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B2 adjective #2,500 most common 8 min read

유효하다

yuhyohada
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 유효하다 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 유효하다 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use '유효하다' often, but you will see it on things you buy. Think of it as a word that means 'OK to use' or 'Not expired'. You will see it on milk, bread, or bus tickets. Usually, it is paired with a date. For example, if you see '2024.12.31까지 유효', it just means you can use it until that day. You can think of it like the English word 'Valid'. In simple Korean, A1 students usually say '사용할 수 있어요' (can use) or '안 끝났어요' (not finished). But learning to recognize '유효' on signs and labels is very helpful for living in Korea. It is a 'signboard word' for you right now. Just remember: 유효 = Good to use. It's the opposite of '끝' (end) or '못 써요' (can't use).
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At the A2 level, you start using '유효하다' in basic sentences about shopping and travel. You might ask a clerk, '이 쿠폰 아직 유효해요?' (Is this coupon still valid?). You are learning that some words are more 'official' than others. Instead of just saying '할 수 있어요', using '유효해요' makes you sound more like an adult who understands rules. You will notice this word in '유효 기간' (validity period/expiration date). This is a very important phrase for A2 learners. When you go to a convenience store or use a gifticon on KakaoTalk, you need to check the '유효 기간'. If someone asks you '이거 아직 돼요?' (Does this still work?), you can answer more formally with '네, 아직 유효합니다'. This level is about moving from 'can/cannot' to 'valid/invalid'.
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At the B1 level, you should be able to use '유효하다' in various contexts like sports, simple contracts, and school rules. You understand that '유효하다' isn't just about dates, but about following rules. For example, in a game, if someone breaks a rule, their point is not '유효'. You can say '그 점수는 유효하지 않아요' (That point is not valid). You also start to see the difference between '유효하다' and '효과가 있다'. You know that a medicine can be '유효' (not expired) but not '효과가 있다' (not working for you). B1 learners should practice using the adjective form '유효한' to describe nouns, like '유효한 신분증' (a valid ID) or '유효한 방법' (a valid/effective method). This word helps you explain why something is accepted or rejected in a formal way.
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At the B2 level (your current level), you need to master the nuance of '유효하다' in professional and abstract contexts. You should use it to discuss the validity of arguments, the enforcement of laws, and the technical status of digital data. You understand that '유효하다' implies a formal recognition. For instance, in a debate, you might say '그의 논리는 이 상황에서도 여전히 유효합니다' (His logic is still valid even in this situation). You are also expected to know the noun form '유효성' (validity) and use it in sentences like '이 실험의 유효성을 증명해야 합니다' (We must prove the validity of this experiment). At this level, you should be comfortable switching between '유효하다' and its synonyms like '효력이 있다' depending on how formal you want to be. You also recognize it in complex compound words like '유효타' (effective hit) or '유효투표' (valid vote).
At the C1 level, '유효하다' becomes a tool for precise academic and legal expression. You use it to describe the temporal and spatial boundaries of power or truth. You might analyze how a treaty is '유효' only between certain nations or how a scientific law is '유효' only in a vacuum. You understand the subtle difference between '유효' (valid), '적법' (legal), and '타당' (sound). A C1 learner can discuss the '유효성' of a government policy, weighing its legal validity against its practical '실효성'. You also use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as '유효하다고 판단되다' (to be judged as valid) or '유효함을 입증하다' (to prove the fact of being valid). Your usage reflects an understanding that validity is often a contested status that requires proof or official declaration.
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At the C2 level, you use '유효하다' with the precision of a native professional, such as a lawyer, a high-level administrator, or a philosopher. You can engage in deep discussions about the '유효성' of existential claims or the '시공간을 초월하여 유효한 진리' (truths that are valid across time and space). You understand the historical evolution of the word and can use it in highly formal 'Moon-eo-che' (written style) without hesitation. You might use it to critique the '유효기간이 다한 이데올로기' (an ideology whose expiration date has passed). At this level, the word is no longer just about coupons or passports; it is a conceptual category used to evaluate the legitimacy of entire systems of thought, governance, and social contracts. You can navigate the most complex legal documents where '유효' and '무효' determine the fate of millions of dollars or significant legal precedents.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

유효하다 in 30 Seconds

  • 유효하다 means 'valid' or 'in force', commonly used for tickets, coupons, and legal documents to show they are still usable.
  • It is the opposite of '무효하다' (void) and is often found in the phrase '유효 기간' (validity period).
  • While it can mean 'effective', it focuses on 'official status' rather than 'practical results' (which is 효과적이다).
  • In sports, it refers to goals or points that are officially counted according to the rules of the game.

