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단축하다

B1 verb #4,500 most common 9 min read

단축하다

Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 단축하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 단축하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '단축하다' often, but you should recognize it as a word for 'making things shorter,' especially time. Think of it like a 'fast-forward' button. You might see it on signs or apps. For example, '시간 단축' means 'saving time.' At this stage, it is easier to use the word '줄이다' (to reduce) or just say '빨리' (fast). But if you see '단축' on a bus schedule, it means the bus will take a shorter time to arrive. Just remember: 단축 = short time or short way. It is a 'level up' word from the basic '빨리' (fast). Imagine a clock moving faster—that is the feeling of '단축하다'. You won't use it in daily lunch talk, but you will see it in the city. Focus on the '단' part, which means 'short' like in '단어' (short word/vocabulary). If you can remember that '단' means short, you will understand this word when you see it on your phone or in a news headline. It is a very useful word to know when you are traveling in Korea because everyone wants to '단축' their travel time!

At the A2 level, you can start using '단축하다' in simple sentences about your daily life, especially when talking about travel or study. Instead of always saying '시간을 줄여요' (I reduce time), you can say '시간을 단축해요' to sound a bit more advanced. This word is very common when talking about transportation. For example, if you take a taxi instead of a bus, you can say '택시를 타서 시간을 단축했어요' (I shortened the time by taking a taxi). You should also learn the noun form '단축' (reduction/shortening). You might hear '단축 수업' (shortened class) which is every student's favorite phrase! It means school ends early. At this level, try to use it with '시간' (time) or '거리' (distance). It shows you are moving beyond basic native Korean verbs and starting to use Sino-Korean words (Hanja), which makes your Korean sound more organized and clear. Remember, '단' means short and '축' means to shrink. So you are shrinking the time or the distance to make it short. It's a great word to use when you want to explain why you chose a certain path or method to do something more efficiently.

As a B1 learner, '단축하다' should become a regular part of your vocabulary, especially in professional or academic contexts. You should be able to distinguish it from '줄이다' (to reduce) and '축소하다' (to scale down). '단축하다' is specifically for time, distance, or a process. You will often use it with words like '기간' (period), '공정' (process), and '기록' (record). For example, in a work setting, you might say '우리는 업무 프로세스를 개선해서 시간을 단축해야 합니다' (We need to shorten the time by improving the work process). This level also requires you to handle the passive form '단축되다' (to be shortened) correctly. If a new bridge is built, the distance '단축됩니다' (is shortened). You should also be familiar with common collocations like '근로 시간 단축' (reduction of working hours), which is a major social issue in Korea. Using this word correctly shows that you understand the nuance of 'efficiency.' It's not just about doing something fast; it's about making the required time or distance smaller. This word is very frequent in news reports and business meetings, so mastering it will significantly help your listening and reading comprehension in those areas.

At the B2 level, you should use '단축하다' with precision and understand its role in formal writing and news media. You should be comfortable using it in complex sentences with various grammatical endings. For instance, you might discuss the socio-economic impacts of '근로 시간 단축' (shortening working hours) on productivity. You should also be able to use it in the context of sports and technology. When a computer processor gets faster, it '단축's the data processing time. When an athlete breaks a record, they '단축' the time. You should also know related words like '감축하다' (to reduce quantity/budget) and be able to explain why '단축하다' is not suitable for those contexts. For example, you '감축' the budget (예산을 감축하다) but '단축' the construction period (공사 기간을 단축하다). At this level, your usage should reflect an understanding that '단축' implies a positive or efficient reduction in a linear dimension (time/space). You might also encounter it in idioms or more specialized fields like '수명 단축' (shortening of lifespan), often used in health warnings. Your ability to use '단축하다' in these diverse contexts will demonstrate a high level of linguistic flexibility and cultural awareness.

For C1 learners, '단축하다' is a tool for nuanced expression in high-level discourse. You should be able to use it to discuss abstract concepts like '심리적 거리 단축' (shortening psychological distance) or the '역사적 기간의 단축' (the shortening of historical periods). You should also be aware of its usage in technical and legal documents. For example, in contract law, the '소멸시효 단축' (shortening of the statute of limitations) is a specific legal term. You should be able to analyze and discuss the nuances between '단축' and other similar terms like '경감' (mitigation), '완화' (easing), and '삭감' (cutting/slashing). A C1 speaker knows that while '단축' is generally positive (efficiency), it can be negative in contexts like '수명 단축' (shortening life) or '브레이크 제동 거리 단축' (shortening braking distance - which is actually a safety feature). You should also be able to use the word in sophisticated rhetorical structures, perhaps in an essay about how technology '단축's our perception of time and space. Your mastery should include perfect control over the active/passive distinction and the ability to pair it with advanced adverbs like '획기적으로' (innovatively), '비약적으로' (leaping/rapidly), or '불가피하게' (inevitably).

