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B2 noun 8 min read

전이

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 전이 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 전이 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word '전이' (jeon-i) is quite advanced, so you don't need to use it in daily conversation yet. However, you can think of it as a very special way to say 'moving' (이동). Imagine a toy moving from one box to another. In A1 Korean, we usually use '가요' (go) or '와요' (come). '전이' is a big word that doctors and scientists use. For now, just remember that it means something moves from one place to a new place. You might see it in a picture book about how heat moves from a hot cup to your hands. It is not for moving your body, but for moving things like heat or 'bad cells' in a body. If you see this word, just think: 'Something is moving!' It's a noun, so it usually comes before '해요' or '돼요'. Even though it's a hard word, knowing it now will help you later when you read science books or watch medical shows. Just remember: Jeon-i = Moving (special type).

For A2 learners, '전이' (jeon-i) is a word you might see in health news or simple science explanations. At this level, you know '이사하다' (to move house) and '옮기다' (to move something). '전이' is different because it's more about things you cannot easily see moving with your eyes, like heat or a sickness. For example, if you have a cold and the germs go to your throat, a doctor might use a word like this, though they usually say '옮다' for colds. The most important thing for an A2 student is to recognize that '전이' is a formal word. If you see it in a sentence like '열의 전이' (transfer of heat), it just means how heat moves. You don't need to use it when talking to friends. If you use it while talking about moving your chair, people will be very confused! It's a 'science and doctor word'. Keep it in your 'formal box' of words. It often pairs with '되다' to mean 'to be transferred'.

At the B1 level, you are starting to handle more complex topics like health and society. '전이' (jeon-i) becomes useful when you talk about medical issues or psychological feelings. You should understand that this word is specifically used for 'metastasis' in cancer. If you are watching a Korean drama and a character is sick, the doctor might say '암이 전이됐습니다' (The cancer has spread). This is a very common scene! Also, you can use it to describe how emotions spread. If one person is very happy, that happiness can '전이' to other people. In B1, you should try to use '전이되다' (to be transferred/spread) in formal writing or when discussing serious topics. It's much more professional than using '이사' or '이동'. Remember the structure: [Thing] + 이/가 + [Place] + 로 + 전이되다. This will make your Korean sound much more advanced and precise. It's a bridge from basic 'moving' to scientific 'transfer'.

As a B2 learner, you should be able to use '전이' (jeon-i) accurately in various contexts. This is the level where the word is officially categorized. You need to distinguish between its medical, psychological, and physical meanings. In medicine, it's metastasis. In psychology, it's transference. In physics, it's transition or transfer. You should also be comfortable using both '전이되다' (passive) and '전이시키다' (causative). For instance, '그의 우울함이 나에게 전이되었다' (His depression was transferred to me) vs. '그는 불안감을 전이시켰다' (He transferred his anxiety). You should also recognize compound nouns like '상전이' (phase transition) or '학습 전이' (transfer of learning). At this level, you are expected to understand that '전이' implies a change in the state or nature of the thing moving, not just a change in its coordinates. It is a key word for academic reading and professional discussions. You should also be able to explain the difference between '전이' and '확산' (diffusion).

For C1 learners, '전이' (jeon-i) should be a versatile tool in your vocabulary. You should understand the deep nuances of its Hanja roots (轉 - turn, 移 - move) and how they influence its meaning. At this level, you can use '전이' metaphorically in social sciences or economics. For example, you might discuss how a 'financial crisis in one sector can transfer (전이) to the real economy.' You should also be familiar with '역전이' (counter-transference) in psychological contexts and be able to discuss it fluently. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the formal register; you wouldn't use '전이' in a casual text to a friend unless you were being intentionally clinical or ironic. In writing, you can use it to describe the transition of power, the shift of cultural trends, or the evolution of scientific theories. You should also be able to use the word in the '전이하다' form when describing the active biological process of cells moving, which is a subtle distinction from '전이되다'. Your ability to use this word correctly in an essay about public health or psychology is a hallmark of C1 proficiency.

