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논하다

B1 verb #7,000 most common 9 min read

논하다

nonhada Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 논하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 논하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use the word '논하다' in your own speaking. It is a very formal word. At this stage, you should focus on '말하다' (to speak) and '이야기하다' (to talk). However, you might see '논하다' in the titles of advanced books or on the news. If you see it, just remember it means 'to talk about something very seriously or logically.' Think of it as a 'special version' of talking that smart people use when they are discussing big ideas like history, science, or politics. You won't use it to talk about your hobbies or what you did yesterday. It's like the difference between saying 'let's talk' and 'let's conduct a formal discourse.' For now, just recognize that when you see '논', it usually relates to 'discussion' or 'logic.'

As an A2 learner, you are starting to see more formal Korean in newspapers or short news clips. You might encounter '논하다' in these contexts. It's important to know that this word usually takes an object with '을/를'. For example, '문제를 논하다' means 'to discuss a problem.' You might also see it in the form '논의하다' (to discuss/deliberate), which is very similar. At this level, don't worry about using it in daily conversation. Instead, notice how it appears in formal settings. If a teacher says, '이 주제에 대해 논해 보세요' (Please try to discuss this topic), they are asking you to give a logical explanation or your opinion in a structured way, rather than just chatting. It is a step up from '말해 보세요' (Please say it).

At the B1 level, '논하다' becomes a useful word for your writing and formal speaking. You are now expected to discuss more complex topics like the environment, technology, or society. Using '논하다' instead of '이야기하다' in an essay makes your writing sound much more academic and professional. For instance, instead of writing '환경 문제에 대해 이야기하겠습니다' (I will talk about environmental issues), you can write '환경 문제를 논하고자 합니다' (I intend to discuss environmental issues). This small change significantly raises the level of your Korean. You should also learn common collocations like '가치를 논하다' (discuss value) or '시비를 논하다' (discuss right and wrong/merits). This is the level where you start distinguishing between 'talking' and 'analyzing.'

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '논하다' in various formal contexts, including debates and presentations. You should understand the nuance that '논하다' often involves an evaluative aspect—judging whether something is good, bad, important, or true. You will encounter it in complex sentence structures, such as '성패를 논하기에는 아직 이르다' (It is too early to discuss/judge success or failure). You should also be familiar with the idiomatic expression '~를 막론하고' (regardless of...), which is used to group different categories together. At this stage, you are expected to handle abstract nouns as objects of '논하다,' such as '본질' (essence), '타당성' (validity), or '정당성' (legitimacy). Your ability to use this word correctly shows that you can handle high-level, logical Korean discourse.

For C1 learners, '논하다' is a fundamental tool for critical analysis. You should be able to use it to navigate complex philosophical, legal, and academic texts. At this level, you will see '논하다' used in more nuanced ways, such as '논의를 진전시키다' (to advance the discussion) or '논쟁을 논하다' (to discuss a controversy). You should also understand its relationship with other Hanja-based words like '논박하다' (to refute), '논증하다' (to demonstrate/prove), and '논술하다' (to write an essay/discourse). In professional settings, you might use '논하다' to carefully evaluate the performance of a policy or the strategic direction of a company. You should also be sensitive to the tone it sets—it is authoritative and objective. Using it correctly in a C1 context means you can participate in the highest levels of Korean intellectual life.

At the C2 level, '논하다' is used with absolute precision. You understand its historical weight and its role in shaping '담론' (discourse). You might use it in highly abstract ways, such as '존재의 근원을 논하다' (discussing the root of existence) or in legal contexts where '죄를 논하다' involves the formal determination of legal guilt and punishment. You are also aware of its stylistic uses in literature, where an author might use '논하다' to create a specific narrative voice that is detached, analytical, or scholarly. At this level, you can distinguish between '논하다' and its many synonyms (담론하다, 고찰하다, 검토하다) based on the specific academic or professional field you are in. Your use of '논하다' is not just grammatically correct but culturally and contextually perfect, reflecting a deep mastery of the Korean language's formal registers.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

논하다 in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning 'to discuss' or 'to debate' logically.
Commonly used in academic, journalistic, and professional contexts.
Implies analytical depth rather than casual conversation.
Often used to evaluate the value, significance, or truth of a subject.

