예산 — meaning in English: budget

Usage

Native speakers often use '예산' in both professional and casual conversations. For example, during budget meetings in corporate settings, one might say, '우리의 예산이 초과되었습니다,' meaning 'Our budget has been exceeded.' Additionally, friends discussing plans for a trip would likely mention their 예산 to indicate how much they can spend.

Synonyms & nuances

'예산' can be closely associated with terms like '경비' (gyeongbi), meaning 'expenses,' but '예산' specifically refers to the planned budget itself. While '경비' might indicate the expenditures, '예산' provides the framework within which those expenses should fall, making it more about financial planning than just spending.

Culture

'예산' has its roots in the Chinese characters 预算 (yùsuàn), which literally means 'to estimate' or 'to calculate.' In South Korea, budgeting is an essential skill, reflecting the country's focus on financial planning and responsibility. This word not only conveys a numerical limit but also embodies the cultural importance placed on fiscal discipline and foresight.

FAQ