At the C2 level, '전이' (jeon-i) is a word you master in all its complexity. You understand not just the standard meanings, but also its role in highly specialized fields. You might encounter it in discussions of '전이 원소' (transition elements) in chemistry or '전이 확률' (transition probability) in quantum mechanics and statistics. You can use it to describe the most subtle shifts in human consciousness or the most complex movements of global capital. Your understanding includes the historical development of the term in Korean academic discourse. You can distinguish between '전이' and other high-level terms like '천이' (succession in ecology) or '변이' (variation). In a professional setting, such as a medical conference or a psychological symposium, you can use '전이' and its derivatives (like 전이성 - metastatic) with perfect accuracy and natural collocations. You also understand the cultural weight of the word in Korea, particularly its association with the fear of cancer progression, and you can navigate these sensitive conversations with linguistic grace and precision. For you, '전이' is not just a vocabulary item, but a conceptual tool for analyzing change and movement in the world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

전이 in 30 Seconds

A formal noun meaning the transfer or spread of a state, disease, or emotion from one point to another location.
Primarily used in medical contexts (metastasis), psychology (transference), and physics (energy transfer or phase transition).
Grammatically functions as a noun, often pairing with '되다' (to be transferred) or '시키다' (to cause transfer).
Differentiated from '이동' (simple movement) by its focus on the change of state or biological/psychological spreading.

The Korean word 전이 (jeon-i) is a sophisticated noun that primarily describes the process of something moving, spreading, or being transferred from one location, state, or person to another. Derived from the Hanja characters 轉 (jeon), meaning to turn or shift, and 移 (i), meaning to move or change, the word carries a sense of a fundamental shift rather than just a simple physical relocation. In everyday conversation, you might not hear it as often as simple words like '이동' (moving), but in professional, scientific, and psychological contexts, it is indispensable.

Medical Context: In medicine, 전이 specifically refers to metastasis—the spread of a disease, most commonly cancer, from the primary site to other parts of the body. When a doctor says '암이 전이되었습니다' (The cancer has metastasized), it indicates a progression to a more serious stage where the malignant cells have traveled through the blood or lymphatic system.

검사 결과, 폐로의 전이가 확인되었습니다. (As a result of the examination, metastasis to the lungs was confirmed.)

Beyond the hospital, 전이 is a key term in psychology. It describes 'transference,' a phenomenon where a person redirects feelings and desires, often those unconsciously retained from childhood, toward a new object, such as a therapist. This usage highlights the 'transfer' of internal emotional states. Scientifically, it also applies to physics and chemistry, such as 'heat transfer' (열 전이) or 'phase transition' (상전이), where matter changes from one state to another, like ice melting into water. Understanding this word allows you to navigate high-level discussions in Korean about health, science, and human behavior.

Psychological Context: Psychologists use 전이 to explain why patients might feel anger or love toward their counselor that actually belongs to a parent or spouse. This 'emotional transfer' is a cornerstone of psychoanalysis.

환자는 상담사에게 과거의 분노를 전이시키고 있었다. (The patient was transferring past anger onto the counselor.)

Furthermore, in the digital age, we see 전이 used in technology to describe the transfer of learning (학습 전이) in artificial intelligence, where a model trained for one task is applied to another. This broad range of applications makes 전이 a versatile and powerful word for any advanced learner of Korean. It captures the essence of movement that changes the nature of the destination.

Using 전이 correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior, primarily as a noun that often combines with the verb 되다 (to become) or 시키다 (to make/cause). When something spreads on its own, like a disease, we use '전이되다'. For example, '암세포가 뼈로 전이되었다' (Cancer cells metastasized to the bone). Here, the focus is on the process happening to the subject.

Passive/Intransitive Usage: Subject + 이/가 + Destination + (으)로 + 전이되다. This is the most common pattern in medical and scientific reports.

바이러스가 다른 장기로 전이되지 않도록 주의해야 합니다. (Care must be taken so that the virus does not spread to other organs.)

Conversely, if an external force or person causes the transfer, '전이시키다' is used. This is frequent in psychology or physics. '그는 자신의 불안감을 팀원들에게 전이시켰다' (He transferred his anxiety to his teammates). This causative form implies an active role in the movement of the state or emotion. You can also use the particle '의' to link it to other nouns, creating compound concepts like '전이의 위험성' (the danger of metastasis) or '감정의 전이' (the transfer of emotions). In formal writing, 전이 often appears in the subject position to discuss trends or scientific facts. '열의 전이는 고온에서 저온으로 일어난다' (Heat transfer occurs from high temperature to low temperature).

Causative Usage: Subject + 이/가 + Object + 을/를 + Destination + (으)로 + 전이시키다. This emphasizes the source of the transfer.

스트레스는 신체적 질병으로 전이될 수 있습니다. (Stress can be transferred into physical illness.)

