위배되다 in 30 Seconds
- Formal verb meaning to violate or be contrary to rules or principles.
- Used with the particle '-에' to indicate the standard being broken.
- Common in legal, business, and academic contexts for serious conflicts.
- Describes a state of contradiction rather than just the act of breaking.
The Korean verb 위배되다 (wi-bae-doe-da) is a sophisticated, formal term primarily used to describe actions, decisions, or situations that conflict with established rules, laws, principles, or expectations. At its core, it carries the meaning of 'to be in violation of' or 'to go against.' Unlike simpler words for 'breaking' something, like 어기다, 위배되다 is passive or resultative in nature, indicating that a certain state or action stands in direct contradiction to a standard.
- Etymological Root
- The word is composed of the Hanja characters 違 (위), meaning to deviate or oppose, and 背 (배), meaning the back or to turn one's back on. When combined with the suffix 되다 (to become), it literally suggests the state of having turned one's back on a path or rule.
In daily life, you won't hear this word often in a casual conversation about breaking a small promise between friends. Instead, it is the language of the courtroom, the newsroom, and the boardroom. It is used when discussing constitutional law, corporate ethics, or scientific principles. For example, if a company's policy contradicts national labor laws, a lawyer would say the policy 위배된다. It implies a serious, often structural or principled conflict rather than a mere accidental slip-up.
그의 행동은 회사의 윤리 강령에 위배되다.
(His actions go against the company's code of ethics.)
Furthermore, 위배되다 is frequently paired with the particle -에. You are always 'violating *to*' or 'being contrary *to*' something. Common objects of this violation include 법 (law), 원칙 (principle), 상식 (common sense), and 도덕 (morality). When something is described as 위배되는, it suggests that the thing in question cannot coexist with the standard it is being compared to. It is a binary state: either it aligns, or it is in violation.
- Formal Contexts
- Used in legal documents, academic papers, and official reports to denote non-compliance with regulations or logical inconsistencies.
이 조항은 헌법 정신에 위배될 가능성이 큽니다.
(There is a high possibility that this clause violates the spirit of the Constitution.)
In summary, 위배되다 is your go-to word when you want to express that something is fundamentally incompatible with a rule or a truth. It carries a weight of authority and seriousness, making it indispensable for B1-level learners who are moving into more formal or professional Korean environments. Whether you are debating social issues or writing a formal complaint, this word provides the necessary gravitas to your argument.
Using 위배되다 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical function as a passive-leaning verb. It typically follows the pattern [Noun] + 에 위배되다. The noun represents the law, rule, or principle that is being violated. Because it ends in 되다, it describes the state of the subject being in violation, rather than the active act of breaking something (which would be 위배하다, though 위반하다 is more common for the active sense).
- Common Subject-Object Pairs
- Subject: 행위 (act), 결정 (decision), 규정 (regulation). Object (with -에): 법 (law), 상식 (common sense), 논리 (logic).
Let's look at how to conjugate it. In the present tense, it becomes 위배됩니다 (formal) or 위배돼요 (polite). In the past, 위배되었습니다 or 위배됐어요. When modifying a noun, it becomes 위배되는 (e.g., 법에 위배되는 행동 - behavior that violates the law). This attributive form is extremely common in legal and journalistic writing.
그 정책은 국제법에 위배되는 것으로 판명되었습니다.
(That policy was found to be in violation of international law.)
One interesting nuance is its use with 상식 (common sense). If someone does something so strange or irrational that it defies logic, you might say it 상식에 위배된다. This is a very strong way to call something 'nonsensical' or 'absurd' in a formal setting. It's not just 'weird'; it's 'contrary to the fundamental understanding of how things should work.'
In more advanced contexts, you might see it used in the negative form: 위배되지 않는다 (does not violate). This is often used to clear someone of wrongdoing or to confirm that a new proposal is legally sound. For instance, '이 계획은 현행법에 전혀 위배되지 않습니다' (This plan does not violate current laws at all). This phrasing is crucial for compliance and legal clearances.
민주주의 원칙에 위배되지 않도록 주의해야 합니다.
(We must be careful not to violate the principles of democracy.)
Finally, consider the emotional weight. 위배되다 sounds objective and detached. If you want to sound emotional or accusatory, you might use different words. But if you want to sound like a professional presenting a logical case, 위배되다 is your best tool. It shifts the focus from the person 'breaking' something to the 'state of contradiction' itself, which is a hallmark of formal Korean discourse.
