성 is the noun 'timeliness,' 시의적절하다 is the state of being timely. They are two sides of the same coin. For example, "시의적절한 조치" (a timely measure) is a very common phrase in news headlines.

기사의 시의성을 높이기 위해 최신 데이터를 추가해 주세요. (Please add the latest data to increase the timeliness of the article.)

Finally, consider the context of 'relevance.' In academic writing, 시의성 refers to how a research topic addresses current societal problems. If you are writing a thesis on AI in 2024, it has high 시의성. If you are writing about pager technology, it has zero 시의성 unless it's a historical study. Use this word to justify why your work matters *now*.

You will encounter 시의성 most frequently in environments where information and timing are critical. It is not a word you would typically use with a toddler, but it is a word you will hear constantly in university lectures, corporate boardrooms, and televised debates. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the gravity of the word.

News Broadcasts (뉴스 방송): Anchors often use this word when introducing a special segment that reacts to a breaking event. "오늘의 특종은 시의성을 고려하여 긴급 편성되었습니다." (Today's scoop was urgently scheduled in consideration of its timeliness.)

이 이슈는 현재 국민적 관심사와 맞물려 시의성이 매우 큽니다. (This issue has great timeliness as it is linked with current public interest.)

In the corporate world, particularly in marketing and PR (Public Relations) departments, 시의성 is the 'holy grail.' During a meeting, a manager might reject a proposal by saying, "아이디어는 좋지만 시의성이 없네요" (The idea is good, but it lacks timeliness). This implies that while the idea is creative, the current market or social climate isn't ready for it, or it has already passed its peak relevance.

Social media influencers and content creators also use this term (or the concept) frequently. When a meme goes viral, creators rush to make content related to it. This 'riding the wave' is a quest for 시의성. In comments sections, you might see users praising a video by saying, "시의성 대박이다" (The timeliness is amazing/hit the spot), meaning the video was uploaded exactly when everyone was thinking about that topic.

정치권에서는 이번 법안의 시의성을 두고 열띤 토론이 벌어졌습니다. (In political circles, a heated debate took place over the timeliness of this bill.)

Educational Settings: Professors often grade essays or research proposals based on their 시의성. They want to see students engaging with current global issues like climate change or AI ethics rather than purely theoretical problems from decades ago.

In summary, wherever there is a 'current event,' a 'trend,' or a 'deadline for relevance,' you will hear 시의성. It is a word that bridges the gap between 'what' is happening and 'when' it is happening, emphasizing that the 'when' is often just as important as the 'what.'

While 시의성 is a powerful word, it is often misused by learners who confuse it with other time-related terms. Because Korean has many words for 'time' and 'appropriateness,' it's easy to pick the wrong one. Here are the most frequent pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '시간성' (Sigan-seong): 시간성 refers to the 'temporality' or the general nature of time (past, present, future). 시의성 specifically refers to the appropriateness of a specific time. Use 시의성 when you want to say something is 'timely,' not just 'related to time.'

Incorrect: 이 뉴스는 시간성이 좋다.
Correct: 이 뉴스는 시의성이 좋다.

Another common error is confusing it with 신속성 (Sinsok-seong), which means 'speed' or 'promptness.' While a timely response is often fast, 시의성 is about the *relevance* of the timing, not just the speed. For example, if you send a 'Happy New Year' message on January 2nd, it is still fast (prompt), but it has lost its perfect 시의성 compared to sending it at midnight on January 1st.

Learners also struggle with the difference between 시의성 and 적절성 (Jeokjeol-seong). 적절성 means 'appropriateness' in a general sense (e.g., is this behavior appropriate?). 시의성 is a sub-category of appropriateness specifically related to *time*. If a teacher gives a lecture on advanced calculus to kindergarteners, it lacks 적절성 (appropriateness for the audience), but if they give a lecture on 'How to use a Pager' to IT professionals in 2024, it lacks 시의성 (appropriateness for the time).

이 기획안은 주제의 시의성은 좋으나 실현 가능성이 낮다. (This proposal has good timeliness in its subject, but low feasibility.)

