A1 noun #2,000 most common 8 min read

유행

yuhaeng
At the A1 level, '유행' is introduced as a simple noun meaning 'fashion' or 'popular.' Students learn to use it in basic sentences to describe clothes or food that are currently liked by many people. The focus is on the phrase '유행이에요' (It is a trend/in fashion). For example, '이 신발이 유행이에요' (These shoes are in fashion). At this stage, the goal is to recognize the word in the context of shopping and daily life. Learners should understand that '유행' is something that many people do or wear at the same time. Simple associations like '유행 = fashion' are sufficient. They might also see it in very basic news about a 'cold' (감기) going around, but the primary use is for popular items. The grammar is kept simple, usually combining the noun with the polite ending '-이에요'.
At the A2 level, learners begin to use '유행' with a wider variety of verbs and in more diverse contexts. They learn '유행하다' (to be in fashion/to trend) and '유행을 따르다' (to follow a trend). The concept of '유행어' (popular slang/buzzwords) is introduced as students become more aware of how young people speak. They can describe not just what is popular, but also their own relationship to trends, such as '저는 유행을 좋아해요' (I like trends). They also start to see the word used in medical contexts more clearly, understanding that '독감이 유행해요' means the flu is spreading. The distinction between '유행' (trend) and '인기' (popularity) starts to form, though they might still use them interchangeably. They can also use the past tense '유행이었어요' to talk about things that were popular in the past.
At the B1 level, students explore the social implications of '유행'. They learn phrases like '유행을 타다' (to be sensitive to trends) and '유행이 지나다' (to be out of style). They can discuss the pros and cons of following trends in more detail. For example, they might talk about 'fast fashion' and how '유행' changes so quickly in Korea. They understand compound words like '대유행' (mega-trend/pandemic) and '유행가' (popular song). In terms of grammar, they can use '유행' in more complex structures, such as '유행하는 것보다 자신의 스타일이 중요해요' (Your own style is more important than what is trending). They are also able to read short articles about cultural trends and summarize them using the word. The medical usage becomes more nuanced, distinguishing between seasonal trends and sudden outbreaks.
At the B2 level, '유행' is used to analyze cultural and economic phenomena. Learners can discuss '유행의 흐름' (the flow of trends) and '유행을 선도하다' (to lead a trend). They understand how '유행' is created by marketing and media. They can use the word in formal discussions about society, such as how certain '유행' reflect the values of a generation. The distinction between '유행', '트렌드', and '풍조' becomes clearer. They can express complex ideas like '유행에 뒤처지지 않으려고 노력하다' (to try not to fall behind the trends). Their vocabulary expands to include more academic or professional terms related to the word, and they can understand the use of '유행' in historical contexts, such as the '유행' of certain ideologies or artistic movements during specific eras.
At the C1 level, learners use '유행' with high precision and stylistic variety. They can discuss the philosophy of '유행'—the tension between the desire for conformity and the desire for individuality. They use advanced idioms and collocations like '유행의 첨단을 걷다' (to be at the cutting edge of fashion) or '시류와 유행' (the current of the times and trends). They can write essays on the impact of '유행' on the environment or the economy. They understand the word's use in classical literature or older texts where it might have slightly different connotations. They can also analyze the '유행' of certain linguistic patterns or grammatical structures in the Korean language itself. The word is no longer just about 'clothes' but is a tool for deep cultural analysis and sophisticated expression.
At the C2 level, '유행' is a concept that can be deconstructed and critiqued. The learner can engage in high-level academic or philosophical debates about the nature of 'transience' (무상함) as expressed through '유행'. They can understand and use the word in highly metaphorical ways, perhaps in poetry or advanced literary criticism. They are aware of the etymological roots (Hanja) and how they influence the word's meaning in various East Asian contexts. They can discuss the '유행' of globalism, postmodernism, or other complex 'isms' with ease. The word becomes a lens through which they view the entire landscape of human history and social evolution. They can switch between the most casual '유행어' and the most formal sociological '풍조' or '시류' with perfect native-level intuition and nuance.

유행 in 30 Seconds

  • 유행 (Yu-haeng) means fashion, trend, or vogue in Korean.
  • It describes something widely followed by many people at a specific time.
  • It can also refer to the outbreak or spread of a disease.
  • Commonly used with verbs like 이다 (to be) and 하다 (to do).