If you are a fan of Korean legal dramas (K-Dramas) like Extraordinary Attorney Woo or Vincenzo, you will hear 위배되다 in almost every episode. It is the bread and butter of legal arguments. Lawyers use it to point out when a piece of evidence was obtained illegally or when a defendant's actions went against specific statutes. It creates an atmosphere of intellectual battle and legal precision.
- News and Journalism
- News anchors frequently use this term when reporting on political scandals, corporate corruption, or changes in government policy that might be unconstitutional.
Another common place to encounter this word is in academic lectures and debates. If a student is arguing that a certain theory is flawed because it contradicts a fundamental law of physics or sociology, they would use 위배되다. It is also prevalent in business meetings, specifically during 'Compliance' (컴플라이언스) reviews. When a new marketing strategy is being vetted, the legal team might warn that it '광고법에 위배될 소지가 있다' (has the potential to violate advertising laws).
9시 뉴스: "이번 조치는 시장 경제의 원리에 위배된다는 비판이 일고 있습니다."
(9 O'clock News: "Criticism is rising that this measure goes against the principles of a market economy.")
In the digital age, you will also see this word in 'Terms of Service' (이용약관) agreements. If you violate the rules of a social media platform, you might receive a notification saying your post 커뮤니티 가이드라인에 위배되었습니다 (violated community guidelines). This usage highlights how the word has transitioned from purely legal/philosophical contexts into our everyday digital interactions.
Finally, you might hear it in historical documentaries or period dramas (Sa-geuk). When a subject acts against the King's orders or the Confucian principles of the time, the high-ranking officials will shout about how the act 도리에 위배된다 (goes against the moral way). This shows the long-standing history of the word as a way to define the boundaries of acceptable behavior in Korean society, whether in the Joseon Dynasty or a modern tech startup.
그것은 인간의 기본권에 위배되는 처사입니다.
(That is a measure that violates basic human rights.)
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 위배되다 with 위반하다. While both involve breaking rules, 위반하다 is an active verb usually used for specific laws or traffic regulations (e.g., 교통 법규를 위반하다). 위배되다 is more abstract and passive, often used for principles, logic, or the 'spirit' of a rule. If you say you 'violated a red light' using 위배되다, it sounds unnaturally formal and slightly off-target.
- Particle Confusion
- Learners often try to use '을/를' because they think of 'violating [something].' Remember: it must be [Noun] + 에 위배되다. Using the wrong particle is a dead giveaway of a non-native speaker.
Another mistake is using 위배되다 for personal promises or casual social etiquette. If you are late for a coffee date, you shouldn't say it 약속에 위배됐어요. That would make you sound like a robot or a lawyer trying to sue your friend. For casual situations, use 어기다 (to break/violate) or 늦다 (to be late). 위배되다 requires a certain level of institutional or philosophical weight.
Incorrect: 나는 법을 위배되었다.
Correct: 나의 행동은 법에 위배되었다.
Furthermore, don't confuse 위배되다 with 반대하다 (to oppose). If you oppose a plan, you are taking an active stance against it. If a plan 위배된다, it simply means the plan itself is inherently in conflict with something else. One is an opinion; the other is a state of being. Using 위배되다 when you just mean you 'don't like' something will confuse your listeners.
Lastly, be careful with the passive form 되다. Some learners try to force an active version 위배하다 in every context. While 위배하다 exists, it is much less common than its passive counterpart 위배되다 or the active 위반하다. In 90% of cases where you want to say something 'goes against' a rule, 위배되다 is the natural choice.
상식에 위배되는 행동은 삼가야 합니다.
(One should refrain from actions that go against common sense.)
To truly master 위배되다, you must know its neighbors. The Korean language has several words for 'violating' or 'going against,' each with a specific flavor. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation.
- 위반하다 (wi-ban-ha-da) vs. 위배되다
- 위반하다 is active and usually refers to specific, concrete laws or regulations (like traffic laws). 위배되다 is passive and refers to principles, logic, or broader standards.
- 어긋나다 (eo-geut-na-da)
- This is a more native, less formal word. It means 'to be out of line' or 'to miss the mark.' It can be used for expectations or physical alignment. '기대에 어긋나다' (to fall short of expectations) is a common phrase.
Another formal alternative is 저촉되다 (jeo-chok-doe-da). This is a highly technical legal term meaning 'to conflict with' or 'to bump up against' a law. It's even more formal than 위배되다 and is almost exclusively used in legal drafting or high-level policy discussions. If a new law '저촉됩니다' with an old one, it means they are legally incompatible.
