상징하다
To serve as a symbol of; to represent something else, especially an abstract concept, through a visible sign or object.
Examples
3 of 5빨간색은 무엇을 상징해?
What does the color red symbolize?
이 반지는 우리 우정을 상징해요.
This ring symbolizes our friendship.
국기는 한 나라의 정체성을 상징합니다.
A national flag symbolizes a country's identity.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Sang-jing sounds like 'Sign'. A symbol is a sign.
Quick Quiz
올림픽 오륜기는 세계의 단합을 ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 상징한다
Examples
빨간색은 무엇을 상징해?
informalWhat does the color red symbolize?
이 반지는 우리 우정을 상징해요.
everydayThis ring symbolizes our friendship.
국기는 한 나라의 정체성을 상징합니다.
formalA national flag symbolizes a country's identity.
문학 작품에서 바다는 종종 자유를 상징한다.
academicIn literature, the sea often symbolizes freedom.
이 로고는 우리 기업의 혁신 정신을 상징합니다.
businessThis logo symbolizes our company's spirit of innovation.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
상징하는 바가 크다
to have great symbolic meaning
상징물로 정하다
to designate as a symbol
상징적으로 보여주다
to show symbolically
Often Confused With
Dae-pyo-hada is to represent a group (like a captain), while Sang-jing-hada is to represent an abstract idea.
Usage Notes
Useful in IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3 when describing cultural items or traditional festivals.
Common Mistakes
Don't confuse with '상상하다' (to imagine).
Memory Tip
Sang-jing sounds like 'Sign'. A symbol is a sign.
Word Origin
From Sino-Korean '象' (image/elephant) + '徵' (sign/proof).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The 'Taegeuk' pattern on the Korean flag symbolizes the harmony of the universe.
Quick Quiz
올림픽 오륜기는 세계의 단합을 ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 상징한다
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.
개성
B1The quality or character that makes a person or thing different from others. It refers to individuality or a unique personality.
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