The Korean word 유행 (Yu-haeng) is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to 'fashion,' 'trend,' or 'vogue.' At its core, it describes the state of something being widely accepted, followed, or practiced by a large number of people at a specific time. Whether it is the clothes people wear, the food they eat, or the slang they use, if it is 'in,' it is 유행. Derived from the Hanja characters 流 (Flow) and 行 (Go/Circulate), the word literally suggests something that 'flows and moves' through society, much like a current in a river.

Core Concept
The widespread adoption of a style, behavior, or item within a specific period.

요즘은 복고풍 패션이 다시 유행이에요. (Retro fashion is back in style these days.)

In a broader sense, 유행 is not limited to aesthetics. It can refer to social phenomena, such as a specific hobby becoming popular or a certain way of speaking becoming common among the youth. It captures the ephemeral nature of human interest—how things rise to prominence and eventually fade away as the 'flow' continues. Understanding this word is essential for navigating Korean social dynamics, as 'trend-sensitivity' (트렌드에 민감함) is a highly regarded trait in Korean culture.

Medical Context
Interestingly, the word is also used in medicine to describe an 'outbreak' or 'epidemic' of a disease, indicating how a virus 'spreads' or 'circulates' through a population.

독감이 유행하고 있으니 조심하세요. (The flu is going around, so please be careful.)

Culturally, Korea is known for its fast-paced 'ppalli-ppalli' (hurry-hurry) culture, which translates into very rapid cycles of 유행. What is popular today might be forgotten by next month. This applies to everything from 'Mukbang' trends to specific types of desserts like Tanghulu or Croffles. Being 'in style' (유행을 타다) or 'following the trend' (유행을 따르다) are common phrases you will encounter in daily conversations, advertisements, and news reports.

Sociological Nuance
It represents collective behavior and the desire for social belonging, where individuals adopt certain styles to align with the majority.

그 드라마 덕분에 그 장소가 유행이 되었어요. (Thanks to that drama, that place became a trend/popular spot.)

이 노래는 전 세계적으로 유행했어요. (This song was a trend worldwide.)

Using 유행 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It can function as a standalone noun, or combine with verbs like 이다, 하다, 타다, and 지나다 to express different stages of a trend's lifecycle. Whether you are describing a new fashion craze or a seasonal illness, the structure remains consistent.

State of Being
Use [Noun] + 이/가 유행이다 to say something is currently in fashion.

요즘은 숏폼 영상이 유행이에요. (Short-form videos are the trend these days.)

When you want to describe the action of a trend spreading, use 유행하다. This is particularly common when talking about infectious diseases or social movements. It implies an active process of circulation. For example, '감기가 유행하고 있다' (A cold is going around) suggests the virus is actively moving through the community.

Sensitive to Trends
Use '유행을 타다' to describe something that is influenced by or follows trends.

이 디자인은 유행을 타지 않아요. (This design doesn't follow/is not affected by trends—it's timeless.)

To talk about something that is no longer popular, use 유행이 지나다 (The trend has passed). This is a polite way to say something is 'outdated' or 'old-fashioned.' Conversely, 유행을 선도하다 means to lead the trend, often used for influencers or innovative brands.

Compound Words
대유행 (Pandemic/Mega-trend), 유행가 (Popular song), 유행색 (Trendy color).

그 옷은 이제 유행이 지났어요. (Those clothes are out of style now.)

그녀는 항상 유행의 첨단을 걸어요. (She is always at the cutting edge of fashion.)

You will encounter 유행 in almost every corner of Korean life, from the bustling streets of Myeongdong to the nightly news broadcasts. In the fashion industry, it is the most fundamental term. Salespeople will often use it to persuade customers: '이게 요즘 가장 유행하는 스타일이에요' (This is the most trendy style these days).

Media & Entertainment
Variety shows and YouTube channels constantly discuss '유행어' (trending words) and '유행하는 챌린지' (trending challenges).

이 춤은 틱톡에서 유행하기 시작했어요. (This dance started trending on TikTok.)

In news reporting, 유행 takes on a more serious tone. Health segments will report on '유행성 독감' (epidemic influenza) or '유행병' (infectious disease). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the term '대유행' (Pandemic) was used daily in every news outlet. This duality of the word—from lighthearted fashion to serious health concerns—is a key feature of its usage in the media.

Daily Social Life
Friends often ask each other about what's popular: '요즘 한국에서 뭐가 유행이야?' (What's trending in Korea these days?)

