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정산하다

A2 verb 14 min read

정산하다

jeongsanhada

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 정산하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 정산하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 정산하다 as a word for 'paying together' or 'checking the money.' In Korea, people often share meals or trips. After the activity, they need to see how much money they spent. This word is used when you want to divide the bill. For example, if you and your friend bought snacks for 10,000 won, you '정산' to see that you both need to pay 5,000 won. It is a bit more difficult than the simple word 'pay' (돈을 내다), but it is very useful if you have Korean friends. You will see this word on machines in parking lots or at the end of a taxi ride. Just remember: it's about making the money 'correct' between people.

For A2 learners, 정산하다 is an important verb for daily life and social interactions. It means 'to settle accounts' or 'to calculate the final balance.' You use it most often after a group activity like a dinner or a trip. Instead of just paying a bill (계산하다), '정산하다' implies that you are looking at all the costs and dividing them fairly. You will often hear '정산합시다' (Let's settle up). You should also recognize this word in public places. For example, a '무인 정산기' is an automated machine where you pay for parking or other services. It's a 'settlement' because it calculates the time you stayed and the amount you owe. This word helps you participate in the Korean 'Dutch Pay' culture.

At the B1 level, you should understand the distinction between 정산하다 and other financial terms like '결제하다' (to process payment) or '계산하다' (to calculate/pay). '정산하다' specifically refers to the reconciliation of accounts. This is very common in workplace settings where you might have to '정산' your business trip expenses (출장비) by submitting receipts to the accounting team. It's also used in the context of monthly utility bills or credit card statements where multiple transactions are finalized into one balance. You can use it in sentences like '이번 달 생활비를 정산해 보니 생각보다 많이 썼네요' (Settling this month's living expenses, I realized I spent more than I thought). It implies a process of review and finalization.

At the B2 level, you can use 정산하다 in more complex professional and social contexts. You should be familiar with its noun form '정산' (settlement) and common compounds like '연말정산' (year-end tax settlement). This is a major event in Korea every January. You should also understand the cultural nuance of 'idol settlements' in the entertainment industry, where the word represents the point when an artist begins to receive profit after paying off trainee debts. At this level, you can use the word metaphorically to mean 'settling a score' or 'finalizing a situation,' though this is less common than the financial meaning. You should be able to discuss profit distribution (수익 정산) and expense reports using this verb fluently.

For C1 learners, 정산하다 is a precise tool for discussing finance, law, and corporate management. It involves the systematic reconciliation of accounts, ensuring that all debits and credits are balanced. You might encounter it in legal disputes regarding '정산금' (settlement money) or in complex business mergers where assets and liabilities must be '정산'ed. You should also be able to distinguish it from '청산하다' (to liquidate/clear), which has a more final and sometimes negative connotation. At this level, you can appreciate the Hanja roots (正 - correct, 算 - calculate) and how they inform the word's meaning of 'correcting the calculation.' Your usage should reflect an understanding of accounting principles and formal documentation.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 정산하다, including its most subtle applications. You understand its role in macro-economics, such as international trade settlements (국가 간 결제 및 정산), and its use in high-level auditing and forensic accounting. You can use the word in philosophical or literary contexts to describe the 'settling of one's life' or 'reconciling with one's past,' although '청산' is more common for the latter. You are aware of the political and social implications of '정산' in labor disputes and contract law. Your mastery allows you to navigate the most formal financial documents and the most casual social nuances of 'settling up' with ease, recognizing that '정산' is the fundamental act of bringing financial truth to a relationship or entity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

정산하다 in 30 Seconds

A verb meaning 'to settle accounts' or 'reconcile expenses,' essential for social splitting of bills and professional accounting tasks in Korea.
Commonly heard in phrases like '연말정산' (year-end tax settlement) or at '무인 정산기' (automated payment machines) in parking lots.
Differs from '계산하다' (general paying/calculating) by focusing on the final balancing and reconciliation of multiple costs over time.
Culturally significant in the K-pop industry regarding 'idol settlements' and among friends for 'Dutch pay' (각자내기) after social events.

The Korean verb 정산하다 (jeong-san-ha-da) is a multi-faceted term primarily translated as 'to settle accounts,' 'to calculate a balance,' or 'to clear expenses.' While it may sound purely financial, its usage permeates through various layers of Korean society, from the highly formal corporate world to the casual dynamics of a group of friends sharing a meal. At its linguistic root, the word is composed of two Hanja characters: 정 (正), which signifies 'correct,' 'right,' or 'straight,' and 산 (算), which means 'to count' or 'to calculate.' Together, they form the concept of making a calculation 'correct' or 'final.' This implies that a transaction or a series of expenditures has occurred, and now is the time to sit down, look at the receipts, and ensure everyone has paid their fair share or that the ledger reflects a zero balance.

