Level 6

쿠데타

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Understanding '쿠데타'

The Korean word '쿠데타' refers specifically to a coup d'etat, which is the sudden and often violent overthrow of a government, usually by a small group such as the military. It is a loanword from French, pronounced similarly.

Usage Context

This term is mostly used in political or historical discussions. It carries a strong negative connotation, especially in democratic societies where such actions are seen as illegal and undemocratic.

Common Collocations

  • 군사 쿠데타 (military coup): emphasizes the involvement of the military.
  • 쿠데타가 일어나다 (a coup occurs): describes the event happening.
  • 쿠데타를 일으키다 (to stage a coup): describes the action of initiating a coup.

Register and Politeness

'쿠데타' is a neutral noun and can be used in formal and informal contexts when discussing politics or history. It is not a casual word and is typically found in news reports, academic texts, or serious conversations.

Learner Tips

Be careful not to confuse '쿠데타' with general political protests or revolutions. A coup d'etat specifically involves a sudden seizure of power, often by force, rather than mass public movements.

Example Sentences

그 나라는 최근에 군사 쿠데타로 정권이 바뀌었다.

Geu nara neun choegeun e gunsa kudeta ro jeonggwon i bakkwieotda.

That country recently changed its government through a military coup d'etat.

쿠데타가 실패하면서 많은 사람들이 체포되었다.

Kudeta ga silpaehamyeonseo manheun saramdeuri chepodoeeotda.

Many people were arrested after the coup d'etat failed.

민주주의 국가에서는 쿠데타가 매우 부정적으로 여겨진다.

Minjujuui gukgaeseoneun kudeta ga maeu bujeongjeogeuro yeogyeojinda.

In democratic countries, coups d'etat are viewed very negatively.