Level 6

강요하다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '강요하다' means 'to force' or 'to compel' someone to do something against their will. It often carries a negative connotation, implying pressure or coercion rather than voluntary agreement.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used when discussing situations where someone imposes their opinions, decisions, or actions on others without consent. For example, parents might 강요하다 a career choice on their children, or a person might 강요하다 their beliefs on others.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 강요하다 + (명사): to force something (e.g., 진로를 강요하다 - force a career path)
  • ~에게 강요하다: to force someone (e.g., 아이에게 강요하다 - force a child)
  • 자신의 의견을 강요하다: to insist on one's opinion

Register and Politeness

'강요하다' is a formal verb and is commonly used in written and spoken Korean at a neutral or formal level. It is not typically used in casual conversation without some softening.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '강요하다' with simply '요구하다' (to request or demand). The key difference is that '강요하다' implies coercion or pressure, while '요구하다' can be a polite or neutral request. Avoid using '강요하다' when you mean to politely ask for something.

Example Sentences

그는 자신의 의견을 다른 사람에게 강요하지 않는다.

Geuneun jasinui uigyeoneul dareun saramege gangyohaji anhneunda.

He does not force his opinion on others.

부모가 아이에게 진로를 강요하면 아이가 스트레스를 받을 수 있다.

Bumoga aiege jinroreul gangyohamyeon aiga seuteureseureul badeul su itda.

If parents force a career path on their child, the child may feel stressed.

그는 동료들에게 자신의 방식을 강요하려고 했다.

Geuneun dongryodeurege jasinui bangsigeul gangyoharyeogo haetda.

He tried to impose his way on his colleagues.