기회 — meaning in English: chance

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 기회 in contexts where they talk about opportunities, whether in professional settings, like job interviews, or personal moments, such as making new friends. For example, someone might say, '이건 좋은 기회예요,' when discussing a potential promotion at work or a chance to attend a special event.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 기회 is 가능성 (ganeunseong), meaning 'possibility.' However, 기회 specifically refers to an opportunity that is often more tangible and actionable. You would choose 기회 when you want to convey not just possibility, but a specific moment to take action.

Culture

The word 기회 has roots in the Chinese characters 機會, where 機 means 'machine' or 'mechanism' and 會 means 'meeting' or 'gathering.' This reflects the idea of opportunities arising from a 'mechanism' of circumstances. In Korean culture, taking advantage of 기회 is often linked to the concept of 'fate' or 'destiny,' suggesting that one should seize chances when they appear, as they may not come again.

FAQ