Understanding and discussing concepts like inclusivity is important in any language. This guide introduces the Korean word for inclusivity, 포용성 (po-yong-seong), and provides related expressions to help you talk about diversity, acceptance, and creating welcoming environments in Korean contexts.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 포용성
Pronunciation: po-yong-seong
Meaning: Inclusivity (The quality of including many different types of people and treating them all fairly and equally)
Understanding Inclusivity
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Expression: 포용적인 사회
Pronunciation: po-yong-jeok-in sa-hoe
Meaning: An inclusive society -
Expression: 다양성 존중
Pronunciation: da-yang-seong jon-jung
Meaning: Respect for diversity -
Expression: 모두를 위한 환경
Pronunciation: mo-du-reul wi-han hwan-gyeong
Meaning: An environment for everyone -
Expression: 차별 없는 태도
Pronunciation: cha-byeol eom-neun tae-do
Meaning: Non-discriminatory attitude -
Expression: 사회적 통합
Pronunciation: sa-hoe-jeok tong-hap
Meaning: Social integration -
Expression: 소속감 증진
Pronunciation: so-sok-gam jeung-jin
Meaning: Promoting a sense of belonging -
Expression: 열린 마음
Pronunciation: yeol-lin ma-eum
Meaning: Open mind / Open-mindedness -
Expression: 평등한 기회
Pronunciation: pyeong-deung-han gi-hoe
Meaning: Equal opportunity -
Expression: 문화적 감수성
Pronunciation: mun-hwa-jeok gam-su-seong
Meaning: Cultural sensitivity -
Expression: 상호 이해
Pronunciation: sang-ho i-hae
Meaning: Mutual understanding
Phrases for Promoting Inclusivity
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Expression: 우리 조직은 포용성을 중요하게 생각합니다.
Pronunciation: u-ri jo-jik-eun po-yong-seong-eul jung-yo-ha-ge saeng-gak-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Our organization values inclusivity. -
Expression: 모든 사람을 환영하는 분위기를 만들어야 합니다.
Pronunciation: mo-deun sa-ram-eul hwan-yeong-ha-neun bun-wi-gi-reul man-deul-eo-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We need to create an atmosphere that welcomes everyone. -
Expression: 다양한 배경을 가진 사람들을 포용합시다.
Pronunciation: da-yang-han bae-gyeong-eul ga-jin sa-ram-deul-eul po-yong-hap-si-da.
Meaning: Let’s embrace people from diverse backgrounds. -
Expression: 포용적인 언어를 사용하도록 노력합시다.
Pronunciation: po-yong-jeok-in eon-eo-reul sa-yong-ha-do-rok no-ryeok-hap-si-da.
Meaning: Let’s try to use inclusive language. -
Expression: 서로의 차이를 인정하고 존중하는 것이 중요합니다.
Pronunciation: seo-ro-ui cha-i-reul in-jeong-ha-go jon-jung-ha-neun geo-si jung-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s important to acknowledge and respect each other’s differences. -
Expression: 포용성을 높이기 위한 정책을 마련해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: po-yong-seong-eul nop-i-gi wi-han jeong-chaek-eul ma-ryeon-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We need to establish policies to enhance inclusivity. -
Expression: 모든 구성원이 동등하게 참여할 수 있도록 해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: mo-deun gu-seong-won-i dong-deung-ha-ge cham-yeo-hal su it-do-rok hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We must ensure all members can participate equally. -
Expression: 편견 없이 서로를 대해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: pyeon-gyeon eop-si seo-ro-reul dae-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We should treat each other without prejudice. -
Expression: 포용적인 문화를 만드는 데 기여하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: po-yong-jeok-in mun-hwa-reul man-deu-neun de gi-yeo-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I want to contribute to creating an inclusive culture. -
Expression: 다양성이 우리를 더 강하게 만듭니다.
Pronunciation: da-yang-seong-i u-ri-reul deo gang-ha-ge man-deum-ni-da.
Meaning: Diversity makes us stronger.
Discussing Diversity and Inclusion
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Expression: 다양성과 포용성은 어떻게 다른가요?
Pronunciation: da-yang-seong-gwa po-yong-seong-eun eo-tteo-ke da-reun-ga-yo?
Meaning: How are diversity and inclusivity different? -
Expression: 우리 사회의 포용성 수준은 어떻다고 생각하세요?
Pronunciation: u-ri sa-hoe-ui po-yong-seong su-jun-eun eo-tteo-ta-go saeng-gak-ha-se-yo?
Meaning: What do you think is the level of inclusivity in our society? -
Expression: 직장에서 포용성을 실천하는 방법은 무엇일까요?
Pronunciation: jik-jang-e-seo po-yong-seong-eul sil-cheon-ha-neun bang-beob-eun mu-eo-sil-kka-yo?
Meaning: What are ways to practice inclusivity in the workplace? -
Expression: 포용적인 교육 환경이 중요합니다.
Pronunciation: po-yong-jeok-in gyo-yuk hwan-gyeong-i jung-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: An inclusive educational environment is important. -
Expression: 소수 집단에 대한 포용성을 높여야 합니다.
Pronunciation: so-su jip-dan-e dae-han po-yong-seong-eul nop-yeo-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We need to increase inclusivity towards minority groups. -
Expression: 포용성은 단지 구호가 아니라 실천이 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: po-yong-seong-eun dan-ji gu-ho-ga a-ni-ra sil-cheon-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Inclusivity is not just a slogan; it requires action. -
Expression: 포용적인 리더십이란 무엇이라고 생각하십니까?
