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B2 noun #3,500 most common 10 min read

전파

jeonpa Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 전파 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 전파 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the complex social meanings of '전파'. Instead, think of it as the 'magic air' that makes your phone and radio work. When you are in a place with no signal, you can think of this word. In the simplest terms, '전파' is like a message traveling through the air without wires. You might hear it in very basic sentences about technology. For example, '전파가 좋아요' (The signal is good) or '전파가 없어요' (There is no signal). Even though this is a B2 word, its use in 'radio waves' is something even beginners encounter when talking about their smartphones or TVs. Just remember: 전파 = Radio waves / Phone signal. Don't worry about viruses or culture yet! Focus on the physical waves that help us communicate. If you see a tower with a red light on top, it is sending out '전파'. If your Wi-Fi is fast, the '전파' is strong. This simple association will help you build a foundation for the word's more complex meanings later on.

At the A2 level, you can start to see '전파' as something that moves from one place to another. You might see it in simple news headlines about a cold or a flu. For example, '감기가 전파돼요' (The cold is spreading). Here, '전파' is used like 'move' or 'spread'. You can also use it to talk about news. If you tell a secret to one person, and then everyone knows, the news was '전파' (spread). At this level, you should learn the verb form '전파하다' (to spread). Think of it as 'sending a message to many people'. You can also remember it in the context of '전파상' (an electronics repair shop), which you might see on old streets in Korea. These shops fix things that use '전파', like old radios or TVs. So, in A2, remember two things: 1. Phone/Radio signals. 2. Simple spreading of news or a common cold. This expands your vocabulary from just 'physical things' to 'moving information'.

At the B1 level, you should understand that '전파' is a formal word used in media and technology. You will start to hear it in discussions about '문화' (culture) and '인터넷' (the internet). For a B1 learner, it's important to distinguish '전파' from the more common verb '퍼지다' (to spread). '퍼지다' is what you use when talking with friends, but '전파' is what you use when giving a presentation or writing a report. For example, if you are talking about the 'Korean Wave' (Hallyu), you would say '한류가 전파되고 있습니다' (Hallyu is being spread/transmitted). This sounds more professional. You should also learn common word pairs (collocations) like '전파 경로' (the path of spread). If a doctor explains how a virus moves, they will talk about the '전파 경로'. At this stage, you should be able to use '전파' to describe how ideas move through a society or how a signal moves through a network. It’s a transition from 'simple signal' to 'broad dissemination'.

At the B2 level (your current level), '전파' is a key academic and technical term. You are expected to use it accurately in contexts like sociology, medicine, and telecommunications. You should understand the nuance between '전파' (transmission/propagation) and '확산' (diffusion). While '확산' focuses on the expanding volume or area, '전파' focuses on the *process* of transmission from a source. For instance, in a debate about 'Fake News', you would use '허위 정보의 전파' to discuss how the misinformation was broadcasted. In a science class, you would use it to describe the 'propagation' of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum. You should also be comfortable with the passive form '전파되다' and the noun-derivative '전파력' (the power or speed of spread). For example, '이 바이러스는 전파력이 매우 강합니다' (This virus has a very strong transmission power/is highly contagious). At B2, you are not just learning the word; you are learning to use it to describe complex systems of influence and movement.

At the C1 level, '전파' becomes a tool for nuanced analysis. You should be able to use it in metaphorical or highly specialized contexts. For example, you might discuss the '전파' of democratic ideals in the 20th century, or the '전파' of linguistic features across different dialects. In technical fields, you would deal with terms like '전파 간섭' (radio interference), '전파 굴절' (wave refraction), or '전파 항법' (radio navigation). A C1 learner understands that '전파' implies a certain level of systematic broadcasting. You might use it to critique how social media algorithms facilitate the '전파' of radical ideologies. The word also appears in legal contexts, such as '허위 사실 유포 및 전파' (circulation and dissemination of false facts), where the distinction between '유포' (releasing) and '전파' (broadcasting) might have legal implications. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the Hanja roots, recognizing that '播' (to sow) implies that what is spread is expected to 'grow' or 'take effect' in the recipient area.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of '전파'. You can use it in philosophical discourse or high-level policy discussions. You might analyze the '전파' of human civilization's foundational myths or the '전파' of aesthetic movements across historical eras. In this context, '전파' is not just a movement of data, but a transformation of the cultural landscape. You understand the subtle socio-political weight the word carries when used by government officials during a national crisis (like a pandemic or a cyber-attack). You can also appreciate its use in literature, where the '전파' of a character's influence might be described with poetic gravity. Furthermore, you are aware of the historical evolution of the word, from its roots in classical Chinese texts to its modern role in describing 6G satellite technology. Your ability to switch between the technical 'radio wave' meaning and the abstract 'ideological propagation' meaning is seamless, and you can identify when a writer uses '전파' instead of '보급' or '유포' to convey a specific authoritative or scientific tone.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

