It describes a situation where the rules are not applied equally to everyone.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to situations lacking fairness or equality.
- Commonly used in social, economic, and legal contexts.
- Describes outcomes or processes that are biased.
개요
'불공정하다'는 '아니 불(不)'과 '공평할 공(公)', '바를 정(正)'이 합쳐진 단어로, 공정함이 결여된 상태를 뜻합니다. 사회적 기준이나 도덕적 잣대에 비추어 볼 때 균형이 맞지 않는 상황을 지칭합니다. 2) 사용 패턴: 주로 '불공정하다'를 기본형으로 하며, 문장에서는 '불공정한 경쟁', '불공정한 대우'처럼 명사를 꾸미거나 '경기가 불공정하다'와 같이 상태를 서술할 때 쓰입니다. 3) 공통 문맥: 경제 활동, 스포츠 경기, 채용 과정, 법적 판결 등 공정성이 중요한 영역에서 자주 사용됩니다. 특히 특정 집단이 부당한 이득을 취하거나 반대로 불이익을 받을 때 강하게 비판하는 의미로 쓰입니다. 4) 유의어 비교: '부당하다'와 비슷하지만, '부당하다'는 도덕적·법적 정당성이 없다는 점에 초점을 맞추고, '불공정하다'는 기회의 평등이나 과정의 균형이 깨졌다는 점을 강조합니다.
Examples
심판의 판정이 불공정하다.
everydayThe referee's decision is unfair.
불공정한 거래를 하지 마세요.
formalDo not engage in unfair trade.
그건 너무 불공정해!
informalThat's so unfair!
불공정한 사회 구조를 개선해야 한다.
academicWe must improve the unfair social structure.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
불공정 행위
unfair practice
불공정 논란
controversy over unfairness
Often Confused With
Refers more to moral or legal impropriety. It suggests that something is wrong or unjust in a broader sense.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This word is used in both formal and informal registers. It is frequently seen in news headlines and formal complaints. In casual speech, it is often used to express frustration or protest.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use '불공정하다' when they simply mean 'not good'. Remember it specifically refers to a lack of equality or fairness in rules or treatment.
Tips
Focus on the root meanings
Remember that '공정' means fair. By adding '불' at the beginning, you negate the meaning, creating 'unfair'.
Do not confuse with '부당하다'
While similar, use '불공정하다' specifically when talking about rules, competition, or processes that are not balanced.
Importance of 'Fairness' in Korea
In modern Korean society, 'fairness' is a highly valued social virtue, making this word very common in news and political discourse.
Word Origin
Derived from the Hanja characters 不(불) + 公(공) + 正(정). It literally translates to 'not public/fair and not straight/correct'.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'fairness' is a major societal issue in Korea, often discussed in relation to educational and job opportunities. Using this word correctly shows a good grasp of social nuances.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'fair' scale (공정). If you add '불' (negative prefix), the scale tips over and becomes 'unfair' (불공정).
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions부당하다는 도덕적, 법적 정당성이 없는 것을 의미하고, 불공정하다는 과정이나 기회가 평등하지 않다는 측면을 더 강조합니다.
스포츠 경기 심판이 편파적이거나, 회사에서 공정한 평가가 이루어지지 않을 때 등 불평등한 상황을 비판할 때 사용합니다.
반대말은 '공정하다'입니다. 공정하다는 모든 사람에게 평등하고 치우침이 없다는 뜻을 가집니다.
네, 학교나 직장 등 사회생활에서 규칙이 지켜지지 않을 때 자주 사용하는 표현입니다.
Test Yourself
이번 채용 과정은 너무 ___.
채용 과정이 평등하지 않음을 나타내는 상황이므로 불공정하다가 적절합니다.
Score: /1
Summary
It describes a situation where the rules are not applied equally to everyone.
- Refers to situations lacking fairness or equality.
- Commonly used in social, economic, and legal contexts.
- Describes outcomes or processes that are biased.
Focus on the root meanings
Remember that '공정' means fair. By adding '불' at the beginning, you negate the meaning, creating 'unfair'.
Do not confuse with '부당하다'
While similar, use '불공정하다' specifically when talking about rules, competition, or processes that are not balanced.
Importance of 'Fairness' in Korea
In modern Korean society, 'fairness' is a highly valued social virtue, making this word very common in news and political discourse.
Examples
4 of 4심판의 판정이 불공정하다.
The referee's decision is unfair.
불공정한 거래를 하지 마세요.
Do not engage in unfair trade.
그건 너무 불공정해!
That's so unfair!
불공정한 사회 구조를 개선해야 한다.
We must improve the unfair social structure.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More society words
수용하다
B2To accept, take in, or accommodate ideas, opinions, people, or external influences.
성인
A1An adult; a person who is fully grown or developed.
선진화
B1The process of making something advanced or modernized to reach the level of developed nations. It often refers to systems, technology, or social consciousness.
가중되다
B2To be increased or aggravated, especially in terms of pressure, burden, or negative circumstances.
지향
B2The act of aiming for a certain direction, goal, or ideal state.
소외
B2The state of being isolated or excluded from a group or society; alienation.
또한
A1Also; in addition; moreover.
대안
B2A plan, proposal, or option that can replace an existing one, usually to solve a problem. It is a key word in IELTS Task 2 for suggesting solutions.
비록
A1Although; even though.
도래
B1The arrival or beginning of a significant period, event, or era. It often describes the start of a new technology-driven age.