At the C2 level, '단축하다' is handled with the finesse of a native speaker who understands its deepest etymological roots and its most subtle stylistic implications. You can use it in literary analysis, high-level policy discussions, or scientific research papers. You might explore how the '공정 단축' (process shortening) in the Fourth Industrial Revolution affects labor structures. You should be able to use it in creative ways, perhaps metaphorically in poetry or prose to describe the '단축된 계절' (a shortened season) of one's youth. A C2 learner can also distinguish the subtle stylistic difference between using '단축하다' and more obscure synonyms or related Hanja compounds like '절축(節縮)' (economizing/shortening) in classical or highly formal texts. You should also be able to discuss the historical evolution of the word and its frequency in different eras of Korean literature or journalism. Your usage will be flawless, reflecting not just grammatical accuracy but a deep resonance with the word's connotation of progress, efficiency, and the modern human obsession with time. You can effortlessly switch between '단축하다' and its synonyms to avoid repetition in long-form writing while maintaining the exact intended nuance and register.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

단축하다 in 30 Seconds

단축하다 means 'to shorten' specifically for time, distance, or processes, emphasizing efficiency and optimization in formal contexts.
It comes from Hanja characters meaning 'short' (단) and 'shrink' (축), used for linear dimensions rather than physical size.
Commonly used in sports (records), business (lead times), and infrastructure (travel time), appearing as both active and passive (단축되다).
It is a B1 level word that distinguishes intermediate learners from beginners who rely only on the general verb '줄이다'.

The Korean verb 단축하다 (danchukhada) is a sophisticated yet essential term that primarily translates to "to shorten," "to reduce," or "to cut down." It is composed of two Hanja (Sino-Korean) characters: 短 (단) meaning "short" and 縮 (축) meaning "to shrink" or "to contract." Unlike the more general native Korean word 줄이다 (jurida), which can apply to almost anything from the volume of a radio to the size of a dress, 단축하다 is specifically used when referring to time, distance, or the steps in a process. It carries a nuance of efficiency and optimization. When you use this word, you are usually implying that a period that was supposed to be long has been made shorter through effort, technology, or a change in circumstances. For example, if a new highway is built, the travel time between two cities is 단축ed. If a worker finishes a task faster than expected, they have 단축ed their working time.

Time Reduction (시간 단축): This is the most common usage. It refers to decreasing the duration of an event, a workday, or a project. For instance, '근로 시간 단축' (reduction of working hours) is a major social topic in Korea.
Distance Reduction (거리 단축): Used when a route is made shorter, often due to new infrastructure like tunnels or bridges. '지름길을 이용해 거리를 단축했다' (I shortened the distance by using a shortcut).
Process Optimization (공정 단축): Common in industrial or academic settings, referring to making a sequence of steps shorter or more direct.

새로운 기술 덕분에 제조 공정 시간을 대폭 단축할 수 있었습니다.

Translation: Thanks to new technology, we were able to significantly shorten the manufacturing process time.

In modern Korean society, 단축하다 is frequently heard in news reports regarding labor laws, urban planning, and sports. In sports, specifically racing or swimming, athletes strive to '단축' their personal best records. In the business world, companies look for ways to '단축' the time-to-market for new products. It is a word that vibrates with the energy of progress and speed, reflecting Korea's 'Pali-Pali' (hurry-hurry) culture where saving time is highly valued. However, it is important to distinguish it from 요약하다 (to summarize), which is only for text or speech, and 축소하다 (to scale down), which is for size or volume. You wouldn't '단축' a balloon, but you would '단축' the time it takes to blow it up. Understanding these subtle boundaries will elevate your Korean from basic to a professional B1/B2 level.

마라톤 선수가 자신의 최고 기록을 5분이나 단축했습니다.

Translation: The marathon runner shortened his personal best record by as much as 5 minutes.

Using 단축하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement and the specific nouns it typically pairs with. As a transitive verb, it always takes an object marked by the particles -을 or -를. The most frequent objects are 시간 (time), 기간 (period), 거리 (distance), and 기록 (record). Unlike some verbs that can be used loosely, 단축하다 sounds quite formal and precise. In casual conversation, Koreans might say "시간을 줄이다," but in a report, presentation, or formal announcement, 단축하다 is the preferred term.

The Object-Verb Pattern: [Noun] + 을/를 + 단축하다. Example: '공사 기간을 단축하다' (To shorten the construction period).
The Passive Pattern: [Noun] + 이/가 + 단축되다. Example: '비행 시간이 단축되었다' (Flight time was shortened).

정부는 법정 근로 시간을 주 52시간으로 단축하기로 결정했습니다.

Translation: The government decided to shorten the legal working hours to 52 hours per week.

