구조
gujo[kud͡ʑo̞]
The English word 'structure' is translated into Korean as 구조 (gujo).
구조 refers to the overall form or organization of something. While 구조 is the standard term for structure, other Korean words can be used to emphasize different aspects of a structure: 체계 is used to emphasize a systematic and organized nature, 뼈대 refers to a skeleton or basic framework and 조직 is used to emphasize organization or the structured nature of a thing.
Meaning: overall form or organization of something (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
gujo
Did you know?
- To describe a 'structural change' in society, Koreans use the phrase 구조 조정, which is also the standard euphemism for corporate downsizing or layoffs.
- The word 구조 is a homonym that can mean two completely different things. Depending on the context, it can mean the 'structure' of a building or the act of 'rescuing' someone from danger.
- While 구조 is used for physical or abstract systems, if you want to talk about the 'structure' of a person's body, Koreans often use the term 골격, which literally refers to the 'bone frame'.
Examples in context
- 음악과 영화의 구조가 조화를 이루고 있어요.The music is in balance with the structure of the movie.This sentence shows how to describe the structure of a movie using 구조.Tatoeba #1218649 by Sudajaengi, translation #1577844 by rbbrbb
- 건물의 구조가 매우 복잡해요.geonmului gujoga maeu bokjaphaeyo.The structure of the building is very complex.
- 이 보고서는 구조가 잘 짜여 있어요.i bogoseoneun gujoga jal jjayeo isseoyo.This report has a well-organized structure.
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are discussing a project report.
- 민준 Min-jun보고서 구조를 어떻게 짤까요?bogoseo gujoreul eotteoke jjalggayo?How should we organize the structure of the report?
- 지은 Ji-eun서론부터 결론까지 간단하게 해요.seoron-buteo gyeollon-kkaji gandan-hage haeyo.Let's keep it simple from the introduction to the conclusion.
- 민준 Min-jun그럼 구조가 더 명확해지겠네요.geureom gujoga deo myeonghak-haejigenneyo.Then the structure will be clearer.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 민준 씨 말이 맞아요.ne, Minjun ssi mari majayo.Yes, you are right, Minjun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 구조, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
