위험
wiheom[ɥiɦʌ̹m]
The English phrase 'risk' is translated into Korean as 위험 (wiheom).
위험 is the most general and commonly used word for 'risk' in Korean. In business or technical contexts, you can use the phrase 위험 요소 to mean 'risk factor'. When you want to express the action of 'taking a risk' or 'bearing a risk', 위험 is frequently paired with the verb 감수하다 (to endure or brave) to form the phrase 위험을 감수하다.
Meaning: business etc.: potential (conventionally negative) effect of an event (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 위험 can be used to describe 'risk' in a business context, it is more commonly used to mean 'danger' in everyday physical contexts. In contrast, the loanword 리스크 is used in formal Korean, particularly within business or financial environments.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 위험 can be transformed into an adjective meaning 'to be dangerous' by adding the suffix –하다 to create 위험하다.
How do you pronounce it?
wiheom
Did you know?
- The word 위험 is composed of two characters that specifically describe a cliffside: one meaning 'hazardous' and the other meaning 'precipitous' or 'steep'.
- The verb 감수하다, used when taking a risk, literally means 'to receive and endure', implying that a risk is something one must suffer through rather than just a gamble.
- Korean has a distinct word 모험 for 'adventure' which is used when a 'risk' is seen as exciting or positive, whereas 위험 is almost always negative.
Examples in context
- 메리는 큰 위험을 안고 가는 거야, 그렇지 않아?Mary is taking a big risk, isn't she?This sentence is useful for describing someone taking a big risk using 위험.Tatoeba #13118547 by romzzo, translation #7375651 by CF
- 위험 부담이 너무 크다.The risk is too great.This sentence is useful for stating that the risk is too great using 위험.Tatoeba #942101 by Sudajaengi, translation #497959 by CM
- 회사에서 프로젝트를 추진하는 도중에는 여러 가지 위험이 있습니다.During the course of a project in a company, there are various risks involved.
- 이번 투자 거래는 상당한 리스크를 내포하고 있습니다.This investment transaction carries significant risks.
- 이번에 한 번 모험이라도 해보는 것도 나쁘진 않을 거 같아. 그치만 약간 위험하지 않을까?I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to try an adventure this time. But wouldn't it be somewhat risky?
- 사고를 초래하는 위험이 있을 수 있으니, 항상 주의하세요.There might be risks that could lead to accidents, so always be cautious.
- 이 사업은 위험이 너무 많아요.i saeop-eun wiheom-i neomu manh-ayo.This business has too many risks.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new business project.
- 서연 Seo-yeon새 프로젝트를 시작하면 위험이 있을까요?sae peurojekteureul sijakhamyeon wiheomi isseulkkayo?Will there be any risks if we start the new project?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 하지만 충분히 관리할 수 있어요.ne, hajiman chungbunhi gwanrihal su isseoyo.Yes, but we can manage them sufficiently.
- 서연 Seo-yeon위험을 줄이려면 어떻게 해야 하죠?wiheomeul juriryeomyeon eotteoke haeya hajyo?What should we do to reduce the risk?
- 도현 Do-hyeon철저한 시장 조사가 필요합니다.cheoljeohan sijang josaga piryohapnida.Thorough market research is necessary.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 위험, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 위험, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