전파 in 30 Seconds

전파 means the spread or transmission of things like signals, diseases, or ideas.
It is commonly used in science (radio waves), medicine (virus spread), and culture (Hallyu).
It comes from Hanja meaning 'to transmit' and 'to sow seeds'.
It is a formal word often found in news reports and technical documents.

The Korean word 전파 (jeon-pa) is a multifaceted noun that English speakers might translate as 'propagation,' 'transmission,' or 'spread' depending on the context. Derived from the Hanja characters 傳 (to transmit) and 播 (to sow/scatter), it carries the inherent imagery of something being sent out from a source and taking root or being received across a wide area. In everyday life, you will encounter this word in three primary domains: technology, public health, and social/cultural movements. Understanding the nuance of 전파 is essential for reaching an upper-intermediate (B2) level of Korean, as it allows you to describe complex processes beyond simple movement.

Scientific Context: In physics and telecommunications, it refers to electromagnetic waves. This includes radio waves, television signals, and satellite transmissions. When your phone has a signal, it is receiving '전파'.

산속에서는 전파가 잘 잡히지 않아요. (The radio waves/signal aren't caught well in the mountains.)

Medical Context: In epidemiology, it describes the transmission of diseases or viruses. It focuses on how an illness moves from one host to another, often used in phrases like '감염 전파' (transmission of infection).

바이러스의 전파를 막기 위해 마스크를 써야 합니다. (We must wear masks to prevent the spread of the virus.)

Social Context: This refers to the dissemination of ideas, culture, religions, or news. It implies a broad broadcasting effect where information reaches a large audience.

인터넷은 정보의 전파 속도를 획기적으로 높였습니다. (The internet has drastically increased the speed of information dissemination.)

When using this word, consider the medium. If you are talking about a physical wave or a virus passing through air/contact, 전파 is almost always the correct choice. If you are talking about an ideology being 'sown' like seeds across a population, 전파 adds a professional and academic tone to your speech. In modern Korean society, particularly post-COVID-19 and in the era of high-speed 5G, this word has become a staple of news broadcasts and technical discussions alike. Its versatility makes it a powerful tool for any learner looking to discuss science, health, or sociology in Korean.

새로운 기술의 전파는 사회 구조를 변화시킵니다. (The propagation of new technology changes social structures.)

그 소문은 순식간에 학교 전체로 전파되었다. (That rumor was spread throughout the whole school in an instant.)

Mastering 전파 involves understanding its grammatical flexibility. It can function as a standalone noun, but it is frequently combined with the verb 하다 (to do) to form '전파하다' (to spread/transmit) or 되다 (to become) to form '전파되다' (to be spread/transmitted). This active/passive distinction is crucial for expressing who is responsible for the spread versus describing the phenomenon itself. Let's look at how to construct these sentences in various registers and contexts.

Active Usage (전파하다): Use this when a specific entity (a person, an organization, a device) is actively spreading something. It takes an object marked by 을/를.

선교사들은 기독교를 전 세계에 전파했습니다. (Missionaries spread Christianity throughout the world.)

Passive Usage (전파되다): Use this when focusing on the thing being spread. It is common in news reports or scientific descriptions where the 'agent' is less important than the 'event'.

신종 바이러스가 공기를 통해 전파되고 있습니다. (The new virus is being transmitted through the air.)

Noun + Noun Combinations: 전파 is often the head of a compound noun. Common examples include 전파 경로 (transmission route), 전파 매체 (transmission medium), and 전파 차단 (blocking of transmission).

당국은 질병의 전파 경로를 추적하고 있습니다. (Authorities are tracing the transmission route of the disease.)

In formal writing, such as essays or reports, 전파 is used to describe the influence of culture. For instance, '한류의 전파' (the spread of the Korean Wave) is a standard academic phrase. In these contexts, it implies a systematic and broad influence rather than a localized one. Conversely, in a tech support context, you might hear '전파 방해' (radio interference/jamming) when your Wi-Fi signal is weak due to physical obstacles. The versatility of this word allows it to slide from the laboratory to the church, and from the hospital to the concert hall. As a B2 learner, you should practice identifying which 'type' of spread is being discussed by looking at the surrounding nouns.

