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Vocabulary
어기다

A1 verb #3,500 most common 9 min read

어기다

eogida Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 어기다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 어기다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '어기다' is a very useful word for talking about daily life and simple social interactions. Most beginners learn this word in the context of '약속' (promise or appointment). In Korean, when you make a plan with a friend and you don't show up or you are very late, you are '어기다'-ing the promise. It is important to remember that this word is an action you do to a rule or a promise. You will often see it used in simple sentences like '약속을 어겼어요' (I broke the promise). At this stage, you should focus on the pair '약속을 지키다' (keep a promise) and '약속을 어기다' (break a promise). It helps you describe your behavior and the behavior of others. You might also hear it in a classroom when a teacher says '규칙을 어기지 마세요' (Don't break the rules). This is a simple command using the '-지 마세요' (don't) grammar. Think of '어기다' as the opposite of being a good, reliable person who follows the 'line' of what was agreed upon. It is a transitive verb, so you always need an object like '약속' or '규칙' before it. Don't worry about complex legal uses yet; just focus on basic social promises and school rules.

At the A2 level, you can start using '어기다' in more varied sentence structures and contexts. You might talk about '시간을 어기다' (to be late/miss the time) or '순서를 어기다' (to go out of turn). At this level, you are learning more grammar like '-면' (if) and '-아/어서' (because), which work perfectly with '어기다'. For example, '약속을 어기면 안 돼요' (You shouldn't break promises) or '교통 신호를 어겨서 벌금을 냈어요' (I paid a fine because I broke a traffic signal). You are also becoming aware of the difference between physical breaking (깨다) and rule-breaking (어기다). A2 learners should practice using '어기다' to explain why something went wrong or to give advice to others. You will also notice that this word appears in children's stories or simple news clips about people not following public rules. It is a key word for expressing social responsibility. You can also start using the noun-modifying form, like '약속을 어긴 사람' (the person who broke the promise), to describe people in your stories. Pay attention to how the word changes based on the object: breaking a rule (규칙), breaking a promise (약속), or breaking a law (법).

As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using '어기다' in more complex narratives and expressing nuances of regret or accusation. You might use it to discuss social issues, such as '방역 수칙을 어기는 사람들' (people who violate quarantine rules). At this level, you should also begin to distinguish '어기다' from its more formal counterpart, '위반하다'. While you might use '어기다' in a conversation with a colleague, you would see '위반하다' in a formal report. You can also use '어기다' with more abstract nouns like '명령' (order) or '말씀' (words/advice from elders). For example, '부모님의 말씀을 어기고 여행을 갔어요' (I went on a trip against my parents' wishes). This shows a deeper understanding of Korean cultural dynamics where '어기다' implies a lack of respect or obedience. You might also use the word in the context of '기한' (deadlines). '마감 기한을 어기면 프로젝트에 문제가 생겨요' (If we miss the deadline, there will be problems with the project). At B1, you are expected to use the word accurately in past, present, and future tenses, and in various polite levels (Banmal vs. Jondetmal).

At the B2 level, you can use '어기다' to engage in debates about ethics, law, and social norms. You should understand the emotional and social consequences implied by the word. For instance, you might discuss whether it is ever acceptable to '법을 어기다' (break the law) for a moral reason. You will also encounter '어기다' in more literary or idiomatic contexts, such as '신의를 어기다' (to betray trust/faith) or '도리를 어기다' (to violate moral principles). At this stage, you should be able to use the word in complex sentences with connectors like '-ㄹ뿐만 아니라' (not only... but also) or '-에도 불구하고' (despite). For example, '그는 규칙을 어겼을 뿐만 아니라 거짓말까지 했다' (He not only broke the rules but also lied). You should also be sensitive to the register; using '어기다' in a formal speech might be slightly too casual compared to '위반하다' or '저배하다'. You can also explore the causative and passive nuances, although '어기다' itself is primarily active. Understanding the synonym '어긋나다' (to be out of line) is also important here to describe situations where things didn't go as planned without necessarily blaming a specific person's action.

