방법 (bang-beop, bangbeop) · 수단 (su-dan, sudan) · 도구 (do-gu, dogu)
방법 refers to a procedure or way to solve a problem, 수단 is a means or method to achieve a goal, and 도구 is a tangible tool or instrument used directly.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A procedure or way to solve or handle something
When to use
problem-solving procedure, planned method, abstract approach
The nuance
방법 indicates a concrete procedure or way to solve a problem or achieve a goal, with an abstract and planned nuance.
A means or method used to achieve an objective
When to use
means to an end, moral evaluation possible, method of action
The nuance
수단 refers to various methods or measures to reach a goal, often carrying moral implications.
A physical tool or instrument used directly to perform a task
When to use
physical tool, directly used object, concrete instrument
The nuance
도구 refers to tangible objects or instruments physically used, concrete and physical in nature.
효과적인 문제 해결 방법을 찾았다.
hyo-gwa-jeok-in mun-je hae-gyeol bang-beop-eul chaj-ass-da., hyo gwa jeok in mun je hae gyeol bang beop eul chaj ass da.
방법 appropriately refers to a problem-solving procedure.
목적을 이루기 위한 좋은 도구를 선택했다.
mok-jeok-eul i-ru-gi wi-han joh-eun do-gu-reul seon-taek-haess-da., mok jeok eul i ru gi wi han joh eun do gu reul seon taek haess da.
도구 means a physical object, so using it to mean a means to achieve a goal is incorrect; use 수단 instead.
컴퓨터는 업무를 처리하는 데 필요한 도구이다.
keom-pyu-teo-neun eop-mu-reul cheo-ri-ha-neun de pil-yo-han do-gu-i-da., keom pyu teo neun eop mu reul cheo ri ha neun de pil yo han do gu i da.
Computer is a tangible instrument used directly, so 도구 is appropriate.
시험에 합격하는 방법으로 최선을 다했다.
si-heom-e hap-gyeok-ha-neun bang-beop-eu-ro choe-seon-eul da-haess-da., si heom e hap gyeok ha neun bang beop eu ro choe seon eul da haess da.
방법 fits as it means the procedure to achieve a goal.
목적을 위해 어떤 방법을 써도 괜찮다.
mok-jeok-eul wi-hae eo-tteon bang-beop-eul sseo-do gwaen-chan-da., mok jeok eul wi hae eo tteon bang beop eul sseo do gwaen chan da.
수단 is the correct word for means to achieve a purpose, not 방법.
목적을 달성하기 위한 수단을 선택했다.
mok-jeok-eul dal-seong-ha-gi wi-han su-dan-eul seon-taek-haess-da., mok jeok eul dal seong ha gi wi han su dan eul seon taek haess da.
수단 correctly means a means or method to achieve a goal.
연필은 글씨를 쓰는 방법이다.
yeon-pil-eun geul-ssi-reul sseu-neun bang-beop-i-da., yeon pil eun geul ssi reul sseu neun bang beop i da.
연필 is a physical object, so 도구 is correct; 방법 refers to procedure, not object.
운동을 꾸준히 하는 것이 건강을 지키는 좋은 방법이다.
un-dong-eul kku-jun-hi ha-neun geos-i geon-gang-eul ji-ki-neun joh-eun bang-beop-i-da., un dong eul kku jun hi ha neun geos i geon gang eul ji ki neun joh eun bang beop i da.
방법 means a procedure or way, so it's appropriate here.
Choose the word meaning 'means to achieve a goal'.
Which word fits best for 'computer'?
Which word means 'procedure or way to pass an exam'?