Social Context: The 'Dutch Pay' Culture: In modern Korea, the culture of 'Dutch Pay' (각자내기) has become standard among younger generations. When a group of friends goes out for dinner, drinks, and then perhaps a cafe, one person often pays the total amount first to save time. Afterward, they will send a message to the group chat saying, 'Let’s settle the bill' (정산하자). This involves dividing the total cost by the number of participants and sending the specific amount to the person who initially paid.
Professional Context: Business Expenses: In a corporate setting, '정산하다' is used when employees need to reconcile their business trip expenses or monthly department budgets. If you used a corporate credit card, you must provide receipts and 'settle' the accounts with the accounting department to ensure the company's records are accurate. This is a formal process that requires precision and documentation.

어제 여행에서 쓴 비용을 오늘 정산합시다.
(Let’s settle the expenses we spent on the trip yesterday, today.)

Furthermore, the word is famously used in the Korean entertainment industry regarding 'Idol Settlements.' When K-pop idols debut, they often have a 'trainee debt' for their housing, training, and production costs. Once they start earning, the company will 'settle' (정산) the profits against the debts. If an idol says they haven't received their 'first settlement' (첫 정산), it means they haven't yet reached the break-even point where their income exceeds their training costs. This specific nuance makes the word a frequent topic in celebrity interviews and documentaries.

이번 달 카드 대금을 정산하고 나니 통장이 텅 비었어요.
(After settling this month's credit card balance, my bank account is empty.)

In everyday life, you will also encounter this word at automated machines. For instance, in a parking lot, you go to the '무인정산기' (unmanned settlement machine) to pay your parking fee before leaving. In this context, the machine 'calculates the balance' based on your entry time and current time. Similarly, at the end of the year, all Korean workers participate in '연말정산' (Year-end Tax Settlement), which is the process of reconciling the taxes paid throughout the year against actual tax liabilities to either get a refund or pay more.

Common Usage Scenarios: 1. Splitting travel costs with friends after returning home.
2. Reconciling a cash register at the end of a shift in a retail store.
3. Calculating the final profit distribution between business partners.
4. Paying off a remaining balance on a loan or service.

매장 마감 후에 시재를 정산하는 것이 제 업무입니다.
(It is my job to settle the cash on hand after the store closes.)

In summary, '정산하다' is about bringing financial clarity. It moves beyond the simple act of purchasing and enters the realm of accounting, balancing, and finalization. Whether you are dealing with a billion-won business deal or a ten-thousand-won dinner bill, the goal of '정산' is to reach a point where all debts are cleared and the financial relationship is 'correct' (正).

Using 정산하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement and the objects it typically takes. As a transitive verb, it almost always requires an object—the thing being settled. Common objects include 비용 (expenses), 금액 (amount), 잔액 (balance), 수익 (profit), and 세금 (taxes). Because it is a '하다' verb, it follows standard conjugation rules for both formal and informal speech.

Pattern 1: [Object] + 을/를 정산하다: This is the most basic structure. You identify the sum of money or the category of debt and then apply the verb. For example, '여행 경비를 정산하다' (To settle travel expenses). This is used when you are ready to calculate who owes what.

우리는 각자 사용한 금액을 정확하게 정산했다.
(We accurately settled the amounts each of us used.)

When using the verb in a sentence, the tense often reflects the state of the calculation. Using the past tense (정산했다) indicates that the balance is now zero and the matter is closed. Using the future or intentional form (정산할 거예요 or 정산합시다) indicates a plan or a suggestion to clear the accounts. In a professional email, you might see the noun form 정산 요청 (request for settlement), which is a common subject line for expense reports.

Pattern 2: [Time/Event] + 후에 정산하다: Since settlement usually happens after an activity, this pattern is extremely common. You specify when the settlement will take place. For example, '축제가 끝난 후에 수익을 정산할 것입니다' (We will settle the profits after the festival ends).

분기별로 실적을 정산하여 보고해 주세요.
(Please settle the performance results quarterly and report them.)

Another important aspect is the use of '정산' in passive or descriptive contexts. While '정산되다' (to be settled) is used when the process is completed by an external system or entity, '정산하다' is an active choice made by a person. For example, '금액이 자동으로 정산됩니다' (The amount is automatically settled) is what you might hear from a machine, whereas '제가 정산할게요' (I will settle it) is what a person says.

Pattern 3: [Person] + 에게 정산해 주다: This pattern is used when one person is performing the calculation for another. It implies a service or a favor in the context of accounting. '회사가 직원에게 밀린 월급을 정산해 주었다' (The company settled the overdue wages for the employee).

택시비를 카드로 정산하고 내렸어요.
(I settled the taxi fare with a card and got out.)

In complex sentences, you can use '-기 위해' (in order to) to explain the purpose of the settlement. '정확한 손익을 정산하기 위해 회계사를 고용했습니다' (We hired an accountant in order to settle the exact profit and loss). This shows the intentionality behind the action. In everyday speech, however, the most common form you will hear is simply the polite command or suggestion: '영수증 다 모았으니까 이제 정산할까요?' (Since we've gathered all the receipts, shall we settle now?).

밀린 공과금을 한꺼번에 정산하려니 부담이 크네요.
(It's a big burden to settle all the overdue utility bills at once.)

To master this word, practice using it with different particles and endings. Remember that it is a 'doing' word that brings an end to a financial transaction. Whether it's a small coffee or a large business investment, '정산하다' is the bridge between spending and being 'even.'