라디오 전파가 산맥에 부딪혀 굴절됩니다. (Radio waves hit the mountain range and are refracted.)

그의 사상은 제자들에 의해 널리 전파되었다. (His thoughts were widely spread by his disciples.)

If you live in Korea or consume Korean media, 전파 is unavoidable. It is a 'high-frequency' word in specific professional domains that spill over into public discourse. The most common place to hear it is on the nightly news. During the COVID-19 pandemic, '지역 사회 전파' (community transmission) and '해외 유입 전파' (transmission from overseas) were phrases heard daily. The word carries a sense of gravity and scientific accuracy that words like '퍼지다' (to spread, general) lack.

The Newsroom: News anchors use '전파' to describe the movement of information or diseases. It sounds objective and authoritative. For example, '가짜 뉴스의 전파' (the spread of fake news) is a common topic of debate.

정부는 허위 사실 전파를 엄단하겠다고 밝혔습니다. (The government announced it would strictly punish the spread of false facts.)

Technology & Telecom: When talking about mobile networks (SKT, KT, LG U+), you'll hear about '전파 도달 거리' (radio wave reach/range). If you're in an elevator and your call drops, you might say '전파가 안 터져요' (the signal/waves aren't 'bursting' through/reaching).

이 건물은 지하라서 전파 수신 상태가 좋지 않습니다. (Since this building is underground, the radio wave reception status is not good.)

Cultural Discussions: In documentaries or lectures about the Korean Wave (Hallyu), professors discuss how Korean drama and music are '전파' to different continents. It implies a cultural 'seeding' that influences local customs.

한국의 식문화가 소셜 미디어를 통해 전 세계로 전파되고 있습니다. (Korean food culture is being spread globally through social media.)

Beyond these, you'll find 전파 in the names of government agencies, such as the '중앙전파관리소' (Central Radio Management Office). This highlights the word's status as a technical term for the management of the invisible spectrum. Interestingly, while it is a formal word, it has entered the common vernacular to the point where even children understand it in the context of 'Wi-Fi' or 'Radio'. For a learner, hearing this word should trigger a mental switch to a more 'informational' or 'descriptive' mode of listening. It is rarely used in highly emotional or poetic contexts, preferring instead the world of facts, logic, and transmission.

지시 사항을 모든 대원에게 전파하십시오. (Disseminate the instructions to all personnel.)

우주에서 오는 전파를 분석하여 외계 생명체를 찾습니다. (We analyze radio waves from space to search for extraterrestrial life.)

While 전파 is a versatile word, English speakers often misuse it by confusing it with other words that mean 'spread' or 'transmit'. Because English uses 'spread' for everything from butter to rumors to viruses, it's easy to over-apply 전파 in Korean. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid to ensure your Korean sounds natural and precise.

전파 vs. 확산 (Diffusion/Expansion): These are very close. However, '확산' (hwak-san) emphasizes the widening area or the increase in volume/number. '전파' (jeon-pa) emphasizes the *transmission* from A to B. If you are talking about a fire spreading, use '확산'. If you are talking about a virus moving between people, '전파' is better.

❌ 불길이 숲으로 전파되었다. (Incorrect for fire)
✅ 불길이 숲으로 확산되었다. (The fire spread/diffused into the forest.)

전파 vs. 전달 (Delivery/Passing on): '전달' (jeon-dal) is used for delivering a physical package or passing a message directly to one person. '전파' is for broadcasting to many or the movement of waves/diseases. You don't '전파' a package to your friend.

❌ 택배를 친구에게 전파했다. (Incorrect for delivery)
✅ 택배를 친구에게 전달했다. (I delivered/passed the package to my friend.)

전파 vs. 유포 (Circulation/Leaking): '유포' (yu-po) often has a negative connotation, specifically regarding rumors, false information, or illegal content. While '전파' can be used for rumors, '유포' specifically implies the act of 'releasing' or 'circulating' something that shouldn't be out there.

허위 사실 유포는 범죄입니다. (Circulating false facts is a crime.)