그의 행동은 도덕적 관념에 어긋난다.
(His actions go against moral concepts - less formal.)
For logical contradictions, you might use 모순되다 (mo-sun-doe-da). While 위배되다 means something violates an external rule, 모순되다 means something is internally inconsistent (a paradox). If someone says one thing but does another, their words and actions 모순된다. Use 위배되다 when the conflict is with an outside standard, and 모순되다 when the conflict is internal.
Lastly, 반하다 (ban-ha-da) (not the one meaning 'to fall in love'!) can mean 'to go against.' You might see it in phrases like '기대에 반하다' (to go against expectations) or '의사에 반하다' (to go against one's will). It is often used to describe a result that is the opposite of what was desired or intended. Choosing between 위배되다 and 반하다 depends on whether you are talking about a violation of a rule (위배) or just an opposite outcome (반하다).
이것은 계약 조건에 명백히 저촉되는 사항입니다.
(This is a matter that clearly conflicts with the contract terms.)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 背 (배) is the same one used in '배신' (betrayal), which literally means 'turning one's back on trust'. So '위배' is like 'betraying' a rule.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing '배' as 'bee'. It should be an 'ae' sound.
- Merging '되다' into '대다'. Keep the 'oe' sound clear.
- Pausing too long between '위배' and '되다'. It should flow as one word.
Examples by Level
규칙에 위배됩니다.
It goes against the rules.
Simple present tense with -ㅂ니다.
이것은 위배예요.
This is a violation.
Noun form '위배' with '이다' verb.
그것은 안 돼요, 위배됩니다.
That's not allowed, it's a violation.
Negative expression followed by justification.
법에 위배되는 행동이에요.
It is an action that violates the law.
Attributive form -는 modifying '행동'.
위배되지 마세요.
Do not violate (the rules).
-지 마세요 (prohibition).
약속 위배예요.
It's a violation of the promise.
Compound noun: 약속 + 위배.
이것은 규칙에 위배돼요?
Does this violate the rules?
Polite question form.
위배되면 벌금을 내요.
If you violate it, you pay a fine.
-면 (if) conditional.
학교 규칙에 위배되는 행동을 하지 마세요.
Do not do things that violate school rules.
Object + -에 위배되는 + Noun.
그의 말은 사실에 위배됩니다.
His words go against the facts.
Using '사실' (fact) as the standard.
이것은 우리 계약에 위배되는 거예요.
This is something that violates our contract.
Possessive '우리' + Noun.
질서에 위배되지 않게 줄을 서세요.
Please stand in line so as not to violate the order.
-게 (adverbial) to show manner.
그 결정은 원칙에 위배됐어요.
That decision went against the principles.
Past tense -었/았어요.
법에 위배되면 처벌을 받습니다.
If it violates the law, you will be punished.
Cause and effect structure.
상식에 위배되는 일을 하지 마세요.
Don't do things that go against common sense.
Using '상식' (common sense).
이것은 도덕에 위배되는 일입니다.
This is a matter that violates morality.
Formal sentence ending -입니다.
이 정책은 국제 기준에 위배될 가능성이 있습니다.
This policy has the possibility of violating international standards.
-ㄹ 가능성이 있다 (possibility).
회사의 이익을 위해 윤리에 위배되는 일을 해서는 안 됩니다.
You must not do things that violate ethics for the company's profit.
-해서는 안 된다 (must not).
그의 주장은 논리적으로 위배되는 부분이 많습니다.
There are many parts of his argument that are logically contradictory.
Adverbial '논리적으로' (logically).
헌법에 위배되는 법률은 효력이 없습니다.
Laws that violate the constitution have no effect.
Complex subject with attributive clause.
이 행동이 규정에 위배되는지 확인해 보세요.
Please check if this action violates the regulations.
-는지 확인하다 (check whether).
우리는 사회 관습에 위배되지 않으려고 노력합니다.
We try not to go against social customs.
-으려고 노력하다 (try to).
그 계약 조항은 현행법에 위배됩니다.
That contract clause violates current law.
Specific noun '현행법' (current law).
자연의 법칙에 위배되는 현상은 없습니다.
There is no phenomenon that violates the laws of nature.
Universal statement.
민주주의의 기본 원칙에 위배되는 어떠한 행위도 용납될 수 없습니다.
Any act that violates the basic principles of democracy cannot be tolerated.
Passive potential '-될 수 없다'.
이 조치는 개인의 자유를 침해하며 헌법에 위배될 소지가 다분합니다.
