At the A1 level, '개발하다' might be a bit difficult, but you can think of it as 'making' something new, especially on a computer or in a factory. Imagine you are making a simple game or a new toy. You use this word to say you are working on a project to create something useful. For example, 'I develop a game' is '저는 게임을 개발해요.' It's like 'make' (만들다) but more professional.
At the A2 level, you start to see '개발하다' in the context of hobbies and simple work. You might hear about people developing a new recipe (요리법 개발) or a new way of studying. It's an active word. You are the one doing the work to make something better. You can also use it for 'self-development' like '자기 개발,' which means trying to improve your own skills like learning English or Taekwondo.
At the B1 level, you should understand '개발하다' in business and news contexts. It's often used when talking about companies making new products (신제품 개발) or the government building new parts of a city. You will see it in sentences like 'The company is developing a new smartphone.' You should also recognize the noun form '개발' (development) and how it's used in '경제 개발' (economic development).
At the B2 level, you need to distinguish '개발하다' from similar words like '계발하다' and '발전시키다.' You should be able to use it to describe complex processes like 'resource development' (자원 개발) or 'software engineering.' You understand that '개발' implies a systematic, planned effort to improve or create something for a specific purpose. You can use it in formal writing and debates about urban planning or technology.
At the C1 level, you use '개발하다' to discuss abstract concepts and national policies. You might talk about 'sustainable development' (지속 가능한 개발) or 'human resource development' (인적 자원 개발). You are comfortable with its passive form '개발되다' and can use it in academic or professional reports. You understand the historical weight of the word in the context of Korea's rapid growth and can use it to analyze socio-economic trends.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '개발하다' and its nuances. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'development' versus 'preservation.' You use the word in high-level professional settings, such as discussing 'R&D investment strategies' or 'algorithmic development in neural networks.' You can also identify and correct subtle misuses of the word in literature or complex legal documents regarding land rights and intellectual property.

개발하다 em 30 segundos

  • 개발하다 is a versatile Korean verb meaning 'to develop' or 'to create,' used extensively in IT, business, and urban planning contexts.
  • It is an active, transitive verb that requires an object, such as technology, a product, a skill, or a piece of land.
  • Commonly confused with 계발하다, which is specifically for human potential, while 개발하다 is broader and covers physical and technical progress.
  • Essential for B2 learners to master for professional communication, reading news, or discussing economic and technological trends in South Korea.

The Korean verb 개발하다 (gaebalhada) is a multi-faceted term that primarily translates to "to develop," "to create," or "to exploit." At its core, it combines the Hanja characters 開 (개 - to open) and 發 (발 - to emit/start). This etymological root suggests an action of opening up something that was previously closed or hidden and bringing it into a state of utility or advancement. Unlike the English word 'develop,' which can sometimes be passive (e.g., 'the situation developed'), 개발하다 is strictly an active, transitive verb requiring an agent who performs the development.

Technological Context
In the modern era, this is most commonly heard in the IT sector. Whether it is software, hardware, or a new algorithm, if you are building it from scratch or significantly improving it, you are '개발'ing it.
Economic & Land Context
This refers to the physical transformation of land or the extraction of natural resources. Building a new city or mining for minerals falls under this category.
Human Resource Context
While '계발하다' is often preferred for internal potential, '개발하다' is frequently used for professional skill development or workforce training.

"우리 회사는 인공지능 기술을 개발하다 보니 밤샘 작업이 많아요." (Since our company develops AI technology, there is a lot of overnight work.)

Furthermore, the word implies a systematic process. It is not a random occurrence but a planned effort to move from a state of non-existence or rudimentary existence to a state of high functionality. In business, it is the 'D' in R&D (Research and Development - 연구 개발). When you use this word, you are emphasizing the effort, the planning, and the tangible result of the creative process.

"새로운 백신을 개발하다는 것은 인류를 구하는 일입니다." (Developing a new vaccine is a matter of saving humanity.)

Product Development
From a new flavor of ramen to a foldable smartphone, the process of bringing a product to market is '개발'.

Using 개발하다 correctly requires understanding its role as a 하다 verb that takes an object. The basic sentence structure is [Subject]이/가 [Object]을/를 개발하다. Because it is a B2-level word, it often appears in formal reports, news broadcasts, and professional settings, though it is equally common in daily conversations about technology or self-improvement.

