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자의적

B2 adjective 8分钟阅读

자의적

jaijeok

开始练习例句笔记与提示 자의적 30秒了解

解析 자의적 in your Level:

In A1, we don't usually use the word '자의적' because it is very formal. Instead, we use simple words like '내가 하고 싶은 대로' (as I want to do) or '마음대로' (as one pleases). For example, if you choose a color just because you like it, you might say '그냥 좋아서 골랐어요' (I just picked it because I liked it). '자의적' is a much harder way to say this. It means doing something because you decided it yourself, not because there is a rule. Imagine you are playing a game but you change the rules whenever you want. That is being '자의적'. It is like saying 'my way is the only way' without a good reason. At this level, just remember that '자' means 'self' and '의' means 'thought' or 'will'.

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At the A2 level, you might start seeing '자의적' in very simple news clips or reading passages about rules. It is an adjective that describes a choice made by a person's own will, rather than following a fixed pattern. Think of it like this: if you go to a restaurant and the price is different every day based on the owner's mood, that is '자의적'. The opposite would be '규칙적' (regular) or '공정함' (fairness). You can remember the phrase '자의적 해석' which means 'interpreting something my own way'. Even though it's a difficult word, understanding that it comes from '자' (self) and '의' (will) helps you see it relates to personal decisions that might not be fair to others.

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By B1, you should recognize '자의적' as a formal word for 'arbitrary'. It is often used in a negative sense to criticize people in power. For example, '선생님의 자의적인 판단' means 'the teacher's arbitrary judgment'. This suggests the teacher didn't use a clear grading system but just chose a grade they felt like giving. You will often see it paired with words like '해석' (interpretation), '판단' (judgment), and '선택' (choice). It is different from '주관적' (subjective). '주관적' is okay for art or food, but '자의적' is usually bad for laws or rules. When you hear this word, think: 'Is there a rule being ignored here?' If yes, '자의적' is the right word to use.

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At the B2 level, '자의적' is a key vocabulary word for discussing social issues and academic topics. You should be able to use it in both the adjective form (자의적인) and the adverbial form (자의적으로). It is specifically used to describe a lack of objective standards. In linguistics, you will learn that language is '자의적'—there is no logical reason why a 'dog' is called a 'dog'. In law, '자의적' is used to describe the unfair application of power. You should also be able to distinguish it from '독단적' (dogmatic/one-sided) and '임의적' (discretionary). Use '자의적' when you want to emphasize that a decision lacks a rational, objective basis and depends entirely on an individual's whim.

For C1 learners, '자의적' is a nuanced tool for critical analysis. You should understand its philosophical implications, such as '자의적 의지' (arbitrary will) versus '자유 의지' (free will). In professional settings, you might use the phrase '자의적 해석의 여지가 있다' to point out that a contract or a law is too vague and could be exploited. You should also be comfortable using it in the context of scientific methodology to describe biased data selection. At this level, you should notice how '자의적' functions as a high-level synonym for unfairness, but specifically an unfairness rooted in the absence of a governing principle. It is a word that demands a high level of precision in its application to avoid sounding overly critical without evidence.

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At the C2 level, '자의적' is used with total precision in complex legal, philosophical, and literary discourses. You might discuss the '자의성' (arbitrariness) of the linguistic sign in Saussurean linguistics or the '자의적 전횡' (arbitrary tyranny) in political science. You understand that while '자의적' often carries a negative connotation in social contexts, it is a neutral, descriptive term in certain academic fields. You can effortlessly navigate the subtle differences between '자의적', '임의적', '무작위적', and '독단적' in a single paragraph. Your usage reflects an understanding that '자의적' is not just about 'will', but about the structural absence of necessity or external constraint in a given system.

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开始练习例句笔记与提示

자의적 30秒了解

자의적 means 'arbitrary' or based on personal whim rather than objective rules.
It is commonly used in legal, academic, and formal contexts to criticize unfairness.
In linguistics, it refers to the non-natural link between words and their meanings.
The word carries a formal tone and often implies a negative lack of consistency.

The Korean term 자의적 (恣意的) is an essential adjective for upper-intermediate and advanced learners, particularly those engaging with legal, academic, or philosophical texts. At its core, it describes an action, decision, or interpretation that is based on one's own private will, whim, or random preference rather than being grounded in objective logic, universal rules, or established systems. When you describe something as 자의적, you are often implying a lack of consistency or fairness, suggesting that the outcome could have been different if someone else were in charge or if the wind had blown in a different direction.