Lastly, remember that 시의성 is a noun. You cannot use it as an adjective directly like "시의성 뉴스." You must say "시의성 있는 뉴스" (news that has timeliness) or use the adjectival form "시의적절한 뉴스" (timely news). Overlooking these grammatical markers will make your Korean sound disjointed.

To truly master 시의성, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each word has a slightly different nuance depending on whether you want to emphasize the 'rightness' of the moment, the 'speed' of the information, or the 'trendiness' of the topic.

시의적절 (時宜適切): This is the closest relative. It is an adjective meaning 'timely and appropriate.' Use this when you want to describe an action or a measure directly.
Example: "시의적절한 조치" (A timely measure).

현실성 (現實性): Meaning 'realism' or 'feasibility.' While 시의성 is about *when*, 현실성 is about whether it is *possible* in the current reality. They are often used together in policy debates.
Example: "이 계획은 시의성과 현실성을 모두 갖춰야 한다."

그의 발언은 시의성을 잃어 더 이상 대중의 지지를 받지 못했다. (His remarks lost timeliness and no longer received public support.)

If you are looking for a more casual way to express 'timeliness' or 'being in style,' you might use 유행 (Trend/Fashion) or 트렌드 (Trend). However, these words lack the professional and analytical weight of 시의성. You would use 시의성 when discussing a serious social issue, but '유행' when discussing a new type of coffee.

Another useful word is 최신성 (Chwesin-seong), meaning 'up-to-datedness.' This is purely about being the 'latest.' A piece of news can be the latest (최신성) but lack 시의성 if it's about a topic no one cares about anymore. For example, the latest update for a discontinued software has 최신성 (it's the newest version) but no 시의성 (it's no longer relevant).

마케팅 전략을 짤 때는 유행보다 시의성 있는 가치 전달이 중요하다. (When creating a marketing strategy, delivering value with timeliness is more important than just following trends.)

By choosing between these words, you can specify exactly what kind of 'time-appropriateness' you are talking about. Using 시의성 specifically signals that you are considering the broader social, political, or economic context of the present moment.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, the character 宜 (ui) depicted meat on an altar, representing something 'fitting' or 'proper' for a sacrifice. Combined with 時 (time), it became a philosophical concept for harmony with the temporal world.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ɕi.ɰi.sʌŋ

US ɕi.wi.sʌŋ

Level stress on all three syllables, with a slight rise on the final 'seong' in questions.

Rhymes With

가능성 (ganeung-seong) 필요성 (pillyo-seong) 중요성 (jungyo-seong) 적절성 (jeokjeol-seong) 현실성 (hyeonsil-seong) 창의성 (chang-ui-seong) 수익성 (su-ik-seong) 일관성 (ilgwan-seong)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ui' as 'ee' (시이성) - Incorrect.
Pronouncing 'si' like 'she' - It should be a softer 'si'.
Dropping the 'ng' in 'seong' - Ensure the nasal finish.
Stress on the first syllable - Korean is generally syllable-timed.
Confusing with 'si-oe-seong' (시외성) - Watch the vowels.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in newspapers and exams, requires Hanja knowledge.

Writing 5/5

Difficult to use correctly with proper particles and verbs.

Speaking 3/5

Used in formal speeches, less so in casual talk.

Listening 4/5

Must be distinguished from similar-sounding words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

시간 시기 적절 중요 성격

Learn Next

시의적절하다 개연성 타당성 실효성 정당성

Advanced

시대정신 동시대성 시공간 시효 적기

Grammar to Know

Noun + -성 (Suffix for 'quality/nature')

가능성, 중요성, 시의성

-에 부합하다 (To correspond to/match)

시의성에 부합하는 조치

-을/를 고려하다 (To consider)

시의성을 고려한 계획

Noun + -적 (Suffix for 'pertaining to')

시의적, 경제적, 사회적

-기 위해 (In order to)

시의성을 확보하기 위해 노력하다

Examples by Level

지금 이 뉴스는 시의성이 있어요.

This news is timely right now.