Another mistake is using the wrong particles. Since 전파 often involves a medium, learners sometimes forget to use '를 통해' (through) or '에 의해' (by). For example, saying '인터넷은 정보를 전파해요' is okay, but '인터넷을 통해 정보가 전파돼요' (Information is spread through the internet) is much more common in natural Korean. Finally, remember that 전파 is a noun. If you want to use it as a verb, you *must* add -하다 or -되다. You cannot simply use the word '전파' as a predicate on its own.

❌ 소문이 전파했다. (Grammatically awkward)
✅ 소문이 전파되었다. (The rumor was spread.)

❌ 버터를 빵에 전파하세요. (Incorrect for physical spreading)
✅ 버터를 빵에 바르세요. (Spread/Apply butter on the bread.)

To truly master 전파, you need to know its 'neighbor' words. Korean has a rich vocabulary for the concept of 'spreading,' and choosing the right one will make you sound like a native speaker. Here is a comparison of 전파 with its most common synonyms and alternatives, categorized by their specific nuances.

전파 (Propagation/Transmission): The 'gold standard' for waves, diseases, and broad cultural dissemination. Focuses on the mechanism of moving from a source to others.

확산 (Diffusion/Expansion): Focuses on the area getting bigger. Used for fire, smells, gases, and the general 'spread' of a trend.
Example: 향기가 방 안으로 확산되었다. (The scent diffused into the room.)

보급 (Dissemination/Supply): Specifically used for making something available to the public, like technology, appliances, or education. It implies 'popularization'.
Example: 스마트폰의 보급률이 높다. (The supply/penetration rate of smartphones is high.)

유포 (Circulation/Spreading Rumors): Used for information, often with a nuance of leaking or spreading something widely (often negatively).
Example: 소문 유포를 멈추세요. (Stop spreading rumors.)

퍼뜨리다 (To Spread - Active, Native Korean): A native Korean verb (not Hanja-based) that is more casual. You can '퍼뜨리다' rumors, news, or even viruses in casual conversation.
Example: 소문을 퍼뜨리지 마세요. (Don't spread rumors.)

문화 전파 vs. 문화 보급
전파: The natural spread of culture.
보급: The intentional effort to make culture available to all.

When writing, if you want to sound more formal or academic, lean towards the Hanja words like 전파 or 확산. In spoken Korean, you will often hear 퍼지다 (passive: to be spread) or 퍼뜨리다 (active: to spread). However, in the context of technology (radio waves), there is no substitute for 전파. You would never say '라디오 퍼짐' to mean radio waves; it must be '라디오 전파'. Understanding these boundaries will help you navigate professional and academic environments in Korea with confidence.

지식의 전파는 인류 문명의 기초입니다. (The propagation of knowledge is the foundation of human civilization.)

바이러스 전파 방지를 위해 거리두기를 실천합시다. (Let's practice social distancing to prevent the transmission of the virus.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 播 (pa) is the same one used in 'seeding' (파종) in agriculture, making the word literally 'transmitting by sowing'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒʌn.pʰa/

US /dʒʌn.pʰa/

Equal stress on both syllables.

Rhymes With

양파 (onion) 대파 (green onion) 전파 (this word) 돌파 (breakthrough) 심파 (sympathy/melodrama) 격파 (smashing) 여파 (aftermath) 제파 (wave breaking)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'pa' as 'ba' (unaspirated).
Making the 'eo' sound in 'jeon' like a long 'o'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and science articles, requires Hanja knowledge for deep understanding.

Writing 5/5

Choosing between 전파, 확산, and 유포 can be tricky for learners.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation is straightforward, and the 'signal' meaning is easy to use.

Listening 4/5

Frequent in fast-paced news broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

전달 방송 소문 신호 공기

Learn Next

확산 유포 보급 매개체 수신

Advanced

전자기파 주파수 굴절 회절 간섭

Grammar to Know

~을/를 통해 (Through/Via)

인터넷을 통해 소식이 전파되었다.

~되다 vs ~하다 (Passive vs Active)

소문을 전파하다 vs 소문이 전파되다.

~에 의해 (By someone/something)

그는 사람들에 의해 전파된 소문을 들었다.

~기 위해 (In order to)

전파를 막기 위해 소독을 합니다.

~ㄹ/을 정도로 (To the extent that)

전파가 안 잡힐 정도로 깊은 산이다.

Examples by Level

전파가 안 좋아요.

The signal is not good.

전파 (noun) + 가 (subject particle) + 안 (not) + 좋아요 (is good).

라디오 전파를 잡아요.

I catch the radio waves.

전파 (noun) + 를 (object particle) + 잡아요 (catch/receive).

