칭찬 (ching-chan, chingchan) · 건의 (geon-ui, geonui)
칭찬 expresses positive evaluation or encouragement, while 건의 means a suggestion for improvement or change.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Acknowledging and praising someone's good qualities or actions
When to use
Giving praise, Encouraging, Expressing gratitude
The nuance
Use 칭찬 when expressing positive evaluation or encouragement, typically referring to someone's strengths or good deeds.
Identifying problems or areas for improvement and making suggestions or proposals
When to use
Making improvement suggestions, Pointing out problems, In meetings or reports
The nuance
Use 건의 when making suggestions or proposals aimed at improvement or change, often pointing out issues or shortcomings with potential solutions.
그의 성실함을 칭찬합니다.
geu-ui seong-sil-ham-eul ching-chan-hap-ni-da., geu ui seong sil ham eul ching chan hap ni da.
Sincerity is a positive trait, so using 칭찬 is correct.
회의 시간에 건의해 주세요.
hoe-ui si-gan-e geon-ui-hae ju-se-yo., hoe ui si gan e geon ui hae ju se yo.
건의 fits situations where suggestions or opinions are given in meetings.
그의 아이디어에 건의했어요.
geu-ui a-i-di-eo-e geon-ui-haess-eo-yo., geu ui a i di eo e geon ui haess eo yo.
When positively evaluating an idea, use 칭찬. 건의 is for suggesting improvements.
팀원들의 노력을 건의합니다.
tim-won-deul-ui no-ryeok-eul geon-ui-hap-ni-da., tim won deul ui no ryeok eul geon ui hap ni da.
Efforts are for praise, not for making suggestions.
새로운 정책에 대해 건의할 점이 있습니다.
sae-ro-un jeong-chaek-e dae-hae geon-ui-hal jeom-i iss-seup-ni-da., sae ro un jeong chaek e dae hae geon ui hal jeom i iss seup ni da.
Use 건의 when proposing improvements or opinions about a new policy.
고객 서비스에 대해 칭찬을 드리고 싶습니다.
go-gaek seo-bi-seu-e dae-hae ching-chan-eul deu-ri-go sip-seup-ni-da., go gaek seo bi seu e dae hae ching chan eul deu ri go sip seup ni da.
칭찬 is appropriate when acknowledging good customer service.
직원들의 불만을 칭찬했다.
jik-won-deul-ui bul-man-eul ching-chan-haess-da., jik won deul ui bul man eul ching chan haess da.
Complaints are problems, so use 건의 or other terms, not 칭찬.
제품 품질에 대해 건의했습니다.
je-pum pum-jil-e dae-hae geon-ui-haess-seup-ni-da., je pum pum jil e dae hae geon ui haess seup ni da.
건의 is used when suggesting improvements about product quality.
Which situation requires using '칭찬'?
Which sentence correctly uses '건의'?
Which sentence misuses '칭찬'?