When talking about travel, you often pair 단축하다 with adverbs like 대폭 (significantly), 획기적으로 (innovatively), or 조금 (a little). For example, "KTX 개통으로 부산까지 가는 시간이 대폭 단축되었습니다" (With the opening of the KTX, the time to get to Busan has been significantly shortened). Note how the passive form 단축되었습니다 is used here because the 'time' itself is the subject that was shortened by an external factor (the train). If you are the one making the effort, use the active form: "저는 조리 과정을 단축하기 위해 미리 재료를 손질해 둡니다" (I prepare ingredients in advance to shorten the cooking process).

이 앱을 사용하면 업무 시간을 30% 이상 단축할 수 있습니다.

Translation: If you use this app, you can shorten your work time by more than 30%.

Another interesting use case is in military service discussions in Korea. Men often talk about '군 복무 기간 단축' (reduction of military service period). This is a very high-frequency phrase in news and social media. In academic writing, researchers might discuss '반응 시간 단축' (shortening reaction time) in psychological experiments. The versatility of this word across formal domains makes it a powerful tool for intermediate learners. By mastering the distinction between 단축하다 (to shorten something) and 단축되다 (to be shortened), you show a high level of grammatical control.

You will encounter 단축하다 in a variety of real-world Korean environments, ranging from your smartphone to national news broadcasts. One of the most common places is on navigation apps like Naver Maps or T-map. When the app finds a faster route due to traffic changes, it might say "빠른 길로 안내하여 도착 시간을 10분 단축합니다" (Guiding you to a faster route, shortening arrival time by 10 minutes). This immediate, practical application helps reinforce the meaning of saving time.

News and Economy: Headlines often feature this word when discussing labor laws, such as '주 4일제 도입으로 근로 시간 단축 논의' (Discussion on shortening working hours by introducing a 4-day work week).
Sports Commentary: Announcers get excited when an athlete '단축's a world record. '세계 신기록을 0.01초 단축했습니다!' (They shortened the world record by 0.01 seconds!).
Corporate Environment: In meetings, managers talk about '리드 타임 단축' (shortening lead time) or '개발 기간 단축' (shortening development period) to increase efficiency.

내비게이션이 정체 구간을 피해 이동 거리를 단축해 주었습니다.

Translation: The navigation shortened the travel distance by avoiding congested sections.

If you are a fan of K-Dramas or variety shows, you might hear this word when characters are in a rush or trying to finish a challenge. For example, in a cooking show, the host might ask the chef, "어떻게 하면 요리 시간을 단축할 수 있을까요?" (How can we shorten the cooking time?). It is a word associated with 'smart' ways of doing things—finding shortcuts, using technology, or improving skills. Unlike '빨리 하다' (to do quickly), which focuses on the speed of the action, 단축하다 focuses on the resulting reduction in the timeframe or distance.

이번 신제품은 충전 시간을 기존보다 절반으로 단축했습니다.

Translation: This new product has shortened the charging time by half compared to the previous one.

Finally, in educational settings, you might hear about '학기 단축' (shortening the semester) or '수업 시간 단축' (shortening class hours). During the pandemic, many schools '단축'ed their schedules for safety. Hearing this word often signals a change in the expected timeline, usually for a positive reason like efficiency or a necessary reason like safety. By paying attention to these contexts, you can start to feel the 'weight' of the word—it's professional, objective, and highly useful.

While 단축하다 is a powerful word, learners often trip up by using it in contexts where other 'reduction' verbs are more appropriate. The most frequent error is using it for physical size or volume. For example, you cannot '단축' your weight or the size of a box. For those, you should use 줄이다 (to reduce/decrease) or 축소하다 (to scale down). 단축하다 is strictly for linear dimensions like time and distance.

Mistake 1: Size vs. Time: Incorrect: '가방의 크기를 단축하다' (Shorten the bag's size). Correct: '가방의 크기를 줄이다'. 단축하다 is for duration or path length, not physical bulk.
Mistake 2: Confusing with '요약하다': Incorrect: '이야기를 단축하다' (Shorten the story - meaning summarize). Correct: '이야기를 요약하다'. While you can '단축' the time it takes to tell a story, '요약하다' is for shortening the content itself.
Mistake 3: Active vs. Passive Voice: Incorrect: '시간이 단축했어요' (Time shortened - active). Correct: '시간이 단축되었어요' (Time was shortened - passive). In Korean, if the subject is 'time,' it cannot perform the action of shortening itself; it must be shortened by something.

[Wrong] 몸무게를 단축하기 위해 운동해요. (X)
[Right] 몸무게를 줄이기 위해 운동해요. (O)

Note: Weight is a quantity, not a duration or distance.

Another subtle mistake is using 단축하다 when 절약하다 (to save/economize) is better. If you turn off the lights to save electricity, that is 절약. If you find a faster way to finish your homework so you have more free time, that is 시간 단축. The difference is that 단축 focuses on the 'end point' being reached sooner, while 절약 focuses on not wasting a resource. Finally, avoid using it for 'shortening' clothes. Shortening trousers is '바지 길이를 줄이다' or '수선하다' (to repair/alter), never '단축하다'.