The Korean verb 논하다 (non-ha-da) is a sophisticated and formal term that translates primarily to 'to discuss,' 'to debate,' or 'to argue' a point. Unlike the common word '말하다' (to speak) or '이야기하다' (to talk), 논하다 implies a level of intellectual depth, logical progression, and often a degree of formality. It is derived from the Hanja character 論 (론/논), which signifies a discourse, a theory, or a systematic treatment of a subject. When you use this word, you are not just chatting; you are engaging in a structured examination of a topic, often evaluating its merits, faults, or theoretical implications. It is most frequently encountered in academic writing, journalism, formal debates, and high-level business or political discussions. In these contexts, it suggests that the speaker is looking at the subject from an analytical perspective, rather than just sharing personal feelings.

Register and Nuance: This word belongs to the B1-B2 level of the CEFR scale because it moves beyond daily survival language into the realm of abstract thought. It is often used to discuss the 'value' or 'significance' of something, such as '가치를 논하다' (to discuss the value). Use it when you want to sound professional or when the topic itself is serious, such as philosophy, politics, or social issues.
Syntactic Structure: Typically, the object of the discussion is marked with the object particle 을/를. For example, '문제를 논하다' (to discuss the problem). It can also be used with the pattern '-에 대해(서) 논하다' (to discuss about...), though the direct object form is often preferred in formal writing for its conciseness.

Furthermore, 논하다 can be used to judge or evaluate someone's qualifications or status. In historical dramas (Sageuk), you might hear high-ranking officials '논하다' the merits and demerits of a policy or the loyalty of a subject. In a modern context, a sports commentator might '논하다' the skills of a player compared to legends of the past. It carries a certain weight of authority; the person doing the '논하다'-ing is usually someone in a position to analyze or judge the topic at hand. It is not a word used lightly in a casual coffee shop conversation unless the topic has suddenly turned very serious or intellectual.

학자들은 이 사건의 역사적 의미를 논하고 있다. (Scholars are discussing the historical significance of this event.)

그의 공과 실을 논하기에는 아직 이르다. (It is too early to discuss his merits and faults.)

우리는 미래의 교육 방향을 논해야 합니다. (We must discuss the future direction of education.)

이번 회의에서는 예산 삭감 문제를 논할 예정이다. (We plan to discuss the budget cut issue in this meeting.)

사랑의 본질을 논하는 것은 어렵다. (Discussing the essence of love is difficult.)

Common Contexts: Academic papers (e.g., '본 논문에서는 ~를 논하고자 한다'), literary criticism, news editorials, and high-stakes negotiations.

Using 논하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility and the specific particles it pairs with. Because it is a transitive verb, it most naturally takes an object followed by the particles 을/를. This structure is the most direct way to state what is being discussed. For example, '인생을 논하다' (to discuss life) suggests a deep, philosophical conversation about the meaning of existence. Another common structure is using the noun form of a verb with -기(를) 논하다, though this is less common than simple noun objects.

The 'Whether or Not' Pattern: A very common advanced pattern is '~느냐 마느냐를 논하다' (discussing whether to do something or not). This is used when a decision is being weighed heavily. For example, '사업의 지속 여부를 논하다' (to discuss the feasibility of continuing the business).

In formal writing, such as an essay or a report, 논하다 often appears in the introductory or concluding sections. A writer might say, '본고에서는 현대 사회의 소외 문제를 논하겠다' (In this paper, I will discuss the problem of alienation in modern society). Here, the verb serves as a roadmap for the reader, indicating that a logical analysis follows. It is much more professional than using '말하겠다' (will say) or '쓰겠다' (will write).

그들은 밤새도록 문학의 미래를 논했다. (They discussed the future of literature all night long.)

Another nuance of 논하다 is its use in negative constructions to imply that something is not even worth discussing or is beyond question. The phrase '논할 가치가 없다' (not worth discussing) is a powerful way to dismiss an argument or a person's claims. Similarly, '~를 막론하고' (regardless of...) is a very common idiomatic usage derived from this verb, meaning 'without discussing/distinguishing between X and Y,' as in '남녀노소를 막론하고' (regardless of age or gender).

그의 주장은 더 이상 논할 가치가 없습니다. (His argument is no longer worth discussing.)

이유 여하를 막론하고 폭력은 정당화될 수 없다. (Regardless of the reason, violence cannot be justified.)

Passive/Causative Forms: While '논해지다' (to be discussed) exists, it is more common to use '거론되다' (to be mentioned/brought up) when you want a passive meaning in a formal context.

While 논하다 might not be the first word you use when ordering kimchi stew, it is ubiquitous in Korean intellectual and public life. If you watch the evening news (뉴스), you will hear anchors and reporters using it to describe policy debates in the National Assembly. For instance, '여야가 민생 법안을 논하고 있습니다' (The ruling and opposition parties are discussing bills related to public welfare). In this setting, the word conveys the gravity of the legislative process.

