빙하기 (Ice Age) is a word for a very, very cold time in Earth's history. Long ago, the Earth was covered in thick ice. This time is called '빙하기'. You might see this word in movies or books about mammoths and cavemen. In Korean, '빙' means ice and '기' means a period of time. It is a big word, but easy to understand if you think about a world made of ice. You can say '빙하기는 추워요' (The Ice Age is cold).
빙하기 is a noun that means 'Ice Age'. It describes a geological period when the Earth was much colder than it is now. You use this word when talking about history or nature. For example, '빙하기에 매머드가 살았어요' (Mammoths lived in the Ice Age). Koreans also use this word in a fun way to say that a situation is very 'cold' or 'stagnant', like when no one is talking in a room. But mostly, at this level, you will see it in science context.
At the B1 level, you should understand that '빙하기' (Ice Age) is used both scientifically and metaphorically. Scientifically, it refers to glacial periods. Metaphorically, it is used to describe a serious lack of activity or progress. A common phrase is '취업 빙하기', which means a period when it is very hard to find a job because companies are not hiring. You will hear this word in news reports about the economy or climate change. It implies a long-term 'freeze' in a certain situation.
빙하기 (Ice Age) is a term often used in academic and journalistic contexts. It consists of the Hanja characters for ice (氷), river (河), and period (期). Beyond its geological definition, it serves as a powerful metaphor for systemic stagnation. For instance, in '부동산 빙하기' (real estate ice age), it suggests that the market has completely cooled down, with few transactions occurring. It is important to distinguish it from '빙하' (glacier) and '혹한기' (severe cold season), as '빙하기' refers to a much larger and more significant timeframe.
The term '빙하기' is frequently employed in high-level discourse to analyze socio-economic phenomena. It denotes a state of profound stasis. In C1 level materials, you might encounter discussions on the 'Little Ice Age' (소빙하기) and its impact on Joseon Dynasty agriculture, or contemporary analyses of the 'Venture Capital Ice Age' (벤처 투자 빙하기). The word carries a connotation of structural difficulty that requires significant external shifts to resolve. It is a key term in paleoclimatology but is equally vital in modern Korean socio-political commentary.
In C2 level Korean, '빙하기' functions as a sophisticated lexical tool to describe cyclical or epochal periods of dormancy. It is used to theorize about the 'Milankovitch cycles' (밀란코비치 주기) in scientific papers, or to critique the 'cultural ice age' (문화적 빙하기) under restrictive regimes. The metaphorical reach of the word extends to any system where the 'flow'—be it capital, communication, or heat—has been fundamentally obstructed. Mastery of this word involves understanding its gravity; it is not merely 'cold,' but a fundamental shift in the state of an environment.

빙하기 em 30 segundos

  • 빙하기 refers to the geological Ice Age, a long period of extreme cold in Earth's history.
  • It is commonly used metaphorically in Korea to describe a severe lack of activity, such as in the job market.
  • The word is composed of Hanja for 'ice' (빙), 'river' (하), and 'period' (기).
  • It is a B1 level word essential for understanding news, history, and social metaphors in Korean.

The Korean word 빙하기 (pronounced bing-ha-gi) is a scientific and descriptive term used to refer to an 'Ice Age.' Etymologically, it is composed of three Hanja characters: 氷 (빙 - ice), 河 (하 - river/glacier), and 期 (기 - period). Literally, it translates to the 'Glacial River Period.' In a scientific context, it describes the geological epochs where global temperatures dropped significantly, leading to the expansion of ice sheets across the continents. However, beyond the realm of geology and paleontology, Koreans frequently use this term metaphorically to describe a state of stagnation, extreme coldness in social relations, or a severe economic downturn where activity has 'frozen' over. For instance, the phrase '취업 빙하기' (employment ice age) is a very common expression in modern Korean society to describe a period when the job market is incredibly tight and companies are not hiring.

Scientific Context
Used when discussing Earth's history, climate change, or the Pleistocene epoch. It is a formal term found in textbooks and documentaries.
Metaphorical Context
Used to describe a lack of communication or progress. For example, if a couple hasn't spoken for days after a fight, their relationship might be described as being in a '빙하기'.
Economic Context
Refers to a period of extreme recession or lack of investment, such as the 'crypto ice age' or 'real estate ice age'.

지구의 마지막 빙하기는 약 만 년 전에 끝났습니다. (The Earth's last ice age ended about ten thousand years ago.)

두 나라 사이의 외교 관계가 빙하기에 접어들었습니다. (The diplomatic relations between the two countries have entered an ice age.)

In popular culture, the term is also associated with the famous animated film series 'Ice Age,' which is titled '아이스 에이지' in Korea, though the concept is always explained using the word 빙하기. When you watch Korean news, you might hear it in the context of '빙하기가 오다' (An ice age is coming), which often warns of an upcoming period of hardship. Because the word carries a heavy, serious tone, it is rarely used for minor inconveniences. It signifies a systemic or long-term freeze. For example, you wouldn't say your freezer is in a '빙하기', but you might say the relationship between two rival tech companies is in a '빙하기' if they have stopped all collaborative projects and are engaged in heavy litigation.