Pronunciation: po-yong-jeok-in ri-deo-sip-i-ran mu-eo-si-ra-go saeng-gak-ha-sim-ni-kka?
Meaning: What do you think inclusive leadership is? -
Expression: 다양한 의견을 포용하는 자세가 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: da-yang-han ui-gyeon-eul po-yong-ha-neun ja-se-ga pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: An attitude of embracing diverse opinions is necessary. -
Expression: 포용성을 측정하기 위한 지표가 있나요?
Pronunciation: po-yong-seong-eul cheuk-jeong-ha-gi wi-han ji-pyo-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there metrics for measuring inclusivity? -
Expression: 진정한 포용은 모든 사람이 가치 있다고 느끼게 하는 것입니다.
Pronunciation: jin-jeong-han po-yong-eun mo-deun sa-ram-i ga-chi it-da-go neu-kki-ge ha-neun geot-im-ni-da.
Meaning: True inclusion is making everyone feel valued.
Korean Culture Notes
While traditionally emphasizing homogeneity, modern Korean society is increasingly grappling with diversity and the importance of 포용성 (po-yong-seong). Discussions often revolve around integrating multicultural families (다문화 가정, da-mun-hwa ga-jeong), foreign residents, and addressing generational or ideological divides.
Concepts like 정 (jeong – deep emotional connection/attachment) can sometimes foster strong in-group bonds, which might inadvertently create barriers for outsiders. Therefore, consciously promoting 포용성 is seen as crucial for social harmony as Korea becomes more diverse.
Workplace inclusivity (직장 내 포용성, jik-jang nae po-yong-seong) is a growing topic, especially in larger companies with international interactions. Efforts focus on moving beyond traditional hierarchical structures (상하 관계, sang-ha gwan-gye) to create environments where diverse opinions are valued.
Understanding the nuances of respectful language (존댓말, jon-daen-mal and 반말, ban-mal) is part of navigating social inclusion. Using appropriate language levels shows respect and contributes to making others feel comfortable and included.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two colleagues, Minjun (A) and Sora (B), are discussing ways to improve teamwork and collaboration in their department.
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Expression: A: 소라 씨, 우리 부서 팀워크를 더 좋게 만들려면 어떻게 해야 할까요?
Pronunciation: So-ra ssi, u-ri bu-seo tim-weo-keu-reul deo jo-ke man-deul-lyeo-myeon eo-tteo-ke hae-ya hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Sora, what should we do to improve our department’s teamwork? -
Expression: B: 음… 제 생각에는 포용성을 높이는 게 중요할 것 같아요. 모든 팀원이 자유롭게 의견을 낼 수 있는 분위기요.
Pronunciation: Eum… je saeng-gak-e-neun po-yong-seong-eul nop-i-neun ge jung-yo-hal geot ga-ta-yo. Mo-deun tim-won-i ja-yu-rop-ge ui-gyeon-eul nael su it-neun bun-wi-gi-yo.
Meaning: Hmm… I think increasing inclusivity is important. An atmosphere where all team members can freely express their opinions. -
Expression: A: 맞아요. 다양한 배경과 경험을 가진 사람들이 있으니, 그 다양성을 존중하고 활용해야죠.
Pronunciation: Ma-ja-yo. Da-yang-han bae-gyeong-gwa gyeong-heom-eul ga-jin sa-ram-deul-i i-sseu-ni, geu da-yang-seong-eul jon-jung-ha-go hwal-yong-hae-ya-jyo.
Meaning: That’s right. Since we have people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, we should respect and utilize that diversity. -
Expression: B: 네. 서로의 차이를 인정하고 열린 마음으로 소통하면 더 창의적인 아이디어도 나올 수 있을 거예요. 진정한 포용성이 필요해요.
Pronunciation: Ne. Seo-ro-ui cha-i-reul in-jeong-ha-go yeol-lin ma-eum-eu-ro so-tong-ha-myeon deo chang-ui-jeok-in a-i-di-eo-do na-ol su i-sseul geo-ye-yo. Jin-jeong-han po-yong-seong-i pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: Yes. If we acknowledge our differences and communicate with an open mind, more creative ideas can emerge. We need true inclusivity. -
Expression: A: 좋은 생각이네요. 포용적인 문화를 만들기 위해 우리가 먼저 노력해야겠어요.
Pronunciation: Jo-eun saeng-gak-i-ne-yo. Po-yong-jeok-in mun-hwa-reul man-deul-gi wi-hae u-ri-ga meon-jeo no-ryeok-hae-ya-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: That’s a good idea. We should make an effort first to create an inclusive culture.
Practice Tips
Discussing abstract concepts like 포용성 (po-yong-seong) can be challenging, but it’s rewarding! Try using these phrases when talking about teamwork, community, or social issues with Korean friends or language partners~
Think about situations where inclusivity is important – in school, at work, or in social groups. Practice describing what an inclusive environment looks like using the vocabulary you’ve learned. You could even write a short paragraph about why you think 포용성 is important!
Listen to Korean news or discussions about social topics; you might hear 포용성 or related terms being used. Pay attention to the context! Keep practicing, and you’ll become more comfortable discussing these meaningful topics in Korean! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/You can do it!)
