Level 4

지원

jiwon

Helping, supporting

TOPIK 4

Meaning and Usage

The Korean word '지원' primarily means 'support' or 'assistance.' It is commonly used in contexts involving financial aid, welfare, or any kind of help provided to individuals or groups. Additionally, '지원' is frequently used as a noun meaning 'application' or 'to apply' when referring to applying for jobs, schools, or programs.

Common Collocations

  • 지원하다: to support or to apply (for something)
  • 지원서: application form
  • 정부 지원: government support
  • 복지 지원: welfare support

Usage Notes

When using '지원' to mean 'application,' it often appears with verbs like '하다' (to do) or nouns like '서' (form). In contrast, when referring to 'support,' it is often paired with words indicating the type of support, such as '금융 지원' (financial support) or '기술 지원' (technical support).

Register and Politeness

'지원' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the verbs and expressions combined with it may vary in politeness.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse '지원' as only meaning 'support' and overlook its frequent use as 'application.' Remember that context is key to understanding which meaning is intended.

Example Sentences

정부는 저소득층을 위한 지원 정책을 발표했다.

Jeongbuneun jeosodeungcheungeul wihan jiwon jeongchaekeul balpyohatda.

The government announced support policies for low-income groups.

대학에 지원하려면 서류를 제출해야 한다.

Daehage jiwonharyeomyeon seoryureul jechulhaeya handa.

To apply to a university, you must submit documents.

그 회사는 직원들의 복지 지원에 신경을 많이 쓴다.

Geu hoesaneun jigwondeurui bokji jiwon-e singyeongeul mani sseunda.

That company pays a lot of attention to welfare support for its employees.