부동산 시장의 빙하기가 예상보다 길어지고 있습니다. (The ice age of the real estate market is lasting longer than expected.)

Cultural Nuance
In Korea, the 'Employment Ice Age' (취업 빙하기) is a term that resonates deeply with the younger generation (MZ generation), reflecting the structural difficulties in finding stable, high-paying jobs in a competitive economy.

Using 빙하기 effectively requires understanding whether you are speaking literally or figuratively. In literal usage, it often functions as the subject or the object of scientific facts. In figurative usage, it often pairs with verbs like 접어들다 (to enter into), 맞다 (to meet/face), or 끝나다 (to end). Because it is a noun, it can be modified by adjectives or other nouns to specify the type of 'freeze' being discussed.

Pattern 1: [Noun] + 빙하기
Specifies the sector experiencing the freeze. Examples: 취업 빙하기 (Job market ice age), 소비 빙하기 (Consumption ice age), 연애 빙하기 (Dating ice age).
Pattern 2: 빙하기에 접어들다
Literally 'to enter the ice age.' Used when a situation starts to become cold or stagnant. '시장이 빙하기에 접어들었다' (The market has entered an ice age).

과학자들은 다음 빙하기가 언제 올지 연구하고 있습니다. (Scientists are researching when the next ice age will come.)

When discussing the Earth's history, you will often see it paired with 도래하다 (to arrive/come), a formal verb. For example, '빙하기가 도래하다' (The arrival of the ice age). In contrast, in daily conversation about relationships, you might say '우리 관계는 지금 빙하기야' (Our relationship is currently in an ice age), which is a creative way to say things are very awkward and cold between two people. Note that 빙하기 is a formal-sounding word, so using it in casual contexts often adds a layer of dramatic emphasis or intellectual humor.

그 영화는 빙하기를 배경으로 한 애니메이션입니다. (That movie is an animation set against the backdrop of the ice age.)

Furthermore, in academic writing, you might encounter terms like 간빙기 (interglacial period), which is the period of warmer temperatures between ice ages. Understanding 빙하기 helps you unlock these related geological terms. If you are writing a report on climate change, you might use '빙하기의 메커니즘' (the mechanism of the ice age) to sound more professional. In business, '벤처 투자 빙하기' (the venture investment ice age) is a popular term used in 2023 and 2024 to describe the lack of funding for startups.

전 세계적인 경기 침체로 인해 투자 빙하기가 찾아왔습니다. (Due to the global economic recession, an investment ice age has arrived.)

Common Verb Pairings
빙하기를 겪다 (to go through an ice age), 빙하기를 견디다 (to endure an ice age), 빙하기가 끝나다 (the ice age ends).

The word 빙하기 is ubiquitous in several specific areas of Korean life. First and foremost is the educational system. Every Korean student learns about the Earth's history, and the term is a staple in Earth Science (지구과학) and History (역사) classes. You will hear teachers explaining how early humans survived the 빙하기 by migrating or living in caves. This foundational knowledge makes the word recognizable to every adult in Korea.

다큐멘터리에서 빙하기의 매머드에 대해 설명하고 있어요. (The documentary is explaining about mammoths of the ice age.)

The second major area is news and media. Economic news in Korea is notoriously fond of dramatic metaphors. When the stock market crashes or when the birth rate drops significantly, journalists often headline their stories with 'Economic Ice Age' or 'Demographic Ice Age.' For example, '인구 빙하기' (Population Ice Age) is a term used to describe the severe decline in birth rates. Hearing this word on the 9 o'clock news usually signals a serious, long-term problem that the country is facing.

Third, you will encounter it in science fiction and speculative media. Whether it's movies like 'Snowpiercer' (설국열차), which explores a world in a perpetual frozen state, or webtoons that deal with post-apocalyptic settings, 빙하기 is the go-to term for a frozen wasteland. Fans of gaming will also see this in strategy games or RPGs where environmental factors like an 'Ice Age' might affect gameplay. Lastly, in the job market, young people use this word constantly. In online communities like 'Everytime' (for college students) or 'Blind' (for professionals), you'll see posts titled '또다시 찾아온 취업 빙하기' (The employment ice age that has come once again), reflecting the anxiety of job seekers.

지금은 코인 시장의 빙하기라고 할 수 있습니다. (You could say it's currently the ice age of the coin/crypto market.)

News Keywords
소비심리 빙하기 (Ice age of consumer sentiment), 거래 빙하기 (Ice age of transactions - usually real estate), 고용 빙하기 (Employment ice age).

In summary, while the word starts in the classroom as a scientific term, it lives in the adult world as a powerful metaphor for hardship, stillness, and the absence of growth. If you are in Korea and someone says '분위기가 빙하기네' (The atmosphere is like an ice age), they are telling you that the mood is incredibly tense and cold, and you should probably tread carefully!