Understanding these patterns is crucial because using '전이하다' (the active base form) is relatively rare compared to '전이되다' or '전이시키다'. In a sentence like '암이 전이한다', it sounds more clinical or biological, describing the inherent property of the cancer cells to move. For most learners, mastering '전이되다' will cover 80% of practical situations.

In South Korea, you will most frequently encounter the word 전이 in three specific environments: hospitals, counseling centers, and scientific news. In a hospital setting, the word is heavy with significance. Patients and their families listen for this word during oncology consultations. You might hear a nurse say, '전이 여부를 확인하기 위해 추가 검사가 필요합니다' (Additional tests are needed to check for metastasis). Because cancer is a significant health concern in Korea, the term is well-known even among non-medical professionals.

News & Media: On the news, you might hear about the '전이' of economic crises or social unrest. For instance, '미국의 금융 위기가 아시아 시장으로 전이되고 있습니다' (The financial crisis in the US is spreading to Asian markets).

부정적인 여론이 순식간에 다른 지역으로 전이되었다. (Negative public opinion quickly spread to other regions.)

Secondly, in the realm of mental health, which is becoming an increasingly open topic in Korea, 전이 is used in therapy-themed TV shows or documentaries. Counselors explain how a patient's '역전이' (counter-transference)—the therapist's feelings toward the patient—must be managed. This highlights the word's role in describing invisible, psychological movements. Lastly, in academic or technical fields, such as engineering or computer science, 전이 is a standard term. If you attend a lecture on thermodynamics or machine learning in Korea, you will see '열전이' (heat transfer) or '전이 학습' (transfer learning) on the slides. It is a word that signals a transition from general vocabulary to specialized, professional language.

Academic Lectures: Professors use '전이' to describe the shift of energy or knowledge. It is a formal term that adds precision to their explanations.

에너지는 한 형태에서 다른 형태로 전이됩니다. (Energy is transferred from one form to another.)

In summary, 전이 is not a word for casual small talk about moving houses, but it is the word you need when discussing the movement of complex systems, diseases, or deep-seated emotions.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 전이 is confusing it with the more general word for 'moving,' which is 이동 (idong). While both involve changing locations, 이동 is used for physical objects, people, or vehicles. For example, you would say '사무실을 이동하다' (move the office), but never '사무실을 전이하다.' 전이 is reserved for things that are less tangible or more biological/scientific in nature.

전이 vs. 이동: Use '이동' for: People, cars, files, furniture. Use '전이' for: Cancer, heat, energy, psychological states, social phenomena.

잘못된 예: 버스가 다음 정류장으로 전이했다. (Wrong: The bus metastasized to the next stop.)

Another common error is mixing up 전이 with 확산 (hwaksan), which means 'diffusion' or 'spreading'. While a disease can both '전이' and '확산', 확산 implies spreading out in all directions (like a smell or a rumor), whereas 전이 implies moving from point A to a specific point B and establishing itself there. In a medical sense, 확산 might describe a virus spreading through a population, but 전이 describes cancer moving from the liver to the lungs. Learners also often struggle with the particles used with 전이되다. Remember that the destination usually takes the particle (으)로 (to/toward). Saying '뼈에 전이되다' is common and acceptable in spoken Korean, but '(으)로' is more precise in formal writing to indicate the direction of the transfer.

Particle Precision: Correct: 다른 부위로 전이되다 (Metastasize to another part). Avoid using '에서' when you mean 'to'.

소문이 확산되는 것과 암이 전이되는 것은 다른 개념입니다. (The spreading of a rumor and the metastasis of cancer are different concepts.)

Finally, avoid using 전이 in very casual settings. If you tell a friend '내 기분이 너에게 전이됐어' (My mood metastasized to you), it might sound overly dramatic or clinical. Instead, use '옮았어' (caught/transferred) for casual situations involving moods or cold viruses. '너한테 감기 옮았어' is much more natural than '감기가 전이됐어'.

To truly master 전이, you must understand how it relates to its synonyms and near-synonyms. Each word has a specific 'flavor' and context where it fits best. The most common alternatives are 이동 (idong), 확산 (hwaksan), 전달 (jeondal), and 전염 (jeon-yeom).

이동 (Movement): Focuses on the change of physical location. Example: '위치 이동' (change of position). It is neutral and applies to almost anything physical.
확산 (Diffusion/Spread): Focuses on the expansion of range. Example: '문화 확산' (spread of culture). It implies going from a small area to a large area.

정보의 확산은 빠르지만, 질병의 전이는 치명적입니다. (The spread of information is fast, but the metastasis of disease is fatal.)