[Wrong] 문장을 단축해 주세요. (X)
[Right] 문장을 줄여 주세요 / 요약해 주세요. (O)

Note: Sentences are summarized or shortened in length using '줄이다'.

To avoid these mistakes, always ask yourself: "Am I talking about a clock, a calendar, or a map?" If the answer is yes, 단축하다 is likely correct. If you are talking about a scale, a volume knob, or a pair of scissors, stick with 줄이다. Mastering these distinctions will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise to native speakers.

Korean has many words for 'reducing' or 'shortening,' and choosing the right one depends on the context and register. While 단축하다 is specific to time and distance, its cousins cover everything from physical size to abstract concepts. Understanding these will help you navigate different social and professional situations. Let's compare 단축하다 with its closest synonyms.

줄이다 (Native Korean): The 'all-rounder.' It can replace almost any reduction verb in casual speech. However, it lacks the technical precision of 단축하다 when discussing engineering or formal schedules.
축소하다 (Scale Down): Used for physical size, scale, or the scope of a project. If a company 'scales down' its operations, they use '사업 축소,' not '단축'.
감축하다 (Reduce Amount): Usually used for numbers, budgets, or personnel. '인원 감축' (reduction of staff/layoffs) is a common, though somber, phrase.
요약하다 (Summarize): Strictly for information. You summarize a book, a lecture, or a long email.

그들은 비용을 절감하고 작업 시간을 단축했습니다.

Translation: They cut costs (절감) and shortened work time (단축).

Another interesting alternative is 절감하다 (to cut/save), which is almost exclusively used for costs (비용 절감) or energy. If you want to say 'shorten a distance' specifically by taking a shortcut, you might also use the phrase 질러가다 (to go across/take a shortcut), but 단축하다 remains the formal way to describe the result. For example, in a formal presentation, you would say "경로 최적화를 통해 운송 거리를 15% 단축했습니다" (We shortened the transport distance by 15% through route optimization).

회의 시간을 단축하는 대신 핵심 내용을 요약해서 전달합시다.

Translation: Instead of shortening the meeting time, let's summarize and deliver the core content.

In summary, while 줄이다 is the universal 'shorten,' 단축하다 is the specialist for time and space. By choosing 단축하다 in professional settings, you signal that you are focusing on efficiency and measurable metrics. This distinction is what separates a B1 learner from a B2/C1 speaker who can navigate the nuances of Sino-Korean vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '축' (縮) is also found in the word '수축' (contraction) used in science, and '단' (短) is the same 'dan' in '단어' (word - literally a short sound/unit).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tan.tɕʰuk.ha.da/

US /dan.tʃuk.ha.da/

The primary stress is on the second syllable '축', especially when the aspiration occurs.

Rhymes With

만족하다 (manjokhada - to be satisfied) 부족하다 (bujokhada - to be lacking) 관측하다 (gwancheukhada - to observe) 접촉하다 (jeopchokhada - to contact) 예측하다 (yecheukhada - to predict) 구축하다 (guchukhada - to build/establish) 비축하다 (bichukhada - to store up) 압축하다 (apchukhada - to compress)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'dan-chuk-ha-da' without merging the 'k' and 'h'. It should sound like 'dan-chu-ka-da'.
Making the '단' sound too long like 'daan'.
Failing to aspirate the 'ㅋ' sound.
Pronouncing '축' with a soft 'ch' instead of a tense Korean 'ㅉ' or 'ㅊ' sound.
Forgetting that '하' is often shortened in fast speech.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and formal texts; requires Hanja knowledge for deep understanding.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct particle usage and distinguishing from native synonyms like 줄이다.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation involves aspiration (ㄱ+ㅎ=ㅋ), which can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Frequently heard in announcements (trains, schools) and news.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

줄이다 시간 거리 길 길다/짧다

Learn Next

축소하다 연장하다 효율적 개선하다 최적화

Advanced

감축하다 절감하다 경감하다 압축하다

Grammar to Know

Aspiration (ㄱ + ㅎ = ㅋ)

단축하다 [단추카다]

Passive Voice with -되다

시간이 단축되다

Causative Voice with -시키다

시간을 단축시키다

Purpose with -기 위해

시간을 단축하기 위해

Possibility with -ㄹ 수 있다

거리를 단축할 수 있다

Examples by Level

시간을 단축해요.

I shorten the time.

Basic present tense: [Noun] + 을/를 + 단축해요.

거리를 단축해요.

I shorten the distance.

Object marker '를' is used with '거리'.

단축 수업을 해요.

We have a shortened class.

'단축' acts as a noun modifier for '수업'.

빨리 가서 시간을 단축했어요.

I shortened the time by going quickly.

Past tense '단축했어요'.

이 길은 거리를 단축해요.

This road shortens the distance.

Subject '이 길' is making the distance shorter.

어떻게 시간을 단축해요?

How do you shorten the time?

