At the A1 level, you usually learn basic particles like '에' (to/at) or '에서' (at/from). '에 있어서' is much more advanced and is not usually taught to beginners. It means 'in terms of' or 'regarding.' If you see it, just think of it as a very fancy way to say 'about' or 'in.' For example, if you see '인생에 있어서' (in life), just understand that the speaker is talking about life in a serious way. You don't need to use this yet! Stick to simple sentences like '저는 학교에 가요' (I go to school).
For A2 learners, you are starting to see more complex sentences. '에 있어서' is a phrase you might encounter in reading passages about 'important things in life' or 'hobbies.' It is used after a noun to mean 'in' or 'when it comes to.' It is more formal than the particles you know. If you are describing what is important to you, you might try using it to sound a bit more grown-up. For example, '건강에 있어서 운동이 중요해요' (In terms of health, exercise is important). It's a step up from just saying '건강이 중요해요.'
At the B1 level, you should begin to recognize '에 있어서' as a marker for a 'domain' or 'field.' It is very common in intermediate reading materials like news snippets or essays. You should understand that it's used for abstract concepts like 'success,' 'education,' or 'friendship.' It helps you organize your thoughts. Instead of just talking about a topic, you are defining the 'space' where your statement is true. You can start using it in your writing tasks to show you can handle formal Korean structures.
B2 is the target level for this phrase. You should be able to use '에 있어서' naturally in both written and spoken formal contexts. You should understand the nuance that it sets a scope for analysis. It is essential for giving presentations or writing reports. You should also be comfortable with the adjectival form '에 있어서의' (e isseoseo-ui), which allows you to modify nouns. For example, '한국어 학습에 있어서의 어려움' (Difficulties in [the matter of] learning Korean). You should distinguish it from '에 대해' (about) and '측면에서' (from the aspect of).
At the C1 level, you use '에 있어서' with precision and variety. You recognize its rhetorical value in high-level discourse. You can use it to frame complex philosophical or political arguments. You also know when *not* to use it to avoid sounding too repetitive or overly academic in semi-formal situations. You are familiar with its use in literature and high-end journalism. You can seamlessly switch between '에 있어서,' '관점에서,' and '토대로' to provide nuanced perspectives on a single topic.
For C2 learners, '에 있어서' is a basic tool in a very large toolbox. You use it instinctively in academic papers, legal documents, or high-level professional environments. You understand its historical and grammatical roots and can appreciate its use in classical-style modern prose. You might even notice how different writers use it to establish a specific authorial voice. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, using it to provide clarity and structural elegance to your most complex thoughts.

에 있어서 em 30 segundos

  • A formal Korean phrase meaning 'in terms of' or 'regarding' a specific topic or field.
  • Commonly used in academic writing, news, and professional settings to define scope.
  • Attached directly to nouns, typically abstract ones like 'success' or 'education'.
  • Can be turned into an adjective ('에 있어서의') to describe a following noun.

The Korean phrase 에 있어서 is a sophisticated postpositional expression primarily used to define a specific scope, field, or domain within which a statement holds true. Translated most frequently as 'in terms of,' 'when it comes to,' or 'in the matter of,' it functions as a formal marker that sets the stage for a detailed discussion about a particular topic. Unlike simple particles like '에' (at/to) or '에서' (at/from), 에 있어서 carries a weight of abstraction and formality, making it a staple in academic writing, news reports, business presentations, and high-level debates. It signals to the listener or reader that the speaker is about to analyze or provide a definitive opinion on a specific aspect of a subject.

Grammatical Composition
It is composed of the location/target particle '에' (e), the verb '있다' (it-da, to exist/be), and the conjunctive suffix '어서' (eo-seo, because/and then). Literally, it translates to 'in [the state of] being,' which explains its function in establishing a conceptual ground.

In daily conversation, Koreans might use '에 대해' (about) or '-는' (topic marker) for simplicity. However, when the context requires precision—such as discussing the 'necessity of education' or 'efficiency in management'—에 있어서 becomes the preferred choice. It highlights the internal characteristics or the specific environment of the noun it follows. For example, saying '성공에 있어서' (in terms of success) focuses the conversation specifically on the criteria, methods, or definitions that exist within the realm of success itself.

