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일률적

B2 adjective 8 min read

일률적

illyuljeok

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 일률적 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 일률적 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '일률적' is a very difficult word that you won't usually see. However, think of it simply as 'the same for everyone.' Imagine a teacher giving every student the same homework, even if some are fast and some are slow. That 'same-ness' in rules is what '일률적' means. In simple terms, it's like saying 'everyone gets one cookie,' regardless of how hungry they are. It's a big word for a simple idea: one rule for all. You can remember it as 'one' (일) + 'rule' (률). At this level, don't worry about using it, just recognize it means 'no difference in how a rule is used.'

At the A2 level, you can start to understand that '일률적' is used when talking about rules or standards. It is an adjective. You might see it in simple news sentences about schools or offices. It's different from 'same' (똑같다) because it's about *rules*. For example, if a store charges everyone 1,000 won for shipping regardless of distance, that is '일률적'. You should know that it often sounds a little bit 'cold' or 'unfriendly' because it doesn't look at the person's situation. It's a 'robot' way of doing things. Try to recognize the pattern '일률적인 + [Noun]'.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '일률적' to describe social situations or company policies. This is the level where you distinguish between '일반적' (general) and '일률적' (uniform). You can use it to complain or give an opinion. For example, 'The school's rules are too 일률적.' This means the school doesn't care about individual students' talents. You will also see the adverb '일률적으로' (uniformly). This is common in sentences like 'They applied the rule 일률적으로.' It means they didn't make any exceptions. It's a great word to use when you want to sound more formal and precise in your speaking tests.

At the B2 level, '일률적' is a key vocabulary item for discussing social issues, politics, and the economy. You should understand the nuance that this word is often used as a criticism. It implies a lack of '유연성' (flexibility). When you write an essay about the education system or government regulations, '일률적' is the perfect word to describe a 'one-size-fits-all' policy. You should also be able to compare it with '획일적' (standardized/monolithic). At this level, you should use it naturally in sentences like '우리는 일률적인 기준에서 벗어나야 한다' (We must move away from uniform standards). It shows you understand the complexity of system application.

At the C1 level, you should master the academic and professional use of '일률적'. You will encounter it in legal texts, philosophical debates, and high-level economic analysis. It is used to describe systemic rigidity. You should be able to discuss the tension between '일률적 평등' (uniform equality) and '실질적 평등' (substantive/actual equality). Substantive equality often requires *not* being '일률적' because people start from different places. You should be comfortable using this word in complex sentence structures and understand its derivative forms and Hanja roots deeply. It's a word used to dissect the failures of bureaucracy and the challenges of modern governance.

At the C2 level, '일률적' is a tool for nuanced social commentary. You understand that while '일률적' application of law is a hallmark of the 'rule of law' (법치주의) to prevent favoritism, it can also lead to 'administrative convenience' (행정 편의주의) that ignores human dignity. You can use the word to discuss architectural monotony, the loss of cultural diversity due to globalization (일률적인 세계화), or the mechanical nature of algorithmic decision-making. You use the word with precision, knowing exactly when to choose it over '획일적', '무차별적' (indiscriminate), or '공통적' (common). Your usage reflects a deep understanding of the socio-linguistic weight the word carries in Korean discourse.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

일률적 in 30 Seconds

Applying one rule to everything without flexibility.
Commonly used to criticize government or school policies.
Often implies a 'one-size-fits-all' approach that is unfair.
Can be used as an adjective (일률적인) or adverb (일률적으로).

The Korean adjective 일률적 (Il-ryul-jeok) is a sophisticated term used to describe a state where a single rule, method, or standard is applied across the board without any regard for individual circumstances, unique characteristics, or specific contexts. Rooted in Hanja—specifically 일 (一 - one) and 률 (律 - law/rule)—the word literally translates to 'following one single rule.' In modern Korean society, it is frequently employed in academic, political, and social critiques to highlight the lack of flexibility or the failure to recognize diversity within a system.