If you live in Korea or consume Korean media, you will encounter 정산하다 in four primary environments: the workplace, social gatherings, public services, and entertainment news. Each of these contexts gives the word a slightly different flavor, though the core meaning of 'reconciling accounts' remains constant.

1. The Office (회사): In a Korean office, '정산' is a monthly ritual. You will hear phrases like '법인카드 정산' (corporate card settlement) or '지출 결의서 정산' (expense resolution settlement). Accountants will often send emails reminding staff to '정산 기한을 지켜주세요' (Please keep the settlement deadline). Here, it sounds professional, slightly bureaucratic, and mandatory.
2. The Group Chat (카톡방): After a night out, the KakaoTalk group chat will inevitably buzz with the word '정산.' Someone will post a screenshot of a receipt and say, '총 12만원 나왔어. 인당 3만원씩 정산 부탁해!' (The total came to 120,000 won. Please settle 30,000 won per person!). In this context, the word is friendly and cooperative, signaling the end of a fun event and the responsible handling of money.

이번 출장비 정산 언제까지 해야 돼요?
(By when do I have to settle the expenses for this business trip?)

Public services and infrastructure are another major source. When driving, you will see '요금 정산소' (toll settlement booth) on highways. When parking in a mall, the '사전 정산기' (pre-settlement machine) allows you to pay before you get in your car to avoid traffic at the exit. The voice prompts on these machines often say, '요금이 정산되었습니다. 안녕히 가십시오' (The fee has been settled. Please go safely). Here, the word is functional and automated.

주차 요금은 저기 무인 정산기에서 하시면 됩니다.
(You can settle the parking fee at that unmanned settlement machine over there.)

Perhaps the most 'dramatic' place you'll hear this word is in the news regarding the music industry. K-pop fans are very sensitive to whether their favorite artists are being '정산' (settled) fairly. You might see headlines like '데뷔 3년 만의 첫 정산' (First settlement after 3 years of debut). In this context, '정산' isn't just a calculation; it's a milestone of success, meaning the artist has finally paid off their debts and is starting to make a profit. It carries emotional weight, representing the transition from a 'trainee' to a 'successful professional.'

3. Transportation (교통): In taxis, after reaching the destination, the driver might say '카드로 정산하실 건가요?' (Will you be settling by card?). While '결제' (payment) is also used, '정산' implies the final closing of the meter's calculation.
4. Retail and Cafes (매장): At the end of a business day, store owners '정산' the day's sales. If you walk into a shop right at closing time, they might tell you, '지금 시재 정산 중이라 현금 결제가 어렵습니다' (We are currently settling the cash on hand, so cash payment is difficult).

가수들이 정산 문제로 소속사와 갈등을 겪고 있다.
(Singers are experiencing conflicts with their agency over settlement issues.)

In all these places, '정산하다' acts as a signal that a financial cycle is coming to an end. It is a word of resolution. Whether it's the end of a trip, the end of a shift, the end of a year, or the end of a contract, '정산' ensures that the math is done and the parties are ready to move forward with a clean slate.

While 정산하다 is a common word, learners often confuse it with other 'payment' or 'calculation' verbs. Because Korean has several words for dealing with money, choosing the wrong one can make your sentence sound unnatural or technically incorrect. The most common pitfall is using '정산하다' when you simply mean 'to pay.'

Mistake 1: Using '정산하다' instead of '결제하다': If you are at a convenience store buying a snack, you '결제하다' (pay/process payment). You do not '정산하다' the snack. '정산' implies a prior complexity or a balance that needs reconciling. If you say '과자를 정산할게요,' it sounds like you are doing the store's accounting for that one bag of chips.

❌ 편의점에서 커피를 정산했어요.
✅ 편의점에서 커피를 결제했어요.
(I paid for coffee at the convenience store.)

Another frequent error is confusing it with '계산하다.' While '계산하다' can mean 'to pay the bill' at a restaurant, it also means 'to calculate' (like 1+1=2). '정산하다' is a subset of calculation that specifically refers to balancing accounts. You can '계산' a math problem, but you cannot '정산' a math problem. '정산' is strictly for financial or resource-based reconciliation.

Mistake 2: Confusing '정산' with '계산' in Math: If you are helping a friend with their homework, use '계산하다.' If you are helping a friend figure out how much they owe you for the pizza, you can use either, but '정산하다' highlights the aspect of 'settling up.'

❌ 수학 문제를 정산해 보세요.
✅ 수학 문제를 계산해 보세요.
(Try to calculate the math problem.)

A more subtle mistake involves the particles. Some learners use the particle '에게' (to) with the object of settlement, but '정산하다' usually takes '을/를' for the money/account and '와/과' (with) for the person you are settling with. For example, '친구와 비용을 정산하다' (Settle expenses with a friend). Using '친구를 정산하다' would jokingly imply you are 'settling' the friend themselves, perhaps like an accountant would settle an asset!

Mistake 3: Misusing the Passive Voice: Learners sometimes say '정산해요' when they mean 'it has been settled.' In Korean, if the process is finished and you are describing the state, '정산이 끝났어요' or '정산되었습니다' is better. '정산해요' sounds like you are currently doing it or about to do it.