인생 에 있어서 가장 중요한 것은 건강이다.

In terms of life, the most important thing is health.
Domain Focus
This phrase is excellent for narrowing down a broad subject. If you are talking about a car, you could use it to specify 'in terms of design' (디자인에 있어서) or 'in terms of performance' (성능에 있어서).

학습 에 있어서 복습은 필수적이다.

In terms of learning, review is essential.

Furthermore, the phrase is often modified into '에 있어서의' when it needs to function as an adjective to describe a following noun. For instance, '인생에 있어서의 목표' translates to 'a goal in [one's] life.' This flexibility allows speakers to weave the concept of 'domain' into various syntactic structures, enhancing the depth of their Korean expression. Understanding this phrase is a key milestone for B2 learners moving toward C1 fluency, as it bridges the gap between conversational Korean and professional/academic Korean.

Using 에 있어서 correctly involves understanding its placement after a noun and the tone it creates. It is almost exclusively used with abstract nouns or nouns representing a field of study, a process, or a life stage. It is rarely used with concrete physical objects unless you are discussing them as a category or concept. The basic structure is: [Noun] + 에 있어서.

Abstract Noun Usage
Common nouns that precede this phrase include '성공' (success), '행복' (happiness), '교육' (education), '경제' (economy), and '관계' (relationship). These words represent broad concepts where setting a 'scope' is logically necessary.

국제 관계 에 있어서 신뢰는 매우 중요하다.

In terms of international relations, trust is very important.

When constructing sentences, 에 있어서 usually appears at the beginning of a clause to set the topic, or in the middle to qualify a specific point. It is frequently followed by descriptive predicates or verbs that express necessity, importance, or change. For example, '...에 있어서 변화가 생겼다' (A change occurred in terms of...).

The Adjectival Form: 에 있어서의
Adding '의' allows the phrase to modify a noun directly. '경제 성장에 있어서의 문제점' means 'problems in [the matter of] economic growth.' This is highly common in news headlines and academic papers.

그의 인생 에 있어서의 전환점은 그 사고였다.

The turning point in his life was that accident.

In formal debates, you might hear speakers say '본 문제에 있어서...' (In terms of the current problem...). This establishes a professional boundary for their subsequent arguments. It is important to note that because this phrase is formal, using it in a very casual setting (like talking to a close friend about what to eat) might sound overly dramatic or stiff, similar to saying 'Regarding the matter of our lunch' in English.

You will encounter 에 있어서 in environments where precision and formality are valued. If you watch Korean news broadcasts (like KBS, MBC, or SBS), you will hear news anchors and reporters use this phrase constantly to frame stories about policy changes, social issues, or economic trends. For instance, a reporter might say, '정부의 새로운 정책에 있어서...' (In terms of the government's new policy...).

Academic and Professional Settings
In university lectures, especially in the humanities and social sciences, professors use this phrase to categorize theories or historical events. In business meetings, it is used to discuss project scopes: '이번 프로젝트에 있어서 가장 큰 과제는 시간 관리입니다' (In terms of this project, the biggest task is time management).

언어 학습 에 있어서 꾸준함은 무엇보다 중요하다.

In language learning, consistency is more important than anything.

Documentaries are another rich source for this phrase. Narrators use it to provide context for historical figures' lives or the development of scientific discoveries. In literature, particularly in essays (수필) or philosophical works, authors use 에 있어서 to reflect on abstract concepts like time, death, or love. It adds a contemplative and serious tone to the writing.

Interestingly, while it is formal, it has found its way into lyrics of ballads or thoughtful pop songs. Songwriters use it to express deep realizations about love or life, as it sounds more profound than the colloquial '에'. For example, a lyric might say '사랑에 있어서 난 항상 서툴렀어' (In terms of love, I was always clumsy). This usage bridges the gap between high-register language and emotional expression.