Etymological Foundation: The term is composed of 'Il' (One), 'Ryul' (Law/Rate), and 'Jeok' (Suffix for adjectives). It implies a mechanical application of a standard, much like a mathematical formula that does not change regardless of the variables involved.
Societal Context: You will often hear this in discussions about the Korean education system, where critics argue that '일률적인 교육' (standardized education) stifles creativity by forcing all students to follow the same curriculum and evaluation methods.

When you use this word, you are often pointing out a flaw in management or governance. It suggests a 'one-size-fits-all' approach that might be efficient from an administrative standpoint but is fundamentally unfair or ineffective for the individuals involved. For instance, if a government applies the same tax rate to both a struggling small business and a massive corporation without considering their revenue differences, that is an 일률적 application of policy.

모든 학생에게 일률적인 잣대를 들이대는 것은 옳지 않다. (Applying a uniform standard to all students is not right.)

In business contexts, '일률적' is used to describe rigid corporate cultures. If a company requires all employees to start at exactly 9:00 AM regardless of their commute distance or role requirements, this is an '일률적인 출근 시간' (uniform arrival time). While this promotes order, it is often criticized in the modern 'flexible work' era for being outdated and '일률적'.

행정 편의를 위해 일률적으로 규제를 적용해서는 안 됩니다. (Regulations should not be applied uniformly just for administrative convenience.)

Grammatically, 일률적 functions primarily as a noun that can be transformed into an adjective by adding the particle -인 (일률적인) or into an adverb by adding -으로 (일률적으로). Understanding these two forms is crucial for natural Korean speech. The adjective form modifies a noun to describe a 'uniform' quality, while the adverbial form describes an action performed in a 'standardized' or 'indiscriminate' manner.

Adjective Form: 일률적인: Used before nouns like 기준 (standard), 방식 (method), or 태도 (attitude). For example: '일률적인 기준' (A uniform standard).
Adverb Form: 일률적으로: Used to describe how a verb is carried out. For example: '일률적으로 적용하다' (To apply uniformly) or '일률적으로 판단하다' (To judge indiscriminately).

When constructing sentences, think about the object of the uniformity. Is it a policy? A thought process? A physical appearance? If you are talking about the government providing the same amount of relief funds to every citizen regardless of income, you would say the funds were distributed '일률적으로'. If you are criticizing a housing development where every building looks exactly the same, you might refer to the '일률적인 디자인' (uniform design).

개개인의 특성을 무시하고 일률적으로 처리하는 것은 비효율적이다. (Processing things uniformly while ignoring individual characteristics is inefficient.)

In academic writing, '일률적' is often paired with the verb '배제하다' (to exclude) or '지양하다' (to avoid). A researcher might state that '일률적인 분석을 지양해야 한다' (One should avoid standardized analysis), suggesting that a more nuanced approach is necessary. This demonstrates the word's utility in high-level discourse where precision in describing systemic flaws is required.

이 문제는 일률적인 잣대로 평가할 수 없는 복잡한 사안입니다. (This problem is a complex matter that cannot be evaluated with a uniform yardstick.)

You will encounter 일률적 most frequently in formal settings, media reports, and critical essays. It is a staple of Korean news broadcasts, especially when journalists are discussing government regulations, economic policies, or social issues. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was significant debate in Korea regarding '일률적인 영업 제한' (uniform business restrictions), where shop owners argued that different types of businesses should be treated differently based on their risk level.

News & Media: Reporters use it to criticize 'top-down' decisions that fail to account for local nuances. '정부의 일률적인 정책이 도마 위에 올랐다' (The government's uniform policy has come under fire).
Corporate Environment: In HR meetings, managers might discuss moving away from '일률적인 성과 지표' (uniform performance metrics) to more individualized KPIs.

In educational settings, teachers and parents often use this word when discussing the pressures of the CSAT (Suneung). They might lament the '일률적인 입시 위주의 교육' (uniform, entrance-exam-oriented education) that treats all students like machines in a factory. It’s a powerful word for expressing frustration with a system that feels robotic or unyielding.

