은유
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. It is used to describe one thing in terms of another.
Examples
3 of 5이 문장은 사회적 갈등에 대한 은유이다.
This sentence is a metaphor for social conflict.
은유적 표현을 통해 주제를 강조하다.
Highlight the theme through metaphorical expressions.
그 영화에는 많은 정치적 은유가 담겨 있다.
The movie contains many political metaphors.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Eun (hidden) + Yu (analogy) = A hidden analogy.
Quick Quiz
'시간은 금이다'라는 표현은 대표적인 ( )이다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 은유
Examples
이 문장은 사회적 갈등에 대한 은유이다.
academicThis sentence is a metaphor for social conflict.
은유적 표현을 통해 주제를 강조하다.
formalHighlight the theme through metaphorical expressions.
그 영화에는 많은 정치적 은유가 담겨 있다.
academicThe movie contains many political metaphors.
말을 너무 은유적으로 하지 말고 직접적으로 해.
informalDon't speak so metaphorically; speak directly.
비즈니스 협상에서 은유는 설득력을 높인다.
businessIn business negotiations, metaphors increase persuasiveness.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
은유의 세계
world of metaphors
은유법
metaphorical method
숨겨진 은유
hidden metaphor
Often Confused With
직유 (simile) uses 'like' or 'as' (~처럼), while 은유 (metaphor) states something *is* another thing.
Usage Notes
Commonly tested in IELTS Reading sections analyzing literary or descriptive texts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '비유' (analogy/comparison) as a catch-all term, but '은유' is more specific.
Memory Tip
Eun (hidden) + Yu (analogy) = A hidden analogy.
Word Origin
From Sino-Korean 隱 (hidden) and 喩 (metaphor).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
'시간은 금이다'라는 표현은 대표적인 ( )이다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 은유
Related Vocabulary
More literature words
허구
B1Something that is fabricated or not true; fiction. It often refers to imaginary stories in literature or false claims.
암시하다
B2To suggest or hint at something indirectly rather than stating it clearly or explicitly.
수록
B1The act of including, containing, or recording a piece of work, information, or data within a book, collection, or database.
소재
B1The raw materials used to make something, or the subject matter/topic used in a creative work like a story or film.
함축하다
B2To contain a hidden or deep meaning within a word, phrase, or action; to imply or connote.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free