The most common mistake learners make with 에 있어서 is using it in contexts that are too casual or for physical locations. Because it is a high-register phrase, using it while ordering coffee or talking to a younger sibling about a video game can sound unnatural and humorous. For example, '이 카페에 있어서 커피가 맛있다' (In terms of this cafe, the coffee is delicious) is grammatically possible but sounds like you are writing a formal review for a newspaper rather than just enjoying a drink.

Confusion with '에 대해'
Many learners confuse '에 대해' (about/regarding) with '에 있어서'. While they overlap, '에 대해' is more versatile and indicates the object of an action or thought. '에 있어서' is specifically about the 'scope' or 'domain.' If you can replace the phrase with 'in the field of' or 'in the matter of' in English, '에 있어서' is usually correct.

Incorrect: 학교 에 있어서 친구를 만났다.

Error: Using it for a physical location. Use '에서' instead.

Another mistake is forgetting the '의' when using it as an adjective. If you want to say 'a problem in education,' you must say '교육에 있어서의 문제' (gyoyuk-e isseoseo-ui munje). Omitting the '의' makes the sentence structure break down if another noun follows immediately. Additionally, learners sometimes double up on particles, such as saying '에 있어서에서,' which is redundant and incorrect.

Finally, avoid overusing it in a single paragraph. Because it is a 'heavy' phrase, using it in every sentence of an essay can make the writing feel repetitive and overly dense. Professional Korean writers balance it with alternatives like '측면에서' (from the aspect of), '관점에서' (from the viewpoint of), or simple topic markers to maintain a smooth flow.

To achieve natural Korean fluency, it is essential to know when to use 에 있어서 versus its synonyms. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance or level of formality.

에 대해 / 에 관해 (About / Regarding)
These are the most common alternatives. '에 대해' is neutral and versatile, while '에 관해' is slightly more formal. Use these when the noun is simply the topic of discussion, rather than a broad domain you are analyzing.
측면에서 (From the aspect of)
This is a very common academic alternative. It specifically implies looking at a subject from a particular angle. For example, '경제적 측면에서' (From an economic aspect) is often interchangeable with '경제에 있어서' but sounds more analytical.

건강 측면에서 보면 운동은 필수다.

Looking from the health aspect, exercise is essential.
-에 한해서 (Limited to / In the case of)
This phrase is used when the scope is strictly restricted. While '에 있어서' is broad, '-에 한해서' is narrow. '학생에 한해서 할인이 적용됩니다' (Discounts apply only to students).

Choosing between these depends on your intent. If you want to sound like a scholar defining a field, use 에 있어서. If you want to sound like a consultant analyzing data, use 측면에서. If you are just chatting about a movie you saw, stick to 에 대해. Mastery of these nuances allows you to adjust your register to match the social context perfectly, a hallmark of advanced Korean proficiency.

Guia de pronúncia

UK e i.s͈ʌ.sʌ
US e i.s͈ʌ.sʌ
Stress is generally even in Korean, but a slight emphasis may be placed on the first syllable of the noun preceding it.
Rima com
믿어서 (mideoseo) 씻어서 (ssiseoseo) 웃어서 (useoseo) 잊어서 (ijeoseo) 입어서 (ibeoseo) 잡아서 (jabaseo) 막아서 (magaseo) 살아서 (saraseo)
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing 'ss' as a single 's' (iseoseo), which sounds like 'moving' or 'connecting' rather than 'being'.
  • Mumbling the 'eo' sounds so they sound like 'u' or 'a'.
  • Failing to pause slightly after the noun and before '에 있어서'.

Exemplos por nível

1

인생에 있어서 친구는 중요해요.

In life, friends are important.

'인생' (life) + '에 있어서' (in terms of).

2

공부에 있어서 책이 필요해요.

For studying, books are needed.

'공부' (studying) + '에 있어서' (in terms of).

3

운동에 있어서 물은 필수예요.

In terms of exercise, water is essential.

'운동' (exercise) + '에 있어서' (in terms of).

4

요리에 있어서 소금이 중요해요.

In terms of cooking, salt is important.

'요리' (cooking) + '에 있어서' (in terms of).