모든 부서에 일률적으로 예산을 삭감하는 것은 무리가 있다. (It is unreasonable to cut budgets uniformly across all departments.)

Furthermore, in the arts and architecture, '일률적' describes the monotony of modern urban landscapes. A critic might describe a row of identical apartment complexes as '일률적인 아파트 단지' (uniform apartment complexes), suggesting a lack of aesthetic soul or architectural diversity. This highlights how the word bridges the gap between administrative criticism and aesthetic commentary.

그의 비판은 일률적인 사회 통념에 경종을 울렸다. (His criticism sounded an alarm against uniform social conventions.)

One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing 일률적 (Il-ryul-jeok) with 일반적 (Il-ban-jeok). While they look similar, their meanings are quite different. '일반적' means 'general' or 'common'—referring to what is typical. In contrast, '일률적' refers to the *imposition* of a single rule onto everything. If you say '일반적인 규칙,' you mean a rule that most people follow. If you say '일률적인 규칙,' you mean a rule applied to everyone without exception or flexibility.

Confusion with '획일적' (Hoek-il-jeok): These two are very close, but '획일적' is even more negative. It implies 'standardization' in a way that forces everything into a single mold (like a cookie cutter). '일률적' is more about the *method* of application, whereas '획일적' is about the *result* of everything looking the same.
Positive vs. Negative Connotation: Learners sometimes use '일률적' to mean 'consistent' in a positive sense. However, for positive consistency, '일관성 있는' (consistent) or '한결같은' (steadfast) are much better choices. '일률적' almost always implies a lack of necessary nuance.

Another mistake is using it to describe physical objects that are simply 'the same.' If two people are wearing the same shirt, you wouldn't say their clothes are '일률적'. That would sound like they are part of a forced uniform system. Instead, you would use '똑같다' (exactly the same) or '동일하다' (identical). '일률적' is reserved for systems, standards, and methods.

Incorrect: 우리 집 고양이들은 일률적으로 귀엽다. (My cats are uniformly cute - sounds like a policy made them cute).
Correct: 우리 집 고양이들은 모두 귀엽다. (My cats are all cute.)

Finally, be careful with the particle usage. Do not say '일률적하다'. Since it is a noun-based adjective (ending in -적), it must be '일률적이다' (to be uniform) or '일률적인' (uniform noun). Adding '-하다' is a common error for learners accustomed to verbs like '공부하다' or '행복하다'.

To truly master 일률적, you must understand its place within a cluster of related Korean terms. Depending on whether you want to be more critical, more formal, or more descriptive, you might choose a different word. The most common alternative is 획일적 (Hoek-il-jeok), which is often used interchangeably but carries a stronger nuance of 'forced uniformity' or 'lack of individuality'.

일률적 vs. 획일적: 일률적: Focuses on the application of one rule to all cases. (Method-oriented)
획일적: Focuses on making everything look or act exactly the same. (Outcome-oriented)
일률적 vs. 동일하다: 일률적: Usually negative; implies lack of flexibility.
동일하다: Neutral; simply means two things are the same in value or form.
일률적 vs. 보편적: 보편적: Positive/Neutral; means 'universal' or 'widely applicable'. You want a human right to be '보편적', but you don't want a punishment to be '일률적' if the crimes were different.

If you want to express the opposite of '일률적', you would use words like 개별적 (individual), 차등적 (differential), or 유연한 (flexible). For example, '차등적인 지원' (differential support) means providing help based on specific needs, which is the direct antithesis of '일률적인 지원' (uniform support).

우리는 일률적인 대응보다는 상황에 맞는 유연한 대처가 필요하다. (Rather than a uniform response, we need a flexible reaction that fits the situation.)

In professional writing, you might also use 정형화된 (standardized/formalized). This word is more neutral and often refers to documents or procedures that follow a set format. While an '일률적인 보고서' sounds boring and repetitive, a '정형화된 보고서' simply means a report that follows the official company template.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The middle character '률' (律) is the same one used in '법률' (law) and '율동' (rhythm/movement). It implies a structured, repeating pattern.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /il.ljul.tɕʌk/

US /il.ljul.dʒʌk/

The stress is generally even, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable 'Il'.