Linguistic Context: In linguistics, specifically in the structuralism of Ferdinand de Saussure, the relationship between a word (signifier) and its meaning (signified) is described as 자의적. There is no inherent reason why a 'tree' is called a 'tree'; it is an arbitrary social convention.
Legal and Political Context: In a legal sense, 자의적인 법 집행 (arbitrary law enforcement) refers to situations where authorities apply laws inconsistently, often based on personal bias or political pressure, which is considered a violation of the rule of law.
Daily Social Context: When a manager promotes an employee based on personal liking rather than performance metrics, people might criticize the decision as being 자의적. It suggests a 'because I felt like it' attitude that ignores standard operating procedures.

“심사 위원들의 자의적인 판단으로 인해 공정성 논란이 일었다.” (A controversy over fairness arose due to the judges' arbitrary judgment.)

The word is composed of three Hanja characters: 恣 (자) meaning 'unrestrained' or 'at will', 意 (의) meaning 'intent' or 'thought', and 的 (적), the adjectival suffix. Together, they paint a picture of someone following their internal thoughts without outside restraint. It is important to distinguish this from 'subjective' (주관적). While both involve personal perspective, subjective is a neutral description of internal experience, whereas arbitrary often carries a negative connotation of being groundless or unfair.

“언어의 기호는 자의적인 성격을 띤다.” (Linguistic signs possess an arbitrary character.)

Understanding this word allows you to navigate complex discussions about ethics, science, and governance. For instance, in scientific research, if data points are excluded without a clear methodology, the results are dismissed as 자의적. In literature, if a critic interprets a poem based on personal feelings without textual evidence, it is a 자의적 해석. This word is the scalpel used to dissect the lack of objectivity in any formal system.

Using 자의적 correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement. As an adjectival noun (명사/관형사), it most frequently appears in the form 자의적인 (before a noun) or 자의적으로 (as an adverb). Because of its formal tone, it is rarely used in casual banter between friends unless discussing a serious topic or being intentionally dramatic about someone's behavior.

As an Adjective: 자의적인 + Noun: This is the most common usage. It modifies nouns like '해석' (interpretation), '판단' (judgment), '기준' (standard), or '선택' (choice).
Example: "정부는 자의적인 세금 부과를 중단해야 한다." (The government must stop arbitrary tax imposition.)
As an Adverb: 자의적으로 + Verb: Use this when describing the manner in which an action is performed. It often precedes verbs like '해석하다' (to interpret), '결정하다' (to decide), or '처리하다' (to handle).
Example: "그는 규정을 자의적으로 해석하여 이득을 취했다." (He took advantage by interpreting the regulations arbitrarily.)

“이 통계 수치는 자의적으로 조작된 흔적이 보입니다.” (These statistics show signs of having been arbitrarily manipulated.)

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the subject. Usually, the subject is an entity with power or authority—a judge, a government, a teacher, or a researcher. If a child does something randomly, we use '무작위' (random) or '내키는 대로' (as one feels), but if a professional does it without following the rules, we use 자의적. This distinction is crucial for maintaining the correct register in Korean.

“데이터의 자의적 편집은 연구 윤리에 어긋납니다.” (Arbitrary editing of data goes against research ethics.)

Advanced learners should also note the phrase 자의적 해석의 여지 (room for arbitrary interpretation). This is a common legal and business phrase used to criticize vague contracts or laws. If a clause is not specific, it leaves '여지' (room/possibility) for someone to interpret it in a way that suits their own interests.

You will encounter 자의적 in high-level Korean media and academic environments. It is a staple of news reporting, particularly when journalists criticize government policies or court rulings. If a politician is accused of using power for personal gain, the media will likely describe their actions as 자의적 권력 행사 (arbitrary exercise of power).

In News and Politics: News anchors often use this word during investigative reports. "검찰의 자의적 기소권 행사가 논란이 되고 있습니다." (The prosecution's arbitrary exercise of indictment power is becoming a controversy.) It implies that the decision to charge someone was based on something other than pure evidence.
In University Lectures: Professors in humanities and social sciences use it constantly. Whether discussing historical events or literary theories, they emphasize that history is not just a 자의적 collection of facts but a structured narrative. In philosophy, you might hear about the 자의적 의지 (arbitrary will).

