Korean word

위기

Pronunciation

Romanizationwigi

Meaning

  • nouncrisis

Example

우리 관계가 위기에 놓였다.u ri kwan gye ga wi gi e no yeot tta

Our relationship is in crisis.

Illustration for 위기 (crisis)

More examples

그는 개인적인 문제로 위기를 겪고 있다.keu neun kae in jeo gin mun je ro wi gi reul kyeok kko it tta

He is experiencing a crisis because of personal problems.

Core concept

A threat to continued stability that puts something at risk of breaking down or ending.

Common phrases

  • 정치적 위기cheong chi jeok wi gi

    political crisis

  • 위기 상황wi gi sang hwang

    crisis situation

  • 위기에 빠지다wi gi e ppa ji da

    fall into crisis

Similar words

위험wiheom: A person or thing faces possible injury or damage in an unsafe situation.
사태satae: Events lead to a serious situation that may need urgent action.
위협wihyeop: An outside person, force, or factor may cause harm and make others feel unsafe.

Definition in Korean

사건·관계·체제 등이 계속 유지되기 어렵게 될 정도로 위협을 받아 불안정한 상태sa geon kwan gye che je teung i kye sok yu ji doe gi eo ryeop kke toel jjeong do ro wi hyeo beul pa da pu ran jeong han sang tae

Word origin

The Sino-Korean word combines a component meaning danger with one meaning a crucial moment, forming the idea of a dangerous turning point.

Usage tips

  • In Korean, this word applies naturally to a relationship, organization, economy, or system, not only to a sudden disaster.

Opposites

Related words

  • 위기감wigigamsense of crisisnoun
  • 위기관리wigigwallicrisis managementnoun

Word lists with this word