In the Classroom and University: Korean university students hear this word constantly. Professors will ask students to '논하라' (discuss/write about) a specific theory in an exam. A seminar might be titled '한국 경제의 위기를 논하다' (Discussing the Crisis of the Korean Economy). For students, it is a signal to switch from passive listening to active, logical analysis.

In the world of Korean cinema and television, 논하다 appears in dramas involving lawyers, doctors, or politicians. In a legal drama, a prosecutor might '죄를 논하다' (discuss/determine the crime) when presenting a case. In a historical drama (Sageuk), the King might gather his ministers to '국사를 논하다' (discuss state affairs). The word adds a layer of historical authenticity and gravitas to the dialogue, reminding the audience that the characters are dealing with matters of great importance.

오늘 밤 100분 토론에서는 부동산 정책을 논합니다. (On tonight's 100-Minute Debate, we discuss real estate policy.)

You will also find 논하다 in literary reviews and art criticism. When a critic evaluates a new novel, they might '작가의 세계관을 논하다' (discuss the author's worldview). In this context, it isn't just about saying whether the book is good or bad, but analyzing the deeper themes and structures within the work. Even in sports, if a player is performing exceptionally well, commentators might say, '그를 빼놓고는 올해의 MVP를 논할 수 없다' (You cannot discuss this year's MVP without mentioning him).

Digital Media: On YouTube or podcasts that focus on '인문학' (humanities) or '시사' (current affairs), creators often use '논하다' in their thumbnails and titles to attract viewers looking for deep-dive content rather than entertainment.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 논하다 is using it in contexts that are too casual. While 'discuss' can sometimes be used casually in English (e.g., 'Let's discuss what to eat for dinner'), 논하다 in Korean feels very out of place here. If you say '우리 저녁 메뉴를 논하자,' a Korean person might laugh or think you are being intentionally dramatic or ironic. For casual daily decisions, use '이야기하다' or '정하다' (to decide).

Confusion with '토론하다': Learners often confuse '논하다' with '토론하다'. While they are related, '토론하다' specifically refers to a debate where multiple people exchange different opinions. '논하다' is broader; it can refer to a single person's logical treatment of a topic in a book or speech. You '토론' with others, but you can '논' a topic by yourself in a thesis.

Another common error is particle usage. Some learners try to use '에 대해 논하다' exclusively because it mirrors the English 'discuss about.' While this is grammatically acceptable, the direct object form 'X를 논하다' is often more natural and sophisticated in formal writing. Using '에 대해' too much can make your Korean sound a bit repetitive or translated from English.

❌ 우리 점심 뭐 먹을지 논하자. (Too formal for lunch.)
✅ 우리 점심 뭐 먹을지 이야기하자 / 정하자.

❌ 나는 친구랑 어제 영화를 논했다. (Sounds like you wrote a formal critique of the movie.)
✅ 나는 친구랑 어제 영화 이야기를 했다.

The 'Value' Trap: When talking about price or cost, do not use '논하다' unless you are discussing the economic theory of value. For 'discussing the price' in a negotiation, '협상하다' (negotiate) or '가격을 절충하다' is better.

Korean has many words for 'discussing' or 'talking,' each with a specific nuance. Choosing the right one is key to sounding natural. 논하다 sits at the top of the formality scale. Let's compare it with its closest relatives.

논하다 vs. 토론하다 (Debate): '토론하다' (To-ron-ha-da) implies a multi-party interaction where different views are presented to reach a conclusion or just to exchange ideas. '논하다' is the act of providing a logical discourse on a subject, which might be one-sided (like an essay) or collective.
논하다 vs. 의논하다 (Consult/Deliberate): '의논하다' (Ui-non-ha-da) is used when you need to make a decision or solve a problem with someone else. For example, '부모님과 의논하다' (consult with parents). It is more practical and collaborative than the abstract '논하다'.
논하다 vs. 다루다 (To Treat/Handle/Cover): In academic or journalistic writing, '다루다' (da-ru-da) is often used to mean 'to cover a topic.' While '논하다' focuses on the logical argument, '다루다' focuses on the scope of the content. '이 책은 환경 문제를 다룬다' (This book covers environmental issues).

Other alternatives include '상의하다' (to consult/discuss), which is common in business for 'let's talk about this later,' and '담론하다' (to discourse), which is even more academic than '논하다' and refers to the broader social discourse on a topic. If you are just 'talking' in general, '이야기하다' remains the safest and most common choice.