Another important distinction is with 전달 (jeondal), which means 'delivery' or 'transmission'. This is used when information, a message, or a physical object is intentionally passed from one person to another. '메시지 전달' (delivery of a message) is a common phrase. In contrast, 전이 often happens unintentionally or as part of a natural/pathological process. In psychological contexts, you might hear 투사 (tusa), which means 'projection'. While 전이 (transference) is about moving feelings onto someone else (like a therapist), 투사 is about attributing your own unwanted traits or feelings to another person. These are both 'transfers' of a sort, but the psychological mechanism differs.

전염 (Contagion/Infection): Specifically used for infectious diseases that pass between people. Example: '감기 전염' (contagion of a cold).

지식의 전달은 교육의 목적이고, 감정의 전이는 상담의 대상입니다. (The transmission of knowledge is the goal of education, and the transference of emotion is the subject of counseling.)

Lastly, for state changes in physics, 변형 (byeonhyeong - transformation) or 변이 (byeoni - mutation/variation) might be used. However, 전이 remains the standard for 'transition' between phases or the 'transfer' of energy. By understanding these nuances, you can choose the word that conveys exactly the right type of 'movement' or 'change'.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In modern Korean, while '전' often means 'before', in this word it specifically uses the character for 'turning', suggesting that the thing moving is undergoing a change as it travels.

Pronunciation Guide

UK tʃʌn.i

US tʃʌn.i

The stress is equal on both syllables, typical of Korean nouns.

Rhymes With

편이 (pyeon-i) 변이 (byeon-i) 연이 (yeon-i) 현이 (hyeon-i) 권이 (gwon-i) 선이 (seon-i) 천이 (cheon-i) 건이 (geon-i)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '전' like 'John' with a very heavy 'O' sound. It should be closer to the 'u' in 'sun'.
Adding a stop between the syllables; it should flow smoothly as 'jeon-i'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Requires understanding of Hanja-based academic terms and context-specific meanings (medical vs. physics).

Writing 4/5

Learners must master the passive/causative distinction (전이되다 vs 전이시키다).

Speaking 3/5

Not common in daily life, but essential for formal or professional conversations.

Listening 4/5

Often spoken quickly in medical dramas or news reports, requiring good listening skills.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

이동 (movement) 옮기다 (to move/transfer) 변화 (change) 확산 (spread)

Learn Next

천이 (succession) 변이 (mutation) 침투 (infiltration) 투사 (projection)

Advanced

상전이 (phase transition) 원격 전이 (distant metastasis) 역전이 (counter-transference)

Grammar to Know

Passive voice with '-되다'

암이 전이되다 (Cancer is metastasized).

Causative voice with '-시키다'

불안을 전이시키다 (To cause anxiety to transfer).

Noun + '의' for possession/relation

열의 전이 (Transfer of heat).

Destination particle '-(으)로'

간으로 전이되다 (Metastasize to the liver).

Noun + '여부' (Whether or not)

전이 여부 (Whether it has metastasized or not).

Examples by Level

열이 전이돼요.

The heat is transferring.

'전이돼요' is the polite present form of '전이되다'.

암이 전이됐어요.

The cancer has spread.

'전이됐어요' is the past tense of '전이되다'.

기분이 전이돼요.

The mood is spreading.

Using '전이' for feelings is a bit advanced but possible.

전이는 이동이에요.

Transfer is movement.

Simple noun definition sentence.

전이가 빨라요.

The transfer is fast.

Subject + adjective structure.

여기로 전이돼요.

It transfers to here.

'여기로' indicates the destination.

전이가 안 돼요.

It does not transfer.

Negative form using '안'.

무엇이 전이돼요?

What is transferring?

Interrogative sentence.

열의 전이를 막아요.

Stop the transfer of heat.

'전이를' is the object of the verb '막다' (to block/stop).

병이 다른 곳으로 전이됐어요.

The disease has spread to another place.

'다른 곳으로' shows the direction of the transfer.

그의 슬픔이 나에게 전이됐다.

His sadness was transferred to me.

'나에게' indicates the person receiving the emotion.

전이 현상을 공부해요.

I study the phenomenon of transfer.

'전이 현상' is a compound noun meaning 'transfer phenomenon'.

전이가 확인되었습니다.

The metastasis has been confirmed.

Formal passive voice '확인되었습니다'.

암세포는 전이하기 쉬워요.

Cancer cells are easy to metastasize.

