📖 Words B2

갈등

galdeung

Conflict / Inner struggle / Tension

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What it means

Refers to conflict — either internal (내적 갈등, inner struggle / dilemma) or external (외적 갈등, conflict between people or groups). Commonly used in psychology, drama, and daily life.

Nuance & when to use

Unlike 싸움 (fight), 갈등 often implies ongoing tension or unresolved struggle rather than a single explosive event. Widely used in K-dramas to describe character motivation.

⚠ Common mistake

Using 갈등 for a single argument. 갈등 is about ongoing tension or dilemma, not a one-time clash (use 싸움 or 다툼 for that).

Example sentences

두 사람 사이에 갈등이 있어요. Du saram sai-e galdeung-i isseoyo. There is tension between the two of them.
일과 가정 사이의 갈등이 힘들어요. Ilgwa gajeong saieui galdeung-i himdeuleoyo. The conflict between work and family life is tough.
주인공은 내적 갈등을 겪고 있어요. Juingong-eun naejok galdeung-eul gyeokgo isseoyo. The main character is experiencing inner conflict.

See also

싸움 고민
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
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More B2 lessons

감성 gamseong Sensibility / Aesthetic sense / Mood 갓생 gatsaeng God-life (ultra-productive lifestyle) 여정 yeojeong journey / voyage (literary)
← 가치 감성 →

FAQ

When is this used?

Unlike 싸움 (fight), 갈등 often implies ongoing tension or unresolved struggle rather than a single explosive event. Widely used in K-dramas to describe character motivation.

What's a common mistake?

Using 갈등 for a single argument. 갈등 is about ongoing tension or dilemma, not a one-time clash (use 싸움 or 다툼 for that).

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