요즘 초등학생들 사이에서 이 게임이 유행이래요. (I heard this game is a trend among elementary students.)

Furthermore, in the business world, marketing teams analyze '유행의 흐름' (the flow of trends) to predict consumer behavior. You'll see this word in reports about market trends, consumer preferences, and economic shifts. It is a word that bridges the gap between cultural studies and economic reality.

Education & Language
Teachers might warn students against using too many '유행어' (slang) in formal essays.

그 단어는 한때 유행했지만 지금은 아무도 안 써요. (That word was once a trend, but no one uses it now.)

새로운 유행을 창조하는 것은 어렵습니다. (Creating a new trend is difficult.)

While 유행 is a common word, learners often confuse it with similar terms like 인기 (popularity) or 습관 (habit). The most frequent mistake is using 유행 to describe a person's individual popularity. You cannot say '그 가수는 유행이에요' to mean 'that singer is popular.' Instead, you should say '그 가수는 인기가 많아요.'

유행 vs. 인기
유행 refers to a style or phenomenon being followed; 인기 refers to a person or thing being liked/loved.

❌ 그 배우는 유행이에요. (Wrong)
✅ 그 배우는 인기가 많아요. (Correct)

Another common error is using the wrong particles. Since 유행 can be both a noun and the root of a verb, learners sometimes mix up '유행이다' and '유행하다'. While they are often interchangeable, '유행이다' is more about the state ('It is a trend'), whereas '유행하다' is more about the action of spreading ('It is trending/circulating').

Particle Confusion
Don't forget the '을' in '유행을 타다'. Saying '유행 타다' is okay in casual speech, but '유행이 타다' is grammatically incorrect.

❌ 유행이 타요. (Wrong)
유행을 타요. (Correct)

Learners also sometimes confuse 유행 with '패션' (fashion). While '패션' specifically refers to clothing and style, 유행 is much broader. You can have a '유행' in investment (주식 유행), but you wouldn't call it '패션'. Use '유행' when you want to describe the social momentum of an idea or behavior.

Overusing 'Trend'
In modern Korean, the English loanword '트렌드' (Trend) is also used, but '유행' remains the more standard and versatile term.

❌ 이 음식은 패션이에요. (Wrong)
✅ 이 음식은 요즘 유행이에요. (Correct)

❌ 유행이 없어요. (To mean 'out of style')
유행이 지났어요. (Correct)

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 유행 helps in grasping the subtle shades of meaning in Korean. While 유행 is the general term, words like 트렌드, 인기, and 풍조 offer more specific nuances depending on the context.

유행 vs. 트렌드 (Trend)
'트렌드' is a loanword often used in business, marketing, or professional fashion contexts. It feels more modern and analytical than '유행'.

시장 트렌드를 분석하다. (Analyze market trends.) vs. 요즘 유행하는 옷. (Clothes that are trendy these days.)

Another related word is 인기 (Popularity). As mentioned before, '인기' focuses on the emotional appeal and how much something is liked, whereas '유행' focuses on the widespread practice or adoption. You can have something that is '유행' but not necessarily '인기' (like a mandatory uniform style), or something '인기' but not '유행' (like a classic book that everyone loves but isn't a current 'craze').

유행 vs. 풍조 (Trend/Tendency)
'풍조' (風潮) is a more formal and often critical term for a social trend or 'climate'. It is used for larger societal shifts, often with a negative or neutral connotation.

물질만능주의 풍조. (The trend/climate of materialism.)

Finally, consider 시류 (Current of the times). This is a very literary term used to describe the general direction of an era. While '유행' might last a season, '시류' describes the broader movement of history or society. For example, '시류에 편승하다' means to jump on the bandwagon of the current times.

유행 vs. 붐 (Boom)
'붐' is used for a sudden, explosive increase in popularity, like a 'Real Estate Boom' (부동산 붐).

창업 이 일고 있다. (A startup boom is occurring.)

이것은 일시적인 유행일 뿐입니다. (This is just a temporary fad/trend.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

1

요즘 이 모자가 유행이에요.

This hat is in fashion these days.

유행 + 이다 (to be)

2

한국 음식이 유행이에요.

Korean food is a trend.

Noun + 이/가 유행이다

3

이 노래가 정말 유행이에요.

This song is really popular/trending.

