염두에 두다
염두에 두다 30秒了解
- To bear in mind or consider strategically.
- Commonly used with the object particle ~을/를 and location ~에.
- Indicates that a thought is guiding current actions.
- More formal and strategic than simple 'thinking.'
The Korean expression 염두에 두다 (yeom-du-e du-da) is a sophisticated and essential idiomatic verb phrase that every intermediate to advanced learner should master. At its core, it translates to 'to bear in mind,' 'to keep in mind,' or 'to have something in one's thoughts.' However, its usage goes far beyond a simple act of remembering. It implies a conscious, active state of mental retention where a specific fact, possibility, or person's feelings are used as a constant reference point for one's actions and decisions.
- Etymological Root
- The word 염두 (念頭) consists of two Hanja characters: 념 (念) meaning 'thought' or 'mindfulness' and 두 (頭) meaning 'head.' Literally, it refers to the 'head of the mind' or the 'forefront of one's thoughts.' When you 'put' (두다) something there, you are placing it where it can be easily seen and consulted.
- Contextual Application
- This phrase is ubiquitous in professional settings, formal advice, and serious personal discussions. In a business meeting, you might hear it used to ensure that budget constraints or deadlines are not forgotten. In personal relationships, it signifies a level of consideration and respect—showing that you are factoring another person's situation into your plans.
“항상 고객의 안전을 염두에 두고 일해야 합니다.”
(You must work while always keeping the customer's safety in mind.)
Unlike the basic verb 생각하다 (to think), which can describe a fleeting thought, 염두에 두다 suggests a durable mental state. It is the difference between 'thinking about a problem' and 'keeping a problem in mind' as you look for solutions. It carries a sense of responsibility and strategic foresight. For example, if you are planning a trip, you must keep the weather in mind. In Korean, saying '날씨를 염두에 두다' sounds much more deliberate and prepared than just '날씨를 생각하다.'
“그는 은퇴를 염두에 두고 저축을 시작했다.”
(He started saving money with retirement in mind.)
In summary, this phrase is used when an objective, a person, or a condition serves as a guiding principle for a set of actions. It is formal yet warm, professional yet personal. Whether you are discussing a future career move, a social engagement, or a political strategy, '염두에 두다' provides the linguistic precision needed to describe complex human intentionality.
Grammatically, 염두에 두다 functions as a transitive verb phrase. The most critical grammatical component is the object particle ~을/를, which marks the thing being kept in mind, followed by the location particle ~에 attached to 염두. The structure is almost always [Object] + 을/를 염두에 두다.
- The Role of '에'
- The particle '에' is non-negotiable here. It indicates the figurative 'place' (the mind) where the thought is being kept. Omitting it or replacing it with other particles like '를' (e.g., 염두를 두다) is a common mistake for learners but sounds unnatural to native speakers.
- Tense and Formality
- Because this phrase is often used in advice or planning, it frequently appears in the progressive form (~고 있다), the imperative (~어라/세요), or the purposive (~기 위해). For instance, 'keeping in mind' is '염두에 두고 있다,' while 'please keep in mind' is '염두에 두시기 바랍니다.'
“우리는 최악의 상황을 염두에 두어야 합니다.”
(We must keep the worst-case scenario in mind.)
When used in a sentence, it often acts as a modifier for the main verb. You are doing [Action X] while keeping [Y] in mind. This is often expressed using the -고 connective. For example: '실패 가능성을 염두에 두고 계획을 세웠다' (I made a plan while keeping the possibility of failure in mind). Here, the act of planning is influenced by the mental state of considering failure.
“이 점을 염두에 두시면 도움이 될 것입니다.”
(It will be helpful if you keep this point in mind.)
In more advanced syntax, you might see it nominalized as '염두에 둠' in bullet points or reports. For example, '환경 보호를 염두에 둠' (Keeping environmental protection in mind). Whether you are writing a formal essay or speaking to a colleague, ensuring the correct particle usage and placement of the object will make your Korean sound polished and professional.
You will encounter 염두에 두다 in a variety of high-stakes and formal environments. It is a favorite of news anchors, politicians, corporate leaders, and educators. Because it conveys a sense of careful consideration, it is the perfect phrase for public discourse and strategic communication.