5

여행에 있어서 지도는 유용해요.

In terms of travel, maps are useful.

'여행' (travel) + '에 있어서' (in terms of).

6

가족에 있어서 사랑은 커요.

In terms of family, love is big.

'가족' (family) + '에 있어서' (in terms of).

7

날씨에 있어서 해는 좋아요.

In terms of weather, the sun is good.

'날씨' (weather) + '에 있어서' (in terms of).

8

선물에 있어서 마음이 중요해요.

In terms of gifts, the heart (sincerity) is important.

'선물' (gift) + '에 있어서' (in terms of).

1

건강에 있어서 가장 중요한 것은 잠이에요.

In terms of health, the most important thing is sleep.

Uses '가장 중요한 것' (most important thing) with the phrase.

2

성공에 있어서 노력은 꼭 필요합니다.

In terms of success, effort is definitely necessary.

Formal ending '-습니다'.

3

행복에 있어서 돈이 전부는 아니에요.

In terms of happiness, money is not everything.

Negative construction '-이/가 전부는 아니다'.

4

직업에 있어서 적성은 매우 중요합니다.

In terms of a job, aptitude is very important.

'적성' (aptitude) is an abstract noun.

5

결혼에 있어서 신뢰는 기본입니다.

In terms of marriage, trust is the basis.

'기본' (basis/foundation).

6

대화에 있어서 듣기는 아주 중요해요.

In terms of conversation, listening is very important.

'듣기' (listening) used as a noun.

7

패션에 있어서 색깔은 큰 역할을 해요.

In terms of fashion, color plays a big role.

'역할을 하다' (to play a role).

8

우정에 있어서 정직함이 필요해요.

In terms of friendship, honesty is needed.

'정직함' (honesty) as an abstract noun.

1

자기계발에 있어서 독서는 큰 도움이 됩니다.

In terms of self-development, reading is a big help.

'자기계발' (self-development) is a common intermediate noun.

2

인간관계에 있어서 소통은 필수적인 요소입니다.

Communication is an essential element in human relationships.

'필수적인 요소' (essential element).

3

기업 운영에 있어서 효율성은 핵심입니다.

Efficiency is the key in terms of business operation.

'운영' (operation/management) + '효율성' (efficiency).

4

삶에 있어서의 진정한 가치를 찾아야 합니다.

We must find the true value in life.

Uses the adjectival form '에 있어서의'.

5

외국어 학습에 있어서 꾸준함이 승패를 좌우합니다.

In language learning, consistency determines success or failure.

'승패를 좌우하다' (to determine success or failure).

6

사회 생활에 있어서 예의는 아주 중요합니다.

In social life, manners are very important.

'사회 생활' (social life).

7

창의성에 있어서 자유로운 분위기가 필요합니다.

In terms of creativity, a free atmosphere is necessary.

'창의성' (creativity).

8

스포츠에 있어서 팀워크는 승리의 열쇠입니다.

In sports, teamwork is the key to victory.

'승리의 열쇠' (key to victory).

1

현대 사회에 있어서 인터넷의 역할은 지대합니다.

The role of the internet in modern society is immense.

'지대하다' (to be immense/huge) is a high-level adjective.

2

민주주의에 있어서 투표는 국민의 가장 강력한 권리이다.

In terms of democracy, voting is the most powerful right of the people.

Formal declarative ending '-이다'.

3

경제 성장에 있어서 기술 혁신은 필수 불가결한 요소이다.

Technological innovation is an indispensable element in economic growth.

'필수 불가결하다' (to be indispensable/essential).

4

교육에 있어서의 공정성은 사회적 합의가 필요한 부분이다.

Fairness in education is a part that requires social consensus.

Uses '에 있어서의' to modify '공정성'.

5

예술 작품에 있어서 작가의 의도는 매우 중요하게 다뤄진다.

In terms of works of art, the artist's intention is treated as very important.

Passive construction '다뤄진다' (is treated/handled).

6

협상에 있어서 상대방의 입장을 이해하는 것이 우선이다.

In negotiations, understanding the other party's position is priority.