"정부는 서해안 지역을 관광지로 개발하고 있습니다." (The government is developing the West Coast area into a tourist destination.)

One of the most important aspects of using this verb is choosing the right object. It pairs naturally with abstract nouns like '기술' (technology), '능력' (ability), and '프로그램' (program), as well as concrete nouns like '신도시' (new city) or '자원' (resources). In professional settings, you will often see it in the form of 개발 중이다 (in the middle of developing) or 개발에 성공하다 (to succeed in developing).

Grammatical Flexibility
It can be used in the passive form as '개발되다' (to be developed). For example, '이 기술은 한국에서 개발되었다' (This technology was developed in Korea).
Causative Usage
While less common, you can use '개발시키다' to mean 'to make someone develop something,' though '개발하게 하다' is more natural.

In terms of politeness levels, '개발해요' is standard for polite daily speech, while '개발합니다' is preferred in presentations or formal writing. In news headlines, you will often see the noun form '개발' used alone or with '착수' (start) to save space, such as '신기술 개발 착수' (Commencing development of new technology).

"자신의 잠재력을 개발하는 것은 평생의 숙제입니다." (Developing one's potential is a lifelong task.)

You will encounter 개발하다 in several distinct environments in Korea. Each context gives the word a slightly different flavor, ranging from high-tech innovation to urban planning and personal growth.

In the Office (Pangyo Techno Valley)
If you are in Korea's Silicon Valley (Pangyo), you will hear this word every minute. '이번 스프린트에서 어떤 기능을 개발하나요?' (What features are we developing in this sprint?)
On the News (Economic Section)
News anchors frequently report on '부동산 개발' (real estate development) or '신성장 동력 개발' (developing new growth engines for the economy).
In Educational Seminars
Speakers often talk about '자기 개발' (self-development), though they might technically mean '자기 계발'. In practice, '개발' is used very broadly here.

"이번에 개발한 앱은 사용자 편의성을 최우선으로 했습니다." (The app we developed this time prioritized user convenience.)

In dramas, especially those featuring 'Chaebol' (conglomerate) families, the plot often revolves around a '신도시 개발 계획' (new city development plan) or a secret '신제품 개발' project. It signifies power, investment, and the future direction of a company or the nation.

"이 지역을 개발하면 엄청난 수익이 예상됩니다." (If we develop this area, huge profits are expected.)

The most notorious mistake involving 개발하다 is its confusion with 계발하다 (gyebalhada). While they sound similar and both translate to 'develop,' their usage domains are theoretically distinct, though even native speakers often mix them up.

개발 (Development) vs. 계발 (Enlightenment/Cultivation)
개발 is for physical things, technology, resources, or general improvement. 계발 is strictly for human internal qualities like talent, potential, or wisdom.
The 'Passive' Error
Learners often say '기술이 개발했어요' (The technology developed). This is wrong because '개발하다' needs an object. You must say '기술을 개발했어요' (Someone developed the technology) or '기술이 개발되었어요' (The technology was developed).

"내 능력을 개발하다 (O) vs 내 능력을 계발하다 (O - more specific for potential)."

Another mistake is using '발전하다' (to progress/develop) interchangeably with '개발하다'. '발전하다' is often intransitive (the situation improves on its own), whereas '개발하다' is an intentional action. You don't '개발' a relationship; you '발전' a relationship.

To truly master 개발하다, you should understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. Korean has a rich vocabulary for 'creation' and 'improvement'.

발전시키다 (To advance/progress)
Focuses on taking something that already exists and making it better or more advanced. '개발' is more about the initial creation or large-scale project.
발명하다 (To invent)
Specifically for creating something entirely new that didn't exist before, like the lightbulb. '개발' is broader and includes software or land.
개척하다 (To pioneer/exploit)
Used for opening up new markets or wild lands. It has a stronger sense of overcoming difficulty.
창조하다 (To create)
A more artistic or divine level of creation. You wouldn't usually '창조' a parking lot; you would '개발' it.

"새로운 시장을 개척하고 신제품을 개발하는 것이 기업의 숙명입니다." (Pioneering new markets and developing new products is the fate of a company.)

