관대한
gwandaehan
The English word 'lenient' is translated into Korean as 관대한 (gwandaehan).
This term describes a person's character, an attitude toward others or a judgment or punishment that is not strict. It can be used to express being broad-minded or tolerant.
Meaning: tolerant, not strict (adj)
Which one should you use?
The word 관대한 is the opposite of 엄격한, which means strict or rigorous.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form of this adjective is the verb 관대하다 (to be lenient/broad-minded). The form 관대한 is the adjectival form used specifically to modify a noun, such as 'a lenient person'. If you wish to use the noun form, use 관대함 to mean leniency or generosity.
How do you pronounce it?
gwandaehan
Did you know?
- When describing a person who is 'broad-minded' or 'lenient' in a way that is actually quite positive and much-admired, Koreans often use the phrase 도량이 넓다, which literally translates to 'having a wide capacity'.
- While 관대한 is a positive trait, Korean culture often values 엄격한 (strictness) as a form of love and care, especially in parenting and education.
- In historical Korean contexts, the concept of being 관대한 was often linked to the Confucian ideal of 인 (benevolence), making leniency a moral duty for leaders.
Examples in context
- 민정 선생님은 학생들이 실수를 했을 때 항상 관대하게 대한다.Teacher Minjeong always treats students leniently when they make mistakes.
- 우리 엄마는 우리에게 항상 너그러워.Our mom is always lenient with us.
- 그 선생님은 학생들에게 관대한 편이에요.geu seonsaengnimun haksaengdeul-ege gwandaehan pyeon-ieyo.That teacher is quite lenient with students.
- 부모님이 너무 관대한 것도 문제예요.bumonimi neomu gwandaehan geotdo munje-yeyo.It is also a problem if parents are too lenient.
- 그는 규칙에 대해 관대한 사람입니다.geuneun gyuchige daehae gwandaehan saram-imnida.He is a lenient person regarding the rules.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a strict boss at work.
- 수빈 Su-bin새로 오신 팀장님은 좀 관대한 편인가요?saero osin timjangnim-un jom gwandaehan pyeon-ingayo?Is the new team leader somewhat lenient?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니요, 전혀 관대한 분이 아니에요.aniyo, jeonhyeo gwandaehan bun-i anieyo.No, he is not a lenient person at all.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨가 걱정되네요.hyeonu ssi-ga geokjeongdoeneyo.I'm worried for you, Hyunwoo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그래도 잘 적응해 볼게요.geuraedo jal jeogeunghae bolgeyo.But I will try to adjust well.
