의역 (ui-yeok, uiyeok) · 직역 (jik-yeok, jikyeok) · 자연스러운 번역 (ja-yeon-seu-reo-unbeon-yeok, jayeonseureounbeonyeok)
Uiyeok focuses on meaning, jikyeok on words, and natural translation balances context and expression.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A translation style that freely conveys the original meaning or intent
When to use
Literary translation, Advertising slogans, Meaning prioritized, Cultural adaptation
The nuance
Instead of translating word-for-word, it conveys overall meaning and nuance naturally.
A translation style that translates word-for-word as closely as possible
When to use
Technical documents, Legal documents, Language learning materials, Source text analysis
The nuance
Keeps sentence structure and words as close to original as possible, even if meaning is awkward.
A translation style that expresses naturally and smoothly tailored to audience and purpose
When to use
Casual conversation, Media content, Business communication, Cultural context emphasized
The nuance
Keeps original meaning but adapts sentences and expressions for Korean readers' ease.
그 영화는 인생의 의미를 탐구한다.
geu yeong-hwa-neun in-saeng-ui ui-mi-reul tam-gu-han-da., geu yeong hwa neun in saeng ui ui mi reul tam gu han da.
Correct as a uiyeok example conveying meaning naturally.
그 영화는 생명의 의미를 탐구한다.
geu yeong-hwa-neun saeng-myeong-ui ui-mi-reul tam-gu-han-da., geu yeong hwa neun saeng myeong ui ui mi reul tam gu han da.
Incorrect as a jikyeok example; literal word choice feels unnatural.
그 영화는 인생의 의미를 탐구한다.
geu yeong-hwa-neun in-saeng-ui ui-mi-reul tam-gu-han-da., geu yeong hwa neun in saeng ui ui mi reul tam gu han da.
Correct as a natural translation; smooth and reader-friendly.
그 영화는 삶의 의미를 탐구한다.
geu yeong-hwa-neun sam-ui ui-mi-reul tam-gu-han-da., geu yeong hwa neun sam ui ui mi reul tam gu han da.
Correct for both uiyeok and natural translation; meaning preserved.
The movie life meaning explore.
the movie life meaning explore.
Incorrect jikyeok; ungrammatical and unnatural.
인생의 의미를 탐구하는 그 영화는 정말 감동적이다.
in-saeng-ui ui-mi-reul tam-gu-ha-neun geu yeong-hwa-neun jeong-mal gam-dong-jeok-i-da., in saeng ui ui mi reul tam gu ha neun geu yeong hwa neun jeong mal gam dong jeok i da.
Correct natural translation; context and expression are smooth.
인생 의미 탐구 영화 감동.
in-saeng ui-mi tam-gu yeong-hwa gam-dong., in saeng ui mi tam gu yeong hwa gam dong.
Incorrect jikyeok; overly literal and unnatural sentence structure.
광고 문구는 의역을 통해 문화적 차이를 반영해야 한다.
gwang-go mun-gu-neun ui-yeok-eul tong-hae mun-hwa-jeok cha-i-reul ban-yeong-hae-ya han-da., gwang go mun gu neun ui yeok eul tong hae mun hwa jeok cha i reul ban yeong hae ya han da.
Correct; accurately describes typical uiyeok usage.
Which style suits legal document translation best?
Which style is mainly used for translating ad slogans?
Most important style for everyday conversation translation?