Rhymes With

기계적 (gi-gye-jeok) 사회적 (sa-hoe-jeok) 문화적 (mun-hwa-jeok) 경제적 (gyeong-je-jeok) 정치적 (jeong-chi-jeok) 비판적 (bi-pan-jeok) 긍정적 (geung-jeong-jeok) 부정적 (bu-jeong-jeok)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ryul' as 'yul' (missing the 'r/l' sound).
Pronouncing the final 'k' too strongly like 'kuh'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and books, but requires knowledge of Hanja-based terms.

Writing 5/5

Hard to use correctly without sounding too formal or choosing the wrong nuance.

Speaking 5/5

Used in debates and professional settings; less common in casual daily talk.

Listening 4/5

Easily recognized once you know the 'Il-Ryul' sound pattern.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

규칙 (Rule) 똑같다 (Same) 다르다 (Different) 기준 (Standard) 정부 (Government)

Learn Next

획일적 (Standardized) 보편적 (Universal) 차등적 (Differential) 유연성 (Flexibility) 다양성 (Diversity)

Advanced

행정 편의주의 (Administrative convenience) 법치주의 (Rule of law) 실질적 평등 (Substantive equality) 개별성 (Individuality) 상대성 (Relativity)

Grammar to Know

-적 (Suffix)

사회적, 경제적, 일률적

-적으로 (Adverbial Suffix)

일률적으로 처리하다

-적인 (Adjective Suffix)

일률적인 기준

-에 따라 (Depending on)

상황에 따라 일률적이지 않게 처리하다

-기보다 (Rather than)

일률적이기보다 유연하게 대처하다

Examples by Level

규칙이 너무 일률적이에요.

The rules are too uniform.

일률적 + 이다 (to be)

모두에게 일률적인 선물을 줬어요.

They gave uniform gifts to everyone.

일률적인 (adjective modifying 'gift')

일률적인 시간표가 있어요.

There is a uniform timetable.

Modifying the noun 'timetable'

일률적으로 적용해요.

Apply it uniformly.

일률적으로 (adverb)

그들은 일률적인 옷을 입어요.

They wear uniform clothes.

Adjective usage

일률적인 가격입니다.

It is a uniform price.

Adjective usage

생각이 너무 일률적이에요.

The thinking is too uniform.

Describing a state

일률적인 대답을 들었어요.

I heard a uniform answer.

Adjective modifying 'answer'

이 학교는 일률적인 교육을 해요.

This school provides standardized education.

Focus on the adjective form

일률적으로 처리하면 안 돼요.

You shouldn't process it uniformly.

Adverbial use with a negative command

모든 방의 디자인이 일률적입니다.

The design of all rooms is uniform.

Formal ending -습니다

일률적인 기준을 세웠어요.

They set a uniform standard.

Past tense verb

그의 태도는 항상 일률적이에요.

His attitude is always uniform (unvarying).

Describing a person's behavior

일률적인 규제 때문에 힘들어요.

It's hard because of the uniform regulations.

Reason/Cause structure

우리는 일률적으로 행동했어요.

We acted uniformly.

Adverbial usage

일률적인 방식은 재미없어요.

A uniform method is not fun.

Expressing an opinion

정부는 지원금을 일률적으로 지급했다.

The government paid out support funds uniformly.

Formal past tense

일률적인 평가 방식은 공정하지 않다.

A uniform evaluation method is not fair.

Topic marker with negative adjective

회사는 일률적인 근무 시간을 고수한다.

The company adheres to uniform working hours.

Transitive verb usage

사람들의 취향이 너무 일률적으로 변하고 있다.

People's tastes are becoming too uniform.

Present progressive with adverb

일률적인 잣대로 사람을 판단하지 마세요.

Don't judge people by a uniform yardstick.

Imperative with '말다'

모든 부서에 일률적인 예산 삭감이 통보되었다.

A uniform budget cut was notified to all departments.