Adverb '정말' used for emphasis

4

빨간색이 유행이에요.

The color red is in fashion.

Color noun + 유행

5

요즘 뭐가 유행이에요?

What is trending these days?

Question form with '뭐' (what)

6

이 가방은 유행이 아니에요.

This bag is not in fashion.

Negative form '아니에요'

7

친구들 사이에서 유행이에요.

It's a trend among friends.

Noun + 사이에서 (among)

8

유행하는 옷을 사고 싶어요.

I want to buy trendy clothes.

유행하는 (adjective form) + Noun

1

독감이 유행하고 있으니 마스크를 쓰세요.

The flu is going around, so wear a mask.

유행하다 (verb) + -고 있다 (progressive)

2

그 드라마 때문에 이 카페가 유행하게 되었어요.

Because of that drama, this cafe became a trend.

-게 되다 (to become/come to be)

3

저는 유행을 별로 안 좋아해요.

I don't really like trends.

Object marker '을' + negative '안'

4

요즘 유행하는 노래가 뭐예요?

What is the song that is trending these days?

Relative clause '유행하는'

5

이 스타일은 작년에 유행이었어요.

This style was a trend last year.

Past tense '이었어요'

6

유행어를 너무 많이 쓰지 마세요.

Don't use too many buzzwords/slang.

유행어 (slang) + -지 마세요 (don't)

7

새로운 유행이 시작되었어요.

A new trend has started.

시작되다 (to be started)

8

이 신발은 유행을 타지 않아요.

These shoes don't follow trends (they are classic).

유행을 타다 (to follow/be sensitive to trends)

1

유행이 너무 빨리 변해서 따라가기 힘들어요.

Trends change so fast it's hard to keep up.

-기 힘들다 (hard to do something)

2

그 영화가 개봉한 후 복고풍이 다시 유행하고 있다.

After that movie was released, retro style is trending again.

복고풍 (retro style)

3

유행에 민감한 사람들은 벌써 가을 옷을 입어요.

People sensitive to trends are already wearing autumn clothes.

민감하다 (to be sensitive)

4

이 디자인은 유행이 지나서 싸게 팔아요.

This design is out of style, so it's sold cheaply.

유행이 지나다 (to be out of style)

5

유행보다는 자신의 개성을 찾는 것이 중요합니다.

Finding your own individuality is more important than trends.

-보다는 (rather than)

6

최근 20대 사이에서 캠핑이 큰 유행이다.

Recently, camping is a big trend among people in their 20s.

큰 유행 (big trend)

7

전 세계적으로 K-팝 유행이 불고 있습니다.

A K-pop trend is blowing across the world.

유행이 불다 (a trend is blowing/occurring)

8

이것은 일시적인 유행일 뿐이에요.

This is just a temporary fad.

일시적 (temporary) + -일 뿐이다 (just/only)

1

그 기업은 항상 유행을 선도하는 제품을 내놓는다.

That company always releases products that lead the trend.

유행을 선도하다 (to lead the trend)

2

유행에 뒤처지지 않으려고 매일 잡지를 읽어요.

I read magazines every day so as not to fall behind the trends.

뒤처지다 (to fall behind) + -지 않으려고 (in order not to)

3

이번 대유행으로 인해 사회적 거리두기가 강화되었다.

Due to this pandemic, social distancing was strengthened.

대유행 (pandemic/mega-trend)

4

유행은 돌고 돈다는 말이 정말 맞는 것 같아요.

The saying that trends come and go (circle) seems really true.

돌고 돌다 (to go around/circulate)

5

그의 발언은 인터넷에서 큰 유행어가 되었다.

His remark became a huge buzzword on the internet.

유행어 (buzzword/slang)

6

소비자들의 유행 심리를 파악하는 것이 마케팅의 핵심이다.

Grasping the trend psychology of consumers is the core of marketing.

유행 심리 (trend psychology)

7

환경 보호가 하나의 사회적 유행으로 자리 잡았다.

Environmental protection has established itself as a social trend.

자리 잡다 (to take place/establish)

8

그 옷은 유행을 타는 스타일이라 내년에는 못 입을 거예요.

That clothing is a trend-following style, so you won't be able to wear it next year.

유행을 타는 (trend-following)

1

유행의 첨단을 걷는 그 디자이너는 항상 파격적인 시도를 한다.

That designer, who walks at the cutting edge of fashion, always makes radical attempts.

