선택 사항
seontaek sahang
The Korean word for "optional" is 선택 사항 (seontaek sahang).
선택 사항 is a noun phrase used to indicate that something is not compulsory. It is most commonly found in formal contexts, such as official instructions, applications or forms, to mark a specific field or step as optional.
Meaning: not compulsory (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 선택, meaning "selection" or "choice" and 사항, meaning "matter", "item" or "detail". Together, they literally mean "selection matter/item".
Which one should you use?
While 선택 can be used alone to mean "choice" or "selection", 선택 사항 is used specifically to refer to the "optional item" itself. To express the opposite, that something is a "required" or "mandatory" item, use 필수 사항.
How do you pronounce it?
seontaek sahang
Did you know?
- While 선택 사항 is used for forms, Koreans use the word 덤 to describe something optional that is given as a free bonus or extra gift.
- The character 選 in 선택 is the same character used in the Japanese word 'sen' for 'election', showing a shared linguistic root in East Asian political terminology.
- Digital interfaces in Korea often drop the word 사항 (item) and simply use 선택 and 필수 to label optional and required fields.
Examples in context
- 이 일은 선택적으로 할 수 있습니다.This task can be done optionally.
- 이번 회의에 참석은 구애 없이 하셔도 됩니다.You may attend this meeting optionally, without any restrictions.
- 오늘 저녁 메뉴는 원하는 대로 정해주세요.Please decide the dinner menu as you wish.
- 오늘 파티 참여는 자유 선택이야.Participation in today's party is optional.
- 이것은 선택 사항입니다.igeoseun seontaek sahangimnida.This is optional.
- 설문 조사는 선택 사항이에요.seolmun josaneun seontaek sahangieyo.The survey is optional.
- 그 메뉴는 선택 사항인가요?geu menyuneun seontaek sahangingayo?Is that menu item optional?
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are discussing a project at work.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 보고서는 제출해야 하나요?i bogoseoneun jechulhaeya hanayo?Do I have to submit this report?
- 지은 Ji-eun아니요, 선택 사항이에요.aniyo, seontaek sahangieyo.No, it is optional.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그럼 안 해도 되겠네요.geureom an haedo doetgenneyo.Then I don't have to do it.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 지훈 씨 마음대로 하세요.ne, jihoon ssi maeumdaero haseyo.Yes, do as you wish, Jihoon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 사항, 선택, CC BY-SA 4.0.