여기 전파가 있어요?

Is there a signal here?

Question form using the existence verb '있어요'.

전파는 눈에 안 보여요.

Radio waves are not visible to the eye.

눈에 (to the eye) + 안 (not) + 보여요 (is seen/visible).

텔레비전 전파가 약해요.

The TV signal is weak.

약해요 (is weak) describes the intensity of the signal.

전파가 끊겼어요.

The signal was cut off.

끊겼어요 is the passive past tense of '끊다' (to cut).

지하에서는 전파가 안 돼요.

The signal doesn't work underground.

지하 (underground) + 에서 (location particle).

전파가 아주 강해요.

The signal is very strong.

아주 (very) + 강해요 (is strong).

감기가 친구에게 전파되었어요.

The cold was spread to my friend.

전파되다 (to be spread) in the past tense.

그 소문은 전파가 빨라요.

That rumor spreads fast.

Noun form '전파' used to describe the speed of spreading.

인터넷으로 뉴스를 전파해요.

We spread news via the internet.

인터넷으로 (via/by means of internet).

기쁜 소식을 모두에게 전파합시다.

Let's spread the good news to everyone.

-합시다 (let's) is a formal suggestive ending.

이 병은 어떻게 전파돼요?

How does this disease spread?

어떻게 (how) + 전파돼요 (spreads/is transmitted).

산 위에서 전파가 잘 잡혀요.

The signal is caught well on top of the mountain.

잡혀요 is the passive form of '잡다' (to catch).

전파 방해를 받지 마세요.

Don't receive radio interference.

전파 방해 (radio interference) + 를 받다 (to receive).

그는 새로운 기술을 전파했어요.

He spread the new technology.

Active verb '전파하다' used with a human subject.

한류는 전 세계로 전파되고 있습니다.

Hallyu is being spread throughout the world.

-고 있다 (progressive) + passive '전파되다'.

바이러스의 전파 경로를 확인하세요.

Check the transmission route of the virus.

전파 경로 (transmission route) is a common technical term.

지식의 전파는 교육의 목적입니다.

The propagation of knowledge is the purpose of education.

Noun '전파' as the subject of the sentence.

이 기기는 전파를 수신합니다.

This device receives radio waves.

수신하다 (to receive signals) is a frequent partner for '전파'.

거짓 정보가 사회에 전파되면 안 됩니다.

False information must not be spread into society.

-면 안 되다 (must not / it is not okay if...).

기술의 전파 속도가 매우 빠릅니다.

The speed of technology propagation is very fast.

전파 속도 (propagation speed).

그 종교는 무역을 통해 전파되었습니다.

That religion was spread through trade.

~을/를 통해 (through/via).

스마트폰은 전파를 이용해 통화합니다.

Smartphones use radio waves to make calls.

이용해 (using/by utilizing).

지역 사회 전파를 막기 위해 노력 중입니다.

We are making efforts to prevent community transmission.

지역 사회 전파 (community transmission) is a high-level medical term.

전파력이 강한 변이 바이러스가 나타났습니다.

A variant virus with strong transmissibility has appeared.

전파력 (transmission power/infectivity).

문화적 전파는 양방향으로 일어납니다.

Cultural propagation occurs in both directions.

양방향으로 (in both directions/two-way).

전파 방해 장치를 설치하는 것은 불법입니다.

Installing a radio jamming device is illegal.

전파 방해 장치 (radio jamming device/jammer).

민주주의 사상은 혁명을 통해 전파되었습니다.

Democratic ideas were spread through revolutions.

Abstract concept '민주주의 사상' (democratic thought) used with '전파'.

이 안테나는 전파 수신율이 높습니다.

This antenna has a high radio wave reception rate.

수신율 (reception rate).

가짜 뉴스의 전파는 민주주의를 위협합니다.

The spread of fake news threatens democracy.

위협하다 (to threaten).

전파 관리소에서는 주파수를 할당합니다.

The radio management office allocates frequencies.

주파수 (frequency) and 할당하다 (to allocate).

언어의 전파는 이주 역사와 밀접한 관련이 있습니다.

The propagation of language is closely related to the history of migration.

밀접한 관련 (close relationship).

전파 굴절 현상 때문에 통신에 장애가 생겼습니다.

Communication failure occurred due to the radio wave refraction phenomenon.

전파 굴절 (wave refraction) is a technical physics term.

새로운 패러다임의 전파는 기득권의 저항을 받습니다.