❌ 모든 비용이 정산해요.
✅ 모든 비용이 정산되었어요.
(All expenses have been settled.)

Lastly, avoid using '정산하다' for non-monetary things unless you are using it metaphorically. While you can '정산' a grudge (meaning to settle a score), it's very literary. In 99% of cases, stick to money, time, or resources. Don't '정산' your feelings or '정산' your dinner unless you're talking about the bill!

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the difference between 'paying' (결제), 'calculating' (계산), and 'settling' (정산)—you will sound much more like a native speaker and avoid confusing your Korean friends or colleagues.

To truly understand 정산하다, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Korean has a rich vocabulary for financial transactions, and each word carries a specific nuance regarding the stage of the transaction and the parties involved.

계산하다 (Gye-san-ha-da)

Comparison: This is the most general term. It covers everything from '1+1=2' to 'paying the bill at a restaurant.' While '정산' is about balancing and finalizing a series of costs, '계산' is simply the act of figuring out the number or paying the immediate price.

Example: '식당에서 계산을 했어요.' (I paid at the restaurant.) vs '친구들과 여행비를 정산했어요.' (I settled the travel expenses with friends.)

결제하다 (Gyeol-je-ha-da)

Comparison: This specifically refers to the technical process of payment, usually involving a credit card, bank transfer, or mobile pay. It is the 'transaction' itself. '정산' is the calculation behind the transaction, while '결제' is the swipe of the card.

Example: '카드로 결제해 주세요.' (Please process the payment by card.)

지출을 정산한 후에 남은 금액을 환불받았어요.
(After settling the expenditures, I received a refund for the remaining amount.)

Another interesting alternative is 청산하다 (Cheong-san-ha-da). While it sounds similar to '정산하다,' it is much more heavy and final. '청산' is often used for liquidating a company, clearing up a dark past, or ending a long-term relationship/debt completely. If '정산' is balancing the books, '청산' is closing the books forever.

청산하다 (Cheong-san-ha-da)

Comparison: Used for 'liquidating' or 'wiping the slate clean.' It has a stronger sense of 'getting rid of' something negative or final.

Example: '빚을 모두 청산했다.' (I cleared all my debts completely.)

산정하다 (San-jeong-ha-da)

Comparison: This is a more formal and academic word for 'estimating' or 'calculating' a value or amount. It is used in insurance, real estate, and government policy.

Example: '피해 금액을 산정하고 있습니다.' (We are estimating the amount of damage.)

과거를 청산하고 새롭게 시작하고 싶어요.
(I want to clear my past and start anew.)

For casual situations, especially when splitting a bill, young Koreans often use the English loanword '더치페이' (Dutch Pay). While '정산하자' is the verb for the action, '더치페이 하자' is the suggestion for the method. You might hear, '우리 더치페이 할 거니까 나중에 정산해 줘' (We're going to do Dutch Pay, so settle with me later).

Lastly, in very informal settings, you might hear '뿜빠이' (Ppumpai), which is a slang term derived from Japanese (bunpai - distribution). It is very casual and mostly used among close male friends or in older generations. However, '정산하다' remains the most standard and versatile word for all levels of formality.

Understanding these synonyms allows you to choose the exact level of precision and formality required. If you're at a bank, use '정산' or '결제.' If you're with friends, '정산' or '더치페이' is great. If you're doing math, stick with '계산.'

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the past, '정산' was used more in specialized accounting, but the rise of digital banking and 'Dutch pay' culture in Korea has made it a common daily word.

Pronunciation Guide

UK t͡ɕʌ̹ŋ.sʰa̠n.ɦa̠.da̠

US t͡ɕʌ̹ŋ.sʰa̠n.ɦa̠.da̠

The stress is slightly on the first syllable '정', but Korean is generally a syllable-timed language.

Rhymes With

계산하다 (Gye-san-ha-da) 예산하다 (Ye-san-ha-da) 확산하다 (Hwak-san-ha-da) 해산하다 (Hae-san-ha-da) 합산하다 (Hap-san-ha-da) 연산하다 (Yeon-san-ha-da) 결산하다 (Gyeol-san-ha-da) 청산하다 (Cheong-san-ha-da)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '정' like '종' (jong). Keep the 'eo' sound open.
Missing the 'h' in '하다'. It should be audible but light.
Over-stressing the '산' syllable.
Confusing the pronunciation with '청산' (cheong-san). '정' is unaspirated, '청' is aspirated.
Pronouncing it as '정사나다' due to batchim rules, though '정산하다' is correct.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in contexts like parking lots or receipts.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding of Hanja-based '하다' verb conjugation.

Speaking 3/5

Important for social 'Dutch pay' situations in Korea.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in daily life and news.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

돈 (Money) 계산 (Calculation) 내다 (To pay) 비용 (Expense) 나누다 (To divide)

Learn Next

환불 (Refund) 입금 (Deposit) 출금 (Withdrawal) 영수증 (Receipt) 계좌 (Account)

Advanced

청산 (Liquidation) 결산 (Fiscal closing) 산정 (Estimation) 대조 (Cross-check) 회계감사 (Audit)

Grammar to Know

-기 위해 (In order to)

정산하기 위해 영수증을 모았어요.

