오염
The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.
Examples
3 of 5대기 오염은 호흡기 질환의 주요 원인입니다.
Air pollution is a major cause of respiratory diseases.
공장 폐수가 강물을 오염시키고 있어요.
Factory wastewater is polluting the river.
토양 오염 문제를 해결하기 위해 법이 필요합니다.
Laws are needed to solve the soil pollution problem.
Word Family
Memory Tip
O-yeom: Sounds like 'Oh-Yuck' – something dirty and polluted.
Quick Quiz
플라스틱 쓰레기는 해양 ___의 주범으로 지목되고 있다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 오염
Examples
대기 오염은 호흡기 질환의 주요 원인입니다.
academicAir pollution is a major cause of respiratory diseases.
공장 폐수가 강물을 오염시키고 있어요.
everydayFactory wastewater is polluting the river.
토양 오염 문제를 해결하기 위해 법이 필요합니다.
formalLaws are needed to solve the soil pollution problem.
이 근처는 소음 오염이 너무 심해요.
informalThere is too much noise pollution around here.
환경 오염 방지 기술을 개발 중입니다.
businessWe are developing environmental pollution prevention technology.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
오염을 줄이다
to reduce pollution
심각한 오염
serious pollution
오염의 위험
risk of pollution
Often Confused With
공해 specifically refers to public nuisances or industrial pollution affecting society.
Usage Notes
A core keyword for IELTS environmental topics.
Common Mistakes
Using '오염하다' (active) when the subject is being polluted; use '오염되다' (passive) instead.
Memory Tip
O-yeom: Sounds like 'Oh-Yuck' – something dirty and polluted.
Word Origin
From Sino-Korean 汚 (dirty) and 染 (dye/stain).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Yellow dust (황사) and fine dust (미세먼지) are major air pollution concerns in Korea.
Quick Quiz
플라스틱 쓰레기는 해양 ___의 주범으로 지목되고 있다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 오염
Related Vocabulary
More environment words
서식지
B1The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism. It provides the necessary conditions for survival such as food and shelter.
화석 연료
B1A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms. Their combustion is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
환경적
B1Relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its condition. A key adjective for IELTS environmental science topics.
오염물질
B1Substances that cause pollution in the environment, such as chemicals or waste.
재활용하다
B1To convert waste into reusable material. It involves processing used materials into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials.
소모하다
B1To use up or consume energy, resources, time, or materials completely during a process.
재해
B1Great damage or loss of life caused by natural events (like earthquakes) or human accidents. It corresponds to 'disaster' or 'calamity'.
폐기물
B1Unwanted or unusable materials that are discarded after use. It is the formal academic term for 'waste' or 'trash'.
기온
B1The temperature of the air in the atmosphere. It refers to how hot or cold the weather is.
소모
B1The act of using up or exhausting resources, energy, or time. It implies a reduction in the available amount.
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