One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing 빙하기 (Ice Age) with 겨울 (Winter) or 추위 (Coldness). While they all relate to cold temperatures, they operate on vastly different scales. You cannot use '빙하기' to describe a particularly cold day in January. Saying '오늘 너무 추워서 빙하기 같아요' (It's so cold today it's like an ice age) is a hyperbole and can be used for comedic effect, but it is technically incorrect if you are trying to describe the weather normally.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '빙하' (Glacier)
'빙하' is the physical ice (glacier), while '빙하기' is the time period (ice age). You can see a '빙하', but you live through a '빙하기'. Example: '빙하기가 녹고 있어요' (Incorrect) vs '빙하가 녹고 있어요' (Correct - Glaciers are melting).
Mistake 2: Overusing it for small problems
Because '빙하기' implies a massive, systemic freeze, using it for a 5-minute awkward silence is an exaggeration. Save it for long-term situations, like a month-long silent treatment between friends.

틀린 예: 이번 빙하기는 너무 춥네요. (Wrong: This ice age is too cold - when referring to a current winter.)

Another nuance to watch out for is the difference between 빙하기 and 냉전 (Cold War). While both involve 'cold' metaphors, '냉전' specifically refers to political tension and lack of direct conflict, whereas '빙하기' is more about the complete lack of movement or activity. If two people are actively arguing and being passive-aggressive, it's a '냉전'. If they have completely stopped talking and are ignoring each other's existence, it's a '빙하기'.

Finally, be careful with the Hanja. The '기' (期) means 'period'. Sometimes learners confuse it with '기' (氣) meaning 'energy' or 'atmosphere'. While '빙하기' does describe an 'atmosphere' metaphorically, the word itself is strictly temporal. You are describing a length of time characterized by ice, not the 'energy of ice'. Understanding this distinction helps when you encounter other '기' (period) words like 사춘기 (puberty - literally 'thinking spring period') or 갱년기 (menopause).

바른 예: 빙하기 동안 인류는 어떻게 생존했을까요? (Correct: How did humanity survive during the ice age?)

Correction Table
Instead of '빙하기' for a cold room, use '냉방' (cold room) or '추위'. Instead of '빙하기' for a glacier melting, use '빙하'.

To enrich your Korean vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that are similar to 빙하기 or can be used as alternatives depending on the context. The most direct scientific relative is 빙하 시대 (Glacial Age). While '빙하기' is the more common academic and general term, '빙하 시대' is often used in descriptive writing or titles. They are essentially interchangeable in most contexts.

빙하 (Glacier)
The actual mass of ice. Use this when talking about climate change and the rising sea levels. '빙하가 녹고 있다' (The glacier is melting).
혹한기 (Severe Cold Period)
Refers to the coldest part of winter. In the Korean military, soldiers undergo '혹한기 훈련' (severe cold weather training). It is shorter than a '빙하기'.
침체기 (Stagnation Period / Recession)
A more professional/neutral term for an economic 'ice age'. Use this in business reports. '경제 침체기' (Economic stagnation period).

그 회사는 긴 침체기를 벗어나 다시 성장하고 있습니다. (The company has emerged from a long period of stagnation and is growing again.)

If you want to describe a cold atmosphere between people, you might use 냉전 상태 (Cold War state) or 소원해진 관계 (estranged relationship). 냉전 상태 suggests active tension, while 빙하기 suggests a complete lack of activity. Another interesting word is 동토 (frozen land). It is often used metaphorically to describe a place where no new ideas or freedom can grow, like '동토의 땅' (a land of frozen earth).

In a modern context, you might also hear 비수기 (off-season). This is used in tourism or sales. If a hotel has no guests in February, it's their '비수기'. However, if the entire tourism industry collapses for years, you might dramatically call it a '관광업계의 빙하기' (an ice age for the tourism industry). The choice of word depends on the scale of the 'coldness' or 'stagnation' you wish to convey. Use 빙하기 when you want to emphasize that the situation is exceptionally long, severe, and difficult to break through.

지금은 여행 업계의 비수기라 비행기 표가 쌉니다. (It's currently the off-season for the travel industry, so plane tickets are cheap.)

Summary of Alternatives
Literal: 빙하 시대, 혹한기. Figurative: 침체기, 정체기, 비수기, 냉전.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The term '빙하기' was popularized in East Asia as a translation for the Western geological term 'Ice Age' during the modernization period.

Guia de pronúncia

UK [piŋ.ɦa.ɡi]
US [piŋ.ɦa.ɡi]
The primary stress is on the first syllable '빙' (Bing).
Rima com
사춘기 (Puberty) 성장기 (Growth period) 전성기 (Golden age) 갱년기 (Menopause) 학기 (Semester) 시기 (Time/Period) 세기 (Century) 위기 (Crisis)
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing it as 'Bing-ha-gee' with a hard English 'G'. It should be a soft Korean 'ㄱ'.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'h' (ㅎ). In fast speech, it sounds like 'Bing-a-gi'.
  • Confusing the vowel 'ㅏ' in '하' with 'ㅓ'.
  • Shortening the '기' too much.
  • Pronouncing '빙' like '빈' (losing the nasal 'ng').

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Common in news and science books.

Escrita 4/5

Needs correct Hanja-based spelling.

Expressão oral 3/5

Pronunciation is easy but 'h' weakening is key.