우리는 해결책을 찾기 위해 서로 의논했다. (We deliberated with each other to find a solution.)

철학자들은 존재의 의미를 논한다. (Philosophers discuss the meaning of existence.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Hanja character 論 consists of the radical 言 (to speak) and 侖 (to arrange/logical), literally meaning 'to arrange words logically.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /no̞nhada/

US /noʊnhɑːdɑː/

The primary stress is on the first syllable '논' (non).

Rhymes With

존하다 (jon-ha-da) 본하다 (bon-ha-da) 돈하다 (don-ha-da) 곤하다 (gon-ha-da) 온하다 (on-ha-da) 혼하다 (hon-ha-da) 론하다 (ron-ha-da) 손하다 (son-ha-da)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '논' like 'noon' (should be a short 'o' as in 'not').
Over-emphasizing the 'h' so it sounds like two separate words 'non' and 'hada'. It should flow smoothly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and books, but requires knowledge of formal contexts.

Writing 5/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding too stiff or using wrong particles.

Speaking 4/5

Easy to pronounce, but hard to find the right casual-to-formal balance.

Listening 3/5

Easy to recognize in formal speeches or news broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

말하다 이야기하다 문제 생각 이유

Learn Next

토론하다 의논하다 논리적 결론 주장하다

Advanced

담론 논박 고찰 막론하고

Grammar to Know

-느냐를 논하다

성공하느냐 실패하느냐를 논하기 전에 시도부터 해라.

-을/를 막론하고

이유를 막론하고 약속은 지켜야 한다.

-에 대해 논하다

우리는 교육 제도에 대해 논했다.

-기(를) 논하다

그의 잘잘못을 논하기는 아직 이르다.

-함에 있어(서)

국가 정책을 논함에 있어서 국민의 뜻이 가장 중요하다.

Examples by Level

사람들이 이야기를 논해요.

People discuss (serious) stories.

A1 learners should notice '논해요' as a formal version of 'talk'.

우리는 문제를 논합니다.

We discuss the problem.

The object '문제' (problem) is followed by the particle '를'.

선생님이 역사에 대해 논해요.

The teacher discusses history.

Using '-에 대해' (about) with '논하다'.

그들은 계획을 논합니다.

They discuss the plan.

Formal ending '-습니다' is common with this verb.

중요한 일을 논해요.

They discuss important work.

Adjective '중요한' (important) describes the object.

뉴스가 경제를 논합니다.

The news discusses the economy.

Abstract objects like '경제' (economy) are common.

책에서 미래를 논해요.

The book discusses the future.

'에서' indicates the location/source of discussion.

우리는 가치를 논합니다.

We discuss the value.

'가치' (value) is a common collocation.

회의에서 새로운 정책을 논했습니다.

They discussed the new policy at the meeting.

Past tense '논했습니다'.

이 책은 환경 문제를 논하고 있다.

This book is discussing environmental issues.

'-고 있다' indicates an ongoing state or action.

친구와 미래의 꿈을 논해 보세요.

Try discussing your future dreams with a friend.

'-어/아 보세요' is a suggestion/command.

그 영화는 사회 정의를 논합니다.

That movie discusses social justice.

Abstract themes like '정의' (justice) fit this verb.

우리는 해결 방법을 논해야 합니다.

We must discuss the solution.

'-해야 합니다' expresses necessity.

그의 능력에 대해 논하기는 어렵다.

It is difficult to discuss his ability.

'-기' turns the verb into a noun phrase.

학자들은 우주의 기원을 논한다.

Scholars discuss the origin of the universe.

Formal plain style ending '-ㄴ다'.

무엇이 옳은지 논해 봅시다.

Let's discuss what is right.

'-ㄴ지' introduces an indirect question as the object.

이 논문은 한국의 저출산 문제를 논하고 있다.

This thesis is discussing the low birth rate issue in Korea.

Typical academic usage for describing the scope of a paper.

우리는 더 이상 과거를 논할 필요가 없습니다.

We don't need to discuss the past anymore.

'-을 필요가 없다' (no need to...).

그의 작품은 인간의 고독을 깊이 있게 논한다.

His work discusses human loneliness in depth.

Adverbial phrase '깊이 있게' (in depth).

정치인들이 예산안 처리를 논하고 있습니다.

Politicians are discussing the processing of the budget bill.

Present progressive '-고 있다'.

사랑의 본질을 논하는 것은 쉬운 일이 아니다.