'협상' (negotiation).

7

마케팅에 있어서 브랜드 이미지는 소비자 선택에 큰 영향을 미친다.

In marketing, brand image has a great influence on consumer choice.

'영향을 미치다' (to have an influence).

8

환경 보호에 있어서 개인의 실천이 모여 큰 변화를 만든다.

In terms of environmental protection, individual actions gather to make big changes.

'실천' (practice/action).

1

국가 안보에 있어서 정보의 정확성은 무엇과도 바꿀 수 없는 가치이다.

The accuracy of information in terms of national security is an invaluable value.

'무엇과도 바꿀 수 없다' (invaluable/cannot be traded for anything).

2

철학에 있어서 존재의 의미를 묻는 것은 가장 근본적인 질문이다.

In terms of philosophy, asking the meaning of existence is the most fundamental question.

'근본적인' (fundamental).

3

법의 집행에 있어서 형평성은 사법부의 신뢰도를 결정짓는 척도이다.

Equity in the enforcement of law is the scale that determines the credibility of the judiciary.

'척도' (scale/measure/criterion).

4

역사 서술에 있어서 객관성을 유지하는 것은 역사가의 숙명과도 같다.

Maintaining objectivity in historical narrative is like the destiny of a historian.

'숙명' (destiny/fate).

5

과학적 탐구에 있어서 가설 설정은 연구의 방향을 결정하는 첫 단추이다.

In scientific inquiry, setting a hypothesis is the first step that determines the direction of research.

'첫 단추' (idiom: first step/first button).

6

언론의 자유에 있어서 책임감 없는 보도는 민주주의를 위협할 수 있다.

In terms of freedom of the press, irresponsible reporting can threaten democracy.

'보도' (reporting/news).

7

도시 계획에 있어서 지속 가능성은 미래 세대를 위한 핵심 과제이다.

Sustainability in urban planning is a core task for future generations.

'지속 가능성' (sustainability).

8

문학 비평에 있어서 텍스트의 다의적 해석은 작품의 생명력을 더해준다.

In literary criticism, polysemous interpretation of text adds vitality to the work.

'다의적' (polysemous/having multiple meanings).

1

우주론에 있어서 암흑 물질의 정체를 밝히는 것은 현대 물리학의 정점에 서 있는 과업이다.

In terms of cosmology, revealing the identity of dark matter is a task standing at the pinnacle of modern physics.

'정점' (pinnacle/apex).

2

인공지능의 윤리에 있어서 자율적 판단의 책임 소재를 규명하는 것이 시급하다.

In terms of AI ethics, it is urgent to clarify the location of responsibility for autonomous judgment.

'책임 소재' (where the responsibility lies).

3

고전 음악의 해석에 있어서 원전 연주의 충실함과 현대적 재해석 사이의 균형이 요구된다.

In the interpretation of classical music, a balance between faithfulness to original performance and modern reinterpretation is required.

'원전 연주' (performance on period instruments/original source performance).

4

국가 통치에 있어서 민심을 살피는 것은 예나 지금이나 변함없는 제왕학의 기본이다.

In terms of national governance, observing the public sentiment is the unchanging basis of kingcraft, then and now.

'민심' (public sentiment/heart of the people).

5

생명 공학에 있어서 유전자 편집 기술의 오남용은 인류의 진화 경로를 뒤바꿀 수 있는 중차대한 사안이다.

In biotechnology, the misuse of gene editing technology is a grave matter that could alter the evolutionary path of humanity.

'중차대하다' (to be extremely important/grave).

6

비교 언어학에 있어서 어휘의 유사성을 추적하는 것은 민족의 이동 경로를 유추하는 단서가 된다.

In comparative linguistics, tracing the similarities of vocabulary serves as a clue to infer the migration routes of ethnic groups.

'유추하다' (to infer/analogize).

7

미학에 있어서 숭고미의 개념은 칸트 이후 예술 철학의 핵심 담론으로 자리 잡았다.

In aesthetics, the concept of the sublime has established itself as a core discourse in art philosophy since Kant.

'숭고미' (the sublime/sublime beauty).