Noun + -이 (subject marker) + 있어요 (exists/has).

여름에 코트는 시의성이 없어요.

A coat has no timeliness in summer.

Noun + -이 (subject marker) + 없어요 (does not exist/lack).

이 책은 시의성이 좋아요.

This book has good timeliness (it's relevant now).

Adjective '좋아요' (is good) modifying the quality of the noun.

그 이야기는 시의성이 부족해요.

That story lacks timeliness.

부족해요 (is lacking/insufficient).

시의성이 무엇인가요?

What is timeliness?

Question form using -인가요?

우리는 시의성을 생각해요.

We think about timeliness.

Object marker -을 used with the verb '생각해요'.

이것은 시의성 있는 주제예요.

This is a timely topic.

Noun + 있는 (adjectival form of 'to have') modifying another noun.

시의성이 중요해요.

Timeliness is important.

중요해요 (is important) as the predicate.

기사는 시의성이 생명입니다.

Timeliness is the lifeblood of an article.

Formal ending -입니다.

이 광고는 시의성이 떨어져요.

This advertisement is losing its timeliness.

떨어져요 (to drop/fall) used here to mean 'to decrease' or 'to lose quality'.

시의성에 맞는 옷을 입으세요.

Wear clothes that fit the timeliness (season).

맞는 (fitting) modifying the noun '옷'.

그 영화는 시의성이 아주 높아요.

That movie has very high timeliness.

Adverb '아주' (very) modifying '높아요'.

시의성을 고려해서 계획을 세웠어요.

I made a plan considering the timeliness.

-해서 (because/and then) connecting two actions.

요즘은 시의성이 있는 정보가 필요해요.

Nowadays, timely information is needed.

필요해요 (to be needed).

이 주제는 시의성이 조금 없네요.

This topic lacks timeliness a bit, doesn't it?

-네요 (exclamatory ending showing realization).

기획안에 시의성을 더해 주세요.

Please add timeliness to the proposal.

더해 주세요 (please add).

이 보고서는 시의성을 잘 확보하고 있습니다.

This report is securing timeliness well.

-고 있다 (progressive form).

시의성이 없는 정책은 국민의 지지를 받기 어렵습니다.

Policies lacking timeliness are hard to get public support for.

-기 어렵다 (difficult to do something).

마케팅에서는 시의성이 가장 큰 무기입니다.

In marketing, timeliness is the biggest weapon.

Superlative '가장' (most).

그 뉴스는 시의성을 놓쳐서 아쉬워요.

It's a shame that the news missed its timeliness.

놓쳐서 (because [they] missed).

우리는 사회적 시의성을 반영한 프로그램을 기획했습니다.

We planned a program that reflects social timeliness.

반영한 (reflected) modifying '프로그램'.

시의성을 따지자면 이 제품이 제일 낫습니다.

If we judge by timeliness, this product is the best.

-자면 (if one intends to/if we consider).

그 발언은 시의성 면에서 부적절했습니다.

That remark was inappropriate in terms of timeliness.

Noun + 면에서 (in terms of/from the aspect of).

시의성을 살려 기사를 다시 작성하세요.

Rewrite the article by making the most of its timeliness.

살려 (bringing to life/making use of).

정부의 대책은 시의성 측면에서 긍정적인 평가를 받았다.

The government's measures received a positive evaluation in terms of timeliness.

측면에서 (from the perspective/side of).

이 논문은 연구의 시의성이 매우 뛰어나 학계의 주목을 받고 있다.

This thesis has excellent timeliness, gaining attention from academic circles.

주목을 받다 (to receive attention).

트렌드에 민감한 업종일수록 시의성이 핵심 요소로 작용한다.

The more an industry is sensitive to trends, the more timeliness acts as a core factor.

-을수록 (the more... the more...).

과거의 사례를 분석할 때도 시의성을 간과해서는 안 된다.

One must not overlook timeliness even when analyzing past cases.

간과해서는 안 된다 (must not overlook).

해당 이슈는 시의성을 상실하여 더 이상 논의할 가치가 없다.