This measure infringes on individual freedom and has a strong possibility of violating the constitution.
-ㄹ 소지가 다분하다 (high possibility/potential).
학문적 양심에 위배되는 행위는 연구자로서 자격이 없는 것입니다.
Acting against academic conscience means one is not qualified as a researcher.
-는 것이다 (defining a state/fact).
그 판결은 기존의 판례에 위배된다는 비판을 받고 있습니다.
The ruling is facing criticism that it goes against existing legal precedents.
-ㄴ다는 비판 (criticism that...).
우리의 의도와는 달리 결과적으로 규정에 위배되게 되었습니다.
Contrary to our intentions, it resulted in violating the regulations.
-게 되다 (resultative/change of state).
평등의 원칙에 위배되지 않도록 채용 과정을 투명하게 운영해야 합니다.
The hiring process must be operated transparently so as not to violate the principle of equality.
-도록 (so that/to the extent).
이것은 시장 경제의 질서에 정면으로 위배되는 처사입니다.
This is a measure that directly violates the order of the market economy.
Adverb '정면으로' (directly/head-on).
신의성실의 원칙에 위배되는 계약은 무효가 될 수 있습니다.
Contracts that violate the principle of good faith can be invalidated.
Legal term '신의성실의 원칙'.
해당 법안은 국민의 알 권리에 위배된다는 논란에 휩싸여 있습니다.
The bill in question is embroiled in controversy for violating the public's right to know.
-에 휩싸이다 (to be engulfed in).
그의 통치 방식은 시대정신에 위배된다는 평가가 지배적입니다.
The assessment that his way of governing goes against the spirit of the times is dominant.
Advanced noun '시대정신' (zeitgeist).
본 계약의 어떤 조항도 관련 법규에 위배됨이 없음을 보증합니다.
We guarantee that no clause of this contract violates relevant regulations.
-음이 없음 (formal nominalization).
사회적 통념에 위배되는 발언으로 인해 그는 큰 곤혹을 치렀다.
He suffered great embarrassment due to remarks that went against social norms.
-로 인해 (due to).
과학적 사실에 명백히 위배되는 주장을 되풀이하는 것은 무의미하다.
Repeating arguments that clearly violate scientific facts is meaningless.
Adverb '명백히' (clearly/evidently).
환경 보호라는 대의에 위배되지 않는 범위 내에서 개발이 진행되어야 한다.
Development must proceed within a range that does not violate the great cause of environmental protection.
-는 범위 내에서 (within the range of).
이러한 조치는 상호주의 원칙에 위배될 우려가 있어 신중한 접근이 필요합니다.
Such measures risk violating the principle of reciprocity, so a cautious approach is needed.
-ㄹ 우려가 있다 (there is a concern that).
인간의 존엄성에 위배되는 어떠한 차별도 정당화될 수 없습니다.
No discrimination that violates human dignity can be justified.
Passive '정당화될 수 없다'.
법치주의의 근간에 위배되는 초법적 행위는 헌정 질서를 파괴할 수 있다.
Extralegal acts that violate the foundation of the rule of law can destroy the constitutional order.
Advanced vocabulary: 근간, 초법적, 헌정 질서.
그 이론은 열역학 제2법칙에 위배된다는 점에서 학계의 인정을 받지 못했다.
The theory failed to gain academic recognition because it violates the second law of thermodynamics.
-는 점에서 (in the sense that).
보편적 윤리 가치에 위배되는 관습은 문화적 상대주의의 이름으로 옹호될 수 없다.
Customs that violate universal ethical values cannot be defended in the name of cultural relativism.
Complex philosophical argument.
국제 인도법에 위배되는 전쟁 범죄에 대해서는 엄격한 처벌이 뒤따라야 한다.
Strict punishment must follow war crimes that violate international humanitarian law.
Legal terminology: 국제 인도법.
자본주의의 본질적 속성에 위배되는 과도한 규제는 시장의 활력을 저해한다.
Excessive regulations that go against the essential nature of capitalism hinder market vitality.
Economic discourse.
그의 철학은 칸트의 정언명령에 위배되는 측면이 다분히 존재한다.
His philosophy has many aspects that violate Kant's categorical imperative.
Academic reference: 정언명령.
기존의 패러다임에 정면으로 위배되는 새로운 발견은 종종 거센 저항에 부딪힌다.
New discoveries that directly violate existing paradigms often face strong resistance.
Abstract noun: 패러다임.