- In the News and Media
- News reports frequently use this phrase when discussing government policies or international relations. A reporter might say, 'The government is drafting the law with the aging population in mind' (정부는 고령화를 염두에 두고 법안을 마련하고 있습니다). It suggests that the policy isn't random but is a calculated response to a known factor.
- In Business and Workplace
- During project planning or performance reviews, this phrase is used to highlight priorities. A boss might tell an employee, 'Keep the deadline in mind when you work' (마감 기한을 염두에 두고 작업하세요). It is a polite yet firm way to set expectations and ensure that the employee's focus remains on the most critical elements of the task.
“우리는 항상 다음 세대를 염두에 두어야 합니다.”
(We must always keep the next generation in mind.)
You will also hear this in academic settings. Professors use it when explaining complex theories, asking students to keep certain foundational principles in mind as they delve into more difficult material. It serves as a mental anchor for the listener. Furthermore, in self-help literature or motivational speeches, authors often encourage people to 'keep their goals in mind' (목표를 염두에 두다) to maintain focus and drive.
“상대방의 기분을 염두에 두고 말하세요.”
(Speak while keeping the other person's feelings in mind.)
Whether it is a legal document specifying that 'all possibilities were kept in mind' or a doctor advising a patient to keep certain lifestyle changes in mind, this phrase is a marker of serious, high-level Korean communication. If you want to move beyond basic conversation and engage with Korean media and professional life, recognizing and using '염두에 두다' is a vital step.
While 염두에 두다 is a powerful phrase, it is also a minefield for common learner errors. Most mistakes stem from confusing the particles, the noun itself, or mixing it up with similar-sounding expressions. Understanding these pitfalls will help you use the phrase with the precision of a native speaker.
- Mistake 1: The Missing '에'
- Many learners try to treat '염두' as a direct object and say '염두를 두다.' This is technically incorrect. '염두' is the location where you are putting the thought, so the location particle '에' is required. Think of it like 'putting something *in* the mind.' You wouldn't say 'put the mind something' in English, and you shouldn't omit the 'in' (에) in Korean.
- Mistake 2: Confusing with '마음에 두다'
- This is the most common confusion. While both involve 'the mind,' 마음에 두다 often implies harboring a grudge, having a secret crush, or being deeply affected by something emotionally. 염두에 두다 is cognitive and strategic; 마음에 두다 is emotional and personal. If you say you 'kept a project in your heart' (마음에 두다), it sounds like you are in love with the project, rather than just considering it for your schedule.
❌ “그는 성공을 염두를 두었다.” (Incorrect particle)
✅ “그는 성공을 염두에 두었다.” (Correct particle)
Another error is using it for trivial, short-term things. You wouldn't usually say '염두에 두다' for remembering to buy milk at the store in five minutes; that's just 잊지 마세요 (don't forget). Use '염두에 두다' for things that require ongoing consideration or have significant consequences. It is a 'heavy' phrase, and using it for small things can sound overly dramatic or stiff.
❌ “내 말을 마음에 두지 마세요.” (Means: 'Don't take my words to heart/be offended')
✅ “내 말을 염두에 두지 마세요.” (Means: 'You don't need to consider my words/ignore them')
Finally, be careful with the object particle. If you are keeping a *possibility* in mind, it is '가능성을 염두에 두다.' Learners sometimes forget the object marker entirely, making the sentence structure collapse. By paying attention to these small but vital details, you can ensure that your use of this high-level idiom is both accurate and natural.
While 염두에 두다 is an excellent phrase, Korean offers several alternatives that carry slightly different nuances. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality, the emotional weight, and the specific context of your conversation.
- 1. 고려하다 (To Consider)
- This is perhaps the closest synonym in a professional context. 고려하다 is more about the analytical process of weighing options. If '염두에 두다' is 'keeping it in the mind,' '고려하다' is 'thinking it over.' You use '고려하다' when you are actively deciding whether or not to include something in a plan.