The Korean adjective 유효하다 (有效--) is a foundational term used to describe the state of being valid, effective, or legally in force. At its core, it signifies that something—be it a document, a rule, a ticket, or a strategy—possesses the necessary qualities or legal standing to produce its intended effect. When we say something is 유효하다, we are confirming that it is not expired, not void, and not useless in its current context. This word is indispensable in modern Korean life, appearing on everything from milk cartons to international treaties.

Legal and Official Validity
In a legal sense, it refers to the status of a contract, law, or agreement that is currently binding. If a passport is 유효하다, it means the traveler can use it to cross borders because it hasn't expired and hasn't been revoked by the government.
Practical Utility and Efficacy
Beyond law, it describes whether a method or a medicine still works. For instance, a medical treatment might be described as 유효하다 if it continues to show positive results in patients, or a coupon is valid if the store still accepts it for a discount.
Sports and Competition
In sports like soccer or taekwondo, a goal or a strike is 유효하다 if it was made within the rules and is officially counted toward the score. An 'effective hit' in martial arts is often called a '유효타'.

"이 계약서는 서명한 날로부터 1년간 유효하다."

— Translation: This contract is valid for one year from the date of signing.

The etymology of the word comes from Hanja: 有 (유) meaning 'to have' and 效 (효) meaning 'effect' or 'result'. Therefore, it literally translates to 'having an effect'. This distinguishes it from words that simply mean 'good' or 'working'. It implies a standard or a boundary—usually time-based or rule-based—within which the object functions. For example, a password might be 유효 for only 3 minutes during two-factor authentication. Once that time passes, it loses its 'effect' and becomes 무효 (void). Understanding this word allows learners to navigate official documents, shopping, and formal discussions with precision.

"그의 주장은 논리적으로 여전히 유효하다."

— Translation: His argument is still logically valid.

In academic writing, 유효하다 is used to validate hypotheses or data. If a sample size is too small, the results might not be 유효. This demonstrates the word's versatility across different registers, from the casual checking of a bus pass to the rigorous standards of scientific research. It is a word that bridges the gap between 'it works' and 'it is officially recognized'.

Using 유효하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a descriptive verb (adjective) and its common collocations. Since it describes a state, it is most frequently used in the present tense to indicate current validity or in the future tense to describe how long something will remain valid. It is rarely used in the imperative or suggestive forms because you cannot command something to 'be valid' in the same way you command someone to 'be quiet'.

Common Grammatical Patterns
  • [Noun] + 이/가 유효하다: The most basic form. "비자가 유효하다" (The visa is valid).
  • 유효한 + [Noun]: Using it as a modifier. "유효한 신분증" (A valid ID).
  • ~까지 유효하다: Indicating a deadline. "내일까지 유효하다" (Valid until tomorrow).

"이 쿠폰은 발행일로부터 30일간 유효합니다."

— Common phrasing found on retail coupons and vouchers.

When conjugating, remember that in formal settings (where this word is most common), you will use 유효합니다 or 유효합니까?. In polite daily conversation, 유효해요 is appropriate. For example, if you are at a ticket counter, you might ask, "이 티켓 아직 유효해요?" (Is this ticket still valid?). The past tense 유효했다 is used when something was valid in the past but is no longer so, often used in historical or retrospective contexts.

In professional writing, you will often see the noun form 유효성 (validity). This is used when discussing the 'validity' of a test, a study, or a security certificate. For example, "데이터의 유효성을 검사하다" (To check the validity of the data). This noun form is essential for B2 and C1 level learners who are moving into technical or academic Korean.