Passive construction

그의 작품들은 스타일이 너무 일률적이다.

His works are too uniform in style.

Critical description

우리는 일률적인 대응을 피해야 합니다.

We must avoid a uniform response.

Necessity auxiliary verb

행정 편의를 위한 일률적 규제는 지양해야 한다.

Uniform regulations for administrative convenience should be avoided.

Academic term '지양하다'

개성을 무시한 일률적인 패션이 유행하고 있다.

Uniform fashion that ignores individuality is in style.

Participial phrase modifying 'fashion'

복지 혜택을 일률적으로 적용하는 것은 비효율적이다.

Applying welfare benefits uniformly is inefficient.

Gerund phrase as subject

일률적인 입시 교육이 창의성을 죽이고 있다.

Uniform entrance exam education is killing creativity.

Metaphorical usage

법을 일률적으로 집행하는 것이 항상 정의로운 것은 아니다.

Executing the law uniformly is not always just.

Complex subject with '것은 아니다'

그 도시는 일률적인 아파트 단지들로 가득 차 있다.

The city is full of uniform apartment complexes.

State of being with '가득 차 있다'

성과급을 일률적으로 배분하는 방식에 반대합니다.

I oppose the method of distributing performance bonuses uniformly.

Formal opposition

일률적인 사고방식에서 벗어날 필요가 있다.

There is a need to break away from a uniform way of thinking.

Noun phrase '필요가 있다'

형평성을 고려하지 않은 일률적인 처분은 위법의 소지가 있다.

A uniform disposition that does not consider equity has the potential to be illegal.

Legal/Formal terminology

다원화된 사회에서 일률적인 가치관을 강요할 수는 없다.

In a pluralistic society, one cannot force uniform values.

Complex sentence with '수 없다'

일률적인 최저임금 적용이 소상공인에게는 큰 부담이 된다.

The uniform application of the minimum wage is a heavy burden for small business owners.

Subject with '부담이 된다'

역사를 일률적인 관점에서 해석하는 것은 위험한 발상이다.

Interpreting history from a uniform perspective is a dangerous idea.

Critical academic tone

기존의 일률적인 마케팅 전략은 더 이상 통하지 않는다.

Existing uniform marketing strategies no longer work.

Temporal adverb '더 이상'

모든 범죄에 일률적인 형량을 부과하는 것은 법적 정의에 어긋난다.

Imposing uniform sentences for all crimes goes against legal justice.

Idiom '어긋난다' (goes against)

일률적인 도시 개발이 지역의 고유한 정체성을 훼손하고 있다.

Uniform urban development is damaging the unique identity of the region.

Transitive verb '훼손하다'

교육 과정의 일률적 표준화에 대한 찬반 논란이 거세다.

The controversy for and against the uniform standardization of the curriculum is intense.

Noun-heavy formal style

관료주의적 발상에 기초한 일률적 행정은 시민의 삶을 경직시킨다.

Uniform administration based on bureaucratic ideas stiffens the lives of citizens.

Advanced sociological vocabulary

일률적인 보편 복지와 선별적 복지 사이의 접점을 찾아야 한다.

A point of contact between uniform universal welfare and selective welfare must be found.

Abstract policy discussion

포스트모더니즘은 일률적인 거대 서사에 대한 해체를 시도한다.

Postmodernism attempts the deconstruction of uniform grand narratives.

Philosophical terminology

일률적인 미의 기준이 청소년들의 자아 정체성 형성을 방해한다.

Uniform standards of beauty hinder the formation of self-identity in adolescents.

Psychological context

디지털 시대의 정보는 일률적으로 소비되기보다는 파편화되어 확산된다.

Information in the digital age is fragmented and spread rather than being consumed uniformly.

Comparison with '보다는'

기후 위기에 대한 일률적인 국제적 대응은 국가 간 격차를 심화시킬 수 있다.

A uniform international response to the climate crisis could exacerbate gaps between nations.

Predictive nuance

일률적인 조직 문화는 창의적 인재의 유출을 가속화하는 원인이 된다.

