Korean word

의지

Pronunciation

Romanizationuiji

Meaning

  • noundetermination

Example

그는 목표를 향한 강한 의지를 보였다.keu neun mok pyo reul hyang han kang han ui ji reul po yeot tta

He showed strong determination to reach his goal.

Illustration for 의지 (determination)

More examples

그는 어려운 상황에서도 끝까지 의지를 잃지 않았다.keu neun eo ryeo un sang hwang e seo do kkeut kka ji ui ji reul il chi a nat tta

Even in difficult circumstances, he held on to his resolve to the end.

Core concept

A strong resolve that points action toward a goal.

Common phrases

  • 강한 의지kang han ui ji

    strong resolve

  • 자기 의지cha gi ui ji

    one's own will

  • 생존 의지saeng jon ui ji

    will to survive

Similar words

의욕uiyok: The drive that gives someone energy to begin or continue an activity.
결심kyeolsim: A settled decision to do something and follow through.
의지력uijiryeok: Mental strength helps a person keep going when things are hard.
결단kyeoldan: A decisive judgment leads directly to action.

Definition in Korean

어떤 목표를 이루려고 굳게 마음먹은 상태나 결단을 가리키는 명사로, 행동을 이끄는 정신적 힘을 뜻한다.eo tteon mok pyo reul i ru ryeo go kut kke ma eum meo geun sang tae na kyeol da neul ka ri ki neun myeong sa ro haeng dong eul i kkeu neun cheong sin jeok hi meul tteu tan da

Word origin

This sense is based on the Sino-Korean elements for thought or intention and resolve, combined to express a will that guides behavior.

Usage tips

  • The word is useful when discussing habits and long-term goals because it highlights the mental force behind continued action, not just a one-time choice.

Other meanings

  • reliancenoun

Opposites

  • 포기pogisurrendernoun
  • 체념chenyeomresignationnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word