C1 learners should have a sophisticated grasp of '어기다' and its place within the broader spectrum of Korean vocabulary. You should be able to analyze the word's use in literature, news editorials, and legal discussions. For example, you might encounter '헌법 정신을 어기다' (to violate the spirit of the constitution) or '자연의 섭리를 어기다' (to go against the providence of nature). At this level, you can use '어기다' to describe subtle breaches of etiquette or professional codes of conduct. You should also be able to compare '어기다' with high-level synonyms like '위배하다', '저버리다', and '거스르다' in terms of their semantic weight and emotional tone. For instance, '저버리다' implies a much deeper sense of betrayal than a simple '어기다'. You can use '어기다' in nuanced arguments, such as discussing the tension between '명령을 어기는 용기' (the courage to disobey an order) and the necessity of social order. Your use of the word should reflect a deep understanding of Korean social hierarchy and the importance of maintaining 'Chemyeon'. You should also be able to identify and use the word in historical contexts, such as an official '어명' (king's order) being violated.

At the C2 level, your understanding of '어기다' is near-native, allowing you to use it with absolute precision in any context. You can appreciate the word's role in classical literature and modern philosophical discourse. You might use it to discuss the '어김없는' (unfailing/certain) nature of time or fate, where the adjective form '어김없다' is used to mean 'without fail'. You can navigate the subtle differences between '법률 위반' (legal violation) and '도의적 어김' (moral breach) with ease. C2 learners can also use the word in creative writing to evoke specific emotions, such as the guilt of '스스로와의 약속을 어기다' (breaking a promise to oneself). You are aware of the word's etymological connections and how it has evolved in modern usage. You can participate in high-level academic discussions about '사회 계약을 어기는 행위' (the act of violating the social contract) and provide detailed explanations of how '어기다' differs from related concepts in other languages. Your speech and writing should demonstrate a mastery of the word's collocations, idioms, and its interaction with various honorific and humble forms of speech, reflecting the full complexity of Korean linguistic culture.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

어기다 in 30 Seconds

어기다 means to break a rule, promise, or law.
It is used only for abstract things, never for physical objects like glass.
The direct opposite is 지키다 (to keep or protect).
Commonly paired with 약속 (promise), 규칙 (rule), and 법 (law).

The Korean verb 어기다 is a fundamental term used to describe the act of failing to comply with a set standard, a mutual agreement, or a formal regulation. At its core, it translates to 'to violate' or 'to break' in English, but it is specifically reserved for abstract concepts like promises, rules, laws, and temporal deadlines rather than physical objects. In Korean society, where social harmony and the concept of 'Chemyeon' (saving face) are deeply ingrained, the act of 어기다 is often viewed with significant weight because it implies a breach of trust or social order.

Semantic Range: The word covers everything from a child breaking a promise to a friend to a corporation violating international trade laws. It is the direct antonym of 지키다 (to keep/protect).

친구와의 약속을 어기다.

To break a promise with a friend.

When you use this word, you are highlighting the deviation from a correct path. It is commonly found in educational settings where teachers remind students not to break school rules, in legal documents discussing violations of the law, and in interpersonal relationships concerning broken vows or appointments. Unlike the English word 'break,' which can apply to a glass or a leg, you would never use 어기다 for physical damage. If you break a window, you use '깨다'; if you break a rule, you use 어기다. In daily life, you might hear this word most frequently in the context of '약속' (promise/appointment). If someone is late, they are '어기는' the time (시간을 어기다). If they don't show up, they '어겼다' the promise.

Social Context: Korean culture emphasizes collective responsibility. Therefore, '어기다' often carries a nuance of disappointing the group or the other party involved. It is not just a personal failure but a social one.

법을 어기면 벌을 받습니다.

If you break the law, you will be punished.

Furthermore, the word is used in sports (breaking rules), in traffic (violating signals), and in ethics (violating human morals). It is a versatile verb that every learner must master to describe deviations from the norm.

Common Objects: Commonly paired nouns include 약속 (promise), 규칙 (rule), 법 (law), 명령 (order), and 기한 (deadline).

부모님의 말씀을 어기지 마세요.

그는 교통 신호를 어겨서 사고를 냈다.

In conclusion, 어기다 is the essential verb for any transgression of rules or promises, forming the backbone of moral and legal discussions in Korean.

Using 어기다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement and the types of nouns it governs. As a transitive verb, it always takes an object marked by the particles 을 or 를. The basic sentence structure is [Subject] + [Object] + 어기다. For example, '민수는 약속을 어겼다' (Minsu broke the promise).

Conjugation Basics: Present: 어겨요 (Polite), 어긴다 (Plain). Past: 어겼어요 (Polite), 어겼다 (Plain). Future: 어길 거예요 (Polite), 어길 것이다 (Plain).

규칙을 어기면 안 됩니다.

You must not break the rules.