A uniform organizational culture becomes a cause for accelerating the outflow of creative talent.

Causal relationship structure

인간의 감정은 일률적인 알고리즘으로 수치화할 수 없는 영역이다.

Human emotions are a realm that cannot be quantified by uniform algorithms.

Metaphysical/Tech discussion

Synonyms

획일적 균등한 무차별적 정형화된 똑같은

Antonyms

개별적 다양한 차등적

Common Collocations

일률적인 기준

일률적으로 적용하다

일률적인 규제

일률적인 방식

일률적인 잣대

일률적인 가격

일률적인 대처

일률적인 태도

일률적인 교육

일률적으로 배분하다

Common Phrases

일률적으로 말하기 어렵다

— It is hard to say in a general or uniform way. Used when a situation is complex.

이 문제의 원인은 일률적으로 말하기 어렵습니다.

일률적인 조치

— A uniform measure or action taken by an authority.

정부는 일률적인 조치를 취했다.

일률적인 혜택

— Benefits given to everyone in the same way.

모든 시민에게 일률적인 혜택이 돌아갔다.

일률적인 사고

— Uniform thinking; thinking in the same way as everyone else.

일률적인 사고를 강요하지 마라.

일률적인 패턴

— A uniform pattern that repeats without variation.

이 사건들은 일률적인 패턴을 보이고 있다.

일률적인 삭감

— A uniform cut (usually referring to budget or staff).

예산의 일률적인 삭감이 결정되었다.

일률적인 적용

— Uniform application of a rule or system.

규칙의 일률적인 적용이 문제를 일으켰다.

일률적인 판단

— A uniform judgment that doesn't look at details.

일률적인 판단은 오해를 낳을 수 있다.

일률적인 디자인

— A design that looks the same everywhere.

일률적인 디자인의 아파트가 늘고 있다.

일률적인 시간

— A fixed, uniform time for everyone.

일률적인 시간표에 맞춰 움직인다.

Often Confused With

일률적 vs 일반적

Means 'general'. Use for common things. '일률적' is for forced uniformity.

일률적 vs 동일하다

Means 'identical'. Use for things that are the same. '일률적' is for the method of making them the same.

일률적 vs 공통적

Means 'common'. Focuses on shared traits. '일률적' focuses on lack of variation.

Idioms & Expressions

"천편일률적이다"

— To be monotonous and boringly similar (literally 'a thousand pieces follow one rule').

요즘 아이돌 노래는 천편일률적이다.

Common

"한 잣대로 재다"

— To measure everyone with one yardstick (related to 일률적인 잣대).

사람을 한 잣대로 재는 것은 위험하다.

Common

"도마 위에 오르다"

— To be brought up for criticism (often used with 일률적 정책).

일률적인 규제가 도마 위에 올랐다.

Media

"틀에 박히다"

— To be stuck in a mold (similar to 획일적/일률적).

그는 틀에 박힌 일률적인 생활을 싫어한다.

Common

"붕어빵이다"

— To be exactly alike (like fish-shaped bread from the same mold).

그 건물들은 다 붕어빵처럼 일률적이다.

Informal

"입을 맞추다"

— To coordinate stories (leading to uniform/일률적 answers).

그들은 일률적인 대답을 하기 위해 입을 맞췄다.

Common

"발을 맞추다"

— To keep pace with others (acting uniformly).

모두가 일률적으로 발을 맞추어 걸었다.

Common

"색깔이 없다"

— To lack individuality (due to being 일률적).

그의 글은 일률적이라서 자신만의 색깔이 없다.

Artistic

"판에 박은 듯하다"

— To be as if printed from a plate (perfectly uniform).

그녀의 인사는 판에 박은 듯 일률적이었다.

Common

"찬물을 끼얹다"

— To discourage (often what 일률적 rules do to creativity).

일률적인 규제가 열정에 찬물을 끼얹었다.

Common

Easily Confused

일률적 vs 획일적

Both mean uniform.

'획일적' is more about the result (everything looks the same), '일률적' is more about the rule (the same rule for all). '획일적' is usually more negative.