Discussing the essence of love is not an easy task.

'-는 것' makes the whole phrase a subject.

이번 포럼에서는 인공지능의 윤리를 논할 예정이다.

In this forum, we plan to discuss the ethics of AI.

'-을 예정이다' (plan to/scheduled to).

그는 자신의 실패 원인을 냉정하게 논했다.

He discussed the causes of his failure calmly/coolly.

Adverb '냉정하게' (calmly/objectively).

우리는 자유의 가치를 논하기 위해 모였다.

We gathered to discuss the value of freedom.

'-기 위해' (in order to).

그의 공과를 논하기에는 아직 시기상조인 것 같다.

It seems premature to discuss his merits and demerits.

'시기상조' is a four-character idiom (Saja-seong-eo) meaning 'premature'.

이유 여하를 막론하고 폭력은 허용될 수 없다.

Regardless of the reason, violence cannot be allowed.

'막론하고' is derived from '논하다' and means 'regardless of'.

그 문제는 차후에 다시 논하기로 합시다.

Let's decide to discuss that matter again later.

'-기로 하다' (decide to).

현대 미술의 난해함을 어떻게 논할 수 있을까?

How can one discuss the complexity of modern art?

'-을 수 있을까' (rhetorical question).

그들은 밤새 국가의 장래를 논하며 토론을 벌였다.

They engaged in a debate all night, discussing the future of the nation.

'-며' (while/and).

성공의 기준을 어디에 두느냐를 논해야 합니다.

We must discuss where to place the standard of success.

'-느냐' is an interrogative connective.

이 사건은 법적으로 논할 가치가 충분합니다.

This case is well worth discussing from a legal perspective.

'가치가 충분하다' (worth enough).

동서양의 철학적 차이를 논하는 세미나가 열렸다.

A seminar was held to discuss the philosophical differences between East and West.

Noun-modifying form '-는'.

본 논문은 실존주의 철학의 현대적 의의를 논하고자 한다.

This paper intends to discuss the modern significance of existentialist philosophy.

'-하고자 하다' is a very formal way to express intent.

그의 행보를 두고 배신이냐 결단이냐를 논하는 목소리가 높다.

There are many voices discussing whether his move was a betrayal or a decisive action.

'~이냐 ~이냐' (whether A or B).

예술의 상업화 문제를 논함에 있어서 신중을 기해야 한다.

In discussing the problem of the commercialization of art, one must be cautious.

'-함에 있어서' (in doing/when it comes to).

그는 당대 최고의 지성으로 논해지는 인물이다.

He is a person who is discussed (regarded) as the greatest intellectual of his time.

Passive-like usage '논해지는'.

민주주의의 위기를 논하기 전에 우리 자신을 돌아봐야 한다.

Before discussing the crisis of democracy, we must look back at ourselves.

'-기 전에' (before).

시비를 논하기보다는 해결책을 모색하는 것이 급선무다.

Rather than discussing right and wrong, seeking a solution is the priority.

'-기보다는' (rather than).

그의 이론은 학계에서 여전히 활발하게 논해지고 있다.

His theory is still being actively discussed in academic circles.

'-어/아지다' (passive) + '-고 있다' (progressive).

인간의 존엄성을 논할 때 결코 간과해서는 안 될 점이 있다.

There is a point that must never be overlooked when discussing human dignity.

'-을 때' (when) and '간과해서는 안 된다' (must not overlook).

형이상학적 실재의 본성을 논하는 것은 언어의 한계를 시험하는 일이다.

Discussing the nature of metaphysical reality is a task that tests the limits of language.

Highly abstract subject and object.

그의 문학 세계를 논함에 있어 시대적 배경을 배제할 수 없다.

In discussing his literary world, the historical background cannot be excluded.

Formal structure '-함에 있어'.

죄의 경중을 논하여 그에 합당한 형벌을 내리는 것이 법의 도리다.

It is the duty of the law to discuss (evaluate) the severity of a crime and impose an appropriate punishment.

Archaic/Formal legal phrasing.

우주는 그 광대함으로 인해 인간의 지성으로 논하기엔 너무나 벅차다.

The universe is too overwhelming to be discussed (comprehended) by human intellect due to its vastness.

'-기엔' (for doing/to do).

포스트모더니즘 담론에서 주체의 해체를 논하는 방식은 매우 다양하다.

In postmodern discourse, the ways of discussing the deconstruction of the subject are very diverse.

Academic jargon (subject, deconstruction, discourse).