When constructing sentences, the level of formality depends on the listener. In a formal setting, like a courtroom or a business meeting, you might use the honorific forms or even switch to the Sino-Korean synonym 위반하다. However, 어기다 remains the standard for most everyday interactions. One interesting usage is when it is used with '말' (words/speech). '말을 어기다' doesn't mean to break a physical word, but to go against what one said or to disobey an order. This is common in historical dramas (Sageuk) where a subordinate might say, '명령을 어길 수 없습니다' (I cannot disobey the order).

Conditional Usage: The '-면' (if) ending is frequently paired with '어기다' to state consequences. '약속을 어기면 신뢰를 잃어요' (If you break a promise, you lose trust).

그는 한 번도 약속 시간을 어긴 적이 없다.

He has never once broken an appointment time.

In negative sentences, you often see '어기지 않다' or '안 어기다'. For instance, '절대로 규칙을 어기지 마세요' (Never break the rules). The verb can also be used in the causative sense indirectly, though it's less common.

Tense Nuances: The past tense '어겼다' often implies a state of regret or a completed transgression that has current consequences.

기한을 어기면 연체료를 내야 합니다.

제 명령을 어길 셈입니까?

By practicing these patterns, you will be able to express a wide range of social and legal transgressions accurately.

You will encounter 어기다 in various real-life contexts in Korea, ranging from casual conversations to formal news broadcasts. One of the most common places is in the household or school. Parents often tell their children, '부모님 말씀을 어기면 안 돼' (You shouldn't disobey your parents' words). This reflects the Confucian roots of Korean society where obedience to elders is a virtue.

News and Media: In news reports, you'll hear about people who '법을 어기다' (break the law). For example, '방역 수칙을 어긴 식당' (A restaurant that violated quarantine rules) was a very common phrase during the pandemic.

그 선수는 경기 규칙을 어겨서 퇴장당했다.

That player was sent off for breaking the game rules.

In K-Dramas, the word is frequently used in scenes involving betrayal or intense conflict. A character might tearfully ask, '어떻게 우리 약속을 어길 수 있어?' (How could you break our promise?). This highlights the emotional weight the word carries in personal relationships. You will also see this word in public notices. Signs in parks might say '공원 이용 규칙을 어기지 마세요' (Do not violate park usage rules). In the workplace, a manager might warn, '마감 기한을 어기면 곤란합니다' (It will be problematic if you miss the deadline).

Sports Context: Commentators often use '규칙을 어기다' when a foul is committed or when a player doesn't follow the referee's instructions.

그는 교통 법규를 어긴 혐의로 조사를 받고 있다.

He is under investigation for allegedly violating traffic laws.

Another place you hear this is in music. Many ballad songs feature lyrics about '약속을 어기고 떠난 사람' (The person who broke their promise and left). This romanticizes the word, associating it with the pain of a broken heart.

Legal vs. Casual: While '위반하다' is technical, '어기다' is visceral. Saying someone '어겼다' feels more like a personal accusation of wrongdoing.

맹세를 어기는 것은 비겁한 행동이다.

그는 상사의 지시를 어기고 독단적으로 행동했다.

From the classroom to the courtroom, 어기다 is the standard way to talk about stepping out of line.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using 어기다 to describe physical objects that are broken. In English, the word 'break' is used for both 'breaking a law' and 'breaking a vase.' In Korean, these are completely different verbs. Using 어기다 for a physical object like a phone or a window is incorrect and will confuse native speakers. For physical items, you should use 고장 내다 (to break/damage electronics), 깨다 (to break glass/fragile items), or 부수다 (to smash/break down).

Mistaken Object: Incorrect: 창문을 어겼어요 (I broke the window). Correct: 창문을 깼어요.

약속을 어기다 (O) vs 핸드폰을 어기다 (X)

'어기다' is for promises, not phones.

Another mistake is confusing 어기다 with 틀리다 (to be wrong/incorrect). While both imply something is not right, 어기다 implies a choice to deviate from a rule, whereas 틀리다 usually refers to an error in facts or calculations. For example, if you get a math problem wrong, you say '틀렸어요,' not '어겼어요.' Learners also sometimes confuse 어기다 with 위반하다. While they are synonyms, 위반하다 is much more formal and often used in legal or official contexts. Using 위반하다 when talking to a friend about a lunch date might sound overly stiff or even sarcastic. Stick to 어기다 for personal matters.