'-기 쉽다' means 'easy to do'.

에너지의 전이를 보세요.

Look at the transfer of energy.

'의' shows possession/relation.

전이 속도가 아주 빨라요.

The speed of transfer is very fast.

'전이 속도' means 'transfer speed'.

암이 폐에서 간으로 전이되었습니다.

The cancer metastasized from the lungs to the liver.

'에서...으로' indicates the starting point and destination.

상담사에게 감정을 전이시키지 마세요.

Do not transfer your emotions to the counselor.

'전이시키다' is the causative form (to make/cause to transfer).

이 물질은 열 전이가 매우 잘 됩니다.

This material transfers heat very well.

'열 전이' is a common term in physics.

스트레스가 신체 증상으로 전이될 수 있다.

Stress can be transferred into physical symptoms.

'ㄹ 수 있다' expresses possibility.

전이 학습은 인공지능의 중요한 기술이다.

Transfer learning is an important technology in AI.

'전이 학습' is a technical term for 'transfer learning'.

부정적인 생각의 전이를 경계해야 합니다.

We must be wary of the transfer of negative thoughts.

'경계해야 합니다' means 'must be wary/cautious'.

바이러스 전이를 막기 위해 소독을 합니다.

We disinfect to prevent the transfer of the virus.

'기 위해' means 'in order to'.

검사 결과 전이가 없는 것으로 밝혀졌어요.

The test results revealed that there is no metastasis.

'ㄴ 것으로 밝혀지다' means 'to be revealed as'.

암세포의 전이 기전을 연구하고 있습니다.

We are researching the mechanism of cancer cell metastasis.

'기전' (mechanism) is a common academic partner for '전이'.

환자는 아버지에 대한 감정을 의사에게 전이했다.

The patient transferred their feelings about their father to the doctor.

Classic psychological usage of '전이하다'.

경제 위기의 전이를 막기 위한 대책이 시급하다.

Measures to prevent the spread of the economic crisis are urgent.

'시급하다' (to be urgent) is often used in news contexts.

물질의 상태 전이는 온도 변화에 의해 일어난다.

The phase transition of matter occurs due to temperature changes.

'상태 전이' refers to phase transition in physics.

이론의 실제 적용 과정에서 전이가 발생한다.

Transfer occurs in the process of applying theory to practice.

'발생한다' means 'to occur' or 'to happen'.

림프절 전이 여부가 예후에 큰 영향을 미칩니다.

Whether there is lymph node metastasis greatly affects the prognosis.

'영향을 미치다' is a formal way to say 'to influence'.

공포의 전이는 사회적 혼란을 야기할 수 있다.

The transfer of fear can cause social chaos.

'야기할 수 있다' means 'can cause/trigger'.

학습 전이 효과를 극대화하는 교육법이 필요하다.

An educational method that maximizes the transfer of learning effect is needed.

'극대화하다' means 'to maximize'.

암의 원격 전이는 치료를 더욱 어렵게 만든다.

Distant metastasis of cancer makes treatment even more difficult.

'원격 전이' (distant metastasis) is a specific medical term.

정신분석에서 전이는 치료의 핵심적인 도구이다.

In psychoanalysis, transference is a core tool of treatment.

'핵심적인' means 'core' or 'essential'.

열전이 계수가 높은 물질을 사용하여 효율을 높였다.

Efficiency was improved by using a material with a high heat transfer coefficient.

'열전이 계수' (heat transfer coefficient) is an engineering term.

문화적 전이는 두 사회의 접점에서 활발히 일어난다.

Cultural transfer occurs actively at the intersection of two societies.

'접점' means 'contact point' or 'interface'.

전이성 뇌종양은 원발 부위에서 이동한 것이다.

Metastatic brain tumors are those that have moved from the primary site.

'전이성' (metastatic) is the adjective form.

역전이 현상을 인지하는 것은 상담사의 의무이다.

It is the counselor's duty to recognize the phenomenon of counter-transference.

'역전이' (counter-transference) is the opposite of '전이'.

디지털 기술의 전이가 산업 전반에 걸쳐 진행 중이다.

The transfer of digital technology is progressing across all industries.

'전반에 걸쳐' means 'across the board' or 'throughout'.

언어 전이는 모국어가 외국어 학습에 미치는 영향이다.

Language transfer is the influence of the mother tongue on foreign language learning.

'언어 전이' (language transfer) is a linguistics term.

종양의 미세 전이는 표준 검사로는 발견하기 어렵다.