"해당 정책은 내년 초부터 유효하게 적용될 예정입니다."

— Example of the adverbial form '유효하게' (validly/effectively).

Finally, consider the negative form. While you can say 유효하지 않다, the specific antonym 무효하다 (to be void/invalid) is much more common in formal contexts. If a goal in a sports match is cancelled, the referee shouts "무효!". If a contract is broken, it becomes "무효가 되다". Mastering the pair 유효/무효 is a key milestone for intermediate learners.

You will encounter 유효하다 in a variety of specific environments, ranging from the mundane to the highly formal. Because it deals with rules, time, and official status, it is a 'high-frequency' word in administrative and commercial settings. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word instantly when you hear it in the wild.

1. Transportation and Travel
At airports, train stations, or bus terminals. Announcements might say, "이 승차권은 당일에 한해 유효합니다" (This ticket is valid only for today). Immigration officers check if your visa is still 유효.
2. E-commerce and Shopping
When using apps like Coupang or Baemin, you'll see messages like "유효하지 않은 쿠폰 번호입니다" (This is an invalid coupon number) or "유효 기간이 만료되었습니다" (The validity period has expired).
3. Legal and Business Meetings
In discussions about contracts or company policies. A lawyer might say, "이 조항은 여전히 유효합니까?" (Is this clause still in effect?). It is used to confirm that previous agreements still hold weight.

"본인 확인을 위해 유효한 신분증을 제시해 주시기 바랍니다."

— Heard at banks, government offices, or when entering age-restricted venues.

In the digital world, 유효하다 is everywhere. When you enter a password or a verification code (OTP), the system checks for 유효성. If you take too long, you'll see a message saying the code is no longer 유효. This is perhaps the most common way younger Koreans interact with the word daily.

"심판의 판정은 유효하다!"

— A common phrase in sports broadcasts after a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review.

Lastly, in academic or scientific lectures, professors use it to describe the scope of a theory. "이 이론은 특정 조건 하에서만 유효합니다" (This theory is valid only under certain conditions). This highlights that the word isn't just about 'dates' but about 'conditions of truth or applicability'.

Even though 유효하다 seems straightforward, learners often trip up on its nuances compared to similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. Avoiding these five common pitfalls will make your Korean sound much more natural and professional.

1. Confusing '유효하다' with '효과적이다'
This is the #1 mistake. 유효하다 means 'valid' (legal/official). 효과적이다 means 'effective' (producing a good result).
❌ "이 약은 감기에 유효해요" (Grammatically okay, but sounds like the medicine is 'authorized').
✅ "이 약은 감기에 효과적이에요" (The medicine works well for colds).
2. Using it for 'Correct' (맞다)
Learners sometimes use 유효하다 to mean 'that's right'.
❌ "네 말이 유효해" (Your words are valid - sounds like a robot or a judge).
✅ "네 말이 맞아" (You're right).
3. Misapplying to People
유효하다 is almost never used to describe a person's character or ability. It describes things, rules, or statuses.
❌ "그는 유효한 선생님이다" (He is a valid teacher - sounds like he just has a license).
✅ "그는 유능한 선생님이다" (He is a capable teacher).

"유효 기간이 지나다 vs 만료되다"

— Both are correct, but '만료되다' (expire) is the formal partner for '유효'.

Another mistake is overusing the word in casual settings. While not 'wrong', saying 유효하다 while playing a casual game with friends might sound overly stiff. In those cases, words like 인정! (Acknowledged/Counted!) are much more common.

"이 표는 아직 쓸 수 있어요?"

— A more natural, casual way to ask if something is 'valid' (Can I still use this?).

Lastly, be careful with the passive form. Learners often try to say 유효해지다 (to become valid). While possible, it's more common to say 효력을 발생하다 (to take effect) or 승인되다 (to be approved) depending on the context.

To truly master 유효하다, you must understand its neighbors in the Korean vocabulary. These words share similar semantic space but differ in their specific applications and nuances.