Register Errors: Using '위반' for a small promise to a child is too heavy. Use '어기다' instead.

그는 법을 어겼다 (Common) vs 그는 법을 위반했다 (Formal/Legal)

Lastly, ensure you don't confuse it with 버리다 (to throw away). Sometimes learners try to say they 'threw away a promise,' but the standard collocation is always 어기다. However, there is a related phrase 저버리다 which means to betray or go against (a trust/expectation), which is more poetic and stronger than 어기다.

Spelling Note: Be careful not to confuse it with '아끼다' (to cherish/save). They sound somewhat similar but have opposite emotional valences.

시간을 어기지 마세요 (Don't miss the time) vs 시간을 아끼세요 (Save/Cherish your time)

도리를 어기다 (To violate one's moral duty).

Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

To truly master 어기다, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific nuance and context. The most direct formal synonym is 위반하다 (違反-). This is a Sino-Korean word used in legal, administrative, and highly formal settings. You will see it on traffic tickets or in news reports about corporate crimes.

어기다 vs 위반하다: '어기다' is native Korean and used in speech. '위반하다' is Hanja-based and used in writing/formal reports. '어기다' is broader; '위반하다' is specifically for laws and regulations.

교통 법규 위반 (Traffic violation) vs 약속을 어기다 (Break a promise).

Another similar word is 어긋나다. While 어기다 is an active verb (someone breaks something), 어긋나다 is more like 'to be out of line' or 'to go against.' It is often used to describe things that don't match or situations that have gone awry. For example, '기대에 어긋나다' means to fall short of expectations. 위배되다 (違背-) is another high-level synonym, meaning 'to be in violation of' or 'to run counter to.' It is used in academic or legal discourse, such as '헌법에 위배되다' (to be unconstitutional). 거스르다 is a unique alternative that means 'to go against' a flow, like a current or a trend, but can also be used for going against a superior's will (거스르다).

Specialized Alternatives: 범하다 (to commit/violate - used for crimes or sins), 무시하다 (to ignore - often used when rules are ignored), 저버리다 (to betray/turn one's back on expectations).

기대를 저버리지 마세요.

Don't betray our expectations.

In casual slang, young people might use 깨다 (to break) for promises, but 어기다 remains the standard. For example, '약속 깼어?' (Did you break the promise?) is very common in texting. However, in any writing or polite speech, 어기다 is preferred.

Antonym: 지키다: The most important word to know alongside '어기다' is '지키다' (to keep/protect). They form a pair in almost every context.

약속을 지키는 것이 중요해요.

법을 준수하다 (To observe/comply with the law - very formal).

Understanding these synonyms allows you to choose the right level of intensity and formality for your message.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The adverb '어김없이' (without fail) is actually more commonly used in some contexts than the verb itself, especially when describing natural phenomena like the seasons.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʌ.ɡi.da/

US /ʌ.ɡi.dɑ/

Stress is generally even across syllables in Korean, but the first syllable '어' may have a slight emphasis.

Rhymes With

기다 (gida) 이기다 (igida) 섬기다 (seomgida) 즐기다 (jeulgida) 생기다 (saenggida) 넘기다 (neomgida) 맡기다 (matgida) 벗기다 (beotgida)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '어' as '오' (O-gi-da).
Aspirating the 'ㄱ' in '기' too much (makes it sound like '키').
Pronouncing '다' as '타' (Eo-gi-ta).
Confusing it with '아끼다' (A-kki-da).
Stressing the second syllable too heavily.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts. Often found in early lessons.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of object particles and correct collocations.

Speaking 2/5

Common in daily conversation, easy to pronounce.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, easily distinguishable.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

약속 (promise) 규칙 (rule) 지키다 (to keep) 안 (not) 법 (law)

Learn Next

위반하다 (to violate - formal) 어긋나다 (to be out of line) 준수하다 (to observe) 벌금 (fine) 신뢰 (trust)

Advanced

위배되다 저버리다 거스르다 방역 수칙 계약 위반

Grammar to Know

-지 마세요 (Don't do...)

규칙을 어기지 마세요.

-면 안 되다 (Should not...)

약속을 어기면 안 됩니다.

-ㄴ 적이 있다/없다 (Have/Haven't done...)

저는 법을 어긴 적이 없어요.

-아/어서 (Because/So...)

시간을 어겨서 죄송합니다.

-기 마련이다 (Bound to...)

규칙을 어기면 벌을 받기 마련이다.