Audição 3/5

Easily recognized in documentaries.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

얼음 춥다 기간 지구 역사

Aprenda a seguir

간빙기 온난화 기후 변화 침체 정체

Avançado

밀란코비치 주기 해수면 상승 지질 시대 제4기

Gramática essencial

Noun + -기 (Period)

사춘기, 성장기, 전성기

Subject marker -가 after vowel

빙하기가

Object marker -를 after vowel

빙하기를

Time marker -에

빙하기에

Comparison -보다

빙하기보다 더 춥다

Exemplos por nível

1

빙하기는 아주 추웠어요.

The Ice Age was very cold.

Subject marker '는' is used for general facts.

2

빙하기에 얼음이 많아요.

There is a lot of ice in the Ice Age.

'에' indicates a time period.

3

매머드는 빙하기에 살았어요.

Mammoths lived in the Ice Age.

Past tense verb '살았어요'.

4

이 영화는 빙하기 이야기예요.

This movie is an Ice Age story.

Noun + '이야기' (story).

5

빙하기가 언제였어요?

When was the Ice Age?

Question word '언제' (when).

6

빙하기를 책에서 봤어요.

I saw the Ice Age in a book.

Object marker '를'.

7

빙하기는 정말 길었어요.

The Ice Age was really long.

Adjective '길다' (long) in past tense.

8

사람들은 빙하기를 싫어해요.

People hate the Ice Age.

Verb '싫어하다' (to hate).

1

지구는 여러 번의 빙하기를 겪었습니다.

The Earth has gone through several ice ages.

Verb '겪다' (to go through/experience).

2

빙하기가 오면 동물이 죽어요.

When an ice age comes, animals die.

Conditional '-면' (if/when).

3

과학자들은 빙하기를 연구해요.

Scientists study the Ice Age.

Present tense '연구해요'.

4

빙하기에는 식물이 자라기 힘들어요.

It is hard for plants to grow in the Ice Age.

'-기 힘들다' (hard to do something).

5

박물관에 빙하기 유물이 있어요.

There are Ice Age artifacts in the museum.

Noun '유물' (artifact/relic).

6

빙하기가 끝나고 따뜻해졌어요.

After the ice age ended, it became warm.

'-아/어지다' (to become).

7

우리는 빙하기에 대해 배웠어요.

We learned about the Ice Age.

'-에 대해' (about).

8

빙하기는 아주 먼 과거의 일이에요.

The Ice Age is something from the very distant past.

Modifier '먼' (distant) + '과거' (past).

1

요즘은 취업 빙하기라서 일자리를 구하기가 어려워요.

Because it's a job market ice age these days, it's hard to find work.

'-라서' (because it is).

2

두 친구 사이의 관계가 빙하기에 접어들었다.

The relationship between the two friends has entered an ice age.

Idiomatic '접어들다' (to enter/start).

3

빙하기 동안 해수면이 지금보다 훨씬 낮았습니다.

During the ice age, sea levels were much lower than now.

Comparison '보다 훨씬' (much more than).

4

이 소설은 제2의 빙하기가 찾아온 미래를 다룹니다.

This novel deals with a future where a second ice age has arrived.

Verb '다루다' (to deal with/cover).

5

경기 침체로 인해 소비 빙하기가 계속되고 있다.

Due to the economic recession, the consumption ice age is continuing.

'-로 인해' (due to).

6

빙하기의 원인에 대해서는 여러 가지 가설이 있습니다.

There are several hypotheses about the causes of the ice age.

Noun '가설' (hypothesis).

7

갑작스러운 추위에 사람들은 빙하기가 온 것 같다고 말했다.

Due to the sudden cold, people said it felt like an ice age had come.

'-ㄴ 것 같다' (it seems like).

8

빙하기를 견뎌낸 초기 인류의 지혜를 배울 수 있다.

We can learn the wisdom of early humans who endured the ice age.

Verb '견뎌내다' (to endure/withstand).

1

부동산 시장이 빙하기에 진입하면서 거래량이 급감했습니다.

As the real estate market entered an ice age, transaction volume plummeted.

'-면서' (while/as) and '급감하다' (to decrease sharply).

2

빙하기와 간빙기가 반복되는 현상을 주기성이라고 합니다.

The phenomenon of repeating ice ages and interglacial periods is called periodicity.

'-라고 하다' (to be called).

3

스타트업 업계에 투자 빙하기가 도래하여 많은 기업이 위기를 겪고 있다.

As an investment ice age has arrived in the startup industry, many companies are facing crises.

Formal verb '도래하다' (to arrive).

4

빙하기의 흔적은 노르웨이의 피오르드 지형에서 잘 나타납니다.

Traces of the ice age are clearly visible in the fjord topography of Norway.

Noun '흔적' (trace/evidence).

5

남북 관계가 오랜 빙하기를 끝내고 대화를 시작했습니다.

Inter-Korean relations have ended a long ice age and started a dialogue.

Metaphorical use of '끝내다'.

6

지구 온난화가 오히려 새로운 빙하기를 초래할 수 있다는 주장이 있다.

There is an argument that global warming could actually cause a new ice age.

Verb '초래하다' (to cause/bring about).

7

빙하기의 가혹한 환경이 인류의 진화를 촉진시켰을지도 모릅니다.

The harsh environment of the ice age might have accelerated human evolution.

