B2 noun Neutral

통념

[tʰo̞ŋɲjʌ̹m]

A common belief or a general idea widely accepted by the public, often used when challenging those ideas.

Examples

3 of 5
1

일반적인 통념과는 다른 결과가 나왔다.

Results came out differently from the general notion.

2

전통적 통념에 따르면 교육은 학교에서만 이루어진다.

According to traditional common belief, education only happens in schools.

3

그건 그냥 사람들이 다 그렇게 생각하는 통념일 뿐이야.

That's just a common belief that everyone thinks.

Word Family

Noun
통념
💡

Memory Tip

Tong (general/all) + Nyeom (thought) = Thoughts shared by all.

Quick Quiz

성별에 대한 사회적 ____이 변하고 있다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 통념

Examples

1

일반적인 통념과는 다른 결과가 나왔다.

everyday

Results came out differently from the general notion.

2

전통적 통념에 따르면 교육은 학교에서만 이루어진다.

formal

According to traditional common belief, education only happens in schools.

3

그건 그냥 사람들이 다 그렇게 생각하는 통념일 뿐이야.

informal

That's just a common belief that everyone thinks.

4

과학적 발견은 종종 대중적 통념에 반한다.

academic

Scientific discoveries often go against popular notions.

5

고정관념과 사회적 통념을 깨는 마케팅이 유행이다.

business

Marketing that breaks stereotypes and social norms is in vogue.

Word Family

Noun
통념

Common Collocations

사회적 통념 social norm/common belief
일반적 통념 general notion
통념을 깨다 to break a common belief
통념에 반하다 to go against common belief
통념을 뒤집다 to overturn a common belief

Common Phrases

잘못된 통념

misconception

통념상의 이유

reasons of common belief

시대적 통념

notions of the times

Often Confused With

통념 vs 고정관념

Gojeong-gwannyeom (stereotype) is more negative and rigid, while tongnyeom is a neutral term for a shared belief.

📝

Usage Notes

Very useful for IELTS Task 2 introductions: 'Contrary to popular belief...' (일반적인 통념과는 달리...)

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Often used as '사회적 통념' to describe cultural expectations.

💡

Memory Tip

Tong (general/all) + Nyeom (thought) = Thoughts shared by all.

📖

Word Origin

From Hanja 通 (to pass through/common) and 念 (thought).

Grammar Patterns

~라는 통념 통념에 따르면
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Cultural Context

Korean society has strong 'social norms' (사회적 통념) regarding age and hierarchy.

Quick Quiz

성별에 대한 사회적 ____이 변하고 있다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 통념

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