무관한
mugwanhan
The English word "irrelevant" is translated into Korean as 무관한 (mugwanhan).
The term is used to describe something that is not related, not applicable, unimportant or not connected.
Meaning: not related, not applicable, unimportant, not connected (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 무관한 is a standard term, other forms exist depending on context: 상관없는 is a common alternative used in conversational settings to mean 'unrelated' or 'doesn't matter'. In formal contexts, you might use 관련이 없는 or 중요하지 않은.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form of the adjective is 무관하다, meaning 'to be irrelevant'. The form 무관한 is the adjectival form used specifically to modify a noun that follows it.
How do you pronounce it?
mugwanhan
Did you know?
- The word 상관 (the root of the conversational alternative) can also mean 'interference' or 'meddling' in a social context. Thus, saying something is 'irrelevant' can sometimes carry a subtle warning to 'stay out of it'.
- The word 관계 which is the root of many 'irrelevant' expressions also means 'relationship' in a romantic or social sense.
- While English uses 'irrelevant' as a critique of logic, Koreans often use 상관없다 to politely decline a choice by saying any option is acceptable.
Examples in context
- 그 검토는 우리 연구에 중요하지 않은 검토입니다.That review is irrelevant to our research.
- 너가 머리색이 어떻든 상관없어.I don't care about your hair color, it's irrelevant.
- 휴대폰 브랜드는 상관없어.The brand of the cellphone is irrelevant.
- 그 문제는 지금 상황과 무관한 것 같아요.geu munje-neun jigeum sanghwang-gwa mugwanhan geot gatayo.That issue seems irrelevant to the current situation.
- 사건과 무관한 사람을 의심하면 안 됩니다.sageon-gwa mugwanhan saram-eul uisimhamyeon an doemnida.You must not suspect someone irrelevant to the incident.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun are discussing a project report.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 이 부분은 주제와 무관한 내용 같아요.Jihun ssi, i bubuneun jujewa mugwanhan naeyong gatayo.Jihun, I think this part is irrelevant to the topic.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말요? 저는 중요하다고 생각했어요.jeongmallyo? jeoneun jungyohadago saenggakhaesseoyo.Really? I thought it was important.
- 민지 Min-ji전체 흐름에서 벗어나서 읽기 불편해요.jeonche heureumeseo beoseonaseo itgi bulpyeonhaeyo.It's out of the overall flow and uncomfortable to read.
- 지훈 Ji-hun알겠어요. 그 부분은 바로 삭제할게요.algesseoyo. geu bubuneun baro sakjehalgeyo.I see. I'll delete that part right away.