Micrometastasis of a tumor is difficult to detect with standard tests.

'미세 전이' (micrometastasis) is a very specific oncology term.

상전이 임계점에서의 물리적 성질 변화를 관찰했다.

Observed physical property changes at the phase transition critical point.

'임계점' (critical point) and '상전이' (phase transition) are high-level physics terms.

전이 부정은 환자가 질병의 확산을 인정하지 않는 상태이다.

Metastasis denial is a state where the patient does not acknowledge the spread of the disease.

Psychological reaction to a medical diagnosis.

데이터 전이의 무결성을 확보하는 것이 보안의 핵심이다.

Ensuring the integrity of data transfer is the core of security.

'무결성' (integrity) and '확보하다' (to secure/ensure) are professional IT terms.

신경 전달 물질의 전이가 뇌 기능에 미치는 영향.

The influence of neurotransmitter transfer on brain function.

Biological/Neurological context.

전이적 관계에서의 권력 역학을 심층적으로 분석했다.

Deeply analyzed the power dynamics in transferential relationships.

'전이적' (transferential) and '심층적' (in-depth) are academic terms.

방사성 물질의 전이 경로는 환경 보호의 주요 관심사이다.

The transfer path of radioactive materials is a major concern for environmental protection.

'전이 경로' (transfer path) is used in environmental science.

자본의 전이는 글로벌 시장의 변동성을 심화시킨다.

The transfer of capital intensifies the volatility of the global market.

'변동성' (volatility) and '심화시키다' (to intensify) are economic terms.

Synonyms

이동 확산 전염 전달

Antonyms

고립 정체

Common Collocations

암 전이

감정 전이

열 전이

전이 학습

전이되다

전이시키다

상전이

전이성

전이 경로

전이 확률

Common Phrases

전이가 빠르다

— Used when a disease or a phenomenon spreads very quickly.

이 암은 전이가 빨라서 위험합니다.

전이를 확인하다

— The act of checking whether a disease has spread to other areas.

CT 촬영으로 전이를 확인했습니다.

전이의 위험성

— Referring to the potential danger of something spreading.

전이의 위험성을 무시하면 안 됩니다.

전이가 나타나다

— When signs of metastasis or transfer become visible.

검사 결과에서 전이가 나타났어요.

전이가 멈추다

— When the spreading process ceases.

다행히 전이가 멈춘 것 같습니다.

전이가 의심되다

— When a doctor suspects that a disease might have spread.

폐로의 전이가 의심됩니다.

전이를 예방하다

— To take actions to stop something from spreading.

전이를 예방하는 치료를 시작합시다.

전이 현상

— The general phenomenon of transfer or transition.

심리학의 전이 현상을 연구합니다.

전이 단계

— The specific stage of a transition or metastasis.

현재는 전이 단계에 있습니다.

전이 부위

— The specific location where something has spread to.

전이 부위를 수술하기로 했습니다.

Often Confused With

전이 vs 이동

이동 is for general physical movement; 전이 is for spreading states or diseases.

전이 vs 확산

확산 is spreading out in all directions; 전이 is moving from one specific point to another.

전이 vs 전염

전염 is for infectious diseases; 전이 is for internal spreading like cancer.

Idioms & Expressions

"불이 전이되다"

— While '옮겨붙다' is more common, this formal expression describes fire spreading between buildings.

화재가 옆 건물로 전이되었습니다.

Formal/News

"불안이 전이되다"

— To describe how one person's nervousness affects an entire group.

리더의 불안이 팀 전체로 전이되었다.

Neutral

"독이 전이되다"

— Metaphorically used when a bad influence spreads through a system.

부패의 독이 조직 전체로 전이되었다.

Literary

"생각이 전이되다"

— When an idea from one field is applied successfully to another.

철학적 생각이 과학으로 전이되었다.

Academic

"슬픔의 전이"

— The act of sharing and thus spreading sadness among people.

그의 슬픔은 우리 모두에게 전이되었다.

Literary

"에너지 전이"

— The movement of power or energy between entities.

권력의 전이가 평화롭게 이루어졌다.

Political

"바이러스의 전이"

— The spread of a computer or biological virus.

바이러스의 전이 속도가 예상을 뛰어넘었다.

Technical

"공포의 전이"

— The psychological spread of fear in a crowd.

공포의 전이는 통제하기 어렵다.

Social Science

"지식의 전이"

— The application of learned knowledge to a new situation.

학교 교육은 지식의 전이가 목적이다.