Question form using '어떻게' (how).

공부 시간을 단축하고 싶어요.

I want to shorten my study time.

'-고 싶어요' expresses desire.

단축 번호를 써요.

I use a speed dial (shortened number).

'단축 번호' is a common compound noun for speed dial.

지름길을 이용하면 시간을 단축할 수 있어요.

If you use a shortcut, you can shorten the time.

'-ㄹ 수 있어요' indicates possibility.

요리 시간을 단축하기 위해 전자레인지를 써요.

I use a microwave to shorten the cooking time.

'-기 위해' indicates purpose.

새로운 지하철 덕분에 통근 시간이 단축되었어요.

Thanks to the new subway, commuting time has been shortened.

Passive form '단축되었어요' (was shortened).

회의 시간을 10분만 단축합시다.

Let's shorten the meeting time by just 10 minutes.

'-읍시다' is a formal 'let's' ending.

이 앱은 작업 시간을 단축해 줘요.

This app shortens the work time for me.

'-어 주다' indicates doing something for someone.

수업 시간이 단축되어서 일찍 집에 갔어요.

The class time was shortened, so I went home early.

'-어서/아서' indicates cause and effect.

기록을 단축하려고 매일 연습해요.

I practice every day to shorten my record.

'-으려고' indicates intention.

거리가 단축되니까 훨씬 편해요.

Since the distance is shortened, it's much more convenient.

'-니까' indicates a reason.

생산 공정을 개선하여 제조 시간을 대폭 단축했습니다.

We significantly shortened manufacturing time by improving the production process.

Adverb '대폭' (significantly) is often paired with this verb.

정부는 근로 시간 단축안을 발표했습니다.

The government announced a plan to shorten working hours.

'단축안' (shortening plan) is a common formal noun.

비행기 노선이 새로 생겨서 이동 시간이 많이 단축되었네요.

A new flight route was created, so travel time has been shortened a lot.

Exclamatory ending '-네요'.

마감 기한을 단축하는 것은 무리라고 생각합니다.

I think shortening the deadline is unreasonable.

'-는 것' turns the verb into a noun phrase.

선수는 자신의 최고 기록을 1초 단축하는 데 성공했습니다.

The athlete succeeded in shortening his personal record by 1 second.

'-는 데' means 'in the act of' or 'for the purpose of'.

인터넷 속도가 빨라지면 다운로드 시간이 단축될 거예요.

If the internet speed gets faster, the download time will be shortened.

Future tense '-ㄹ 거예요'.

이 기술을 도입하면 공사 기간을 절반으로 단축할 수 있습니다.

If we introduce this technology, we can shorten the construction period by half.

Conditional '-면' (if).

배송 시간을 단축하기 위해 물류 센터를 확충했습니다.

We expanded the logistics center to shorten the delivery time.

Formal verb '확충하다' (expand/augment).

기술의 발달로 정보 처리 시간이 비약적으로 단축되었습니다.

With the development of technology, data processing time has been dramatically shortened.

Adverb '비약적으로' (dramatically/leaping) adds emphasis.

근로 시간 단축이 삶의 질에 미치는 영향에 대해 토론해 봅시다.

Let's discuss the impact of shortening working hours on the quality of life.

Complex noun phrase as a subject.

불필요한 절차를 생략함으로써 업무 효율을 높이고 시간을 단축했습니다.

By omitting unnecessary procedures, we increased work efficiency and shortened time.

'-함으로써' means 'by doing'.

이 터널이 완공되면 서울과 강릉 사이의 거리가 상당히 단축될 전망입니다.

When this tunnel is completed, the distance between Seoul and Gangneung is expected to be shortened considerably.

'~ㄹ 전망입니다' means 'is expected/forecasted'.

수면 부족은 집중력을 떨어뜨리고 작업 효율을 단축시킬 수 있습니다.

Lack of sleep can lower concentration and shorten work efficiency (duration).

Causative-like usage with '시키다'.

신약 개발 기간을 단축하기 위해 임상 시험 절차를 간소화했습니다.

To shorten the drug development period, clinical trial procedures were simplified.

Formal verb '간소화하다' (simplify).

대기 시간을 단축하기 위해 예약 시스템을 전면 개편했습니다.

To shorten the waiting time, the reservation system was completely reorganized.

Adverb '전면' (completely/fully).

과도한 스트레스는 수명을 단축하는 주요 원인이 됩니다.

Excessive stress becomes a major cause of shortening one's lifespan.

'수명을 단축하다' is a common fixed expression.

글로벌 공급망의 재편은 물류 리드 타임을 단축하려는 시도에서 비롯되었습니다.

The reorganization of global supply chains originated from attempts to shorten logistics lead times.

'~에서 비롯되다' means 'to originate/stem from'.

법원은 피고인의 반성을 참작하여 형기를 일부 단축해 주기로 했습니다.

The court decided to shorten part of the prison sentence, taking the defendant's reflection into account.