“이번 판결은 법관의 자의적 법해석에 기초하고 있어 수긍하기 어렵습니다.” (This ruling is based on the judge's arbitrary interpretation of the law, so it is hard to accept.)

In the world of art and film criticism, 자의적 is used to describe a director's choices that don't seem to follow the internal logic of the story. If a character suddenly changes their personality without reason, a critic might call it a 자의적 설정 (an arbitrary setup). It suggests that the author forced a plot point just to move the story along, rather than letting it happen naturally.

Finally, in the context of the internet and social media, you might see it in discussions about 'shadow banning' or algorithm changes. Users might complain that a platform is 자의적으로 deleting comments or accounts. It captures the frustration of being subject to a power that doesn't explain its reasoning or follow a clear, public rulebook.

While 자의적 is a precise term, it is often confused with other words that start with '자' or have similar meanings in English. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

Confusing with '자발적' (Voluntary): Many learners see '자' (self) and '의' (will) and think it means 'doing something of one's own free will' in a positive sense. However, 자발적 is used for volunteering or doing something without being forced. 자의적 is about making a choice that ignores rules or standards. You voluntarily (자발적으로) help the poor, but you arbitrarily (자의적으로) decide who gets the help.
Confusing with '자유적' (Free/Liberal): While '자유' means freedom, 자의적 is not about the political or personal right to be free. It's about the lack of a system. If you say someone is '자유적', you might mean they have a free spirit. If you say they are '자의적', you are criticizing their lack of consistency.

❌ 틀린 예: "저는 자의적으로 봉사활동을 했습니다."
✅ 옳은 예: "저는 자발적으로 봉사활동을 했습니다."

Another common error is using 자의적 when you simply mean 'random' (무작위). While there is overlap, '무작위' is a mathematical or procedural term (like a random number generator). 자의적 implies a human will is involved. A computer chooses a winner 무작위로, but a corrupt official chooses a winner 자의적으로.

Finally, be careful with the Hanja. Some learners confuse 恣 (자 - arbitrary) with 自 (자 - self). While 자의적 does involve the self, the Hanja '恣' specifically carries the nuance of being unrestrained or even indulgent. This is why it often carries a negative weight in social and legal contexts.

To truly master 자의적, you must see how it fits into a constellation of related Korean terms. Each of these words shares a piece of the meaning but is used in slightly different situations.

자의적 vs. 주관적 (Subjective): '주관적' (Subjective) refers to things based on personal feelings or opinions. It is often neutral. You can have a '주관적 취향' (subjective taste) in music. '자의적' (Arbitrary) is more about the application of those feelings in a place where they don't belong, like a '자의적 채점' (arbitrary grading).
자의적 vs. 임의적 (Discretionary/Optional): '임의적' (Discretionary) is often used in administrative or technical contexts. It means you have the choice to do something or not. An '임의 조항' is an optional clause in a contract. While it can mean 'random', it lacks the negative 'whimsical' nuance of '자의적'.
자의적 vs. 독단적 (Dogmatic/Arbitrary/High-handed): '독단적' is much more aggressive. It describes someone who makes decisions alone without listening to anyone else. If a boss ignores the team's advice, they are being '독단적'. '자의적' focuses on the lack of a standard, while '독단적' focuses on the lack of consultation.

“그의 독단적인 태도가 팀 분위기를 망쳤다.” (His dogmatic/high-handed attitude ruined the team atmosphere.)
“그의 자의적인 규칙 적용이 팀원들을 혼란스럽게 했다.” (His arbitrary application of rules confused the team members.)

Other alternatives include 내키는 대로 (as one feels like - colloquial), 멋대로 (at one's own pleasure - often rude), and 변덕스러운 (capricious/fickle). If you are writing a formal report, 자의적 is your best friend. If you are complaining to a friend about a weird teacher, you might say "선생님이 자기 마음대로 점수를 줘요" (The teacher gives grades however they want).

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

The character 恣 (자) contains the radical for 'heart' (心) at the bottom, suggesting that the 'arbitrariness' comes from one's internal heart/desire rather than external logic.