The propagation of a new paradigm faces resistance from the vested interests.

기득권 (vested interests) and 저항 (resistance).

바이러스의 매개체별 전파 효율을 분석했습니다.

We analyzed the transmission efficiency of the virus by medium.

매개체별 (by medium/vector) and 전파 효율 (transmission efficiency).

전파 항법 시스템은 선박의 안전 운항을 돕습니다.

The radio navigation system helps the safe operation of ships.

전파 항법 (radio navigation).

디지털 기술은 권력의 전파 방식을 변화시켰습니다.

Digital technology has changed the way power is disseminated.

전파 방식 (method of dissemination).

무선 전파의 간섭을 최소화하는 설계가 필요합니다.

A design that minimizes interference of wireless radio waves is necessary.

최소화하다 (to minimize).

사상의 전파는 물리적 국경을 초월합니다.

The propagation of ideas transcends physical borders.

초월하다 (to transcend).

전파의 매질에 따른 속도 변화를 수학적으로 증명했다.

The change in speed of radio waves according to the medium was mathematically proven.

매질 (medium) and 증명하다 (to prove).

문명의 전파는 필연적으로 문화적 융합을 수반한다.

The propagation of civilization inevitably entails cultural fusion.

필연적으로 (inevitably) and 수반하다 (to entail/accompany).

극초단파 전파의 특성을 이용한 정밀 레이더 기술.

Precision radar technology using the characteristics of microwave propagation.

극초단파 (microwave/ultra-high frequency).

정보의 무분별한 전파가 초래하는 사회적 비용.

The social costs caused by the indiscriminate dissemination of information.

무분별한 (indiscriminate) and 초래하다 (to bring about/cause).

우주 배경 복사 전파를 통해 우주의 기원을 연구한다.

We study the origin of the universe through cosmic microwave background radiation.

우주 배경 복사 (cosmic background radiation).

전파 관리 정책은 국가 안보와 직결되는 사안이다.

Radio wave management policy is a matter directly linked to national security.

직결되다 (to be directly connected).

미디어의 전파력이 여론 형성에 미치는 영향력.

The influence that the media's power of dissemination has on the formation of public opinion.

여론 형성 (formation of public opinion).

전파 공학의 발전은 인류의 소통 방식을 혁명적으로 바꿨다.

The development of radio engineering has revolutionary changed the way mankind communicates.

전파 공학 (radio engineering).

Synonyms

확산 보급 유포 전달

Antonyms

차단 수렴 억제

Common Collocations

전파 경로

전파 방해

문화 전파

전파 수신

감염 전파

전파 매체

전파 속도

전파 차단

전파력

주파수 전파

Common Phrases

전파를 타다

— To be broadcast on TV or radio.

그의 이야기가 전국에 전파를 탔다.

전파가 터지다

— To have a good mobile signal (colloquial).

여기 전파 잘 터져요?

전파를 쏘다

— To emit or send out radio waves.

기지국에서 전파를 쏩니다.

전파를 잡다

— To catch/receive a signal.

안테나로 전파를 잡아요.

전파가 끊기다

— Signal is lost or cut off.

터널 안이라서 전파가 끊겼어요.

소문을 전파하다

— To spread a rumor broadly.

그는 나쁜 소문을 전파하고 다닌다.

기술 전파

— The dissemination of technology.

선진 기술의 전파가 시급합니다.

전파 관리

— Management of radio waves/spectrum.

국가에서 전파 관리를 엄격히 한다.

사상 전파

— Spreading of an ideology.

민주주의 사상의 전파.

전파 방해기

— A signal jammer.

시험장에서 전파 방해기를 사용했다.

Often Confused With

전파 vs 확산

Hwak-san focuses on the growth of the area/volume; Jeon-pa focuses on the transmission process.

전파 vs 전달

Jeon-dal is for direct delivery; Jeon-pa is for broadcasting/widespread movement.

전파 vs 유포

Yu-po often implies negative or illegal spreading of information.

Idioms & Expressions

"입에서 입으로 전파되다"

— To be spread by word of mouth from person to person.

그 전설은 입에서 입으로 전파되어 왔다.

Neutral

"전파를 타다"

— Literally 'to ride the waves', meaning to be broadcasted.

새 다큐멘터리가 오늘 밤 전파를 탑니다.

Neutral

"전파를 가르다"

— To cut through the waves (metaphor for fast communication).

그의 목소리가 전파를 가르고 들려왔다.