-어/아서 (Reason/Sequence)

비용을 정산해서 친구에게 보냈어요.

-ㄹ 거예요 (Future)

내일 다 같이 정산할 거예요.

-ㄴ 후에 (After doing)

식사를 마친 후에 정산합시다.

-어야 하다 (Must/Have to)

오늘까지 출장비를 정산해야 해요.

Examples by Level

우리 이제 돈을 정산해요.

Let's settle the money now.

Simple present tense with '-해요'.

커피 값을 정산합시다.

Let's settle the coffee price.

Formal suggestion using '-합시다'.

어제 쓴 돈을 정산했어요.

I settled the money spent yesterday.

Past tense '-했어요'.

정산이 끝났어요.

The settlement is finished.

Noun form '정산' used as a subject.

여기에서 정산하세요.

Please settle here.

Polite command '-하세요'.

영수증을 보고 정산해요.

Look at the receipt and settle.

Connecting two actions with '-고'.

친구와 정산하고 싶어요.

I want to settle with my friend.

Expressing desire with '-고 싶어요'.

정산은 중요해요.

Settling is important.

Topic marker '-은' with the noun '정산'.

여행 경비를 내일 정산할 거예요.

I will settle the travel expenses tomorrow.

Future tense '-ㄹ 거예요'.

주차비를 무인 정산기에서 정산하세요.

Settle the parking fee at the unmanned settlement machine.

Location particle '-에서'.

우리는 식사 후에 비용을 정산했다.

We settled the expenses after the meal.

Past tense in plain style '-했다'.

누가 먼저 정산할까요?

Who shall settle first?

Asking for a suggestion with '-ㄹ까요?'

정산할 금액을 알려 주세요.

Please let me know the amount to settle.

Future noun modifier '-ㄹ' with '금액'.

어제 모임 비용을 정산해야 해요.

I have to settle the costs from yesterday's gathering.

Necessity '-해야 해요'.

정산하기 편리한 앱을 사용해요.

I use an app that is convenient for settling.

Verb nominalization '-하기' to describe an adjective.

택시비를 카드로 정산했습니다.

I settled the taxi fare with a card.

Formal past tense '-했습니다'.

이번 달 카드 대금을 정산하고 나니 잔액이 없어요.

After settling this month's credit card bill, there's no balance left.

'-고 나니' expressing a discovery after an action.

출장비를 정산하려면 영수증이 필요합니다.

To settle business trip expenses, you need receipts.

'-하려면' expressing 'if you want to'.

회사는 매달 말에 수익을 정산합니다.

The company settles profits at the end of every month.

Formal present tense '-합니다'.

정산 과정에서 실수가 있었던 것 같아요.

I think there was a mistake in the settlement process.

'-ㄴ 것 같다' expressing an opinion or guess.

미납된 요금을 한꺼번에 정산했습니다.

I settled the unpaid fees all at once.

Adverb '한꺼번에' (all at once).

정산이 늦어져서 죄송합니다.

I'm sorry the settlement was delayed.

'-어/아서' expressing a reason.

각자 사용한 내역을 정산해 봅시다.

Let's try settling the details of what each person used.

'-어 봅시다' expressing 'let's try doing'.

정산된 금액이 통장으로 입금되었습니다.

The settled amount has been deposited into the bank account.

Passive form '정산된' as a modifier.

연말정산을 통해 세금을 환급받았습니다.

I received a tax refund through the year-end settlement.

Compound noun '연말정산'.

아이돌 가수가 첫 정산을 받고 부모님께 선물을 드렸다.

The idol singer received their first settlement and gave a gift to their parents.

Sequential action using '-고'.

수익 배분 문제를 해결하기 위해 정산 방식을 바꿨다.

In order to solve the profit distribution problem, we changed the settlement method.

'-기 위해' (in order to).

정산 내역을 꼼꼼히 확인하는 습관이 중요해요.

The habit of checking settlement details meticulously is important.

Adverb '꼼꼼히' (meticulously).

동업자와의 정산이 깔끔하게 마무리되었습니다.

The settlement with the business partner was finished cleanly.

Adverb '깔끔하게' (cleanly).

미처 정산하지 못한 비용이 남아 있습니다.

There are still expenses left that haven't been settled yet.

Adverb '미처' (not yet/not reached).

판매 대금 정산 주기를 단축하기로 했습니다.

We decided to shorten the sales payment settlement cycle.

'-기로 하다' (decided to).

정산 결과에 대해 이의를 제기할 수 있습니다.

You can raise an objection regarding the settlement results.

'-ㄹ 수 있다' (can do).

법적인 분쟁을 피하려면 정산 근거가 명확해야 합니다.

To avoid legal disputes, the basis for settlement must be clear.

Noun '근거' (basis/evidence).

회사는 파산 절차에 따라 자산을 정산하고 있습니다.

The company is settling its assets according to bankruptcy procedures.