Educational

"전이의 고리"

— The chain or sequence of spreading events.

전이의 고리를 끊는 것이 중요하다.

Formal

Easily Confused

전이 vs 이동

Both involve moving from A to B.

이동 is for people, cars, and objects. 전이 is for cancer, heat, and emotions.

이사할 때는 짐을 이동(O) / 전이(X) 시킵니다.

전이 vs 확산

Both describe something spreading.

확산 is like a gas filling a room. 전이 is like a seed traveling to a new garden and growing there.

코로나는 확산(O)되지만, 위암은 간으로 전이(O)됩니다.

전이 vs 전달

Both involve something going from one to another.

전달 is intentional (giving a gift/message). 전이 is often unintentional or biological.

편지를 전달(O)하고, 감정을 전이(O)시킵니다.

전이 vs 변이

Both sound similar and are scientific.

변이 is a change in form (mutation). 전이 is a change in location (transfer).

바이러스가 변이(O)하여 전이(O) 속도가 빨라졌다.

전이 vs 천이

Both are formal terms for transition.

천이 is specifically for ecological succession over time. 전이 is for movement in space or state.

숲의 천이(O) 과정을 관찰합니다.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]이/가 전이돼요.

열이 전이돼요.

[Noun]이/가 [Place]로 전이됐어요.

병이 간으로 전이됐어요.

[Noun]의 전이를 막아야 합니다.

암의 전이를 막아야 합니다.

[Noun]이/가 [Person]에게 전이되다.

슬픔이 나에게 전이되다.

[Noun]을/를 [Place]로 전이시키다.

공포를 사회로 전이시키다.

전이 여부를 확인하기 위해 [Action].

전이 여부를 확인하기 위해 검사해요.

[Noun]은/는 [Context]에서의 전이 현상이다.

이것은 심리학에서의 전이 현상이다.

[Noun]의 전이 경로는 [Description]에 의해 결정된다.

오염의 전이 경로는 지형에 의해 결정된다.

Word Family

Nouns

전이성 (metastasis/metastatic property)

전이학습 (transfer learning)

상전이 (phase transition)

역전이 (counter-transference)

Verbs

전이되다 (to be transferred/metastasized)

전이시키다 (to transfer/cause metastasis)

전이하다 (to metastasize - active)

Adjectives

전이적인 (transferential/transitional)

이동 (movement)

이전 (relocation)

변이 (mutation)

천이 (succession)

확산 (diffusion)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in specialized fields, rare in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

사무실이 전이됐어요. → 사무실이 이전/이동했어요.
'전이' is not for physical buildings or offices. Use '이전' for offices.
감기가 전이됐어요. → 감기가 옮았어요 / 전염됐어요.
For infectious diseases like colds, use '옮다' (casual) or '전염' (formal).
기분이 전이해요. → 기분이 전이돼요.
'전이하다' is active; '전이되다' is the correct passive form for a mood spreading.
암이 뼈에 전이했어요. → 암이 뼈로 전이됐어요.
The destination usually takes '로' and the verb should be '되다'.
열 확산 계수 (when meaning transfer) → 열 전이 계수
While '확산' (diffusion) exists, '전이' is the standard term for heat transfer in engineering.

Tips

Medical Accuracy

In a medical context, '전이' is a very serious word. Always use it with care when talking to patients or their families, as it usually implies a serious stage of illness.

The Particle '로'

Always remember to use the particle '-(으)로' to indicate where something is transferring to. For example: '간으로 전이' (transfer to the liver).

Psychology Tip

If you are interested in psychology, '전이' is a must-know word. It explains how our past relationships affect our current ones through 'transference'.

Physics Context

In physics, '전이' refers to state changes. '상전이' (phase transition) is how water becomes steam. It's about the 'shift' in nature.

Transfer Learning

If you study coding or AI, look for '전이 학습'. It's a great way to see this word used in a modern, high-tech context.

Don't confuse with '이동'

Remember: People '이동', cancer '전이'. Using the right word makes you sound like a native speaker.

Essay Writing

In TOPIK essays, using '전이' instead of '이동' or '퍼짐' when discussing social phenomena will significantly boost your score.

Clear Syllables

Pronounce '전' and '이' as two distinct beats. Don't let them blur together like 'jeoni' in English; keep the 'n' sound clear.

Journey Into

Remember 'Jeon-i' = 'Journey Into'. It's a journey into a new place, like cancer moving into a new organ.