그의 공적을 논하자면 끝이 없겠으나, 여기서는 몇 가지만 언급하겠다.

If I were to discuss his achievements, there would be no end, but I will mention only a few here.

'-자면' (if one intends to/if we speak of).

자본의 논리가 인간성을 압도하는 현실을 어떻게 논해야 할 것인가?

How should we discuss the reality where the logic of capital overwhelms humanity?

Reflective/Philosophical question.

고전의 가치는 시대를 막론하고 끊임없이 새롭게 논해져야 한다.

The value of classics must be constantly and newly discussed regardless of the era.

Combined '막론하고' and '논해져야 한다'.

Common Collocations

가치를 논하다

시비를 논하다

문제를 논하다

의미를 논하다

본질을 논하다

성패를 논하다

자격을 논하다

죄를 논하다

공과를 논하다

대책을 논하다

Common Phrases

논할 가치가 없다

— Not worth discussing. Used to dismiss an idea or person as irrelevant.

그의 헛소리는 논할 가치도 없다.

동서고금을 막론하고

— Regardless of time and place. Used to describe a universal truth.

동서고금을 막론하고 효도는 중요한 덕목이다.

남녀노소를 막론하고

— Regardless of gender or age. Used to mean 'everyone'.

축구는 남녀노소를 막론하고 사랑받는 스포츠다.

이유 여하를 막론하고

— Regardless of the reason. Often used when stating a strict rule.

이유 여하를 막론하고 지각은 금지입니다.

지위 고하를 막론하고

— Regardless of high or low status. Used in contexts of equality.

법 앞에서는 지위 고하를 막론하고 평등하다.

성패를 논하지 마라

— Don't judge based only on success or failure. Focus on the effort.

결과보다는 과정이 중요하니 성패를 논하지 마라.

시비를 논하다

— To argue over who is right and who is wrong.

두 사람은 길거리에서 시비를 논하고 있었다.

진위를 논하다

— To discuss whether something is true or false.

전문가들이 그 문서의 진위를 논하고 있다.

장단점을 논하다

— To discuss pros and cons.

우리는 새 시스템의 장단점을 논했다.

해결책을 논하다

— To discuss solutions.

정부는 실업 문제의 해결책을 논하고 있다.

Often Confused With

논하다 vs 논의하다

Very similar, but '논의하다' is more common for the 'process' of discussion in a meeting, while '논하다' is the 'act' of logical discourse.

논하다 vs 토론하다

Specifically implies a back-and-forth debate with multiple participants, whereas '논하다' can be a one-sided analysis.

논하다 vs 의논하다

Focuses on reaching a practical decision together, while '논하다' focuses on analyzing the topic itself.

Idioms & Expressions

"공을 논하다"

— To discuss and reward someone's achievements or contributions.

전쟁이 끝난 후 왕은 장수들의 공을 논했다.

Historical/Formal

"죄를 논하다"

— To determine the severity of a crime and its punishment.

법정에서 그의 죄를 논할 것이다.

Legal

"가부를 논하다"

— To discuss whether something is possible or acceptable (yes/no).

안건의 가부를 논하기 위해 투표를 했다.

Formal

"우열을 논하다"

— To discuss who is superior and who is inferior.

두 천재의 우열을 논하는 것은 의미가 없다.

Neutral/Formal

"시비를 가리다"

— Though '가리다' is used here, it's the action result of '시비를 논하다'—to distinguish right from wrong.

누가 먼저 때렸는지 시비를 가려야 한다.

Neutral

"논외로 치다"

— To leave something out of the discussion; to consider it outside the scope.

그 문제는 일단 논외로 칩시다.

Neutral/Formal

"논란의 여지가 없다"

— No room for discussion/dispute; it is certain.

그가 범인이라는 점은 논란의 여지가 없다.

Formal

"탁상공론"

— Tabletop discussion; useless, impractical talk that doesn't solve real problems.

현장을 모르는 사람들의 이야기는 탁상공론에 불과하다.

Idiomatic/Critical

"논리가 정연하다"

— Logic is well-ordered; to speak or write very logically.

그의 발표는 논리가 정연해서 설득력이 있었다.

Formal/Praising

"논점을 흐리다"

— To cloud the point; to distract from the main topic of discussion.

질문에 대답하지 않고 논점을 흐리지 마세요.

Neutral/Formal

Easily Confused

논하다 vs 말하다

Both mean 'to talk/speak'.

'말하다' is the general word for speaking. '논하다' is strictly for logical, formal discussion of a specific subject.

