Level 6

위원

wiwon

A member of a committee

TOPIK 6

Meaning and Usage

The word '위원' refers specifically to a member of a committee or a board. It is commonly used in formal contexts such as organizations, government bodies, or any group that requires decision-making or oversight.

Common Contexts

You will often hear '위원' in discussions about meetings, elections, or roles within committees. For example, '환경 보호 위원' means an environmental protection committee member.

Collocations and Patterns

  • '위원회' (committee): the larger group that '위원' belongs to.
  • '위원장' (chairperson): the head of the committee.
  • '위원으로 선출되다' (to be elected as a member): used when someone is chosen to join a committee.

Register and Politeness

'위원' is a neutral, formal noun used in official or professional settings. It is not casual and usually appears in written or formal spoken Korean.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '위원' with '회원' (member of a club or organization). Remember, '위원' implies a role with responsibility in a committee, while '회원' is a general member without necessarily having decision-making duties.

Example Sentences

그는 환경 보호 위원으로 활동하고 있다.

Geuneun hwangyeong boho wiwon-euro hwaldonghago itda.

He is active as a member of the environmental protection committee.

위원들은 회의에서 중요한 결정을 내렸다.

Wiwondeul-eun hoeuieseo jungyohan gyeoljeong-eul naeryeotda.

The committee members made an important decision at the meeting.

신규 위원을 선출하는 절차가 진행 중이다.

Singyu wiwon-eul seonchulhaneun jeolchaga jinhaeng jungida.

The process of electing new committee members is underway.