The issue has lost its timeliness and is no longer worth discussing.

상실하여 (having lost) + 가치가 없다 (no value).

기업은 시의성 있는 대응을 통해 위기를 기회로 바꿨다.

The company turned a crisis into an opportunity through a timely response.

통해 (through/via).

방송사는 시의성을 확보하기 위해 긴급 대담을 편성했다.

The broadcaster scheduled an emergency talk show to secure timeliness.

-기 위해 (in order to).

이번 전시는 예술적 가치뿐만 아니라 시의성도 함께 갖췄다.

This exhibition possesses both artistic value and timeliness.

-뿐만 아니라 (not only... but also).

언론의 시의성 집착이 자칫 자극적인 보도로 이어질 수 있다.

The media's obsession with timeliness can easily lead to sensational reporting.

자칫 (at the slightest slip/easily) + 이어질 수 있다 (can lead to).

고전 문학은 시의성을 초월하여 보편적인 인간의 가치를 다룬다.

Classic literature transcends timeliness and deals with universal human values.

초월하여 (transcending).

법안 발의의 시의성을 두고 여야 간의 팽팽한 대립이 이어졌다.

A tense confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties continued over the timeliness of the bill's introduction.

팽팽한 대립 (tense/tight confrontation).

디지털 시대의 시의성은 과거보다 훨씬 짧은 주기로 변모하고 있다.

Timeliness in the digital age is transforming in much shorter cycles than in the past.

변모하고 있다 (is transforming/changing its appearance).

데이터의 시의성이 확보되지 않은 통계는 왜곡된 결과를 낳을 수 있다.

Statistics without secured timeliness of data can produce distorted results.

왜곡된 (distorted) + 결과를 낳다 (to produce/give birth to results).

그 작가는 사회적 시의성을 예리하게 포착하여 작품에 녹여냈다.

The author keenly captured social timeliness and melted it into their work.

녹여냈다 (melted into/incorporated).

정책의 시의성이 결여되면 막대한 예산 낭비로 이어질 우려가 크다.

If a policy lacks timeliness, there is a high risk of leading to a massive waste of budget.

결여되면 (if lacking) + 우려가 크다 (high concern/risk).

현대 사회에서 정보의 시의성은 곧 권력과 직결되기도 한다.

In modern society, the timeliness of information is often directly linked to power.

직결되다 (to be directly connected).

시의성이라는 잣대로 모든 담론을 평가하는 것은 위험한 발상이다.

Evaluating all discourse by the yardstick of timeliness is a dangerous idea.

잣대 (yardstick/standard) + 발상 (idea/conception).

역사학자는 시의성에 매몰되지 않고 긴 호흡으로 사건을 바라봐야 한다.

Historians should not be buried in timeliness but look at events with a long-term perspective.

매몰되지 않고 (without being buried/engulfed).

해당 연구는 시의성과 학술적 엄밀함 사이의 균형을 절묘하게 유지하고 있다.

The research exquisitely maintains a balance between timeliness and academic rigor.

절묘하게 (exquisitely/superbly).

정보의 과잉 공급 속에서 진정한 시의성을 판별하는 안목이 요구된다.

In the midst of an oversupply of information, an eye for discerning true timeliness is required.

판별하는 안목 (discerning eye/insight).

정치적 시의성을 위해 진실을 왜곡하는 행위는 민주주의의 근간을 흔든다.

The act of distorting the truth for political timeliness shakes the foundation of democracy.

근간을 흔들다 (to shake the foundation).

예술가는 시의성에 영합하기보다 시대의 본질을 꿰뚫는 통찰력을 보여줘야 한다.

Rather than catering to timeliness, artists should show insight that pierces through the essence of the times.

영합하기보다 (rather than catering to/pandering to).

기술의 급격한 발전은 시의성의 개념 자체를 재정의하도록 강요하고 있다.

The rapid development of technology is forcing the concept of timeliness itself to be redefined.

재정의하도록 강요하다 (to force to redefine).

담론의 시의성이 휘발되는 속도가 빨라질수록 사회적 피로도는 가중된다.