'형기를 단축하다' is a legal context for shortening a sentence.

디지털 트윈 기술은 제품 설계 및 검증 기간을 획기적으로 단축시킵니다.

Digital twin technology innovatively shortens the product design and verification period.

Adverb '획기적으로' (innovatively/groundbreakingly).

도시 재생 사업은 주거지와 일터 사이의 물리적 거리를 단축하는 데 기여합니다.

Urban regeneration projects contribute to shortening the physical distance between residences and workplaces.

'~에 기여하다' means 'to contribute to'.

이론과 실무의 간극을 단축하기 위한 다각적인 노력이 필요합니다.

Multifaceted efforts are needed to shorten (bridge) the gap between theory and practice.

Metaphorical use of '단축하다' meaning 'to bridge/narrow'.

반도체 회로의 선폭을 줄이는 것은 연산 시간을 단축하기 위한 핵심 과제입니다.

Reducing the line width of semiconductor circuits is a key task for shortening calculation time.

Technical context regarding computing.

기후 변화에 대응하기 위해 탄소 중립 달성 시기를 앞당겨 단축해야 합니다.

To respond to climate change, we must shorten and bring forward the timing of achieving carbon neutrality.

'앞당기다' (to bring forward) and '단축하다' are often used together.

인공지능의 도입은 인간의 의사결정 과정을 단축시키지만 신중함을 잃게 할 수도 있습니다.

The introduction of AI shortens human decision-making processes but may also cause a loss of caution.

Contrastive conjunction '-지만'.

포스트모더니즘 사회에서 시공간의 단축은 인간의 소외 현상을 가속화하는 측면이 있다.

In postmodern society, the shortening of time and space has an aspect of accelerating human alienation.

Philosophical/Sociological context.

해당 공법은 기초 공사 기간을 비약적으로 단축함으로써 전체 공기를 엄수하게 해준다.

By leapingly shortening the basic construction period, this method ensures the overall construction period is strictly met.

'공기' (construction period) is a technical abbreviation of 공사 기간.

역사적 시간의 단축은 문명의 흥망성쇠가 과거보다 훨씬 빠른 속도로 진행됨을 의미한다.

The shortening of historical time means that the rise and fall of civilizations proceed at a much faster pace than in the past.

High-level historical analysis.

유전자 가위 기술은 품종 개량에 소요되는 수십 년의 세월을 단축할 수 있는 잠재력을 지녔다.

Gene-editing technology possesses the potential to shorten the decades required for breed improvement.

Scientific potential description.

물류 혁명은 대륙 간의 심리적 거리를 단축하여 지구촌이라는 개념을 공고히 하였다.

The logistics revolution shortened the psychological distance between continents, solidifying the concept of a global village.

Metaphorical use in international relations.

행정 절차의 간소화는 민원 처리 시간을 단축함으로써 행정 서비스의 만족도를 제고한다.

The simplification of administrative procedures enhances satisfaction with administrative services by shortening complaint processing time.

Formal bureaucratic language.

자본의 회전 속도를 높이기 위해 생산 및 유통 기간을 극한으로 단축하려는 경쟁이 치열하다.

Competition to shorten production and distribution periods to the limit to increase the turnover of capital is fierce.

Economic/Capitalist critique.

예술적 영감의 발현은 때때로 창작의 고통스러운 시간을 단축시켜 주는 축복과도 같다.

The manifestation of artistic inspiration is sometimes like a blessing that shortens the painful time of creation.

Literary/Poetic comparison.

Common Collocations

시간을 단축하다

기간을 단축하다

거리를 단축하다

기록을 단축하다

공정을 단축하다

근로 시간 단축

수명을 단축하다

대폭 단축하다

획기적으로 단축하다

단축 수업

Common Phrases

단축 번호

— Speed dial or shortcut number on a phone.

엄마 번호를 단축 번호 1번에 저장했다.

단축 키

— Keyboard shortcut (hotkey).

복사하기 단축 키는 Ctrl+C입니다.

시간 단축

— Saving time or time reduction.

시간 단축을 위해 택시를 탔어요.

거리 단축

— Shortening the distance.

새 다리가 생겨서 거리 단축 효과가 커요.

기록 단축

— Breaking/shortening a personal or world record.

선수들의 목표는 기록 단축입니다.

공기 단축

— Shortening the construction period (공사 기간).

공기 단축을 위해 야간 작업을 했다.

수명 단축

— Shortening of lifespan.

스트레스는 수명 단축의 지름길이다.

과정 단축

— Shortening the process/steps.

불필요한 과정을 단축해서 승인을 받았다.

형기 단축

— Shortening a prison sentence.

그는 모범수로 생활하여 형기가 단축되었다.

복무 기간 단축

— Shortening of military service duration.

군 복무 기간 단축 소식을 들었다.

Often Confused With

단축하다 vs 줄이다

줄이다 is general; 단축하다 is for time and distance only.