How Formal Is It?

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

-기 위해 (in order to)

-는 데 (in the process of)

-ㄹ 수 있다 (can)

-고 있다 (progressive)

-어지다 (passive/change of state)

Exemplos por nível

1

저는 게임을 개발해요.

I develop games.

Present tense: 개발하다 -> 개발해요.

2

우리는 앱을 개발합니다.

We develop apps.

Formal present tense: 개발합니다.

3

누가 이것을 개발했어요?

Who developed this?

Past tense: 개발했다.

4

새로운 로봇을 개발해요.

I develop a new robot.

Object marker '을' used with '로봇'.

5

컴퓨터로 개발해요.

I develop with a computer.

Instrumental particle '로' (with/using).

6

장난감을 개발하고 싶어요.

I want to develop toys.

-고 싶다 (want to).

7

친구와 같이 개발해요.

I develop together with a friend.

Adverb '같이' (together).

8

이것은 제가 개발한 거예요.

This is something I developed.

Past participle: 개발한 (that I developed).

1

새로운 요리법을 개발했어요.

I developed a new recipe.

Usage in a non-tech context.

2

회사가 신제품을 개발해요.

The company develops a new product.

Subject '회사' (company).

3

한국말 공부법을 개발했어요.

I developed a way to study Korean.

Developing a method/system.

4

우리는 공원을 개발할 거예요.

We are going to develop a park.

Future tense: -ㄹ 거예요.

5

능력을 개발하기 위해 노력해요.

I try hard to develop my abilities.

-기 위해 (in order to).

6

이 앱은 누가 개발했나요?

Who developed this app?

Interrogative ending -나요?

7

기술을 개발하는 것은 어려워요.

Developing technology is difficult.

Gerund form: -는 것.

8

정부는 도시를 개발합니다.

The government develops the city.

Formal context.

1

이 회사는 소프트웨어를 개발하는 곳입니다.

This company is a place that develops software.

Relative clause: 개발하는 곳.

2

신약을 개발하는 데 시간이 오래 걸려요.

It takes a long time to develop a new drug.

-는 데 (in the process of/for doing).

3

자기 개발을 위해 책을 읽습니다.

I read books for self-development.

Compound noun: 자기 개발.

4

새로운 시장을 개발해야 합니다.

We must develop new markets.

-어야 하다 (must/should).

5

그들은 무인 자동차를 개발 중입니다.

They are in the middle of developing a self-driving car.

Noun + 중 (in the middle of).

6

환경을 보호하면서 개발해야 해요.

We must develop while protecting the environment.

-면서 (while).

7

이 지역은 관광지로 개발되었습니다.

This area was developed into a tourist spot.

Passive: 개발되다.

8

아이디어를 개발해서 발표하세요.

Develop your ideas and then present them.

-어서 (sequential action).

1

정부는 낙후된 지역을 집중적으로 개발하기로 했습니다.

The government decided to intensively develop the underdeveloped areas.

-기로 하다 (to decide to).

2

신제품 개발팀에 지원하고 싶습니다.

I want to apply for the new product development team.

Compound noun: 신제품 개발팀.

3

지속 가능한 에너지를 개발하는 것이 시급합니다.

Developing sustainable energy is urgent.

Adjective '시급하다' (urgent).

4

그 과학자는 평생을 백신 개발에 바쳤습니다.

That scientist dedicated their whole life to vaccine development.

Noun form '개발' used with particle '에'.

5

창의적인 사고력을 개발하는 교육이 필요합니다.

Education that develops creative thinking skills is necessary.

Abstract object: 사고력 (thinking skills).

6

이 프로그램은 사용자의 피드백을 바탕으로 개발되었습니다.

This program was developed based on user feedback.

-을 바탕으로 (based on).

7

천연자원을 무분별하게 개발하면 안 됩니다.

We should not develop natural resources indiscriminately.

-면 안 되다 (should not).

8

중소기업의 기술 개발을 지원하는 정책이 마련되었습니다.

A policy to support the technology development of small businesses has been established.

Complex noun phrase: 기술 개발을 지원하는 정책.

1

국가 경쟁력을 높이기 위해 핵심 기술을 개발해야 합니다.

