Korean

각오

The word "각오" is a powerful and deeply meaningful noun in Korean that conveys a specific state of mind and resolve.

Core Meaning

각오 (覺悟) means "readiness," "preparedness," "resolution," or "mental fortitude." It refers to a state of being fully prepared, both mentally and emotionally, for a difficult situation that you know is coming. It involves accepting all potential consequences, including hardship, failure, or even danger.

The essence of 각오 is steeling one's mind in advance for a challenge.

Key Nuances

  • Anticipation of Difficulty: You only need 각오 for things that are expected to be hard, painful, or risky. You wouldn't have "각오" for a pleasant picnic.
  • Full Acceptance: It implies that you have consciously accepted the worst-case scenarios. You are not going in with naive optimism but with clear-eyed determination.
  • Mental Steel: It describes a mindset that is resolute, unwavering, and steadfast.

Common Contexts for Use

각오 is used in situations that require serious commitment and courage.

  1. Starting a Daunting Task:

    • "사업을 시작하는 각오가 되어 있나요?" (Are you prepared [mentally and emotionally] to start a business?)
    • "힘든 일이 있을 테니 각오해." (There will be difficult times, so be ready [for it].)

  2. Facing a Crisis or Battle:

    • "우리는 최악의 상황을 맞을 각오를 하고 있었다." (We were prepared to face the worst situation.)
    • "전투에 임하는 각오" (The resolution one has when going into battle.)

  3. Making a Major Life Decision:

    • "혼자서 살 각오가 됐어." (I am ready to live alone. [I have accepted all the difficulties that come with it].)
    • "부모님이 반대하셔도 그녀와 결혼할 각오가 되어 있어." (I am resolved to marry her, even if my parents object.)

  4. Accepting Consequences:

    • "벌을 받을 각오로 그 일을 했어요." (I did it, ready to accept the punishment.)
    • "비난을 들을 각오는 했어." (I'm prepared to hear the criticism.)

How to Use it in a Sentence

각오 is most commonly used with the verb 하다 (to do) or 되어 있다 (to be in a state of).

  • 각오하다: To prepare oneself, to be resolved.
    • "각오하세요." (Be prepared. / Steel yourself.)
  • 각오가 되다: To be ready/resolved.
    • "각오가 되어 있습니다." (I am fully prepared. / I am ready for what's to come.)
  • 각오를 하고: With readiness/resolution.
    • "각오를 하고 시험장에 들어갔다." (I entered the exam hall with full resolve.)

Cultural Significance

각오 reflects a valued trait in Korean culture: the strength to face adversity head-on without flinching. It's about showing determination, grit, and a serious commitment to seeing something through, no matter how tough it gets. It's a word often used in dramas, speeches, and motivational contexts to emphasize the gravity of a situation and the strength of a character's will.

In Conclusion:

"각오" is not a simple preparation. It is a profound mental and emotional state of readiness for hardship. It's the resolve in a soldier's eyes before a battle, the deep breath an entrepreneur takes before investing their life savings, and the quiet acceptance of a person before delivering difficult news. It is the ultimate word for "steeling your mind."