단축하다 vs 축소하다

축소하다 is for physical size or scope; 단축하다 is for linear duration or path.

단축하다 vs 요약하다

요약하다 is for summarizing information; 단축하다 is for shortening time/distance.

Idioms & Expressions

"수명을 단축하다"

— To do something very dangerous or unhealthy that could lead to an early death.

그렇게 술을 많이 마시면 수명을 단축하는 거야.

Casual/Warning

"지름길로 단축하다"

— To take a literal or metaphorical shortcut to reach a goal faster.

우리는 지름길로 거리를 단축했다.

Neutral

"시간을 벌다"

— Related idiom: To gain/save time (often to use 단축하다 later).

회의를 미뤄서 준비할 시간을 벌었다.

Neutral

"단숨에 단축하다"

— To shorten something significantly in one go.

그는 훈련을 통해 기록을 단숨에 단축했다.

Informal/Emphatic

"뼈를 깎는 노력으로 단축하다"

— To shorten a record or time through agonizing effort.

그는 뼈를 깎는 노력으로 기록을 단축했다.

Formal/Literary

"거리를 좁히다"

— Related phrase: To narrow the distance/gap (similar to 단축하다 in metaphorical sense).

두 나라 사이의 의견 거리를 좁혔다.

Formal

"눈 깜짝할 사이에 단축하다"

— To shorten time so fast it happens in a blink.

기술 발전이 처리 시간을 눈 깜짝할 사이에 단축했다.

Informal

"앞뒤를 잘라 단축하다"

— To shorten something by cutting the beginning and end (usually for speech/text).

시간이 없으니 앞뒤 다 자르고 본론만 말해서 시간을 단축합시다.

Casual

"발걸음을 재촉해 단축하다"

— To shorten travel time by hurrying one's steps.

발걸음을 재촉하여 도착 시간을 단축했다.

Literary

"마음을 졸이며 단축되기를 기다리다"

— To wait anxiously for a time/period to be shortened.

가족들은 수술 시간이 단축되기를 마음을 졸이며 기다렸다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

단축하다 vs 감축하다

Both mean 'reduce'.

감축하다 is for quantity/numbers (budget, staff). 단축하다 is for time/distance.

인원을 감축하다 (reduce staff) vs 기간을 단축하다 (shorten period).

단축하다 vs 절약하다

Both involve 'saving'.

절약하다 is 'not wasting' a resource. 단축하다 is 'making the timeframe smaller'.

물을 절약하다 (save water) vs 시간을 단축하다 (shorten time).

단축하다 vs 생략하다

Both result in something shorter.

생략하다 means 'to skip/omit' a step. 단축하다 is the 'result' of making it shorter.

과정을 생략해서 시간을 단축했다. (Shortened time by omitting steps.)

단축하다 vs 축소하다

Both mean 'make smaller'.

축소하다 is for 2D/3D size or abstract scope. 단축하다 is for 1D time/distance.

사진을 축소하다 (shrink photo) vs 거리를 단축하다 (shorten distance).

단축하다 vs 앞당기다

Both relate to time.

앞당기다 means to move the 'start' or 'deadline' earlier. 단축하다 means to make the 'duration' shorter.

날짜를 앞당기다 (move date forward) vs 시간을 단축하다 (shorten duration).

Sentence Patterns

[Time]을/를 단축해요.

시간을 단축해요.

[Time]이/가 단축되었어요.

시간이 단축되었어요.

[Method]을/를 통해 [Object]를 단축하다.

기술을 통해 공정 시간을 단축하다.

[Object]를 [Amount]만큼 단축하다.

기록을 10초만큼 단축하다.

[Object] 단축에 기여하다.

비용 단축에 기여하다.

[Object]를 단축할 전망이다.

거리를 단축할 전망이다.

[Object]의 단축을 꾀하다.

제조 기간의 단축을 꾀하다.

[Object]를 극한으로 단축시키다.

대기 시간을 극한으로 단축시키다.

Word Family

Nouns

단축 Shortening/Reduction (noun form).

단축형 Shortened form / Abbreviation.

Verbs

단축되다 To be shortened (passive).

단축시키다 To make something be shortened (causative).

단거리 (short distance)

단시간 (short time)

축소 (reduction in scale)

압축 (compression)

위축 (shrinking/withering)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, business, and sports; Moderate in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

가방의 길이를 단축하다 → 가방의 길이를 줄이다
단축하다 is for time/distance, not physical objects like bags.
시간이 단축했어요 → 시간이 단축되었어요
Time cannot act on itself; it must be in the passive voice.
이야기를 단축해 주세요 → 이야기를 요약해 주세요
To shorten the content of a story, use '요약하다'.
몸무게를 단축하다 → 몸무게를 줄이다 / 감량하다
Weight is not a linear duration or distance.
예산을 단축하다 → 예산을 감축하다 / 삭감하다
Budgets are reduced in amount (감축), not duration.