As the speed at which the timeliness of discourse evaporates increases, social fatigue intensifies.

휘발되는 (evaporating) + 가중된다 (intensifies/increases).

Synonyms

적절성 적시성 현재성

Antonyms

시대착오 부적절

Common Collocations

시의성이 있다

시의성이 없다

시의성을 확보하다

시의성을 고려하다

시의성이 떨어지다

시의성이 높다

시의성이 부족하다

시의성에 부합하다

시의성을 잃다

시의성을 강조하다

Common Phrases

시의성 있는 보도

— Timely reporting. It refers to news that covers events as they happen.

시의성 있는 보도를 위해 기자가 현장으로 달려갔다.

시의성 결여

— Lack of timeliness. Often used in criticism of delayed actions.

이번 대책은 시의성 결여로 효과가 미미했다.

사회적 시의성

— Social relevance. How much a topic relates to current social issues.

사회적 시의성이 큰 주제를 선택했다.

시의성 판단

— Judgment of timeliness. Deciding if it's the right time.

편집장의 시의성 판단이 정확했다.

시의성 확보 차원

— In terms of securing timeliness. Used to explain the reason for an action.

시의성 확보 차원에서 오늘 바로 발표하겠습니다.

시의성이 생명

— Timeliness is life (essential). Used for news or trends.

패션 잡지는 시의성이 생명이다.

시의적절한 조치

— A timely measure. A common praise for quick government response.

시의적절한 조치 덕분에 피해를 줄였다.

시의성을 띠다

— To take on the quality of timeliness.

그 발언은 묘하게 시의성을 띠고 있다.

시의성을 무시하다

— To ignore timeliness.

시의성을 무시한 투자는 위험하다.

시의성을 반영하다

— To reflect timeliness.

올해 트렌드는 시의성을 잘 반영하고 있다.

Often Confused With

시의성 vs 시간성

Refers to the general concept of time/temporality, not appropriateness.

시의성 vs 신속성

Refers to speed/promptness, whereas 시의성 is about relevance.

시의성 vs 적절성

General appropriateness; 시의성 is a specific type of appropriateness related to time.

Idioms & Expressions

"쇠뿔도 단김에 빼라"

— Strike while the iron is hot. Relates to taking action when the 시의성 is highest.

시의성이 있을 때 진행해. 쇠뿔도 단김에 빼라고 했잖아.

Casual/Proverb

"물 들어올 때 노 저어라"

— Row when the tide is in. Make use of a timely opportunity.

지금이 시의성이 좋으니 물 들어올 때 노 저어야 해.

Casual/Proverb

"때를 놓치다"

— To miss the right time/opportunity.

시의성을 생각 안 하다가 때를 놓쳤다.

Neutral

"뒷북치다"

— To beat the drum late (to make a fuss after the event). Lacking 시의성.

이미 다 끝난 일에 뒷북치지 마.

Slang/Informal

"시대를 앞서가다"

— To be ahead of one's time (too much 시의성, so people don't get it yet).

그의 예술은 시대를 앞서가서 당시엔 시의성이 없었다.

Neutral

"철 지난"

— Out of season/Outdated.

그 이야기는 이제 철 지난 시의성 없는 이야기다.

Neutral

"약방의 감초"

— Licorice in a pharmacy (something that always appears). Often used for topics with constant 시의성.

환경 문제는 뉴스에서 약방의 감초처럼 시의성이 높다.

Neutral

"가뭄에 콩 나듯"

— Like beans sprouting in a drought (rare). Lacking frequent 시의성.

이런 시의성 있는 기회는 가뭄에 콩 나듯 온다.

Neutral

"금상첨화"

— Adding flowers on top of gold (making something good better). Perfect timing.

좋은 아이디어에 시의성까지 더해지니 금상첨화다.

Literary

"천재일우"

— A once-in-a-thousand-years chance (extreme 시의성).

지금이 바로 시의성이 최고인 천재일우의 기회다.

Literary

Easily Confused

시의성 vs 시기 (時期)

Both start with 'si' and relate to time.