'-에 따라' (according to).

복잡한 지분 구조 때문에 정산 작업이 난항을 겪고 있다.

Due to the complex shareholding structure, the settlement work is facing difficulties.

Idiomatic expression '난항을 겪다'.

투명한 정산을 위해 외부 회계 법인의 감사를 받기로 했다.

For transparent settlement, we decided to be audited by an external accounting firm.

Adjective '투명한' (transparent).

계약 만료 시점에 모든 채무를 정산하기로 합의했다.

We agreed to settle all debts at the time of contract expiration.

Noun '만료' (expiration).

정산 방식의 차이로 인해 양측의 입장이 팽팽하게 맞서고 있다.

Due to differences in settlement methods, the positions of both sides are clashing tensely.

Adverb '팽팽하게' (tensely/tightly).

부당한 정산 관행을 바로잡기 위한 대책이 시급합니다.

Measures to correct unfair settlement practices are urgent.

Adjective '부당한' (unfair/unjust).

수익금 정산 누락으로 인한 피해가 막심합니다.

The damage caused by the omission of profit settlement is enormous.

Noun '누락' (omission).

역사적 과오를 정산하는 과정은 고통스럽지만 반드시 필요하다.

The process of settling historical mistakes is painful but absolutely necessary.

Metaphorical use of '정산'.

국가 간의 복잡한 채무 정산은 외교적 역량이 요구되는 일이다.

Settling complex debts between nations is a task that requires diplomatic capability.

Noun '역량' (capability/competence).

인생의 황혼기에 접어들어 지난 삶을 정산해 보게 된다.

Entering the twilight years of life, one comes to settle (reflect on) their past life.

Poetic/Reflective use of '정산'.

정산 시스템의 알고리즘 오류가 금융 시장에 큰 파장을 일으켰다.

An algorithm error in the settlement system caused a huge stir in the financial market.

Noun '파장' (impact/wave).

이번 합의는 양국 경제 협력의 정산과 새로운 도약을 의미한다.

This agreement signifies the settlement of economic cooperation and a new leap forward for both countries.

Noun '도약' (leap).

정산의 투명성이 담보되지 않는 한 신뢰 구축은 불가능하다.

Unless the transparency of settlement is guaranteed, building trust is impossible.

Grammar '-는 한' (as long as / unless).

플랫폼 노동자들의 정산 체계에 대한 사회적 논의가 활발하다.

Social discussion about the settlement system for platform workers is active.

Compound noun '플랫폼 노동자'.

회계 부정으로 인한 정산 불능 상태가 기업의 도산으로 이어졌다.

The state of settlement inability due to accounting fraud led to the company's bankruptcy.

Noun '도산' (bankruptcy).

Common Collocations

비용을 정산하다

수익을 정산하다

잔액을 정산하다

세금을 정산하다

미납금을 정산하다

자동으로 정산하다

현금을 정산하다

경비를 정산하다

정확하게 정산하다

미리 정산하다

Common Phrases

연말정산

— Year-end tax settlement. The process of adjusting income tax at the end of the year.

올해 연말정산은 환급금이 많을 것 같아요.

무인 정산기

— Unmanned settlement machine. An automated kiosk for paying fees like parking.

무인 정산기에서 주차권을 정산하세요.

정산일

— Settlement date. The specific day when accounts are balanced or payments made.

우리 회사의 정산일은 매달 25일입니다.

사전 정산

— Pre-settlement. Paying a fee before the actual departure or end of service.

출구 혼잡을 피하기 위해 사전 정산을 이용해 주세요.

정산 내역

— Settlement details. The breakdown of how the final amount was calculated.

이메일로 보낸 정산 내역을 확인해 보세요.

정산 요청

— Request for settlement. Asking someone to process a payment or balance accounts.

회계팀에 경비 정산 요청을 보냈습니다.

수익 정산

— Profit settlement. Distributing earned money among partners or employees.

가수들이 데뷔 후 첫 수익 정산을 받았다.

정산 완료

— Settlement complete. The state where all payments have been finalized.

모든 지출에 대한 정산 완료되었습니다.

정산 방식

— Settlement method. The rules or procedures used to calculate the balance.

정산 방식이 복잡해서 이해하기 어려워요.

정산 금액

— Settlement amount. The final figure calculated after reconciliation.

정산 금액이 예상보다 적게 나왔네요.

Often Confused With

정산하다 vs 계산하다

General paying or math. '정산' is specific to balancing/reconciling.

정산하다 vs 결제하다

The actual transaction (swiping card). '정산' is the math behind it.

정산하다 vs 청산하다

Liquidating or clearing completely. Much more final and heavy than '정산'.

Idioms & Expressions

"과거를 정산하다"

— To settle one's past. Finishing or making up for past mistakes or relationships.

그는 과거를 정산하고 새로운 삶을 살기로 결심했다.

Literary

"빚을 정산하다"

— To settle a debt. Often used metaphorically for returning a favor or a grudge.

너에게 진 마음의 빚을 이제야 정산하는구나.

Poetic

"인생을 정산하다"

— To settle one's life. Reflecting on one's achievements and failures at the end of a long period.

