Korean Dictionary
How to say "Codependency" in Korean
“Codependency” in Korean is 공의존 (pronounced "gong-uijon").
공의존
gong-uijon
Usage & Context
Codependency is an excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner. Korean therapists treat 공의존 as a relationship pattern that often stems from family dysfunction or trauma.
Example Sentence
공의존 관계는 두 사람 모두의 성장을 방해한다.
A codependent relationship hinders the growth of both people.
How to use 공의존 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Codependency” is 공의존, romanized as gong-uijon.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 공의존.
Pronunciation Guide
Say 'gong' like 'gong' in 'gong'. 'u-i' is a quick 'oo-ee' sound, almost like 'wee'. 'jon' sounds like 'jone' in 'zone' but with a 'j'. The 'u-i' diphthong can be a bit tricky, so aim for a smooth, quick transition. Stress is fairly even.
More Example Sentences
Analyzing a past relationship.
그들의 관계는 사랑이 아니라 공의존에 가까웠다.
Their relationship was closer to codependency than love.
A counselor explaining relationship dynamics.
공의존은 건강하지 못한 관계 패턴을 만들 수 있어요.
Codependency can create unhealthy relationship patterns.
Advice on personal growth.
공의존에서 벗어나려면 자기 자신을 먼저 돌봐야 합니다.
To break free from codependency, you need to take care of yourself first.
Cultural Context
While '공의존' is a direct translation, the concept of codependency resonates uniquely in Korean culture, which traditionally emphasizes strong collective identity and family ties. The line between healthy interdependence and unhealthy codependency can sometimes be blurred due to cultural norms that value self-sacrifice for the group or family. However, with increasing focus on individual well-being and healthy boundaries, awareness of '공의존' as a distinct relationship issue is growing, particularly in therapeutic contexts.
Editorial note
We review entries like 공의존 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
공의존 관계
codependent relationship
공의존에서 벗어나다
to break free from codependency
공의존적인 행동
codependent behavior
Related Expressions
의존적
uijonjeok
dependent (adjective)
상호 의존
sangho uijon
interdependence (a healthier form)
경계선
gyeonggyeseon
boundary (important for overcoming codependency)
자기 희생
jagi huisaeng
self-sacrifice (can be related to codependency)
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