획일적인 교복 (Standardized uniforms). 일률적인 처벌 (Uniform punishment).

일률적 vs 고정적

Both imply lack of change.

'고정적' means fixed or unmoving over time. '일률적' means the same across different people/cases.

고정적인 수입 (Fixed income). 일률적인 배분 (Uniform distribution).

일률적 vs 보편적

Both apply to many people.

'보편적' is usually positive (universal rights). '일률적' is usually negative (rigid rules).

보편적인 가치 (Universal values). 일률적인 규제 (Uniform regulations).

일률적 vs 전반적

Both cover a wide area.

'전반적' means 'overall' or 'across the board' in a descriptive sense. '일률적' implies a forced standard.

전반적인 개선 (Overall improvement). 일률적인 기준 (Uniform standard).

일률적 vs 무차별적

Both apply to everyone.

'무차별적' means 'without picking' and often implies violence or lack of thought. '일률적' is more about bureaucratic rules.

무차별적인 공격 (Indiscriminate attack). 일률적인 적용 (Uniform application).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]은/는 일률적이라서 [Problem].

이 규칙은 일률적이라서 불편해요.

일률적으로 [Verb]하지 마세요.

일률적으로 판단하지 마세요.

[Noun]에 일률적인 기준을 적용하다.

모든 학생에게 일률적인 기준을 적용했다.

일률적인 [Noun]에서 벗어나다.

일률적인 사고방식에서 벗어나야 한다.

일률적인 [Noun]이/가 [Negative Result]을/를 초래하다.

일률적인 규제가 부작용을 초래했다.

[Noun]을/를 일률적으로 처리하는 것은 [Criticism].

민원을 일률적으로 처리하는 것은 무책임하다.

일률적 평등보다는 실질적 평등을 [Verb].

일률적 평등보다는 실질적 평등을 추구해야 한다.

[Abstract Noun]의 일률적 표준화에 대한 [Controversy].

가치관의 일률적 표준화에 대한 우려가 크다.

Word Family

Nouns

일률 (Uniformity/Rate)

일률성 (Uniformness)

Verbs

일률화하다 (To standardize/make uniform)

Adjectives

일률적 (Uniform)

규칙 (Rule)

기준 (Standard)

획일 (Standardization)

평균 (Average)

동일 (Identity)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media and professional settings; rare in very casual daily chat.

Common Mistakes

일률적하다 → 일률적이다 / 일률적이다
'적' words are nouns that become adjectives with '이다' or '인', not '하다'.
일반적인 규제 (when meaning uniform) → 일률적인 규제
'일반적' means general/common. '일률적' means applying the same rule to everyone.
똑같은 기준 (in a formal essay) → 일률적인 기준
'똑같은' is too casual for academic or professional writing. Use '일률적인'.
일률적으로 예쁘다 → 모두 예쁘다
'일률적' shouldn't be used for simple aesthetic praise; it implies a system or rule.
일률적인 친구 → 한결같은 친구
If you mean a 'consistent' friend, '일률적' is wrong because it's critical. Use '한결같은'.

Tips

Use with '잣대'

The most common metaphorical use is '일률적인 잣대' (a uniform yardstick). Use this when someone is judging different things by only one rule.

Fairness vs. Uniformity

Remember that being '일률적' is often the opposite of being truly fair (공정), because true fairness considers individual needs.

Pair with '지양하다'

In formal writing, you will often see '일률적인 ...을 지양해야 한다' (We should avoid uniform ...). This is a very high-level phrase.

Soft 'L'

The 'ㄹ' in '일' and '률' should flow together smoothly. Don't stop between the syllables.

Adjective vs. Adverb

Use '일률적인' before a noun and '일률적으로' before a verb. This is a common point of confusion for learners.

Business Context

In business, use it to describe rigid policies like '일률적인 급여' (uniform salary) when arguing for performance-based pay.

Education Criticism

This is a 'power word' for criticizing the Korean education system. Use it in essays about 'Suneung'.