Literary

"전파의 사각지대"

— A dead zone where there is no signal.

이 마을은 전파의 사각지대입니다.

Neutral

"전파를 훔치다"

— To intercept or steal a signal (hacking).

해커들이 무선 전파를 훔치려 했다.

Technical

"전파를 내보내다"

— To broadcast or emit a signal.

방송국에서 긴급 전파를 내보냈다.

Formal

"전파를 수집하다"

— To collect signals (intelligence context).

정보기관은 적의 전파를 수집했다.

Formal

"전파가 닿다"

— For a signal or influence to reach a place.

문명의 전파가 닿지 않은 곳.

Neutral

"전파를 교란하다"

— To disturb or jam signals.

레이더 전파를 교란하는 기술.

Technical

"전파의 바다"

— The sea of radio waves (referring to modern connected world).

우리는 전파의 바다에 살고 있다.

Poetic

Easily Confused

전파 vs 보급

Both mean 'spread' in a sense.

Bo-geup is for supply/popularization; Jeon-pa is for the act of transmission.

스마트폰의 보급 (Spread of smartphone ownership) vs. 스마트폰 전파 (Smartphone signal).

전파 vs 배포

Both involve giving something to many.

Bae-po is for physical distribution (flyers, software); Jeon-pa is for waves/ideas.

전단지 배포 (Flyer distribution) vs. 소문 전파 (Rumor spread).

전파 vs 발산

Both involve something going out from a center.

Bal-san is more like 'emitting' (light, smell, energy); Jeon-pa is 'broadcasting' or 'transmitting'.

매력 발산 (Emitting charm) vs. 사상 전파 (Spreading ideas).

전파 vs 유행

Both describe things becoming popular.

Yu-haeng is the 'trend' itself; Jeon-pa is the 'process' of how it got there.

독감이 유행하다 (The flu is a trend/prevalent) vs. 독감이 전파되다 (The flu is being transmitted).

전파 vs 전파 (different Hanja)

Same sound (homonym).

全破 (jeon-pa) means 'total destruction'. Extremely rare compared to the 'spread' meaning.

건물이 전파되었다 (The building was totally destroyed - very rare context).

Sentence Patterns

전파가 [Adjective]

전파가 약해요.

[Something]을/를 전파하다

기쁜 소식을 전파해요.

[Something]이/가 [Medium]을/를 통해 전파되다

뉴스가 인터넷을 통해 전파돼요.

[Something]의 전파 경로를 [Verb]

바이러스의 전파 경로를 추적해요.

[Something]의 전파가 [Society/Area]에 미치는 영향

기술의 전파가 사회에 미치는 영향.

[Technical Term] 전파의 [Physics Property]

전자기파 전파의 굴절 현상.

[Something]은/는 전파력이 강하다/약하다

이 소문은 전파력이 강해요.

전파 방해 때문에 [Problem]

전파 방해 때문에 전화를 못 했어요.

Word Family

Nouns

전파자 (propagator/spreader)

전파력 (transmission power)

전파원 (source of transmission)

전파상 (electronics shop)

Verbs

전파하다 (to spread/transmit)

전파되다 (to be spread/transmitted)

Adjectives

전파적인 (propagative/spreading - rare)

방송 (broadcasting)

통신 (communication)

확산 (diffusion)

유포 (circulation)

보급 (popularization)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, technology, and health contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '전파' for spreading butter. → 버터를 바르다.
전파 is for waves, ideas, or diseases, not physical substances.
Saying '소문이 전파했다'. → 소문이 전파되었다.
The rumor doesn't 'do' the spreading; it 'is spread' (passive).
Confusing '전파' with '전달' for a package. → 택배를 전달하다.
전달 is for direct delivery; 전파 is for broad broadcasting.
Using '전파' for a fire spreading. → 불길이 확산되다.
Fire 'diffuses' or 'expands' (확산), it doesn't 'transmit' (전파).
Using '전파' as a verb without -하다/되다. → 정보의 전파 (Noun) or 정보를 전파하다 (Verb).
전파 is a noun and needs a supporting verb to act as a predicate.

Tips

Active vs Passive

Use '전파하다' when you want to emphasize the person spreading something, and '전파되다' when you want to focus on the thing being spread.

Tech Talk

When your phone signal is weak, say '전파가 약해'. It's the most natural way to describe it in Korean.

Medical Nuance

In medical contexts, '전파' specifically refers to transmission. Use '감염 전파' for the spread of infection.