1. 효력이 있다 (To have effect/force)
This is the closest synonym. It is often used in legal contexts. While 유효하다 is an adjective, 효력이 있다 is a phrase. "이 법은 오늘부터 효력이 있다" (This law has effect from today).
2. 실효성이 있다 (To have practical effectiveness)
This focuses on whether something works in the real world. A law might be 유효 (legally valid) but lack 실효성 (practical effectiveness) because no one follows it.
3. 타당하다 (To be valid/reasonable)
Used for logic and arguments. If someone's reasoning is sound, it is 타당하다. 유효하다 is about the 'status' of the argument, while 타당하다 is about its 'quality'.

"유효하다 (Status) vs 효과적이다 (Result) vs 타당하다 (Logic)"

— The three pillars of 'validity' and 'effectiveness' in Korean.

Another related word is 적절하다 (to be appropriate). While not a direct synonym, in many contexts where you might think something is 'valid' (like a response in a conversation), 적절하다 is the better choice. For example, "적절한 대답" (An appropriate/valid answer).

"그 티켓은 사용 가능해요."

— A common substitute for '유효하다' in daily life meaning 'usable'.

Understanding these distinctions prevents you from sounding like a legal textbook in a coffee shop. Use 유효하다 for official status, 효과적이다 for results, and 사용 가능하다 for everyday utility. This nuanced approach is what separates a B2 learner from a fluent speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

~ㄴ지 확인하다 (Checking whether something is...)

~기 위해 (In order to... - often used with '유효성을 입증하기 위해')

~ㄴ/은 (Adjective noun modification)

~지 않다 (Negation)

~어지다 (Becoming - used as '유효해지다')

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Examples by Level

1

이 표는 오늘까지 유효해요.

This ticket is valid until today.

Present tense polite form: 유효해요.

2

쿠폰이 유효합니까?

Is the coupon valid?

Formal question form: 유효합니까?

3

유효 기간이 짧아요.

The validity period is short.

Noun phrase: 유효 기간 (validity period).

4

이 카드는 유효하지 않아요.

This card is not valid.

Negative form: ~지 않아요.

5

내일까지 유효한 티켓이에요.

It is a ticket valid until tomorrow.

Adjective modifying noun: 유효한 + 티켓.

6

이름이 유효해요?

Is the name valid?

Simple subject-predicate structure.

7

아직 유효합니다.

It is still valid.

Adverb '아직' (still) + formal ending.

8

유효 기간을 보세요.

Look at the validity period.

Imperative form: ~세요.

1

유효 기간이 지난 우유는 마시지 마세요.

Don't drink milk that is past its expiration date.

Relative clause: 유효 기간이 지난 (past validity period).

2

여권이 아직 유효한지 확인하세요.

Check if your passport is still valid.

~ㄴ지 확인하다 (Check whether...).

3

이 할인은 이번 달만 유효해요.

This discount is valid only this month.

Particle '만' (only).

4

유효한 신분증이 필요합니다.

A valid ID is required.

Adjective '유효한' modifying '신분증'.

5

비밀번호가 유효하지 않습니다.

The password is not valid.

Formal negative: ~지 않습니다.

6

이 티켓은 한 번만 유효해요.

This ticket is valid only once.

Adverbial '한 번만' (only once).

7

계약은 오늘부터 유효합니다.

The contract is valid from today.

Time particle '~부터' (from).

8

유효 기간이 언제까지예요?

Until when is the validity period?

Question word '언제까지' (until when).

1

그 골은 오프사이드라서 유효하지 않아요.

That goal is not valid because it was offside.

Reasoning: ~라서 (because).

2

이 방법은 여전히 유효한 해결책입니다.

This method is still a valid solution.

Noun modification: 유효한 해결책.

3

법적으로 유효한 서류를 가져오세요.

Please bring a legally valid document.

Adverbial '법적으로' (legally).

4

유효 기간이 넉넉한 제품을 골랐어요.

I chose a product with a generous validity period.

Adjective '넉넉하다' (to be ample/generous).

5

이 규칙은 모든 회원에게 유효합니다.

This rule is valid for all members.

Dative particle '~에게' (to/for).

6

포인트의 유효 기간이 다 되었어요.

The points' validity period has come to an end.