Examples by Level

저는 약속을 어겼어요.

I broke the promise.

Past tense of 어기다 (어겼어요).

약속을 어기지 마세요.

Don't break the promise.

-지 마세요 (negative command).

동생이 규칙을 어겨요.

My younger sibling breaks the rules.

Present tense (어겨요).

우리는 시간을 어겼다.

We missed the time (were late).

Plain past tense (어겼다).

누가 규칙을 어겼어요?

Who broke the rules?

Interrogative form.

약속을 어기면 안 돼요.

You shouldn't break promises.

-면 안 되다 (should not).

그는 자주 약속을 어겨요.

He often breaks promises.

Adverb '자주' (often) used with the verb.

학교 규칙을 어기지 마.

Don't break school rules.

Informal negative command (Panmal).

교통 신호를 어기면 위험해요.

It is dangerous if you break traffic signals.

Conditional -면 (if).

약속 시간을 어겨서 미안해요.

I'm sorry for breaking the appointment time.

Reasoning -아서 (because).

규칙을 어긴 사람은 벌을 받아요.

People who break rules get punished.

Noun-modifying form (어긴).

그는 한 번도 약속을 어긴 적이 없어요.

He has never once broken a promise.

-ㄴ 적이 없다 (never done before).

부모님 말씀을 어기지 않으려고 노력해요.

I try not to disobey my parents.

-려고 노력하다 (try to).

이번에도 약속을 어길 거예요?

Are you going to break the promise this time too?

Future tense (-ㄹ 거예요).

게임을 할 때 규칙을 어기지 마세요.

Don't break the rules when playing games.

-을 때 (when).

그는 친구와의 약속을 자주 어긴다.

He often breaks promises with friends.

Plain style (어긴다).

마감 기한을 어기면 큰 문제가 생길 수 있습니다.

If you miss the deadline, a big problem can occur.

-ㄹ 수 있다 (can/possibility).

방역 수칙을 어긴 식당이 적발되었습니다.

A restaurant that violated quarantine rules was caught.

Passive verb '적발되다' (be caught).

그는 상사의 명령을 어기고 사표를 냈다.

He disobeyed his boss's order and resigned.

Sequential -고 (and then).

도덕적 규칙을 어기는 것은 부끄러운 일이다.

Breaking moral rules is a shameful thing.

-는 것 (gerund/noun phrase).

약속을 어긴 이유를 설명해 보세요.

Please try to explain the reason you broke the promise.

-아/어 보다 (try doing).

법을 어기면서까지 돈을 벌고 싶지는 않아요.

I don't want to make money even if it means breaking the law.

-면서까지 (even to the point of).

자꾸 약속을 어기면 신뢰를 잃게 됩니다.

If you keep breaking promises, you will end up losing trust.

-게 되다 (come to/end up).

그는 법을 어겼다는 사실을 부인했다.

He denied the fact that he broke the law.

-다는 사실 (the fact that).

그는 자신의 신념을 어기지 않기 위해 고군분투했다.

He struggled hard not to violate his own beliefs.

-기 위해 (in order to).

계약 조건을 어길 경우 위약금을 물어야 합니다.

In case of violating contract terms, a penalty must be paid.

-ㄹ 경우 (in case of).

그는 명령을 어긴 죄로 감옥에 갇혔다.

He was imprisoned for the crime of disobeying orders.

Noun + -로 (due to/as).

사소한 규칙을 어기는 것부터 범죄가 시작됩니다.

Crime starts from breaking minor rules.

-부터 (from).

그는 부모님의 기대를 어기고 예술가가 되었다.

He went against his parents' expectations and became an artist.

Contrastive context.

시간을 어기는 행위는 상대방에 대한 예의가 아니다.

The act of missing the time is not polite to the other party.

Formal descriptive style.

정해진 절차를 어기면 승인이 거절될 수 있습니다.

If you bypass the set procedures, approval may be rejected.

-어지다 (passive nuance).

그는 동료들과의 의리를 어기지 않았다.

He did not violate the loyalty he had with his colleagues.

Abstract noun '의리' (loyalty).

헌법의 기본 원칙을 어기는 법안은 폐기되어야 한다.

Bills that violate the basic principles of the Constitution must be discarded.

-어야 한다 (must/should).

그는 대의를 위해 사적인 감정을 어기고 결단을 내렸다.

He made a decision, going against his personal feelings for the greater good.

Advanced vocabulary '대의' (greater good).