'-을지도 모르다' (might/may).

8

그 배우는 긴 공백기 동안 스스로를 빙하기라고 표현했습니다.

The actor described their long hiatus as an ice age.

Noun '공백기' (hiatus/blank period).

1

소빙하기의 기후 변화는 당시 농업 생산성에 치명적인 타격을 입혔습니다.

Climate change during the Little Ice Age dealt a fatal blow to agricultural productivity at the time.

'-에 타격을 입히다' (to deal a blow to).

2

기술적 한계로 인해 인공지능 연구는 한동안 빙하기를 맞이한 적이 있습니다.

Due to technical limitations, AI research once faced an ice age for a while.

'-한 적이 있다' (to have done something before).

3

빙하기의 도래는 지축의 기울기 변화와 밀접한 관련이 있다고 여겨집니다.

The arrival of the ice age is considered to be closely related to changes in the Earth's axial tilt.

'-와 밀접한 관련이 있다' (to be closely related to).

4

현재의 경제적 불확실성은 전례 없는 '심리적 빙하기'를 만들어내고 있습니다.

Current economic uncertainty is creating an unprecedented 'psychological ice age.'

Modifier '전례 없는' (unprecedented).

5

빙하기 퇴적물 분석을 통해 과거의 대기 성분을 파악할 수 있습니다.

Through the analysis of ice age sediments, we can identify past atmospheric compositions.

Noun '퇴적물' (sediment).

6

그 작가는 유신 정권 시절을 한국 문학의 빙하기라고 회고했습니다.

The writer recalled the Yushin regime era as the ice age of Korean literature.

Verb '회고하다' (to reminisce/look back).

7

빙하기의 해수면 하강은 베링 육교를 형성하여 인류의 이동을 가능케 했습니다.

The drop in sea level during the ice age formed the Bering Land Bridge, enabling human migration.

'-게 하다' (to make/enable).

8

자본의 흐름이 막힌 시장은 마치 거대한 빙하기와도 같은 정적에 휩싸였습니다.

The market, where the flow of capital was blocked, was engulfed in a silence like a giant ice age.

'-와/과도 같은' (just like).

1

밀란코비치 주기는 빙하기의 주기적 도래를 설명하는 가장 유력한 이론 중 하나입니다.

The Milankovitch cycle is one of the most prominent theories explaining the periodic arrival of ice ages.

Superlative '가장 유력한' (the most influential/prominent).

2

제4기 빙하기 동안 북반구의 상당 부분이 거대한 빙상으로 덮여 있었습니다.

During the Quaternary ice age, much of the Northern Hemisphere was covered by massive ice sheets.

Geological term '제4기' (Quaternary).

3

신자유주의의 범람 속에서 복지 국가는 일종의 정책적 빙하기를 맞이하게 되었습니다.

Amidst the overflow of neoliberalism, the welfare state faced a kind of policy ice age.

Metaphorical '정책적 빙하기'.

4

빙하기의 기온 복원은 산소 동위원소 분석이라는 정밀한 과학적 기법을 요합니다.

Temperature reconstruction of the ice age requires precise scientific techniques such as oxygen isotope analysis.

Verb '요하다' (to require).

5

언론의 자유가 억압받던 그 시절은 민주주의의 긴 빙하기와도 같았습니다.

The era when freedom of the press was suppressed was like a long ice age for democracy.

Simile '-와/과도 같았다'.

6

해양 순환의 중단은 전 지구적인 빙하기를 촉발할 수 있는 임계점으로 작용할 수 있습니다.

The disruption of ocean circulation can act as a tipping point that could trigger a global ice age.

Noun '임계점' (tipping point/critical point).

7

빙하기의 혹독한 기후는 호모 사피엔스의 인지 혁명을 이끈 촉매제가 되었을 가능성이 농후합니다.

It is highly probable that the harsh climate of the ice age became the catalyst that led to the cognitive revolution of Homo sapiens.

Phrase '가능성이 농후하다' (high probability).

8

문화적 다양성이 거세된 획일화된 사회는 창의성의 빙하기에 직면하게 마련입니다.

A standardized society where cultural diversity is removed is bound to face an ice age of creativity.

'-게 마련이다' (to be bound to).

Sinônimos

빙하 시대 한랭기

Antônimos

간빙기

Colocações comuns

빙하기가 도래하다
취업 빙하기
빙하기를 겪다
투자 빙하기
빙하기에 접어들다
마지막 빙하기
빙하기의 흔적
부동산 빙하기
빙하기가 끝나다
소빙하기

Frases Comuns

빙하기가 오다

— An ice age arrives. Used for both weather and economic situations.

시장에 빙하기가 왔다.

빙하기를 맞다

— To face or encounter an ice age.

전 세계가 빙하기를 맞았다.

긴 빙하기

— A long ice age. Often implies a long period of suffering.

긴 빙하기를 보냈다.

관계의 빙하기

— A period of no communication between people.

우리 둘은 지금 관계의 빙하기다.

경제 빙하기

— A severe economic recession.

경제 빙하기를 대비해야 한다.

빙하기를 견디다

— To endure the hardships of a cold period.

추운 빙하기를 견디는 식물.