Idiom: '다 되다' (to be used up/finished).

7

그의 주장은 충분히 유효해 보입니다.

His argument seems sufficiently valid.

Appearance: ~어 보이다 (to look/seem).

8

유효하지 않은 접근입니다.

This is an invalid access.

Formal noun modification.

1

해당 조항은 계약 위반 시에도 유효하다.

The clause remains valid even in the event of a breach of contract.

Condition: ~ 시에도 (even at the time of).

2

이 이론이 현대 사회에서도 유효한지 토론해 봅시다.

Let's discuss whether this theory is still valid in modern society.

Indirect question: ~ㄴ지 토론하다.

3

유효 투표수가 과반수를 넘어야 합니다.

The number of valid votes must exceed the majority.

Compound noun: 유효 투표수 (number of valid votes).

4

백신의 유효성을 검증하는 단계입니다.

This is the stage of verifying the vaccine's validity/efficacy.

Noun form: 유효성 (validity/efficacy).

5

상대방의 동의가 있어야 계약이 유효해진다.

The contract becomes valid only if there is consent from the other party.

Becoming: ~어지다 (to become).

6

이 쿠폰은 다른 할인과 중복 유효하지 않습니다.

This coupon is not valid in combination with other discounts.

Noun: 중복 (overlap/duplication).

7

그의 발언은 정치적으로 유효한 전략이었다.

His remarks were a politically valid strategy.

Adverbial: 정치적으로 (politically).

8

유효 기간 연장이 가능한가요?

Is it possible to extend the validity period?

Noun phrase: 유효 기간 연장 (extension of validity period).

1

헌법재판소는 해당 법률이 유효하다고 판결했다.

The Constitutional Court ruled that the law in question is valid.

Quotation: ~다고 판결하다 (to rule that...).

2

이 데이터는 표본의 크기가 작아 통계적으로 유효하지 않다.

This data is not statistically valid due to the small sample size.

Reason: ~아/어서 (due to).

3

고전 문학의 가치는 시대를 불문하고 유효하다.

The value of classical literature remains valid regardless of the era.

Expression: 시대를 불문하고 (regardless of the era).

4

양국 간의 협정은 비준 즉시 유효하게 발효된다.

The agreement between the two countries becomes validly effective immediately upon ratification.

Adverbial: 유효하게 (validly).

5

기존의 패러다임이 더 이상 유효하지 않음을 깨달았다.

I realized that the existing paradigm is no longer valid.

Noun clause: ~음 (the fact that...).

6

유효 수요를 창출하기 위한 정부의 노력이 계속되고 있다.

The government's efforts to create effective demand are continuing.

Economic term: 유효 수요 (effective demand).

7

논문의 유효성을 입증하기 위해 추가 실험을 진행했다.

Additional experiments were conducted to prove the validity of the thesis.

Purpose: ~기 위해 (in order to).

8

그의 침묵은 암묵적인 동의로서 유효하게 받아들여졌다.

His silence was validly accepted as tacit consent.

Passive: 받아들여지다 (to be accepted).

1

법적 효력의 유무는 계약서의 문언에 따라 결정된다.

Whether legal force exists or not is determined by the wording of the contract.

Noun: 유무 (existence or non-existence).

2

보편적 인권의 개념은 모든 문화권에서 유효한가?

Is the concept of universal human rights valid in all cultural spheres?

Abstract subject: 보편적 인권 (universal human rights).

3

칸트의 정언명령은 오늘날의 윤리적 딜레마에도 유효한 통찰을 제공한다.

Kant's categorical imperative provides valid insights even into today's ethical dilemmas.

Academic context: 정언명령 (categorical imperative).

4

해당 정책의 유효성은 장기적인 관점에서 재평가되어야 한다.

The validity of the policy should be re-evaluated from a long-term perspective.

Passive/Necessity: ~어야 한다 (must be...).

5

언어의 유효성은 소통의 맥락 안에서만 담보된다.

The validity of language is guaranteed only within the context of communication.

Formal verb: 담보되다 (to be guaranteed/secured).

6

과학적 방법론의 유효성에 대한 근본적인 회의가 제기되었다.

