Level 6

외면하다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '외면하다' means to deliberately ignore, turn away from, or neglect something or someone. It often carries a negative connotation, implying avoidance or refusal to acknowledge an issue or responsibility.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used in social, personal, and corporate contexts where someone avoids facing problems, responsibilities, or requests. It is common in discussions about social issues, personal relationships, and ethical behavior.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 외면하다 + 문제/책임/요청: to ignore a problem/responsibility/request
  • ~을/를 외면하다: to turn one's face away from something
  • 사회적 책임을 외면하다: to disregard social responsibility

Register and Politeness

'외면하다' is a standard verb used in formal and informal contexts. It is neutral in politeness but often appears in serious or critical statements.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse '외면하다' with simply '무시하다' (to ignore). While both mean to ignore, '외면하다' literally means to turn one's face away, emphasizing physical or emotional avoidance, whereas '무시하다' is more general disregard. Use '외면하다' when you want to stress avoidance or turning away from something.

Example Sentences

그는 문제를 외면하지 말고 적극적으로 해결하려고 노력했다.

Geuneun munjeleul oemyeonhaji malgo jeokgeukjeogeuro haegyeolharyeo noeryeokhaetda.

He tried not to ignore the problem but to actively solve it.

사회적 책임을 외면하는 기업은 신뢰를 잃기 쉽다.

Sahoejeok chaegimeul oemyeonhaneun gieobeun sinroeul ilgi swipda.

Companies that disregard social responsibility tend to lose trust.

그녀는 친구의 부탁을 외면했다가 나중에 후회했다.

Geunyeoneun chingue butageul oemyeonhaetdaga najunge huhoeehta.

She ignored her friend's request and later regretted it.