发音指南

UK t͡ɕa.ɰi.d͡ʑʌk̚

US t͡ɕa.i.d͡ʑʌk̚

Stress is usually even across syllables in Korean, but the first syllable '자' may be slightly emphasized for clarity.

押韵词

창의적 (Creative) 회의적 (Skeptical) 심리적 (Psychological) 논리적 (Logical) 합리적 (Rational) 물리적 (Physical) 윤리적 (Ethical) 관리적 (Administrative)

常见错误

Pronouncing '의' as 'eo' (자어적) - Incorrect.
Making the 'k' at the end of '적' too loud or aspirated - it should be a clean stop.
Confusing the pitch with '차의적' (creative - though the word is '창의적').
Pronouncing '자' as 'cha' (aspirated).
Skipping the '의' sound entirely in formal speech.

难度评级

阅读 4/5

Appears frequently in news and academic texts which are hard for learners.

写作 5/5

Requires precise understanding of nuance to use without sounding awkward.

口语 4/5

The 'ui' sound is tricky, and the word is very formal.

听力 3/5

Easy to hear, but can be confused with other 'ja-' words.

接下来学什么

前置知识

의지 (Will) 기준 (Standard) 해석 (Interpretation) 판단 (Judgment) 공정 (Fairness)

接下来学习

필연적 (Inevitable) 객관적 (Objective) 주관적 (Subjective) 형평성 (Equity) 투명성 (Transparency)

高级

전횡 (Tyranny) 남용 (Abuse) 기표 (Signifier) 기의 (Signified) 법치주의 (Rule of Law)

需要掌握的语法

-(ㄴ/은)적 (Adjectival suffix)

객관적, 주관적, 논리적

-(으)로 (Adverbial suffix)

자의적으로, 임의적으로

-성 (Noun suffix for '-ness')

자의성, 객관성

-이다 (Copula for adjectives)

자의적이다

-이지 않다 (Negative)

자의적이지 않다

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按水平分级的例句

이것은 제 자의적인 생각입니다.

This is my own arbitrary thought.

자의적인 (adjective) + 생각 (noun)

그는 자의적으로 행동해요.

He acts as he pleases.

자의적으로 (adverb) + 행동하다 (verb)

자의적인 선택이 중요해요.

An arbitrary choice is important.

자의적인 (adjective) + 선택 (noun)

그것은 너무 자의적이에요.

That is too arbitrary.

자의적이다 (adjective/verb-like ending)

자의적이지 않아요.

It's not arbitrary.

Negative form: 자의적 + -이지 않다

자의적인 기준을 만들어요.

Make an arbitrary standard.

자의적인 (adjective) + 기준 (noun)

이것은 자의적 해석입니다.

This is an arbitrary interpretation.

자의적 (noun-like use) + 해석 (noun)

그들은 자의적으로 결정했어요.

They decided arbitrarily.

자의적으로 (adverb) + 결정하다 (verb)

법을 자의적으로 바꾸면 안 됩니다.

You shouldn't change the law arbitrarily.

자의적으로 (adverb) modifying '바꾸다'

자의적인 판단은 위험할 수 있습니다.

Arbitrary judgment can be dangerous.

자의적인 (adjective) + 판단 (noun)

그는 자의적인 기준으로 사람을 뽑아요.

He hires people based on arbitrary standards.

자의적인 (adjective) + 기준 (noun)

이 규칙은 너무 자의적이라서 이해가 안 돼요.

This rule is so arbitrary that I don't understand it.

-아서/어서 (causal connection)

자의적으로 행동하는 것은 좋지 않아요.

Acting arbitrarily is not good.

Gerund form: 행동하는 것

자의적 해석은 오해를 불러옵니다.

Arbitrary interpretation brings about misunderstandings.

자의적 (modifier) + 해석 (noun)

그녀는 자의적인 태도를 보였습니다.

She showed an arbitrary attitude.

자의적인 (adjective) + 태도 (noun)

이것은 자의적인 분류입니다.

This is an arbitrary classification.

자의적인 (adjective) + 분류 (noun)

권력의 자의적인 행사를 막아야 합니다.

We must prevent the arbitrary exercise of power.

자의적인 (adjective) + 행사 (exercise/use)

심사 기준이 자의적이라는 비판이 있습니다.

There is criticism that the screening criteria are arbitrary.