자연의 섭리를 어기려는 인간의 욕심이 재앙을 불렀다.

Human greed to violate the providence of nature brought disaster.

-으려는 (intending to).

그는 스승의 가르침을 어긴 제자로 낙인찍혔다.

He was branded as a disciple who went against his master's teachings.

Idiom '낙인찍히다' (to be branded).

전통적인 관습을 어기는 것은 사회적 저항을 불러일으킨다.

Violating traditional customs provokes social resistance.

Complex subject phrase.

그는 자신의 양심을 어기는 행위를 단호히 거부했다.

He resolutely refused to act in a way that violated his conscience.

Adverb '단호히' (resolutely).

법의 테두리를 어기지 않는 범위 내에서 활동해야 한다.

One must operate within the scope of not violating the boundaries of the law.

Metaphorical '테두리' (boundary/frame).

그는 한 번도 공적인 도리를 어긴 적이 없는 청렴한 관리였다.

He was an upright official who never once violated public duty.

Double negative nuance for emphasis.

시대의 흐름을 어기는 정치는 결국 도태되기 마련이다.

Politics that go against the flow of the times are bound to be left behind.

-기 마련이다 (is bound to).

그는 조국의 부름을 어길 수 없어 전쟁터로 향했다.

Unable to disobey his country's call, he headed for the battlefield.

Literary expression '부름' (call/summons).

인간의 존엄성을 어기는 어떠한 행위도 정당화될 수 없다.

No act that violates human dignity can be justified.

Universal negative '어떠한...도 없다'.

그는 문학적 전통을 어기고 자신만의 독창적인 문체를 개척했다.

He broke with literary tradition and pioneered his own original style.

Positive connotation of '어기다'.

신의 섭리를 어기려 했던 바벨탑의 비극을 기억해야 한다.

We must remember the tragedy of the Tower of Babel, which sought to violate divine providence.

Historical/Religious reference.

그는 평생 동안 단 한 번도 신의를 어긴 적이 없는 인물로 칭송받는다.

He is praised as a figure who never once in his life betrayed trust.

Passive '칭송받다' (be praised).

권력의 압박에도 불구하고 그는 법도를 어기지 않았다.

Despite the pressure of power, he did not violate the law/code.

-에도 불구하고 (despite).

우주의 질서를 어기는 행위는 엔트로피의 증가를 가속화할 뿐이다.

Acts that violate the order of the universe only accelerate the increase in entropy.

Scientific/Philosophical context.

Common Collocations

약속을 어기다

법을 어기다

규칙을 어기다

시간을 어기다

명령을 어기다

기한을 어기다

말씀을 어기다

도리를 어기다

맹세를 어기다

순서를 어기다

Common Phrases

어김없이

— Without fail; as expected. It is the adverbial form of '어김없다'.

올해도 어김없이 봄이 찾아왔다.

약속을 어기다

— To break a promise. The most common use of the word.

그는 다시는 약속을 어기지 않겠다고 했다.

법을 어기다

— To break the law. Used in legal and news contexts.

법을 어긴 사람은 처벌을 받아야 한다.

규칙을 어기다

— To break rules. Common in schools and sports.

규칙을 어기면 게임에서 집니다.

시간을 어기다

— To be late or miss a set time.

시간을 어기는 것은 실례입니다.

말을 어기다

— To go back on one's word or disobey.

임금님의 말을 어길 자 누구인가?

순서를 어기다

— To go out of order or cut in line.

순서를 어기지 말고 기다려 주세요.

명령을 어기다

— To disobey an order.

그는 상사의 명령을 어겼다.

도의를 어기다

— To violate moral principles.

도의를 어기면서까지 성공하고 싶지는 않다.

기한을 어기다

— To miss a deadline.

기한을 어기지 않도록 주의하세요.

Often Confused With

어기다 vs 깨다

Used for physical objects (breaking glass). 어기다 is for rules.

어기다 vs 틀리다

Used for being wrong or incorrect in facts/math. 어기다 is for transgressing a rule.

어기다 vs 아끼다

Sounds similar but means to cherish or save something.

Idioms & Expressions

"약속을 밥 먹듯 어기다"

— To break promises as easily/frequently as eating a meal (habitually).

그는 약속을 밥 먹듯 어겨서 믿을 수 없다.

Informal

"어김없는 사실"

— A fact that is unfailing or certain.

이것은 어김없는 사실입니다.

Neutral

"어김없이 나타나다"

— To appear without fail at the expected time.

