합의
habui[ha̠bɰi]
The English phrase 'agreement' is translated into Korean as 합의 (habui).
합의 refers to a state where several parties share a view. To express the action of reaching or making an agreement, you can use the phrase 합의를 하다. While 합의 implies a mutual consensus or settlement between parties, it is distinct from a formal legal contract.
Meaning: state whereby several parties share a view (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use 합의 when referring to a mutual consensus or settlement. If you are specifically referring to a formal legal contract, the word 계약 is more appropriate.
How do you pronounce it?
habui
Did you know?
- In many Korean social contexts, an agreement is often reached through 'nunchi' (reading the room) before any formal 합의를 하다 actually takes place.
- In South Korea, 합의 is frequently used in the context of 'settling' a criminal case out of court to avoid harsher sentencing.
- The character 合 in 합의 is also found in 합격, which means 'passing' an exam. Both rely on the idea of things 'fitting' or 'matching' together.
Examples in context
- 그 합의도 행동이 뒷받침되지 않으면 아무 의미 없어.The agreement, unless backed up by action, is meaningless.This sentence shows how the importance of an agreement is linked to subsequent actions.Tatoeba #13755007 by qlTmalffk, translation #3396495 by patgfisher
- 그렇습니다.That's right.
- 그래.Yeah.
- 옳다고 생각합니다.I think it's right.
- 맞아.Right.
- 양측의 합의가 필요합니다.yangcheogui habui ga piryohamnida.An agreement between both sides is necessary.
- 우리는 드디어 합의에 도달했어요.urineun deudieo habie dodalhaesseoyo.We finally reached an agreement.
Example conversation
Hyun-woo and Seo-yeon are discussing a plan for a project.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이제 서로 합의가 된 건가요?ije seoro habuiga doen geongayo?Is there an agreement between us now?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 현우 씨 의견에 동의해요.ne, hyeon-u ssi uigyeone dong-uihaeyo.Yes, I agree with your opinion, Hyun-woo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럼 이 합의 내용을 기록할게요.geureom i habui naeyongeul girokhalgeyo.Then I will record the details of this agreement.
- 서연 Seo-yeon좋아요. 그렇게 해주세요.joayo. geureoke haejuseyo.Great. Please do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 합의, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