Fundamental skepticism regarding the validity of scientific methodology has been raised.

Noun: 회의 (skepticism/doubt).

7

그 조약은 국제법상 소급하여 유효한 것으로 간주된다.

The treaty is considered valid retroactively under international law.

Legal term: 소급하여 (retroactively).

8

예술적 진실은 객관적 사실 여부와 상관없이 유효하다.

Artistic truth is valid regardless of whether it is an objective fact.

Expression: ~와 상관없이 (regardless of).

Synonyms

효과적이다 정당하다 통용되다 쓸모 있다

Antonyms

무효하다 실효되다

Common Collocations

유효 기간 (validity period)
유효 투표 (valid vote)
유효 범위 (effective range)
유효 숫자 (significant figures)
유효 타구 (valid hit)
유효 계약 (valid contract)
유효 여부 (whether it is valid or not)
유효 상태 (valid status)
유효 증명 (proof of validity)
유효 기간 연장 (extension of validity)

Common Phrases

아직 유효해요? (Is it still valid?)
유효 기간이 지났어요. (The validity period has passed.)
법적으로 유효하다. (It is legally valid.)
오늘까지만 유효합니다. (It is valid only until today.)
유효한 신분증을 보여주세요. (Please show a valid ID.)
그 주장은 유효하지 않다. (That argument is not valid.)
유효 기간을 확인하세요. (Check the validity period.)
모두에게 유효한 규칙. (A rule valid for everyone.)
계약이 유효하게 성립되다. (A contract is validly established.)
유효한 수단이 없다. (There is no valid/effective means.)

Often Confused With

유효하다 vs 효과적이다 (Effective/Efficient - refers to results)

유효하다 vs 효능 (Efficacy - refers to medicine/food power)

유효하다 vs 타당하다 (Sound/Valid - refers to logic)

Idioms & Expressions

"유효 기간이 다 되다 (To reach the end of one's usefulness/validity)"
"유효타를 날리다 (To land an effective blow - often used in arguments or business)"
"무효로 돌아가다 (To become void/return to a state of invalidity)"
"효력을 발생하다 (To start being valid/take effect)"
"종이 조각이 되다 (To become a piece of paper - when a document loses its validity)"
"법의 테두리 안에서 유효하다 (To be valid within the boundaries of the law)"
"유효 기간이 없는 진리 (A truth with no expiration date)"
"약발이 유효하다 (The effect of the medicine/strategy is still working - slangy)"
"유효한 카드를 내밀다 (To play a valid/effective card/strategy)"
"빈말이 유효하다 (For a hollow promise to somehow still hold weight - rare)"

Easily Confused

유효하다 vs

유효하다 vs

유효하다 vs

유효하다 vs

유효하다 vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

logic use

A '유효한 논증' is a valid argument where the conclusion follows the premises.

sports use

A '유효 슈팅' is a shot on goal that would have gone in if not for the keeper.

technical use

In computer science, '유효성 검사' means 'data validation'.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '유효하다' to mean 'efficient' (use 효과적이다 instead).
  • Using '유효하다' for people's skills (use 유능하다 instead).
  • Confusing '유효 기간' with '유통 기한' in a legal document.
  • Saying '유효하는' instead of '유효한' (it's an adjective, not a verb).
  • Using '유효하다' to mean 'correct' in a casual conversation.

Tips

Pair it with '기간'

Always remember '유효 기간' (validity period). It is the most common way you will see and use this word in Korea. From milk to credit cards, this phrase is everywhere.

Adjective, not Verb

Remember that 유효하다 is an adjective. You cannot say '유효하고 있어요' (is being valid). Use the simple present '유효해요' to describe the current state.

Office Use

In an office, use '유효성' when talking about data or reports. It makes you sound professional and precise. For example, '데이터의 유효성을 확인해 보세요'.

Sports Lingo

If you play soccer or watch it in Korean, listen for '유효 슈팅'. It's a great way to remember that '유효' means 'it counts'.

Coupon Hunting

When using shopping apps, look for the '유효' section in your coupon box. It will tell you what you can actually use right now.