Globalism

Use it to describe how global brands make every city look the same (일률적인 도시).

The 'One-Rule' Trick

Just remember: Il = One, Ryul = Rule. One-Rule-ish.

Stay Formal

Avoid using this for small, trivial things. It's a 'big' word for 'big' topics like society, law, and systems.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Il' (One) and 'Rule' (Ryul). It's the 'One-Rule' word. If everyone has to follow exactly ONE RULE, it's 일률적.

Visual Association

Imagine a cookie cutter. Every cookie comes out exactly the same because of one single mold. That is '일률적'.

Word Web

Law Same Standard Rigid School Policy Boring Equality

Challenge

Try to find one thing in your office or school that is '일률적' and write a sentence about why it should be more flexible.

Word Origin

Derived from Hanja: 一 (일) meaning 'one', 律 (률) meaning 'law, rule, or rate', and 的 (적) a suffix that turns a noun into an adjective.

Original meaning: Originally referred to a single fixed rate or a single law applied without change.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word to describe a person's work. It can sound like you are calling their work 'unoriginal' or 'robotic.'

In English, we often use 'one-size-fits-all' or 'across-the-board' to express this idea. 'Indiscriminate' is also a good translation in legal contexts.

The concept of '획일화' (standardization) in Korean literature often uses '일률적' to describe the loss of self. News debates about '일률적인 최저임금' (uniform minimum wage) are a constant part of Korean political discourse.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

일률적인 교육 과정
일률적인 평가
학생들의 개성을 무시한 일률적 지도
일률적으로 시험을 보다

Politics/Policy

일률적인 규제 완화
일률적인 세금 인상
일률적인 재난지원금 지급
일률적으로 정책을 시행하다

Business

일률적인 연봉 체계
일률적인 출퇴근 시간
일률적인 성과 측정
일률적으로 업무를 배분하다

Architecture/Design

일률적인 도시 경관
일률적인 아파트 구조
일률적인 색채
일률적으로 배치된 가구들

Social Criticism

일률적인 사회 통념
일률적인 미의 기준
일률적인 삶의 방식
일률적으로 생각하는 습관

Conversation Starters

"한국의 교육 시스템이 너무 일률적이라고 생각하시나요?"

"회사에서 일률적인 규칙 때문에 불편했던 적이 있나요?"

"모든 사람에게 일률적인 혜택을 주는 것이 공정할까요?"

"도시의 아파트들이 너무 일률적이라서 길을 잃은 적이 있나요?"

"일률적인 아름다움의 기준이 사람들에게 어떤 영향을 줄까요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 겪은 일 중에서 가장 '일률적'이었던 것은 무엇인가요?

만약 세상의 모든 규칙이 일률적이지 않고 개별적이라면 어떤 문제가 생길까요?

내가 생각하는 '일률적'인 것의 장점과 단점을 써보세요.

일률적인 삶에서 벗어나기 위해 내가 할 수 있는 노력은 무엇일까요?

정부의 일률적인 정책에 대해 찬성하거나 반대하는 글을 써보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not 100%, but about 90% of the time it is used to criticize a lack of flexibility. In some scientific contexts, it might just mean 'at a constant rate,' which is neutral.

Only if you are criticizing a society where everyone tries to look the same. For example, '일률적인 성형 수술' (uniform plastic surgery).

'똑같다' is a simple word for 'same.' '일률적' is a complex word for 'following one rule.' You wouldn't say two apples are '일률적', but you would say the way they are priced is '일률적'.

'일률적' or '획일적' are the best translations for this English idiom.

Yes, if you are talking about improving systems. For example, 'I want to move away from 일률적인 methods to find creative solutions.'

一 (One) and 律 (Law/Rule).

Yes, by adding '-으로' to make '일률적으로'.

Yes, it frequently appears in TOPIK II (Intermediate/Advanced) reading and listening sections.

The 'ryul' (律) character is used in 'rhythm' (율동), implying a repeating, set pattern.

'유연한 기준' (flexible standard) or '개별적인 접근' (individual approach).