- 2. 유념하다 (To Be Mindful/Keep in Mind)
- This is a more formal, Sino-Korean verb. It is often used in warnings or formal instructions. While '염두에 두다' is common in speech, '유념하다' is very common in written notices, like 'Please be mindful of the gap' on a subway platform (틈새에 유념하시기 바랍니다).
“여러 가지 가능성을 고려하고 있습니다.”
(We are considering various possibilities.)
For more casual settings, you might simply use 생각하다 (to think/consider). If you are telling a friend to keep something in mind, '한번 생각해 봐' (think about it) is much more natural than the stiff '염두에 둬.' Another alternative is 잊지 않다 (to not forget), which is a simpler way to convey the same basic instruction without the cognitive 'weight' of 염두.
“주의 사항을 유념해 주십시오.”
(Please keep the precautions in mind.)
Understanding these distinctions allows you to tailor your Korean to the situation. While '염두에 두다' is a 'Swiss Army knife' phrase that works in many intermediate-to-advanced contexts, knowing when to switch to the analytical '고려하다' or the instructional '유념하다' will significantly elevate your fluency and help you convey your exact intentions.
趣味小知识
In old Buddhist texts, '염두' was used to describe the state of being fully present and mindful of one's thoughts. Today, it has shifted into a more general strategic and social context.
发音指南
- Pronouncing '염' as 'yum' like the English word for tasty. It should be a shorter, more neutral 'eo' sound.
- Over-emphasizing the '에' particle.
按水平分级的例句
약속 시간을 염두에 두세요.
Keep the appointment time in mind.
염두 (mind) + 에 (in) + 두다 (put). Use '세요' for a polite command.
건강을 염두에 두어야 해요.
You must keep your health in mind.
~어야 해요 means 'must/should.'
엄마 말씀을 염두에 둬요.
Keep what mom said in mind.
'둬요' is the casual-polite contraction of '두어요.'
이 점을 염두에 두세요.
Please keep this point in mind.
'이 점' means 'this point' or 'this aspect.'
날씨를 염두에 두고 가세요.
Go while keeping the weather in mind.
~고 indicates doing the first action while the second is happening.
안전을 염두에 두세요.
Keep safety in mind.
'안전' is a common noun meaning 'safety.'
공부를 염두에 두어야 합니다.
You must keep studying in mind.
'합니다' is the formal-polite ending.
비밀을 염두에 두세요.
Keep the secret in mind.
'비밀' means 'secret.'
여행 갈 때 돈을 염두에 두세요.
Keep money in mind when you go on a trip.
~을 때 means 'when.'
선생님 조언을 염두에 두고 있어요.
I am keeping the teacher's advice in mind.
~고 있다 indicates a progressive state.
실수를 염두에 두지 마세요.
Don't keep the mistake in mind (Don't dwell on it).
~지 마세요 means 'don't.'
가족의 행복을 항상 염두에 둡니다.
I always keep my family's happiness in mind.
'항상' means 'always.'
이름을 염두에 두려고 노력해요.
I try to keep the name in mind.
~으려고 노력하다 means 'to try to do something.'
다음 계획을 염두에 두어야 해요.
You must keep the next plan in mind.
'다음' means 'next.'
그의 기분을 염두에 두고 말했어요.
I spoke while keeping his feelings in mind.
Past tense: 두었다 -> 두었다 -> 두었다.
성적을 염두에 두고 공부해요.
I study with my grades in mind.
'성적' means 'grades' or 'results.'
이사할 때 위치를 염두에 두어야 합니다.
You must keep the location in mind when moving.
'위치' (location) is the object.
취직을 염두에 두고 자격증을 땄어요.
I got a certificate with getting a job in mind.
'취직' (getting a job) is the goal.
상대방의 입장을 염두에 두는 것이 중요해요.
It is important to keep the other person's perspective in mind.
~는 것 means 'the act of.'
예산 부족을 염두에 두고 계획을 세우세요.
Make a plan while keeping the budget shortage in mind.
'예산 부족' means 'budget shortage.'
그는 이직을 염두에 두고 영어를 배웁니다.
He learns English with changing jobs in mind.
'이직' means 'changing jobs.'
여러 가지 변수를 염두에 두어야 해요.
We must keep various variables in mind.
'변수' means 'variables.'
