화두
A central topic of conversation, interest, or debate in society. Originally a Zen Buddhist term, it now refers to a 'hot topic' or 'key issue'.
Examples
3 of 5이 논문은 현대 사회의 새로운 화두를 던지고 있습니다.
This paper is throwing out a new hot topic for modern society.
지속 가능한 발전은 전 세계적인 화두가 되었습니다.
Sustainable development has become a global key issue.
요즘 친구들 사이에서는 재테크가 화두예요.
Investment is the hot topic among friends these days.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Talk' (화) + 'Head' (두) – the head/main thing people are talking about.
Quick Quiz
저출산 문제는 한국 사회의 심각한 ____로 떠올랐다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 화두
Examples
이 논문은 현대 사회의 새로운 화두를 던지고 있습니다.
academicThis paper is throwing out a new hot topic for modern society.
지속 가능한 발전은 전 세계적인 화두가 되었습니다.
formalSustainable development has become a global key issue.
요즘 친구들 사이에서는 재테크가 화두예요.
informalInvestment is the hot topic among friends these days.
혁신은 올해 우리 기업의 핵심 화두입니다.
businessInnovation is the core hot topic for our company this year.
기후 변화는 우리가 해결해야 할 가장 시급한 화두이다.
everydayClimate change is the most urgent hot topic we must solve.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
화두가 되다
Become a hot topic
새로운 화두
A new topic
공통의 화두
Common topic of interest
Often Confused With
주제 is a general 'topic', while 화두 implies a topic that is 'actively being debated' or is 'of intense current interest'.
Usage Notes
Use '화두를 던지다' when an author or a phenomenon makes people start thinking about a certain issue.
Common Mistakes
Do not confuse with '화두' in a religious sense unless specifically studying Buddhism.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Talk' (화) + 'Head' (두) – the head/main thing people are talking about.
Word Origin
From Sino-Korean 話 (talk) and 頭 (head).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Originates from Zen (Seon) Buddhism where it refers to a riddle given to monks to meditate on.
Quick Quiz
저출산 문제는 한국 사회의 심각한 ____로 떠올랐다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 화두
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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