시기 is a period of time; 시의성 is the quality of being right for that time.

지금은 투자를 할 시기(period)이고, 이 투자는 시의성(timeliness)이 있다.

시의성 vs 시각 (時刻)

Both relate to time.

시각 is a specific point in time (like 3:00 PM) or a viewpoint.

정확한 시각을 알려주세요.

시의성 vs 시대 (時代)

Both relate to time.

시대 is an era or age (e.g., Joseon Era).

우리는 디지털 시대에 살고 있다.

시의성 vs 시사 (時事)

Both used in news.

시사 refers to 'current affairs' (the events themselves).

시사 프로그램을 시청하다.

시의성 vs 시급 (時急)

Both imply 'now'.

시급 means 'urgent'. Something can be urgent but not necessarily 'timely' in a trend sense.

해결이 시급한 문제다.

Sentence Patterns

N은/는 시의성이 있다/없다

이 기획은 시의성이 없어요.

시의성을 고려하여 V

시의성을 고려하여 발표를 늦췄다.

시의성 있는 N

시의성 있는 주제를 선정하세요.

시의성에 부합하는 N

시의성에 부합하는 정책이 필요하다.

시의성을 확보하다

콘텐츠의 시의성을 확보하는 것이 과제다.

시의성을 상실하다

그 논의는 이미 시의성을 상실했다.

시의성 면에서 부적절하다

그의 발언은 시의성 면에서 부적절했다.

시의성이 떨어지다

유행이 지나면 시의성이 떨어진다.

Word Family

Nouns

시의 (時宜 - the right time)

시의성 (時宜性 - timeliness)

Verbs

시의적절하다 (時宜適切-- - to be timely)

Adjectives

시의적 (時宜的 - timely/opportune)

시대 (era)

시기 (period)

적절 (appropriate)

성질 (nature)

상황 (situation)

How to Use It

frequency

High in professional/media contexts; Low in casual street slang.

Common Mistakes

시의성이 빠르다 → 시의성이 있다 / 신속하다
Timeliness is not 'fast'; it 'exists' or 'is high'. If you mean speed, use '신속하다'.
시의성을 지키다 → 시간을 지키다 / 시의성을 확보하다
You don't 'keep' timeliness like a promise; you 'secure' it as a quality.
시의성 뉴스 → 시의성 있는 뉴스 / 시의적절한 뉴스
You need a modifier to connect the noun to another noun.
사람이 시의성이 있다 → 사람이 시의적절하게 행동하다
A person doesn't possess timeliness; their actions do.
시의성을 기다리다 → 적기를 기다리다
You wait for the 'right time' (적기), you don't wait for 'timeliness'.

Tips

Use in Essays

When writing for TOPIK, use 시의성 to explain why the social issue you are writing about is important right now. It earns high points for formal vocabulary.

Particle Match

Always use -이/가 with 있다/없다. '시의성이 있다.' Avoid '시의성을 있다' which is a common mistake.

The 'Now' Culture

Koreans value 'now' (지금). Using 시의성 shows you respect the speed and relevance of Korean society.

Formal Reports

In a business report, instead of saying 'It's a good time to sell,' say '시장의 시의성을 고려할 때, 지금이 판매의 적기입니다.'

Softening Criticism

If you want to say an idea is old, say '시의성이 조금 떨어지는 것 같아요' (It seems timeliness is dropping a bit) to sound more polite.

News Keywords

When you hear '시의성' on news, pay attention to the next word; it's usually the reason why the news is being reported.

The 'Seong' Suffix

Remember that many abstract Korean words end in -성 (quality). 시의성 (timeliness), 중요성 (importance), 필요성 (necessity).

Pair with 시의적절

Learn these two together. 시의성 is the noun, 시의적절하다 is the adjective. They are a set.

Editorial Sections

Read the editorial (사설) section of Korean newspapers like Dong-A Ilbo or Chosun Ilbo. You will see this word often.

Context is King

Always ask: 'Is this topic relevant to people *today*?' If yes, it has 시의성.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SI' (See) the 'UI' (We) in the 'SEONG' (Song). You need to 'See We' (the people) right now to write a 'Song' that is timely.