-는다는 (indirect quotation/description)

그는 데이터를 자의적으로 편집했습니다.

He edited the data arbitrarily.

자의적으로 (adverb) + 편집하다 (verb)

이 용어의 정의는 다소 자의적입니다.

The definition of this term is somewhat arbitrary.

다소 (somewhat) + 자의적이다

자의적인 법 집행은 공정성을 해칩니다.

Arbitrary law enforcement harms fairness.

자의적인 (adjective) + 법 집행 (law enforcement)

그들은 자의적으로 국경을 정했습니다.

They fixed the borders arbitrarily.

자의적으로 (adverb) + 정하다 (decide/fix)

자의적 해석이 가능한 문장입니다.

This is a sentence that allows for arbitrary interpretation.

-이 가능한 (possible to)

작가는 자의적인 설정을 피해야 합니다.

The author should avoid arbitrary setups.

자의적인 (adjective) + 설정 (setting/setup)

언어 기호의 자의성은 소쉬르의 핵심 이론입니다.

The arbitrariness of linguistic signs is Saussure's core theory.

자의성 (noun form: arbitrariness)

정부는 자의적인 규제 남용을 자제해야 합니다.

The government should refrain from abusing arbitrary regulations.

남용 (abuse) + 자제하다 (refrain)

이 소설은 자의적인 결말로 인해 실망을 주었습니다.

This novel was disappointing due to its arbitrary ending.

-(으)로 인해 (due to)

그의 주장은 자의적인 전제에 근거하고 있습니다.

His argument is based on arbitrary premises.

전제 (premise) + 근거하다 (based on)

자의적으로 역사를 왜곡해서는 안 됩니다.

You must not distort history arbitrarily.

왜곡하다 (distort) + -어서는 안 된다 (must not)

자의적인 공권력 행사는 민주주의의 적입니다.

Arbitrary exercise of public power is the enemy of democracy.

공권력 (public power) + 행사 (exercise)

이 매뉴얼은 자의적 해석의 여지가 너무 많습니다.

This manual has too much room for arbitrary interpretation.

해석의 여지 (room for interpretation)

그는 자신의 자의적인 의지를 관철시켰습니다.

He carried through his arbitrary will.

관철시키다 (to carry through/enforce)

법치주의는 자의적인 권력 지배를 부정합니다.

The rule of law negates the arbitrary rule of power.

법치주의 (rule of law) + 부정하다 (negate)

자의적인 표본 추출은 통계의 신뢰성을 떨어뜨립니다.

Arbitrary sampling reduces the reliability of statistics.

표본 추출 (sampling) + 신뢰성 (reliability)

그 비평가는 작품을 자의적으로 난도질했습니다.

The critic hacked the work to pieces arbitrarily.

난도질하다 (to hack/slash - metaphorical)

자의적인 행정 처분은 소송의 대상이 됩니다.

Arbitrary administrative measures become subjects of litigation.

행정 처분 (administrative measure) + 소송 (litigation)

이 이론은 자의적 구성이라는 비판에서 자유롭지 못합니다.

This theory is not free from the criticism of being an arbitrary construct.

-(ㄴ)다는 비판에서 자유롭지 못하다 (not free from criticism)

자의적으로 선을 긋는 행위는 차별을 낳습니다.

The act of drawing lines arbitrarily gives birth to discrimination.

선을 긋다 (draw a line) + 낳다 (give birth to/cause)

헌법은 국민의 자유가 자의적으로 침해되지 않도록 보장합니다.

The Constitution guarantees that citizens' freedoms are not arbitrarily infringed upon.

침해되다 (be infringed) + -도록 (so that)

자의적 판단에 의한 배제는 사회적 갈등을 야기합니다.

Exclusion based on arbitrary judgment causes social conflict.

배제 (exclusion) + 야기하다 (cause/provoke)

기표와 기의의 결합은 본질적으로 자의적입니다.

The combination of signifier and signified is essentially arbitrary.

기표 (signifier) + 기의 (signified)

그 철학자는 인간의 자의적 욕망을 날카롭게 해부했습니다.

The philosopher sharply dissected human arbitrary desires.

해부하다 (dissect - metaphorical)

자의적 전횡을 일삼는 독재 정권은 결국 몰락합니다.