신의의 원칙에 위배됨으로써 발생하는 손해에 대해서는 배상 책임이 있다.
There is a liability for damages arising from the violation of the principle of good faith.
Legal/Business formal structure.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— An act that violates something.
법에 위배되는 행동을 해서는 안 된다.
— Concern of violation.
인권에 위배될 우려가 있다.
— Potential for violation.
법률에 위배될 소지가 다분하다.
— To clearly violate.
이것은 규정에 명백히 위배됩니다.
— To directly/head-on violate.
그 정책은 시장 원리에 정면으로 위배된다.
— As long as it doesn't violate.
법에 위배되지 않는 한 자유롭게 할 수 있다.
— There is no violation.
절차상 위배됨이 없음을 확인했다.
— Whether or not it violates.
법 위배 여부를 검토 중이다.
— An instance of violation.
과거의 위배 사례를 찾아보았다.
— To prevent violation.
규정 위배를 방지하기 위한 대책이다.
Idioms & Expressions
— To go against the moral way or duty.
부모님을 모시지 않는 것은 인간의 도리에 위배된다.
Formal/Traditional— To go against the laws of nature or heaven.
그런 악행은 천리에 위배되는 짓이다.
Literary/Dramatic— To go against the natural order of things.
억지로 일을 추진하는 것은 순리에 위배된다.
Formal— To go against a great cause or justice.
그의 행동은 민주주의라는 대의에 위배된다.
Political— To go against one's conscience.
양심에 위배되는 일은 죽어도 못 하겠다.
Neutral/Formal— To go against business ethics.
경쟁사의 고객을 가로채는 것은 상도덕에 위배된다.
Business— To go against the proper procedure.
이 결정은 적법한 절차에 위배된다.
Formal/Legal— To go against faith and trust.
친구와의 신의에 위배되는 짓을 하지 마라.
Formal/Literary— To go against the original purpose/intent.
기금의 사용이 설립 취지에 위배된다.
Formal— To go against basic rights.
이 법안은 국민의 기본권에 위배될 수 있다.
Legal/PoliticalWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Wi-Bae' as 'We Betray'. When you '위배' a rule, you 'betray' the agreement or the law.
Visual Association
Imagine a person walking on a straight path (the law) and then suddenly turning their back (배) and stepping off the path (위).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find one news headline today containing '위배' and translate the rule that was broken.
Word Origin
Derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters). 違 (위) means 'to deviate' or 'to oppose', and 背 (배) means 'back' or 'to turn one's back on'.
Original meaning: To turn one's back and deviate from a path or rule.
Sino-KoreanCultural Context
Calling someone's actions '위배된다' is a strong, formal accusation. Use it in professional settings, not casual arguments.
While English uses 'violate' for everything from traffic tickets to human rights, Korean distinguishes between '위반' (traffic/specific laws) and '위배' (principles/abstract standards).
Summary
위배되다 is a formal way to say 'violates' or 'goes against.' It is most commonly used with abstract or legal objects like 'law' (법), 'principle' (원칙), or 'common sense' (상식). Example: '그것은 법에 위배됩니다' (That violates the law).
- Formal verb meaning to violate or be contrary to rules or principles.
- Used with the particle '-에' to indicate the standard being broken.
- Common in legal, business, and academic contexts for serious conflicts.
- Describes a state of contradiction rather than just the act of breaking.
Example
그의 행동은 회사 규정에 위배된다.
Related Content
More law words
우발적
B2Happening by chance or unexpectedly, rather than being planned or intentional. Often used in legal or scientific contexts to describe random events.
시인하다
B2To admit or acknowledge a fact, mistake, or fault, often formally or under pressure.
준용하다
B2To apply a certain law, rule, or standard to a similar matter with necessary modifications.
자의적
B2Based on one's own will or random choice, rather than on a system, reason, or objective standard; arbitrary.
귀속
B2The state of belonging to or being attributed to a specific person, group, or entity, especially regarding rights, property, or identity.
귀속되다
B2To be legally or naturally attributed to or belong to a certain entity, person, or group.
구속력
B2The legal or official power to influence or control someone or something because of a law, rule, or agreement. It refers to the mandatory nature of a regulation.
단서
B2A clue, lead, or piece of evidence that helps solve a problem, mystery, or crime. It can also refer to a proviso or condition in a contract.
명문화
B2The act of putting something into a written, formal, or legal document to make it clear and binding.
준수
B1The act of following or complying with laws, rules, regulations, or promises. It implies obedience to a standard.