유행의 첨단을 걷다 (to be at the cutting edge)

2

맹목적으로 유행을 쫓는 것은 자아 상실로 이어질 수 있다.

Blindly chasing trends can lead to a loss of self.

맹목적으로 (blindly) + 쫓다 (to chase)

3

시류와 유행에 영합하기보다는 소신을 지키는 예술가가 되라.

Be an artist who keeps their convictions rather than pander to the times and trends.

영합하다 (to pander/cater to)

4

그 건축 양식은 당시 유럽에서 유행하던 신고전주의의 영향을 받았다.

That architectural style was influenced by Neoclassicism, which was trending in Europe at the time.

유행하던 (past retentive relative clause)

5

대중문화의 유행 주기가 점점 짧아지고 있는 추세이다.

The trend cycle of popular culture is tending to become shorter and shorter.

유행 주기 (trend cycle) + 추세 (trend/tendency)

6

그의 소설은 유행을 초월한 보편적인 가치를 담고 있다.

His novel contains universal values that transcend trends.

유행을 초월하다 (to transcend trends)

7

디지털 노마드라는 유행 뒤에는 노동 환경의 변화가 숨어 있다.

Behind the trend of digital nomads lies a change in the labor environment.

유행 뒤에는 (behind the trend)

8

유행성 질환의 확산을 막기 위해 국가적 차원의 대책이 필요하다.

National-level measures are needed to prevent the spread of epidemic diseases.

유행성 질환 (epidemic disease)

1

유행이란 본질적으로 타자와의 동일시와 차별화라는 이중적 욕망의 산물이다.

Fashion is essentially a product of the dual desire for identification with and differentiation from others.

산물 (product/outcome)

2

현대 사회에서 유행은 단순한 기호를 넘어 권력의 기제로 작동하기도 한다.

In modern society, trends go beyond simple preferences and sometimes operate as a mechanism of power.

기제로 작동하다 (to operate as a mechanism)

3

무상한 유행의 흐름 속에서 변치 않는 진리를 찾으려는 노력이 가상하다.

The effort to find unchanging truth amidst the flow of transient trends is commendable.

무상하다 (transient/fleeting)

4

그 철학자는 시대적 유행에 휩쓸리지 않고 독자적인 사상 체계를 구축했다.

The philosopher built an independent system of thought without being swept away by the trends of the times.

휩쓸리다 (to be swept away)

5

유행의 전파 과정은 복잡한 사회적 네트워크와 심리적 기제의 상호작용이다.

The process of trend propagation is an interaction between complex social networks and psychological mechanisms.

상호작용 (interaction)

6

포스트모더니즘이라는 거대한 유행이 지나간 자리에 무엇이 남았는가?

What remains in the place where the massive trend of postmodernism passed through?

지나간 자리에 (in the place where [it] passed)

7

미학적 유행은 종종 계급적 위계질서를 공고히 하는 수단으로 악용된다.

Aesthetic trends are often exploited as a means to solidify class hierarchies.

공고히 하다 (to solidify/strengthen)

8

언어적 유행은 사회의 변화를 가장 민감하게 반영하는 거울과도 같다.

Linguistic trends are like a mirror that most sensitively reflects social changes.

거울과도 같다 (is like a mirror)

Common Collocations

유행을 타다 (to follow trends)
유행이 지나다 (to be out of style)
유행을 선도하다 (to lead the trend)
유행을 쫓다 (to chase trends)
유행이 불다 (a trend is occurring)
유행에 민감하다 (to be trend-sensitive)
유행에 뒤처지다 (to fall behind trends)
유행이 번지다 (a trend/disease spreads)
유행을 창조하다 (to create a trend)
유행을 따르다 (to follow a trend)

Common Phrases

유행어 (Buzzword/Slang)

유행가 (Popular song)

유행성 독감 (Epidemic flu)

대유행 (Pandemic)

유행색 (Trendy color)

유행 아이템 (Trendy item)

유행의 중심 (Center of the trend)

일시적 유행 (Fad)

유행 스타일 (Trendy style)

유행 예감 (Feeling a trend coming)

Often Confused With

유행 vs 인기

In-gi is 'popularity' (being liked); Yu-haeng is 'trend' (being followed).

유행 vs 습관

Seup-gwan is a personal 'habit'; Yu-haeng is a social 'trend'.

