수단
sudan[sʰuda̠n]
The English phrase 'procedure' can be translated into Korean as 수단 (sudan) or 방법.
Meaning: method for performing a task (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 수단 | sudan | [sʰuda̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 방법 | bangbeop | [pa̠ŋbʌ̹p̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
While 수단 and 방법 describe the means or way of doing something, the term 절차 is more accurate when referring to administrative, legal or medical steps. In professional settings like technology or project management, the borrowed term 프로세스 is also frequently used.
Which one should you use?
방법 (bangbeop) is a more common and natural term when you want to describe a specific method or way to complete a task.
How do you pronounce it?
sudan
What mistakes should you avoid?
When you are describing a sequence of steps (like a medical or legal procedure), avoid using 수단 or 방법. Use 절차 instead to be more accurate.
Did you know?
- The word 수단 is a homonym that can refer to either a 'means' to an end or a traditional Korean sweet made from glutinous rice and honey.
- The word 수단 shares its exact written form with the term for 'means' or 'tool', but it can also be used to describe 'a way to achieve a goal' in a much broader, sometimes even more cunning or manipulative sense.
- In a medical context, using 방법 instead of 절차 can make a surgical procedure sound like a simple 'tip' or 'trick' rather than a formal medical operation.
Examples in context
- 회사에서 지원 절차에 익숙하지 않아요.I'm not familiar with the application procedure at the company.
- 이 게임을 하는 방법을 알고 있어?Do you know how to play this game?
- 다음 회의 프로세스에 대해 알려드릴게요.I will inform you about the upcoming meeting process.
- 이 과일을 준비하는 흐름은 이렇게 되는 거야.This is the general flow of preparing this fruit.
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are discussing how to finish a project.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 프로젝트를 끝낼 수단이 있을까요?Dohyun ssi, peurojekteureul kkeunnael sudani isseulkkayo?Dohyun, is there a means to finish the project?
- 도현 Do-hyeon새로운 소프트웨어를 쓰는 건 어때요?saeroun soteuweeareul sseuneun geon eottaeyo?How about using new software?
- 수빈 Su-bin그게 가장 빠른 수단이 될 것 같아요.geuge gajang ppareun sudani doel geot gatayo.I think that would be the fastest means.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그럼 바로 설치해 볼게요.geureom baro seolchihae bolgeyo.Then I will install it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “procedure” translations and entries 수단, 방법, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 방법, 수단, CC BY-SA 4.0.
