단결
dan'gyeol[ˈta̠(ː)nɡjʌ̹ɭ]
The English word 'unity' can be translated into Korean as 단결 (dan'gyeol) or 단일.
Meaning: state of being one or undivided (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 단결 | dan'gyeol | [ˈta̠(ː)nɡjʌ̹ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 단일 | danil | [ta̠niɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term 단결 is used to describe unity in the sense of solidarity or people coming together for a common cause. To specifically refer to 'national unity', you would use the phrase 국민의 결속.
Which one should you use?
단결 refers to unity in the sense of solidarity or people acting together for a common cause. In contrast, 단일 refers to unity in the sense of being a single, undivided or uniform entity, such as oneness or singularity.
How do you pronounce it?
dan'gyeol
Did you know?
- The word 단결 is often shouted as a rhythmic chant during military drills or sports rallies to boost morale and signal collective action.
- The term 단일 is used to describe the 'single-minded' nature of the 단일 민족 or 'single-ethnic nation' concept, a cornerstone of Korean national identity.
- The word 단결 is composed of two Hanja characters: 團, meaning 'group', and 結, meaning 'to tie' or 'to bind'.
Examples in context
- 지금은 함께 일하는 동료로서 단결하고, 서로 존중하며 협력해야 합니다.Now, as colleagues working together, we must unite, respect each other, and cooperate.
- 국민의 결속은 나라의 발전과 번영에 기여합니다.National unity contributes to the development and prosperity of the country.
- 우리는 단결이 필요합니다.urineun danyeoli piryohapnida.We need unity.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing their team's project success.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이번 프로젝트는 단결 덕분에 성공했어요.Ibeon peurojekteuneun dangyeol deokbune seonggonghaesseoyo.This project succeeded thanks to our unity.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요, 다 같이 노력했으니까요.Majayo, da gat-i noryeokhaesseunikkayo.That's right, because we all worked hard together.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨가 팀원들을 잘 이끌어 줬어요.Jieun ssiga timwondeureul jal ikkeureo jwosseoyo.Jieun, you led the team members very well.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨도 많이 도와주셨잖아요.Dohyeon ssido mani dowajusyeotjanayo.You helped a lot too, Dohyeon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unity” translations and entries 단결, 단일, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 단결, 단일, CC BY-SA 4.0.