In order to increase national competitiveness, we must develop core technologies.

Noun: 국가 경쟁력 (national competitiveness).

2

그 도시는 무분별한 개발로 인해 환경 파괴의 위기에 처했습니다.

The city is in a crisis of environmental destruction due to indiscriminate development.

-로 인해 (due to/because of).

3

인적 자원을 개발하는 것이 국가의 미래를 결정합니다.

Developing human resources determines the future of the nation.

Term: 인적 자원 (human resources).

4

이 이론은 수년간의 연구를 거쳐 개발된 것입니다.

This theory was developed through years of research.

-을 거쳐 (through/passing through).

5

기업들은 앞다투어 인공지능 비서를 개발하고 있습니다.

Companies are competing to develop AI assistants.

Adverb: 앞다투어 (vying with each other).

6

신도시 개발 계획이 발표되자 부동산 가격이 급등했습니다.

As soon as the new city development plan was announced, real estate prices skyrocketed.

-자 (as soon as).

7

잠재력을 최대한 개발할 수 있는 환경을 조성해야 합니다.

We must create an environment where potential can be developed to the maximum.

Adverb: 최대한 (to the maximum).

8

해양 자원 개발은 인류의 새로운 희망이 될 수 있습니다.

Marine resource development can be a new hope for humanity.

Term: 해양 자원 (marine resources).

1

지속 가능한 개발과 환경 보존 사이의 균형을 맞추는 것이 관건입니다.

The key is to balance sustainable development and environmental preservation.

Noun: 관건 (key/crucial point).

2

그 학자는 근대화 과정에서의 토지 개발 방식을 비판적으로 고찰했습니다.

The scholar critically examined the land development methods during the modernization process.

Adverbial phrase: 비판적으로 고찰하다 (critically examine).

3

다학제적 연구를 통해 혁신적인 플랫폼을 개발하는 데 성공했습니다.

Succeeded in developing an innovative platform through multidisciplinary research.

Adjective: 다학제적 (multidisciplinary).

4

기술 개발의 속도가 윤리적 논의의 속도를 앞지르고 있습니다.

The pace of technological development is outstripping the pace of ethical discussion.

Verb: 앞지르다 (to outstrip/surpass).

5

정부는 신성장 동력 개발을 위해 파격적인 규제 완화를 단행했습니다.

The government took drastic deregulation measures to develop new growth engines.

Noun: 규제 완화 (deregulation).

6

이 소프트웨어는 오픈 소스 방식으로 개발되어 전 세계 누구나 이용 가능합니다.

This software was developed as open source and is available to anyone in the world.

Noun: 오픈 소스 방식 (open source method).

7

우주 자원 개발은 더 이상 공상 과학 소설의 이야기가 아닙니다.

Space resource development is no longer a story from science fiction novels.

Noun: 공상 과학 소설 (sci-fi).

8

인간의 인지 능력을 모방한 알고리즘을 개발하는 것이 최종 목표입니다.

The ultimate goal is to develop an algorithm that mimics human cognitive abilities.

Verb: 모방하다 (to mimic).

Colocações comuns

신제품을 개발하다
기술을 개발하다
신약을 개발하다
인력을 개발하다
자원을 개발하다
프로그램을 개발하다
능력을 개발하다
국토를 개발하다
엔진을 개발하다
백신을 개발하다

Frequentemente confundido com

개발하다 vs 계발하다

Used for internal human potential/talent.

개발하다 vs 발전하다

Often intransitive; general progress over time.

개발하다 vs 발명하다

Creating something completely new (invention).

Fácil de confundir

개발하다 vs

개발하다 vs

개발하다 vs

개발하다 vs

개발하다 vs

Padrões de frases

Como usar

IT

Refers to coding and system design.

Land

Refers to construction and infrastructure.

Human

Refers to skills and professional training.

Erros comuns
  • Using '개발하다' for a situation improving naturally (use 발전하다 instead).
  • Confusing '개발' with '개별' (individual).
  • Forgetting the object marker '을/를' with 개발하다.
  • Using '계발' for land or software (strictly for human potential).
  • Saying '기술이 개발했다' when you mean '기술이 개발되었다'.