Dictatorial regimes that engage in arbitrary tyranny eventually collapse.

전횡 (tyranny/arbitrary power) + 일삼다 (make a habit of)

자의적 해석의 가능성을 원천 봉쇄해야 합니다.

The possibility of arbitrary interpretation must be completely blocked at the source.

원천 봉쇄 (block at the source)

이 규정은 자의적 적용의 폐단을 막기 위해 개정되었습니다.

This regulation was revised to prevent the evils of arbitrary application.

폐단 (evil/harmful effect)

자의적인 공포 정치는 사회적 신뢰를 붕괴시킵니다.

Arbitrary reign of terror collapses social trust.

공포 정치 (reign of terror) + 붕괴시키다 (collapse)

역사학자는 자의적 사관을 경계해야 합니다.

Historians must guard against an arbitrary view of history.

사관 (view of history) + 경계하다 (guard against)

자의적으로 부여된 가치는 상황에 따라 변하기 마련입니다.

Values assigned arbitrarily are bound to change depending on the situation.

-기 마련이다 (bound to happen)

近义词

임의적 독단적 제멋대로인

反义词

객관적 합리적 필연적

常见搭配

자의적 해석

자의적 판단

자의적 기준

자의적 행사

자의적 결정

자의적 분류

자의적으로 처리하다

자의적 설정

자의적 운용

자의적 배제

常用短语

자의적 해석의 여지

— Room or possibility for arbitrary interpretation. Often used to criticize vague language.

이 조항은 자의적 해석의 여지가 많습니다.

자의적 전횡

— Arbitrary tyranny or abuse of power. A very formal political term.

왕의 자의적 전횡에 백성들이 고통받았다.

언어의 자의성

— The arbitrariness of language. A standard linguistic concept.

언어의 자의성은 언어학의 기본 원리입니다.

자의적 법 집행

— Arbitrary enforcement of the law. A common legal criticism.

자의적 법 집행은 인권 침해로 이어집니다.

자의적 편집

— Arbitrary editing. Used when someone changes a text to suit their view.

기사의 자의적 편집은 진실을 왜곡합니다.

자의적인 태도

— An arbitrary attitude. Describing someone who acts on whim.

그의 자의적인 태도가 팀원들을 힘들게 한다.

자의적으로 규정하다

— To define something arbitrarily.

행복을 자의적으로 규정하기는 어렵습니다.

자의적 선택

— An arbitrary choice.

그것은 논리적인 선택이 아니라 자의적 선택이었다.

자의적 기준 적용

— Applying arbitrary standards.

자의적 기준 적용은 불공정 시비를 낳습니다.

자의적 권력

— Arbitrary power.

자의적 권력은 부패하기 쉽습니다.

容易混淆的词

자의적 vs 자발적

Means 'voluntary' (doing something by choice). '자의적' is 'arbitrary' (doing something without rules).

자의적 vs 자유적

Means 'free' or 'liberal'. '자의적' is about a lack of system, not political freedom.

자의적 vs 창의적

Means 'creative'. Sounds similar but has a totally different meaning (positive vs. negative/neutral).

习语与表达

"귀에 걸면 귀걸이 코에 걸면 코걸이"

— An idiom describing something that can be interpreted in any way one likes (arbitrarily).

이 법은 귀에 걸면 귀걸이 코에 걸면 코걸이식으로 자의적 해석이 가능하다.

Colloquial/Idiomatic

"내키는 대로"

— Doing as one feels at the moment; acting on a whim.

그는 내키는 대로 행동하는 경향이 있다.

Neutral

"제멋대로 하다"

— To do as one pleases without regard for others or rules.

아이들이 제멋대로 놀게 두지 마세요.

Informal

"입맛대로"

— According to one's taste/preference (often used for selective choosing).

정보를 입맛대로 골라 자의적으로 해석했다.

Informal/Criticism

"마음 내키는 대로"

— As one's heart desires; whimsically.

마음 내키는 대로 여행을 떠났다.

Neutral

"엿장수 마음대로"

— Literal: 'As the taffy seller pleases.' Meaning: Entirely up to the person in charge, without a rule.

가격이 엿장수 마음대로라 자의적이다.

Colloquial

"독불장군"

— A person who acts alone and ignores others' opinions.

그는 독불장군처럼 자의적인 결정을 내린다.