빙하기의 산물

— A product or result of the ice age.

이 호수는 빙하기의 산물이다.

빙하기 지형

— Topography formed by glaciers.

빙하기 지형을 탐험하다.

빙하기 동물

— Animals that lived during the ice age.

빙하기 동물의 멸종 원인.

빙하기 수준

— At the level of an ice age (extremely cold/stagnant).

거래량이 빙하기 수준이다.

Frequentemente confundido com

빙하기 vs 빙하

빙하 is the glacier (object), 빙하기 is the ice age (time).

빙하기 vs 혹한기

혹한기 is a short severe cold winter period, 빙하기 is a geological era.

빙하기 vs 냉전

냉전 implies active tension/conflict, 빙하기 implies total stillness/stagnation.

Expressões idiomáticas

"취업 빙하기"

— A period of extreme difficulty in finding jobs.

취업 빙하기라 대학생들이 걱정이 많다.

Social
"투자 빙하기"

— A period when venture capital or investment dries up.

벤처 업계에 투자 빙하기가 찾아왔다.

Business
"연애 빙하기"

— A long period of being single or having no romantic prospects.

나는 지금 3년째 연애 빙하기야.

Slang/Informal
"분위기가 빙하기다"

— The atmosphere is extremely cold and awkward.

부장님이 화를 낸 후 분위기가 빙하기가 되었다.

Neutral
"거래 빙하기"

— A complete halt in market transactions, especially real estate.

집값이 비싸서 거래 빙하기가 왔다.

Economic
"소비 빙하기"

— When consumers stop spending money due to economic fear.

고물가로 인해 소비 빙하기가 이어지고 있다.

Economic
"코인 빙하기"

— A long period of low prices and low interest in cryptocurrency.

코인 빙하기를 버티는 투자자들.

Modern/Slang
"문화 빙하기"

— A period when artistic or cultural production is suppressed or stagnant.

검열로 인해 문화 빙하기가 도래했다.

Formal
"대화 빙하기"

— When two parties completely stop talking to each other.

싸우고 나서 일주일째 대화 빙하기다.

Neutral
"빙하기를 지나 봄이 오다"

— Hard times pass and good times arrive.

우리 경제도 빙하기를 지나 봄이 오길 바란다.

Literary

Fácil de confundir

빙하기 vs 빙하

Both start with '빙하'.

빙하 is the physical ice; 빙하기 is the time period.

빙하가 녹고 있다 (Glacier is melting) vs 빙하기가 끝났다 (Ice age ended).

빙하기 vs 혹한기

Both mean cold periods.

혹한기 is usually seasonal (winter); 빙하기 is geological.

혹한기 훈련 (Winter training).

빙하기 vs 동토

Both imply frozen environments.

동토 is the frozen ground; 빙하기 is the time.

동토의 땅 (Frozen land).

빙하기 vs 비수기

Both mean low activity.

비수기 is a regular business cycle; 빙하기 is a severe, long-term freeze.

호텔 비수기 (Hotel off-season).

빙하기 vs 침체기

Both mean economic downturns.

침체기 is more formal/neutral; 빙하기 is more dramatic/metaphorical.

경제 침체기 (Economic recession).

Padrões de frases

A1

빙하기는 [Adjective]-어요.

빙하기는 추워요.

A2

빙하기에 [Noun]-이/가 살았어요.

빙하기에 매머드가 살았어요.

B1

[Sector] 빙하기가 찾아왔어요.

취업 빙하기가 찾아왔어요.

B1

빙하기를 [Verb]-다.

빙하기를 겪다.

B2

빙하기에 접어들면서 [Result].

빙하기에 접어들면서 거래가 끊겼다.

C1

빙하기의 도래와 [Noun]의 관계.

빙하기의 도래와 인류 진화의 관계.

C2

[Noun]은/는 마치 빙하기와도 같다.

이 시장은 마치 거대한 빙하기와도 같다.

C2

빙하기를 방불케 하는 [Noun].

빙하기를 방불케 하는 추위.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

빙하 (Glacier)
빙산 (Iceberg)
빙벽 (Ice wall)
빙수 (Shaved ice)
빙판 (Icy road)

Verbos

결빙하다 (To freeze over)
해빙하다 (To thaw)

Adjetivos

빙판의 (Icy)
빙하의 (Glacial)

Relacionado

추위 (Cold)
지구과학 (Earth Science)
매머드 (Mammoth)
간빙기 (Interglacial)
동토 (Frozen earth)

Como usar

frequency

Common in specific contexts (Science, Economics, Social commentary).

Erros comuns
  • Using '빙하기' for a melting glacier. 빙하

    빙하기 is a time period; 빙하 is the ice itself.

  • Saying '오늘 빙하기예요' for cold weather. 오늘 정말 추워요

    빙하기 is for geological eras or long-term social stagnation.

  • Confusing '빙하기' with '혹한기'. 혹한기

    혹한기 is the coldest part of winter; 빙하기 is thousands of years.

  • Pronouncing 'G' in 'Gi' like 'J'. Hard 'G' sound.

    Korean '기' is always a 'G' sound, never a 'J' sound.