Visual Association

Imagine a clock with a 'Checkmark' on it, representing that the time is 'Correct' or 'Fitting.'

Word Web

News Marketing Trends Appropriate Time Context Relevance Strategy

Challenge

Try to find one news article today and explain to a friend why it has '시의성' using the phrase '이 기사는 시의성이 있어요.'

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean characters: 時 (Time), 宜 (Fitting), and 性 (Nature). It reflects the Confucian and pragmatic emphasis on doing the right thing at the right time.

Original meaning: The quality of being fitting for the time.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 시의성 to dismiss someone's long-term trauma or historical grievances, as it can sound dismissive (e.g., 'that lacks timeliness').

English speakers might use 'timeliness' or 'topicality,' but 시의성 is used much more frequently in formal Korean business contexts than 'timeliness' is in English.

Used frequently in 'JTBC Newsroom' to justify special reports. Often appears in TOPIK II (Test of Proficiency in Korean) essay prompts. A common keyword in 'Naver Trend' analysis.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

News & Journalism

시의성 있는 보도
시의성을 놓치다
시의성이 생명이다
긴급 편성

Marketing & Business

시의성 확보
트렌드 반영
시의적절한 출시
시장 시의성

Politics & Policy

시의성 있는 대책
시의성 논란
시의성에 부합하다
정책의 시의성

Academic Research

연구의 시의성
사회적 필요성
시의성 검토
학문적 시의성

Social Media

시의성 대박
지금 딱이다
뒷북
실시간 검색어

Conversation Starters

"요즘 이 주제가 시의성이 아주 높은 것 같아요. 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"새로운 마케팅 기획안의 시의성에 대해 의견을 듣고 싶습니다."

"어제 본 뉴스는 시의성이 조금 부족하지 않았나요?"

"콘텐츠 제작에서 시의성이 얼마나 중요하다고 생각하시나요?"

"이 법안이 지금 시점에 시의성이 있다고 보시나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 본 뉴스 중에서 가장 시의성이 높았던 것은 무엇인가요? 그 이유는?

내가 만약 유튜버라면, 어떤 시의성 있는 주제로 영상을 만들고 싶나요?

과거에는 중요했지만 지금은 시의성을 잃은 가치나 물건에 대해 써보세요.

정부의 최근 정책이 시의성이 있었다고 생각하는지 논리적으로 적어보세요.

시의성과 예술적 가치 중 무엇이 더 중요하다고 생각하는지 자신의 견해를 쓰세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you cannot say a person 'has 시의성.' It is used for abstract things like news, ideas, policies, or actions. If you want to say a person is timely, say they are '시간을 잘 지킨다' (punctual) or their actions are '시의적절하다'.

Generally, having 시의성 is seen as a positive attribute in professional fields because it implies relevance and impact. However, in art, being too focused on 시의성 can be seen as '영합' (catering to trends) rather than creating something lasting.

There isn't a single direct noun opposite like 'un-timeliness,' but you can use '시의성 부족' (lack of timeliness) or '시대착오' (anachronism) depending on the context.

Not usually when talking to friends about dinner, but you might use it when discussing a movie or a YouTube video that just came out. It sounds more intelligent and precise.

타이밍 is a loanword used for physical actions or personal moments (e.g., 'The timing for the kiss was perfect'). 시의성 is for the social or logical relevance of a topic (e.g., 'The timing of the tax reform was relevant').

Yes, historians often discuss the 시의성 of a past event—meaning, why did that event happen *at that specific time* and why was it relevant then.

Yes, '시의성이 낮다' (low timeliness) is a perfectly valid way to say something is not very relevant to the current situation.

Yes, it is composed of 時 (Time), 宜 (Fitting), and 性 (Nature).

You can say: '보고서의 주제가 시의성이 있어서 아주 좋습니다.' (The topic of the report is very good because it has timeliness.)

The most common verb is '있다' (to have/exist). '시의성이 있다' is the standard way to say something is timely.