친구와 말해요 (Talk with a friend) vs. 주제를 논해요 (Discuss a topic).

논하다 vs 이야기하다

Both can translate to 'talk about'.

'이야기하다' is casual and story-like. '논하다' is analytical and serious.

어제 일을 이야기해요 (Talk about yesterday) vs. 인생의 의미를 논해요 (Discuss meaning of life).

논하다 vs 토론하다

Both relate to debating/discussing.

'토론하다' involves exchange of opinions (debate). '논하다' is the logical treatment of a subject (discourse).

찬반을 토론하다 (Debate pros/cons) vs. 가치를 논하다 (Discuss value).

논하다 vs 의논하다

Both involve discussing a topic.

'의논하다' is for problem-solving or decision-making. '논하다' is for academic or critical analysis.

휴가지를 의논하다 (Consult on vacation spot) vs. 사회 문제를 논하다 (Discuss social issue).

논하다 vs 거론하다

Both mean 'to talk about' in formal settings.

'거론하다' means to 'bring up' or 'mention' a topic for discussion. '논하다' is the actual discussion itself.

그 문제를 거론했다 (Brought up the issue) vs. 그 문제를 논했다 (Discussed the issue).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]을/를 논하다

우리는 평화를 논했다.

[Noun]에 대해 논하다

그들은 역사에 대해 논했다.

[Noun]을/를 막론하고

나이를 막론하고 누구나 참여할 수 있다.

[Verb]-느냐를 논하다

가느냐 마느냐를 논하고 있다.

[Noun]을/를 논함에 있어서

경제 성장을 논함에 있어서 환경을 잊어서는 안 된다.

[Noun]을/를 논할 가치가 있다/없다

이 제안은 충분히 논할 가치가 있다.

[Noun]의 시비를 논하다

그 사건의 시비를 논하는 것은 무의미하다.

[Noun]의 죄를 논하다

그의 죄를 논하여 엄벌에 처했다.

Word Family

Nouns

논의 (discussion/deliberation)

논쟁 (dispute/argument)

논문 (thesis/paper)

논리 (logic)

결론 (conclusion)

토론 (debate)

Verbs

논의하다 (to discuss)

논쟁하다 (to argue/dispute)

논증하다 (to demonstrate/prove)

논박하다 (to refute)

Adjectives

논리적이다 (to be logical)

이론 (theory)

담론 (discourse)

서론 (introduction)

본론 (main body)

소론 (short essay)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written media, academic papers, and formal broadcasting; rare in daily spoken conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using '논하다' for ordering food. → 이야기하다 or 주문하다
Ordering food is a simple transaction, not a logical discourse. '논하다' is way too formal.
Saying '나랑 논하자' to mean 'Play with me'. → 나랑 놀자
This is a common confusion between '놀다' (to play) and '논하다' (to discuss). They sound similar but are totally different.
Using '-랑' or '-하고' as the only particle. → -을/를 논하다 or -에 대해 논하다
You discuss *something* (object), not *with* the topic. '주제랑 논하다' would mean you are talking *with* the topic as if it's a person.
Using '논하다' to describe a physical fight. → 싸우다 or 다투다
'논하다' is an argument of words and logic, not a physical altercation.
Overusing '에 대해' in formal writing. → Using the direct object '을/를'.
While not a 'mistake', '주제를 논하다' sounds more natural and professional in high-level Korean than '주제에 대해 논하다'.

Tips

Use in Essays

When writing a TOPIK essay, replace '말하다' with '논하다' when introducing your main argument. It instantly boosts your score for vocabulary register.

Particle Choice

While '에 대해 논하다' is common, the direct object '을/를 논하다' is more concise and preferred in high-level academic writing.

Evaluative Tone

Remember that '논하다' often carries a sense of judgment. You aren't just talking; you are deciding the worth or truth of something.

Historical Context

If you watch historical dramas, listen for '공을 논하다'. It's what kings do when rewarding their loyal subjects after a war.

The 'Lon' Connection

Remember that '논' (non) is often '론' (ron) in other words like '토론' (debate) or '이론' (theory). They all share the same root character.

Avoid Casual Overuse

Using '논하다' for trivial matters like 'what movie to watch' will make you sound like you're trying too hard or being sarcastic.

News Keywords

In news headlines, '논하다' is often shortened to just '논' in brackets or at the end of a noun phrase to save space.

Topic Sentences

Use '논하고자 한다' in your opening paragraph to clearly state the purpose of your writing to the reader.

