TOPIK · Level 272
15 words
Korean word
형편
Pronunciation
Romanizationhyeongpyeon
Meaning
- nouncircumstances
Example
오늘은 형편이 안 좋아요.o neu reun hyeong pyeo ni an cho a yo
The circumstances aren't good today.
More examples
아이 때문에 형편이 안 돼서 모임에 못 갔어요.a i ttae mu ne hyeong pyeo ni an twae seo mo i me mot ka sseo yo
Because of my child, my circumstances did not allow me to attend the gathering.
Core concept
The practical conditions surrounding a person or thing, especially the resources and living situation that shape what is possible.
Common phrases
형편이 안 되다hyeong pyeo ni an toe da
circumstances do not permit
형편을 봐 주다hyeong pyeo neul pwa chu da
take circumstances into account
Similar words
사정sajeong: Personal reasons and circumstances explain a decision or change of plans.
상황sanghwang: The overall state of things includes the conditions and background around an event.
처지cheoji: A person's current position in life shapes the circumstances they face.
Definition in Korean
어떤 사람이나 사물의 처지나 사정, 특히 금전적·생활적 조건을 이르는 말.eo tteon sa ra mi na sa mu rui cheo ji na sa jeong teu ki keum jeon jeok saeng hwal jeok cho geo neul i reu neun mal
Word origin
The Sino-Korean word combines elements meaning form or condition and convenience, yielding the idea of circumstances that shape a practical situation.
Usage tips
- For English speakers, this word often points to practical means such as money or living conditions, not just to a neutral set of events.
Other meanings
- situationnoun
Opposites
- 여유yeoyufinancial comfortnoun
Related words
- 형편없다hyeongpyeoneopttaterribleadjective
- 형편대로hyeongpyeondaeroaccording to circumstancesadverb