  • Writing '빙하기' as '빙화기'. 빙하기

    The second Hanja is 河 (하 - river), not 화 (fire/flower).

Dicas

Economic Context

When you see '빙하기' in a Korean news headline, it almost always refers to a lack of transactions or jobs.

Hanja Power

Learning the '기' (period) Hanja helps you understand many other Korean words like '학기' or '사춘기'.

Employment

The phrase '취업 빙하기' is a key part of modern Korean social discourse regarding the youth.

Soft 'H'

Don't stress the 'ha' too much. Let it flow naturally from the 'bing' sound.

Relationship

Use it to describe a long silence after a fight to sound more like a native speaker.

Science

It's the standard term for all geological ice ages in Korean textbooks.

vs. Cold War

Remember: Cold War (냉전) is for tension; Ice Age (빙하기) is for stillness.

Tech/Crypto

Terms like '코인 빙하기' are very common in modern Korean fintech discussions.

Imagination

Visualize a frozen river to remember the Hanja '빙하' (Ice-River).

Formal Verbs

Use '도래하다' instead of '오다' in formal writing for a more professional tone.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Bing' (sounds like a bell) that freezes a 'Ha' (river) for a 'Gi' (long period).

Associação visual

Imagine a giant mammoth frozen inside a huge ice cube with a calendar next to it showing thousands of years.

Word Web

Ice Cold Time Glacier Mammoth Stagnation History Freeze

Desafio

Try to use '빙하기' in a sentence describing your bank account or your dating life to a Korean friend.

Origem da palavra

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja) roots. 氷 (빙) meaning ice, 河 (하) meaning river, and 期 (기) meaning period.

Significado original: The period of the icy rivers (glaciers).

Sino-Korean

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using '취업 빙하기' with someone who is actually struggling to find a job, as it highlights a painful reality.

In English, 'Ice Age' is mostly scientific or refers to the movie. In Korean, the metaphorical use is much more frequent in daily news.

Ice Age (아이스 에이지) movie series Snowpiercer (설국열차) movie Employment Ice Age (취업 빙하기) social term

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Science Class

  • 빙하기의 원인
  • 빙하기의 특징
  • 마지막 빙하기
  • 매머드의 멸종

Economic News

  • 취업 빙하기
  • 투자 빙하기
  • 부동산 시장 빙하기
  • 소비 심리 빙하기

Relationships

  • 우리 사이는 빙하기
  • 냉전과 빙하기
  • 대화 빙하기를 깨다
  • 관계의 회복

Climate Change

  • 새로운 빙하기
  • 지구 온난화와 빙하기
  • 해수면의 변화
  • 빙하의 해빙

Movies/Literature

  • 빙하기를 배경으로
  • 포스트 아포칼립스
  • 설국열차
  • 생존의 지혜

Iniciadores de conversa

"빙하기를 배경으로 한 영화 좋아하세요?"

"요즘 취업 시장이 빙하기라는데 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"다음 빙하기가 오면 인류가 살아남을 수 있을까요?"

"친구와 싸워서 빙하기를 겪어본 적 있나요?"

"빙하기에 살았던 동물 중 가장 신기한 동물은 무엇인가요?"

Temas para diário

만약 내일부터 새로운 빙하기가 시작된다면 무엇을 준비할 것인지 써보세요.

자신의 삶에서 가장 힘들었던 '빙하기' 같은 시절에 대해 적어보세요.

현대 사회의 '취업 빙하기'를 해결하기 위한 아이디어를 제안해 보세요.

인간관계에서 빙하기가 찾아왔을 때 어떻게 대처하는지 설명해 보세요.

빙하기의 매머드가 현대 서울에 나타난다면 어떤 일이 벌어질지 상상해 보세요.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Technically no, unless you are using hyperbole for dramatic effect. Use '추위' or '한파' for weather.

It is a popular Korean term describing a period when it is extremely difficult for young people to find jobs.

Yes, it is very common in news, education, and metaphorical social discussions.

In natural speech, the 'h' in '빙하기' is very soft, almost silent, sounding like 'bing-a-gi'.

In science, it's '간빙기' (interglacial). In economy, it's '호황기' (boom).

Yes, '관계의 빙하기' is a common and poetic way to describe a cold relationship.

The movie is titled '아이스 에이지' in Korea, but the characters talk about the '빙하기'.

氷 (ice), 河 (river), 期 (period).

Yes, it is considered intermediate because of its varied literal and metaphorical uses.

겪다 (experience), 맞다 (face), 도래하다 (arrive), 끝나다 (end).

Teste-se 185 perguntas

writing

'빙하기'를 사용하여 지구의 역사를 설명하는 문장을 만드세요.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

'취업 빙하기'라는 표현을 넣어 현재의 어려움을 서술하세요.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

싸운 친구와의 관계를 '빙하기'에 비유하여 문장을 쓰세요.

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writing

빙하기에 살았던 동물들에 대해 한 문장으로 쓰세요.

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writing

왜 빙하기가 발생하는지 아는 대로 쓰세요.

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writing

'빙하기'와 '간빙기'의 차이를 설명하세요.

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writing

영화 '아이스 에이지'를 본 소감을 '빙하기'라는 단어를 넣어 쓰세요.

