미세먼지
Fine particulate matter in the air that is harmful to health. It is a major environmental and health topic in IELTS, especially regarding air quality and urban living.
Examples
3 of 5대기 중 미세먼지는 호흡기 질환의 주요 원인으로 지목된다.
Fine dust in the atmosphere is pointed out as a major cause of respiratory diseases.
정부는 미세먼지 저감을 위해 노후 경유차 운행을 제한하고 있습니다.
The government is restricting the operation of old diesel cars to reduce fine dust.
최근 미세먼지 때문에 공기 청정기 판매량이 급증했습니다.
Sales of air purifiers have soared recently due to fine dust.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Mi-se (Fine/Tiny) + Meon-ji (Dust). Tiny, tiny dust.
Quick Quiz
공장과 자동차에서 배출되는 매연은 ( )의 주요 발생원이다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 미세먼지
Examples
대기 중 미세먼지는 호흡기 질환의 주요 원인으로 지목된다.
academicFine dust in the atmosphere is pointed out as a major cause of respiratory diseases.
정부는 미세먼지 저감을 위해 노후 경유차 운행을 제한하고 있습니다.
formalThe government is restricting the operation of old diesel cars to reduce fine dust.
최근 미세먼지 때문에 공기 청정기 판매량이 급증했습니다.
businessSales of air purifiers have soared recently due to fine dust.
오늘 미세먼지가 너무 심해서 마스크를 꼭 써야겠어.
everydayThe fine dust is so bad today, I definitely need to wear a mask.
미세먼지 없는 맑은 하늘을 본 게 언제인지 모르겠네.
informalI don't know when I last saw a clear sky without fine dust.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
미세먼지가 심하다
fine dust is severe
미세먼지를 마시다
to breathe in fine dust
미세먼지 대책
fine dust measures
Often Confused With
Yellow dust (황사) is natural sand from deserts; 미세먼지 often includes man-made pollutants.
Usage Notes
Very relevant for IELTS Task 2 essays on urban problems or environmental protection.
Common Mistakes
Do not confuse with '먼지' (general dust). '미세먼지' specifically refers to the harmful atmospheric pollutant.
Memory Tip
Mi-se (Fine/Tiny) + Meon-ji (Dust). Tiny, tiny dust.
Word Origin
From Sino-Korean 微細 (fine/tiny) + native Korean 먼지 (dust).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Korea, checking the 'fine dust app' every morning is a common daily routine.
Quick Quiz
공장과 자동차에서 배출되는 매연은 ( )의 주요 발생원이다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 미세먼지
More environment words
지속 가능하다
B2Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level. In modern contexts, it often refers to environmental sustainability—conserving an ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources.
고갈되다
B2To be completely used up or exhausted, so that nothing remains. Often used for natural resources, funds, or human energy.
인위적
B2Not occurring naturally; created, caused, or influenced by human activity or intervention.
재생에너지
B2Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
대기오염
B2The presence in or introduction into the air of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.
재생가능하다
B2Able to be used again or replaced naturally so that it is never finished or used up; specifically referring to energy sources.
배출하다
B2To emit, discharge, or release substances (like gas or waste); also used metaphorically to produce talented people.
감축하다
B2To reduce or cut down the quantity, volume, or size of something, often used for budgets, personnel, or emissions.
배출
B2The act of sending out or releasing substances such as gas, heat, or waste into the environment. It is a critical term in discussions about climate change and pollution.
대기
B1The envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet. It is essential for describing air pollution and environmental issues in IELTS.
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