8

형사 소송법에 있어서 무죄 추정의 원칙은 피고인의 인권을 보호하는 최후의 보루이다.

In the Criminal Procedure Act, the principle of presumption of innocence is the last bastion protecting the human rights of the defendant.

'최후의 보루' (the last bastion/stronghold).

Colocações comuns

성공에 있어서
교육에 있어서
인생에 있어서
경제에 있어서
관계에 있어서
학습에 있어서
정치에 있어서
예술에 있어서
건강에 있어서
경영에 있어서

Frases Comuns

삶에 있어서

— In life. Used to discuss general life lessons or values.

삶에 있어서 후회 없는 선택을 하세요.

현대 사회에 있어서

— In modern society. Used in essays to discuss current trends.

현대 사회에 있어서 스마트폰은 필수품이다.

문제 해결에 있어서

— In terms of problem-solving. Used in business or logical contexts.

문제 해결에 있어서 창의력이 필요합니다.

의사소통에 있어서

— In terms of communication. Used when discussing relationships or work.

의사소통에 있어서 경청이 가장 중요합니다.

성장에 있어서

— In terms of growth. Can refer to personal, economic, or physical growth.

개인의 성장에 있어서 고난은 밑거름이 된다.

발전에 있어서

— In terms of development. Often used for technology or society.

국가 발전에 있어서 교육은 원동력이다.

선택에 있어서

— In terms of choice. Used when discussing decisions.

선택에 있어서 신중함이 요구됩니다.

경쟁에 있어서

— In terms of competition. Used in sports, business, or exams.

경쟁에 있어서 정정당당함이 생명이다.

창작에 있어서

— In terms of creation/artistic work. Used for artists and writers.

창작에 있어서 영감은 어디서 오나요?

협력에 있어서

— In terms of cooperation. Used for teamwork or international relations.

협력에 있어서 배려는 기본입니다.

Expressões idiomáticas

"인생에 있어서 단 한 번뿐인 기회"

— A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A very common set phrase.

이것은 제 인생에 있어서 단 한 번뿐인 기회입니다.

neutral
"학문에 있어서 왕도는 없다"

— There is no royal road to learning. A proverb meaning study requires hard work.

학문에 있어서 왕도는 없으니 꾸준히 하세요.

formal
"사랑에 있어서 국경은 없다"

— Love knows no borders. Used when people from different countries fall in love.

사랑에 있어서 국경은 없다는 말을 믿어요.

neutral
"일에 있어서 칼 같다"

— To be sharp/precise in work. Usually means someone is very strict or punctual.

그는 일에 있어서는 정말 칼 같아요.

informal
"관계에 있어서 선을 긋다"

— To draw a line in a relationship. Setting boundaries.

그녀는 인간관계에 있어서 선을 긋는 편이다.

neutral
"예술에 있어서 정답은 없다"

— There is no right answer in art. Encouraging subjective interpretation.

예술에 있어서 정답은 없으니 마음껏 그리세요.

neutral
"승부에 있어서 냉정하다"

— To be cold-hearted/cool-headed in a match. Not letting emotions interfere.

그 선수는 승부에 있어서 아주 냉정합니다.

neutral
"삶에 있어서 뼈가 되고 살이 되다"

— To become bones and flesh in life. Meaning something is extremely helpful or nutritious for one's growth.

선생님의 조언은 제 삶에 있어서 뼈가 되고 살이 되었습니다.

neutral
"성공에 있어서 뒷배가 있다"

— To have a 'back' (support/connections) in success. Usually implies using influence.

그의 성공에 있어서 뒷배가 있다는 소문이 있다.

informal
"결정에 있어서 마침표를 찍다"

— To put a period on a decision. Making the final call.

이번 협상에 있어서 드디어 마침표를 찍었습니다.

formal

Família de palavras

Substantivos

있음 (being/existence)
있음직함 (probability)

Verbos

있다 (to be/exist)
있어지다 (to come into being - rare)
Foi útil?
Nenhum comentário ainda. Seja o primeiro a compartilhar suas ideias!