남용
namyong[ˈna̠(ː)mjoŋ]
The English word 'abuse' translates to 남용 (namyong) in Korean.
The term 남용 is used to describe the misuse or excessive use of something, such as power or a substance. It is most commonly used in the context of 'abuse of power' (권력 남용) or 'abuse of authority' (권한 남용).
Meaning: physical maltreatment (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
남용 literally refers to the misuse or excessive use of something.
Which one should you use?
While 남용 means 'misuse' (such as an abuse of power), 학대 is the correct term to use when referring to the physical or emotional maltreatment of a person or an animal.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
namyong
Did you know?
- The Hanja character 濫 in 남용 originally meant 'to overflow' or 'to flood'. It suggests that 'abuse' is not just using something incorrectly, but using it so much that it spills over its intended bounds.
- When describing the abuse of a person's kindness, Koreans use the word 이용 (use) or 악용 (exploitative use) rather than 남용. 악용 specifically implies a malicious intent to harm.
- Korean has a distinct word 오용 for 'misuse' due to a mistake or ignorance, whereas 남용 implies using something too much or intentionally wrongly.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyun are discussing a social issue in a news article.
- 민지 Min-ji이 기사 봤어? 남용 문제가 정말 심각해.i gisa bwasseo? namyong munjega jeongmal simgakhae.Did you see this article? The issue of abuse is really serious.
- 도현 Do-hyeon맞아. 어떻게 그런 일이 일어날 수 있지?maja. eotteoke geureon iri ireonal su itji?Right. How could something like that happen?
- 민지 Min-ji사회적인 보호 시스템이 더 필요해 보여.sahoijeogin boho siseutemi deo piryohae boyeo.It seems we need better social protection systems.
- 도현 Do-hyeon나도 동감이야. 꼭 해결책이 나왔으면 좋겠어.nado donggam-iya. kkok haegyeolchaegi nawasseumyeon jokkesseo.I agree. I really hope a solution is found.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 남용, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 남용, CC BY-SA 4.0.