Contract Tip

When signing any contract in Korea, look for the clause starting with '본 계약은...'. It will tell you when the agreement is '유효' (valid).

The 'H' Sound

Don't drop the 'h' in 'hyo'. If you say '유요하다', it might be misunderstood. Keep the 'h' soft but audible.

Learn '무효'

Learning the opposite '무효' (void) at the same time will double your vocabulary efficiency. They are almost always used in the same contexts.

Academic Precision

In TOPIK writing, use '유효하다' to support your arguments. '이러한 주장은 논리적으로 유효하다' is a strong sentence to include in your essay.

Check the Fridge

Practice by looking at items in your fridge and saying '이거 아직 유효해요' or '유효 기간이 지났어요'.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Derived from Classical Chinese, where it literally means 'to have an effect' or 'to be effective'.

Cultural Context

In Korean sports broadcasting, you will hear '유효 슈팅' (shot on target) in soccer.

Using '유효하다' instead of '쓸 수 있다' shows a higher level of education and respect for formal procedures.

Koreans frequently send 'Gifticons' (mobile vouchers). Checking the '유효 기간' is the first thing people do when they receive one.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"이 쿠폰 유효 기간이 언제까지인지 아세요? (Do you know when this coupon's validity period is?)"

"이 여권 아직 유효한가요? (Is this passport still valid?)"

"그 선수의 골이 유효하다고 생각하세요? (Do you think that player's goal was valid?)"

"이 규칙이 우리 팀에게도 유효할까요? (Will this rule be valid for our team too?)"

"그 이론은 아직도 학계에서 유효합니까? (Is that theory still valid in academia?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 유효 기간이 지난 물건을 발견한 적이 있나요? (Did you find anything past its expiration date today?)

자신만의 '유효 기간'이 있는 습관에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about a habit that has its own 'expiration date'.)

법적으로 유효하지만 도덕적으로는 의문이 드는 상황에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about a situation that is legally valid but morally questionable.)

어떤 조언이 당신의 삶에서 가장 오랫동안 유효했나요? (What advice has remained valid for the longest time in your life?)

디지털 시대에 '유효한' 인간관계란 무엇일까요? (What is a 'valid' human relationship in the digital age?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you generally cannot use it for people. If you want to say someone is capable, use '유능하다'. If you want to say someone is 'valid' for a role, you might say they are '적합하다' (suitable). Using '유효하다' for a person sounds like you are treating them like a coupon or a document.

'유통 기한' is the 'sell-by date' or 'distribution period' for food. '유효 기간' is a broader term for 'validity period' used for documents, tickets, and sometimes medicine. While they both relate to time limits, '유통 기한' is specific to retail and food safety.

Yes, it is a relatively formal word. In very casual speech, people might say '아직 쓸 수 있어?' (Can I still use it?) or '아직 안 끝났어?' (Is it not over?). However, '유효하다' is perfectly fine in polite daily conversation, especially when talking about official things like visas or coupons.

You can say '더 이상 유효하지 않아요' or more formally '만료되었습니다' (It has expired). In legal or sports contexts, you would say '무효입니다' (It is void/invalid).

It can, but it refers to the 'validity' of the medicine's chemical state or its 'efficacy' in a clinical trial context (유효성). In daily life, if you want to say a medicine works well for your headache, '효과가 좋다' is much more natural.

A '유효타' is an 'effective hit' or a 'valid strike'. In combat sports, it's a hit that scores a point. In a metaphorical sense, it's used in arguments or business to describe a point or move that actually had an impact on the opponent.

Yes. In philosophy and logic, a '유효한 논증' is a valid argument. It means the structure of the argument is correct, such that if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

It means 'valid votes'. These are the votes that were cast correctly according to the rules and are counted in the final result, as opposed to '무효 투표' (invalid/spoiled votes).

Yes, it means 'to use validly' or 'to use effectively'. For example, '시간을 유효하게 사용하다' means to use your time in a way that produces valid results or is effective.

The word itself is an adjective (유효하다). To make it a verb meaning 'to make valid', you use '유효화하다' (to validate). To 'become valid', you use '유효해지다'.

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