그는 매일 아침 어김없이 나타난다.

Neutral

"법도를 어기다"

— To violate the proper way or code of conduct.

양반으로서 법도를 어길 수 없다.

Formal/Historical

"천륜을 어기다"

— To violate the natural moral laws between parents and children.

부모를 버리는 것은 천륜을 어기는 일이다.

Formal/Ethical

"뜻을 어기다"

— To go against someone's will or intention.

그는 아버지의 뜻을 어기고 유학을 갔다.

Neutral

"기한을 어기다"

— To miss a deadline (often used idiomatically for failure).

기한을 어기면 모든 노력이 수포로 돌아간다.

Business

"말씀을 어기다"

— To disobey elders/teachers.

어른들의 말씀을 어기면 손해를 본다.

Social

"상도를 어기다"

— To violate business ethics.

그 회사는 상도를 어기고 기술을 훔쳤다.

Business

"약속을 손바닥 뒤집듯 어기다"

— To break a promise as easily as flipping one's palm.

그는 약속을 손바닥 뒤집듯 어긴다.

Informal

Easily Confused

어기다 vs 깨다

Both translate to 'break' in English.

깨다 is for physical items (vase, window); 어기다 is for non-physical items (rules, promises).

유리창을 깼어요 (O), 유리창을 어겼어요 (X).

어기다 vs 부수다

Both mean 'break'.

부수다 means to smash or destroy a physical structure; 어기다 is for violating a standard.

벽을 부수다 (O), 벽을 어기다 (X).

어기다 vs 틀리다

Both imply a mistake or wrong action.

틀리다 is an error in information; 어기다 is a failure to follow an agreement or rule.

답이 틀렸어요 (O), 답이 어겼어요 (X).

어기다 vs 위반하다

They are synonyms.

위반하다 is formal/legal; 어기다 is more natural in daily speech.

법을 위반했다 (Official news), 약속을 어겼다 (To a friend).

어기다 vs 어긋나다

Both involve not following a path.

어긋나다 is often passive or descriptive (to be out of line); 어기다 is an active violation.

기대에 어긋나다 (To fall short of expectations).

Sentence Patterns

[Object] + 을/를 어겼어요.

약속을 어겼어요.

[Object] + 을/를 어기면 안 돼요.

규칙을 어기면 안 돼요.

[Object] + 을/를 어긴 적이 없어요.

법을 어긴 적이 없어요.

[Object] + 을/를 어겨서 [Consequence].

신호를 어겨서 사고가 났어요.

[Abstract Noun] + 의 도리를 어기다.

인간의 도리를 어기다.

[Concept] + 을/를 어기는 행위는 [Judgment].

양심을 어기는 행위는 용납될 수 없다.

Advanced

어김없이 [Verb].

해는 어김없이 뜬다.

Idiomatic

약속을 밥 먹듯 어기다.

그는 약속을 밥 먹듯 어긴다.

Word Family

Nouns

어김 (breaking/violation - used in '어김없이')

위반 (violation - Sino-Korean)

위배 (violation/contradiction)

Verbs

어기다 (to break/violate)

어긋나다 (to be misaligned/go against)

위반하다 (to violate - formal)

Adjectives

어김없다 (unfailing/certain)

지키다 (to keep)

약속 (promise)

규칙 (rule)

법 (law)

명령 (order)

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in social and legal contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '어기다' for a broken glass. → 유리를 깼어요.
'어기다' is only for abstract rules or promises, not physical objects.
Saying '약속을 틀렸어요' to mean 'I broke the promise'. → 약속을 어겼어요.
'틀리다' means to be incorrect, not to break an agreement.
Confusing '어기다' with '아끼다'. → 돈을 아껴요 (Save money) / 약속을 어겨요 (Break a promise).
They sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Using '위반하다' in a casual chat with friends. → 약속 어겼지?
'위반하다' is too formal for casual social promises.
Forgetting the object particle. → 규칙을 어기다.
'어기다' is a transitive verb and needs the '을/를' particle.

Tips

Object Particles

Always remember to use 을 or 를 with the noun before '어기다'. For example: 규칙을 (rule + object particle) 어기다.

Confucian Influence

In Korea, '부모님 말씀을 어기다' is considered a significant moral failure due to Confucian values of filial piety.

Opposites Attract

Learn '지키다' (to keep) and '어기다' (to break) together as a pair. They are used in almost all the same contexts.