나중에 생길 문제를 염두에 두세요.
Keep the problems that will arise later in mind.
~ㄹ/을 명사 means a future-tense noun modifier.
결혼을 염두에 두고 사귀고 있어요.
We are dating with marriage in mind.
'사귀다' means 'to date/be in a relationship.'
정부는 인구 감소를 염두에 두고 정책을 세웠다.
The government established policies with population decline in mind.
Formal narrative style (plain form).
그 영화는 해외 시장을 염두에 두고 제작되었다.
The movie was produced with the overseas market in mind.
Passive voice: 제작되다 (to be produced).
실패할 가능성도 염두에 두어야 실망하지 않아요.
You must keep the possibility of failure in mind so you won't be disappointed.
~어야 ... ~지 않다 structure.
이 제품은 노인층을 염두에 두고 디자인되었습니다.
This product was designed with the elderly in mind.
'노인층' means 'the elderly demographic.'
그는 정치 입문을 염두에 두고 활동을 넓히고 있다.
He is expanding his activities with entering politics in mind.
'입문' means 'entry' or 'introduction.'
효율성을 염두에 두면 작업 속도가 빨라집니다.
If you keep efficiency in mind, the work speed increases.
~면 means 'if.'
우리는 환경 보호를 항상 염두에 두어야 합니다.
We must always keep environmental protection in mind.
Formal '합니다' style.
부작용을 염두에 두고 약을 복용하세요.
Take the medicine while keeping the side effects in mind.
'부작용' means 'side effects.'
작가로서 독자의 반응을 염두에 두지 않을 수 없다.
As a writer, one cannot help but keep the readers' reactions in mind.
~지 않을 수 없다 means 'cannot help but.'
그 발언은 내년 선거를 염두에 둔 포석으로 보인다.
That remark seems to be a strategic move with next year's election in mind.
'포석' is a Go term meaning a strategic move.
기업들은 소비자 트렌드를 염두에 두고 신제품을 개발한다.
Companies develop new products while keeping consumer trends in mind.
'트렌드' is the loanword for 'trend.'
역사의 교훈을 염두에 두지 않는 민족에게 미래는 없다.
There is no future for a nation that does not keep the lessons of history in mind.
~는 명사 is a present-tense modifier.
그는 은퇴 후의 삶을 염두에 두고 노후 자금을 마련했다.
He prepared retirement funds with life after retirement in mind.
'노후 자금' means 'retirement funds.'
법안 발의 시 형평성을 염두에 두어야 논란을 줄일 수 있다.
Controversy can be reduced only if fairness is kept in mind when proposing a bill.
'형평성' means 'fairness' or 'equity.'
그 감독은 관객의 몰입도를 염두에 두고 연출을 맡았다.
The director took charge of the production with the audience's level of immersion in mind.
'몰입도' means 'degree of immersion.'
지속 가능한 발전을 염두에 둔 도시 계획이 필요하다.
City planning with sustainable development in mind is necessary.
'지속 가능한' means 'sustainable.'
그의 행보는 차기 대권을 염두에 둔 고도의 정치적 계산이다.
His actions are a highly political calculation with the next presidential power in mind.
'대권' refers to presidential power.
문화적 차이를 염두에 두지 않은 소통은 오해를 불러일으키기 십상이다.
Communication that doesn't keep cultural differences in mind is likely to cause misunderstandings.
~기 십상이다 means 'to be likely to/easy to.'
학문적 엄밀성을 염두에 두고 논문을 작성해야 한다.
One must write a thesis while keeping academic rigor in mind.
'엄밀성' means 'rigor' or 'strictness.'
인간의 존엄성을 염두에 두지 않는 기술 발전은 위험하다.
Technological advancement that does not keep human dignity in mind is dangerous.
'존엄성' means 'dignity.'
글로벌 경쟁력을 염두에 둔 인재 육성이 시급한 과제다.
Nurturing talent with global competitiveness in mind is an urgent task.
'인재 육성' means 'nurturing talent.'
그는 자신의 사회적 지위를 염두에 두고 행동을 조심했다.
He was careful with his actions, keeping his social status in mind.