유행 vs 전통

Jeon-tong is 'tradition' (long-term); Yu-haeng is 'trend' (short-term).

Idioms & Expressions

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Easily Confused

유행 vs

유행 vs

유행 vs

유행 vs

유행 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

social

Refers to 'fads' or 'trends'.

fashion

The most common word for 'in style'.

medical

Can be used for 'epidemic' or 'outbreak'.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 유행 for a person's popularity (Use 인기 instead).
  • Saying '유행이 타다' instead of '유행을 타다'.
  • Confusing '유행어' (slang) with '사투리' (dialect).
  • Using '유행' to describe a permanent tradition.
  • Forgetting the '이' in '유행이에요' when using it as a predicate.

Tips

Trend Speed

Korean trends change incredibly fast. If you see a long line at a store, it's likely a new '유행' that might only last a few months.

Verb Choice

Use '유행하다' when talking about diseases spreading. It sounds more natural than '유행이다' in that specific context.

Slang

Learning '유행어' is a great way to sound more like a native speaker, but use them carefully as they go out of style quickly.

Sales Pitch

If a shopkeeper says '요즘 유행이에요', they are trying to tell you it's the most popular item right now.

Intonation

When saying '유행', emphasize the 'Haeng' slightly to sound more natural in casual conversation.

Formal Context

In academic writing, use '사회적 유행' (social trend) to describe widespread behaviors or movements.

News Keywords

In news, '유행' is often a keyword for seasonal health warnings. Pay attention to the word that comes before it.

Belonging

Understanding '유행' helps you understand the Korean desire for 'Jeong' and social harmony through shared experiences.

Hanja Power

Remember 'Flow' (流). A trend is like water; it flows in, fills the space, and then flows out.

Classic vs Trendy

Use '유행을 타지 않는' to describe high-quality, classic items that are worth investing in.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Something that flows and circulates through society.

Cultural Context

The 'Hallyu' (Korean Wave) itself is a massive global '유행'.

Korea is a leader in fast fashion, with districts like Dongdaemun producing new '유행' items weekly.

Platforms like Instagram and KakaoTalk are the primary drivers of modern Korean '유행'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"요즘 한국에서 가장 유행하는 게 뭐예요? (What's the biggest trend in Korea these days?)"

"유행을 따르는 편이세요? (Do you tend to follow trends?)"

"최근에 유행하는 노래 중에서 추천해 줄 거 있어요? (Any song recommendations among the recent trends?)"

"이 옷 요즘 유행인데, 어때요? (This clothing is a trend lately, what do you think?)"

"나라마다 유행이 참 다른 것 같아요. (I think trends are so different in every country.)"

Journal Prompts

내가 가장 좋아했던 옛날 유행에 대해 써보세요. (Write about an old trend you liked the most.)

유행을 따르는 것이 중요하다고 생각하나요? (Do you think following trends is important?)

우리나라의 최근 유행에 대해 설명해 보세요. (Explain a recent trend in your country.)

유행이 환경에 미치는 영향에 대해 생각해 보세요. (Think about the impact of trends on the environment.)

내가 직접 유행을 만든다면 어떤 것을 만들고 싶나요? (If you were to create a trend yourself, what would it be?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '유행' is for styles or phenomena. For people, use '인기' (popularity). For example, '그 가수는 인기가 많아요' is correct, but '그 가수는 유행이에요' is wrong. You can only say a person's *style* is '유행'.

'유행이다' is a noun + copula, meaning 'It is a trend.' '유행하다' is a verb, meaning 'to be trending' or 'to spread.' In many cases they are interchangeable, but '유행하다' feels more active.

Not necessarily. While often positive in fashion, it is used negatively in medicine (outbreaks) or for social fads that people find annoying. It simply means 'widely spreading'.

It is a 'buzzword' or 'popular slang.' These are words that suddenly become very popular and are used by everyone for a short period before disappearing.

You can say '유행이 지났어요' (The trend has passed) or '유행에 뒤처졌어요' (It has fallen behind the trend).

'트렌드' is a modern loanword often used in business or high fashion. '유행' is the standard, more versatile Korean word. Both are common, but '유행' is more fundamental.

Yes, very much so! Korea has many 'food trends' (음식 유행) like honey butter chips, tanghulu, or specific types of coffee.

It means to be influenced by trends. If a piece of clothing '유행을 타다', it means it looks good now but might look weird later. If it '유행을 안 타다', it's a classic.

