표면적
Relating to or found on the surface; often used to imply that something lacks depth or is only apparent at first glance.
Examples
3 of 5그들의 합의는 표면적인 것에 불과했다.
Their agreement was merely superficial.
표면적 관찰만으로는 진실을 알 수 없습니다.
You cannot know the truth through superficial observation alone.
그 사람은 좀 표면적인 관계만 맺는 것 같아.
That person seems to only have superficial relationships.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Pyo (Surface) + Myeon (Face). Just the face of the surface.
Quick Quiz
사건의 ( )인 모습만 보고 판단하는 것은 위험하다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 표면적
Examples
그들의 합의는 표면적인 것에 불과했다.
academicTheir agreement was merely superficial.
표면적 관찰만으로는 진실을 알 수 없습니다.
formalYou cannot know the truth through superficial observation alone.
그 사람은 좀 표면적인 관계만 맺는 것 같아.
informalThat person seems to only have superficial relationships.
표면적 이익에 집착하다가 큰 손해를 볼 수 있다.
businessObsessing over superficial profits can lead to big losses.
표면적 이유는 바쁘다는 것이었지만 실제로는 아니었다.
everydayThe superficial reason was being busy, but that wasn't the reality.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
표면적으로 드러나다
to appear superficially
표면적 수준에 머물다
to stay at a superficial level
표면적 관찰
superficial observation
Often Confused With
Pisangjeok (피상적) is a direct synonym for 'shallow thoughts', while pyomyeonjeok (표면적) is used for both thoughts and physical surfaces.
Usage Notes
Useful in IELTS Task 2 when arguing that a problem has deeper roots than it appears.
Common Mistakes
Don't use '표면' (noun) when an adjective is needed to describe a reason or phenomenon.
Memory Tip
Pyo (Surface) + Myeon (Face). Just the face of the surface.
Word Origin
From Sino-Korean: 表 (outside) + 面 (face) + 的 (adjective).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
사건의 ( )인 모습만 보고 판단하는 것은 위험하다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 표면적
Related Vocabulary
More analysis words
비교적
B1To a certain degree when compared with others; relatively. It is an essential modifier in data analysis to describe trends that are not absolute but relative.
다각적
B2Relating to many different aspects, perspectives, or dimensions of a subject. It implies a thorough and comprehensive examination from various angles.
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