Neutral/Critical

"고무줄 잣대"

— A 'rubber ruler'; a standard that stretches and shrinks arbitrarily.

정부의 고무줄 잣대식 자의적 행정을 비판한다.

Journalistic

"자기 식대로"

— In one's own way.

그는 모든 문제를 자기 식대로 자의적으로 푼다.

Neutral

"뜬구름 잡기"

— Chasing floating clouds; something groundless or arbitrary.

그의 계획은 뜬구름 잡기처럼 자의적이다.

Colloquial

容易混淆

자의적 vs 임의적

Both can mean 'at will'.

'임의적' is more technical/neutral (discretionary), while '자의적' is often critical (arbitrary).

임의적 탈퇴 (neutral) vs 자의적 탈퇴 (implies whim).

자의적 vs 무작위

Both imply a lack of a specific pattern.

'무작위' is mathematical randomness. '자의적' involves human intent/whim.

무작위 추출 (random sampling) vs 자의적 추출 (biased sampling).

자의적 vs 독단적

Both involve making decisions alone.

'독단적' focuses on not listening to others. '자의적' focuses on not following rules.

독단적 리더십 vs 자의적 규칙 적용.

자의적 vs 주관적

Both relate to personal perspective.

'주관적' is a neutral description of feelings. '자의적' is a critique of a lack of objectivity.

주관적 취향 vs 자의적 심사.

자의적 vs 제멋대로

Same meaning in essence.

'제멋대로' is informal and rude. '자의적' is the formal, academic version.

제멋대로 구네 (slangy) vs 자의적인 태도입니다 (formal).

句型

N이/가 자의적이라는 비판을 받다

그의 결정이 자의적이라는 비판을 받았다.

N의 자의적 해석의 여지를 없애다

계약서에서 자의적 해석의 여지를 없애야 합니다.

자의적으로 V-아/어서는 안 된다

법을 자의적으로 해석해서는 안 된다.

자의적 전횡을 일삼다

그는 자의적 전횡을 일삼는 지도자였다.

자의적인 기준에 따라 N

자의적인 기준에 따라 등급을 매겼다.

자의적 판단에 근거하다

이 보고서는 자의적 판단에 근거하고 있다.

자의적 배제를 경계하다

우리는 소수자에 대한 자의적 배제를 경계해야 한다.

너무 자의적이에요

이 게임 규칙은 너무 자의적이에요.

词族

名词

자의성 Arbitrariness

자의 One's own will/intent

动词

자의적으로 하다 To do something arbitrarily

形容词

자의적이다 To be arbitrary

如何使用

frequency

High in written media and formal speech; Low in daily conversation.

常见错误

Using '자의적' to mean 'voluntary'. → 자발적
Confusing '자의' (one's own will) with '자발' (volunteering). '자의적' is usually negative.
Using '자의적' for 'random numbers'. → 무작위
'자의적' requires a human will/intent. Math is '무작위'.
Pronouncing '자의적' as '자이적' in a formal speech. → 자의적 (ui)
While 'i' is common in speech, 'ui' is expected in formal presentations.
Using '자의적' to describe a creative person. → 창의적
Phonetically similar, but '창의적' is a compliment; '자의적' is usually a criticism.
Saying '자의적인 취향'. → 주관적인 취향
Taste is 'subjective' (주관적), not 'arbitrary' (자의적).

小贴士

Formal Writing

When writing a formal complaint or an essay, use '자의적' to point out inconsistencies. It makes your argument sound more intellectual and grounded.

The 'Ui' Sound

If you struggle with '의', just pronounce it as 'ee'. Most Koreans will understand you perfectly, and it's how it's naturally said in fast conversation.

Hanja Power

Remembering 恣 (자 - unrestrained) will help you understand other difficult words like '방자하다' (to be impudent/unrestrained).

Adverbial Use

Don't forget the form '자의적으로'. It's the most common way to describe HOW someone is acting unfairly.

Context Clues

If you see '자의적' in a news headline, look for words like '논란' (controversy) or '비판' (criticism) nearby.

Debating

In a debate, use the phrase '그것은 지극히 자의적인 판단입니다' (That is an extremely arbitrary judgment) to challenge your opponent's logic.

Social Justice

In Korea, this word is often used by activists to call for more '공정성' (fairness) in society.

