지원
jiwon[t͡ɕiwʌ̹n]
In Korean, the English phrase 'support' is expressed as 지원 (jiwon).
The term 지원 refers to backing a cause, party, etc., mentally or with concrete aid. 지원 is a common and formal word for support used in professional settings or when discussing systematic assistance.
Meaning: to back a cause, party, etc., mentally or with concrete aid (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 지원 is typically used for providing material, financial or practical aid, 지지 is used for psychological or ideological support/backing. Additionally, 원조 is often used in the context of large-scale international aid or relief efforts, whereas 지원 is a more general term for support.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 지원 becomes the verb 지원하다 when used to mean 'to support' or 'to apply for' (such as a job or program).
How do you pronounce it?
jiwon
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should note that 지원 can mean both 'support' and 'to apply for' (a job or school), depending on the context.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, 지원 can be used to describe 'backup' in a military sense, referring to reinforcements arriving to help a unit.
- The word 지원 (支援) shares the same first character as the word for 'branch' or 'to hold up' (支). This suggests a physical image of holding something up to provide stability.
- Because 지원 is a Sino-Korean word, it is shared with other East Asian languages like Japanese and Chinese, though the usage and nuance vary by country.
Examples in context
- 난민들은 여러 교회 기구로부터 지원을 받는다.The refugees have received support from various religious organizations.This sentence is useful for showing how refugees receive support (using 지원) from organizations.Tatoeba #1637178 by Sudajaengi, translation #10601482 by LeeSooHa
- 저희 회사는 학생들에게 지원을 제공합니다.Our company provides support for students.
- 내가 항상 너의 꿈을 응원해!I always support your dreams!
- 정부는 새로운 사업을 지원한다.jeong-bu-neun sae-ro-un sa-eop-eul ji-won-han-da.The government supports new businesses.
- 우리는 그 후보를 지원하기로 했다.u-ri-neun geu hu-bo-reul ji-won-ha-gi-ro haet-da.We decided to support that candidate.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyun are discussing a new community project.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 이 프로젝트를 지원해 줄 수 있나요?Dohyun ssi, i peurojekteureul jiwonhae jul su innayo?Dohyun, can you support this project?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 제가 도울 수 있는 방법을 찾아볼게요.Ne, jega doul su inneun bangbeobeul chajabolgeyo.Yes, I will look for ways I can help.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 고마워요. 많은 지원이 필요해요.Jeongmal gomawoyo. maneun jiwoni piryohaeyo.Thank you so much. A lot of support is needed.
- 도현 Do-hyeon좋은 일이니까 당연히 도와야죠.Joeun irinikka dangyeonhi dowayajyo.Since it's a good cause, of course I should help.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 지원, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 지원, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