죽기 전에 내 인생을 정산해 보고 싶다.

Deep/Philosophical

"원수를 정산하다"

— To settle with an enemy. Getting revenge or resolving a long-standing conflict.

그는 드디어 원수와의 관계를 정산했다.

Dramatic

"깔끔하게 정산하다"

— To settle cleanly. Ensuring no lingering issues or small debts remain.

돈 관계는 깔끔하게 정산하는 게 좋다.

Common

"정산의 시간"

— Time for settlement. A moment when consequences for past actions are faced.

이제 우리의 잘못에 대한 정산의 시간이 왔다.

Dramatic

"마음을 정산하다"

— To settle one's heart. Finalizing feelings for someone or a situation.

그녀에 대한 내 마음을 이제는 정산해야 할 것 같다.

Emotional

"손익을 정산하다"

— To settle profit and loss. Can be used for life choices, not just money.

이 선택의 손익을 정산해 보면 답이 나온다.

Logical/Metaphorical

"일괄 정산"

— Batch settlement. Settling many things at once.

밀린 업무들을 오늘 일괄 정산합시다.

Professional/Metaphorical

"정산의 끝"

— The end of settlement. Reaching a final agreement where no more claims exist.

이것으로 우리의 모든 정산은 끝이다.

Formal/Final

Easily Confused

정산하다 vs 결산

Both involve settling accounts.

결산 is specifically for closing books at the end of a fiscal period (quarterly/yearly), whereas 정산 can happen anytime.

분기 결산을 마쳤다. vs 어제 술값을 정산했다.

정산하다 vs 계산

Both involve numbers and money.

계산 is broader (math/paying a bill). 정산 is reconciling multiple items or a balance.

1+1을 계산해 봐. vs 여행비를 정산해 봐.

정산하다 vs 산정

Both involve calculation.

산정 is formal estimation of a value. 정산 is finalizing a balance.

보상금을 산정하다. vs 비용을 정산하다.

정산하다 vs 상환

Both involve paying back.

상환 is specifically 'repaying' a loan. 정산 is 'settling' or 'balancing' accounts.

대출금을 상환하다. vs 지출을 정산하다.

정산하다 vs 납부

Both involve giving money.

납부 is 'paying' a fee/tax to an institution. 정산 is the 'calculation' of that tax balance.

세금을 납부하다. vs 연말정산을 하다.

Sentence Patterns

[Money] 정산해요.

돈 정산해요.

[Event] 후에 [Cost] 정산합시다.

여행 후에 비용 정산합시다.

[Cost]을/를 정산하려고 해요.

카드 대금을 정산하려고 해요.

[Person]과 [Cost]을/를 정산했다.

친구와 여행 경비를 정산했다.

[Noun]에 따라 [Asset]을/를 정산하다.

계약에 따라 자산을 정산하다.

[Metaphor]을/를 정산하는 과정.

과거의 잘못을 정산하는 과정.

Mixed

정산이 완료되었습니다.

주차 요금 정산이 완료되었습니다.

Mixed

정산 내역을 확인해 보세요.

이메일로 보낸 정산 내역을 확인해 보세요.

Word Family

Nouns

정산 (Settlement/Reconciliation)

정산서 (Settlement statement)

정산금 (Settlement money)

정산기 (Settlement machine)

Verbs

정산하다 (To settle accounts)

정산되다 (To be settled)

정산시키다 (To make someone settle)

Adjectives

정산적인 (Settlement-related - rare, usually noun used as modifier)

계산 (Calculation)

결제 (Payment)

회계 (Accounting)

영수증 (Receipt)

장부 (Ledger)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily social life (splitting bills) and professional accounting.

Common Mistakes

Using '정산하다' for a single simple payment at a shop. → 결제하다 or 계산하다
You don't 'settle' a single pack of gum; you just pay for it. '정산' implies a previous balance or a shared cost.
Saying '수학을 정산하다'. → 수학을 계산하다
'정산' is for money/accounts, not academic math problems.
Using '정산해' as a passive meaning 'It is settled'. → 정산됐어 or 정산 완료됐어
'정산해' is an active command or statement. To describe the state, use the passive '되다'.
Confusing '정산' with '청산'. → 비용을 정산하다
'청산' is for liquidating a company or clearing a dark past. It's too heavy for a dinner bill.
Forgetting the object particle. → 비용을 정산하다
Learners often say '비용 정산하다', which is okay in speech, but '비용을' is grammatically correct.

Tips

Use it for 'Dutch Pay'

Whenever you split a bill with friends, '정산하다' is the perfect word to use for the calculation part.

Object Particle

Always use '을/를' with the amount or expense you are settling. '비용을 정산하다' is a set phrase.

Don't confuse with 'Pay'

Remember: 결제 (technical payment), 계산 (general paying/math), 정산 (reconciling/settling).

Year-end Ritual

Learn '연말정산' to understand a huge part of Korean adult life every January.

Machine Voices

Listen for '정산' at parking lots; it's the most common place to hear the word in public.

Expense Reports

In a Korean office, '정산' is the keyword for getting your business expenses reimbursed.