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writing

경제 기사 제목을 '빙하기'를 사용하여 지어보세요.

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writing

빙하기가 다시 온다면 인류는 어떻게 될까요?

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writing

자신의 전성기와 빙하기를 비교해서 쓰세요.

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writing

빙하기의 한자 뜻을 풀이해서 쓰세요.

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writing

빙하기를 주제로 짧은 시를 한 구절 쓰세요.

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writing

빙하기에 대한 다큐멘터리 광고 문구를 만드세요.

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writing

코인 시장의 상황을 '빙하기'를 써서 묘사하세요.

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writing

빙하기 동안 해수면이 낮아진 이유를 쓰세요.

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writing

어린이에게 빙하기를 설명해 주는 글을 쓰세요.

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writing

빙하기와 관련된 지형 하나를 소개하세요.

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writing

빙하기를 견디는 마음가짐에 대해 쓰세요.

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writing

빙하기에 대한 가설 하나를 문장으로 만드세요.

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writing

친구와 화해한 상황을 '빙하기'를 써서 표현하세요.

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speaking

'빙하기'라는 단어를 넣어 자기소개를 해보세요. (예: 저는 지금 취업 빙하기를 겪고 있는 학생입니다.)

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speaking

친구에게 요즘 경제가 '빙하기'라고 말해보세요.

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speaking

빙하기에 살았던 동물 하나를 추천해 주세요.

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speaking

빙하기가 오면 가장 먼저 무엇을 할 것인지 말해보세요.

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speaking

'취업 빙하기'를 극복하는 나만의 방법을 말해보세요.

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speaking

빙하기의 발음에 주의하며 '빙하기가 도래했다'를 읽어보세요.

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speaking

영화 '아이스 에이지'에 대해 친구와 대화해 보세요.

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speaking

빙하기가 왜 무서운지 설명해 보세요.

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speaking

'관계의 빙하기'를 겪어본 경험을 말해보세요.

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speaking

빙하기 지형인 피오르드에 가고 싶은지 말해보세요.

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speaking

지구 온난화와 빙하기의 관계에 대해 짧게 의견을 말하세요.

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speaking

빙하기를 한 단어로 비유한다면 무엇인가요?

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speaking

옛날 사람들은 빙하기를 어떻게 견뎠을까요?

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speaking

'투자 빙하기'인 스타트업 대표에게 응원의 말을 하세요.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

빙하기라는 말을 들으면 떠오르는 이미지를 말하세요.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

빙하기가 인류의 지능을 높였다는 의견에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

자신의 지갑 상황을 '빙하기'에 비유해 보세요.

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speaking

빙하기의 흔적을 찾는 과학자가 되어 인터뷰해 보세요.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

빙하기가 다시 온다면 어디로 이사 가고 싶나요?

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

'빙하기'라는 단어를 사용해 3행시를 지어보세요.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

뉴스에서 '부동산 빙하기'라고 할 때, 집을 사려는 사람이 많을까요, 적을까요?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

다큐멘터리에서 '빙하기가 끝났다'고 하면 날씨가 어떻게 변할까요?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

사람들이 '우리 사이는 빙하기야'라고 하면 사이가 좋은 것인가요?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

'취업 빙하기'라는 말을 들었을 때 졸업생들의 기분은 어떨까요?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

과학자가 '빙하기의 주기'를 말할 때, 빙하기는 한 번만 오나요, 여러 번 오나요?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

대화에서 '분위기가 빙하기네'라고 하면 무슨 뜻인가요?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

'소빙하기'는 큰 빙하기보다 더 추울까요, 덜 추울까요?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

빙하기에 해수면이 '하강'한다고 하면 바닷물이 깊어지나요, 얕아지나요?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

영화 제목 '아이스 에이지'를 한국어로 설명할 때 쓰는 단어는?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

경제 뉴스에서 '소비 빙하기'라고 하면 사람들이 쇼핑을 많이 하나요?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

'빙하기의 흔적'이라는 말은 과거의 증거를 뜻하나요, 미래의 예언을 뜻하나요?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

강연자가 '빙하기를 견뎌낸 지혜'를 말할 때, 인류가 멸종했다는 뜻인가요?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

'투자 빙하기'에 스타트업이 돈을 빌리기 쉬울까요?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

빙하기의 발음을 들을 때 'ㅎ' 소리가 잘 들리나요?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

'빙하기'와 '간빙기' 중 지금은 어느 시기라고 했나요?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
error correction

빙하기가 녹고 있어요.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: 빙하가 녹고 있어요.

빙하기는 기간이므로 녹을 수 없습니다. 물체인 빙하가 녹는 것입니다.

error correction

오늘 너무 추워서 빙하기예요.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: 오늘 너무 추워서 빙하기 같아요.

실제 빙하기가 아니므로 '같아요'를 써서 비유해야 합니다.

error correction

빙하기의 도래를 끝냈다.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: 빙하기의 시대를 끝냈다. 또는 빙하기가 끝났다.

'도래'는 찾아오는 것을 뜻하므로 끝내는 대상과 어울리지 않습니다.

/ 185 correct

Perfect score!

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