환원하다
To return something to its original state or place; in chemistry, to restore a substance to its pure form; metaphorically, to give back profits to society.
Examples
3 of 5사용한 물건은 제자리에 환원해 주시기 바랍니다.
Please return used items to their original places.
모든 문제는 결국 기본 원리로 환원될 수 있습니다.
All problems can eventually be reduced/returned to basic principles.
번 돈을 다 사회에 환원하다니 정말 대단해.
It's amazing that they're giving back all the money they earned to society.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Hwan (Return) + Won (Original) = Return to Original.
Quick Quiz
기업의 존재 목적은 이윤 창출뿐만 아니라 사회적 ___에도 있다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 환원
Examples
사용한 물건은 제자리에 환원해 주시기 바랍니다.
everydayPlease return used items to their original places.
모든 문제는 결국 기본 원리로 환원될 수 있습니다.
formalAll problems can eventually be reduced/returned to basic principles.
번 돈을 다 사회에 환원하다니 정말 대단해.
informalIt's amazing that they're giving back all the money they earned to society.
산화된 금속을 다시 원래의 상태로 환원시키는 실험을 했다.
academicWe conducted an experiment to reduce the oxidized metal back to its original state.
기업의 이윤을 지역 사회에 환원하는 캠페인을 시작했습니다.
businessWe have started a campaign to return corporate profits to the local community.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
사회 환원
giving back to society
산화 환원 반응
oxidation-reduction reaction
수익 환원
profit sharing/return
Often Confused With
Donating (기부) is a general act, while 'giving back' (환원) implies returning something earned from a group back to that group.
Usage Notes
Used in three main ways: Social (giving back), Scientific (reduction), and Philosophical (reductionism).
Common Mistakes
Don't use it for returning a borrowed book; use '반납하다' instead.
Memory Tip
Hwan (Return) + Won (Original) = Return to Original.
Word Origin
From Hanja: 還 (to return) + 元 (original).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Korea, chaebols (conglomerates) are often pressured to perform '사회 환원' to improve their public image.
Quick Quiz
기업의 존재 목적은 이윤 창출뿐만 아니라 사회적 ___에도 있다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 환원
Related Vocabulary
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과학적
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