Group Chats

After a trip, sending a '정산 내역' (settlement breakdown) to the group chat is considered polite and responsible.

Jung = Just

Associate 'Jung' with 'Just' or 'Correct' to remember that you are making the sum correct.

Settle with 'With'

Use the particle '와/과' when mentioning the person you are settling with. '친구와 정산하다'.

Idol Talk

When idols talk about '정산', they are talking about their salary and debt reconciliation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jung' (정) as 'Just' and 'San' (산) as 'Sum.' To 'Jung-san' is to get the 'Just Sum' or the correct final total.

Visual Association

Imagine a group of people around a table, one person holding a calculator and others holding their phones, all 'correcting' the money between them.

Word Web

Money Receipt Calculator Dutch Pay Accounting Settlement Finalize Balance

Challenge

Try to use '정산하다' the next time you pay for something with a friend. Even if you speak English, say 'Let's 정산 later!' to build the habit.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters '正' (정) and '算' (산).

Original meaning: 正 (Right/Correct) + 算 (To calculate). Literally 'to calculate correctly.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja-eo).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it with much older superiors; they might prefer to pay for you. Asking to '정산' immediately might seem like you don't want to be in their debt, which can be seen as slightly cold.

In English-speaking cultures, we often say 'settle up' or 'split the bill.' '정산하다' covers both but sounds slightly more formal/technical.

K-pop idol contract disputes (often titled '정산 문제') Korean dramas featuring office workers doing '연말정산' News reports on '주차 요금 정산' (parking fee settlement) systems

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

After a group dinner

우리 정산할까요?
영수증 찍어서 보내줄게.
인당 얼마씩이야?
정산 완료했어.

At a parking lot

사전 정산기가 어디에 있어요?
주차비 정산해 주세요.
할인권으로 정산 가능한가요?
정산이 완료되었습니다.

At the office

출장비 정산 부탁드립니다.
정산 서류를 제출하세요.
이번 달 법인카드 정산 끝났나요?
정산 기한은 내일까지입니다.

Tax season (January)

연말정산 서류 준비했어?
이번에 정산 많이 받았어?
홈택스에서 정산하면 돼.
연말정산 기간입니다.

Entertainment/K-pop

첫 정산금이 얼마예요?
정산 문제로 소송 중이래.
수익 정산 비율이 어떻게 돼?
아직 정산을 못 받았어요.

Conversation Starters

"어제 여행 다녀온 거, 이제 비용 정산할까요?"

"연말정산 환급금 얼마나 받으셨어요?"

"혹시 주차비 정산 미리 하셨나요?"

"이번 달 모임 회비 정산은 누가 하나요?"

"아이돌 가수들은 데뷔하고 언제 첫 정산을 받을까요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루 동안 쓴 비용을 정산해 보고, 가장 많이 쓴 항목이 무엇인지 적어 보세요.

친구와 돈 문제로 정산하다가 생겼던 재미있는 에피소드가 있나요?

만약 당신이 K-pop 스타라면, 첫 정산을 받고 가장 먼저 무엇을 하고 싶나요?

연말정산을 준비하면서 느낀 점이나 한국의 세금 시스템에 대해 써 보세요.

돈을 정확하게 정산하는 것이 인간관계에 어떤 영향을 미친다고 생각하나요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While it is 99% used for money (expenses, profits, taxes), it can metaphorically apply to time or 'settling scores' in literature. However, for beginners, always think of it in a financial context like splitting a bill or reconciling accounts.

'정산' is the standard verb meaning 'to settle.' 'n-bbang' (n빵) is a slang term for splitting a bill by 'n' number of people. You '정산' the bill by doing 'n-bbang.' For example, '우리 n빵으로 정산하자' (Let's settle by splitting it equally).

It's better to use '계산하다' (to pay) or '결제하다' (to process payment) when talking to the staff. '정산하다' sounds more like you are doing the restaurant's internal accounting. Use '정산하다' when talking to your friends about how to divide the bill you just paid.

Every January, almost every worker in Korea must submit their spending records to the government to see if they paid too much or too little tax. It's a huge national event because many people get a '13th-month salary' (a tax refund) through this 'settlement.'

Yes, especially with automated systems. You'll hear '정산되었습니다' (It has been settled) from parking machines or when a bank transfer for a settlement is completed automatically.

You can say '우리 어제 밥값 정산할까?' (Shall we settle yesterday's meal cost?) or '정산해서 카톡으로 보내줄게' (I'll settle it and send it to you via KakaoTalk).

'사전' means 'in advance.' So '사전 정산' is settling a fee (usually parking) before you actually leave the facility, allowing for a faster exit.

It means the idol's income has not yet exceeded their trainee debt (housing, lessons, etc.), so they haven't received a profit payout yet. It's a common topic in K-pop regarding fair contracts.

No. For math problems, use '계산하다' (to calculate) or '풀다' (to solve). '정산' is strictly for reconciling accounts or resources.

It's neutral. It can be used in a highly formal business contract or a very casual group chat with friends. The formality depends on the verb ending (e.g., -합시다 vs -하자).