B1 noun Neutral

실력

/ɕʰilljʌk̚/

The actual ability, skill, or competence that a person has in a particular field, often developed through practice or study.

Examples

3 of 5
1

한국어 실력을 키우고 싶어요.

I want to improve my Korean skills.

2

꾸준한 노력으로 실력을 입증했습니다.

He proved his skills through steady effort.

3

너 진짜 실력 많이 늘었다!

Your skills have really improved a lot!

Word Family

Noun
실력
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Memory Tip

Shil-lyeok (실력) - 'Shil' means 'Real/Actual'. Real ability.

Quick Quiz

그는 매일 연습해서 축구 ___을 키웠다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 실력

Examples

1

한국어 실력을 키우고 싶어요.

everyday

I want to improve my Korean skills.

2

꾸준한 노력으로 실력을 입증했습니다.

formal

He proved his skills through steady effort.

3

너 진짜 실력 많이 늘었다!

informal

Your skills have really improved a lot!

4

학습자의 언어 실력 향상을 위한 전략을 모색한다.

academic

Seek strategies to improve learners' language skills.

5

업무 실력에 따라 보상이 달라집니다.

business

Rewards vary according to work performance/ability.

Word Family

Noun
실력

Common Collocations

실력을 쌓다 to build up skills
실력이 늘다 for skills to improve
실력을 발휘하다 to demonstrate one's ability
실력 차이 difference in skill level
외국어 실력 foreign language skill

Common Phrases

실력이 부족하다

to lack ability

실력을 인정받다

to have one's skills recognized

실력자

a person of great ability

Often Confused With

실력 vs 능력

'능력' is broad capacity (sometimes innate), while '실력' emphasizes actual, demonstrated skill level attained through effort.

📝

Usage Notes

Common in IELTS when talking about 'improving' language skills or technical abilities.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Use '실력이 늘다' (skills grow) instead of '실력이 공부하다'.

💡

Memory Tip

Shil-lyeok (실력) - 'Shil' means 'Real/Actual'. Real ability.

📖

Word Origin

From Hanja 實力 (actual + strength).

Grammar Patterns

실력이 있다/없다 실력을 키우다

Quick Quiz

그는 매일 연습해서 축구 ___을 키웠다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 실력

Related Grammar Rules

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