Tips

Particle Pairing

Always use '을/를' with 단축하다 because it is a transitive verb that needs an object like time or distance.

The 'K' Sound

Remember the pronunciation is [단추카다]. The ㄱ and ㅎ combine to sound like ㅋ.

Hanja Power

Remember 短 (단 - short). This will help you understand other words like 단거리 (short distance) and 단기간 (short period).

Linear Only

Only use this for things that can be measured on a line (time, distance, steps). Never for volume or size.

Sound Professional

Use '단축하다' in work emails or reports to sound more professional than using '줄이다'.

Navigation Apps

Pay attention to your GPS app in Korea; you will hear this word every time it finds a faster route.

Labor Discussions

'근로 시간 단축' is a hot topic. Knowing this will help you participate in social discussions.

Short-Cut

Just think of 'Short' (단) and 'Cut' (축). A shortcut shortens your path.

Passive Form

If 'Time' is the subject, use '단축되다'. Example: '시간이 단축되었다' (Time was shortened).

No Summarizing

Don't use it for text. Use '요약하다' for summaries.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Short (단) Truck (축)' taking a 'Short-Cut'. It saves you time!

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of scissors cutting a long timeline in the middle and taping the ends together to make it shorter.

Word Web

시간 (Time) 거리 (Distance) 기록 (Record) 지름길 (Shortcut) 효율 (Efficiency) 공사 (Construction) 근로 (Labor) 수명 (Lifespan)

Challenge

Try to use '단축하다' three times today: once when talking about your commute, once about your work, and once about a hobby.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja). '단' (短) means short, and '축' (縮) means to shrink, contract, or reduce. Together, they literally mean 'to shrink to a short state.'

Original meaning: To contract something so that its length or duration becomes shorter.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it with '수명' (lifespan), as it can be a sensitive topic regarding health or death.

In English, we often just say 'save time' or 'cut down,' whereas Koreans use '단축하다' to sound more precise and formal, especially in business and media.

News reports on '주 52시간 근무제' (52-hour work week) frequently use '근로 시간 단축'. Sports headlines when 'Hwang Sun-woo' or other swimmers break records. Infrastructure announcements regarding the 'GTX' (Great Train eXpress) shortening commute times.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Transportation

이동 시간을 단축하다
거리를 단축하다
도착 시간을 단축하다
직항 노선으로 시간을 단축하다

Work/Business

근로 시간 단축
업무 시간을 단축하다
공사 기간을 단축하다
리드 타임을 단축하다

Sports

기록을 단축하다
개인 최고 기록 단축
세계 신기록 단축
수영 기록을 단축하다

Education

단축 수업을 하다
학습 시간을 단축하다
시험 시간을 단축하다
준비 기간을 단축하다

Technology

처리 시간을 단축하다
충전 시간을 단축하다
부팅 시간을 단축하다
다운로드 시간을 단축하다

Conversation Starters

"어떻게 하면 출퇴근 시간을 단축할 수 있을까요?"

"새로운 도로가 생겨서 이동 시간이 많이 단축되었나요?"

"기록을 단축하기 위해 어떤 훈련을 하고 계세요?"

"회사에서 근로 시간 단축에 대해 어떻게 생각하시나요?"

"요리 시간을 단축하는 나만의 팁이 있나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루 중 시간을 단축해서 더 효율적으로 할 수 있었던 일은 무엇인가요?

만약 근로 시간이 단축된다면 남는 시간에 무엇을 하고 싶나요?

내가 살고 있는 도시에서 거리를 단축하기 위해 필요한 시설은 무엇일까요?

자신의 목표(공부, 운동 등) 기록을 단축했던 경험에 대해 써 보세요.

기술의 발전이 우리의 삶의 시간을 어떻게 단축시켰는지 설명해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for clothes, you should use '줄이다' (to shorten/reduce) or '수선하다' (to alter). 단축하다 is only for time and distance.

단축하다 is active (someone shortens something), and 단축되다 is passive (something is shortened). For example, '내가 시간을 단축했다' vs '시간이 단축되었다'.

Yes, but less often than '줄이다'. It sounds a bit more formal or technical, like saying 'optimize the timeframe' instead of 'make it shorter'.

No. For weight, use '몸무게를 줄이다' or '체중을 감량하다'. Weight is a quantity, not a duration or distance.

It is '단축 키' (danchuk-ki). It uses the same '단축' (shortening) noun.

Yes, '회의 시간을 단축하다' is a very common and correct expression.

Usually, yes (efficiency). However, in '수명 단축' (shortening of life), it is negative.

It means 'shortened class hours,' usually when students are allowed to go home early due to a special event or weather.

No, use '요약하다' for books or stories. 단축하다 would imply you are shortening the time it takes to read it, not the content itself.

Both are used. '단축하다' is standard. '단축 시키다' emphasizes the act of making something become shortened, often used in business or technical contexts.