Language Study

If you study Korean language theory, you'll see this word in the very first chapter about the nature of signs.

Choose Wisely

Don't use '자의적' when you mean 'optional'. Use '임의적' for things like 'optional settings' on your phone.

The Judge

Keep the image of the 'Arbitrary Judge' in your mind. Every time you see this word, think of that unfair judge.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'JA' (Self) and 'UI' (Will). 'JA-UI-JEOK' is when you use your 'Self-Will' to break the 'JE-DO' (System).

视觉联想

Imagine a judge throwing away a law book and using a coin flip to decide a case. That coin flip is '자의적'.

Word Web

자의적 해석 자의적 판단 자의적 기준 자의적 권력 자의적 선택 자의적 행사 자의적 분류 자의적 편집

挑战

Try to find one news article today where a decision is criticized. Ask yourself: Is this '자의적'? Why?

词源

From Middle Chinese 恣意的. 恣 (zì) + 意 (yì) + 的 (de).

原始含义： To act according to one's own thoughts without any restraint.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

文化背景

Avoid using this word to describe a person's personality directly (e.g., '너는 자의적이야') as it sounds like a very formal, cold accusation. Use '변덕스러워' (fickle) instead for personality.

In English, 'arbitrary' can sometimes be neutral (like an arbitrary number), but in Korean, '자의적' almost always sounds like a critique in social settings.

Ferdinand de Saussure's 'Arbitrariness of the Sign' (언어의 자의성). The movie 'The Attorney' (변호인) discusses the arbitrary application of national security laws. Legal debates regarding the South Korean Constitution often focus on preventing '자의적 차별' (arbitrary discrimination).

在生活中练习

真实语境

Legal Disputes

자의적 법 해석
자의적 권력 행사
자의적 구금
자의적 차별

Academic Research

자의적 데이터 선택
자의적 표본 추출
자의적 정의
자의적 구성

Office/Management

자의적 인사 고과
자의적 업무 처리
자의적 예산 집행
자의적 목표 설정

Art/Literature Criticism

자의적 작품 해석
자의적 결말
자의적 캐릭터 설정
자의적 서사

Linguistics

언어의 자의성
자의적 기호
자의적 연결
자의적 명명

对话开场白

"이번 판결이 너무 자의적이라고 생각하지 않으세요?"

"회사 규정이 너무 자의적으로 적용되는 것 같아요."

"언어의 자의성에 대해 들어본 적이 있나요?"

"데이터를 자의적으로 편집하는 것은 큰 문제라고 봅니다."

"어떻게 하면 자의적인 판단을 줄일 수 있을까요?"

日记主题

내가 과거에 내렸던 결정 중 가장 자의적이었던 것은 무엇인가요?

우리 사회에서 자의적인 권력 행사가 가장 심한 곳은 어디라고 생각하나요?

자의적인 기준이 아닌 객관적인 기준으로 평가받는 것이 왜 중요한지 써 보세요.

만약 세상의 모든 법이 자의적으로 해석된다면 어떤 일이 벌어질까요?

나의 예술적 취향은 자의적인가요, 아니면 어떤 논리가 있나요?

常见问题

10 个问题

In social and legal contexts, yes, it usually implies unfairness. However, in linguistics, it is a neutral term describing the nature of language (언어의 자의성).

It's better to use '변덕스러운' (fickle) or '자기중심적인' (self-centered). '자의적' describes actions or decisions more than personality.

The best antonyms are '객관적' (objective), '합리적' (rational), or '필연적' (inevitable).

In formal settings, try to pronounce it as 'ui'. In casual speech, most Koreans pronounce it as 'i' (ee), so 'ja-i-jeok' is common.

Yes, it's used to criticize vague policies, unfair evaluations, or inconsistent management decisions.

Yes, but the Hanja is 恣 (unrestrained), not the common 自 (self), though they are related in meaning.

Yes. 'Random' is often '무작위'. 'Arbitrary' is '자의적'. 'Arbitrary' implies a human choice was made, while 'random' can be purely accidental.

No, that sounds strange. Use '주관적인 취향' or just '독특한 취미' (unique hobby).

Yes, it frequently appears in the reading and listening sections of TOPIK II (Level 5 and 6).

It means the wording is so vague that anyone can interpret it however they want to benefit themselves.

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