K-Drama Listening

Watch medical dramas to hear how doctors deliver the news of '전이'. It will help you understand the gravity and usage of the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jeon' (전) as 'Journey' and 'I' (이) as 'Into' a new place. A 'Jeon-i' is a journey into a new part of the body or a new person's mind.

Visual Association

Imagine a red cell (cancer) jumping from one organ to another like a frog, or a lightning bolt (energy) jumping between two points.

Word Web

Cancer Metastasis Psychology Transference Heat Physics Energy Transfer

Challenge

Try to use '전이되다' in a sentence about how your mood changed because of a movie you watched.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja 轉 (전) meaning 'to turn, roll, or shift' and 移 (이) meaning 'to move, change, or shift'.

Original meaning: The original combination implies a change that involves both a shift in state and a movement in space.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

When using '전이' in a medical context, be extremely sensitive as it usually implies a worsening condition (Stage 4 cancer).

In English, 'metastasis' is purely medical, while 'transference' is purely psychological. Korean uses '전이' for both, which can be confusing for English speakers who expect two different words.

Medical K-dramas like 'Doctor Stranger' or 'Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim' frequently use '전이' during surgical scenes. Psychological thrillers in Korean cinema often explore the '전이' of trauma between generations.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hospital / Medical Clinic

전이가 확인되었습니다.
전이 여부를 검사합시다.
다른 장기로 전이되었습니다.

Psychology / Counseling

감정의 전이가 일어납니다.
역전이를 주의해야 합니다.
과거의 상처가 전이되었습니다.

Science / Engineering Lab

열 전이 효율을 측정하세요.
상전이 현상을 관찰합니다.
에너지 전이 경로를 분석합니다.

News / Economics

위기가 전이되고 있습니다.
영향의 전이를 차단해야 합니다.
시장 전이 효과가 큽니다.

Artificial Intelligence / Tech

전이 학습 모델을 사용합니다.
데이터 전이의 속도입니다.
기술 전이가 활발합니다.

Conversation Starters

"최근에 건강 검진에서 전이 여부를 확인해 본 적이 있나요? (Have you ever checked for metastasis in a recent health check-up?)"

"부정적인 감정이 주변 사람들에게 전이되는 것을 어떻게 막을 수 있을까요? (How can we prevent negative emotions from transferring to those around us?)"

"열 전이가 잘 되는 금속에는 어떤 것들이 있을까요? (What are some metals that transfer heat well?)"

"인공지능의 전이 학습이 미래에 어떤 변화를 가져올까요? (What changes will AI transfer learning bring in the future?)"

"상담을 받을 때 전이 현상을 경험해 본 적이 있나요? (Have you ever experienced the phenomenon of transference during counseling?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 나의 기분이 다른 사람에게 전이된 순간이 있었나요? (Was there a moment today when my mood was transferred to someone else?)

만약 내가 의사라면, 환자에게 전이 소식을 어떻게 전할지 써 보세요. (If you were a doctor, write how you would deliver news of metastasis to a patient.)

내가 배운 지식이 다른 분야로 전이된 경험에 대해 적어 보세요. (Write about an experience where knowledge you learned was transferred to another field.)

사회적 불안이 전이되는 과정을 관찰한 적이 있다면 설명해 보세요. (If you have observed the process of social anxiety transferring, please explain.)

열 전이의 원리를 이용한 우리 주변의 도구들을 나열해 보세요. (List tools around us that use the principle of heat transfer.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while it is very common in medicine for cancer metastasis, it is also used in psychology for transference of feelings and in physics for heat or energy transfer. It is a broad scientific term.

No, for moving houses, you must use '이사'. '전이' would sound like your house is spreading like a disease!

'전이되다' is passive, meaning something transfers on its own (e.g., cancer metastasizes). '전이시키다' is causative, meaning someone or something causes the transfer (e.g., a patient transfers feelings to a doctor).

It is not common in casual small talk, but it is very common in news, documentaries, medical dramas, and academic settings.

You say '암이 전이되었습니다' (Am-i jeon-i-doe-eot-seum-ni-da).

Yes, in AI, '전이 학습' (transfer learning) is a standard term for using a pre-trained model on a new task.

Yes, it comes from the Hanja characters 轉 (turn) and 移 (move).

'역전이' (counter-transference) is a psychology term for when a therapist transfers their own feelings onto a patient.

Yes, '열 전이' is the formal term for heat transfer in physics and engineering.

It is a formal, academic word. It is neither polite nor impolite, but it is used in professional and serious contexts.