개성
The quality or character that makes a person or thing different from others. It refers to individuality or a unique personality.
Examples
3 of 5요즘 사람들은 개성 있는 옷차림을 선호한다.
Nowadays, people prefer creative/individualistic styles of dress.
브랜드의 개성을 살린 광고 전략이 필요합니다.
An advertising strategy that emphasizes the brand's individuality is needed.
집단주의 문화 속에서도 개성을 존중하는 태도가 늘고 있다.
Even within a collectivist culture, attitudes of respecting individuality are increasing.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Gae (Individual) + Seong (Nature) = Individual nature.
Quick Quiz
교복은 학생들의 ______을 표현하는 데 한계가 있다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 개성
Examples
요즘 사람들은 개성 있는 옷차림을 선호한다.
everydayNowadays, people prefer creative/individualistic styles of dress.
브랜드의 개성을 살린 광고 전략이 필요합니다.
businessAn advertising strategy that emphasizes the brand's individuality is needed.
집단주의 문화 속에서도 개성을 존중하는 태도가 늘고 있다.
academicEven within a collectivist culture, attitudes of respecting individuality are increasing.
개성이 뚜렷한 연기력을 보여주었습니다.
formalYou showed acting skills with distinct individuality.
너는 정말 개성이 넘치는 것 같아.
informalI think you're overflowing with individuality.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
개성 시대
the age of individuality
개성 강한
having a strong personality
개성 만점
full of character (perfect score in individuality)
Often Confused With
Seonggyeok is one's internal personality/temperament, while gaeseong is the visible uniqueness or individuality that sets one apart.
Usage Notes
Common in IELTS Speaking Part 1 or Writing Task 2 when discussing fashion, culture, or education.
Common Mistakes
Often used as 'gaeseong' when people mean 'fashion' (paesyeon), but it's broader.
Memory Tip
Gae (Individual) + Seong (Nature) = Individual nature.
Word Origin
From Hanja 個性 (individual nature).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Korean society has historically been collectivist, but the younger generation (MZ generation) highly values 'gaeseong'.
Quick Quiz
교복은 학생들의 ______을 표현하는 데 한계가 있다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 개성
Related Vocabulary
More culture words
전통
B1A belief, custom, or way of doing something that has existed for a long time among a particular group of people. Often appears in culture and history topics.
보편화되다
B2To become widespread, generalized, or common among the general public.
변모하다
B2To change into a different appearance, shape, or character. It suggests a significant transformation or evolution over time.
고유
B2Belonging specifically to a particular person, place, or thing; unique and inherent.
대중적
B1Relating to or intended for the general public; popular among many people.
문화적
B1Relating to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a society. It covers arts, traditions, and the collective lifestyle of a group.
전통적
B1Produced, done, or used in accordance with tradition; long-established. Used for comparing the past and present.
체험하다
B1To experience something personally or go through a particular event firsthand. It emphasizes practical experience over theoretical knowledge.
유산
B1Something handed down from the past, such as cultural traditions, natural sites, or property inherited after someone's death.
정착되다
B1To become settled, established, or fixed in a certain place, society, or state.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free