시작 (si-jak, sijak) · 중단 (jung-dan, jungdan)
'시작' means to begin an action or process from the start, while '중단' means to stop or pause an ongoing action or state.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To begin or commence an action or process from the start
When to use
Starting activity, Beginning new project, Event commencement
The nuance
Used when starting something that has not been done yet or initiating from a specific point in time.
To stop or pause an ongoing action or state
When to use
Pausing work, Temporarily halting project, Stopping meeting midway
The nuance
Used to stop something already in progress, but not necessarily to finish it completely.
회의를 시작합시다.
hoe-ui-reul si-jak-hap-si-da., hoe ui reul si jak hap si da.
Use '시작' when beginning a meeting from the start.
회의를 중단합시다.
hoe-ui-reul jung-dan-hap-si-da., hoe ui reul jung dan hap si da.
Use '중단' to stop a meeting that is already in progress.
프로젝트를 시작했어요.
peu-ro-jek-teu-reul si-jak-haess-eo-yo., peu ro jek teu reul si jak haess eo yo.
Indicates the project has just begun.
프로젝트를 중단했어요.
peu-ro-jek-teu-reul jung-dan-haess-eo-yo., peu ro jek teu reul jung dan haess eo yo.
Means the ongoing project was stopped.
운동을 중단했어요.
un-dong-eul jung-dan-haess-eo-yo., un dong eul jung dan haess eo yo.
Appropriate when stopping exercise in the middle.
운동을 시작했어요.
un-dong-eul si-jak-haess-eo-yo., un dong eul si jak haess eo yo.
Used when starting exercise for the first time.
수업을 중단합시다.
su-eop-eul jung-dan-hap-si-da., su eop eul jung dan hap si da.
Appropriate when stopping a class that is in progress.
수업을 시작합시다.
su-eop-eul si-jak-hap-si-da., su eop eul si jak hap si da.
Used when starting a class from the beginning.
Which word is most appropriate for stopping an ongoing action?
Which word fits in '새 프로젝트를 ___'?
Correct expression for temporarily stopping a meeting?