Dicas

Active vs Passive

Remember that 개발하다 is active. If you want to say 'it was developed,' use 개발되다. This is a common mistake for English speakers. Always check your subject.

The Hanja Root

Think of '개' (Open) and '발' (Start). This will help you remember that development is about opening new possibilities. It's a very powerful image. Use it to distinguish from other '발' words.

Business Context

In a Korean company, '개발' is one of the most important words. If you are in tech, you are a '개발자'. If you are in marketing, you '개발' new strategies. It shows initiative.

Self-Improvement

Koreans love the concept of '자기 개발'. If you tell a Korean friend you are '개발'ing a new skill, they will be very impressed. It shows you are a hard-working person. It's a great conversation topic.

Essay Writing

When writing an essay about the economy, use '경제 개발'. It sounds much more sophisticated than '경제 성장' (economic growth) when talking about policies. It implies a plan.

Real Estate

If you see '개발' on a sign in a neighborhood, it usually means construction is coming. It's a key word for understanding your surroundings in Korea. It often affects rent prices.

Coding

For programmers, '개발하다' is your primary verb. You don't just 'make' code; you 'develop' solutions. Use it in your LinkedIn profile or resume. It's the industry standard.

Sustainability

Always pair '개발' with '지속 가능한' (sustainable) in modern discussions. This shows you are aware of current global trends. It's a very common B2/C1 level phrase.

News Keywords

When listening to the news, '개발' is a 'trigger word' for economic or tech stories. Once you hear it, you know the topic is about progress or investment. It helps you focus.

Mnemonic

Associate '개발' with 'Galaxy' (Samsung's brand). Samsung '개발's new phones. This link between a famous Korean brand and the word can help.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine 'Opening' (개) a box and 'Starting' (발) a new engine. You are developing it!

Origem da palavra

Sino-Korean word meaning to open up and bring forth utility.

Contexto cultural

The obsession with '자기 개발' (self-development) through constant learning.

The hub of software development in Korea.

The rapid development of the 70s and 80s.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"요즘 어떤 기술을 개발하고 계세요? (What technology are you developing these days?)"

"자기 개발을 위해 무엇을 하시나요? (What do you do for self-development?)"

"이 근처에 새로운 아파트가 개발된다고 들었어요. (I heard new apartments are being developed nearby.)"

"가장 개발하고 싶은 능력은 무엇인가요? (What is the skill you want to develop the most?)"

"한국에서 가장 성공적인 개발 사례는 무엇일까요? (What is the most successful development case in Korea?)"

Temas para diário

내가 직접 앱을 개발한다면 어떤 앱을 만들고 싶은가?

최근에 내가 개발한 나의 새로운 습관은 무엇인가?

우리 동네의 개발 계획에 대해 어떻게 생각하는가?

기술 개발이 인간의 삶을 항상 행복하게 만들까?

나의 전문성을 개발하기 위한 올해의 계획을 써보자.

Perguntas frequentes

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Yes, you can use it as '외국어 능력을 개발하다' (developing foreign language ability). It implies a systematic effort to improve. However, '계발' is also used for 'potential'. In daily life, '자기 개발' is very common.

No, individuals can develop things too. You can develop a new hobby, a new way of thinking, or a small personal app. It's about the act of creation and improvement.

개발 is usually an active process by someone (e.g., developing a product). 발전 can be natural or passive (e.g., the economy progressed). You '개발' a technology to make the industry '발전'.

It is '웹 개발자' (Web Gaebalja). The word '개발자' is the standard term for any kind of software developer.

Usually, it has a positive or neutral connotation of progress. However, '무분별한 개발' (indiscriminate development) is used negatively in environmental contexts.

Both are used. '자기 계발' is technically more correct for 'inner potential,' but '자기 개발' is widely used for 'improving skills/career.' Most people use them interchangeably.

It means Research and Development (R&D). It is a very common term in Korean business and science.

Yes, '토지 개발' (land development) or '도시 개발' (urban development) are very common terms for construction and planning.

There isn't one perfect opposite, but '파괴하다' (to destroy) or '방치하다' (to neglect/leave alone) are often used in contrasting contexts.

It is a standard word used in both formal and informal settings. However, it sounds more professional than '만들다' (to make).

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