TV Phrases

The phrase '전파를 타다' is used when someone appears on TV. It literally means 'riding the waves'.

Workplace Usage

In a military or corporate setting, '전파' means 'passing the word' or 'disseminating instructions'.

Don't confuse with 확산

Remember: Jeon-pa = transmission channel; Hwak-san = expanding area.

The Sowing Image

The 'Pa' in Jeon-pa means 'to sow'. Think of spreading ideas like sowing seeds in a field.

Academic Tone

Use '전파' instead of '퍼지다' in your TOPIK essays to get a higher score for formal vocabulary.

News Keywords

If you hear '전파' on the news, the story is likely about a new technology, a virus, or a cultural trend.

No physical spread

Never use '전파' for spreading blankets, butter, or paint. It is only for invisible things or ideas.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jeon' (transmission) and 'Pa' (waves like the ocean or sowing seeds). You are 'transmitting' seeds that 'propagate' everywhere.

Visual Association

Imagine a radio tower (source) scattering glowing seeds (ideas/waves) over a dark forest (the world).

Word Web

Radio Virus Culture Signal News Internet Satellite Antenna

Challenge

Try to use '전파' in three different ways today: once for your phone signal, once for a piece of news, and once for a cold you might have.

Word Origin

From Middle Korean, based on Hanja roots. 傳 (jeon) means to pass on or transmit, while 播 (pa) means to sow seeds or scatter.

Original meaning: To scatter seeds while passing them on; broadly disseminating something.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).

Cultural Context

Be careful using '전파' when talking about sensitive private information; '유포' (leaking) or '전달' (passing) might be more accurate depending on the intent.

In English, we often use different words (signal, spread, transmission). In Korean, '전파' covers all these, which can feel overly technical to English speakers at first.

The movie 'The Host' (괴물) discusses the '전파' of a mysterious virus. KBS, MBC, and SBS are '전파' mediums (broadcasters). National Radio Research Agency (국립전파연구원).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Telecommunications

전파가 약하다
전파 수신
전파 방해
전파 도달 거리

Public Health

감염 전파
전파 경로
전파력
지역 사회 전파

Culture/Media

문화 전파
전파를 타다
소문 전파
정보 전파

Science

전파 관측
전파 망원경
전파 속도
전자기파

Military/Command

상황 전파
명령 전파
전파 완료
신속 전파

Conversation Starters

"요즘 한류의 전파가 정말 대단하지 않나요?"

"여기 전파가 잘 안 터지는데, 와이파이 비밀번호가 뭐예요?"

"바이러스의 전파를 막으려면 무엇을 해야 할까요?"

"어릴 때 전파상에 가본 적이 있나요?"

"가짜 뉴스의 전파가 우리 사회에 어떤 영향을 미칠까요?"

Journal Prompts

인터넷을 통한 정보의 전파가 내 삶을 어떻게 바꾸었는지 써보세요.

내가 다른 사람에게 전파하고 싶은 좋은 습관이나 생각은 무엇인가요?

만약 하루 동안 모든 전파가 사라진다면 어떤 일이 일어날까요?

한국 문화 중에서 가장 빠르게 전파된 것은 무엇이라고 생각하나요?

질병의 전파를 막기 위한 개인의 책임에 대해 자신의 의견을 적어보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. For spreading physical substances like butter or jam, use '바르다' (to apply/spread) or '펴다' (to spread out).

Yes! Wi-Fi uses radio waves, so you can refer to the Wi-Fi signal as '전파'. For example, '전파가 약해서 인터넷이 느려요'.

'전파하다' is more formal and Hanja-based, often used in news or academic settings. '퍼뜨리다' is a native Korean word used in casual conversation.

Not directly, but you can say '전파자' (jeon-pa-ja) to mean a person who spreads something, like a 'super-spreader' of a virus.

You can say '전파가 안 좋아요' or more colloquially, '전파가 잘 안 터져요'.

Yes, terrestrial TV signals are called '전파'. When a show is aired, it is said to 'ride the waves' (전파를 타다).

Yes, but '유포' or '퍼뜨리다' are more common for gossip. '전파' sounds a bit like you are broadcasting it officially.

It means the 'transmission route'—how the disease moves from one person to another (e.g., through air, water, or touch).

Yes, especially because of smartphones. Everyone talks about '전파' when their phone signal is weak.

It's an old-fashioned electronics repair shop. You can still see them in some traditional markets in Korea.