Yes, in a medical context, '대유행' (Great Trend/Spread) is the word used for a global pandemic like COVID-19.

You can say '저는 유행을 따라요' or '저는 유행에 민감해요' (I am sensitive to trends).

Test Yourself 185 questions

writing

Write a sentence using '유행이에요' about your favorite food.

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writing

Describe what is currently '유행' in your country in 3 sentences.

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writing

Write a short paragraph about why trends change so fast.

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writing

Compare '유행' and '개성' (individuality). Which is more important?

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writing

Explain the medical usage of '유행' in a formal sentence.

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writing

Use '유행을 타다' in a sentence about classic clothes.

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writing

Write a sentence using '유행어'.

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writing

Translate: 'I don't want to fall behind the trends.'

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writing

Translate: 'Retro fashion is back in style.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'Pandemic' using '대유행'.

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writing

Create a dialogue between two friends shopping for '유행하는' clothes.

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writing

Write about a trend that you think is silly.

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writing

Use '유행의 첨단을 걷다' in a sentence about a celebrity.

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writing

Explain the meaning of '유행은 돌고 돈다'.

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writing

Translate: 'What is trending among teenagers?'

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writing

Write a sentence using '유행이 지나다'.

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writing

Describe a 'food trend' you've seen on social media.

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writing

Use '유행을 선도하다' in a sentence about a tech company.

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writing

Translate: 'This is just a temporary fad.'

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writing

Write a formal sentence about 'social trends' using '풍조'.

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speaking

Talk about a fashion trend you currently like.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Do you think it's important to follow trends? Why or why not?

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speaking

Describe a time when you bought something just because it was '유행'.

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speaking

How do trends spread in your country?

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speaking

What is a '유행어' you know in Korean or your own language?

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speaking

Discuss the impact of social media on '유행'.

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speaking

Explain the phrase '유행은 돌고 돈다' in your own words.

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speaking

What would you do if a '대유행' (pandemic) happened again?

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speaking

Do you prefer classic styles or trendy styles? Why?

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speaking

Talk about a trend that has already passed ('유행이 지난 것').

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speaking

How do you feel when everyone is wearing the same '유행' clothes?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

What is the most '유행하는' food in your city right now?

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speaking

Describe a '유행' from your childhood.

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speaking

If you were a designer, what kind of '유행' would you want to start?

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speaking

Is '유행' good for the economy? Why?

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speaking

Explain '유행에 민감하다' vs '유행에 둔감하다'.

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speaking

Talk about a '유행가' (popular song) you can't stop listening to.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

How do you stay updated with '유행'?

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speaking

Discuss the difference between '유행' and '인기'.

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speaking

Give advice to someone who is a 'slave to fashion' (유행의 노예).

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listening

Listen and identify: '요즘 이게 제일 잘 나가요. 유행이거든요.' What is the speaker saying?

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listening

Listen: '독감이 유행이라는데 주사 맞았어?' What is the topic?

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listening

Listen: '그건 너무 유행이 지나서 입기 좀 그래.' Why doesn't the speaker want to wear it?

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listening

Listen: '유행어를 못 알아들어서 소외감을 느껴요.' How does the speaker feel?

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listening

Listen: '유행을 타지 않는 옷을 사는 게 경제적이야.' What is the advice?

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listening

Listen: '이번 가을 유행색은 버건디래.' What is the trendy color?

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listening

Listen: '유행은 돌고 도니까 버리지 마.' Why shouldn't you throw it away?

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listening

Listen: '대유행 때문에 여행을 못 갔어.' Why couldn't they travel?

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listening

Listen: '그는 유행의 첨단을 걷는 사람이야.' What kind of person is he?

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listening

Listen: '요즘 십 대들 사이에서 유행하는 춤 알아?' What is the speaker asking about?

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listening

Listen: '유행에 너무 민감할 필요는 없어.' What is the speaker's opinion?

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listening

Listen: '그 노래, 한때 유행가였지.' What was the song?

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listening

Listen: '유행이 너무 빨라서 정신이 없네.' How does the speaker feel about trends?

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listening

Listen: '이건 일시적인 유행일 거야.' What is the speaker's prediction?

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listening

Listen: '유행을 선도하는 브랜드가 되고 싶어요.' What is the goal?

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/ 185 correct

Perfect score!

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