Learn the Family

Knowing '논하다' makes it much easier to learn '논리' (logic) and '논문' (thesis). They are all part of the same intellectual family.

Shadowing

Listen to a Korean debate show like '100분 토론' and try to shadow the sentences where they use '논하다' to get the formal intonation right.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'NON-stop' discussion. When you '논하다', you are in a 'NON-stop' logical talk about a serious topic.

Visual Association

Imagine a professor in a 'NON-descript' office, pointing at a 'NON-fiction' book while discussing (논하다) a theory.

Word Web

논리 (Logic) 토론 (Debate) 결론 (Conclusion) 이론 (Theory) 논문 (Thesis) 논의 (Discussion) 논쟁 (Argument) 담론 (Discourse)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using '논하다' about a topic you are interested in (e.g., technology, sports, movies) but keep the tone very formal.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 論 (론/논) meaning 'to discuss' or 'theory' and the Korean suffix 하다 (to do).

Original meaning: To systematically present or evaluate an idea or theory.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

Avoid using '논하다' when talking about small personal mistakes of others, as it can sound overly judgmental or condescending.

In English, 'discuss' is used both casually and formally. In Korean, '논하다' is strictly formal. English speakers often over-use it in casual settings.

100분 토론 (100-Minute Debate) - A long-running Korean TV debate show. The phrase '인생을 논하다' (Discussing life) - A common trope in literature and deep conversations. Hanja studies - The character 論 is one of the most basic and important for understanding academic Korean.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Writing

본고에서는 ~를 논한다
심도 있게 논하다
비판적으로 논하다
이론적 배경을 논하다

Business Meetings

안건을 논하다
협력 방안을 논하다
예산 문제를 논하다
향후 계획을 논하다

News/Journalism

쟁점을 논하다
시비를 논하다
책임을 논하다
해결책을 논하다

Philosophy/Art

인생을 논하다
가치를 논하다
미학적 관점을 논하다
본질을 논하다

Legal/Justice

죄를 논하다
정당성을 논하다
법적 근거를 논하다
형량을 논하다

Conversation Starters

"우리가 이 문제의 본질을 논해 볼 필요가 있지 않을까요?"

"최근 뉴스에서 논하는 경제 위기에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"한국 문학의 미래를 논할 때 가장 중요한 것은 무엇일까요?"

"성공의 기준을 논함에 있어서 돈이 전부일까요?"

"환경 보호의 시급함을 논하기에는 이미 늦은 걸까요?"

Journal Prompts

당신이 생각하는 '진정한 행복의 가치'를 논해 보세요. (Discuss the value of true happiness as you think.)

현대 사회에서 인공지능이 가져올 변화와 그 윤리적 문제를 논하시오. (Discuss the changes AI will bring and its ethical issues.)

자신의 인생에서 가장 중요하게 생각하는 원칙을 논해 보세요. (Discuss the most important principle in your life.)

한국어 학습의 어려움과 보람에 대해 논해 보세요. (Discuss the difficulties and rewards of learning Korean.)

미래의 도시 모습은 어떠해야 하는지 논해 보시오. (Discuss what the cities of the future should look like.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Rarely. It's too formal for most daily situations. If you use it with friends, you might sound like a professor or someone being overly dramatic. Use '이야기하다' instead.

'논의하다' is more commonly used in business or government meetings for the process of discussion ('The committee is discussing...'). '논하다' is more for academic or critical discourse ('The author discusses...').

Only if you are being philosophical. '내 어제 일과를 논하다' sounds weird, but '나의 삶의 철학을 논하다' is acceptable in a formal essay or deep conversation.

It's an adverbial form meaning 'regardless of' or 'setting aside the discussion of'. It's used to show that something applies to everything in a group, like 'age and gender'.

Yes, it comes from the Hanja 論 (론/논), which means 'to discuss' or 'logic'. This is why it sounds more formal than pure Korean words.

In the polite form, it is '논해요'. In the formal polite form, it is '논합니다'. In the plain written style, it is '논한다'.

Yes, but only in the sense of 'arguing a point' or 'presenting an argument'. For 'fighting' or 'quarreling', use '싸우다' or '다투다'.

Yes, frequently. It's used when discussing doctrines, sins, or the nature of God, as these are serious and logical topics.

Yes, it can make you sound very professional if you use it to discuss your work philosophy or industry trends. '저는 디자인의 가치를 논할 때...' (When I discuss the value of design...).

There isn't a direct single verb opposite, but '침묵하다' (to be silent) or '무시하다' (to ignore) are often used in contexts where a discussion should have happened but didn't.