Abstract Only

Never use this for physical objects. If you can touch it, you can't '어기다' it.

Softening the Blow

If you broke a promise, instead of just saying '어겼어요', say '어겨서 죄송합니다' (I'm sorry for breaking it) to be more polite.

Idiomatic Usage

Use '어김없이' to describe things that happen like clockwork, like the seasons or a train arriving.

Formal Reports

In business or legal writing, swap '어기다' for '위반하다' to sound more professional.

Word Endings

Pay attention to '-면 안 돼' (shouldn't) after '어기다' in warnings.

The 'O' No!

Think of the '어' in '어기다' as the 'Oh!' sound you make when you realize you forgot a promise.

Punctuality

In Korea, '시간을 어기다' (being late) is taken very seriously in professional settings.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are walking on a line (a rule). If you step off, you '어!' (Oh no!) and '기다' (crawl) away from the line because you broke it.

Visual Association

A broken chain link where the link represents a promise (약속).

Word Web

약속 (Promise) 규칙 (Rule) 법 (Law) 명령 (Order) 시간 (Time) 지키다 (Keep) 위반 (Violation) 벌금 (Fine)

Challenge

Try to write three things you should never '어기다' in your life, using the '-면 안 돼요' grammar pattern.

Word Origin

A native Korean verb. It has been used for centuries to denote the act of not following a path or a word.

Original meaning: To go against, to misalign, or to fail to meet a standard.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when accusing someone of '어기다' as it sounds quite direct and accusatory.

English speakers often use 'break' for everything. Remember to split 'break' into '어기다' (rules) and '깨다' (objects) in Korean.

The song '약속을 어기다' by various Korean ballad singers. Common phrase in Sageuk (historical dramas): '어명을 어길 셈이냐?' (Do you intend to disobey the King's order?) Public health campaigns during COVID-19 using '방역 수칙을 어기지 마세요'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Personal Relationships

약속을 어기다
비밀을 어기다 (less common than '누설하다', but used)
신의를 어기다
기대를 어기다

Legal/Official

법을 어기다
교통 신호를 어기다
마감 기한을 어기다
규정을 어기다

School/Work

학교 규칙을 어기다
상사의 명령을 어기다
근무 시간을 어기다
순서를 어기다

Ethics/Morals

도리를 어기다
양심을 어기다
자연의 섭리를 어기다
가르침을 어기다

Sports

경기 규칙을 어기다
심판의 지시를 어기다
정정당당한 도리를 어기다
금지 약물 규정을 어기다

Conversation Starters

"약속을 어기는 사람에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"살면서 법을 어긴 적이 있나요?"

"친구가 약속을 어기면 어떻게 하실 거예요?"

"규칙을 어기는 것이 가끔은 필요할까요?"

"약속을 어기지 않는 가장 좋은 방법은 무엇일까요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 약속을 어겼을 때 느꼈던 감정에 대해 써보세요.

누군가 나에게 한 약속을 어겼던 경험을 적어보세요.

사회에서 가장 많이 어겨지는 법은 무엇이라고 생각하나요?

규칙을 어기지 않는 것이 왜 중요한지 설명해 보세요.

내가 절대로 어기지 않으려고 노력하는 원칙은 무엇인가요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '어기다' is only for rules, promises, and laws. For a broken phone, you should use '고장 나다' (to be broken) or '핸드폰을 떨어뜨려서 깼다' (to drop and break it).

'어기다' is a native Korean word used in everyday situations like breaking a promise to a friend. '위반하다' is a Sino-Korean word used in formal contexts like traffic violations or legal crimes.

You use the adverb '어김없이'. For example, '그는 어김없이 나타났다' means 'He appeared without fail' or 'He appeared exactly as expected'.

The word itself isn't rude, but accusing someone by saying '당신은 약속을 어겼어요' (You broke the promise) can be very direct and confrontational.

Yes, you can say '규칙을 어겼다' to mean a player broke a game rule or committed a foul.

The most common objects are 약속 (promise), 규칙 (rule), 법 (law), 시간 (time), and 명령 (order).

Not directly. You would say '마음을 아프게 하다' or '약속을 어기고 떠나다' (leave after breaking a promise), but you don't '어기다' a heart.

The past tense is '어겼다'. In polite form, it is '어겼어요'.

It means to go against what someone (usually an elder or superior) said, or to fail to keep one's own word.

The noun form is '어김', but it is rarely used alone except in the fixed adverbial form '어김없이'.