'사회적 지위' means 'social status.'
자원의 유한성을 염두에 둔 소비 습관이 정착되어야 한다.
Consumption habits that keep the finiteness of resources in mind must be established.
'유한성' means 'finiteness.'
철학적 사유를 염두에 둔 문학 작품은 깊은 울림을 준다.
Literary works that keep philosophical thought in mind provide a deep resonance.
'사유' means 'deep thought' or 'contemplation.'
常见搭配
常用短语
— To be currently keeping something in mind.
그 문제를 염두에 두고 있습니다.
— Must keep something in mind.
이 점을 꼭 염두에 두어야 합니다.
— To not consider or not care about something.
그는 남의 시선을 염두에 두지 않아요.
— A polite way to ask someone to keep something in mind.
변경 사항을 염두에 두시기 바랍니다.
— A remark made with a specific intention or person in mind.
그것은 나를 염두에 둔 발언이었다.
— An action taken with a specific goal in mind.
그녀의 모든 행동은 성공을 염두에 둔 것이었다.
— A plan made with specific factors considered.
철저히 미래를 염두에 둔 계획입니다.
— A choice made with a specific outcome in mind.
그것은 실용성을 염두에 둔 선택이었다.
— A design made with a specific target audience in mind.
사용자 편의를 염두에 둔 디자인입니다.
— A policy made with a specific issue in mind.
저출산을 염두에 둔 정책입니다.
习语与表达
— To not have the slightest intention or thought of something.
그는 결혼은 염두에도 없다.
Neutral— To ignore or not care.
그는 비난을 염두에 두지 않았다.
Neutral— To harbor a grudge or have feelings for someone.
그 일을 아직도 마음에 두고 있니?
Emotional— To lose someone's favor (not related to '염두' but often confused contextually).
상사 눈 밖에 나면 힘들어진다.
Informal— To visualize something in one's mind.
미래를 머릿속에 그려 보세요.
Creative— To deeply cherish or remember.
선생님의 가르침을 가슴에 새겼다.
Formal— To listen carefully (related to keeping in mind).
내 말을 귀담아들어라.
Neutral— To hear something and immediately forget it (antonym context).
내 충고를 한 귀로 듣고 흘리지 마.
Informal— To focus or come to one's senses.
정신 차리고 내 말을 염두에 둬!
Informal— To feel something to the bone (deeply realize).
실패를 통해 건강의 소중함을 뼈저리게 느꼈다.
Emphatic词族
名词
动词
相关
记住它
记忆技巧
Think of 'Yeom' as 'Your Mind' and 'Du' as 'Do' (put). So, 'In Your Mind, Do Put it.'
视觉联想
Imagine a small sticky note placed right on your forehead (the 'head' of your mind) so you never forget it.
词源
Derived from Hanja: 念 (Yeom - thought/mindfulness) and 頭 (Du - head). It literally means 'at the head of one's thoughts.'
原始含义: The very beginning or the most prominent part of one's consciousness.
Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).Summary
'염두에 두다' is the go-to phrase for expressing that you are factoring something important into your plans. Example: '성공을 염두에 두고 노력하세요' (Work hard with success in mind).
- To bear in mind or consider strategically.
- Commonly used with the object particle ~을/를 and location ~에.
- Indicates that a thought is guiding current actions.
- More formal and strategic than simple 'thinking.'
相关内容
更多general词汇
몇몇
A2几个; 一些.
조금
A1我只会说一点点韩语。 (한국어를 조금밖에 못 해요.)
적게
A1少,少量地。用于描述动作的分量较少。
약간
A2稍微;一点儿。用于描述数量少或程度轻。
많이
A1很多 / 非常。 “吃了很多” (많이 먹었어요)。 “非常忙” (많이 바빠요)。
잠시
A2一会儿;片刻。“请稍等一下。” (잠시만 기다려 주세요.) “我一会儿就回来。” (잠시 후에 돌아오겠습니다.)
잠깐
A2For a short time; a moment.
아까
A2刚才,不久前。我刚才在楼下看到他了。
대해
A2意思是“关于”或“有关”。用于引入谈话、思考或研究的主题。
~에 대해서
A2关于;对于。