Explanation at your level:
승리 means to win. If you play a game and win, that is a victory. It makes you feel very happy and proud of your hard work.
You use 승리 when someone wins a competition. For example, if your favorite team wins a soccer match, they have achieved 승리. It is a very positive word.
In intermediate Korean, 승리 is used to describe success in various fields. It is not just for sports; you can have a 승리 in business or in a debate. It implies that you worked hard to get there.
At this level, you understand that 승리 carries a nuance of struggle. It is often paired with verbs like '거두다' to sound more natural. It represents the culmination of a long process of effort.
승리 can be used figuratively to describe moral or intellectual triumphs. A 'pyrrhic victory' or a 'hard-won victory' are common concepts expressed through this term. It is essential for discussing history, politics, and competitive strategy.
Mastering 승리 involves understanding its deep cultural weight. It is often invoked in literature and political discourse to inspire people. It signifies not just the end of a conflict, but the validation of a cause or a set of values.
Word in 30 Seconds
- It means victory.
- It is a noun.
- Used in sports and life.
- Often paired with 거두다.
When we talk about 승리 (seung-ni), we are talking about the sweet feeling of success. It is the moment you cross the finish line first or finally solve a really hard puzzle.
In life, victory isn't just about beating someone else. Sometimes, it is about overcoming your own fears or reaching a difficult goal you set for yourself. It represents the triumph of effort and strategy.
The Korean word 승리 is derived from Sino-Korean roots. 승 (勝) comes from the Chinese character meaning 'to win' or 'to excel,' while 리 (利) relates to 'profit' or 'benefit.'
Historically, these characters were used in classical texts to describe military triumphs. Over time, the word evolved to cover everything from sports events to personal achievements in daily life.
You will hear 승리 used in many contexts. In sports, you might hear '승리를 거두다' (to achieve a victory). In a more dramatic sense, people talk about '값진 승리' (a valuable victory).
It is a formal yet powerful word. While you might use casual words for 'winning,' 승리 carries a sense of weight and importance, making it perfect for speeches or news reports.
1. 승리의 여신: The goddess of victory (used to describe good luck). 2. 승리를 자축하다: To celebrate one's own victory. 3. 승리를 쟁취하다: To fight for and attain victory. 4. 승리의 기쁨: The joy of winning. 5. 승리를 눈앞에 두다: To be on the verge of victory.
As a noun, 승리 is often used with verbs like '하다' (to do/be) or '거두다' (to harvest/achieve). Pronounced as [승니] due to nasalization rules in Korean phonology.
It does not have a plural form in the same way English nouns do, as Korean relies on context to determine plurality. It is a stable, abstract noun used frequently in formal writing.
Fun Fact
Used in ancient military contexts.
Pronunciation Guide
N/A
N/A
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the nasalization
- Stressing the wrong syllable
- Not holding the final consonant
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun usage
승리이다.
Examples by Level
우리는 승리했습니다.
We won.
Past tense verb
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Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"승리를 눈앞에 두다"
To be near victory
우리는 지금 승리를 눈앞에 두고 있다.
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Easily Confused
Both mean success
성공 is general success, 승리 is winning a conflict.
성공한 사업가 vs 승리한 팀
Sentence Patterns
Subject + Object + 승리를 거두다
우리가 승리를 거두었다.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
It is a specific collocation.
Tips
Memory Trick
Associate with trophies.
Native Usage
Use with 거두다.
Cultural Insight
Used in formal speeches.
Grammar Shortcut
It is a noun.
Say It Right
Nasal sound.
Avoid
Don't use as a verb.
Did You Know?
Sino-Korean roots.
Study Smart
Use in sentences.
Context
Formal settings.
Synonym
Compare with 성공.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Singing' (seung) winner.
Visual Association
A trophy held high.
Word Web
Challenge
Write a sentence about a time you won.
Word Origin
Sino-Korean
Original meaning: Winning and profit
Cultural Context
None
Equates to 'Victory' or 'Win'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Sports
- 승리를 거두다
- 승리의 기쁨
- 승리자
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever had a big victory?"
"What does victory mean to you?"
"Do you like competitive games?"
"How do you celebrate a win?"
"Is winning everything?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you won.
What is a victory you are proud of?
How do you handle defeat?
Write about the feeling of winning.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is a noun.
Test Yourself
그들은 ___를 거두었다.
Context requires victory.
What is the opposite of 승리?
Antonym.
승리 means failure.
It means win.
Word
Meaning
Basic translation.
Subject-Object-Verb.
그는 ___ 승리를 이끌었다.
Collocation.
Which verb goes with 승리?
Collocation.
승리 is an adjective.
It is a noun.
Word
Meaning
Noun derivation.
Adjective clause.
Score: /10
Summary
승리 is the powerful noun for winning a battle or a game.
- It means victory.
- It is a noun.
- Used in sports and life.
- Often paired with 거두다.
Memory Trick
Associate with trophies.
Native Usage
Use with 거두다.
Cultural Insight
Used in formal speeches.
Grammar Shortcut
It is a noun.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More sports words
운동선수
A1Athlete, sportsperson
선수
A1Athlete; Player.
야구
A1Baseball (bat-and-ball game)
농구
A1Basketball (team sport)
보드
A2Board (e.g., snowboard)
패배
A2The state of being defeated in a battle, game, or competition.
운동
A1Exercise; Sport (physical activity)
낚시하다
A2To fish or go fishing.
낚시
A2The activity of trying to catch fish.
경기
A1game, match
